bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved characterization method for petroleum fractions
Authors: Jabr N. , Alatiqi I. M. , Fahim M. A.
Published: March 2009

An improved characterization of naphtha can be obtained by assuming representative chemical components for each cut and utilizing an empirical model to predict the physical and thermodynamic properties such as critical properties, molar mass, refractive index, enthalpy of vaporization, viscosity, etc. The improved model for feed characterization utilizes a multivariable constraint optimization technique in order to arrive at the properties of the blend. It was found that this model does improve the accuracy of prediction.

An application is presented for a naphtha blending system and a naphtha debutanizer. The sensitivity of the column simulation to the developed feed characterization method has been investigated by digital simulation. With the boiling point model, large deviations from the actual column performance data have been observed while a farily good match has been obtained with the improved model.
An expert system for selecting a vapour‐liquid contactor
Authors: Chuang K. T. , Chen G. X. , Rao M.
Published: March 2009

An expert system for selecting a vapour‐liquid contactor (SVLC) is described in this article. The objectives of this study are to investigate the potential application of expert systems to chemical process design, and to capture and codify human design expertise into computer programs. The SVLC is constructed by combining numerical computations with symbolic reasoning processes based on human expertise and available separation technology. It can help design engineers select a vapour‐liquid contactor by following existing rules. Six most commonly used contactors (sieve, valve, bubble cap and dual flow tray as well as random and structured packing) were considered. The results show that the final selections are consistent with those practised in industry.
Scrubbing of SO2 with trona solution in a spray drier
Authors: Doĝu Gülsen , Uçar Çiĝdem , Doĝu Timur , Gürüz Güniz , Durmaz Ali , Ercan Yücel
Published: March 2009

Effect of operating variables on the scrubbing efficiency of SO2 in a spray drier was investigated using trona (Na2 CO3 · NaHCO3 · 2H2 O) solutions of different compositions. Results indicated that for a Na/S mole ratio of two (stoichiometric ratio) about 80% of the SO2 was removed. For higher Na/S ratios, SO2 removal efficiency increased by up to 100%. Increased SO2 concentration in the feed gas and decreased outlet temperature caused an increase in the overall conversion. At low temperatures and low SO2 concentration, the reaction takes place mainly between SO2 and Na2 CO3 As the temperature is increased, decomposition of NaHCO3 to Na2 CO3 and sorption reactions take place simultaneously.
A new technique for determining the hydrodynamic characteristics of spouted beds
Authors: Cai P. , Dong X.‐R. , Jin Y. , Yu Z.‐Q.
Published: March 2009

A new technique was developed to determine the hydrodynamic characteristics of spouted beds. Under different operating conditions, this technique exploits the similarity of the voidage signals from different locations of the bed by means of coherence functions. The spout diameter as well as the minimum spouting velocity and maximum spoutable bed depth can be quantified by the values of the average coherence functions. The new approach presented in this paper is featured by its convenience and accuracy. It is eminently suitable for large size 3‐dimensional units which can not be visibly observed.
The mean flow field produced by a 45° pitched blade turbine: Changes in the circulation pattern due to off bottom clearance
Authors: Kresta Suzanne M. , Wood Philip E.
Published: March 2009

The impeller discharge stream and bulk circulation flow produced by a pitched blade turbine (PBT) in a fully baffled stirred tank have been defined, using a combination of flow visualization and laser Doppler anemometry measurement techniques. Two distinct bulk circulation patterns have been identified, one for higher off bottom clearances, and one for lower clearances. The circulation patterns are shown to have a substantial impact on the discharge stream, even very close to the edge of the impeller blades. These findings indicate that the action of the impeller is not independent of the tank geometry, but contains a substantial feedback component from the bulk flow. This conclusion has substantial implications for the modelling and prediction of stirred tank flow fields.
Transient forced convection in the entrance region of a porous tube
Authors: Al‐Nimr M. A. , Aldoss T. , Naji M. I.
Published: March 2009

The problem of transient forced convection in the entrance region of a cylindrical porous medium with developing thermal boundary layer is investigated. The hydrodynamic behaviour of the flow is assumed to be steady and fully developed, and both Darcian and non‐Darcian effects on the flow are considered. Thermal transients are created by a step change in the temperature of the tube wall. The effect of different fluid and solid‐matrix parameters on Nusselt number, thermal entrance length, total heat absorbed and mixing cup temperature are considered.
Kinetic study of the reaction between molybdenum trioxide and gaseous carbon tetrachloride
Authors: Ruiz M. Del C. , Rivarola J. B. , Quiroga O. D.
Published: March 2009

The kinetics of the chlorination reaction of molybdenum trioxide with gaseous carbon tetrachloride has been studied at temperatures between 713 and 753 K.

The effects of temperature, reaction time, residence time and gaseous reactant concentration on conversion were studied throughout the reaction. In all cases, there was an increase in conversion when the above operating variables were increased.

The kinetic model proposed is consistent with and correlates the experimental data. In the range studied for the different variables, the step that controls the rate of reaction is the surface chemical reaction. Values of the rate constant and the activation energy were estimated.
Pressure drop for the slow flow of dilatant fluids through a fixed bed of spherical particles
Authors: Jaiswal A. K. , Sundararajan T. , Chhabra R. P.
Published: March 2009

The equations of motion in conjunction with the free surface cell model have been solved numerically for the creeping flow of dilatant fluids through a fixed bed of spheres. The effect of the flow behaviour index (1 ≤ n ≤ 2) on the individual as well as the total drag coefficients is elucidated. Finally, the theoretical predictions have been validated using the scant experimental results available in the literature.
A rheological evaluation of linear and branched controlled‐rheology polypropylenes
Authors: Tzoganakis Costas
Published: March 2009

Commodity linear and branched polypropylene resins have been modified by means of peroxide initiated chemical degradation in a reactive extrusion process. Data collected from molar mass and linear viscoelastic property measurements have been used to evaluate the L“crossover modulus” and “modulus separation” rheological polydispersity measures and a theoretical justification is provided for the modulus separation index. In the past, these empirical methods have been used successfully to relate molar mass characteristics to rheological properties. Results obtained in this study confirm the validity of the modulus separation index for linear polymers and suggest that it should be used carefully in the analysis of data from branched polymers. Linear viscoelastic data are used to estimate the terminal relaxation time spectra of both the linear and branched materials and a new correlation between modulus separation and relaxation time polydispersity is given.
The design of experiments, training and implementation of nonlinear controllers based on neural networks
Authors: Dayal Bhupinder S. , Taylor Paul A. , Macgregor John F.
Published: March 2009

In the area of nonlinear predictive control, several control schemes using artificial neural networks have been proposed. In this work, the issues relating to the information contents of the data used to train the neural network components of these nonlinear predictive control schemes are considered. This raises questions about the design of experiments. A class of feedback‐feedforward nonlinear controller based on the model predictive structure (also known as Internal Model Control, IMC, structure) is investigated. The implementation and performance of these neural network based controllers, together with comparisons to other nonlinear and linear controllers, are illustrated on two nonlinear continuous‐stirred‐tank‐reactor simulations.
Snf1-related protein kinases (SnRKs) act within an intricate network that links metabolic and stress signalling in plants
Authors: Halford Nigel G. , Hey Sandra J.
Published: March 2009

The phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of proteins, catalysed by protein kinases and phosphatases, is the major mechanism for the transduction of intracellular signals in eukaryotic organisms. Signalling pathways often comprise multiple phosphorylation/dephosphorylation steps and a long-standing hypothesis to explain this phenomenon is that of the protein kinase cascade, in which a signal is amplified as it is passed from one step in a pathway to the next. This review represents a re-evaluation of this hypothesis, using the signalling network in which the SnRKs [Snf1 (sucrose non-fermenting-1)-related protein kinases] function as an example, but drawing also on the related signalling systems involving Snf1 itself in fungi and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) in animals. In plants, the SnRK family comprises not only SnRK1, but also two other subfamilies, SnRK2 and SnRK3, with a total of 38 members in the model plant Arabidopsis. This may have occurred to enable linking of metabolic and stress signalling. It is concluded that signalling pathways comprise multiple levels not to allow for signal amplification, but to enable linking between pathways to form networks in which key protein kinases, phosphatases and target transcription factors represent hubs on/from which multiple pathways converge and emerge.
Trade-off between aerobic capacity and locomotor capability in an Antarctic pteropod
Authors: Rosenthal Joshua J. C. , Seibel Brad A. , Dymowska Agnieszka , Bezanilla Francisco
Published: March 2009

At −1.8 °C, the waters of Antarctica pose a formidable physiological barrier for most ectotherms. The few taxa that inhabit this zone have presumably made specific adjustments to their neuromuscular function and have enhanced their metabolic capacity. However, support for this assertion is equivocal and the details of specific compensations are largely unknown. This can generally be attributed to the fact that most Antarctic organisms are either too distantly related to their temperate relatives to permit direct comparisons (e.g., notothenioid fishes) or because they are not amenable to neuromuscular recording. Here, as a comparative model, we take advantage of 2 pelagic molluscs in the genus
Clione
to conduct a broadly integrative investigation on neuromuscular adaptation to the extreme cold. We find that for the Antarctic congener aerobic capacity is enhanced, but at a cost. To support a striking proliferation of mitochondria, the Antarctic species has shed a 2-gear swim system and the associated specialized neuromuscular components, resulting in greatly reduced scope for locomotor activity. These results suggest that polar animals have undergone substantial tissue-level reorganizations to accommodate their environment, which may reduce their capacity to acclimate to a changing climate.
GLUCOSE‐REGULATED PROTEIN 78 PROMPTS SCAVENGER RECEPTOR A‐MEDIATED SECRETION OF TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR‐α BY RAW 264.7 CELLS
Authors: Gao Song , Zhong Xiaozheng , Ben Jingjing , Zhu Xudong , Zheng Yuan , Zhuang Yan , Bai Hui , Jiang Li , Chen Yaoyu , Ji Yong , Chen Qi
Published: March 2009

Activation of macrophages plays an important role in atherosclerosis. In order to investigate the effect of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on cytokine release from macrophages, the RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line was treated with 0.2 mmol/L 6‐aminonicotinamide (6‐AN) for 36 h and the secretion of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α determined. In addition, Raw 264.7 cells were incubated in the presence of 10 µg/mL acetylated low‐density lipoprotein (acLDL) at 37°C for 8 h.

Secretion of TNF‐α from RAW 264.7 cells was stimulated by both loading of cells with acLDL and following 6‐AN treatment. In addition, the expression of glucose‐regulated protein (GRP) 78 was increased in 6‐AN‐treated cells (by 165%).

In separate experiments, PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) pathway, blocked acLDL‐ and/or 6‐AN‐induced TNF‐α secretion, whereas LY294002, which blocks the AKT signalling pathway, had no effect. On the basis of these results, we speculate that acLDL/6‐AN‐induced secretion of TNF‐α from RAW 264.7 cells may be regulated by activation of the MEK signalling pathway.

The present study suggests that the accumulation of lipids in cells and/or ER stress could lead to macrophage apoptosis as a result of the increased production of TNF‐α, which integrates into atherosclerosis.
FORMALIN‐INDUCED INCREASE IN P2X3 RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR NOCICEPTION
Authors: Pan Ai‐Hua , Lu Da‐Hua , Luo Xue‐Gang , Chen Ling , Li Zhi‐Yuan
Published: March 2009

ATP‐gated P2X receptors in nociceptive sensory neurons participate in the transmission of pain signals from the periphery to the spinal cord. The effect of formalin on the expression of P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was characterized using molecular and immunological approaches and the patch‐clamp technique.

Adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were injected with 100 µL of 5% formalin in the planar surface of the hindpaw and were killed 30 min and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h later for in vitro analyses. The expression and distribution of P2X3 receptors in the lumbar spinal cord and in L5/L6 DRG were examined; 24 and 48 h after formalin injection, currents in neurons were examined using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording.

Western blots showed that anti‐P2X3 antibody recognized a major monomer of approximately 64 kDa in DRG. Immunoreactivity for P2X3 receptors was detected predominantly in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane of small (< 25 µm) and middle‐sized (25–50 µm) DRG neurons. Expression of the P2X3 transcript in the DRG was unchanged 30 min and 1 h after formalin injection, but increased after 12 h. There was no distinct change in P2X3 immunostaining of the spinal cord lamina at 30 min or 1 h after injection, but after 24 h P2X3 labelling increased. At 24 h after the formalin injection, currents in isolated small and middle‐sized DRG neurons were increased by 1 µmol/L α,β‐methylene‐ATP. These currents were completely inhibited by 1 µmol/L A‐317491, a potent and selective P2X3 receptor antagonist.

These data suggest that formalin injection leads to early upregulation of P2X3 expression in the spinal cord and DRG and that this may be one of the mechanisms giving rise to nociception.
Epilepsy and Neurocysticercosis: An Incidence Study in a Peruvian Rural Population
Authors: Villarán Manuel V. , Montano Silvia M. , Gonzalvez Guillermo , Moyano Luz M. , Chero Juan C. , Rodriguez Silvia , Gonzalez Armando E. , Pan William , Tsang Victor C.W. , Gilman Robert H. , Garcia Hector H.
Published: March 2009

Background: Epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder and neurocysticercosis (NCC), the central nervous system infection by the larvae of Taenia solium, is the main cause of acquired epilepsy in developing countries. NCC is becoming more frequent in industrialized countries due to immigration from endemic areas. Previously reported epilepsy incidences range from 30 to 50/100,000 people in industrialized countries and 90 to 122/100,000 people in developing countries. Objectives: To determine the incidence of epilepsy in a cysticercosis endemic area of Peru.Methods: A screening survey for possible seizure cases was repeated biannually in this cohort for a period of 5 years (1999–2004) using a previously validated questionnaire. All positive respondents throughout the study were examined by a trained neurologist in the field to confirm the seizure. If confirmed, they were offered treatment, serological testing, neuroimaging (CT scans and MRI) and clinical follow-up. Results: The cohort study comprised 817 individuals. The overall epilepsy incidence rate was 162.3/100,000 person-years, and for epileptic seizures, 216.6/100,000 person-years. Out of the 8 individuals who had epileptic seizures, 4 had markers for NCC (neuroimaging and/or serology). Conclusion: The incidence of epilepsy in this area endemic for cysticercosis is one of the highest reported worldwide.
Human Placental Ectonucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase Gene Transfer via Gelatin-Coated Stents Prevents In-Stent Thrombosis
Authors: Takemoto Yasuhiro , Kawata Hiroyuki , Soeda Tsunenari , Imagawa Keiichi , Somekawa Satoshi , Takeda Yukiji , Uemura Shiro , Matsumoto Masanori , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Jo Jun-ichiro , Kimura Yu , Tabata Yasuhiko , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: March 2009

Background—

In-stent thrombosis is mainly triggered by adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-dependent platelet aggregation after percutanous coronary stent implantation. Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) rapidly hydrolyzes ADP to adenosine monophosphate, inhibiting platelet aggregation. We tested the hypothesis that local delivery of human placental E-NTPDase (pE-NTPDase) gene into injured arteries via gene-eluting stent could prevent subacute in-stent thrombosis.

Methods and Results—

We generated gene-eluting stents by coating bare metal stents with cationic gelatin hydrogel containing pE-NTPDase cDNA (pE-NTPDase stent), and implanted the stents into rabbit femoral arteries (FA) prone to production of platelet-rich thrombi due to repeated balloon injury at 4-week intervals. After the second injury, E-NTPDase gene expression was severely decreased; however, the implantation of pE-NTPDase stent increased E-NTPDase mRNA levels and NTPDase activity to higher level than normal FA. The FAs with pE-NTPDase stents maintained patency in all rabbits (
P
<0.01), whereas the stent-implanted FAs without pE-NTPDase gene showed low patency rates (17% to 25%). The occlusive platelet-rich thrombi, excessive neointimal growth, and infiltration of macrophages were inhibited in stent implanted FA with pE-NTPDase gene, but not without pE-NTPDase gene.

Conclusions—

Human pE-NTPDase gene transfer via cationic gelatin-coated stents inhibited subacute in-stent thrombosis and suppressed neointimal hyperplasia and inflammation without antiplatelet drugs.
Modeling of Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation in Concrete Corrosion Products from Sewer Pipes
Authors: Jensen Henriette Stokbro , Nielsen Asbjørn Haaning , Hvitved‐Jacobsen Thorkild , Vollertsen Jes
Published: March 2009

Abiotic and biotic oxidation of hydrogen sulfide related to concrete corrosion was studied in corrosion products originating from a sewer manhole. The concrete corrosion products were suspended in an acidic solution, mimicking the conditions in the pore water of corroded concrete. The removal of hydrogen sulfide and dissolved oxygen was measured in parallel in the suspension, upon which the suspension was sterilized and the measurement repeated. The results revealed the biotic oxidation to be fast compared with the abiotic oxidation. The stoichiometry of the hydrogen sulfide oxidation was evaluated using the ratio between oxygen and hydrogen sulfide uptake. The ratio for the biotic oxidation pointed in the direction of elemental sulfur being formed as an intermediate in the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfuric acid. The experimental results were applied to suggest a hypothesis and a mathematical model describing the hydrogen sulfide oxidation pathway in a matrix of corroded concrete.
BMI and Diabetes Risk in Singaporean Chinese
Authors: Odegaard Andrew O. , Koh Woon-Puay , Vazquez Gabrielle , Arakawa Kazuko , Lee Hin-Peng , Yu Mimi C. , Pereira Mark A.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

Increased BMI is a robust risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Paradoxically, South Asians have relatively low BMIs despite their high prevalence of type 2 diabetes. We examined the association between BMI and incident type 2 diabetes because detailed prospective cohort data on this topic in Asians are scarce.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was a prospective analysis of 37,091 men and women aged 45–74 years in the Singapore Chinese Health Study, using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Risk of incident type 2 diabetes significantly increased beginning with BMIs 18.5–23.0 kg/m2(relative risk 2.47 [95% CI 1.75–3.48]) and continued in a monotonic fashion across the spectrum of BMI. Results were stronger for younger than for older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

BMIs considered lean and normal in Singaporean Chinese are strongly associated with increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes. This association weakened with advanced age but remained significant.
Acute Effects of Decaffeinated Coffee and the Major Coffee Components Chlorogenic Acid and Trigonelline on Glucose Tolerance
Authors: van Dijk Aimée E. , Olthof Margreet R. , Meeuse Joke C. , Seebus Elin , Heine Rob J. , van Dam Rob M.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

Coffee consumption has been associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes. We evaluated the acute effects of decaffeinated coffee and the major coffee components chlorogenic acid and trigonelline on glucose tolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a randomized crossover trial of the effects of 12 g decaffeinated coffee, 1 g chlorogenic acid, 500 mg trigonelline, and placebo (1 g mannitol) on glucose and insulin concentrations during a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 15 overweight men.

RESULTS

Chlorogenic acid and trigonelline ingestion significantly reduced glucose (−0.7 mmol/l, P = 0.007, and −0.5 mmol/l, P = 0.024, respectively) and insulin (−73 pmol/l, P = 0.038, and −117 pmol/l, P = 0.007) concentrations 15 min following an OGTT compared with placebo. None of the treatments affected insulin or glucose area under the curve values during the OGTT compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Chlorogenic acid and trigonelline reduced early glucose and insulin responses during an OGTT.
Understanding a Heterogeneous Catalyst in Action
Authors: Van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Kartusch Christiane , Satav Shreekant
Published: March 2009

The role of catalysis in the clean production of energy and chemicals will become increasingly important and new catalysts must be developed. To improve the activity, selectivity, and stability of a heterogeneous catalyst, the electronic and geometric structure of the catalytically
active site must be controlled. In situ characterization combined with kinetic analysis provides insights into the functioning of a heterogeneous catalyst. This aids the synthesis of a new generation of catalysts that converts new feedstocks, which are derived from sustainable sources,
into energy and chemicals.
Time-Resolved Chiral Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Helbing Jan , Bonmarin Mathias
Published: March 2009

Advances in infrared laser technology and detection sensitivity have made time-resolved chiral vibrational spectroscopy experimentally feasible. Here we describe our recent efforts in detecting, for the first time, transient vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) signals with picosecond
time resolution. The absorption changes of the cobalt (?)-sparteine complex Co(sp)Cl2 after visible excitation of a d-d excited state was probed in the CH-stretch region by alternating left- and right-handed circular polarized mid IR laser pulses. VCD spectra can be
sensitive reporters of peptide and protein secondary structure or the absolute configuration of chiral organic compounds in solution. Recent developments are presented, which may in the future allow us to access this information in the course of fast chemical reactions.
FDG-PET, PET/CT and conventional nuclear medicine procedures in the evaluation of lung cancer
Authors: Baum R. P. , Kirsch C.-M. , Hellwig D.
Published: March 2009

Aim: Currently, the German and Austrian S3 guidelines on the evaluation and treatment of lung cancer are about to be published whereas the American Colleague of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines were already presented in 2007. An important part of the diagnostic workup of lung cancer will be the evaluation of indeterminate lung lesions and the mediastinal and extrathoracic staging using FDG-PET or PET/CT. The results from the literature on FDG-PET and PET/ CT as well as on conventional nuclear medicine staging procedures and the clinical implications are presented. Methods: The literature data was amassed in analogy to the metaanalyses drawn for the current ACCP guidelines. In addition, relevant more recent publications were also considered. To answer the important question for the extent of pathological confirmation needed, the residual risk of mediastinal metastases was calculated for certain constellations of FDG-PET and CT findings. Suggested recommendations were characterized with the level of evidence. Results: FDG-PET (PET/CT) allows the differentiation of indeterminate lung lesions with high accuracy. FDG-PET (PET/ CT) is the most accurate non-invasive procedure to assess the mediastinal nodal stage, for non-small cell as well as for small cell lung cancer. It is justified to omit invasive evaluation of enlarged but FDG-PET negative lymph nodes under certain circumstances. Unexpected extrathoracic metastases detected by FDG-PET imply important changes in therapeutic management. Conclusion: The upcoming S3 guideline on lung cancer will recommend FDG-PET in several indications due to its clinical efficacy well proven by data from literature (high level of evidence). The selected use of conventional nuclear medicine procedures remains beyond doubt. FDG-PET (PET/CT) belongs to the standard of care in lung cancer.
Position paper nuclear cardiology: Update 2008
Authors: Bengel F. , Büll U. , Burchert W. , Kies P. , Kluge R. , Krause B. J. , Lindner O. , Nienaber C. , Nowak B. , Schäfer W. , Schober O. , Schwaiger M. , Silber S. , Stegger L. , vom Dahl J. , Zimmermann R. , Schäfers M.
Published: March 2009

Nuclear cardiology is well established in clinical diagnostic algorithms for many years. This is an update 2008 of the first common position paper of the German Association of Nuclear Medicine and the German Association of Cardiology, Heart and Circulation Research published in 2001 aiming at an overview of state-of-the-art scintigraphic methods.
The impact of digital imaging in the field of cytopathology
Authors: Pantanowitz Liron , Hornish Maryanne , Goulart Robert A.
Published: March 2009

With the introduction of digital imaging, pathology is undergoing a digital transformation. In the field of cytology, digital images are being used for telecytology, automated screening of Pap test slides, training and education (e.g. online digital atlases), and proficiency testing. To date, there has been no systematic review on the impact of digital imaging on the practice of cytopathology. This article critically addresses the emerging role of computer-assisted screening and the application of digital imaging to the field of cytology, including telecytology, virtual microscopy, and the impact of online cytology resources. The role of novel diagnostic techniques like image cytometry is also reviewed.
Materiality of architecture expressed through onomatopoeic words in text description of buildings
Authors: Shinohara Hiroyuki , Kitagawa Keisuke , Tahara Sho
Published: April 2024

Text descriptions of buildings using onomatopoeic words are a form of communication frequently used by Japanese architects to express their design intent. The onomatopoeic word describes a building vividly and sensually as if it has life and expresses connotative architectural meanings imbued through building posture and gestures, as depicted by the architect. This paper investigates the materiality of architecture through a text analysis of onomatopoeic expressions used to describe architectural works in the Japanese architecture magazine Shinkenchiku (新建築), identifies 24 aspects of architectural materiality reflected in the onomatopoeia used by architects, and typifies their views of architecture as a physical object.
Performance verification of pipe‐embedded wall system in school building and proposal of its optimal control strategy
Authors: Huang Minghao , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Hirakawa Satoshi , Maruyama Jun
Published: April 2024

In this study, a thermally activated building system (TABS) installed on the exterior wall as the pipe‐embedded wall (PEW) system in a school building was investigated. The basic performance of the PEW system utilizing well water cascade is verified by unsteady CFD analysis and field measurements. Moreover, in order to improve the utilization efficiency of the thermal potential from well water, the MPC‐based optimal control method with the PEW system to maximize the heat extraction is proposed and verified by unsteady CFD analysis. The analysis results showed that: (1) The PEW system can reduce the peak load from the exterior wall facing different directions at different times. In addition, the PEW system has the effect of stabilizing the indoor thermal environment. (2) The proposed optimal operation strategy improves the energy efficiency, extracting up to 30% more heat and reducing the total heat transmission, which significantly develops the operation efficiency of the PEW system.
Inherent robustness in the adaptive control of a large class of systems
Authors: Shahab Mohamad T. , Miller Daniel E.
Published: April 2024

Recently it has been shown how to carry out adaptive control for a linear time‐invariant (LTI) plant so that the effect of the initial condition decays exponentially to zero and so that the input‐output behavior enjoys a convolution bound. This, in turn, has been leveraged to prove, in several special cases, that the closed‐loop system is robust in the sense that both of these properties are maintained in the presence of a small amount of parameter time‐variation and unmodelled dynamics. This paper shows that this robustness property is true for a general adaptive controller with the right properties: if we are able to prove exponential stability and a convolution bound for the case of fixed plant parameters, then robustness comes for free. We also apply the results to solutions to various adaptive control problems in the literature.
Design and Nanoengineering of Photoactive Antimicrobials for Bioapplications: from Fundamentals to Advanced Strategies
Authors: Xin Huilong , Liu Yuanyuan , Xiao Yinan , Wen Min , Sheng Liyuan , Jia Zhaojun
Published: April 2024

Currently, microbial infections have posed an arduous challenge to global public health, whereas the rise of antibiotic resistance is rendering traditional antibiotic therapies futile, prompting the development of new antimicrobial technologies. Photoactive nanomaterials have thus garnered a thriving interest for disinfection owing to their superior antibacterial efficaciousness, favorable biosafety, and rapidness and spatiotemporal precision in excreting bactericidal actions. The review summarizes recent advances and emerging trends in the design, nanoengineering, and bioapplications of photoactive antimicrobials. It commences by elaborating fundamental theories on bacterial resistance, and antibacterial mechanisms of nanomaterials and phototherapy. Subsequently, the regulation of the antibacterial effectiveness of photoactive nanomaterials is comprehensively discussed, centering on criteria and strategies for tuning photoabsorption spectra, photothermal conversion, and photocatalytic efficiency, alongside tactics for enabling synergistic therapies. This is followed by comparative analyses of techniques and modalities for synthesizing and engineering photoactive nanomaterials with diverse structures, forms, and functionalities. Thereafter, the state‐of‐the‐art applications of phototherapies across various medical sectors are portrayed, and key challenges and opportunities are finally discussed to spur future innovations and translation. This review is envisaged to provide useful guidance for devising and developing nanomaterials‐based photoresponsive antimicrobials with application‐specific materials properties and biological functions.
Pyroptosis of Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Immune Activation Enabled by a Multifunctional Prodrug Photosensitizer
Authors: Tang Yuqi , Wang Zhichao , Li Quan
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for the occurrence, resistance, recurrence, invasion, and metastasis of tumors. However, even trace amounts of CSCs may lead to tumor resistance and recurrence, which fundamentally reduces the therapeutic efficiency of numerous anticancer drugs. Thus, the development of a therapeutic agent that can reduce the tumorigenicity of CSCs and overcome tumor resistance and recurrence is essential. Here a novel multifunctional prodrug T‐P is reported as a photosensitizer, which links phenothiazine drug with the synthesized aggregation‐induced emission photosensitizer T‐C via an ester bond. Importantly, this photosensitizer is found to be able to induce the pyroptosis of breast CSCs as well as to activate their death pathway protein phosphatase 2A to inhibit CSCs and systemic anti‐tumor effects. T‐P can rapidly target mitochondria and overlap with lysosomes after mitochondrial escape, and it can cause mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction. It releases reactive oxygen species through photoactivation, triggering pyroptosis‐mediated strong anti‐tumor immune response. On the 5th day of in vivo therapy of breast cancer, the primary tumor is eliminated and the growth of distant tumors is also inhibited. This research would provide an impetus as well as a new strategy for CSCs‐targeted cancer photoimmunotherapy and beyond.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as an Ideal Platform for Cancer Immunotherapy: Recent Advances and Future Directions.
Authors: Godakhindi Varsha , Tarannum Mubin , Dam Sudip Kumar , Vivero‐Escoto Juan L.
Published: April 2024

Cancer immunotherapy recently transforms the traditional approaches against various cancer malignancies. Immunotherapy includes systemic and local treatments to enhance immune responses against cancer and involves strategies such as immune checkpoints, cancer vaccines, immune modulatory agents, mimetic antigen‐presenting cells, and adoptive cell therapy. Despite promising results, these approaches still suffer from several limitations including lack of precise delivery of immune‐modulatory agents to the target cells and off‐target toxicity, among others, that can be overcome using nanotechnology. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are investigated to improve various aspects of cancer immunotherapy attributed to the advantageous structural features of this nanomaterial. MSNs can be engineered to alter their properties such as size, shape, porosity, surface functionality, and adjuvanticity. This review explores the immunological properties of MSNs and the use of MSNs as delivery vehicles for immune‐adjuvants, vaccines, and mimetic antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). The review also details the current strategies to remodel the tumor microenvironment to positively reciprocate toward the anti‐tumor immune cells and the use of MSNs for immunotherapy in combination with other anti‐tumor therapies including photodynamic/thermal therapies to enhance the therapeutic effect against cancer. Last, the present demands and future scenarios for the use of MSNs for cancer immunotherapy are discussed.
Topological Electronic Transition Contributing to Improved Thermoelectric Performance in p‐Type Mg3Sb2−xBix Solid Solutions
Authors: Xie Sen , Wan Xiaolin , Wu Yasong , Li Chunxia , Yan Fan , Ouyang Yujie , Ge Haoran , Li Xianda , Liu Yong , Wang Rui , Toriyama Michael Y. , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Yang Jiong , Zhang Qingjie , Liu Wei , Tang Xinfeng
Published: April 2024

Topological electronic transition is the very promising strategy for achieving high band degeneracy (NV) and for optimizing thermoelectric performance. Herein, this work verifies in p‐type Mg3Sb2−xBix that topological electronic transition could be the key mechanism responsible for elevating the NV of valence band edge from 1 to 6, leading to much improved thermoelectric performance. Through comprehensive spectroscopy characterizations and theoretical calculations of electronic structures, the topological electronic transition from trivial semiconductor is unambiguously demonstrated to topological semimetal of Mg3Sb2−xBix with increasing the Bi content, due to the strong spin–orbit coupling of Bi and the band inversion. The distinct evolution of Fermi surface configuration and the multivalley valence band edge with NV of 6 are discovered in the Bi‐rich compositions, while a peculiar two‐step band inversion is revealed for the first time in the end compound Mg3Bi2. As a result, the optimal p‐type Mg3Sb0.5Bi1.5 simultaneously obtains a positive bandgap and high NV of 6, and thus acquires the largest thermoelectric power factor of 3.54 and 6.93 µW cm−1 K−2 at 300 and 575 K, respectively, outperforming the values in other compositions. This work provides important guidance on improving thermoelectric performance of p‐type Mg3Sb2−xBix utilizing the topological electronic transition.
Reprocessability in Engineering Thermosets Achieved Through Frontal Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Cooper Julian C. , Paul Justine E. , Ramlawi Nabil , Saengow Chaimongkol , Sharma Anisha , Suslick Benjamin A. , Ewoldt Randy H. , Sottos Nancy R. , Moore Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2024

While valued for their durability and exceptional performance, crosslinked thermosets are challenging to recycle and reuse. Here, inherent reprocessability in industrially relevant polyolefin thermosets is unveiled. Unlike prior methods, this approach eliminates the need to introduce exchangeable functionality to regenerate the material, relying instead on preserving the activity of the metathesis catalyst employed in the curing reaction. Frontal ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (FROMP) proves critical to preserving this activity. Conditions controlling catalytic viability are explored to successfully reclaim performance across multiple generations of material, thus demonstrating long‐term reprocessability. This straightforward and scalable remolding strategy is poised for widespread adoption. Given the anticipated growth in polyolefin thermosets, these findings represent an important conceptual advance in the pursuit of a fully circular lifecycle for thermoset polymers.
Gas‐Solid Phase Reaction Derived Silver Bismuth Iodide Rudorffite: Structural Insight and Exploring Photocatalytic Potential of CO2 Reduction
Authors: Chang Jia‐Mao , Lin Ting‐Han , Hsiao Kai‐Chi , Chiang Kuo‐Ping , Chang Yin‐Hsuan , Wu Ming‐Chung
Published: April 2024

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 is a promising strategy to mitigate the effects of global warming by converting CO2 into valuable energy‐dense products. Silver bismuth iodide (SBI) is an attractive material owing to its tunable bandgap and favorable band‐edge positions for efficient CO2 photoreduction. In this study, SBI materials, including AgBi2I7, AgBiI4, Ag2BiI5, and Ag3BiI6 are first synthesized, through gas‐solid reaction by controlling the stoichiometric ratio of reactants. The X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) results revealed that the distance between Ag‐I is proportional to the degree of Ag ions delocalization, which occupies the vacant sites. That greatly retards the charge recombination at vacant sites. In addition, the surface potential via photo‐assisted Kelvin probe force measurements of various SBI catalysts shows that Ag3BiI6 exhibits the highest surface potential change due to the rich delocalized Ag ions. This results in effective charge carrier transport and prevention of charge recombination at vacant sites. Taking the above advantages, the averaged CO and CH4 production rates for Ag3BiI6 achieved 0.23 and 0.10 µmol g−1 h−1, respectively. The findings suggest that Ag3BiI6 has a high potential as a novel photocatalyst for CO2 reduction and sheds light on the possibility of solving environmental contamination and sustainable energy crises.
Catalytic Asymmetric Construction of α,α‐Diaryl Aldehydes via Oxo‐Hydroarylation of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Zhou Xueting , Huang Qingqin , Guo Jiami , Dai Lei , Lu Yixin
Published: April 2024

Chiral aldehydes containing a tertiary stereogenic center are versatile building blocks in organic chemistry. In particular, such structural motifs bearing an α,α‐diaryl moiety are very challenging scaffolds and their efficient asymmetric synthesis is not reported. In this work, a phosphoric acid‐catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of α,α‐diaryl aldehydes from simple terminal alkynes is presented. This approach yields a wide range of highly enolizable α,α‐diaryl aldehydes in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities. Facile transformations of the products, as well as an efficient synthesis of bioactive molecules, including an effective anti‐smallpox agent and an FDA‐approved antidepressant drug (+)‐sertraline, are demonstrated.
T‐bet Regulates Ion Channels and Transporters and Induces Apoptosis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chen Lang , Yi Hongwei , Li Qingtian , Duan Tianhao , Liu Xin , Li Linfeng , Wang Helen Y. , Xing Changsheng , Wang Rong‐Fu
Published: April 2024

T‐bet, encoded by TBX21, is extensively expressed across various immune cell types, and orchestrates critical functions in their development, survival, and physiological activities. However, the role of T‐bet in non‐immune compartments, notably the epithelial cells, remains obscure. Herein, a Tet‐O‐T‐bet transgenic mouse strain is generated for doxycycline‐inducible T‐bet expression in adult animals. Unexpectedly, ubiquitous T‐bet overexpression causes acute diarrhea, intestinal damage, and rapid mortality. Cell‐type‐specific analyses reveal that T‐bet‐driven pathology is not attributable to its overexpression in CD4+ T cells or myeloid lineages. Instead, inducible T‐bet overexpression in the intestinal epithelial cells is the critical determinant of the observed lethal phenotype. Mechanistically, T‐bet overexpression modulates ion channel and transporter profiles in gut epithelial cells, triggering profound fluid secretion and subsequent lethal dehydration. Furthermore, ectopic T‐bet expression enhances gut epithelial cell apoptosis and markedly suppresses colon cancer development in xenograft models. Collectively, the findings unveil a previously unrecognized role of T‐bet in intestinal epithelial cells for inducing apoptosis, diarrhea, and local inflammation, thus implicating its potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Self‐Powered Broadband Photodetectors Based on Si/SnS2 and Si/SnSe2 p–n Heterostructures
Authors: Kumar Mahesh , Huang Bohr‐Ran , Saravanan Adhimoorthy , Sun Hui , Chen Sheng‐Chi
Published: April 2024

The escalating interest in 2D nanoflakes‐based group‐IVA metal chalcogenides is attributed to their noteworthy properties, such as high electron mobility, exceptional chemical stability, and applicability across diverse scientific disciplines such as sensing, energy storage applications, supercapacitors, and lithium‐ion batteries. This study introduces an innovative self‐powered photodetector based on 2D metal chalcogenide nanoflakes (SnS2 and SnSe2) formed into nanoflowers on a silicon substrate through the hydrothermal method. The amalgamation of the light‐induced pyroelectric effect into the SnS2 photodetector achieves impressive enhancement ratios of 353%, 425%, 351%, 662%, and 153% in photoresponsivity and detectivity compared to the photovoltaic effect at 365, 456, 532, 632, and 850 nm, respectively, at zero bias. The SnSe2 photodetector achieved responsivity values of 14, 82, 36, 4, and 28 mA W−1 at the corresponding wavelengths in self‐powered mode. The SnSe2 device exhibits superior photosensitivity of 30792%, 55692%, 28803%, 9678%, and 68587% at the corresponding wavelengths, under zero bias. In addition, the photocurrent response caused by the photovoltaic‐pyroelectric effect is thoroughly defined, and the impacts of light wavelength, power intensity, and bias voltage are studied. This study presents a cutting‐edge self‐powered broadband photodetector utilizing pyroelectric materials and opens possibilities for designing high‐performance, fast photodetectors based on the pyro‐phototronic effect.
Selection based on the phenomenic approach and agronomic ideotic of white oat
Authors: Pradebon Leonardo Cesar , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Da Silva José Antonio Gonzalez , Loro Murilo Veiera , Pettenon Adriano Lucas , Roza João Pedro Dalla , Schulz Adriano Dietterle , Da Silva Thayane Beck
Published: April 2024

This work aimed to propose multivariate selection strategies reconciling the agronomic ideotype and vegetation indices to obtain genotypes with high tillering, early cycle, tolerant to lodging, and foliar diseases. The sowing of white oat lines was carried out on April 27, 2023, allocated in an experimental design of blocks augmented with interspersed controls. The regular treatments correspond to 593 lines of white oat and the common treatments were represented by the cultivars URS Olada, URS Altaneira, and IPR Artêmis arranged in four replications. The measurements of variables of agronomic interest took place in each experimental unit as follows: percentage of tillering, days to flowering, percentage of lodging, percentage of leaf rust, percentage of stem rust, and percentage of leaf spots. The phenomic analyses took place through flights carried out with a specialized drone, equipped with a 20 MP resolution camera and standard height (80 m). The best proposed indices were index for reducing the percentage of lodging with normalized green (NG), green–red ratio (IGR), soil color index (SCI), green leaf index (GLI), visible atmospheric resistant index (VARI), green leaf index 2 (GLI2), red–blue (RB), blue green pigment (BGI), normalized red–blue difference index (NRBDI), green–blue ratio, BIM, normalized green–blue difference index (NGBDI), and ExGR; index for reducing days to flowering with brightness index (BI), NRBDI, days to flowering (DF), gray (GRAY), IGR, average intensity (L), normalized red (NR), RGRI, SCI, BGI, BIM, GLI, NGBDI, and NG; and index for reducing the percentage of stem rust with NG, BI, Gray2, GLI2, RGRI, GLI, VARI, BGI, L, NR, RB, and coloration index. Only two lines were selected concomitantly with multivariate indices, line L167 (M5, SA) and L426 (M6, ETMS), that combine lodging tolerance and leaf rust genes.
How can we improve the stability of organic solar cells from materials design to device engineering?
Authors: Li Mingpeng , Tian Leilei , He Feng
Published: April 2024

Among a promising photovoltaic technology for solar energy conversion, organic solar cells (OSCs) have been paid much attention, of which the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) have rapidly surpassed over 20%, approaching the threshold for potential applications. However, the device stability of OSCs including storage stability, photostability and thermal stability, remains to be an enormous challenge when faced with practical applications. The major causes of device instability are rooted in the poor inherent properties of light‐harvesting materials, metastable morphology, interfacial reactions and highly sensitive to external stresses. To get rid of these flaws, a comprehensive review is provided about recent strategies and methods for improving the device stability from active layers, interfacial layers, device engineering and encapsulation techniques for high‐performance OSC devices. In the end, prospectives for the next stage development of high‐performance devices with satisfactory long‐term stability are afforded for the solar community.