bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of spraying with calcium chloride at difTerent water rates on 'Jonagold' apple calcium concentration
Authors: Wójcik Paweł , Świechowski Waldemar
Published: December 2013

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of calcium chloride (CaCl2) spraying at different rates of water on apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) calcium concentration. The examination was carried out in 1997-1998 on 'Jonagold' apple trees grafted on M.26 rootstock and planted in 1990 on sandy-loam soil at a distance of 4 x 2.5 m.The trees were trained as a spindle at 2,4 m and 2 m of height and canopy width, respectively. In the experiment apple trees were sprayed with CaCl2 at a rate of 7 kg ha-1 using 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 L of water volumes which gives : 2.8, 1,4, 0,7 and 0.5% CaCl2 solutions, respectively. Sprays with CaCl2 solutions were applied 6, 4 and 2 weeks before commercial fruit harvest. The trees unsprayed with Ca served as a control. The study showed that sprays with CaCl2 at all studied water volumes had not effect on leaf and fruit damages. Regardless of the applied water rates, apples from the middle and the bottom of the canopy had higher calcium concentrations as a result of CaCl2 sprays whereas this treatment had not effect on fruit calcium concentration from the top of the canopy. However, the laboratory study showed that 'Jonagold' apples from the canopy top had ability to take up exogenous calcium. It was found that efficacy of CaCl2 sprays at studied water rates in increasing fruit calcium concentration was similar. The study showed as well that young 'Jonagold' fruitlets took up clearly less exogenous calcium compared to mature fruit which suggests that sprays of this cultivar with calcium salts should be applied mainly at late apple development stages.
Effect of pesticide mixture on value of fresh, fermented and pickles cucumbers
Authors: WElkner Krystyna , Szwejda Jerzy
Published: December 2013

In years 1998-1999 effects of fungicides (azoxystrobin and copper hydroxide), insecticides (etafenproks and pirimicarb) and their mixtures on chemical composition and organoleptic quality of fresh, fermented and pickled cucumbers were studied_ To analyses fruits were taken after 7 and 12 days from treatment. Fresh cucumber fruits after 7 days from treatment with investigated pesticides contained less carbohydrates and ascorbic acids and higher level of nitrates in compare to untreated fruits (control). After 12 days from treatment the differences between treated and untreated fruits dissapeared. Cucumber fruits harvested 7 and 12 days after treatment were processed separately. Quality evaluation of fermented and pickled cucumbers was carried out 4 months after processing. In most of cucumber fruits (7 days after treatment with pesticides) treated with pesticides empty cavities were found, and not in control (untreated). Number of cavities was highest in fresh and pickled cucumbers treated with mixture of fungicide and insecticide. In case of fermented cucumbers highest number of empty cavities occurred in fruits treated with fungicide azoxystrobin. Cucumber fruits taken to fermentation process 7 days after day of treatment had darker green colour, lowered haIdness, and larger empty cavities than untreated fruits. In fruits harvested 12 days after pesticides application such differencess were not observed.
Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek)-mediated suppression of Meloidogyne javanica in mungbean
Authors: Zia Tayyaba , Siddiqui Imran A. , Shaukat Syed S. , Nazaru-Hasnai Syed
Published: December 2013

Soil amendments with powdered seeds of Trigonella foenum - graecum (fenugreek) caused soil suppressiveness against Meloidogyne javanica. Decomposed seeds of fenugreek caused marked reduction in nematode population densities and subsequent root-knot development as compared to the aqueous extract of the seeds indicating that some indirect factors are involved in the suppression of root-knot nematode. Both decomposed seeds and aqueous extracts enhanced plant height and fresh weights of shoot whereas root growth remained uninfluenced. Changes in fungal communities associated with nematode control were studied by comparing population numbers of fungi in the soil and in internal root tissues (endorhiza) in non-amended and fenugreekamended soils. Acremonium sp., Chaetomium globosum, Fusarium solani, Macrophomina phaseolina and Rhizoctonia solani were found to colonize inner root tissues of mungbean. Acremonium sp., C. globosum and F.solani were isolated in a relatively higher frequency from roots growing in the amended soils while M. phaseolina and R. solani colonized greatly in roots growing in non-amended soil. Of the fungi isolated from soils, Penicillium brefaldianum caused maximum juvenile mortality of M.javanica whereas F.solani caused greatest inhibition of egg hatch.
Rinodina griseosoralifera, a lichen species new to the Western Carpathians
Authors: Czarnota Paweł , Kukwa Martin
Published: December 2013

Rinodina griseosoralifera is reported for the first time from Poland and the Western Carpathians. It is known there from the Gorce Mts, only locality up to now. Details of the chemistry, morphology and general distribution are provided and similar taxa are discussed.
Cristulariella depraedans as causal agent of leaf spots of maple and other trees and shrubs
Authors: Kowalski Tomasz , Bartnik Czesław
Published: December 2013

Results of the first studies in Poland on Cristulariella depraedans, the causal agent of necroses on tree and shrub leaves, are presented. The fungus was recorded on Acer platanoides, A. pseudoplatanus and eight other species of trees and shrubs, including Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Lonicera xylosteum and Padus avium that were not previously known as hosts of the fungus. The disease symptoms, which depend on the host plant species, the size and number of necrotic lesions on leaves, and the morphological features of the fungal propagules were characterized.
Distribution of some lichenicolous fungi in Poland. II
Authors: Czyżewska Katarzyna , Hachułka Mariusz , Łubek Anna , Zaniewski Piotr
Published: December 2013

Twenty six species of lichenicolous fungi, one lichenicolous lichen and one lichenicolous myxomycete are discussed. Vouauxiomyces sp., the anamorph of Abrothallus caerulescens, is reported as new to Poland. Abrothallus microspermus is reported from the Polish lowlands for the first time. Trichonectria hirta and Vouauxiomyces truncatus are reported from Poland for the second time.
Mobile Robot Localization Using Fuzzy Segments
Authors: Herrero-Pérez David , Alcaraz-Jimenez Juan Jose , Martínez-Barberá Humberto
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the development of a framework based on fuzzy logic for multi-sensor fusion and localization in indoor environments. Such a framework makes use of fuzzy segments to represent uncertain location information from different sources of information. Fuzzy reasoning, based on similarity interpretation from fuzzy logic, is then used to fuse the sensory information represented as fuzzy segments. This approach makes it possible to fuse vague and imprecise information from different sensors at the feature level instead of fusing raw data directly from different sources of information. The resulting fuzzy segments are used to maintain a coherent representation of the environment around the robot. Such an uncertain representation is finally used to estimate the robot position. The proposed multi-sensor fusion localization approach has been validated with a mobile platform using different range sensors.
A sustentabilidade como ferramenta estratégica empresarial: governança corporativa e aplicação do Triple Bottom Line na Masisa
Authors: Benites Lira Luz Lazaro , Polo Edison Fernandes
Published: December 2013

DOI: 10.5902/198346598879 The idea of ​​sustainability in a company indicates that to achieve a good economic performance, companies should adopt a strategy that includes the triple bottom line concept, according to which the companies should be accountable for their performance in the economic, environmental and social areas. This paper aims to describe the benefit to put sustainability at the heart of the corporate governance as a business strategy that will generates value from the search for better social and environmental outcomes. We mention the example of the Masisa Company to analyze the implementation of the Triple Bottom Line and Corporate Governance in both countries where it operates, Brazil and Chile.
Exanthematous Eruption in a Patient With Known Chronic Graft-vs-Host Disease and Recent Measles Vaccination
Authors: Patel Bianca , Hedberg Matthew L. , Lipoff Jules B.
Published: July 2024

A man in his 40s with a history of allogeneic stem cell transplant for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) presented with a generalized eruption 1 week after receiving a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination. What is your diagnosis?
Standardizing Retrospective Observational Research in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cheraghlou Shayan , Stevenson Mary L. , Christensen Sean R. , Bordeaux Jeremy S. , Walker Joanna L. , Srivastava Divya , Ferrándiz-Pulido Carla , Bibee Kristin P. , Carter Joi B. , Samie Faramarz H. , Patel Vishal A. , Carroll Bryan T. , Vidimos Allison T. , Baum Christian L. , Leitenberger Justin J. , Jambusaria-Pahlajani Anokhi , Ruiz Emily S. , Carucci John A. , Carr David R. , Shahwan Kathryn T.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common malignant disease in the US. Although it typically carries a good prognosis, a subset of CSCCs are highly aggressive, carrying regional and distant metastatic potential. Due to its high incidence, this aggressive subset is responsible for considerable mortality, with an overall annual mortality estimated to equal or even surpass melanoma. Despite this morbidity, CSCC is excluded from national cancer registries, making it difficult to study its epidemiology and outcomes. Therefore, the bulk of the CSCC literature is composed of single-center and multi-institutional retrospective cohort analyses. Given variations in reporting measures and analyses in these studies, interpretability between studies and the ability to pool results are limited.

Objective

To define standardized reporting measures for retrospective CSCC studies.

Findings

An expert panel was convened to determine standardized guidelines for recording and analyzing retrospective CSCC data. A total of 13 dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons with more than 5 years of posttraining experience and considerable experience with performing CSCC outcomes research were recruited to the panel. Consensus recommendations were achieved for CSCC retrospective study reporting measures, definitions, and analyses.

Conclusions and Relevance

The recommendations in this report present the potential to standardize future CSCC retrospective studies. With such standardization, future work may have greater interstudy interpretability and allow for pooled analyses.
Area Deprivation and Disease Severity in Adult Patients With Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Faden Daniella Forman , Xie Lillian , Stone Caroline , Lopes Almeida Gomes Lais , Le Todd , Ezeh Nnenna , Buckingham William R. , Kind Amy , Vleugels Ruth Ann , Werth Victoria P. , Arkin Lisa , Shaw Katharina S.
Published: July 2024

Importance

The association of area deprivation with outcomes in discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) remains poorly understood.

Objective

To determine the association between US Census block measures of deprivation and disease severity in adult patients with DLE.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included 154 patients with DLE seen between January 1, 2007, and January 1, 2024, at a single-center referral-based specialty rheumatologic-dermatology clinic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patients were aged 18 to 73 years and were enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania’s Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Database study. Data were analyzed between January 1, 2024, and May 8, 2024.

Exposures

Residence in a highly disadvantaged area as geocoded by a state area deprivation index (ADI).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was DLE disease severity as codified by the validated Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) damage and activity scores.

Results

A total of 154 adult patients with DLE (128 women [83%] and 26 men [17%]; mean [SD] age, 43 [13] years; 6 [4%] Asian individuals, 98 [64%] Black individuals, 2 [1%] Hispanic individuals, 46 [30%] White individuals, and 2 individuals [1%] with other race or ethnicity; 78 [51%] with an ADI >5; 43 who currently smoked [28%];and 56 [36%] with concurrent systemic lupus erythematosus) were included in the analysis. By multivariable logistic regression, residence within communities with an ADI greater than 5 was associated with nearly 4-fold greater odds of moderate to severe damage (odds ratio [OR], 3.90; 95% CI, 1.27-12.69] and activity (OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.27-9.44). Concurrent cigarette smoking was similarly associated with greater odds of moderate to severe damage (OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.09-10.29). After controlling for ADI and other confounders, race was not significantly associated with DLE disease severity.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that geospatial disadvantage is associated with DLE disease severity independent of race. This invites a paradigm shift that considers the social context within which racial disparities are observed, highlighting the potential for geographically targeted interventions and policy changes to improve patient outcomes in DLE.
Assessing the attractiveness of native wildflower species to bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) in the southeastern United States
Authors: Abbate Anthony P. , Campbell Joshua W. , Grodsky Steven M. , Williams Geoffrey R.
Published: July 2024

Habitat loss, agricultural intensification, pesticide use, disease and climate change have contributed to the decline of numerous insect groups. Recent government initiatives have recognized the importance of supplementary wildflower plantings to support native bee populations, yet little information exists on the attractiveness of recommended plant species to bees.

With the use of network analysis and generalized linear mixed models, we evaluated the attractiveness of 18 wildflower species belonging to 6 families (Apiaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Verbenaceae) planted in a randomized block design by conducting timed targeted sweep netting surveys. We also evaluated the floral preferences of four bee species (Apis mellifera, Halictus poeyi/ligatus, Bombus griseocollis and Bombus impatiens) to the planted wildflower species with the use of GLMs.

We found that Asclepias tuberosa, Gaillardia pulchella and Verbena hastata attracted the greatest abundance, richness and diversity of native bees compared to the other wildflower species. Collectively, Asclepias tuberosa, Gaillardia pulchella and Verbena hastata attracted 89% of all bee taxa in the study, which exemplifies the importance of including them in a wildflower mixture to attract native bees.

While several wildflower species attracted low abundance, richness and diversity of native bees such as Monarda fistulosa, Symphyotrichum pilosum and Eryngium yuccifolium, they are still ecologically important for attracting uncommon or specialist bee species and should be included in seed mixes for this reason.

Solution. Our results highlight that each species of native wildflower varies in the abundance, richness and diversity of native bees they attract; this could be considered in the decision‐making of landowners and land managers to promote wildflower plantings to reflect the needs of certain groups of bees of conservation interest.
A Biological Approach to Metalworking Based on Chitinous Colloids and Composites
Authors: Ng Shiwei , Ng Guan Zhi Benjamin , Simpson Robert E. , Fernandez Javier G.
Published: July 2024

Biological systems evolve with minimum metabolic costs and use common components, and they represent guideposts toward a paradigm of manufacturing that is centered on minimum energy, local resources, and ecological integration. Here, a new method of metalworking that uses chitosan from the arthropod cuticle to aggregate colloidal suspensions of different metals into solid ultra‐low‐binder‐content composites is demonstrated. These composites, which can contain more than 99.5% metal, simultaneously show bonding affinity for biological components and metallic characteristics, such as electrical conductivity. This approach stands in contrast with existing metalworking methods, taking place at ambient temperature and pressure, and being driven by water exchange. Furthermore, all the nonmetallic components involved are metabolized in large amounts in every ecosystem. Under these conditions, the composites’ ability to be printed and cast into functional shapes with metallic characteristics is demonstrated. The affinity of chitometallic composites for other biological components also allows them to infuse metallic characteristics into other biomaterials. The findings and robust manufacturing examples go well beyond basic demonstrations and offer a generalizable new approach to metalworking. The potential for a paradigm shift toward biomaterials based on their unique characteristics and the principles of their manufacturing methods is highlighted.
Nitrogen‐Rich Carbon Nanodot‐Sensitized TiO2 with MWCNT Composites for Efficient Visible Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Ekanayake S. Amanda , Mai Haoxin , Mahasivam Sanje , Lu Junlin , Wen Xiaoming , Chen Dehong , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: July 2024

TiO2‐based composite photocatalysts are currently being explored to address concerns intrinsic to TiO2, specifically high charge carrier recombination and UV light activation. Among various materials utilized for composite formation, carbon nanomaterials stand out due to their high electron conductivity, charge storage, photosensitization, and surface properties. However, high carbon content in composites has been shown to reduce performance with potential toxicity concerns. To harness the diverse properties of carbon nanomaterials in a single composite while optimizing the carbon content below 1% by weight, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/TiO2 sensitized by carbon nanodots (CND) are synthesized. The heterojunction formed between MWCNTs and TiO2 in the binary composite reduced the charge carrier recombination rate compared to TiO2. The addition of CNDs to MWCNT/TiO2 induced visible light absorbance of the resulting ternary composite, due to the forbidden electron transitions undergone in CND aggregates. CND/MWCNT/TiO2 exhibited a fivefold and 1.6‐fold increase in photocatalytic degradation of acid orange 7 and tetracycline under visible light compared to TiO2. This enhancement is attributed to the photosensitizing property of CNDs working in synergy with the charge storage ability of MWCNTs. A plausible charge transfer pathway for the activity of CND/MWCNT/TiO2 is proposed.
Targeting Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin‐2 (TRPM2) Enhances Therapeutic Efficacy of Third Generation EGFR Inhibitors against EGFR Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Chen Zhen , Vallega Karin A. , Boda Vijay K. , Quan Zihan , Wang Dongsheng , Fan Songqing , Wang Qiming , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Li Wei , Sun Shi‐Yong
Published: July 2024

There is an urgent need to fully understand the biology of third generation EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs), particularly osimertinib, and to develop mechanism‐driven strategies to manage their acquired resistance. Transient receptor potential melastatin‐2 (TRPM2) functions as an important regulator of Ca2+ influx, but its role in mediating therapeutic efficacies of EGFR‐TKIs and acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs has been rarely studied. This study has demonstrated a previously undiscovered role of suppression of TRPM2 and subsequent inhibition of Ca2+ influx and induction of ROS and DNA damage in mediating apoptosis induction and the therapeutic efficacy of osimertinib against EGFR mutant NSCLC. The rebound elevation represents a key mechanism accounting for the emergence of acquired resistance to osimertinib and other third generation EGFR‐TKIs. Accordingly, targeting TRPM2 is a potentially promising strategy for overcoming and preventing acquired resistance to osimertinib, warranting further study in this direction including the development of cancer therapy‐optimized TRPM2 inhibitors.
Oxidation Control to Augment Interfacial Charge Transport in Te‐P3HT Hybrid Materials for High Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Shah Syed Zulfiqar Hussain , Ding Zhenyu , Aabdin Zainul , Tjiu Weng Weei , Recatala‐Gomez Jose , Dai Haiwen , Yang Xiaoping , Maheswar Repaka Durga Venkata , Wu Gang , Hippalgaonkar Kedar , Nandhakumar Iris , Kumar Pawan
Published: July 2024

Organic–inorganic hybrid thermoelectric (TE) materials have attracted tremendous interest for harvesting waste heat energy. Due to their mechanical flexibility, inorganic‐organic hybrid TE materials are considered to be promising candidates for flexible energy harvesting devices. In this work, enhanced TE properties of Tellurium (Te) nanowires (NWs)‐ poly (3‐hexylthiophene‐2, 5‐diyl) (P3HT) hybrid materials are reported by improving the charge transport at interfacial layer mediated via controlled oxidation. A power factor of ≈9.8 µW (mK2)−1 is obtained at room temperature for oxidized P3HT‐TeNWs hybrid materials, which increases to ≈64.8 µW (mK2)−1 upon control of TeNWs oxidation. This value is sevenfold higher compared to P3HT‐TeNWs‐based hybrid materials reported in the literature. MD simulation reveals that oxidation‐free TeNWs demonstrate better templating for P3HT polymer compared to oxidized TeNWs. The Kang–Snyder model is used to study the charge transport in these hybrid materials. A large σE0 value is obtained which is related to better templating of P3HT on oxygen‐free TeNWs. This work provides evidence that oxidation control of TeNWs is critical for better interface‐driven charge transport, which enhances the thermoelectric properties of TeNWs‐P3HT hybrid materials. This work provides a new avenue to improve the thermoelectric properties of a new class of hybrid thermoelectric materials.
Multiscale screening of metal‐organic frameworks for one‐step ethylene purification in pressure‐swing adsorption processes
Authors: Zhou Yageng , Cao Xiang , Shang Jin , Sundmacher Kai , Zhou Teng
Published: July 2024

Purification of polymer‐grade (99.9%) C2H4 from C2 hydrocarbon mixture is industrially important but challenging. Cryogenic distillation is energy intensive. Recently, pressure/vacuum swing adsorption (P/VSA) processes using metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as adsorbents have been attracting increasing attention as an alternative technology. A multiscale hierarchical framework is proposed to select promising MOFs and design suitable P/VSA processes by combining property‐based material screening and model‐based process optimization. Using this framework, we successfully identified seven promising one‐step C2H4 purification MOFs that outperformed the benchmark TJT‐100 in both C2H4 purity and recovery for the 5/90/5 C2H2/C2H4/C2H6 feed mixture. Among them, OFUCAV exhibited the highest C2H4 productivity of 0.158 mol/m3/s while JAVTAC demonstrated the lowest energy consumption of 42.76 kWh/tonne. The latter can potentially save 80% of the energy consumption compared to cryogenic distillation. Moreover, these two P/VSA processes show very high robustness in response to composition fluctuations in the feed stream.
Helix‐Sense‐Selective Memory Polymerization of Biphenylylacetylenes Bearing Carboxy and Amino Groups in Water
Authors: Okuda Shogo , Ikai Tomoyuki , Okutsu Hinako , Ando Mitsuka , Hattori Masaki , Ishidate Ryoma , Yashima Eiji
Published: July 2024

We report the helix‐sense‐selective memory polymerization (HSMP) of achiral biphenylylacetylenes bearing carboxy and amino pendant groups in the presence of basic and acidic chiral guests in water, respectively. The HSMP proceeds in a highly helix‐sense‐selective manner driven by noncovalent chiral ionic interactions between the monomers and guests under kinetic control, producing the one‐handed helical polymers with a static memory of helicity in one‐pot during the polymerization in a very short time, accompanied by amplification of asymmetry. The carboxy‐bound helicity‐memorized polymer self‐assembles into a cholesteric liquid crystal in concentrated water, in which a variety of basic achiral fluorophores further co‐assembles to form supramolecular helical aggregates that exhibit an induced circularly polarized luminescence in a color tunable manner.
Stepwise synthesis of magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles decorated with SnO2 quantum dots as an efficient, recyclable, and green nanocatalyst for the synthesis of benzo[a]pyrano[3,2‐c]phenazine derivatives
Authors: Dehnavian Mohaddeseh , Moradi Leila , Bistgani Azam Moazeni
Published: July 2024

In this research, magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles decorated with SnO2 quantum dots (M‐MSNs/SnO2[QDs]) were successfully synthesized and characterized using several advanced techniques including FT‐IR, XRD, FE‐SEM, EDS, elemental mapping, VSM, and BET. This study demonstrates the synthesis of benzo[a]pyrano[3,2‐c]phenazine derivatives via a four‐component reaction between 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone, ortho‐phenylenediamine, malononitrile, and benzaldehyde derivatives in the presence of M‐MSNs/SnO2(QDs) in ethanol as a green solvent. The proposed catalyst efficiently catalyzed the synthesis of these compounds with yields of 87–96% in 70–100 minutes. The presented method offers a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly approach with numerous advantages, including high product yields, simple operation, short reaction times, low‐cost purification, and facile catalyst recovery.
Preparation of KH560‐UiO‐66‐NH2/Pebax mixed matrix membranes and CO2 separation
Authors: Zhao Wei , Liu Hongjing , Zhang Chengpeng , Cao Yuyang , Xu Yuying , Liu Xueli , Lu Zhen
Published: July 2024

Metal–organic frame UiO‐66‐NH2 was modified by 3‐glycidyl ether oxypropyl trimethoxysilane (KH560), and KH560‐UiO‐66‐NH2 was synthetized and added to Pebax to prepare KH560‐UiO‐66‐NH2/Pebax mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The epoxy group of KH560 had an amine‐epoxidation reaction with the NH2 in UiO‐66‐NH2, which prevented UiO‐66‐NH2 from agglutinating in the MMMs. In addition, the NH bond and OH bond of KH560‐UiO‐66‐NH2 could theoretically form hydrogen bonds with CO and NH bonds in the main chain of polymerization, respectively, so as to improve the interfacial compatibility between fillers and polymers. The structure and properties of the filler particles and MMMs were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analyzer. The results showed that the filler particles were successfully synthesized, and had good crystallinity, uniform size distribution, and good thermal stability. The inorganic and organic interfaces of MMMs had no obvious interface defects. The obtained KH560‐UiO‐66‐NH2/Pebax MMMs showed CO2 permeability of 111.52 Barre and CO2/N2 selectivity of 92.16, which were 85.65% and 88.73% higher than that of pristine membranes, respectively. The gas separation performance of MMMs was significantly improved, exceeding the upper bound of 2008 Robeson.
Enhancing the efficacy of feminine hygiene sanitary napkins by developing a super absorbent polymer based on methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid
Authors: Madhu Chintan , Patel Bharat
Published: July 2024

Super absorbent polymer based on methyl methacrylate (MMA), methacrylic acid (MAA) has been prepared during the present work for coating the top layer of feminine sanitary napkins. Synthesized polymers were coated on the needly punched cotton and adjusted as the top layer of the sanitary napkins, which has been prepared. The samples were evaluated by means of absorbency capacity, rewet back, strike through, and pH by the comparative study with commercially available sanitary napkin. The most suitable ratio of monomers (60 g MMA, and 40 g MAA) for synthesizing polymer was suggested. Absorbency capacity of the said ratio is competing with commercial sample with 63.68 g absorbent capacity. Specially, pH of prepared polymers suggested the acidic value and those are more preferable for maintaining the acidic pH of vagina at the menstrual time. Present work suggests the polymer, which can be utilize for coating the feminine napkin by the comparative result suggested by absorbency capacity, rewet back, strike through, and pH.
The impact of deprivation on colorectal cancer‐stage distribution in a setting with high hospital bed density: A Japanese multilevel study
Authors: Shibata Toshiaki , Shinjo Daisuke , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: July 2024

Background

A methodology for determining the appropriate balance between medical access and combating poverty remains undetermined. To address the boundary conditions for exceedingly good medical access, this study examined whether the impact of deprivation on cancer stage distribution could be eliminated in Japan, which has the highest hospital bed density in the world.

Methods

A nationwide medical claims‐based database was used to evaluate the influence of municipality‐level hospital bed density and the postal code‐level areal deprivation index on cancer stage at diagnosis. Given the limited number of similar studies in Japan, we focused on colorectal cancer (CRC), for which disparities have been reported in a prefecture‐level study. Multilevel multivariate logistic regression models were used, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for baseline and socioeconomic factors.

Results

Regardless of the early/advanced‐stage definitions, CRC consistently tended to be detected at more advanced stages in more deprived areas. In the analysis of stages 0–I/II–IV, the OR (95% CI) was 1.09 (1.05, 1.14) (p < 0.001). In the analyses of stages 0–I/II–IV and 0–II/III–IV, gradients were observed, and later detections were observed for more deprived segments. Hospital bed density was not significantly associated with the stage distribution.

Conclusion

The results indicate that inequalities in CRC detection due to deprivation persist even in the country with the highest hospital bed density worldwide, suggesting that poverty measures remain indispensable regardless of hospital bed access. Further investigation of various regions and cancers is required to develop a practical framework.
Predictive value of circulating lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory indexes for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy response in rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma patients: A machine learning approach
Authors: Lin Yu , Sun Yanwu , Jiang Weizhong , Deng Yu , Huang Ying , Chi Pan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of circulating lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory indexes in response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in patients with rectal mucinous adenocarcinomas (MACs).

Methods

Rectal MAC patients who underwent NCRT and curative resection at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital's Department of Colorectal Surgery between 2016 and 2020 were included in the study. Patients were categorized into good and poor response groups based on their pathological response to NCRT. An independent risk factor‐based nomogram model was constructed by utilizing multivariate logistic regression analysis. Additionally, the extreme gradient boosting (XGB) algorithm was applied to build a machine learning (ML)‐based predictive model. Feature importance was quantified using the Shapley additive explanations method.

Results

Out of the 283 participants involved in this research, 190 (67.1%) experienced an unfavorable outcome. To identify the independent risk factors, logistic regression analysis was performed, considering variables such as tumor length, pretreatment clinical T stage, PNI, and Th/Tc ratio. Subsequently, a nomogram model was constructed, achieving a C‐index of 0.756. The ML model exhibited higher prediction accuracy than the nomogram model, achieving an AUROC of 0.824 in the training set and 0.762 in the tuning set. The top five important parameters of the ML model were identified as the Th/Tc ratio, neutrophil to lymphocyte, Th lymphocytes, Gross type, and T lymphocytes.

Conclusion

Radiochemotherapy sensitivity is markedly influenced by systemic inflammation and lymphocyte‐mediated immune responses in rectal MAC patients. Our ML model integrating clinical characteristics, circulating lymphocyte subsets, and inflammatory indexes is a potential assessment tool that can provide a reference for individualized treatment for rectal MAC patients.
Psychological and social wellbeing associated with regional population change in Finland
Authors: Jokela Markus , Laakasuo Michael , Parikka Suvi , Rotkirch Anna , Hämäläinen Hans
Published: July 2024

Regional depopulation is an increasingly common demographic issue in many countries, as population growth becomes concentrated in small number of urban centres. Depopulation has adverse effects on the region's socioeconomic development, and often leads to worse living circumstances, such as poor availability of services. Population growth, by contrast, has many socioeconomic benefits but may also introduce unwanted consequences, such as urban alienation. However, the associations of regional population change with inhabitants' psychological and social wellbeing have not been examined as extensively as the associations with socioeconomic outcomes. With a large survey dataset from Finland (n = 99,034 participants from 299 municipalities), we examined whether regional, municipality‐level population decline and growth over the preceding 10 years were associated with psychological and social wellbeing of the inhabitants of the municipalities. We were specifically interested in whether growth and decline were both related to these outcomes, or whether the associations were more pronounced for either decline or growth. Overall negative population change was related to lower social wellbeing (e.g., lower social support) and that these associations were more pronounced for the adverse associations of population decline than for the beneficial associations of population growth (e.g., less frequent social contact and higher risk of loneliness). Population change was not associated with inhabitants' depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that regional population decline can be particularly relevant for worsening social wellbeing of the inhabitants.
Impact of stentablation with rotational atherectomy in coronary microcirculatory function
Authors: Tabata Tatsuya , Abe Masami , Uehara Hiroki
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Stentablation (SA) has been used as a bailout method for undilated, under‐expanded stents, but one reason that SA is associated with a high rate of major adverse cardiac events may be its adverse effect on microcirculation. Consequently, appropriate lesion preparation should always be considered for heavily calcified lesions to avoid such complications.

Under‐expansion of the coronary stent is associated with increased rates of in‐stent restenosis and thrombosis. Stentablation (SA) with rotational atherectomy is used in the treatment of undilatable, under‐expanded coronary stents; however, its effect on coronary microcirculatory function remains unclear. This novel report compares microcirculation indices before and after SA.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Multi‐Component Nitrooxylation Reactions of α‐Diazoesters, Cyclic Ethers, and Tert‐Butyl Nitrite Leading to Organic Nitrate Esters
Authors: Qian Cun‐Wei , Li Xian , Gu Meng‐Qing
Published: July 2024

A simple and efficient strategy has been developed for the synthesis of organic nitrate esters via visible‐light‐induced multi‐component nitrooxylation reactions of α‐diazoesters, cyclic ethers, and tert‐butyl nitrite under open air atmosphere. This transformation could be conducted under mild and metal‐free conditions to provide a number of organic nitrate esters in moderate to good yields using air as the green oxidant.
Adaptive capacity of winter wheat to potential drought in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region under RCP8.5 scenario
Authors: Ying Guo , Ma Fen , Yingchun Li , Heran Wang , Zhengping Peng , Lianxing Ge
Published: July 2024

Drought is more frequent and intensified due to global warming. Changed conditions in Beijing‐Tianjin–Hebei region which is drier and warmer than before, make it necessary to investigate various optimized irrigation schemes in the winter wheat production. In this study, the DSSAT–CERES‐Wheat model verified by field experimental data was applied to simulate the yield of winter wheat in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region from 2010 to 2069a under RCP8.5 climate scenario. The irrigation schemes were set up by adjusting the irrigation amount and irrigation structure to evaluate their adaptive capacity to climate change. The results showed that the regional average yield reduction rates of potential drought were 81.98% and 78.86% in 2010–2039a and 2040–2069a, which were higher in the north than that in the south. The yield reduction rate of potential drought increased with the decrease of irrigation amount, and the adaptive capacity declined with the decrease of irrigation amount, under the same irrigation structure. When 3‐9‐6 irrigation structure was applied, the regional averages of adaptive capacity to potential drought were 28.30%, 26.23%, and 22.22% in 2010–2039a, 29.00%, 26.67%, and 21.76% in 2040–2069a. The shortage of water resources caused by climate change and the possibility of drought limit the potential yield of winter wheat as high as 80% in this region. Priority shall be given to meeting the water demand in jointing stage and filling stage. Irrigation scheme of 3‐9‐6 structure with 180 mm irrigation amount shall be recommended and its adaptive capacity to climate change is the strongest in the near term and the medium‐term. Even if a further 20% reduction in irrigation is applied (144 mm), the dual goals of reducing yield loss and saving 8.28 × 108 t irrigation water per winter wheat season can be achieved.
Accuracy and efficiency of finite element head models: The role of finite element formulation and material laws
Authors: Gomes Marcos S. , Carmo Gustavo P. , Ptak Mariusz , Fernandes Fábio A. O. , Alves de Sousa Ricardo J.
Published: July 2024

Traumatic brain injury is a significant problem worldwide. In the United States of America, around 1.7 million cases are documented annually, displaying the need for a deeper understanding of the effects on the human brain. The tests required for this assessment are very complex. Tests on cadavers may raise serious ethical questions, and in vivo crash tests are not viable. In this context, there is a great need to developing finite element head models (FEHM) to study the biomechanics of the tissues when submitted to a certain impact or acceleration/deceleration scenario. An excellent compromise between accuracy and CPU efficiency is always desirable for a FEHM, For this reason, this work focuses on the improvement of an existing head model, including the study of the behavior of the brain using distinct finite element types. The finite element type and formulation is of utmost importance for the general accuracy and efficiency of the models. Several validations were performed, comparing the simulation results against experimental data. The simulations with hexahedral elements, under specific conditions, obtained more accurate results with a lower computational cost. Using hexahedrals, a comparison was also performed using two material characterizations with more than 10 years apart, using the latest finite element head model validation experiment. Overall, the newer material model displays a less stiff response, although its implementation must always depend on the overall purpose of the model it is being applied to.
Architecture and performance of Perlmutter's 35 PB ClusterStor E1000 all‐flash file system
Authors: Lockwood Glenn K. , Chiusole Alberto , Gerhardt Lisa , Lozinskiy Kirill , Paul David , Wright Nicholas J.
Published: July 2024

NERSC's newest system, Perlmutter, features a 35 PB all‐flash Lustre file system built on HPE Cray ClusterStor E1000. We present its architecture, early performance figures, and performance considerations unique to this architecture. We demonstrate the performance of E1000 OSSes through low‐level Lustre tests that achieve over 90% of the theoretical bandwidth of the SSDs at the OST and LNet levels. We also show end‐to‐end performance for both traditional dimensions of I/O performance (peak bulk‐synchronous bandwidth) and nonoptimal workloads endemic to production computing (small, incoherent I/Os at random offsets) and compare them to NERSC's previous system, Cori, to illustrate that Perlmutter achieves the performance of a burst buffer and the resilience of a scratch file system. Finally, we discuss performance considerations unique to all‐flash Lustre and present ways in which users and HPC facilities can adjust their I/O patterns and operations to make optimal use of such architectures.
The quality evaluation system of ideological and political classroom teaching in universities based on GA‐BP algorithm
Authors: Jing Guohua
Published: July 2024

The advancement of teaching quality is an indispensable section of the reform and growth of universities, and ideological and political education has critical impact on ideological education. The quality of classroom education can provide data support for efficient development, and has crucial influence on achieving scientific, reasonable, and accurate evaluation of ideological and political teaching performance. Thus, a performance assessment system for ideological and political education in universities with genetic algorithm optimized neural network algorithm is put forward. First, based on existing teaching evaluation indicators and combined with actual situations, a targeted teaching quality evaluation system is proposed. Then, based on BP, an adaptive genetic algorithm is proposed for improvement, and the output results are improved using entropy method. The results indicated that the proposed model could reach its optimal state after 81 iterations in this study. In the fitting test, it reached 0.971. In actual testing, the average error was only 2.68, which was much bigger than the other three algorithms. Its accuracy was 2%–3.2% higher than that of the best existing algorithms. These results indicated that the method put forward in this study had better practical significance, lower error, more accurate evaluation results, and offered scientific data support for the education reform work of universities, which can better accelerate the development and construction of universities.
On the Interplay Between Force, Temperature, and Electric Fields in the Rupture Process of Mechanophores
Authors: Scheele Tarek , Neudecker Tim
Published: July 2024

The use of oriented external electric fields (OEEFs) shows promise as an alternative approach to chemical catalysis. The ability to target a specific bond by aligning it with a bond‐weakening electric field may be beneficial in mechanochemical reactions, which use mechanical force to selectively rupture bonds. Previous computational studies have focused on a static description of molecules in OEEFs, neglecting to test the influence of thermal oscillations on molecular stability. Here, we performed ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the behaviour of a model mechanophore under the simultaneous influence of thermal and electric field effects. We show that the change in bond length caused by a strong electric field is largely independent of the temperature, both without and with mechanical stretching forces applied to the molecule. The amplitude of thermal oscillations increases with increasing field strength and temperature, but at low temperatures, the application of mechanical force leads to an additional increase in amplitude. Our research shows that methods for applying mechanical force and OEEFs can be safely combined and included in an AIMD simulation at both low and high temperatures, allowing researchers to computationally investigate mechanochemical reactions in realistic application scenarios.
Excimer‐Induced Efficient Luminescence by Discrete Intermolecular π−π Stacking of Naphthalimide‐Based Dimer
Authors: Wang Shiyin , Yang Daojie , Liu Haichao , Zhang Shi‐Tong , Yang Bing
Published: July 2024

π−π stacking interactions are generally thought to reduce the luminescence of materials. Here, a systematic investigation is conducted using a π−π stacking dimer with varying steric hindrance substituents as a model to illustrate how π−π stacking structure affects the luminescence efficiency of materials. Four naphthalimide (NI) derivative molecules were designed and synthesized by incorporating sterically hindered unilateral groups to achieve NIPH, NIP1C, NIP2C, and NIP3C. It was figured out that side group modification did affect their crystal packing structures and luminescent properties. On the one hand, the excimer state formed by strongly interacted π−π NI‐based dimer (NIPH and NIP3C) enhances luminescence efficiency compared to the monomer state based on weakly interacted π−π NI‐based dimers (NIP1C and NIP2C). On the other hand, the discrete stacking of NI‐based dimers (NIP3C) further promotes luminescence efficiency compared to the nondiscrete stacking of NI‐based dimers (NIPH). Among these four compounds, NIP3C exhibits discrete stacking of π−π NI‐based dimer due to the large steric hindrance generated by propyl benzene, resulting in the highest luminescence efficiency of the NIP3C crystal. This work will provide further insight into the underlying mechanisms behind the high luminescence efficiency induced by π−π dimer stacking.