bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Errors Matter? The effects of actual and perceived L2 English errors in writing on native and non-native English speakers’ evaluations of the text, the writer and the persuasiveness of the text
Authors: Planken Brigitte , Van Meurs Frank , Maria Karin
Published: December 2018

Building on studies of L1 error effects in writing, the present study aimed to gain further insight into thecommunicative consequences of actual and perceived L2 errors in writing by investigating their effects beyond theevaluation of text quality. No studies of L2 writing would appear to have investigated the impact of errors onperception of the author and communicative outcomes. We investigated the effect of L2 English errors in persuasivewriting on native and non-native English speakers’ evaluation of the text, of the author, and of the persuasiveness ofthe text. Selected, authentic, errors from a corpus of petitions written in English by Dutch native speakers wereincluded in a stimulus text. Two versions of the text were presented to (non-teacher) participants in a 2 (errors vs. noerrors) by 2 (native vs. non-native judges) between-subject experimental design. It was found that, while actual errorhad no effect on the participants’ evaluation of the text, the author, or the persuasiveness of the text, perceived error(that is, if participants thought the text contained errors) had a significant negative effect on text attractiveness andthe author’s trustworthiness, friendliness and competence. Thus, the findings would suggest that perceived errorplays an important role in how non-teacher judges evaluate a text and its author, and, more generally, that suchjudges would seem to use their own standards of correctness against which to judge writing and the writer, regardlessof whether the judges are native or non-native speakers.
Revisiting the Writing Assessment Process at a Saudi English Language Institute: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Alshakhi Abdullah
Published: December 2018

Over the past several decades, writing assessment has evolved in an ever-growing attempt to provide contextual fairness to a student while maintaining standards across a larger community. This study analyzed writing assessment at a Saudi English Language Institute (ELI) by first discussing teaching and learning in an EFL context before examining the shortcomings of current Saudi methods in assessment. A universal rubric created by the Saudi ELI allows for consistency across the program and cross-grading between teachers ensures honesty in assessment, but this rigidity leads to a lack of trust between teachers and coordinators and disallows contextual-based learning. First-hand research and literature analysis show that an analytic, rather than holistic, rubric will allow greater contextual-based learning, and that elimination of cross-grading will empower a teacher to become more directly involved with each student. These changes ultimately benefit the students, teachers, and coordinators of the program.
Principal Component Analysis on the Twitter Data in the Restaurant Industry
Authors: Suzuki Koumei , Higuchi Yuki , Takeyasu Kazuhiro
Published: December 2018

Social Networking Service (SNS) is prevailing rapidly in Japan in recent years. Facebook, mixi and Twitter are the popular one. These are utilized in various field of life together with the convenient tool such as smart-phone. In this paper, principal component analysis and cluster analysis are executed in order to clarify the relationship among the corporate performance and the SNS utilization condition. We focus on restaurant industry and convenience store industry, where marketing competition which utilizes SNS to consumers is fierce. Marketing application would then be extracted. Reviewing past researches, there are some related papers, but they do not handle these analysis techniques. Moreover there have been few researches made on our theme stated above. Some interesting results were obtained.
Application of platinum-cobalt-boron as the anode material for sodium borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cells
Authors: Balčiūnaitė Aldona , Sukackienė Zita , Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė Loreta , Vaitkus Rimantas , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: December 2018

The electroless deposition and galvanic displacement methods were used for the fabrication of cobalt–boron (CoB) catalysts modified with small amounts of platinum crystallites in the range of 9.8 to 14.4 μgPt cm–2. The prepared catalysts were studied as the anode materials for direct borohydride–hydrogen peroxide (NaBH4/H2O2) fuel cells at temperatures of 25–55°C. Polarization curves have been recorded with the aim to evaluate the fuel cell performance using the prepared CoB and that modified with Pt crystallites as the anode catalysts.
For all catalysts (pure CoB and PtCoB) investigated, the peak power density values increase consecutively with the increment in temperature from 25°C up to 55°C. The values from 86–146 mV cm–2 and 146–234 mV cm–2 were determined for pure CoB and PtCoB catalysts, respectively. The highest specific peak power density of 21.5 kWgPt–1 was achieved at 55°C temperature when the PtCoB catalyst with the Pt loading of 9.8 μgPtcm–2 was employed as the anode catalyst in the NaBH4/H2O2 single fuel cell.
Herbal teas as a rich source of phenolic compounds
Authors: Augšpole Ingrīda , Dūma Māra , Cinkmanis Ingmārs , Ozola Baiba
Published: December 2018

Phenolic compounds are of a considerable interest and have received more and more attention in recent years due to their bioactive functions. These components are known as secondary plant metabolites and also possess antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The popular Latvian herbals – Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), Lady’s-mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L.), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) and Bellis (Bellis perennis L.) – are widely used for herbal teas. The objective of this study was to determine individual phenolic compounds in herbal infusions using high-performance liquid chromatography. The obtained results showed significant differences (p ˂ 0.05) of the phenolics content in the analysed herbal teas. The total content of the identified 14 phenolic compounds in Yarrow tea was on the average 136.76 ± 0.8 mg 100 g–1, in Peppermint tea 304.38 ± 10.7 mg 100 g–1, in Lady’s-mantle tea 319.53 ± 12.5 mg 100 g–1, in Calendula tea 586.36 ± 17.6 mg 100 g–1, but in Bellis tea it was 802.96 ± 21.3 mg 100 g–1. The dominant phenolic compound in Peppermint, Lady’s-mantle and Yarrow teas was rutin, but chlorogenic acid in Bellis tea. Calendula tea has an abundant quantity of sinapic acid.
Overloading study of ionized compounds in hydrophilic interaction chromatography
Authors: Baškirova Inga , Olšauskaitė Vilma , Padarauskas Audrius
Published: December 2018

The overloading behaviour of charged acidic (acetylsalicylic acid and nicotinic acid) and basic (creatinine and 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium) solutes was investigated on two stationary phases (bare silica and amidebonded silica) in the hydrophilic interaction chromatography separation mode at three mobile phase pH values (3.0, 5.0 and 7.0). On the bare silica both cationic solutes showed the increased peak tailing as the sample load increased. However, on the amide phase they exhibited a quite different overloading behaviour. The peak shapes for creatinine showed the increased tailing whereas for 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium peak fronting occurs with the sample load. Anionic solutes on both phases showed the increased peak fronting as the sample load increased. In neutral and slightly acidic mobile phases the loadability of the bare silica phase was much higher for bases than for acids. In addition, the loading capacity for the bases increases with pH whereas an opposite trend was observed for the acidic compounds. The amide phase gave similar loading capacity values for both types of solutes and its loadability is less sensitive to pH changes, compared to that of bare silica. The obtained results indicate that ionic interactions with dissociated surface silanols play an important role in the overloading behaviour of charged solutes.
Lietuvos gyventojų rinkiminio aktyvumo teritorinė diferenciacija 2014–2016 metais
Authors: Vidzbelis Dovydas , Tučas Rolandas
Published: December 2018

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas Lietuvos gyventojų rinkiminis aktyvumas 2014–2016 m. regioniniu ir centras–periferija pjūviais. Remiantis užsienio ir Lietuvos autorių tyrimais, išskiriami pagrindiniai rinkiminį aktyvumą lemiantys veiksniai, juos bandoma nustatyti analizuojant rinkiminio aktyvumo santykį skirtingo tipo rinkimuose. Tyrimo rezultatų pagrindu atliktas Lietuvos teritorijos elektorinis rajonavimas.
Serious games
Authors: Engberg-Pedersen Anders
Published: December 2018

Anders Engberg-Pedersen: “Serious games. Harun Farocki and MilitaryAesthetics”This article charts the emergence of a military-aesthetic regime in the twenty-first century. It shows how the US military has co-opted and militarized the field of aesthetics through the development of virtual worlds that train, prepare, and process military engagements. Using the German artist Harun Farocki’s installation Serious Games as a prism for this development, the essay charts the collaborations between military institutions, academics, and the creative industries. The key question is: what happens to the notion of “war experience” in the age of immersive virtual reality technologies? To find plausible answers, the article situates military aesthetics along a historical axis with the emergence of the modern wargame around 1800, and along a theoretical axis by drawing on key thinkers in philosophical aesthetics (Baumgarten, Dewey, Rancière).
Jensen mellem gengangere
Authors: Jørgensen Aage
Published: December 2018

Anmeldelse af Stefan Iversen: Den uhyggelige fortælling – unaturlig narratologi og Johannes V. Jensens tidlige forfatterskab. Aarhus: Aarhus Universitetsforlag 2018, 374 sider, 299 kr.
Krig og kunst, æstetisering og stat
Authors: Bolt Mikkel
Published: December 2018

Anmeldelse af Joanna Bourke (red.): War and Art: A Visual History of Modern Conflict. London: Reaktion Books 2017, 392 sider, 339 kr.
Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth of the Central and Southeast European Countries
Authors: Žarković Vasilj , Gligorić Dragan , Žarković Nikola
Published: December 2018

Economic theory suggests that free capital flows increase the efficiency of the resource allocation and stimulate economic growth. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is seen as a remedy for all economic problems in countries that do not have a sufficient level of accumulation to start economic growth. According to economic criteria of Copenhagen, countries that are in the process of European integration should have a functioning market economy able to cope with competition and market forces within the European Union. The greatest expectations regarding the development of a competitive economy in the Southeast European (SEE) countries are precisely related to attraction and exploitation of the positive effects of FDI. This paper explores the impact of FDI on economic growth of the Central European (CE) countries and the SEE countries. The experience of the CE countries can be beneficial for the SEE countries following them in the process of European integration. The results show that FDI flows to the SEE region are significantly lower than to the CE region. Panel analysis has shown a statistically significant impact of FDI on economic growth inboth regions. However, in absolute terms the impact of FDI on economic growth inthe SEE region is almost negligible.
Economic Policy Challenges of Small European Countries
Authors: Madžar Lidija
Published: December 2018

The aim of this paper is to study the pace and role of small states in international economic relations. The main characteristics of small states are a high degree of economic openness, export concentration and high dependence on strategic imports. In addition, their significant features are also indivisibility of overhead costs and diseconomies of scale. There is no single definition of small states since the size is a relative term. In addition to the size of population, sometimes other indicators are used as size criteria such as territory size or gross domestic product. This paper emphasizes the endogenous and macroeconomic characteristics of small states in detail and some small countries’ problems that can be challenging in developing their economies. Furthermore, the concepts of small states’ economic vulnerability and resilience are covered. This paper pays special attention to arguments in favor of regional cooperation among small countries. The final part of the paper is dedicated to the similarities, and also economic differences among the small European states. It also highlights the benefits of small states’ membership into the European Union. Numerous economic benefits for small countries arise from the process of regional integration, especially with regard to strengthening economic resilience, foreign trade, strengthening their bargaining power, joint management of regional public goods, receiving technical assistance and geopolitical aspect.
Хармонизација индиректних пореза у БиХ са стандардима ЕУ у функцији економског раста
Authors: Антић Динка
Published: December 2018

Анализа фактора који детерминишу пореске реформе у Босни и Херцеговини показала је да Босна и Херцеговина може спроводити само парцијалне пореске реформе, јер сложена фискална архитектура БиХ и подијељене надлежности за индиректне и директне порезе између нивоа власти отежавају имплементацију свеобухватних пореских реформи које би се заснивале на балансирању политике директних и индиректних пореза. Реформе у сфери индиректних пореза су нужне због испуњавања обавеза из acquis-a. Рад има за циљ да презентира смјернице за усклађивање политике индиректних пореза у БиХ са стандардима Европске уније које могу допринијети економском расту БиХ. Анализа правног оквира за опорезивање акциза и ПДВ-а у ЕУ, добре праксе чланица и реформи индиректних пореза које спроводи ЕУ и компарација са Законом о ПДВ-у у БиХ показале су да је могуће имплементацијом политике малих интервенција и финог подешавања система индиректних пореза у БиХ процес европских интеграција искористити за одржавање пореске конкурентности БиХ у односу на окружење, побољшање ликвидности и конкурентности домаћих компанија, теза стварање повољнијег економског амбијента за пословање малих и сред-њих предузећа у БиХ.
Стање и перспективе тржишта корпоративних обвезница у Републици Српској
Authors: Радивојац Горан , Грујић Милош
Published: December 2018

Из малог броја емитованих корпоративних обвезница од настанка Ба-њалучке берзе до данас, очигледно је да је домаће тржиште корпоратив-них обвезница у почетној фази развоја. Предмет овог рада је дефинисањепретпоставки и ограничења, односно могућности развоја тржишта кор-поративних обвезница у Републици Српској. Успјешан развој тржишта об-везница, осим институционалним и законским претпоставкама, у великојмјери је условљен спремношћу привредних друштава да емитују обвезнице.С друге стране, нужна је и опредијељеност инвеститора да улажу у те хар-тије од вриједности.Циљ истраживања је да испитамо потенцијалну понуду и (потенцијал-ну) потражњу у периоду од наредне три године. Истраживање је проведенометодом анкетног испитивања у два дијела. У првом дијелу анкетиранису менаџери у институционалним инвеститорима на домаћем тржишту:инвестициони фондови, осигуравајућа друштва и банке, њих 42. У другомдијелу испитивали смо најзначајнија акционарска друштва на Бањалучкојберзи, она која су била у саставу индекса BIRS и она која су исплаћиваладивиденду, њих 66. Резултати истраживања показују који број привреднихдруштава је спреман да финансира своје пословање емитовањем обвезница,те који број инвеститора би улагао у те инструменте. Осим тога указа-ћемо на препреке развоју и продубљивању тржишта те на стваран бројинституционалних инвеститора који би улагао у корпоративне обвезнице.
Quantitatively estimating main soil water-soluble salt ions content based on Visible-near infrared wavelength selected using GC, SR and VIP
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Chen Yinwen , Zhang Zhitao , Chen Haorui , Li Xianwen , Wang Mingxiu , Chai Hongyang
Published: December 2018

Soil salinization is the primary obstacle to the sustainable development of agriculture and eco-environment in arid regions. The accurate inversion of the major water-soluble salt ions in the soil using visible-near infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopy technique can enhance the effectiveness of saline soil management. However, the accuracy of spectral models of soil salt ions turns out to be affected by high dimensionality and noise information of spectral data. This study aims to improve the model accuracy by optimizing the spectral models based on the exploration of the sensitive spectral intervals of different salt ions. To this end, 120 soil samples were collected from Shahaoqu Irrigation Area in Inner Mongolia, China. After determining the raw reflectance spectrum and content of salt ions in the lab, the spectral data were pre-treated by standard normal variable (SNV). Subsequently the sensitive spectral intervals of each ion were selected using methods of gray correlation (GC), stepwise regression (SR) and variable importance in projection (VIP). Finally, the performance of both models of partial least squares regression (PLSR) and support vector regression (SVR) was investigated on the basis of the sensitive spectral intervals. The results indicated that the model accuracy based on the sensitive spectral intervals selected using different analytical methods turned out to be different: VIP was the highest, SR came next and GC was the lowest. The optimal inversion models of different ions were different. In general, both PLSR and SVR had achieved satisfactory model accuracy, but PLSR outperformed SVR in the forecasting effects. Great difference existed among the optimal inversion accuracy of different ions: the predicative accuracy of Ca2+, Na+, Cl-, Mg2+ and SO42- was very high, that of CO32- was high and K+ was relatively lower, but HCO3- failed to have any predicative power. These findings provide a new approach for the optimization of the spectral model of water-soluble salt ions and improvement of its predicative precision.
Philosophy and Logical Positivism
Authors: Marsonet Michele
Published: December 2018

Logical positivists claim that the whole of human knowledge can be reduced to analytic and synthetic sentences, and this means that the only possible knowledge is provided by science. Metaphysics is thus meaningless, because its sentences do not comply with the rules set forth by logical analysis of language. What, then, is the philosopher’s job? The members of the Vienna Circle answer that his task is to clarify the concepts used within empirical and formal sciences, while analytic philosophers stress instead the importance of ordinary language’s analysis. But the outcome is in both cases clear: philosophy is linguistic analysis. Howeber, by reducing the whole of reality to empirical reality, logical positivists do metaphysics. We do not have the “elimination” of metaphysics, but just the proposal of an empiricist brand of metaphysics.
Technocracy and the questionable moral philosophy of management. A Southeast Europe inside.
Authors: Musaraj Arta
Published: December 2018

The moral philosophy of management and the effects of the dominating doctrines in public policy and decision making, in wider terms means to question what kind of relations, once applied, these doctrines and strategies created between state, groups and individual rights. The EU accession of Southeast Europe countries represents a unique chance to understand the real capability and superiority of technocratic solution, as a dominating doctrine in accession processes, exerted in situations of limited capacities in decision making, lack of established democratic institution, which presume weak capabilities in setting up long term strategies. A unique chance to test the real value of the so-called cold and rational solutions in public decision making. In this case the trade off is between the kind of society this political and managerial doctrine creates, how much the interests of those who mandates the “technocratic power” by the power transfer process are still in balance or under consideration.
Current Meanings of the Legal Culture Concept and the Question of Truth Regarding its Elements
Authors: Iovan Marţian
Published: December 2018

The article introduces and approach of the philosophical concept of legal culture from the perspective of a global vision on the structure and evolution of society as a whole, of the legal life as part of it. In this context, the underlined idea is that the sphere of legal culture contains, in addition to the knowledge of law - the information from the field of legal sciences, elements of common knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, mentalities, legal norms, traditions, the active customs in the operation and enforcement of laws, the functioning mechanisms of state institutions in connection with the behaviour of social action agents: natural persons and legal persons. The anatomy of the legal culture is analyzed, highlighting the idea that its core is the legal knowledge, the scientific information in the field of law, which contains truthful and verified assertions. The article questions the truth of the components of legal culture, starting from the premise that judicial systems that violate the truth are incapable of producing justice. The act of justice is guided entirely by the truth, by truthful information. The achievement of justice and equity in society, the efficient functioning of the judiciary depends, not as much on the level of development of legal knowledge, the law sciences, but on the unity and functional coherence of the legal culture subsystem in its entirety.
Gender Equality, Albanian National Mechanism Within the Framework of EU Legislation
Authors: Hoxha Elona
Published: December 2018

Gender equality is a cornerstone in the process of Albania’s integration into the European Union. Although gender equality terminology was once considered impossible, progressive steps have now been taken to increase female involvement at the top of public office, decision-making, and local government. The continuous political changes of our country have created a huge legal gap over the role of women in society. Political and economic reforms after the 1990s aimed to create an equitable system of benefits between women and men, concerning their freedoms and personal rights. It is very important to emphasize that gender equality policies have an impact on improving the welfare of society by creating a parity that aims to flourish in a modern state. Reforming the legal framework on gender equality policies in Albania is a challenge, but its implementation is a considerable legal treasure trove for human rights. The same treatment of both genders will lead to the national restructuring of the monetary and human resources which will be governed by the treaties ratified by our state in creating a very good legal guide to the implementation of European standards.
Deconstructing the use of REPO 105 and Repo 108 Transactions Under SFAS 140: the Case of Lehman Brothers Holding Inc. and the Liability of Ernst & Young
Authors: Burke John JA
Published: December 2018

Prior to filing for bankruptcy in 2008, Lehman Brothers Holding Inc., [LBHI] relied upon select repurchase agreements denominated “Repo 105” and “Repo 108” for the purpose of re-casting its balance sheet to meet net leverage ratios required by money markets. SFAS 140, as then existing without the 2011 amendment, provided a mechanism to treat “ordinary borrowings” as “asset sales”. LBHI used SFAS 140 to justify Repo 105 and Repo 108 transactions to engineer its balance sheet. The accounting treatment resulted in the publication of misleading quarterly and annual Financial Statements relied upon by external users to make investment decisions. In 2011 and 2012, the Southern District of New York issued opinions in the consolidated LBHI litigation. The finding that LBHI correctly applied the criteria of SFAS 140 to justify “borrowings” as “asset sales” under Repo 105 and Repo 108 is fundamentally flawed. During the period 2000 until 2008, Ernst & Young [E&Y] served as the outside auditor of LBHI. Legal principles governing the obligations of auditors support a finding that E&Y committed professional malpractice by issuing unqualified audit opinions knowing that LBHI failed to disclose its liabilities to repurchase transferred securities under Repo 105 and Repo 108 transactions. Economic analysis of non-contractual obligations [tort] supports a reformulation of the legal standard governing auditor liability to external users of audited financial statements containing materially misleading information. The reformulated standard allocates incentives to take precautions both to the audit firm and to the external user to achieve an efficient allocation of the cost of harm ensuing from defective information products.
Mechanisms of opening and closing of the bacterial replicative helicase
Authors: Chase Jillian , Catalano Andrew , Noble Alex J , Eng Edward T , Olinares Paul DB , Molloy Kelly , Pakotiprapha Danaya , Samuels Martin , Chait Brian , des Georges Amedee , Jeruzalmi David
Published: December 2018

Assembly of bacterial ring-shaped hexameric replicative helicases on single-stranded (ss) DNA requires specialized loading factors. However, mechanisms implemented by these factors during opening and closing of the helicase, which enable and restrict access to an internal chamber, are not known. Here, we investigate these mechanisms in the Escherichia coli DnaB helicase•bacteriophage λ helicase loader (λP) complex. We show that five copies of λP bind at DnaB subunit interfaces and reconfigure the helicase into an open spiral conformation that is intermediate to previously observed closed ring and closed spiral forms; reconfiguration also produces openings large enough to admit ssDNA into the inner chamber. The helicase is also observed in a restrained inactive configuration that poises it to close on activating signal, and transition to the translocation state. Our findings provide insights into helicase opening, delivery to the origin and ssDNA entry, and closing in preparation for translocation.
Quorum sensing controls Vibrio cholerae multicellular aggregate formation
Authors: Jemielita Matthew , Wingreen Ned S , Bassler Bonnie L
Published: December 2018

Bacteria communicate and collectively regulate gene expression using a process called quorum sensing (QS). QS relies on group-wide responses to signal molecules called autoinducers. Here, we show that QS activates a new program of multicellularity in Vibrio cholerae. This program, which we term aggregation, is distinct from the canonical surface-biofilm formation program, which QS represses. Aggregation is induced by autoinducers, occurs rapidly in cell suspensions, and does not require cell division, features strikingly dissimilar from those characteristic of V. cholerae biofilm formation. Extracellular DNA limits aggregate size, but is not sufficient to drive aggregation. A mutagenesis screen identifies genes required for aggregate formation, revealing proteins involved in V. cholerae intestinal colonization, stress response, and a protein that distinguishes the current V. cholerae pandemic strain from earlier pandemic strains. We suggest that QS-controlled aggregate formation is important for V. cholerae to successfully transit between the marine niche and the human host.
Improving Patient Comprehension Through Explanatory Communication
Authors: Anderson LaKesha N. , Ledford Christy J.W.
Published: November 2024

This JAMA Insights illustrates how explanatory communication strategies can help improve patient comprehension, including adherence to treatment recommendations and self-management.
Annular Eroded Plaque With Honey-Colored Crusting On Scrotum
Authors: Bui Toan S. , Lee Jonathan J.
Published: November 2024

A man in his 40s presented with a dry erythematous, annular plaque with focal erosion and a collarette of desquamative, honey-colored crusting on the scrotum. What is your diagnosis?
Convolutional Neural Network‐Based Regression Model for Distribution Data from X‐Ray Radiographs of Metallic Foams
Authors: Kammbach Tristan E. , Kamm Paul H. , Neu Tillmann R. , García‐Moreno Francisco
Published: November 2024

The difficult determination of morphological properties in metal foams stands behind the reasons why metal foams are not widely used in industry, since quality control of the batches produced is limited to destructive methods. To approach this challenge, a new method of analysis of morphological properties based on 2D X‐Ray radiograms and the employment of a new Convolutional Neural Network architecture is proposed. The training of this model is based on a combined approach of simulating simplified foams as pretraining data and the acquisition of real experimental data, extracted from X‐Ray computer tomographies. The network is trained successfully with 41 foams to obtain predictions for cell size distribution between 0.3 and 5 mm, as well as sphericities in ranges from 0.4 to 1. In addition, tests are carried out to get an insight into the robustness of the model when confronted with similar data that are not included in the training process. It is found that the effectiveness of the neural network increases with a larger number of cells in the observed volume where above 500 cells per volume 92.5% of sphericity predictions and 99.4% of cell size predictions passed the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test.
4D Direct Laser Writing for Intelligent Micromachines
Authors: Wang Linlin , Sai Huayang , Tang Yi‐Yang , Li Bin , Wang Lei , Yang Yunyue , Yang Kai‐Cheng , Lv Pengyu , Duan Huiling , Huang Tian‐Yun
Published: November 2024

Intelligent micromachines are devices with sizes ranging from submillimeters to nanometers, capable of performing complex tasks adaptively at small scales. Smart micromachines have recently been developed that exhibit shape‐morphing capability in response to various stimuli to adapt to their environment. However, for such micromachines to be effective in harsh environments, micromachines should be more than adaptive. Essentially, they must exhibit a high degree of intelligence, characterized by enhanced locomotion capability, self‐adaptability, programmability, reconfigurability, and multifunctionality. 4D direct laser writing has enabled the rapid prototyping of stimulus‐responsive adaptive micromechanisms and diverse functional microcomponents, including microscale sensors, actuators, data processors, memory structures, and power‐supply structures. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in 4D microprinting technology based on two‐photon polymerization for the intelligentization of micromachines. Further, it offers insights into the fabrication of intelligent micromachines via the integration of diverse functional components through the 4D direct laser writing technology.
Sculpting Mechanical Properties of Hydrogels by Patterning Seamlessly Interlocked Stiff Skeleton
Authors: Zhu Bin , Wu Jiayu , Liu Desheng , Yan Yuke , Yang Xingxing , Wang Yixian , Bai Changcheng , Hu Danli , Zhang Zhixing , Jiang Pan , Wang Xiaolong
Published: November 2024

Functional soft materials, especially hydrogels have been widely developed to achieve various soft structures and machines. However, synthetic hydrogels commonly show formula‐dependent mechanical properties to fulfill the requirements of mechanical elasticity, stiffness, toughness, and tearing‐resistance for adapting to complex application scenario. Inspired by heterostructures and materials found in nature such as leaves and insect wings, a sequential photopolymerization process combined with site‐selective patterning exposure is reported to prepare programmable hydrogels with locally heterogeneous reinforcement skeletons, i.e., interpenetrating double networks. The heterogeneous interface between soft matrices and stiff skeletons is seamlessly interlocked through strong multiple hydrogen bonds induced by phase transition. By harnessing the size, shape, and distribution of the patterned stiff skeletons, a wide range of mechanical properties of hydrogels including modulus (0.32–5.92 MPa), toughness (0.15–18 kJ m−2), dissipated energy (1–100 kJ m−3), impact resistance, and mechanical anisotropy can be readily sculpted within one material system without needing design and optimization of the complex and elusive material formulation on demand. It is believed that this simple yet powerful method relying on heterogenous patterning would guide the development of functional hydrogel materials with programmable mechanical properties toward potential engineering applications, such as damping and flexible circuits.
Harnessing Extrinsic Dissipation to Enhance the Toughness of Composites and Composite Joints: A State‐of‐the‐Art Review of Recent Advances
Authors: Lubineau Gilles , Alfano Marco , Tao Ran , Wagih Ahmed , Yudhanto Arief , Li Xiaole , Almuhammadi Khaled , Hashem Mjed , Hu Ping , Mahmoud Hassan A. , Oz Fatih
Published: November 2024

Interfaces play a critical role in modern structures, where integrating multiple materials and components is essential to achieve specific functions. Enhancing the mechanical performance of these interfaces, particularly their resistance to delamination, is essential to enable extremely lightweight designs and improve energy efficiency. Improving toughness (or increasing energy dissipation during delamination) has traditionally involved modifying materials to navigate the well‐known strength‐toughness trade‐off. However, a more effective strategy involves promoting non‐local or extrinsic energy dissipation. This approach encompasses complex degradation phenomena that extend beyond the crack tip, such as long‐range bridging, crack fragmentation, and ligament formation. This work explores this innovative strategy within the arena of laminated structures, with a particular focus on fiber‐reinforced polymers. This review highlights the substantial potential for improvement by presenting various strategies, from basic principles to proof‐of‐concept applications. This approach represents a significant design direction for integrating materials and structures, especially relevant in the emerging era of additive manufacturing. However, it also comes with new challenges in predictive modeling of such mechanisms at the structural scale, and here the latest development in this direction is highlighted. Through this perspective, greater durability and performance in advanced structural applications can be achieved.
3D Nano Hafnium‐Based Ferroelectric Memory Vertical Array for High‐Density and High‐Reliability Logic‐In‐Memory Application
Authors: Yu Jiajie , Wang Tianyu , Lu Chen , Li Zhenhai , Xu Kangli , Liu Yongkai , Song Yifan , Meng Jialin , Zhu Hao , Sun Qingqing , Zhang David Wei , Chen Lin
Published: November 2024

A new type of ferroelectric memory device with high reliability and complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility characteristics is an important condition for achieving integrated memory and computing chips. Here, 3D stacked ferroelectric memory devices based on ferroelectric materials of HfO2 are fabricated. The device exhibits high speed (50 ns), low read voltage (0.5 V), and great reliability with no substantial degradation after 1010 cycles and a 10‐years data retention at 85 °C. The IMP and NAND logic are achieved with stable memory window (>200 mV) across the vertical devices’ interconnection. On this basis, combining with the traditional CMOS logic device, multiple combination logic functions containing NOT, AND, and NOR are achieved by simulation. The collaboration of devices in the vertical direction providing the possibility of combining multi‐bit logic in memory functions and paves the way for the implementation of high‐density, high‐reliability, and low‐energy consumption computing‐in‐memory chips compatible with the CMOS technology.
Hybrid 2D Phosphorene‐Black Carbon Material for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells as Counterelectrode
Authors: Derbali Sarah , Tiouitchi Ghassane , Mounkachi Omar , Almaggoussi Abdelmajid , Moudam Omar
Published: November 2024

Since the discovery of graphene in 2004, 2D materials have been the subject of extensive research, in particular, 2D phosphorene due to its anisotropic properties. The aim of this study is, therefore, to improve the efficiency of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), considered to be the next generation of solar cells, by using 2D phosphorene material. To this end, a 2D phosphorene/black carbon hybrid material is prepared and used as a counterelectrode in DSSCs. This work also demonstrates the stability of the manufactured solar devices under different aging conditions. The results show that the device based on a 2D phosphorene/black carbon counterelectrode achieves an efficiency of 7.53%, compared with 5.68% for the pristine solar cell based on black carbon only. Interestingly, after 1200 h of continuous light exposure, the DSSC based on the hybrid 2D phosphorene/black carbon material retains 87% of its initial efficiency, while the pristine solar device maintains only 62.5% of its initial performance. This study paves the way for further research into 2D phosphorene material and its use in this promising solar technology.
Blood Plasma Methylated DNA Markers in the Detection of Lymphoma: Discovery, Validation, and Clinical Pilot
Authors: Witzig Thomas E. , Taylor William R. , Mahoney Douglas W. , Bamlet William R. , Foote Patrick H. , Burger Kelli N. , Doering Karen A. , Devens Mary E. , Arndt Jacquelyn R. , O'Connell Maria C. , Berger Calise K. , Novak Anne J. , Cerhan James R. , Hennek Jacquelyn , Katerov Slava , Allawi Hatim T. , Jevremovic Dragan , Dao Linda N. , Graham Rondell P. , Kisiel John B.
Published: November 2024

Lymphoma is one of the leading causes of cancer and cancer deaths and yet has not been amenable to population screening. The role of methylated DNA markers (MDMs) in the detection of lymphoma has not been extensively studied. We aimed to discover, validate, and test tissue–derived MDMs of lymphoma in archival plasma specimens. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) was performed on a discovery set of frozen tissues. MDMs identified were converted to methylation–specific PCR assays and validated on independent formalin–fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues. Target enrichment long–probe quantitative‐amplified signal (TELQAS) assays were developed and assayed in plasma–extracted, bisulfite‐converted DNA from independent treatment‐naïve lymphoma patients and healthy controls. Prediction of cancer status was modeled using random forest model with in silico cross‐validation. After discovery and validation in tissue, 16 TELQAS assays (ZNF503, VWA5B1, HOXA9, GABRG3, ITGA5, MAX.chr17.7190, BNC1, CDK20, MAX.chr4.4069, TPBG, DNAH14, SYT6, CACNG8, FAM110B, ADRA1D, and NRN1) were selected for testing in plasma. These detected 78% (95% CI, 74%–82%) of lymphoma cases at 90% specificity. Excluding marginal zone and T‐cell lymphomas, sensitivity increased to 84% (80%–88%). MDMs in plasma show promise to detect lymphoma and are candidates for inclusion in multi‐cancer detection studies.
Centiloid recommendations for clinical context‐of‐use from the AMYPAD consortium
Authors: Collij Lyduine E. , Bollack Ariane , La Joie Renaud , Shekari Mahnaz , Bullich Santiago , Roé‐Vellvé Núria , Koglin Norman , Jovalekic Aleksandar , Garciá David Valléz , Drzezga Alexander , Garibotto Valentina , Stephens Andrew W. , Battle Mark , Buckley Christopher , Barkhof Frederik , Farrar Gill , Gispert Juan Domingo ,   AMYPAD consortium
Published: November 2024

Amyloid‐PET quantification through the tracer‐independent Centiloid (CL) scale has emerged as an essential tool for the accurate measurement of amyloid‐β (Aβ) pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The AMYPAD consortium set out to integrate existing literature and recent work from the consortium to provide clinical context‐of‐use recommendations for the CL scale. Compared to histopathology, visual reads, and cerebrospinal fluid, CL quantification accurately reflects the amount of AD pathology. With high certainty, a CL value below 10 excludes the presence of Aβ pathology, while a value above 30 corresponds well with pathological amounts. Values falling in between these two cutoffs (“intermediate range”) are related to an increased risk of disease progression. Together, CL quantification is a valuable adjunct to visual assessments of amyloid‐PET images. An abnormal amyloid biomarker assessment is a key criterion to determine eligibility for anti‐amyloid disease‐modifying therapies, and amyloid‐PET quantification can add further value by precisely monitoring amyloid clearance, and hence guiding patient management decisions.

Highlights

Centiloid (CL) quantification robustly reflects of the amount of Aβ pathology.

CL < 10/CL > 30 reflects Aβ‐negativity/positivity thresholds with high certainty.

CL quantification is a valuable adjunct to visual assessments of amyloid‐PET.

CL quantification can support trial design and treatment management.

CL quantification could support the identification of early or emerging Aβ pathology.
Hochleistungsaerogelbeton – Biegetragverhalten mit Bewehrung aus GFK
Authors: Heidrich Till , Welsch Torsten , Schnellenbach‐Held Martina
Published: November 2024

Hochleistungsaerogelbeton (High Performance Aerogel Concrete, HPAC) ist ein neuartiger, auf einer Einbettung von Leichtzuschlägen aus Silica‐Aerogelen in HPC‐Matrizen basierender Konstruktionsleichtbeton. Für die Herstellung biegebeanspruchter HPAC‐Bauteile ist, wie bei Normal‐ und anderen Konstruktionsleichtbetonen auch, die Anordnung einer inneren Bewehrung auf der Biegezugseite erforderlich. Aus bauphysikalischen Erwägungen und aus Gründen der Dauerhaftigkeit sollte hierfür vorzugweise Bewehrung aus faserverstärkten Kunststoffen (FVK), bspw. GFK‐Bewehrung, zum Einsatz kommen. Um das Biegetragverhalten FVK‐bewehrter HPAC‐Bauteile zu untersuchen, wurden 16 Vier‐Punkt‐Biegeversuche an HPAC‐Balken unterschiedlicher Festigkeiten und mit unterschiedlichen Bewehrungsgraden durchgeführt. Zum besseren Verständnis der Versagensmechanismen wurden physikalisch nichtlineare Finite‐Elemente‐Simulationen durchgeführt, die anhand der Versuchsergebnisse validiert wurden. Aus den Resultaten der experimentellen und numerischen Untersuchungen wurde ein Modell zur Biegebemessung FVK‐bewehrter HPAC‐Bauteile abgeleitet. Nachfolgend werden diese Arbeiten zum Biegetragverhalten von HPAC‐Bauteilen mit GFK‐Bewehrung vorgestellt.
Optimization of Extraction Conditions of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity From Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) Fruit
Authors: Taibi Abdeslem , Mokrani Abderrahmane , Kadi Ahcene , Bouherour Razika , Guermi Nour El Yakine , Teffane Mohand , Arroul Younes , Richard Tristan
Published: November 2024

The extraction of polyphenols from myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) fruits using a conventional solid‐liquid extraction was optimized using a single‐factor experiment approach. The influence of several parameters such as type of solvent (50% acetone, 50% methanol, 50% ethanol, and water), solvent concentration (30‐100%; v/v), solvent acidity (0‐0,1 N), temperature (20°C–40°C) and time (30–360 min) on the yield extraction of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total proanthocyanidin content (TPAC), and on the antioxidant activity: DPPH‐radical scavenging activity (DPPH‐RSA), ABTS‐radical scavenging activity (ABTS‐RSA) and ferric reducing power (FRP) was studied. The results showed that 50% acetone, 40°C, and 180 min were the best conditions for extracting TPC (87 mg GAE/g DW), TFC (12 mg QE/g DW), and TPAC (76 mg CE/g DW). Myrtle berries extracted with these conditions also exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity: DPPH‐RSA (143 mg TE/g DW), ABTS‐RSA (164 mg TE/g DW), and FRP (69 mg AAE/g DW). Pearson correlation coefficients showed good positive correlations between TPC, TFC, and TPAC and antioxidant activities (DPPH‐RSA, ABTS‐RSA, and FRP), mainly under the effect of solvent type (0.93 < r < 0.99) and solvent concentration (0.91 < r < 0.99).
Siloxyflavylium Triflates as Organic Photocatalysts
Authors: Alanthadka Anitha , Carleu Lillian , Vitarbo August , Laybourn Kalen , Grimm Ronald L. , Mattson Anita E.
Published: November 2024

Photocatalysis is a promising tool for complex molecule construction. Inspired by the potential of photocatalysis, the investigations herein describe the development of siloxyflavium triflates as a new family of organic photocatalysts for synthetic chemistry. In this report, the application of siloxyflavium triflate photocatalysis is demonstrated in the α‐C‐H activation of ethers in the presence of chromenones to generate valuable, biologically relevant C(sp3)‐C(sp3) linkages. The scope of the bond‐forming event is demonstrated with 20 substrates.
Is ASCT2 a Suitable Vector for the Selective Delivery of Anticancer Drugs? Modification of Glutamine at Either the Carboxylate or the Side Chain Hinders Binding and Transport
Authors: M Vinitha , Mohammed Adnan Ibrahim , Briot Chelsea , Ryan Renae M. , Hambley Trevor W.
Published: November 2024

The Alanine, Serine, and Cysteine Transporter 2 (ASCT2) transports glutamine into cells and is upregulated in many cancers. Attachment to glutamine to enable ASCT2 to transport anticancer agents into cells has been proposed, but the impact of such modifications is a critical determinant of the potential of this strategy. Transport via ASCT2 of two glutamine analogues modified in ways that reflect possible mechanisms for attaching anticancer agents was studied. The aim was to determine if the modification of glutamine interferes with its transport via ASCT2 and thereby establish whether the conjugation of drugs to glutamine can facilitate the accumulation of anticancer drugs in cancer cells. L‐theanine and a glutamine derivative modified at the carboxylate (7) were applied to Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing ASCT2. Two‐electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology was used to measure substrate‐elicited currents over a range of membrane potentials. Compound 7 was identified as neither a substrate nor an inhibitor while L‐theanine was identified as an inhibitor of ASCT2. Thus, modification of glutamine in these ways prevents it from acting as a substrate and suggests that ASCT2 may not be a suitable target for delivery of anticancer drugs attached via either the carboxylate or side chain positions.
Commercial Silica Materials Functionalized with a Versatile Organocatalyst for the Catalysis Of Acylation Reactions in Liquid Media
Authors: Brand Raoul D. , Maass Mareike , Grebenyuk Anatoliy G. , Golub Alexander A. , Smarsly Bernd M.
Published: November 2024

Silica materials, natural and synthetic variants, represent a promising material for the application in heterogeneous organocatalysis due to their readily modifiable surface and chemical inertness. To achieve high catalyst loadings, usually, porous carriers with high surface areas are used, such as silica monoliths or spherical particles for packed bed reactors. While these commercial materials were shown to be efficient supports, their synthesis is elaborate, and thus less complex and cheaper alternatives are of interest, especially considering scaling up for potential applications. In this work, two commercial silica materials functionalized with the organocatalyst 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) were used in catalytic acylation reactions: a mesoporous silica gel (Siliabond‐DMAP) and non‐porous silica nanoparticles (Ludox). While both were successfully used in the acylation of phenylethanol, the latter required significantly longer reaction times, presumably due to the lack of mesopores and the associated spatial confinement, as well as agglomeration that limits the active amount of catalyst. Furthermore, we find that the influence of the linker molecule is negligible, since for two different linker motifs the reaction yields and activation energy remain largely similar. Lastly, as main result the commercial material Siliabond‐DMAP, despite the non‐uniform particles, were employed in a flow setup, thus demonstrating the potential as support material for application in heterogeneous organocatalysis.