bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable highly porous interconnected poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) scaffolds by supercritical foaming for small‐diameter vascular tissue engineering
Authors: Cao Yongjun , Jiang Jing , Jiang Yufan , Li Zihui , Hou Jianhua , Li Qian
Published: October 2021

Biodegradable ϕ4 mm tubular porous poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (PCL/PLCL) scaffolds are fabricated successfully via one‐step microcellular supercritical carbon dioxide foaming process. The effect of blending ratio on the rheology, pore structures, mechanical property, wettability, and biocompatibility of PCL/PLCL blends tubular scaffold are reported. Rheological results show that PCL matrix and PLCL dispersed phase has good compatibility. The melt strength of PCL can be enhanced obviously by adding PLCL. With an increase of PLCL content from 10 to 30 wt%, the pore size increases from 7.6 to 24.9 μm due to the homogeneous nucleation effect. The maximum open‐cell content can reach 77% for PCL/PLCL foamed sample. Cyclical tensile and compliance tests show that few content of dispersed PLCL (10–20 wt%) improves the flexibility and recoverability. Cell viability results demonstrate that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured on all PCL/PLCL porous scaffolds exhibit a typical spindle‐like cell morphology. Moreover, HUVECs have a higher density and spreading areas on surface of 10% PLCL scaffold. The results gathered in this paper may open a new perspective for the fabrication of small‐diameter vascular tissue engineering scaffold.
Experimental and numerical study on physico‐mechanical properties and Taguchi's designed abrasive wear behavior of hemp/nettle‐polyester hybrid composite
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Prasad Lalta , Patel Vinay Kumar , Kumain Ashish , Yadav Anshul
Published: October 2021

The present research focuses on studying the physical, mechanical, and abrasive wear behavior of the hemp/nettle natural fiber woven mat reinforced with the polyester matrix. The hemp and nettle fibers woven mats were reinforced into the polyester matrix by simple hand‐layup, and after that compression molding process was used to fabricate the composites. The water absorption, tensile, flexural, and impact properties were studied using a hemp/nettle hybrid composite. This study found that increasing the amount of hemp and nettle fiber in polyester from 3 to 9 wt% increased the mechanical properties of hybrid composites. The higher weight percentage (9 wt%) of hemp/nettle fiber in polyester hybrid composites exhibited the highest tensile (42.41 MPa), flexural (78.52 MPa), impact (22.72 kJ/m2) strength, and a higher hardness value of 46.7 HV. Finite element analysis simulation is conducted on mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact strength). The minimum abrasive specific wear rate of hybrid composites is 0.00827 mm3/Nm found in the 9 wt% of hemp/nettle fiber composite at 10 N of normal load and 200 RPM, through Taguchi's approach (L9 orthogonal array). The contribution of control factors in a hybrid composite is studied by analysis of variance. The surface morphological studies were performed to examine the abraded worn surface by abrasive wear to study the behavior of the wear mechanism using the scanning electron microscope.
Properties enhancement of chitosan‐filled polylactic acid biocomposites using tannic acid treatment
Authors: Kamaludin Nor Helya Iman , Ismail Hanafi , Rusli Arjulizan , Sam Sung Ting
Published: October 2021

In this study, tannic acid‐treated chitosan (Cs‐TA)‐filled polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites were fabricated through the melt blending and compression molding methods. The effects of Cs‐TA and their loadings (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10) php on chemical interaction, tensile, melt processing, thermal, water absorption, and morphological characteristics were analyzed accordingly, and compared with a previously untreated PLA/Cs biocomposite. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that TA could form a cross‐linked network with Cs components as well as improving the hydrophilicity character of Cs for better interaction with PLA polymer. In addition, tensile strength and elongation at break were enhanced to the extent of ~3% and ~11%, respectively, at optimal 3% w/v TA concentration and 2.5 php Cs loading. Melt processing analysis of treated PLA/Cs‐TA demonstrated a lower stabilization torque, which implied improvement in the PLA processability. Moreover, chemical modification of Cs with TA showed a positive effect on thermal stability correlated to a higher decomposition temperature. Meanwhile, the crystallinity degree was considerably increased with TA treatment ascribed to the acceleration in crystallization process. Besides, a lower water uptake percentage proposed the Cs‐TA potential in controlling water uptake in PLA/Cs biocomposite. Indeed, the morphological analysis exhibited better filler dispersion and interfacial adhesion between Cs‐TA and PLA polymer, which justified the enhancement in all studied properties.
Association of bleeding with serotonergic antidepressants in patients receiving left ventricular assist device support
Authors: Robinson Adam C. , January Spenser E. , Botkin Kent W. , Vader Justin M. , Hartupee Justin C. , Tellor Pennington Bethany R.
Published: October 2021

Study Objective

This study sought to determine whether SA use is associated with bleeding in patients receiving CF‐LVAD support.

Design

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of all adult patients who received CF‐LVAD implantation at our institution.

Setting

Barnes‐Jewish Hospital between July 1, 2009, and October 1, 2018.

Patients

Patients at least 18 years of age who received a HVAD™ (HeartWare Corp.), HeartMate II™ (St. Jude Medical), or HeartMate 3™ (St. Jude Medical) CF‐LVAD and survived for at least 30 days postoperatively were included.

Intervention

Patients who received SAs (n = 203) were compared to those who did not (n = 391) from 30 days to 18 months following implantation. The primary outcome was the incidence of first bleeding events including gastrointestinal bleed (GIB), epistaxis, or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Measurements and Main Results

During follow‐up, 219 patients had bleeding events: 93 of 203 (45.8%) in the SA group versus 126 of 391 (32.2%) in the control group (p = 0.001). After adjustment for age, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use, history of bleeding events, history of smoking, and CF‐LVAD type, SA use remained associated with bleeding (adjusted odds ratio: 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.22–2.51, p = 0.002). HeartMate 3™ patients experienced less bleeding than HeartMate II™ patients (adjusted odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.23–0.90, p = 0.024).

Conclusions

In this single‐center, retrospective cohort of patients supported with CF‐LVADs, SA use was associated with the incidence of first bleeding events, primarily driven by GIB. Further studies are needed to assess any differential risk of bleeding among SA agents and to assess the utility of altering antithrombotic strategies.
Cardiovascular and kidney outcomes of spironolactone or eplerenone in combination with ACEI/ARBs in patients with diabetic kidney disease
Authors: An Jaejin , Niu Fang , Sim John J.
Published: October 2021

Background

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) when combined with either angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may provide additional benefits of cardiovascular and kidney disease risk reduction in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and hypertension. We evaluated the effectiveness of combination therapy (MRAs, either spironolactone or eplerenone, plus ACEI/ARB) compared with monotherapy (ACEI/ARB only) in patients with DKD and hypertension.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study was performed in patients (age ≥ 18 years) with hypertension, diabetes, and albuminuria between 2008 and 2018 within an integrated health system. MRA with ACEI/ARB compared to ACEI/ARB alone was evaluated on composite of cardiovascular events, progression to end‐stage kidney disease, or all‐cause mortality. Hyperkalemia was compared as a safety outcome.

Results

We identified 1282 patients who received MRAs with ACEI/ARBs and 5484 patients who received ACEI/ARBs alone. Median exposure time for combination therapy was 126 days. The rates per 100 person‐years of cardiovascular, kidney, or all‐cause mortality outcomes were 12.2 and 9.2 for combination therapy and monotherapy, respectively (hazard ratios = 1.24, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):0.94, 1.63). Patients receiving combination therapy had greater reduction in urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio compared with monotherapy (Mean reduction: 823 and 585 mg/g; p < 0.001, respectively). Hyperkalemia was more frequent in combination therapy versus monotherapy (22.3 vs. 10.9 per 100 person‐years for combination and monotherapy, respectively; hazard ratios = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.42, 2.24).

Conclusions

Among patients with DKD and hypertension, the short‐term use of MRAs, either spironolactone or eplerenone, in combination with ACEI/ARBs, was not associated with lower risk of cardiovascular or kidney outcomes compared with ACEI/ARB monotherapy. The risk of hyperkalemia and the short duration of combination therapy may suggest a real‐world clinical challenge for MRA with ACEI/ARB combination therapy.
Mono‐filler and bi‐filler composites based on thermoplastic polyurethane, carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes with improved physicomechanical and engineering properties
Authors: Farzaneh Arman , Rostami Amir , Nazockdast Hossein
Published: October 2021

Two types of carbon‐based fillers, i.e. multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers, were incorporated into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) through melt mixing to prepare mono‐filler and bi‐filler composites. It was evaluated as to how much the properties of bi‐filler composites were different from those of their mono‐filler counterparts. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) and time sweep rheological measurements were employed to study the microphase separation of TPU. The quantitative results of ATR‐FTIR corroborated that the bi‐filler composites possessed greater microphase separation compared to their mono‐filler counterparts. The kinetics of networks formed by microphase separation was accelerated for the composite samples compared to neat TPU. The fillers acting as platforms provided a suitable surface for the hard segments to form microphase‐separated domain networks. Conductivity measurement proved that the electrical conductivity values of the bi‐filler composites were higher than those of the mono‐filler counterparts and the simultaneous presence of fillers decreased the electrical percolation threshold. Moreover, the effect of shear deformation applied during the processing on the rheological and electrical properties of the mono‐filler and bi‐filler composites was evaluated. It was found that shearing at low rates increased the cross‐time of G′ and G″, and vice versa. Shearing at an intermediate rate of 20 s−1 promoted the electrical conductivity of both mono‐filler and bi‐filler composites and coherently decreased the electrical percolation threshold. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Registration of ‘CP 13‐1223’ sugarcane for Florida organic soils
Authors: Islam Md S. , Sandhu Hardev , Zhao Duli , Sood Sushma , Momotaz Aliya , Davidson R. Wayne , Baltazar Miguel , Gordon Vanessa S. , McCord Per , Arbelo Coto Orlando
Published: October 2021

‘CP 13‐1223’ (Reg. no. CV‐204, PI 698176) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was released to growers in June 2020 for producing on muck soils in Florida. It was developed through a decade‐long cooperative research program between the USDA‐ARS, the University of Florida Everglades Research and Education Center, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc. This cultivar resulted from a poly‐cross made at the USDA‐ARS Canal Point (CP) Sugarcane Field Station. CP 13‐1223 was released because of its high commercial recoverable sucrose (CRS) and stalk weight, and demonstrated acceptable levels of cane and sucrose yields on muck soils. CP 13‐1223 has resistance to orange rust, leaf scald, Sugarcane mosaic virus strain E, ratoon stunt disease, and smut, and moderate resistance to brown rust. Based on results from 13 harvests across replicated yield trials at five locations, CP 13‐1223 performed 29.6 and 9.5% higher in CRS and stalk weight, respectively, than the check cultivar ‘CP 96‐1252’. It did not differ significantly from CP 96‐1252 in either cane yield, sucrose yield, or economic profitability. CP 13‐1223 is considered to have moderate tolerance to freezing in field tests.
Synthesis and characterization of a new benzobisoxazole/thiophene derivative polymer and the effect of the substituent on the push/pull properties
Authors: Ahumada Juan Carlos , Soto Juan Pablo , Alemán Carlos , Torras Juan
Published: October 2021

Conducting polymer synthesis of a new benzobisoxazole/thiophene derivative is reported. The conjugated co‐polymer presents the lowest bandgap (1.78 eV) reported for a neutral benzobisoxazole/thiophene polymer. Electrochemical polymerization is carried out by cyclic voltammetry, and the new conducting polymer is characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that the coupling of the monomer unit occurs at the 2,2′ positions of the thiophene ring. Theoretical studies in derivatives of this family of compounds are conducted to validate the effect on the bandgap modulation due to the change in the substituent on the phenyl moiety of the monomer. The comparison between experimental and theoretical properties shows the substituents impact on the optical properties of the system, and its viability to be used in sensors.
Sustainable polymer materials for flexible light control and thermal management
Authors: Viola Wesley , Andrew Trisha L.
Published: October 2021

The urgency of the global energy and climate crises demands quick development of energy‐saving and temperature regulating technologies. Efficient thermal management by selective control of visible and infrared light is possible with advanced optical materials. Already, garments are being functionalized with such materials and may significantly reduce indoor heating and cooling costs, for which a huge (~10% in the United States) amount of energy is consumed. The ability to harness light also enables other technologies including dynamic camouflage and photoactivated self‐decontaminating surfaces. Although much focus has been placed on carbon and inorganic nanomaterials for these applications, this perspective investigates optically active polymer materials as arguably more benign alternatives for flexible devices. Passive and dynamic control of light for heating and cooling using polymers is covered, as well as a discussion comparing conjugated polymers with commonly used nanomaterials.
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis due to heterozygous mutation in OAS1: Whole lung lavages for long‐term bridging to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Seidl Elias , Schramm Dirk , Schön Carola , Reiter Karl , Pawlita Ingo , Kappler Matthias , Reu‐Hofer Simone , Hauck Fabian , Albert Michael , Griese Matthias
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is defined by increased accumulation of surfactant in the alveolar space. PAP has been reported to be associated with a large number of clinical conditions and diseases. Whole lung lavages (WLLs) can be helpful to stabilize the clinical course of PAP until the underlying condition is identified, which may enable more specific treatment. Recently, heterozygous OAS1 gain‐of‐function variants were described as cause in patients with infantile‐onset PAP combined with hypogammaglobulinemia.

Case presentation

At age 4 months, a female infant born to term was diagnosed with hypogammaglobulinemia and treated with monthly immunoglobulin injections. At age 15 months, the girl needed supplemental oxygen at night, and at age 18 months, also during the day. At age 2 years, PAP of unknown etiology was diagnosed by computed tomography scan and open lung biopsy. Subsequently, monthly WLLs were started, which stabilized the clinical course for over 2 years until a disease‐causing OAS1 variant was diagnosed and the patient was successfully treated by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Conclusion

Here, we describe the successful management of a female patient with severe PAP caused by a heterozygous OAS1 gain‐of‐function variant until a definitive diagnosis was made and cured by HSCT.
Theoretical Study of the Phonon Scattering Probabilities and Thermodynamic Properties for Vacancy in Explosive
Authors: Long Yao , Chen Jun
Published: October 2021

Based on density functional theory and Green's function method, we calculate the phonon states and phonon scattering probabilities of vacancy in β‐octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine. Two local vibrational states and twenty four scattered phonon states for vacancy are obtained. We find that the possible decomposition mechanism near the vacancy is denitrification and hydrogen transfer, and the scattered phonon states consist of four types: ring torsion, N‐NO2 stretch, CH2 wagging and CH bond stretch. A set of vacancy properties are calculated, including the free energy, heat capacity, scattering cross section and thermal conductive tensor. The phonon lifetime and thermal conductive coefficients are inverse proportional to the vacancy density in material.
Validation of CL‐20‐based Propellant Formulations for Photopolymerization 3D Printing
Authors: Gao Yuchen , Yang Weitao , Hu Rui , Zhou Jing , Zhang Yucheng
Published: October 2021

The combustion performances of propellants depend on the geometry and the composition. Three‐dimensional (3D) printing or additive manufacturing provides a feasible and effective way to fabricate propellants according to interior ballistic requirements. The main objective of this paper is to improve the properties of 3D printed propellants in terms of energy content and combustion behavior. Three propellant formulas, which contain polyurethane‐acrylic acid resin as binder and hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) as energetic filler, were fabricated by extrusion material 3D printing. The formulas with the force constant of 1107.43–1209.44 J/g were designed. The combustion behaviors of designed formulas, such as the maximum pressure, burn time, and burn rate, were characterized by closed bomb tests. Meanwhile, the curing time, printability, and inner structure of these formulas were also demonstrated to understand the 3D extrusion printing of propellants better.
Enhancing protein perdeuteration by experimental evolution of Escherichia coli K‐12 for rapid growth in deuterium‐based media
Authors: Kelpšas Vinardas , von Wachenfeldt Claes
Published: October 2021

Deuterium is a natural low abundance stable hydrogen isotope that in high concentrations negatively affects growth of cells. Here, we have studied growth of Escherichia coli MG1655, a wild‐type laboratory strain of E. coli K‐12, in deuterated glycerol minimal medium. The growth rate and final biomass in deuterated medium is substantially reduced compared to cells grown in ordinary medium. By using a multi‐generation adaptive laboratory evolution‐based approach, we have isolated strains that show increased fitness in deuterium‐based growth media. Whole‐genome sequencing identified the genomic changes in the obtained strains and show that there are multiple routes to genetic adaptation to growth in deuterium‐based media. By screening a collection of single‐gene knockouts of nonessential genes, no specific gene was found to be essential for growth in deuterated minimal medium. Deuteration of proteins is of importance for NMR spectroscopy, neutron protein crystallography, neutron reflectometry, and small angle neutron scattering. The laboratory evolved strains, with substantially improved growth rate, were adapted for recombinant protein production by T7 RNA polymerase overexpression systems and shown to be suitable for efficient production of perdeuterated soluble and membrane proteins for structural biology applications.
Effect of Ion Vacancy Migration on Open‐Circuit Voltage of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lin Zedong
Published: October 2021

Herein, the influence of ion vacancy migration on the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by computer simulation is explored. It is found that for PSCs, Voc is determined not only by the carrier recombination process, but also dominantly by the space charge effect of the ion vacancy stored within the Debye layers of the perovskite absorber layer. The migration of ion vacancy affects the ionic charge accumulation within the Debye layers, which affects the screen voltage via the space charge effect and thus determines Vocr and Vocf (open‐circuit voltage for reverse sweep and forward sweep, respectively). By tuning the parameters that determine ion vacancy mobility, the effects of ion vacancy mobility on Vocr and Vocf is investigated.
Testing and Modeling of Functionally Graded Aluminum‐Doped Zinc Oxide Using Spark Plasma Sintering and Discrete Powder Layers of Varying Composition
Authors: Cramer Corson L. , Wang Hsin , Lance Michael J. , Trofimov Artem A. , Cakmak Ercan , Jin Zhi-He
Published: October 2021

Functionally graded material (FGM) ZnO is made via spark plasma sintering/field‐assisted sintering technique (SPS/FAST) by varying the Al dopant content along thez‐axis or pressing direction. A wide range of Al content (0–5 wt%) is used by adding Al powder to nanosized ZnO powder. Thermoelectric (TE) measurements are done on the FGM and individual layers made separately. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) shows two phases, ZnO and spinel phase (ZnAl2O4). High‐resolution Raman spectroscopy reveals doped ZnO and spinel phase (ZnAl2O4) spatially and shows segregation in the layer with highest Al content. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) reveals noticeable grain growth with decreasing Al content, and there is a common, random preferred orientation in all layers. The tested properties are used to simulate efficiency curves for a discretely graded, five‐layer FGM as well as a homogenous material, where both graded structures provide an opportunity to widen the current density ranges and thus the temperature range of useful energy conversion.
Antiphase Domain Boundary Formation in 2D Ba–Ti–O on Pd(111): An Alternative to Phase Separation
Authors: Wührl Friederike Elisa , Krahn Oliver , Schenk Sebastian , Förster Stefan , Widdra Wolf
Published: October 2021

2D oxide quasicrystals (OQCs) are unique structures arising from atoms positioned at the vertices of a dodecagonal triangle–square–rhombus tiling. The prototypical example for OQCs is derived from BaTiO3 on Pt(111). Herein, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED) investigations of 2D oxide layers derived from BaTiO3 on Pd(111) are reported. Upon ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) annealing, different long‐range ordered structures are observed with a base of four vertex atoms forming two edge‐sharing equilateral triangles. By a periodic repetition of this base in either quadratic or rectangular unit cells, a triangle–square tiling (known as σ‐phase approximant or 32.4.3.4 Archimedean tiling) or a triangle–rhombus tiling is formed. Both structures vary strongly in their vertex density. In addition, the formation of antiphase domain boundaries in the σ phase is observed resulting in a well‐ordered incorporation of rhombuses in the triangle–square tiling. A systematic variation of the frequency of these domain boundaries is identified as a mechanism for an incremental increase in the global vertex density, mediating between pure triangle–square and triangle–square–rhombus tilings.
Local Ga Ion Implantation as a Source of Diverse Ferroelectric Properties of Hafnium Oxide
Authors: Guberna Elizaveta , Chouprik Anastasia , Kirtaev Roman , Zarubin Sergei , Margolin Ilya , Spiridonov Maxim , Negrov Dmitrii
Published: October 2021

Ferroelectricity patterning in a thin HfO2 film paves a new way for designing innovative switchable photonics devices and microelectronic nonvolatile memory based on hybrid heterostructures of 2D material/ferroelectric (FE) films. For inducing local ferroelectricity, implantation of Ga ions into an amorphous HfO2 film by a pattern is conducted using a focused ion beam followed by rapid thermal annealing. It is demonstrated that the way of Ga implantation as well as the way of annealing play crucial roles in the FE properties of Ga‐doped HfO2, including the remnant polarization and the distribution of internal bias fields across the film. Furthermore, the ion implantation in itself is the source of unusual FE properties. The correlation of FE properties with a Fourier analysis of the high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy images and results of atomic force microscopy and piezoresponse force microscopy reveals the origin of the observed macroscopical FE performances. It is demonstrated that the ultimate spatial resolution of ferroelectricity patterning is determined by the size of the focused ion beam in the surface plane and thus it reaches 40 nm, which enables new prospects for applications in shortwave active photonics.
Cannabidiol inhibits SARS‐Cov‐2 spike (S) protein‐induced cytotoxicity and inflammation through a PPARγ‐dependent TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase‐1 signaling suppression in Caco‐2 cell line
Authors: Corpetti Chiara , Del Re Alessandro , Seguella Luisa , Palenca Irene , Rurgo Sara , De Conno Barbara , Pesce Marcella , Sarnelli Giovanni , Esposito Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Given the abundancy of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE‐2) receptors density, beyond the lung, the intestine is considered as an alternative site of infection and replication for severe acute respiratory syndrome by coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently been proposed in the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) respiratory symptoms because of its anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity exerted in the lung. In this study, we demonstrated the in vitro PPAR‐γ‐dependent efficacy of CBD (10−9‐10−7 M) in preventing epithelial damage and hyperinflammatory response triggered by SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein (SP) in a Caco‐2 cells. Immunoblot analysis revealed that CBD was able to reduce all the analyzed proinflammatory markers triggered by SP incubation, such as tool‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4), ACE‐2, family members of Ras homologues A‐GTPase (RhoA‐GTPase), inflammasome complex (NLRP3), and Caspase‐1. CBD caused a parallel inhibition of interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and IL‐18 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. By immunofluorescence analysis, we observed increased expression of tight‐junction proteins and restoration of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) following CBD treatment, as well as the rescue of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–dextran permeability induced by SP. Our data indicate, in conclusion, that CBD is a powerful inhibitor of SP protein enterotoxicity in vitro.
A review of packaging‐related studies in the context of household food waste: Drivers, solutions and avenues for future research
Authors: Chan Ruby Bo Yiu
Published: October 2021

Packaging has the potential to reduce food waste and contribute to the United Nations sustainable development goal 12.3. Yet packaging is also a household food waste (FW) driver, necessitating packaging improvements. Through a review of primary consumer studies on household FW and packaging published 2006–2020, this study mapped the effects of packaging functions on different food categories to identify packaging‐related FW drivers, solutions and research opportunities. Relevant studies are increasing, yet packaging yields less attention than factors including domestic routines. Many studies limit packaging discussion to the aspects attributed to wasted food, with date‐labels and overly large pack sizes the most mentioned. Suggested solutions by extant literature include clearer date‐labels and more pack size variety. However, research showing the effectiveness of these suggested solutions in households is lacking. Packaging formats and materials may affect packaging functionality and therefore household FW, but studies are lacking. There is therefore scope for household studies to collect more packaging related FW data. In particular, focussing on the effects of specific packaging functions on domestic food practices, with an effort to gather food‐group‐specific data. More studies in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Middle East and the Pacific/Oceania will provide insights beyond the current Eurocentric focus. These findings contribute to theory and practice within the focus of household FW and packaging literature, helping to extend existing research to support the development and implementation of packaging that considers regional differences in food systems, food routines and preferences for a better chance at reducing FW.
Novel pineapple leaf fibre composites coating with antimicrobial compound as a potential food packaging
Authors: Todhanakasem Tatsaporn , Panjapiyakul Sorawit , Koombhongse Piyawit
Published: October 2021

Biodegradable packaging coated with antimicrobial compounds has emerged as a new type of food packaging with potential to enhance food safety, extend shelf life and minimize plastic pollution. We have developed a polylactic acid (PLA) composite pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) biopolymer to fulfil the high demand of biodegradable materials for a potential use in food packaging. Our formulation with 10% pineapple fibre PLA/PALF composites exhibited enhanced melting temperatures and heat resistance, with a 44% reduction in the tensile strength and 2.7‐fold reduction on the strain at the break when compared with neat PLA. To impart antimicrobial activity, the PLA/PALF was coated with crude supernatants isolated from Pediococcus pentosaceus PP04 containing 1.3% w/v of nisin. This material coated with the crude extract was shown to inhibit the growth of Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 13311, and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 in culture conditions, as well as minimizing the number of the tested pathogens on coated material surfaces.
Observations and numerical weather forecasts of land‐surface and boundary‐layer evolution during an unusually dry spring at a site in central England
Authors: Brooke J. K. , Osborne S. R.
Published: October 2021

Analysis of screen‐level and land‐surface temperature forecasts are known to have long‐standing warm nighttime, and cold daytime, temperature biases in regional models. During a record‐breaking spring and subsequent summer in 2020, over 100 radiosondes were launched at the Met Office Cardington site under clear skies on ten morning and one evening transitions. We compare observations with operational Met Office UKV forecasts and a standalone land‐surface model (JULES). Wind profiles show the UKV nocturnal jet was too high, suggesting too much mixing in the modelled boundary layer. The simulated nighttime surface inversion was too weak and the profile too cold immediately above the inversion. The radiosondes were in addition to comprehensive long‐term observations. The evapotranspiration was too large on a seasonal timescale for both the UKV and JULES. For spring and summer, UKV mean screen temperature errors were 0.2C during daytime and 1.3C at night. The soil temperature diurnal range was too large in both the UKV (by 3.9°C) and JULES (2.9°C), suggesting the surface is too highly coupled to the soil in the simulations. For the spring experimental days, UKV mean maximum screen temperature error was 0.8C. The buoyancy‐flux crossover times in the morning were slightly too early in the UKV (18 min on average) yet much earlier in JULES (52 min). Observations show the diagnosed boundary layer lifts too early in the UKV with onset of convection occurring on average 67 min too early. The UKV develops summertime boundary layers that are too deep by early afternoon. There was a time lag between the observed screen‐skin temperature and buoyancy‐flux crossovers in the morning that was not captured by the simulations. The evening buoyancy‐flux crossovers in JULES agreed well with the observations, but the UKV crossovers were on average 55 min too early.
The clinical and financial impact of introducing robotic‐assisted hysterectomy in a tertiary referral centre: A direct cost analysis of consecutive hysterectomies during a decade
Authors: Dumont Sander , Van Trappen Philippe
Published: October 2021

Background

Economic data and the clinical impact of introducing robotic‐assisted hysterectomy in a European setting are scarce with conflicting findings.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, the cost and complication rate of the different approaches of hysterectomy are investigated, both benign and (pre)malignant indications were included.

Results

844 patients were included: 323 (38.3%) patients underwent robotic‐assisted hysterectomy (RAH), 317 (37.5%) total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), and 204 (24.2%) total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). TAH dropped from 67.2% to 25.5% of procedures, whilst RAH rose to 41.8% of cases. The total hospitalisation cost was for RAH €5208.39 (±€916.91), for TAH €5846.61 (±€4464.37) and for TLH €3790.06 (±€1267.05). The postoperative complication rate of TAH (9.1%) was significantly higher in comparison with TLH and RAH (5.4% and 3.1%, respectively, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

RAH has replaced TAH in most cases, especially for large uteri, early‐stage endometrial cancer and in selected endometriosis cases, resulting in reduced morbidity with lower hospitalisation costs. The indications for TLH remained, including menorrhagia, adenomyosis and persistent cervical dysplasia.
Aperiodic event‐triggered robust model predictive control for linear parameter‐varying system with round‐robin protocol
Authors: Wang Jun , Ding Baocang , Wang Ping
Published: October 2021

This article investigates the robust model predictive control (MPC) problem for networked control systems represented by the linear parameter‐varying model, in which an event‐triggered strategy and the round‐robin (RR) protocol scheduling locate at the sensor‐to‐controller and controller‐to‐actuator channels, respectively. By considering the problems of system state immeasurable and communication burden in engineering application, an output feedback controller that combines the aperiodic event‐triggered strategy is applied, where the triggering condition is designed in a time‐varying fashion. In addition, in order to avoid unexpected data collisions, the RR protocol is utilized to schedule a shared network and guarantee the efficiency of the control system. The controller parameters are obtained by solving an online convex robust MPC optimization problem, and the feasibility of the optimization problem and closed‐loop stability are also addressed. The effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results is illustrated by a numerical simulation example.
Two‐loop reinforcement learning algorithm for finite‐horizon optimal control of continuous‐time affine nonlinear systems
Authors: Chen Zhe , Xue Wenqian , Li Ning , Lewis Frank L.
Published: October 2021

This article proposes three novel time‐varying policy iteration algorithms for finite‐horizon optimal control problem of continuous‐time affine nonlinear systems. We first propose a model‐based time‐varying policy iteration algorithm. The method considers time‐varying solutions to the Hamiltonian–Jacobi–Bellman equation for finite‐horizon optimal control. Based on this algorithm, value function approximation is applied to the Bellman equation by establishing neural networks with time‐varying weights. A novel update law for time‐varying weights is put forward based on the idea of iterative learning control, which obtains optimal solutions more efficiently compared to previous works. Considering that system models may be unknown in real applications, we propose a partially model‐free time‐varying policy iteration algorithm that applies integral reinforcement learning to acquiring the time‐varying value function. Moreover, analysis of convergence, stability, and optimality is provided for every algorithm. Finally, simulations for different cases are given to verify the convenience and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Economic growth, renewable energy consumption, and ecological footprint: Exploring the role of environmental regulations and democracy in sustainable development
Authors: Ahmed Zahoor , Ahmad Mahmood , Rjoub Husam , Kalugina Olga A. , Hussain Nazim
Published: October 2021

Countries enact environmental regulations to achieve sustainable development and ecological sustainability. However, environmental regulations do not guarantee environmental sustainability unless implemented efficiently. Furthermore, political institutions play a key role in the formulation and management of environmental regulations. This research examines the relationship between democracy, environmental regulations, economic growth, and ecological footprint (EF) in the panel of G7 nations from 1985 to 2017. Second generation econometric techniques are used to analyze the data. The empirical evidence indicates that economic growth enhances EF while democracy and environmental regulations positively contribute to ecological sustainability by reducing EF. The causal outcomes reveal that democracy Granger causes EF and renewable energy indicating that democracy curbs environmental degradation and stimulates the share of renewables. Further, democracy and environmental regulations Granger cause each other. Lastly, the implication of these findings for sustainable development and ecological sustainability are discussed.
Measurement errors in control risk regression: A comparison of correction techniques
Authors: Guolo Annamaria
Published: October 2021

Control risk regression is a diffuse approach for meta‐analysis about the effectiveness of a treatment, relating the measure of risk with which the outcome occurs in the treated group to that in the control group. The severity of illness is a source of between‐study heterogeneity that can be difficult to measure. It can be approximated by the rate of events in the control group. Since the estimate is a surrogate for the underlying risk, it is prone to measurement error. Correction methods are necessary to provide reliable inference. This article illustrates the extent of measurement error effects under different scenarios, including departures from the classical normality assumption for the control risk distribution. The performance of different measurement error corrections is examined. Attention will be paid to likelihood‐based structural methods assuming a distribution for the control risk measure and to functional methods avoiding the assumption, namely, a simulation‐based method and two score function methods. Advantages and limits of the approaches are evaluated through simulation. In case of large heterogeneity, structural approaches are preferable to score methods, while score methods perform better for small heterogeneity and small sample size. The simulation‐based approach has a satisfactory behavior whichever the examined scenario, with no convergence issues. The methods are applied to a meta‐analysis about the association between diabetes and risk of Parkinson disease. The study intends to make researchers aware of the measurement error problem occurring in control risk regression and lead them to the use of appropriate correction techniques to prevent fallacious conclusions.
Synthesis of New 4‐Vinyl‐1,2,3‐Thiadiazoles
Authors: Tokareva Marina A. , Keaveney Sinead T. , Pernik Indrek , Messerle Barbara A. , Glukhareva Tatiana V.
Published: October 2021

Simple and convenient methods for the synthesis of a range of new 1,2,3‐thiadiazole derivatives, including ethyl esters, alcohols, and aldehydes, were developed. Moreover, twenty‐nine new structurally diverse 4‐vinyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazoles were successfully synthesized in 18–89 % yield via Knoevenagel condensation. NOESY‐experiments were performed for E/Z‐assignment of isomeric mixtures. The structure of five of the new vinylic derivatives has been confirmed using X‐ray diffraction analysis. Using the example of ethyl (E)‐2‐cyano‐3‐(5‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)‐1,2,3‐thiadiazol‐4‐yl)acrylate, the possibility of dimerization with the formation of diethyl(1R,2R,3S,4S)‐1,3‐dicyano‐2,4‐bis(5‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)‐1,2,3‐thiadiazol‐4‐yl)cyclobutane‐1,3‐dicarboxylate was demonstrated, allowing the first 1,2,3‐thiadiazole substituted cyclobutane to be synthesized.
Fe(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Unactivated Aziridines (N‐H/N‐Me) from Olefins Using O‐Arylsulfonyl Hydroxylamines
Authors: Chandra Dinesh , Yadav Ajay K. , Singh Vikram , Tiwari Bhoopendra , Jat Jawahar L.
Published: October 2021

Iron(II) catalyzed direct N−H/N−Me aziridination of olefins using O‐arylsulfonyl hydroxylamines is described. This stereospecific, mild, economical, open‐air, operationally simple, and environmentally benign procedure afforded the high yields of aziridines in a shorter reaction time.
Protein Nanopore Membranes Prepared by a Simple Langmuir–Schaefer Approach
Authors: Schwieters Magnus S. , Mathieu‐Gaedke Maria , Westphal Michael , Dalpke Raphael , Dirksen Maxim , Qi Daizong , Grull Marco , Bick Thomas , Taßler Stephanie , Sauer Daniel F. , Bonn Mischa , Wendler Petra , Hellweg Thomas , Beyer André , Gölzhäuser Armin , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Glebe Ulrich , Böker Alexander
Published: October 2021

Filtration through membranes with nanopores is typically associated with high transmembrane pressures and high energy consumption. This problem can be addressed by reducing the respective membrane thickness. Here, a simple procedure is described to prepare ultrathin membranes based on protein nanopores, which exhibit excellent water permeance, two orders of magnitude superior to comparable, industrially applied membranes. Furthermore, incorporation of either closed or open protein nanopores allows tailoring the membrane's ion permeability. To form such membranes, the transmembrane protein ferric hydroxamate uptake protein component A (FhuA) or its open‐pore variant are assembled at the air–water interface of a Langmuir trough, compressed to a dense film, crosslinked by glutaraldehyde, and transferred to various support materials. This approach allows to prepare monolayer or multilayer membranes with a very high density of protein nanopores. Freestanding membranes covering holes up to 5 μm in diameter are visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), helium ion microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. AFM PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical property mapping (PeakForce QNM)  demonstrates remarkable mechanical stability and elastic properties of freestanding monolayer membranes with a thickness of only 5 nm. The new protein membrane can pave the way to energy‐efficient nanofiltration.
Bacteria‐Triggered Multifunctional Hydrogel for Localized Chemodynamic and Low‐Temperature Photothermal Sterilization
Authors: Lin Xiaodong , Fang Yuan , Hao Zhe , Wu Haotian , Zhao Minyang , Wang Shuo , Liu Yaqing
Published: October 2021

Pathogenic infections seriously threaten public health and have been considered as one of the most critical challenges in clinical therapy. Construction of a safe and efficient photothermal antibacterial platform is a promising strategy for treatment of bacterial infections. Considering that high temperature does harm to the normal tissues and cells, herein, a bacteria‐triggered multifunctional hydrogel is constructed for low‐temperature photothermal sterilization with high efficiency by integrating localized chemodynamic therapy (L‐CDT). The hydrogel is constructed by incorporating copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuSNPs) with photothermal profile into the network of hyaluronic acid (HA) and Fe3+‐EDTA complexes, named as CHFH (CuSNPs‐HA‐Fe3+‐EDTA hydrogel). Bacteria can be accumulated on the surface of CHFH, which secretes hyaluronidase to decompose the HA and release Fe3+. The Fe3+ is reduced into Fe2+ in microenvironment of bacteria to trigger Fenton reaction. The generated hydroxyl radicals result in sterilization based on L‐CDT within short range. By integrating with photothermal property of CuSNPs, low‐temperature photothermal therapy (LT‐PTT) for sterilization is realized, which improves the antibacterial efficiency while minimizes damage to normal tissues. The CHFH is further used to prepare Band aid which effectively promotes the Staphylococcus aureus‐infected wound healing process in vivo, confirming the great potential for clinical application.
Full‐Stokes Polarimeter Based on Chiral Perovskites with Chirality and Large Optical Anisotropy
Authors: Ma Jiaqi , Fang Chen , Liang Lihan , Wang Haizhen , Li Dehui
Published: October 2021

Full‐Stokes polarimeters, equipped with the capability of discriminating light polarization states, can find important applications in various optical and optoelectronic devices. Nevertheless, currently most full‐Stokes polarimeters require complex and bulky optical elements or optical metasystems integrated with metasurfaces, which can increase the cost and cause energy loss. Here, the anisotropy of chiral 2D perovskite single crystals is explored and the full‐Stokes polarimeter based on pure chiral 2D perovskite single crystals is reported. By using optical anisotropy and the ability to distinguish the helicity of the circularly polarized light, chiral 2D perovskite polarimeter integrates the polarizer, waveplate, and photodetector together and thus can be able to discriminate the polarization states of light. The as‐fabricated device exhibits a photoresponsivity of 0.136 A W−1 and a detectivity of 1.2 × 1010 Jones. This study provides a paradigm to construct filterless on‐chip Stokes polarimeter with great simplicity and low cost.
Large Grain Growth and Energy Alignment Optimization by Diethylammonium Iodide Substitution at A Site in Lead‐Free Tin Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Kumar Baranwal Ajay , Razey Sahamir Shahrir , Kapil Gaurav , Sanehira Yoshitaka , Chen Mengmeng , Nishimura Kohei , Ding Chao , Liu Dong , Li Hua , Li Yusheng , Akmal Kamarudin Muhammad , Shen Qing , Ripolles Teresa S. , Bisquert Juan , Hayase Shuzi
Published: October 2021

Environment‐friendly tin perovskite solar cells (T‐PKSCs) are the most suitable alternative candidate for lead‐free PKSCs. However, the photovoltaic performance of such T‐PKSCs is far below those of lead‐based perovskite solar cells due to an energetic mismatch between the perovskite layer and charge transport layers. Herein, it is shown that, by partial substitution of the A‐site cation using diethylammonium iodide (DEAI) substitution, deeper energy levels are obtained. At the same time, the trap density is reduced and the grain size is significantly improved. The fabricated solar cell shows much enhanced efficiency from 7.31% to 10.28%, short‐circuit current density from 18.68 to 21.69 mA cm−2, open‐circuit voltage from 0.59 to 0.67 V, and fill factor from 0.67 to 0.71 after DEAI substitution. Such an efficiency improvement can be explained by matching energy levels at the interfaces between perovskite layer and the charge transport layers. In addition, after 50 days of storage, the modified T‐PKSCs demonstrate high stability maintaining 78% of its initial efficiency, whereas the reference device degrades to 68% during 28 days storage.
Versatile Reactivity of Metalloid‐Substituted π‐Allylpalladium Species
Authors: Horino Yoshikazu , Korenaga Toshinobu
Published: October 2021

π‐Allylpalladium complexes can not only serve as electrophilic allylating agents for a broad range of nucleophiles, but also nucleophilic allylating agents for electrophiles depending on their electronic environments. In contrast to these typical reactivities of π‐allylpalladium complexes, silylated and borylated π‐allylpalladium species show unique reactivities that can allow versatile transformations in addition to simple allylation. Herein, four different types of transformations that are in principle achieved via the inherently reactive silylated and borylated π‐allylpalladium species as common intermediates are described. An appropriate selection of ligands of the silylated and borylated π‐allylpalladium species can allow control over the reaction pathways.