bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3′,5′-Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Augments Intracellular Ca2+ Concentration and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Release in Immortalized GnRH Neurons in an Na+-Dependent Manner
Authors: Kaneishi Keisuke , Sakuma Yasuo , Kobayashi Hisae , Kato Masakatsu
Published: October 2002

In GT1-7 cells, cAMP increases the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) through activation of the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, thereby facilitating GnRH release. To activate these channels, the membrane potential must be depolarized. In the present study we hypothesize that cAMP depolarizes the cells by increasing the membrane Na+ permeability, as in the case of somatotrophs and pancreatic β-cells. To examine this, we analyzed [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i in GT1-7 cells by an intracellular ion-imaging technique along with cAMP assay by RIA.

Forskolin, a direct activator of adenylyl cyclase, increased [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i via cAMP formation. The forskolin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i depended on the presence of Ca2+ and Na+ in the extracellular solution. This response was blocked by the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine; the nonselective cation channel blocker, gadolinium (Gd3+); and the cyclic nucleotide-gated channel blocker, l-cis-diltiazem. In contrast, the forskolin-induced increase in [Na+]i depended only on extracellular Na+, not on Ca2+. Gd3+ and l-cis-diltiazem also blocked the increase in [Na+]i. Furthermore, the forskolin-induced increase in GnRH release was blunted in both low Ca2+ and low Na+ media. The results indicate that cAMP increases the membrane Na+ permeability, probably through nonselective cation channels on GT1-7 cells, thereby promoting GnRH release.
Dynamics of coil defrosting in supersaturated freezer air
Authors: Mago P J , Sherif S A
Published: October 2002

When humid air is exposed to a cold surface whose temperature is below both the dew-point temperature of water vapour in air and the freezing point, frost will form. If the amount of moisture present in the air is larger than the amount that the air can carry at the prevailing air temperature, supersaturated conditions will exist. Experimental observations have documented that formations taking place under supersaturated conditions on cold surfaces produce a more dense snow-like frost, which is characterized by a larger defrost energy penalty and a poorer coil heat transfer performance. A recent experimental investigation has been conducted for the purpose of determining the dynamics of coil defrosting after the freezer has been operating under supersaturated conditions. The study has documented the effect of freezer conditions on the characteristics of the defrosting process for both dampered and undampered coil operation. A number of relevant variables such as the coil defrosting efficiency have been measured and analysed. This paper reports on the findings of this experimental investigation through visual observations and images taken inside the laboratory freezer under study during coil defrosting.
Kinematics and mobility analysis of carton folds in packing manipulation based on the mechanism equivalent
Authors: Dai J S , Jones J Rees
Published: October 2002

The process of erecting and closing a carton in packing manipulation is seen as a succession of folds in position and orientation from one distinct configuration to another. Permitted manipulations and changes in shape are governed by the geometry of crease lines, dimensions and profiles of the panels. The possibility for panels to fold into successive distinct configurations is determined by the kinematic geometry. This paper presents a mathematical basis which determines the mobility of distinct configurations of a carton to include the degrees of freedom dominating the manipulation and the overconstraint configurations in an erected and closed form, and proposes the kinematic analysis of a carton during packing manipulation. Use is made of the concept of line vectors and screw theory associated with graph theory. The analysis helps to explain some configurations which show how a carton can fold and opens up the way of describing manipulation in the packaging process.
Plastic deformation and fracture characteristics of Hadfield steel subjected to high-velocity impact loading
Authors: Lee W-S , Chen T-H
Published: October 2002

Investigation of the impact behaviour of Hadfield steel has been carried out in a broad range of strain rates from 10−3 to 9 × 103s−1 by means of a servo-hydraulic machine and a compressive split Hopkinson bar. The effects of strain rate on the impact properties, substructure evolution and fracture resistance have been evaluated. The observed stress-strain response is influenced greatly by strain rate, resulting in obvious changes of work hardening rate, strain rate sensitivity and activation volume. This rate-dependent behaviour is in good agreement with model predictions using the Zerilli-Armstrong constitutive law. Dislocation tangle and deformation twin substructures are also found to develop as a function of strain rate. Increasing dislocation and twin densities enhance the work hardening rate and flow strength. Catastrophic failure at high rates results from the formation of localized shear bands. With increasing strain rate, there is an increase in brittle cleavage microfracture, resulting in ductility loss. Microcracking initiates at grain boundaries due to the presence of carbide precipitates.
Vibration suppression of structures with viscoelastic inserts
Authors: Bhattacharya B , Tomlinson G R , House J R
Published: October 2002

The concept of suppressing flexural and longitudinal wave motion in a free-free beam structure by use of embedded viscoelastic inserts is described. Taking the example of a simple aluminium beam it is shown that the shape of the insert in terms of the incident wave angle plays an important role in the efficient suppression of wave motion. The insert principle is then applied to a ‘top-hat’ stiffener section that forms part of a fibre-reinforced polymeric composite beam structure, typical of that used in the fabrication of marine structures. From this example it is shown that the use of specifically designed viscoelastic inserts can reduce flexural and longitudinal wave motion over a wide frequency range. The numerical studies are supported by experimental tests in the case of both the free-free beam and the more complex top-hat section structure.
A stepped, shrink-fitted shaft subject to torsion
Authors: Sackfield A , Truman C E , Hills D A
Published: October 2002

A circular shaft having an enlarged boss is shrink-fitted into a large plate. The shaft is subject to torsion and the conditions are established for continued adhesion of the interface to the free surface, together with the depth of penetration of slip when this occurs. Lastly, the development of protective residual shear tractions is discussed and the frictional shakedown of the assembly is studied.
An analytical method to determine the influence of shape deviation on load distribution and mesh stiffness for spur gears
Authors: MacLennan L D
Published: October 2002

A method for analysing the influence of profile errors upon load-sharing capabilities and mesh stiffness of spur gears is proposed. The analysis is based upon a static, two-dimensional finite element approach. The contacts between mating gear teeth are identified in the deformed state, and the nodal point density permits contact pressure distribution emulation for moderate to high load levels. In addition, artificial neural networks are employed for system identification in order to calculate load-sharing capabilities and mesh stiffness trends for low tooth load levels. The effect of tip relief on load-sharing properties is discussed. The contact force and the transmission error are simulated for two medium-quality spur gears where the profile and pitch errors are known. Experimental data validate the reliability of the approach. The contact ratio is shown to be highly load dependent due to profile and pitch errors. The discussion is focused upon the size of the area where the relation between torque and angular displacement is highly non-linear, i.e. load depending. Hence, the contact ratio is shown to be load depending due to geometrical errors, such as profile and pitch errors, in addition to material elasticity.
On the use of laser-induced fluorescence for the measurement of in-cylinder air—fuel ratios
Authors: de Sercey G , Heikal M , Gold M , Begg S , Wood R , Awcock G , Laguitton O
Published: October 2002

This paper presents the development of a new strategy for the calibration of air-fuel ratio measurements in engines by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). After a brief introduction to the LIF technique, the paper highlights the structured approach undertaken to ensure that accurate quantitative measurements were produced. In particular, the new approach to coping with the fluorescence dependency on pressure and temperature, the issues related to the choice of a fluorescence tracer, the careful determination of the optimum tracer concentration and the complete calibration methodology are described, together with the resolution of some of the obstacles encountered. The paper concludes with some examples of calibrated measurements accompanied by a comparison of the results with combustion and emission performances. These results show a very good correlation.
On the experimental validation of a non-linear shaft damping model
Authors: MacLennan L D
Published: October 2002

This paper presents an experimental validation of a proposed non-linear damping model for shaft torsional vibration studies, compared to the linear viscous damping model. Nine different shaft configurations were used. The deflection of each shaft exhibiting free vibration was measured for a period of one minute and the signal component at the natural frequency of torsion was found. The experiments showed that the internal shaft damping was highly non-linear. The damping tended to be not only stiffness related but also depended on the material used.
Kinetics of the Adsorption of Copper and Lead Ions from Aqueous Solution on to WD-ekstra Activated Carbon
Authors: Kapica Joanna , Pełech Robert , Przepiórski Jacek , Morawski Antoni W.
Published: October 2002

The kinetics of the adsorption of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution on to WD-ekstra activated carbon was studied by batch methods. Such adsorption processes proceeded in two stages: an initial rapid stage followed by a slower one. The Bangham equation was used to describe the kinetics of both adsorption processes. Measurements were carried out for solutions containing only one type of metal ion and also for binary systems containing both Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions. A considerable influence of Pb2+ ions on the adsorption of Cu2+ ions was observed in the binary system. It was found that the equilibrium isotherms could be analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich–Langmuir and Freundlich methods.
Effect of Various Superplasticizers on the Textural Properties of Silica Fume Pozzolanic Cements
Authors: Deraz Nasr-Allah M. , Heikal Mohamed , El-Didamony Hamdy
Published: October 2002

The influence of different superplasticizers on the hydration and textural characteristics of hardened pozzolanic cement pastes was evaluated. Thus, the BET surface areas and pore structures of hardened cement pastes containing different amounts of silica fume and/or various superplasticizers were determined via nitrogen adsorption isotherms measured at −196°C. Three types of superplasticizers were used in this study, viz. naphthalene formaldehyde sulphonate (NFS), sodium gluconate (SG) and their mixtures (NFS + SG). The various phase compositions and microstructures were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies. The results revealed that the specific surface area (SBET) of the hardened cement pastes decreased as the amount of silica fume increased and also on addition of superplasticizer. The decrease in surface area was more pronounced in the presence of 30 wt% silica fume as well as with superplasticizers. Thus, the maximum decrease in the SBET value due to the addition of 4% NFS superplasticizer attained values in the range 46–68%. In addition, increasing the curing time from 3 d up to 180 d decreased the surface area of the pure and superplasticized cement pastes. The decrease in SBET for the various cement pastes could be attributed to the pozzolanic activity of the silica fume with a subsequent increase in the amount of hydration products within the pore system.
Surface and Catalytic Properties of NiO and Co3O4 Solids Doped with Cobalt and Nickel Ions
Authors: El-Shobaky G.A. , Turky A.M. , Ghozza A.M.
Published: October 2002

The effects of doping NiO and Co3O4 solids with cobalt and nickel species on their surface and catalytic properties were investigated. The amounts of dopant, in the form of the corresponding nitrate, were varied between 0.5–6.0 mol% cobalt ions and 2.0–6.0 mol% nickel ions. Pure and variously doped solids were subjected to thermal treatment at 300–700°C. The techniques employed were XRD, nitrogen adsorption at −196°C, decomposition of H2O2 at 30–50°C and estimation of the amount of surface excess oxygen on the variously prepared solids as determined by the hydrazine method.

The results obtained revealed that the pure and variously doped NiO samples precalcined at 300°C consisted of a finely divided NiO phase having an average particle size of ca. 40 Å. Pure and variously doped Co3O4 specimens preheated at 500°C and 700°C were composed of a Co3O4 phase with a much bigger particle size (230 Å and 350 Å, respectively, for the solids precalcined at 500°C and 700°C). Doping of NiO followed by thermal treatment at 300°C and 500°C resulted in a measurable decrease in its BET surface area (19–23%), while doping of Co3O4 with nickel species followed by heating at 500°C and 700°C brought about a significant increase in its specific surface area (56–60%). Doping each of the NiO and Co3O4 solids with cobalt and nickel species greatly increased the amount of surface excess oxygen and effected a considerable increase in their catalytic activities. This increase was, however, much more pronounced in the case of NiO which attained a value of ca. 100-fold. Doping of NiO with cobalt species followed by thermal treatment at 300°C and 500°C decreased the activation energy (DE) of the catalyzed reaction to an extent proportional to the amount of dopant added. On the other hand, doping of Co3O4 with nickel species followed by thermal treatment at 500°C and 700°C did not change the value of DE. These results suggest that doping of Co3O4 with nickel species did not modify the mechanism of the catalyzed reaction but increased the concentration of catalytically active sites without changing their energetic nature.
Effect of Blends of Benzotriazole and Thiourea on the Anodic Dissolution of Copper
Authors: Ashour E.A. , Hegazy H.S. , Ateya B.G.
Published: October 2002

The blending of benzotriazole (BTAH) and thiourea (TU) was shown to exert synergistic or antagonistic effects on the anodic dissolution of copper at pH ≈ 1.8 depending on their concentrations in the blend. While synergism was observed in blends with low concentrations of TU and BTAH, antagonism was observed in blends containing higher, i.e. ≥ 10−2 M, concentrations of TU to an extent which increased with the concentration of TU. The antagonistic effect of TU was discussed in the light of its tendency to produce hydrogen sulphide which promotes the anodic dissolution of copper. Analysis of the adsorption behaviour of the individual compounds using the Langmuir isotherm revealed stronger interaction of the copper surface with BTAH than with TU, as judged by free energy of adsorption values of −18.8 and −8.7 kJ/mol for BTAH and TU, respectively.
Adsorption Characteristics of Trace Volatile Organic Compounds on Activated Carbon Fibres at Room Temperature
Authors: Huang Zheng-Hong , Kang Feiyu , Zheng Yong-Ping , Yang Jun-Bing , Liang Kai-Ming
Published: October 2002

The adsorption characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on viscose rayon-based activated carbon fibres (ACFs) were investigated. ACFs with specific surface areas of 640 m2/g and 1460 m2/g were used to adsorb trace volatile organic compounds in nitrogen streams at atmospheric pressure at or near room temperature (25°C and 30°C). The experimental results showed that ACFs with different surface areas exhibited different dynamic adsorption behaviours at or near room temperature.
Changes in the Porous Texture of Hydrous Ferric Oxide on Adsorption of Transition Metal Ions: Adsorption Mechanism
Authors: Khalil L.B. , Alaya M.N. , Petro N.Sh. , Elenein R.M.M. Abo
Published: October 2002

In general, it was found that loading hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) with transition metal ions led to a decrease in both the internal surface and external surface area. The micropore volume in the microporous samples (obtained by heating the oxide at 50°C and 200°C) and the total pore volume in both samples and in the mesoporous sample (obtained by heating the oxide at 400°C) also decreased. The mean pore radius, however, appeared to be little altered in all the samples. The observed effects cannot be interpreted on the basis of the adsorption of unhydrated transition metal ions, nor by assuming precipitation of these ions as hydroxides inside the pores. The only other possibility was the assumption that the adsorption of these ions was accompanied by the adsorption of relatively more strongly adsorbed water (not removed during evacuation of the samples) and/or the transformation of water already present in the oxide to strongly adsorbed water. This conclusion was confirmed by comparing the water loss at 100°C and 200°C in the original and metal-loaded HFO samples.
Adsorption of Polyelectrolytes at the Manganese Oxide(IV)–Polymer Solution Interface: Structure of Adsorbed Layers
Authors: Chibowski S. , Wiśniewska M. , Paszkiewicz M.
Published: October 2002

The influence of the molecular weight of polyelectrolytes on their adsorption and on the structure of the adsorbed layers at the manganese oxide(IV)–polymer solution interface was determined. Polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) were applied as ionic polymers.

An explanation was proposed for the observed changes in surface charge and zeta potential of the solid in the presence of these polymers. The thickness of the adsorption layer of PAA and PAM was determined and the free energies of adsorption of these polymers on the MnO2 surface were calculated from the zeta potential measurements.
Studies on the Selectivity of Porous Methacrylate Polymers
Authors: Gawdzik B. , Maciejewska M.
Published: October 2002

Four types of porous methacrylate polymers were synthesized as stationary phases for gas chromatography. The influence of the chemical structure of the monomers used in the synthesis on the selectivities of the resulting polymers was studied. Two procedures were applied to determine the selectivities of the copolymers: the selectivity triangle and the general selectivity. Porapak Q, the least polar commercially available porous polymer, was used as a reference phase.
Childhood Trauma, Emotional Awareness, and Neural Correlates of Long-Term Nicotine Smoking
Authors: Quam Annika , Biernacki Kathryn , Ross Thomas J. , Salmeron Betty Jo , Janes Amy C.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Temporal dynamic measures provide insight into the neurobiological properties of nicotine use. It is critical to determine whether brain-based measures are associated with substance use risk factors, such as childhood trauma–related emotion dysregulation.

Objective

To assess temporal dynamic differences based on smoking status and examine the associations between childhood trauma, alexithymia, nicotine smoking, and default mode network (DMN) states.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Baltimore, Maryland, area at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Participants included individuals aged 18 to 65 years who smoked nicotine long term and matched controls with no co-occurring substance use or psychiatric disorders. Participants were enrolled from August 8, 2013, to August 9, 2022. Analysis was conducted from August 2022 to July 2023.

Exposure

Long-term nicotine smoking.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was temporal dynamic differences based on smoking status. Coactivation pattern analysis was conducted based on 16-minute resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging; total time in, persistence of, and frequency of transitions into states were evaluated. The associations between childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), alexithymia (20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale), and DMN temporal dynamics were assessed.

Results

The sample included 204 participants (102 individuals who smoked nicotine and 102 control individuals) with a mean (SD) age of 37.53 (10.64) years (109 [53.4%] male). Compared with controls, individuals who smoked nicotine spent more time in the frontoinsular DMN (FI-DMN) state (mean difference, 25.63 seconds; 95% CI, 8.05-43.20 seconds; η2p = 0.04; P = .004 after Bonferroni correction). In those who smoked nicotine, greater alexithymia was associated with less time spent in the FI-DMN state (r, −0.26; 95% CI, −0.44 to −0.07; P = .007). In a moderated mediation analysis, alexithymia mediated the association between childhood trauma and time spent in the FI-DMN state only in individuals who smoked nicotine (c′ = −0.24; 95% CI, −0.58 to −0.03; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

Compared with controls, individuals who smoked nicotine spent more time in the FI-DMN state. Among those who smoked nicotine, childhood trauma–related alexithymia was associated with less time spent in the FI-DMN state, indicating that considering trauma-related factors may reveal alternative neurobiological underpinnings of substance use. These data may aid in reconciling contradictory findings in prior literature regarding the role of FI-DMN regions in substance use.
Mediating Factors in the Association of Maternal Educational Level With Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Rogne Tormod , Gill Dipender , Liew Zeyan , Shi Xiaoting , Stensrud Vilde Hatlevoll , Nilsen Tom Ivar Lund , Burgess Stephen
Published: January 2024

Importance

Lower educational attainment is associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but it is unclear which pathways mediate this association.

Objective

To investigate the association between educational attainment and pregnancy outcomes and the proportion of this association that is mediated through modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this 2-sample mendelian randomization (MR) cohort study, uncorrelated (R2 < 0.01) single-nucleotide variants (formerly single-nucleotide polymorphisms) associated with the exposure (P < 5 × 10−8) and mediators and genetic associations with the pregnancy outcomes from genome-wide association studies were extracted. All participants were of European ancestry and were largely from Finland, Iceland, the United Kingdom, or the US. The inverse variance–weighted method was used in the main analysis, and the weighted median, weighted mode, and MR Egger regression were used in sensitivity analyses. In mediation analyses, the direct effect of educational attainment estimated in multivariable MR was compared with the total effect estimated in the main univariable MR analysis. Data were extracted between December 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023.

Exposure

Genetically estimated educational attainment. The mediators considered were genetically estimated type 2 diabetes, body mass index, smoking, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and systolic blood pressure.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Ectopic pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and offspring birth weight.

Results

The analyses included 3 037 499 individuals with data on educational attainment, and those included in studies on pregnancy outcomes ranged from 141 014 for ectopic pregnancy to 270 002 with data on offspring birth weight. Each SD increase in genetically estimated educational attainment (ie, 3.4 years) was associated with an increased birth weight of 42 (95% CI, 28-56) g and an odds ratio ranging from 0.53 (95% CI, 0.46-0.60) for ectopic pregnancy to 0.81 (95% CI, 0.71-0.93) for preeclampsia. The combined proportion of the association that was mediated by the 5 cardiometabolic risk factors ranged from −17% (95% CI, −46% to 26%) for hyperemesis gravidarum to 78% (95% CI, 10%-208%) for preeclampsia. Sensitivity analyses accounting for pleiotropy were consistent with the main analyses.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this MR cohort study, intervening for type 2 diabetes, body mass index, smoking, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and systolic blood pressure may lead to reductions in several adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with lower levels of education. Such public health interventions would serve to reduce health disparities attributable to social inequalities.
National and Provincial-Level Prevalence and Risk Factors of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Chinese Adults
Authors: Fu Jingzhu , Deng Yuhan , Ma Yuan , Man Sailimai , Yang Xiaochen , Yu Canqing , Lv Jun , Wang Bo , Li Liming
Published: January 2024

Importance

Epidemiologic studies on carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) based on nationwide ultrasonography measurements can contribute to understanding the future risk of cardiovascular diseases and identifying high-risk populations, thereby proposing more targeted prevention and treatment measures.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of CAS within the general population of China and to investigate its distribution among populations with potential risk factors and variation across diverse geographic regions.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, population-based cross-sectional study used China’s largest health check-up chain database to study 10 733 975 individuals aged 20 years or older from all 31 provinces in China who underwent check-ups from January 1, 2017, to June 30, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed and graded using ultrasonography as increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), carotid plaque (CP), and carotid stenosis (CS). The overall and stratified prevalences were estimated among the general population and various subpopulations based on demographic characteristics, geographic regions, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Mixed-effects regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for CAS.

Results

Among 10 733 975 Chinese participants (mean [SD] age, 47.7 [13.4] years; 5 861 566 [54.6%] male), the estimated prevalences were 26.2% (95% CI, 25.0%-27.4%) for increased cIMT, 21.0% (95% CI, 19.8%-22.2%) for CP, and 0.56% (95% CI, 0.36%-0.76%) for CS. The prevalence of all CAS grades was higher among older adults (eg, increased cIMT: aged ≥80 years, 92.7%; 95% CI, 92.2%-93.3%), male participants (29.6%; 95% CI, 28.4%-30.7%), those residing in northern China (31.0%; 95% CI, 29.1%-32.9%), and those who had comorbid conditions, such as hypertension (50.8%; 95% CI, 49.7%-51.9%), diabetes (59.0%; 95% CI, 57.8%-60.1%), dyslipidemia (32.1%; 95% CI, 30.8%-33.3%), and metabolic syndrome (31.0%; 95% CI, 29.1%-32.9%). Most cardiovascular disease risk factors were independent risk factors for all CAS stages (eg, hypertension: 1.60 [95% CI, 1.60-1.61] for increased cIMT, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.62-1.63] for CP, and 1.48 [95% CI, 1.45-1.51] for CS). Moreover, the magnitude of the association between several cardiovascular disease risk factors and increased cIMT and CP differed between the sexes and geographic regions.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that nearly one-quarter of Chinese adults have increased cIMT or CP. The burden of this disease is unevenly distributed across geographic regions and subpopulations and may require different levels of local planning, support, and management. Addressing these disparities is crucial for effectively preventing and managing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China.
Accelerated Hypofractionated Chemoradiation Followed by Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Boost for Locally Advanced, Unresectable Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wu Trudy C. , Luterstein Elaine , Neilsen Beth K. , Goldman Jonathan W. , Garon Edward B. , Lee Jay M. , Felix Carol , Cao Minsong , Tenn Stephen E. , Low Daniel A. , Kupelian Patrick A. , Steinberg Michael L. , Lee Percy
Published: January 2024

Importance

Intrathoracic progression remains the predominant pattern of failure in patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation followed by a consolidation immune checkpoint inhibitor for locally advanced, unresectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Objective

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and use of hypofractionated concurrent chemoradiation with an adaptive stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) boost.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was an early-phase, single-institution, radiation dose-escalation nonrandomized controlled trial with concurrent chemotherapy among patients with clinical stage II (inoperable/patient refusal of surgery) or III NSCLC (American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual, seventh edition). Patients were enrolled and treated from May 2011 to May 2018, with a median patient follow-up of 18.2 months. Patients advanced to a higher SABR boost dose if dose-limiting toxic effects (any grade 3 or higher pulmonary, gastrointestinal, or cardiac toxic effects, or any nonhematologic grade 4 or higher toxic effects) occurred in fewer than 33% of the boost cohort within 90 days of follow-up. The current analyses were conducted from January to September 2023.

Intervention

All patients first received 4 Gy × 10 fractions followed by an adaptive SABR boost to residual metabolically active disease, consisting of an additional 25 Gy (low, 5 Gy × 5 fractions), 30 Gy (intermediate, 6 Gy × 5 fractions), or 35 Gy (high, 7 Gy × 5 fractions) with concurrent weekly carboplatin/paclitaxel.

Main Outcome and Measure

The primary outcome was to determine the MTD.

Results

Data from 28 patients (median [range] age, 70 [51-88] years; 16 [57%] male; 24 [86%] with stage III disease) enrolled across the low- (n = 10), intermediate- (n = 9), and high- (n = 9) dose cohorts were evaluated. The protocol-specified MTD was not exceeded. The incidences of nonhematologic acute and late (>90 days) grade 3 or higher toxic effects were 11% and 7%, respectively. No grade 3 toxic effects were observed in the intermediate-dose boost cohort. Two deaths occurred in the high-dose cohort. Two-year local control was 74.1%, 85.7%, and 100.0% for the low-, intermediate-, and high-dose cohorts, respectively. Two-year overall survival was 30.0%, 76.2%, and 55.6% for the low-, intermediate-, and high-dose cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

This early-phase, dose-escalation nonrandomized controlled trial showed that concurrent chemoradiation with an adaptive SABR boost to 70 Gy in 15 fractions with concurrent chemotherapy is a safe and effective regimen for patients with locally advanced, unresectable NSCLC.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01345851
Tooling in Spark Plasma Sintering Technology: Design, Optimization, and Application
Authors: Laptev Alexander M. , Bram Martin , Garbiec Dariusz , Räthel Jan , van der Laan Antoine , Beynet Yannick , Huber Jens , Küster Matthias , Cologna Marco , Guillon Olivier
Published: January 2024

Spark plasma sintering as the prominent field‐assisted sintering technique (FAST/SPS) is a novel technology for the rapid, pressure‐assisted consolidation of powder materials. The main feature of FAST/SPS is the direct Joule heating of the applied tooling. Tooling is a challenging part of the FAST/SPS setup, which must withstand high pressure at elevated temperatures and ensure a uniform temperature distribution in the sintered part. This review looks at the standard FAST/SPS tooling, the specific tooling for sintering complex‐shaped parts, and for pressureless sintering. A particular focus lies on graphite, the commonly used tooling material, and on alternative materials such as steel, alloys, ceramics, and composites. The review also considers the add‐on tooling elements, such as spacers, foils, and thermal insulation. Furthermore, the article discusses the basics of FAST/SPS modeling, and the computer‐based optimization of FAST/SPS tooling, the procedure used, and the modeling accuracy. The review briefly describes the tooling and equipment for manufacturing upsized parts and large‐scale production. In addition, the article considers the tooling for FAST/SPS sintering under high pressure (up to 1 GPa) and ultra‐high pressure (over 1 GPa). The article concludes with an analysis of the challenges and prospectives for the smart design of FAST/SPS tooling.
Fluorine‐Containing Phase‐Separated Polymer Electrolytes Enabling High‐Energy Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Han Junghun , Lee Michael J. , Min Ju Hong , Kim Keun Hee , Lee Kyungbin , Kwon Seung Ho , Park Jinseok , Ryu Kun , Seong Hyeonseok , Kang Hyewon , Lee Eunji , Lee Seung Woo , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: January 2024

Solid‐state lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) have been developed as a promising replacement for conventional Li‐ion batteries due to their potential for higher energy. However, the current solid‐state electrolytes used in LMBs have limitations regarding mechanical and electrochemical properties and interfacial stability. Here, a fluorine (F)‐containing solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) having a bi‐continuous structure of F‐containing elastomers and plastic crystals is reported. The trifluoroethyl acrylate‐based SPE (T‐SPE) exhibits high ionic conductivity over 10−3 S cm−1, superior mechanical elasticity, and robust LiF‐rich interphases at both the Li metal anode and the LiNi0.83Mn0.06Co0.11O2 cathode. Full cells with thin T‐SPEs and low negative/positive capacity ratios below 0.5 at the high‐operating voltage of 4.5 V demonstrate a high specific energy of 538 Wh kganode+cathode+electrolyte−1 and maintain 393 Wh kg−1 at a high specific power of 804 W kganode+cathode+electrolyte−1. The F‐containing phase‐separated SPE system provides a powerful strategy for achieving high‐energy and ‐power solid‐state LMBs.
P‐Type PbS Quantum Dot Solar Ink via Hydrogen‐Bonding Modulated Solvation for High‐Efficiency Photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Chao , Wu Qi , Wang Yinglin , Wang Zihan , Li Hao , Li Xiaofei , Chen Xiangshan , Wang Changhua , Liu Yichun , Zhang Xintong
Published: January 2024

Ligand modulation of the electrical properties and surface solvation plays a crucial role in the development of functionalized colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) inks for solution‐processed optoelectronics. While inorganic halide ionic ligands can facilitate the n‐type doping of PbS CQDs and establish an electrical double layer in polar solvents for stable high‐concentration n‐type CQD inks, a plausible solvation strategy is still lacking to stabilize p‐type PbS CQDs, thereby resulting in a tedious multi‐step deposition involving short‐chain dithiol molecular ligands for advanced heterojunction CQD solar cells. Here an effective hydrogen bonding solvation strategy is proposed using 2‐mercaptoethanol (ME) ligands to realize stable p‐type PbS CQD ink. This strategy enables DMSO to form a dense solvation layer surrounding the ME‐modified PbS CQDs. With this approach, the PbS‐ME CQD ink exhibits a photoluminescence quantum yield of 52.03%, which is the highest record for PbS CQD inks. Finally, one‐step deposition of a p‐type PbS‐ME layer for PbS CQD photovoltaics is successfully achieved with an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.91%. This p‐type solar ink facilitates the fabrication of ready‐to‐use devices, enabling extensive applications in large‐scale and flexible optoelectronic devices.
An Intelligent and Soluble Microneedle Composed of Bi/BiVO4 Schottky Heterojunction for Tumor Ct Imaging and Starvation/Gas Therapy‐Promoted Synergistic Cancer Treatment
Authors: Hu Tingting , Jia Lu , Li Heng , Yang Chunyu , Yan Yuening , Lin Huiming , Zhang Feng , Qu Fengyu , Guo Wei
Published: January 2024

Phototherapy and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) are widely used for the synergistic treatment of tumors and have received considerable attention. However, an inappropriate tumor microenvironment, including pH, H2O2, oxygen, and glutathione levels, can reduce the therapeutic effects of synergistic phototherapy and SDT. Here, a novel Bi‐based soluble microneedle (MN) is designed for the CT imaging of breast tumors and starvation therapy/gas therapy‐enhanced phototherapy/SDT. The optimized Bi/BiVO4 Schottky heterojunction serves as the tip of the MN, which not only has excellent photothermal conversion ability and CT contrast properties, but its heterojunction can also avoid the rapid combination of electrons and hole pairs, thereby enhancing the photodynamic/sonodynamic effects. A degradable MN with excellent mechanical properties is fabricated by optimizing the ratios of poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and sodium hyaluronate. Glucose oxidase (GOx) and diallyl trisulfide are loaded into the MN to achieve tumor starvation and gas therapy, respectively; And the controlled release of GOx and H2S can be achieved under ultrasound or near‐infrared laser irradiation. The in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that this multifunctional MN can achieve high therapeutic efficacy through starvation therapy/gas therapy‐enhanced phototherapy/SDT. The designed multifunctional MN provides a prospective approach for synergistic phototherapy and SDT.
Negative Photoconductivity of Fe3GeTe2 Crystal with Native Heterostructure for Ultraviolet to Terahertz Ultra‐Broadband Photodetection
Authors: Ma Suping , Li Guanghao , Li Zhuo , Wang Tingyuan , Zhang Yawen , Li Ningning , Chen Haisheng , Zhang Nan , Liu Weiwei , Huang Yi
Published: January 2024

Gaining insight into the photoelectric behavior of ferromagnetic materials is significant for comprehensively grasping their intrinsic properties and broadening future application fields. Here, through a specially designed Fe3GeTe2/O‐Fe3GeTe2 heterostructure, first, the broad‐spectrum negative photoconductivity phenomenon of ferromagnetic nodal line semimetal Fe3GeTe2 is reported that covers UV–vis‐infrared‐terahertz bands (355 nm to 3000 µm), promising to compensate for the inadequacies of traditional optoelectronic devices. The significant suppression of photoexcitation conductivity is revealed to arise from the semimetal/oxidation (sMO) interface‐assisted dual‐response mechanism, in which the electron excitation origins from the semiconductor photoconductivity effect in high‐energy photon region, and semimetal topological band‐transition in low‐energy photon region. High responsivities ranging from 103 to 100 mA W−1 are acquired within ultraviolet‐terahertz bands under ±0.1 V bias voltage at room temperature. Notably, the responsivity of 2.572 A W−1 at 3000 µm (0.1 THz) and the low noise equivalent power of 26 pW Hz−1/2 surpass most state‐of‐the‐art mainstream terahertz detectors. This research provides a new perspective for revealing the photoelectric conversion properties of Fe3GeTe2 crystal and paves the way for the development of spin‐optoelectronic devices.
Upconversion 3D Bioprinting for Noninvasive In Vivo Molding
Authors: Zhang Peng , Teng Zhaowei , Zhou Min , Yu Xue , Wen Hongyu , Niu Junzheng , Liu Zhichao , Zhang Zhimeng , Liu Yang , Qiu Jianbei , Xu Xuhui
Published: January 2024

Tissue engineered bracket materials provide essential support for the physiological protection and therapeutics of patients. Unfortunately, the implantation process of such devices poses the risk of surgical complications and infection. In this study, an upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)‐assisted 3D bioprinting approach is developed to realize in vivo molding that is free from invasive surgery. Reasonably designed UCNPs, which convert near‐infrared (NIR) photons that penetrate skin tissues into blue–violet emission (300–500 nm), induce a monomer polymerization curing procedure in vivo. Using a fused deposition modeling coordination framework, a precisely predetermined trajectory of the NIR laser enables the manufacture of implantable medical devices with tailored shapes. A proof of the 3D bioprinting of a noninvasive fracture fixation scaffold is achieved successfully, thus demonstrating an entirely new method of in vivo molding for biomedical treatment.
Unveiling Cutting‐Edge Developments in Electrocatalytic Nitrate‐to‐Ammonia Conversion
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Wang Haijian , Cao Xiqian , Chen Mengshan , Liu Yuelong , Zhou Yingtang , Huang Ming , Xia Lu , Wang Yan , Li Tingshuai , Zheng Dongdong , Luo Yongsong , Sun Shengjun , Zhao Xue , Sun Xuping
Published: January 2024

The excessive enrichment of nitrate in the environment can be converted into ammonia (NH3) through electrochemical processes, offering significant implications for modern agriculture and the potential to reduce the burden of the Haber–Bosch (HB) process while achieving environmentally friendly NH3 production. Emerging research on electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (eNitRR) to NH3 has gained considerable momentum in recent years for efficient NH3 synthesis. However, existing reviews on nitrate reduction have primarily focused on limited aspects, often lacking a comprehensive summary of catalysts, reaction systems, reaction mechanisms, and detection methods employed in nitrate reduction. This review aims to provide a timely and comprehensive analysis of the eNitRR field by integrating existing research progress and identifying current challenges. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the research progress achieved using various materials in electrochemical nitrate reduction, elucidates the underlying theoretical mechanism behind eNitRR, and discusses effective strategies based on numerous case studies to enhance the electrochemical reduction from NO3˗ to NH3. Finally, this review discusses challenges and development prospects in the eNitRR field with an aim to guide design and development of large‐scale sustainable nitrate reduction electrocatalysts.
Pillararene‐Based Stimuli‐Responsive Supramolecular Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Xin , Shen Meili , Yang Jie , Liu Linlin , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: January 2024

Cancer poses a significant challenge to global public health, seriously threatening human health and life. Although various therapeutic strategies, such as chemotherapy (CT), radiotherapy, phototherapy, and starvation therapy, are applied to cancer treatment, their limited therapeutic effect, severe side effects, and unsatisfactory drug release behavior need to be carefully considered. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop efficient drug delivery strategies for improving cancer treatment efficacy and realizing on‐demand drug delivery. Notably, pillararenes, as an emerging class of supramolecular macrocycles, possess unique properties of highly tunable structures, superior host–guest chemistry, facile modification, and good biocompatibility, which are widely used in cancer therapy to achieve controllable drug release and reduce the toxic side effects on normal tissues under various internal/external stimuli conditions. This review summarizes the recent advance of stimuli‐responsive supramolecular delivery systems (SDSs) based on pillararenes for tumor therapy from the perspectives of different assembly methods and hybrid materials, including molecular‐scale SDSs, supramolecular nano self‐assembly delivery systems, and nanohybrid SDSs. Moreover, the prospects and critical challenges of stimuli‐responsive SDSs based on pillararenes for cancer therapy are also discussed.
Nonreciprocal Intelligent Soundproof Barrier with Active Nonlocal Acoustic Metastructure
Authors: Zhuo Yue , Chen Xue , Liu Ziling , Sheng Zong‐Qiang , Wu Hong‐Wei
Published: January 2024

Sound insulation is an important issue in daily life and has applications in various scenarios. Conventional acoustic passive metamaterial barriers are designed as a reciprocal sound insulation. However, for some specific application scenarios, unidirectional acoustic insulation is required, which is an enormous challenge for breaking the reciprocity of sound transport with conventional passive metamaterials. Here, a soundproof barrier with nonlocal acoustic metastructure is proposed, which consists of a microcontroller to connect a pair of spatially separated microphones and speakers, to tailoring the acoustic wave transmission for realizing nonreciprocal acoustic insulation. The theoretical calculation and experiment measurement indicated that the active acoustic barrier with a selectable working frequency can realize the suppressive effect in one direction and the enhancive effect in the other direction for an incident acoustic signal. Particularly, the function of an active soundproof barrier can be freely switched to forward, backward, and bidirectional sound insulation by tailoring the nonlocal distance of the digital meta‐atom. Furthermore, this acoustic metastructure is extended from a one‐dimentional waveguide to a two‐dimentional plane to illustrate that it is still valid in an open‐field environment. The proposed customizable nonreciprocal soundproof barriers provide an avenue for many applications in the specific scenarios that require unidirectional sound insulation and high air permeability.
B(C6F5)3‐Catalyzed N‐Allylation of Hydrazines with Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Xu Boxia , Yang Ji , Yao Zhen , Yang Zhuo , Liu Kai , Jin Xing , Xu Lijin , Shi Qian
Published: January 2024

An N‐allylation of monosubstituted acyl hydrazines with allylic alcohols has been developed by using B(C6F5)3 catalysis. This protocol allows for convenient access to various synthetically useful N‐allylated hydrazine products in 48–96% yields with broad substrate scope and wide functional group compatibility. The operationally simple reaction proceeds without calling for stringent removal of air and moisture, and can be readily scaled up to gram scale. Preliminary mechanistic studies support the generation of an allylic carbon cation that is involved in the catalytic cycle, and the reaction proceeds via the in situ formation of diallyl ethers as intermediates.
A Novel Data‐Driven Approach to Lithium‐ion Battery Dynamic Charge State Capture for New Energy Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zheng Li , Huang Hao , Liu Ruxiang , Man Jianlin , Shi Yusong , Du Huiping , Du Li
Published: January 2024

As lithium‐ion batteries are the main power source of new energy vehicles, making accurate predictions of unknown State of Charge (SOC) during vehicle operation for vehicle data monitoring is vital to the advancement of intelligent new energy vehicles. In this manuscript, an expression tree‐based genetic programming regression model (ETGPR) is proposed to estimate the real‐time SOC of lithium‐ion batteries. The proposed model mainly adopts the symbolic regression technique. In addition to the current–voltage curves being fed into the model, an additional approach is designed to ensure real‐time model predictions in dynamic situations, which includes the previous moment's power in the input parameters. Different seed hyperparameters in the model are set, and the model automatically performs evolutionary calculations. Subsequently, each parameter of the model is optimally adjusted to obtain a set of regression expressions that accurately reflect the relationship between the SOC and each parameter after a specified number of iterations. Finally, the generated expression is proven to perform better in terms of its ability to capture the nonlinear relationship between SOC and battery variables. Also, the model demonstrates excellent robustness in the presence of notable noise from input‐independent features compared to other models, a root mean square error (RMSE) of less than 0.3% and a mean absolute error (MAE) of less than 0.2% are achieved. Furthermore, the potential of the model's implement‐ability under variable temperature and real driving data conditions is verified.