bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet Health Resources for Diabetic Foot Search: The Content, Quality, and Readability of Information on Web Sites
Authors: Eren Mehmet Burtaç , Aytekin Feyza Yildiz
Published: November 2024

Background: As the incidence of diabetes mellitus increases, the incidence of diabetic foot also increases. This situation, which may lead to devastating complications and progress to limb loss for patients, exposes patients and their social environments to a big crisis. Thus, patients may seek secondary opinions from online sources about information they initially obtained from health institutions. We aimed to evaluate the information content related to diabetic foot on the Internet that is probably used by patients for Internet searching.

Methods: After software optimization and reset, related queries with the keyword diabetic foot were determined on Google Trends. Selected keywords were searched in three search engines, and the results were examined. Web sites were classified into five subcategories (nongovernmental health institution, governmental institution, academic, blog, and university) and evaluated with an information content scale (ICS) based on the literature, Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, the Flesch-Kincaid readability test, and presence of the Health On the Net Foundation Code of Conduct certificate. The search engines, keywords, and Web site subcategories were investigated with the evaluation criteria.

Results: In terms of finding Web sites eligible for assessment, the Google search engine listed more eligible Web sites than did Bing and Yahoo. Concerning the ICS, there was no significant difference between search engines for total scores (P > .05). Concerning ICS diagnosis and evaluation and ICS total score, academic Web sites scored significantly higher than other subcategories.

Conclusions: Results that can be obtained with an Internet search for diabetic foot depend on the proper keyword selection, Web site type, and search engine to help patients reach more appropriate content.
Surgical Treatment of Gout in Interphalangeal Joints of the Foot: A Case Series
Authors: Jones Marc D. , Hirschi Jordan F.
Published: November 2024

Gout is a common inflammatory arthritic condition, commonly affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) in the foot. As reported in literature, only 6.8% of patients with pedal gout have the interphalangeal joints affected. Surgical treatment of gouty tophi in the foot is at times necessary in addition to diet modification and oral medications. We report on 7 cases of gout affecting interphalangeal joints that necessitated surgical treatment. Six out of 7 of the patients had no complications after surgery, and no reoccurrence, with an average follow-up time of 26 months.
Complication Rates of Minimally Invasive Chevron Osteotomy for Correction of Hallux Abductovalgus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Chalen , Spacek Ashley E. , Elliott Andrew D.
Published: November 2024

Background: Recent advancements in minimally invasive surgery for correction of hallux abductovalgus has increased the popularity of this technique. To date, the incidence of complications with this updated technique has not been evaluated.

Methods: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the incidence of complications of third-generation minimally invasive chevron osteotomy, with or without an Akin osteotomy, for the correction of hallux abductovalgus. We conducted a systematic review of electronic databases and relevant peer-reviewed sources as outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for the preparation of systematic reviews. Studies that reported hallux abductovalgus deformities corrected with minimally invasive surgery and fixated with one or two screws, provided detailed descriptions of all complications, and had mean follow-up of 12 months or more were included.

Results: Of 80 studies identified, nine (11.25%) met the inclusion criteria (N = 766 feet). Three of these studies were prospective and involved 426 feet. The weighted mean age for the entire cohort was 50.88 years (17–87 years), and the weighted mean follow-up was 27.65 months (12–66 months). The total incidence of complications was 21.28% (163 of 766 feet). Among the most reported complications were reoperation, postoperative infection, reoccurrence of hallux abductovalgus, and nerve injury.

Conclusions: This systematic review revealed that this updated minimally invasive surgery technique provides a safe and reproducible surgical option to correct hallux abductovalgus deformities, with an incidence of complications comparable with that of open correction for this forefoot deformity.
Muscular Activation Levels of Subjects with Low Medial Longitudinal Arch During Single-Leg Squat and Single-Leg Balancing Exercises on Surfaces of Different Hardness
Authors: Esmer Murat , Güzel Nevin Aysel , Yüksel Fuat , Kafa Nihan
Published: November 2024

Background: The primary aim of this study is to examine the effect of the stiffness of rehabilitation material on muscle activation in individuals with low medial longitudinal arch. The secondary aim is to compare the effects of single-leg balancing and single-leg squat exercises on the activation of the muscles around the ankle in the same individuals.

Methods: Twelve individuals with low medial longitudinal arch and 18 healthy control participants were included. Participants were asked to perform the single-leg balance and single-leg squat exercises on Theraband stability trainers of three different stiffness levels. Activation of the peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, tibialis anterior, medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during exercises was evaluated by surface electromyography.

Results: The single-leg balancing exercise performed on soft and very soft ground was more effective than single-leg squat in increasing the activation of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle in participants with a low medial longitudinal arch. It was determined that performing single-leg squat exercise on a very soft surface instead of hard ground caused more muscular activation in the peroneus brevis, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius in the same individuals.

Conclusions: The exercise progression to be applied on different surfaces to increase the activation of the muscles around the ankle in individuals with a low medial longitudinal arch and in healthy individuals without a low medial longitudinal arch was different.
Hoop Stress Elicited at Medial Tibial Crural Fascia Attachment During Passive Dorsiflexion: A Proof-of-Concept Study for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome Causation
Authors: Amabile Amy H. , Hulcher Thomas A. , Figueroa-Perez Mariano , Reich Madeline R.
Published: November 2024

Background: Identification of a specific causal mechanism for medial tibial stress syndrome has been elusive, although there is a consensus that it may be caused by traction on the tibial periosteum elicited by soft tissues. The crural fascia (CF) attaches directly to the tibia throughout the length of the leg, encircling it in a grossly cylindrical fashion, and the leg may thus be viewed as a type of fluid-filled cylinder, subject to both longitudinal and hoop stresses. Prior researchers have not considered the possibility that strain on the medial tibia could be produced by the CF during gait and passive stretching, secondary to fluid pressure increases in the fascial compartments of the leg. The purpose of the present research was to verify the existence of measurable hoop strain in the CF of a cadaver donor at the medial tibial border during a heel cord stretch.

Methods: Strain gauges were affixed to the CF of a cadaver donor to measure hoop and longitudinal strain during repeated heel cord stretches applied manually, and with measurements taken from each strain gauge separately.

Results: Passive heel cord stretches produced 182.96 × 10−3 mV/V and 138.00 × 10−3 mV/V hoop strain in the CF, in the distal third and middle third of the leg, respectively. A maximum longitudinal strain in the CF of the superficial posterior compartment of 75.00 × 10−3 mV/V was also produced.

Conclusions: A heel cord stretch applied to a cadaver donor can elicit a measurable hoop strain within the CF attachment to the medial border of the tibia, in a grossly 2-to-1 manner consistent with the ratio of hoop to longitudinal strain seen with gases and liquids in a closed cylinder. Further research is indicated to replicate these results in multiple subjects, with variation in cadaver fixative and experimental set-up.
The epigenetic trajectory of type 1 regulatory T cells
Authors: Turicek David P , Wan Xiaoxiao
Published: November 2024

The epigenome of T follicular helper cells prepares them for conversion into type 1 regulatory T cells.
Reflexiones sobre la relación entre fe y mística. Contrapunto entre Edith Stein y Ernst Tugendhat
Authors: Araya Gómez Gwendolyn
Published: November 2024

Este artículo presenta un contrapunto entre Edith Stein y Ernst Tugendhat, centrado en la relación entre fe y mística como dos caminos hacia la experiencia trascendente, abordados desde sus respectivas posturas fenomenológicas. El análisis se enfoca en la interpretación de obras clave de ambos autores, ofreciendo una perspectiva contrastiva de sus puntos de partida: la experiencia de la fe cristiana en Stein, orientada a una relación mística con Dios, y la búsqueda de una mística secular en Tugendhat, basada en el autoconocimiento. Este contrapunto metodológico no busca equilibrar sus visiones, sino resaltar sus convergencias y divergencias, visibilizando la complejidad de la experiencia mística. Finalmente, se exploran las limitaciones del análisis y se proyectan posibles aportaciones de ambos autores a una revisión contemporánea de la mística en el contexto religioso.
Efetividade de gerenciamento de crise de imagem corporativa em ambiente digital: estudo de caso em um shopping center da Bahia
Authors: Negreiros Livia Veiga Bispo de , Barros Manoel Joaquim Fernandes de , Farias Cassiana Santos da Silva , Rodríguez Vanessa Brasil Campos
Published: November 2024

As mudanças proporcionadas pela transformação digital possuem potencial para reconfigurar práticas do marketing. Um dos elementos essenciais dessa nova dinâmica imposta pela tecnologia é o campo do relacionamento com o cliente, em que marca e consumidor interagem de forma direta através de plataformas online. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar as estratégias de gerenciamento de crise de imagem adotadas por um shopping center durante episódio de denúncia de racismo institucional e “viralização” do caso nas redes sociais. O presente referencial teórico versa sobre transformação digital, gerenciamento de crise de imagem corporativa e efetividade comunicacional. Na perspectiva qualitativa, optou-se pelo estudo de caso único, com coleta de dados através do método netnográfico e observação participante. Este estudo de caso oferece contribuições significativas para o entendimento da efetividade comunicacional em resposta corporativa, entre elas, a identificação de dimensões específicas que desempenham um papel determinante na forma como as organizações lidam com crises de imagem. Ao identificar e analisar essas dimensões, este estudo fornece insights valiosos para empresas que buscam aprimorar suas estratégias de gerenciamento de crises no ambiente digital.
Going beyond Conventional Instruction: Using Desuggestopedia Method to Improve Yemeni Students’ Ability to Understand Collocations
Authors: Al-Moushaki Mohammed Ali Hussein
Published: November 2024

Desuggestopedia method takes into account not only students’ intellectual structures, but also their feelings and need for knowledge. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the impact of using Desuggestopedia method on Yemeni undergraduate students’ ability to comprehend collocations. The researcher used a quasi-experimental design in order to meet the study's aim. The population of this study (43) consisted of all the fourth level students studying in the Department of English at the Faulty of Education, Thamar University during the second semester of the academic year (2024). Due to the small number of the population, the researcher decided to take all the students as the study sample. However, (10) students were chosen as a pilot study and (3) students did not participate because of their sickness. Therefore, the final number of the sample was (30) which was divided into two randomly chosen groups: an experimental group (15 students) that received instruction using Desuggestopedia method, and a control group (15 students) that received instruction using a conventional method. As an instrument for gathering data, the researcher developed an achievement test for collocations with a reliability coefficient (.88). The test was used as pre-post-test. Following data collection, statistical analysis was performed using the independent samples t-test, mean, and standard deviation. The results of the statistical analysis of the data showed that the mean scores of the experimental group (16.67) is greater than that of the control group (11.07) in the post-test. Moreover, the significance value of the observed scores (.000) is less than the predetermined alpha level (.05) set by the researcher. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of Desuggestopedia has a positive effect as a teaching method on the Yemeni students’ achievement in learning English collocations. Results of this study can be implemented by the teacher to deepen his students’ understanding of other branches of linguistics.
Disseminated Lupus Erythematosus: Neurological Manifestations in Childhood: A Case Series of Two Patients
Authors: Icharmouhene R. , Guenoun A. , Oulhyan N. , Mabrouk N. , Aitoumar H. , Chkirat B.
Published: November 2024

Neuropsychiatric lupus encompasses the neurological and psychiatric manifestations of  systemic lupus erythematosus and presents a significant diagnostic challenge due to its broad clinical variability. Affecting between 14% and 75% of lupus patients, it can occur at any stage of the disease. We present two illustrative pediatric cases compiled in a pediatric nephrology unit:
Case 1: A young girl with pericarditis, cognitive impairment, and persistent headaches at the time of diagnosis.
Case 2: A boy with prolonged fever, whose disease evolution revealed neuropsychiatric lupus through the onset of visual disturbances, upper limb muscle weakness, and headaches.
These cases highlight the necessity for heightened clinical vigilance in children with lupus to allow for early detection of neurological complications.
Health Benefits and Therapeutic Potential of Bael (Aegle marmelos L.): A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Jain Shubham , Kore Deepak S , Luthra Suraj , Mallesh Yalal , Dadheech Suchitra , Chandravanshi Ramprakash , S Prabakaran , Mishra Gopa
Published: November 2024

Bael (Aegle marmelos L.), a sacred and medicinal plant in traditional Indian systems, has gained increasing scientific attention due to its diverse health benefits and therapeutic properties. This comprehensive review aims to explore the medicinal potential of bael, highlighting its phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, along with its role in treating various ailments such as diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The fruit, leaves, and roots of bael possess potent bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and coumarins, which contribute to its pharmacological properties. This review also discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying bael’s therapeutic effects, emphasizing its role as a natural remedy with minimal side effects. Future research directions and the development of bael-based nutraceuticals are considered for broader clinical applications.
Frequency and Predictive Factors of Lymph Node Metastasis in T3 Breast Cancer: Implications for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Authors: Azhar Maria , Soomro Rufina , Khurshaidi Nadeem
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, with tumor size and axillary lymph node metastasis serving as crucial determinants for staging and prognosis. While sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is well-established for T1 and T2 breast lesions, its role in T3 breast cancer is controversial. This study evaluates the potential of SLNB as an alternative to axillary dissection for staging T3 breast cancer and explores the correlation between axillary metastasis and poor prognostic factors.
Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Breast Surgery, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from January 2023 to March 2024. A total of 180 female patients with T3 breast lesions were assessed. Axillary lymph node status was evaluated clinically and radiologically, with suspicious nodes confirmed via histopathology. SLNB was performed on all patients undergoing surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and on those with upfront surgery if their initial biopsy showed no axillary involvement.
Results: Of the 180 patients analyzed, 144 had clinically or radiologically suspicious axillary lymph nodes, and 104 were confirmed to have axillary metastasis through FNAC or trucut biopsy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 134 patients, while 46 underwent upfront surgery. In total, 82 patients (44.5%) required axillary clearance. Axillary clearance was associated with poor prognostic factors: 13 out of 39 HER2-positive patients, 10 out of 39 triple-negative patients, and 10 out of 51 patients with grade III tumors underwent the procedure.
Discussion: The findings indicate a notable reduction in axillary clearance rates among T3 breast cancer patients using SLNB, which reduces surgical morbidity. Only 44.5% of patients required axillary clearance, highlighting the efficacy of SLNB in staging while improving quality of life.
Conclusion: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a reliable and less invasive approach for axillary staging in selected T3 breast cancer patients, particularly when neoadjuvant chemotherapy is used. This method has the potential to minimize unnecessary axillary dissection and associated complications.
Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma of the Mandible: An Uncommon Site for Osteosarcoma
Authors: Chwen Walter Lim Yung , Hamdan Asmah Hanim Bt , Zahari Nurul Aifa Binti , Bakar Intan Bazilah Binti Abu , Wahab Azwan Halim Abdul
Published: November 2024

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common types of malignant bone tumors, typically involving long bones such as the femur, tibia, and humerus. However, osteosarcomas occurring in the jaws are exceptionally rare, accounting for approximately 7% of all osteosarcoma cases and just 1% of malignancies in the head and neck region. This type of tumor usually affects individuals in their second and third decades of life. The subtypes of osteosarcoma include osteoblastic, chondroblastic, fibroblastic, small cell, and epithelioid. Chondroblastic osteosarcoma is associated with a poor prognosis, marked by a high recurrence rate, metastatic potential, and poor long-term survival outcomes.
Here, we present the case of a 65-year-old woman with a painless swelling over the left cheek for 1 year, which significantly increased in size over the past 3 months, accompanied by trismus, reduced oral intake, and weight loss. Examination revealed a non-tender, hard swelling on the left cheek measuring 20x20cm, with prominent dilated veins. The left external auditory canal was collapsed due to the mass effect. Histopathological examination resulted as chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the left mandible. Computer tomography showed a large lobulated enhancing mass occupying the left cheek, associated with bone erosion and an aggressive periosteal reaction resembling a 'sunburst' pattern involving the ramus extending to the angle of the left mandible. The patient undergone open tracheostomy, left temporary tarsorrhaphy, wide local excision of tumor, left hemimandibulectomy, left partial maxillectomy and anterolateral thigh free flap reconstruction as patient unable to tolerate neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Association Analysis for Different Morphological Traits in Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] of the Central Plateau Zone of Rwanda
Authors: Niyibigira Theogene , Mohammed Wassu , Tana Tamado , Tefera Tesfaye Lemma , Rukundo Placide
Published: November 2024

Sorghum has the largest share of cultivated land for cereal crops in Rwanda, but the productivity is low due to many constraints, including drought stress and the unavailability of adaptable cultivars with high yields. However, direct selection of genotypes for yield might not be successful since yield is a complex trait controlled by many genes and subjected to high interaction between genotype and environment. This study therefore was carried out to estimate the associations among traits and to determine the direct and indirect effects of traits on the grain yield of sorghum genotypes. Thirty six sorghum genotypes were evaluated for 12 quantitative traits in simple lattice design at Rubona Research Station of the Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Board in 2019. Grain yield had positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations with the number of kernels per panicle, panicle weight, aboveground biomass, inflorescence width, harvest index, leaf area index, and days to 50% flowering. Moreover, aboveground biomass, harvest index, panicle weight, inflorescence width, and leaf area index had direct positive effects on grain yield both at genotypic and phenotypic levels, showing the true associations of the traits with grain yield and indicating that the indirect selection of these traits can be applied to improve grain yield. The results of this study revealed the potential for simultaneous improvement of grain yield and other yield components through selection. Thus, it is concluded that the four traits (aboveground biomass, head/panicle weight, inflorescence width, and leaf area) are suggested for the selection of sorghum genotypes for high yield in the study area of Rwanda.
Weed Dynamics and Soil Health as Influenced by Tillage Method and Establishment Method in Small Millets
Authors: T. Hasanath , J. S. Bindhu , P. Shalini Pillai , J. John , A. V. Meera , B. Archana
Published: November 2024

Summer rice fallows are the potential areas for crop diversification with millets. A field experiment was conducted at Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS), Karamana during summer season of 2023-24 with an objective to find out the effect of tillage method and establishment method on weed dynamics and soil health. The field experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with 12 treatment combinations and three replications. The main plot treatments were tillage method (M1-minimum tillage and M2 - conventional tillage), sub plot treatments were crops (C1-little millet, C2-foxtail millet and C3-proso millet) and the sub-sub plot treatments were establishment methods (P1- solid row planting and P2- broadcasting). The study indicated that grasses were the predominant weed flora in summer fallows and the lowest weed density and weed dry weight were observed in conventional tillage method with solid row planting. Among the establishment method, the highest N, P and K removal by weeds was recorded in broadcasting method (134.52 kg ha-1, 4.38 kg ha-1 and 10.29 kg ha-1, respectively). The results revealed that the highest organic carbon (2.09%) was recorded in minimum tillage. The highest available N and P were recorded in minimum tillage and solid row planting. From the study it could be concluded that minimum tillage with solid row planting enhanced the soil health while conventional tillage with solid row planting is a viable option for weed management of small millets in summer rice fallows.
Hydrological Modeling of Krishna Upper Catchment Area of India Using Multisite Calibration and Validation of SWAT Model
Authors: Rao I. Bhaskara , Rao K. V. , Nemichandrappa M. , Reddy G. V. Srinivasa , Polisgowdar B.S. , Bhanu M. Udaya
Published: November 2024

Multisite calibration & validation of model reduces the uncertainty present in the model parameters and improve the SWAT model output. In the present study, an effort was made to set up SWAT model along with multisite calibration and validation for Kishna upper basin of India. A total of six gauging stations maintained by Central water commission across the area were selected for SWAT model calibration and validation.  Sequential Uncertainty Fitting (SUFI-2) programme of SWAT-CUP (Calibration and Uncertainty Programme) was employed to calibrate the SWAT model. During sensitivity analysis of SWAT model, parameters which are highly sensitive that influences flow characteristics of different gauging station were identified. These parameters along with parameter range were used to calibration and validation of SWAT model each of the sub basins. Observed flow and predicted stream flows were compared with certain model performance indices. These indices indicated that for all six gauging stations, the SWAT model found to be very good. The performance indices like   R2, NSE, RSR and PBIAS were ranged from 0.70 to 0.84, 0.67 to 0.76, 0.49 to 0.57 and -11.7 to 24.0% respectively during model calibration period and 0.70 to 0.93, 0.67 to 0.83, 0.41 to 0.58 and 8.5 to 22.9% respectively during model validation period. A good agreement between observed and simulated flows at all the gauging stations were observed.  It can be concluded that SWAT model output was improved with multisite calibration and validation of the model.
Oxidant Concentration Modulated Metal/Silicon Interface Electrical Field Mediates Metal‐Assisted Chemical Etching of Silicon
Authors: Wang Jiang , Hu Ya , Zhao Haichuan , Fu Haoxin , Wang Yachun , Huo Chenliang , Peng Kui‐Qing
Published: October 2018

Metal‐assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) of silicon in HF aqueous solutions has attracted great interest due to its wide range of applications including photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, Li‐ion batteries, and bio/chemical sensors. However, to date, the understanding of MacEtch process is rather limited. In this work, the effects of the H2O2 concentration as well as the properties of silicon on MacEtch in HF‐H2O2 aqueous solutions are investigated in detail. It is found that for low oxidant concentration, the MacEtch rate of silicon is oxidant concentration dependent and doping type dependent. While for high H2O2 concentration, the MacEtch rate increases with increasing H2O2 concentration, but exhibits no evident dependence on doping types. An oxidant concentration modulated metal/silicon interface electrical field model is proposed for MacEtch of silicon on the basis of experimental findings and semiconductor/metal contact theory. The model shows that excessive holes' accumulation at the metal/silicon interface generates a spontaneously biased voltage at metal/silicon interface and changes the interfacial electric field and thereby the interface band bending, successfully explains the characteristics of MacEtch of p‐type and n‐type silicon while naturally explains many characteristics of MacEtch of silicon such as porosification of nanowires and silicon substrates, thus provides new insights into the MacEtch of silicon.
An Efficient Family of Misfit‐Layered Calcium Cobalt Oxide Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lin Xiao , Bao Hongliang , Zheng Dehua , Zhou Jing , Xiao Guoping , Guan Chengzhi , Zhang Linjuan , Wang Jian‐Qiang
Published: October 2018

The oxygen evolution reaction's (OER) poor kinetics is a considerable obstacle to overcome in the development of water‐derived hydrogen fuel. Research into OER catalysts using earth abundant elements is required to achieve desirable catalytic efficiency. Herein, a selection of misfit‐layered calcium cobaltite and transition metal (Mn, Fe, and Cu)‐doped compounds are synthesized and investigated in order to evaluate their potential as OER catalysts in an alkaline environment. It is discovered that Ca3Co4O9 OER activity may be substantially improved through incorporation of Fe, exhibiting low overpotential (331 mV) at 10 mA cm−2 current density, small Tafel slope of 52 mV dec−1, and an exceptional long‐term stability of electrolysis in 1 m KOH alkaline solution >100 h. Moreover, all materials used are systematically studied using a variety of characterization techniques, resulting in enhanced activity, which is attributed to the enhanced electrical conductivity, and optimized proportion of Co (III) and Co (IV), as well as the synergistic effect between Fe with Co.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Intermetallic Co3Sn2 and Ni3Sn2 Thin Films
Authors: Väyrynen Katja , Hatanpää Timo , Mattinen Miika , Mizohata Kenichiro , Meinander Kristoffer , Räisänen Jyrki , Link Joosep , Stern Raivo , Ritala Mikko , Leskelä Markku
Published: October 2018

Intermetallics form a versatile group of materials that possess unique properties ranging from superconductivity to giant magnetoresistance. The intermetallic Co–Sn and Ni–Sn compounds are promising materials for magnetic applications as well as for anodes in lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries. Herein, a method is presented for the preparation of Co3Sn2 and Ni3Sn2 thin films using diamine adducts of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) chlorides, CoCl2(TMEDA) and NiCl2(TMPDA) (TMEDA = N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine, TMPDA = N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl‐1,3‐propanediamine) combined with tributyltin hydride. The films are grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD), a technique that enables conformal film deposition with sub‐nanometer thickness control. The Co3Sn2 process fulfills the typical ALD qualifications, such as self‐limiting growth, excellent film uniformity, and conformal coverage of a trench structure. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) shows reflections characteristic to the hexagonal Co3Sn2 phase, which confirms that the films are, indeed, intermetallic instead of being mere alloys of Co and Sn. The films are extremely pure with impurity levels each below 1.0 at.%. Ni3Sn2 films similarly exhibit the expected XRD reflections for the intermetallic phase and are of high purity. The Co3Sn2 film show magnetic hysteresis with high coercivity values exceeding 500 Oe, indicating great potential in terms of applicability of the films.
Tetrasulfide‐Functionalized Mesoporous Silica on Nanowire Ring Resonators for Detection of Aqueous Lead, Pb(II)
Authors: Chen Hao , Saunders John E. , Borjian Sogol , Wu Xiaowei , Crudden Cathleen M. , Xu Dan‐Xia , Loock Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2018

Silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) microring resonators coated with tetrasulfide‐functionalized mesoporous silica (MPS) (S4‐MPS) are reported as sensors to detect Pb(II) ions in aqueous solutions from 10 ppb to 1 ppm. The sensors are based on the interaction of the evanescent field of the guided light with the functionalized mesoporous silica films. Upon absorption of metal ions, the resonant wavelengths of the microresonators shift due to the increased refractive index of the film. The sensors are exposed to aqueous solutions of Pb(II) ions at different concentrations and time‐resolved absorption–desorption curves are obtained. The concentrations of Pb(II) ions are determined using the Lorentz–Lorenz model. It is found that two distinct binding sites with different affinities for Pb(II) are present in the S4‐MPS silica films, corresponding to tetrasulfide groups and, likely, silanol groups. The number of available binding sites corresponds to 1/25 of the total number of S4‐groups. Equilibrium constants for absorption of Pb(II) to both binding sites are obtained from the rate constants for the absorption and desorption processes. The initial absorption rates depend linearly on the concentration of Pb(II) and are used to determine the 3σ limit of detection as 58 ppbm in deionized water and 350 ppbm in tap water.
Inducing a Nanotwinned Grain Structure within the TiO2 Nanotubes Provides Enhanced Electron Transport and DSSC Efficiencies >10%
Authors: So Seulgi , Hwang Imgon , Yoo JeongEun , Mohajernia Shiva , Mačković Mirza , Spiecker Erdmann , Cha Gihoon , Mazare Anca , Schmuki Patrik
Published: October 2018

Titania is one of the key materials used in 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures as electron transport media in energy conversion devices. In the present study, it is shown that the electronic properties of TiO2 nanotubes can be drastically improved by inducing a nanotwinned grain structure in the nanotube wall. This structure can be exclusively induced for “single‐walled” nanotubes with a high‐temperature treatment in pure oxygen atmospheres. Nanotubes with a twinned grain structure within the tube wall show a strongly enhanced conductivity and photogenerated charge transport compared to classic nanotubes. This remarkable improvement is exemplified in the electronic properties by using nanotwinned TiO2 nanotubes in dye‐sensitized solar cells where a significant increase in efficiency of up to 10.2% is achieved.
A dead time compensation approach for multirate observer design with large measurement delays
Authors: Ling Chen , Kravaris Costas
Published: October 2018

In our previous work, we developed a multirate observer design method in linear systems with asynchronous sampling based on a Luenberger observer design coupled with inter‐sample predictors. In this article, the problem of multirate multidelay observer design is addressed where both asynchronous sampling and possible measurement delays are accounted for. The proposed observer adopts an available multirate observer design in the time interval between two consecutive delayed measurements. A dead time compensation approach is developed to compensate for the effect of delay and update past estimates when a delayed measurement arrives. The stability and robustness properties of the multirate observer will be preserved under nonconstant, arbitrarily large measurement delays. A mathematical example and a gas‐phase polyethylene reactor example demonstrate good performance of the proposed observer in the presence of nonuniform sampling and nonconstant measurement delays. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 562–570, 2019
Modeling the phase equilibria of asymmetric hydrocarbon mixtures using molecular simulation and equations of state
Authors: Nikolaidis Ilias K. , Poursaeidesfahani Ali , Csaszar Zsolt , Ramdin Mahinder , Vlugt Thijs J. H. , Economou Ioannis G. , Moultos Othonas A.
Published: October 2018

Monte Carlo simulation (MC) is combined with equations of state (EoS) to develop a methodology for the calculation of the vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) of multicomponent hydrocarbon mixtures with high asymmetry. MC simulations are used for the calculation of the VLE of binary methane mixtures with long n‐alkanes, for a wide range of temperatures and pressures, to obtain sufficient VLE data for the consistent fitting of binary interaction parameters (BIPs) for the EoS. The Soave‐Redlich‐Kwong (SRK), Peng‐Robinson (PR), and Perturbed Chain ‐ Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (PC‐SAFT) EoS are considered. The ability of each EoS to correlate the VLE data is assessed and the selected ones are used to predict the VLE of multicomponent gas condensate mixtures. MC simulations proved to be very accurate in predicting the VLE in all conditions and mixtures considered. The BIPs regressed from the simulation dataset lead to equally accurate modeling results for multicomponent mixtures, compared to those regressed from experimental data. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 792–803, 2019
Genetic correlations among psychiatric and immune‐related phenotypes based on genome‐wide association data
Authors: Tylee Daniel S. , Sun Jiayin , Hess Jonathan L. , Tahir Muhammad A. , Sharma Esha , Malik Rainer , Worrall Bradford B. , Levine Andrew J. , Martinson Jeremy J. , Nejentsev Sergey , Speed Doug , Fischer Annegret , Mick Eric , Walker Brian R. , Crawford Andrew , Grant Struan F. A. , Polychronakos Constantin , Bradfield Jonathan P. , Sleiman Patrick M. A. , Hakonarson Hakon , Ellinghaus Eva , Elder James T. , Tsoi Lam C. , Trembath Richard C. , Barker Jonathan N. , Franke Andre , Dehghan Abbas ,   The 23 and Me Research Team,   The Inflammation Working Group of the CHARGE Consortium,   The METASTROKE Consortium of the International Stroke Genetics Consortium,   The Netherlands Twin Registry,   The neuroCHARGE Working Group,   The Obsessive Compulsive and Tourette Syndrome Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Faraone Stephen V. , Glatt Stephen J.
Published: October 2018

Individuals with psychiatric disorders have elevated rates of autoimmune comorbidity and altered immune signaling. It is unclear whether these altered immunological states have a shared genetic basis with those psychiatric disorders. The present study sought to use existing summary‐level data from previous genome‐wide association studies to determine if commonly varying single nucleotide polymorphisms are shared between psychiatric and immune‐related phenotypes. We estimated heritability and examined pair‐wise genetic correlations using the linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and heritability estimation from summary statistics methods. Using LDSC, we observed significant genetic correlations between immune‐related disorders and several psychiatric disorders, including anorexia nervosa, attention deficit‐hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, smoking behavior, and Tourette syndrome. Loci significantly mediating genetic correlations were identified for schizophrenia when analytically paired with Crohn's disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ulcerative colitis. We report significantly correlated loci and highlight those containing genome‐wide associations and candidate genes for respective disorders. We also used the LDSC method to characterize genetic correlations among the immune‐related phenotypes. We discuss our findings in the context of relevant genetic and epidemiological literature, as well as the limitations and caveats of the study.
Synthesis, thermal, dielectric, and microwave reflection loss properties of nickel oxide filler with natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composite
Authors: Fahad Ahmad Ahmad , Abbas Zulkifly , Shaari Abdul Halim , J. Obaiys Suzan , Sa'ad Aliyu Umar
Published: October 2018

Fabrication of hybrid composite of nickel oxide (NiO) combined with oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) reinforced with polycaprolactone (PCL) has been done by using thermal Haake blending machine, which ensured mixture homogeneity. All hybrid composites' characterizations were carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, differential thermogravimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the XRD profile patterns of the composites clearly changed as the filler loading amount was increased. Fourier transform infrared spectra illustrated a slight change in the frequencies and positions of the peaks after adding NiO, indicating that some interactions occurred between C=O and O–H or among the fiber, NiO, and PCL. The microwave electromagnetic properties, such as reflection loss (dB), relative complex permittivity (εr =–j), and permeability (−j) were calculated at various microwave frequencies in the X‐band (8–12 GHz) range. It was observed that the thermal stability, magnetic, and dielectric properties of NiO:OPEFB:PCL composites were modified significantly with NiO addition. This enables the new hybrid composites to be used as engineering materials in the microwave applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46998.
Single point incremental forming of bilayer sheets made of two different thermoplastics
Authors: Hernández‐Ávila M. , Lozano‐Sánchez L. M. , Perales‐Martínez I. A. , Elías‐Zúñiga A. , Bagudanch I. , García‐Romeu M. L. , Elizalde L. E. , Barrera E. V.
Published: October 2018

A novel configuration of bilayer composite sheets containing different polymers is described and used for the first time in the single point incremental forming (SPIF) process. These bilayer sheets made of polypropylene (PP) and Santoprene are fabricated by hot welding, and shaped with cone‐like geometry by SPIF. The bilayer configuration is such that only one of the containing polymers is in contact with the forming tool. During the SPIF processing, the bilayer sheets show a noticeable difference in the mechanical response, depending mainly on the polymer that is not in contact with the forming tool, which is related to a lower polymer softening. The performance of the bilayer sheets is compared against the neat polymers and a blend of these with a mass ratio of 1:1. The observed effect is introduced as a dual effect of properties that brings together in a single composite sheet, properties for a better performance in SPIF and wider functionality of the fabricated parts, evidenced by a lower material softening and higher mechanical strength, in comparison with the two individual polymers, and even better than the blend of both. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47093.
ARGET‐ATRP using β‐CD as reducing agent for the synthesis of PMMA‐b‐PS‐b‐PMMA triblock copolymers
Authors: Karkare P. , Kumar S. , Murthy C. N.
Published: October 2018

We studied the role of β‐cyclodextrin (CD), a polyhydroxy cyclic sugar as reducing agent (RA) for the copper mediated activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with the successful chain extension of methyl methacrylate blocks on the bifunctional polystyrene macroinitiator (PS‐MI) using nonaqueous solvent system for the first time. The PS‐MI was prepared by ATRP, had a polydispersity of 1.05 and gave triblock copolymers in the presence of β‐CD. We found that alcoholic groups of β‐CD show provisional reducing character and in situ convert Cu(II) to Cu(I) during polymerization. A well‐defined triblock copolymer with narrow molecular weight distribution (polydispersity index < 1.5) was obtained at 100 °C. The molecular weight of the block copolymers increased linearly with monomer conversion and the reaction showed good control over the molecular weights when compared to the theoretical values. We show that the mild reducing power of β‐CD is retained in a nonaqueous solvent also and is efficient with catalyst/RA ratio of 1:0.5. The effect of temperature on the reducing competency of β‐CD was evaluated and found to be active at around 80 °C even though its melting temperature is 290 °C. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47117.
Enhanced mechanical properties of PDMS/PMMA composite membrane using MWCNTs and its application in phenol separation from saline wastewater
Authors: Adeel M. , Ren L.‐F. , Li J. , Shao J. , Jawad A. , Su C. , Wang Y. , Guo L. , He Y.
Published: October 2018

This work describes the enhanced mechanical properties of composite polydimethylsiloxane/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PDMS/PMMA)/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanofiber membrane and its application in the phenol separation from saline wastewater. MWNCTs with varied content were immobilized in the membrane matrix using electric field of electrospinning. The neat PDMS/PMMA and composite PDMS/PMMA/MWCNTs membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, universal testing machine, contact angle measurement, 3D automatic optical profiler, and pore size analyzer. Results indicated that tensile strength of composite PDMS/PMMA/MWNCTs membrane was drastically increased six times with a water contact angle (WCA) of 163.3° due to increased roughness parameters compared to neat membrane. However, porosity and fiber diameter of PDMS/PMMA/MWCTs membrane decreased with the increase of MWCNTs content. Moreover, phenol extraction efficiency of PDMS/PMMA/MWNCTs membrane was found to be 34.5% higher than neat one with similar salt rejection efficiency of 99.97%. The stability of MWCNTs in the membrane matrix was confirmed by the cross‐sectional morphology, which indicated the robust and novel design of membrane. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47123.
Preparation and characterization of protein/viscose fiber and its action in self‐heating
Authors: Wei W. , Youbo D. , Zhou Z. , Xing W. , Chunli Q. , Libin G.
Published: October 2018

In order to develop a self‐heating fiber using the protein/viscose fiber (PVF), keratin, and cotton pulp were used as the raw materials, silk protein was used as the crosslinking agent to fix the keratin to cellulose. The viscose fibers (VFs) blended by protein were prepared by the wet spinning method, and the properties of the fiber were investigated. The results indicated that the more PVF had protein, the better PVF had property. In order to prevent the loss of protein, the protein content of the spinning liquor should be maintained around 2.5%. Compared with VF, PVF had better self‐heating property (6.1 °C/5 min), higher breaking strength (2.44 cN/dtex), higher elongation‐at‐break (27.5%), higher moisture regain (12.68%), and higher hand feel score (8.4),which meets the requirement of textile fibers. PVFs are promising materials for functional clothing applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47146.
Characterization of slow‐release collagen‐g‐poly(acrylic acid‐co‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid)–iron(III) superabsorbent polymer containing fertilizer
Authors: Xu Shuangfeng , Li Xin , Wang Yaling , Hu Zaiyin , Wang Ru
Published: October 2018

A novel, slow‐release polymer containing phosphorous fertilizer was synthesized by the rapid coordination of iron ions with polymers after the microwave radiation polymerization of collagen, 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid, and acrylic acid. We obtained an optimized collagen‐g‐poly(acrylic acid‐co‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid) collagen‐g‐p(AA‐co‐AMPS)–Fe(III) polymer with great equilibrium swelling capacities of 2595 g/g in distilled water and 121 g/g in 0.9 wt % NaCl solution and an excellent sustained fertilizer release of about 30 days. In addition, for the collagen‐g‐p(AA‐co‐AMPS)–Fe(III) polymer, the effect of cations on its swelling followed the order K+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+. The structure and morphology were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the collagen‐g‐p(AA‐co‐AMPS)–Fe(III) polymers emancipated the nutrients in a more controlled manner than collagen‐g‐p(AA‐co‐AMPS). The thermal stability, water absorbency, and good slow‐release of fertilizer provide the collagen‐g‐p(AA‐co‐AMPS)–Fe(III) polymer with great potential as a fertilizer‐carrying vehicle and an aquasorb to be applied in agriculture and horticulture. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47178.