bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Entropy Alloy Array via Liquid Metal Nanoreactor
Authors: Liang Jingjing , Chen Shurun , Ni Erli , Tang Jiao , Cao Guanghui , Wang Huiliu , Li Zhongyang , Zeng Mengqi , Fu Lei
Published: June 2024

High‐entropy alloy (HEA) nanostructures arranged into well‐defined configurations hold great potential for accelerating the development of electronics, photonics, catalysis, and device integration. However, the random nucleation induced by the disparity in physicochemical properties of multiple elements makes it challenging to achieve single‐particle synthesis at the patterned preset sites in the high‐entropy scenario. Herein, the liquid metal nanoreactor strategy is proposed to realize the construction of HEA arrays. The coalescence of the liquid metal driven by the tendency to decrease surface energy provides a restricted environment for the nucleation and growth to form single HEA particles at the preset locations, which can be regarded as a self‐confinement reaction. Liquid metal endowing a low diffusion energy barrier on the substrate and a high diffusivity of the alloy system can dynamically promote the aggregation process. As a result, the HEA array is prepared with elements up to eleven and possesses uniform periodicity, which exhibits excellent holography response in a broad spectrum. This work injects new vitality into the construction of HEA nanopatterns and provides an excellent platform for propelling their fundamental research and applications.
Extreme Fast Charging of Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by a Molten‐Salt‐Derived Nanocrystal Interphase
Authors: Wu Wei , Niu Fang , Sun Chuankui , Wang Qingrong , Wang Man , Wang Jun , Deng Yonghong , Ning De , Li Wenjie , Zhang Jie , Chen Ming , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Yang Chunlei
Published: June 2024

The extreme fast charging performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) with a long life is an important focus in the development of next‐generation battery technologies. The friable solid electrolyte interphase and dendritic lithium growth are major problems. The formation of an inorganic nanocrystal‐dominant interphase produced by preimmersing the Li in molten lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide that suppresses the overgrowth of the usual interphase is reported. Its high surface modulus combined with fast Li+ diffusivity enables a reversible dendrite‐proof deposition under ultrahigh‐rate conditions. It gives a record‐breaking cumulative plating/stripping capacity of >240 000 mAh cm−2 at 30 mA cm−2@30 mAh cm−2 for a symmetric cell and an extreme fast charging performance at 6 C for 500 cycles for a Li||LiCoO2 full cell with a high‐areal‐capacity, thus expanding the use of LMBs to high‐loading and power‐intensive scenarios. Its usability both in roll‐to‐roll production and in different electrolytes indicating the scalable and industrial potential of this process for high‐performance LMBs.
Photoluminescent Cu(I) Assemblies with High‐Temperature Solid‐State Transitions as a New Class of Thermic History Tracers
Authors: Schlachter Adrien , Moutier Florent , Utrera‐Melero Raquel , Schiller Jana , Khalil Ali Moustafa , Calvez Guillaume , Scheer Manfred , Costuas Karine , Lescop Christophe
Published: June 2024

The preparation of a new series of luminescent one dimensional coordination polymers based on the association of a photoactive tetrametallic metallacycle Cu(I) precursor with pyridyl‐caped ditopic linkers is reported. In spite of related molecular architectures, these coordination polymers present upon Ultraviolet visible light photoexcitation markedly contrasted solid‐state luminescence behaviors including eye‐perceived colors of the emitted light spanning all over the visible spectrum. Solid‐state temperature‐dependent photophysical measurements and Time‐dependent density‐functional theory calculations have been conducted to identify the relaxation pathways lying in these assemblies. Very importantly, thermal stability studies at high temperature for all these derivatives reveal an irreversible post‐synthetic solid‐state transition that impacts dramatically the photophysical properties of these newly obtained phases, highlighting an innovative family of stimuli‐sensitive materials that can witness the exceeding of critical temperatures in their environment.
Dynamic Dipole Moment of Luminescent Liquid Crystals Enabled Highly Efficient Active Waveguide Materials Design and Synthesis
Authors: Chen Jin‐Kang , Cao Yu , Joy Akhila , Li Jie , Hao Tian‐Tian , Huang Jiang , Li Xiao , Liu Feng , Xie He‐Lou
Published: June 2024

Organic optical waveguide materials have attracted considerable attention for their promising applications in photonic and optoelectronic devices. However, for most materials, excellent light‐loss properties at high temperature cannot be obtained due to many factors. Consequently, realizing efficient optical waveguide materials that perform well at elevated temperatures remains a significant challenge. In this study, relying on the luminescent properties and self‐assembly properties of luminescent liquid crystals (LLCs), successfully fabricated materials are present for highly efficient active optical waveguides. A systematically synthesized set of LLCs with different structures is named according to the substituent type and the position of the cyano group, namely α‐DECN, α‐DEEOCN, β‐DECN, and β‐DEEOCN. Notably, α‐DECN and β‐DECN reveal hexagonal columnar phase, while α‐DEEOCN and β‐DEEOCN exhibit smectic phase. Optical waveguide experiments have revealed that the obtained LLCs showed highly efficient optical waveguide behavior, where the lowest light loss reached 0.15 dB mm−1 at room temperature. Remarkably, these LLCs show even lower light loss at high temperatures, with the light loss reaching 0.11 dB mm−1 as the lowest point. Further experimental results indicate that this phenomenon is attributed to the change in the dipole moment of these molecules. This research forms a significant groundwork for advanced exploration in optical waveguide material.
Innovative Strategies Toward Compact, Highly Stretchable, and Fully Transient Primary Batteries with Enhanced Electrical Output for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Wen Zhaoyu , Lin Jingsen , Yuan Qunyao , Guo Mengnan , Hou Junyu , Liu Yanyan , Zhao Jie
Published: June 2024

Balancing stretchability and degradability in batteries based on the primary battery principle, while maintaining robust discharging performance, poses a significant challenge for sustainable wearable technologies. Current reports adopting a layered stack structure often suffer from inadequate interlayer adhesion, leading to problems such as out‐of‐plane bending and delamination, as well as insufficient power density and energy density. In this context, a novel and straightforward methodology is introduced, employing in situ oxidation of molybdenum foil, a customized kirigami‐island‐bridge (KIB) structure, and an overall cast molding technique. This approach facilitates the integration of degradable primary batteries with enhanced power density (3.41 mW cm−2) and energy density (3.54 mWh cm−2). Furthermore, the battery sustains an output of 50 µA cm−2 under cyclic 20% strain stretching for ≈3 h, showcasing its specific stretchability performance, and is successfully implemented in sensors for real‐time monitoring of body movements. This study presents a novel approach to the development of wearable, biodegradable, and medical electronics, offering potential pathways for sustainable technological advancement.
Phase Transitions and Ion Transport in Lithium Iron Phosphate by Atomic‐Scale Analysis to Elucidate Insertion and Extraction Processes in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Šimić Nikola , Jodlbauer Anna , Oberaigner Michael , Nachtnebel Manfred , Mitsche Stefan , Wilkening H. Martin R. , Kothleitner Gerald , Grogger Werner , Knez Daniel , Hanzu Ilie
Published: June 2024

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) serves as a crucial active material in Li‐ion batteries due to its excellent cycle life, safety, eco‐friendliness, and high‐rate performance. Nonetheless, debates persist regarding the atomic‐level mechanisms underlying the electrochemical lithium insertion/extraction process and associated phase transitions. A profound clarity on the fundamental lithium storage mechanisms within LFP is achieved through meticulous scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) imaging. This study shows systematical tracking of lithium ions within their respective channels and unveils the phase distribution within individual LFP crystallites not only quantitatively but also at unprecedented atomic‐level resolution. Incontrovertible evidence of the co‐existence of segregated yet only partially lithiated LixFePO4 regions in electrochemically delithiated LFP crystals are provided using correlative electron microscopic methods and data analysis. Remarkably, by directly tracing ion transport within lithium channels a diffusion coefficient range (10−13–10−15 cm2s−1) for correlated lithium ion motion in LFP is estimated and Funke's ion transport jump relaxation model is validated experimentally for the first time. These findings significantly advance the understanding of olivine‐type materials, offering invaluable insights for designing superior battery materials.
Carbon Atom Modulation of 2H‐MoS2 Promotes Sodium Storage Kinetics by a Unique “Intercalation‐Conversion” Mechanism
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Cai Hui , Wang Fei , Quan Zhuohua , Xiong Ting , Tian Min , Lu Qiuhong , Ye Chong , Zhang Chengzhi , Tan Jun
Published: June 2024

High theoretical capacity, stabilized and layered 2H phase molybdenum disulfide (2H) is regarded as a promising material for superior kinetics anode in sodium ion battery, but the inherent semiconducting properties and sluggish sodium ions diffusion limit the development of 2H based anode. Hence, this study builds a unique metalloid phase with high electronic conductivity and suitable layer structure by screening non‐metallic carbon atoms doped in 2H (2H‐C). As experimental and simulation results, 2H‐C of metalloid properties after carbon atom modulation exhibit superior sodium storage kinetics and reversibility by a unique mechanism that promotes ion intercalation under high voltage window, and further good for the later uniformly conversion at lower voltage (intercalation‐conversion mechanism). The 2H‐C anode material delivers a remarkable reversible capacity of 156 mAh g−1 at ultra‐high 100.0 A g−1, long‐term life of 6000 cycles, and superior performance at low temperatures of −10 °C. Otherwise, 2H‐C/Na3V2(PO4)3 full cell also performs charge/discharge capacity of 80.0/76.7 mAh g−1 with 87% capacity retention after 140 cycles at 0 °C. This discovery further explores the unique mechanism and application of 2D layered materials in sodium‐ion battery anodes for fast kinetics under extreme conditions.
Volatility analysis and forecasting of vegetable prices using an ARMA‐GARCH model: An application of the CF filter and seasonal adjustment method to Korean green onions
Authors: Qiao Yiyang , Ahn Byeong‐il
Published: June 2024

The vegetable market experiences significant price fluctuations due to the complex interplay of trend, cyclical, seasonal, and irregular factors. This study takes Korean green onions as an example and employs the Christiano–Fitzgerald filter and the CensusX‐13 seasonal adjustment methods to decompose its price into four components: trend, cyclical, seasonal and irregular fluctuations. To estimate the price volatility and forecast future prices, we apply an ARMA‐GARCH model and use various statistical measures to assess the prediction accuracy. The empirical results demonstrate the effectiveness of ARMA(1, 2)‐GARCH(1, 1) model in modeling and forecasting the seasonally adjusted price of Korean green onions. Our study provides an important reference for expanding research in the field of vegetable price fluctuations and formulating strategies for stabilizing prices. [EconLit Citations: Q11, C22, Q02].
Structurally Modulated Formation of Cyanine J‐Aggregates with Sharp and Tunable Spectra for Multiplexed Optoacoustic and Fluorescence Bioimaging
Authors: Zhang Chaobang , Wu Yinglong , Zeng Fang , Wen Yubei , Chen Jiawei , Deng Gaowei , Zhang Liangliang , Zhao Shulin , Wu Shuizhu , Zhao Yanli
Published: June 2024

J‐aggregation brings intriguing optical and electronic properties to molecular dyes and significantly expands their applicability across diverse domains, yet the challenge for rationally designing J‐aggregating dyes persists. Herein, we developed a large number of J‐aggregating dyes from scratch by progressively refining structure of a common heptamethine cyanine. J‐aggregates with sharp spectral bands (full‐width at half‐maximum≤38 nm) are attained by introducing a branched structure featuring a benzyl and a trifluoroacetyl group at meso‐position of dyes. Fine‐tuning the benzyl group enables spectral regulation of J‐aggregates. Analysis of single crystal data of nine dyes reveals a correlation between J‐aggregation propensity and molecular arrangement within crystals. Some J‐aggregates are successfully implemented in multiplexed optoacoustic and fluorescence imaging in animals. Notably, three‐color multispectral optoacoustic tomography imaging with high spatiotemporal resolution is achieved, owing to the sharp and distinct absorption bands of the J‐aggregates.
A Halogen‐Bonded Fluorescent Molecular Photoswitch: Transition from 3D Cubic Lattice to 1D Helical Superstructure for Polarization Inversion of Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Li Shan , Wang Jingjing , Tian Meng , Meng Xianyu , Wang Jingxia , Guo Jinbao
Published: June 2024

The fabrication of materials that can switch between circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) signals is both essential and challenging. Here, two new halogen‐bonded fluorescent molecular photoswitches, namely, HB‐switch 1 and HB‐switch 2, containing α‐cyano‐substituted diarylethene compounds with different end groups were developed. Upon exposure to specific UV or visible light wavelengths, they exhibited controllable and reversible Z/E photoisomerization. When these switches were integrated into blue‐phase liquid crystals (BPLCs), the temperature range of BP significantly expanded. Notably, the BP system incorporating HB‐switch 1 exclusively achieved reversible polarization inversion of CPL signals under irradiation with specific UV/Visible light and during cooling/heating. The photo/thermal dual‐response behavior of the CPL signals can be attributed to the phase transition from a high‐symmetry 3D BP Icubic lattice to a low‐symmetry 1D helical superstructure induced by the Z/E photoisomerization of HB‐switch 1 and temperature changes. This study underscores the significance of employing halogen‐bond assembly strategies to design materials with switchable CPL signals, opening new possibilities for CPL‐active systems.
Virtual sketching‐based dental anatomy module improves learners' abilities to use computer‐aided design to create dental restorations and prostheses
Authors: Pang MengWei , Tong XueLu , Zhao XiaoHan , Wan JiaWu , Yin HuBin , Yu Na , Ma ChaoYi , Zhang WeiYi , Xu YiHan , Ren YingQi , Xiong ManYu , Kong WeiJie , Luo ZeXin , Yang LanXin , Tan FaBing , Li Yi , Fu XiaoMing , Huang YuanDing , Song Jinlin , Yang Sheng , Ji Ping
Published: June 2024

Dental anatomy education for dental technology students should be developed in alignment with digital dental laboratory practices. We hypothesized that a virtually assisted sketching‐based dental anatomy teaching module could improve students' acquisition of skills essential for digital restoration design. The second‐year dental technology curriculum included a novel virtual technology‐assisted sketching‐based module for dental anatomy education. Pre‐ and post‐course assessments evaluated students' skill sets and knowledge bases. Computer‐aided design (CAD) scores were analyzed after one year to assess how the skills students developed through this module impacted their subsequent CAD performance. Participants who undertook the dental sketching‐based teaching module demonstrated significantly improved theoretical knowledge of dental anatomy, dental aesthetic perception, and spatial reasoning skills. A partial least squares structural equation model indicated that the positive effects of this module on subsequent CAD performance were indirectly mediated by dental aesthetic perception, spatial reasoning, and practice time. A virtually assisted sketching‐based dental anatomy teaching module significantly improved students' acquisition of skills and knowledge and positively mediated dental technology students' CAD performance.
Barrier Lyapunov function‐based nonlinear cooperative control approach for dual‐quadrotor slung load system
Authors: Wei Yipeng , Yu Zhigang , Chen Xiukun
Published: June 2024

Due to the limited payload capacity of single‐quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in cargo transportation, there is a pressing need for the collaborative transportation of heavy goods using multiple quadrotor UAVs. In this context, the dual‐quadrotor aerial transportation system stands out for its heightened research significance, driven by its stringent requirements for controller swing reduction performance. In practical transportation scenarios, uncertainties such as disturbances and emergency avoidance constraints elevate the risk associated with excessive variations in the relative distances between quadrotor aircraft during collaborative transportation. Building upon the established nonlinear model by D'Alembert, this paper proposes a nonlinear coordinated control strategy based on the barrier Lyapunov function. The strategy employs an innovative energy storage approach, incorporating cooperative error constraints to effectively restrict relative errors between quadrotor aircraft, thereby mitigating the risk of collisions. Furthermore, this control strategy facilitates rapid convergence of the positions of quadrotor aircraft and the swing angles of suspended loads. Theoretical analyses, grounded in LaSalle's invariance theorem, provide evidence of the stability of the closed‐loop system. Finally, comparative assessments conducted using the Matlab/Simulink visualization platform validate the superior control performance of the designed controller in collaborative transportation scenarios.
Understand OCR retaliation claims
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: June 2024

Retaliation is one of the most common forms of disability discrimination. Sometimes, retaliation is overt and intentional. However, retaliation can also be indirect and inadvertent. Higher education professionals need to understand what types of actions constitute retaliation under Section 504 and Title II. This knowledge can help colleges and universities avoid retaliatory conduct against students with disabilities.
Controlling the CO2 Reduction Reaction through Dual‐Atom Catalysts Embedded in Expanded Porphyrins: A DFT Study
Authors: McCarver Gavin A. , Yildirim Taner , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2024

In the pursuit of innovative molecular catalysts for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2, we employed computational methodologies to investigate six Cu‐based expanded porphyrin dual‐atom catalysts (DACs). Our study revealed both large and small variations among the different DACs. Despite metal center substitutions, the highly delocalized nature of the π orbitals in the expanded porphyrin complexes led to minimal differences between the frontier orbitals. Conversely, pronounced differences emerged during hydrogen reduction. Notably, the formation of H2 exhibited low limiting potentials ranging from 0.13 to 0.43 eV, attributable to the ligand‐centered activity of the expanded porphyrin. Similar limiting potentials (<0.31 eV) for CO2 reduction indicate competition between the two reduction processes. This can be attributed to the emergence of highly favorable bridging μ2 intermediates, exemplified by *OCHO and *OH. The preference for these intermediates is expected to lead to the formation of only 2e− and 4e− products, namely H2, HCOOH and H2CO. Specifically, CuFe and CuMn DACs are poised to favor CO2 reduction to produce HCOOH and H2CO, while CuCo, CuCu, and CuZn DACs are anticipated to favor the production of H2.
Masking the Bioactivity of Hydroxamic Acids by Coordination to Cobalt: Towards Bioreductive Anticancer Agents
Authors: Goodman David M. , Ritter Cornelia U. , Chen Erin , Tong Kelvin K. H. , Riisom Mie , Söhnel Tilo , Jamieson Stephen M. F. , Anderson Robert F. , Brothers Penelope J. , Ware David C. , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: June 2024

The clinical use of many potent anticancer agents is limited by their non‐selective toxicity to healthy tissue. One of these examples is vorinostat (SAHA), a pan histone deacetylase inhibitor, which shows high cytotoxicity with limited discrimination for cancerous over healthy cells. In an attempt to improve tumor selectivity, we exploited the properties of cobalt(III) as a redox‐active metal center through stabilization with cyclen and cyclam tetraazamacrocycles, masking the anticancer activity of SAHA and other hydroxamic acid derivatives to allow for the complex to reach the hypoxic microenvironment of the tumor. Biological assays demonstrated the desired low in vitro anticancer activity of the complexes, suggesting effective masking of the activity of SAHA. Once in the tumor, the bioactive moiety may be released through the reduction of the CoIII center. Investigations revealed long‐term stability of the complexes, with cyclic voltammetry and chemical reduction experiments supporting the design hypothesis of SAHA release through the reduction of the CoIII prodrug. The results highlight the potential for further developing this complex class as novel anticancer agents by masking the high cytotoxicity of a given drug, however, the cellular uptake needs to be improved.
Cannabis use disorder is a developmental disease
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

A recent study looked closely at the chronic use of marijuana by adolescents, and found that there is a causal connection to psychosis. In the study by veteran cannabis researcher Jasmin Hurd, M.D. and colleagues, the study, “The developmental trajectory to cannabis use disorder” (to be published in the May issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry), senior author Hurd, working with lead author Jess Hinckley, M.D, an adolescent psychiatrist at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, looked at the many harms of cannabis use to young people who are still developing.
Short sleep and inflammation linked to increased rate of psychosis
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

Mechanisms linking childhood short sleep duration with later psychosis are not well known, but inflammation has recently been suggested as a mediating factor. Researchers looked at this closely for a recent study using longitudinal data from a major cohort study, and found that there was an association between elevated interleukin in childhood and psychosis at age 24.
Rapid initiation protocol for naltrexone for OUD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

Your idea of “rapid” may be different from that of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which funded a study showing that it is possible to start patients on injectable, extended‐release naltrexone (trade name Vivitrol) within five to seven days after they stop opioid use — and called that “rapid initiation.” But it's all relative. The standard treatment method was within 10–15 days, according to NIDA. The new finding shortens that painful period.
Overcoming a Conceptual Limitation of Industrial ε‐Caprolactone Production via Chemoenzymatic Synthesis in Organic Medium
Authors: Bernhard Laura Maria , Gröger Harald
Published: June 2024

The multi‐10.000 tons scale manufactured chemical ε‐caprolactone attracts high industrial interest due to its favorable biodegradability properties. However, besides being of petrochemical origin yet, its production has a conceptual limitation that is the difficult extraction of this highly water‐soluble monomer from the water phase resulting from the aqueous solution of H2O2 applied as reagent. In this contribution, we report a chemoenzymatic cascade starting from bio‐based phenol, which makes use of O2 instead of H2O2 and runs in pure organic medium, thus requiring only simply decantation and distillation as work‐up. In a first step, phenol is hydrogenated quantitatively to cyclohexanol under solvent‐free conditions with a Ru‐catalyst. After simple removal of the heterogenous catalyst, cyclohexanol is converted to ε‐caprolactone in a biocatalytic double oxidation with very high yields just requiring O2 as reagent. This biocatalytic process proceeds in pure organic medium, thus avoiding tedious extraction to isolate the highly water‐soluble ε‐caprolactone and enabling a substantially simplified work‐up by only centrifugal separation of lyophilized whole cells and solvent removal. This oxidation is accomplished using a tailor‐made recombinant whole‐cell catalyst containing an alcohol dehydrogenase and a cyclohexanone monooxygenase mutant.
Students and colleges should demand ED update Section 504
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: June 2024

On May 4, 1977, the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare promulgated regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (45 C.F.R. Part 84 (Effective date June 3, 1977)). When HEW was split in two, the United States Department of Education reissued the 504 regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 104). Last summer, the ED announced that it would update the Section 504 regulations. Yet, regrettably, the ED has not done so.
How to use inclusive teaching strategies in the age of ChatGPT
Authors: Yoho Rachel
Published: June 2024

Perhaps more than any other recent technological innovation, the sudden appearance of ChatGPT and similar large language models has precipitated a teaching and learning crisis in higher education.
Visionary preparation is critical for success
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: June 2024

I was born in 1958, during the peak of the baby boom birthrate years. Fast forward two decades: I graduated from college in May 1980. In June I turned 22 years old, and in July I started my first professional job in admissions and recruiting at my alma mater.
Current status of keratinized matrices in Toxicology: Comparison of hair and nails
Authors: Cobo‐Golpe M. , de‐Castro‐Ríos A. , Lendoiro E.
Published: June 2024

Nails are a keratinized matrix that has been proposed as an alternative to hair to evaluate long‐term and retrospective consumption of drugs of abuse and pharmaceuticals. This matrix has been gaining interest in recent years, with new studies focusing on the analysis of fingernails and/or toenails for different substances. However, nails and hair present differences in structure, growth, and incorporation pathways that may affect drug incorporation and analysis and complicate the interpretation of the results. To better understand the results in nail samples, a comparison of concentrations found in hair, fingernails, and toenails has been described in the literature for some drugs. This review unifies the results found in the literature, with special interest on studies that report paired samples from the same individuals. Differences between fingernail and toenail samples, as well as proposed cut‐offs in nails, are also discussed. Definite conclusions can be reached for some drugs, but, in general, more standardized studies are needed to better understand nail results.
Shaking table study on high‐speed train seismic derailment mechanism and verification of spectrum intensity derailment index
Authors: Wang Yang , Guo Wei , Zeng Chen , Huang Renqiang , Yang Shun , Nie Yutao , Jiang Lizhong , Yu Zhiwu
Published: June 2024

The derailment of a high‐speed train is a complex and uncertain dynamic process, especially under running conditions where the derailment index lacks comprehensive experimental validation. This research focuses on elucidating the mechanism of an earthquake‐induced train derailment and validating the structural response‐based spectrum intensity derailment index. To achieve this, a multi‐array shaking table system was utilized to test the safety of a running train and to physically replicate train derailment process under severe earthquake impact. We investigated the vibration characteristics and derailment progression of trains operating at different speeds, exposed to earthquakes of varying frequencies and intensities. In stationary derailments, significant wheelset lift was observed due to lateral rolling vibrations. However, in running test cases, there was no separation between the wheels and rails. Instead, the wheels underwent a long period of climbing and descending on the rails, similar to damped single‐degree‐of‐freedom oscillations. As the wheel climbed the rail and reached a critical potential energy point, the wheel flange of the wheel could potentially fall due to gravity or come off the rail due to external disturbances. The critical potential energy could be represented by the spectrum intensity threshold, and the prediction results aligned well with the derailment test results for both stationary and running trains. Furthermore, the method of determining train derailment based on structural responses was consistent with the test results. The spectrum intensity index shows strong positive correlations with other wheel‐force‐related indicators, albeit adopting a conservative perspective, reinforcing its efficacy in assessing train safety.
Egg Mercury Concentration and Egg Size Varies with Position in the Laying Sequence in two Songbird Species
Authors: Hartman C. Alex , Ackerman Joshua T. , Cooney Breanne , Herzog Mark P.
Published: June 2024

In birds, mercury embryotoxicity can occur through the transfer of mercury from the female to her eggs. Maternal transfer of mercury can vary by egg position in the laying sequence, with first-laid eggs often exhibiting greater mercury concentrations than subsequently laid eggs. We studied egg mercury concentration, mercury burden (total amount of mercury in the egg), and egg morphometrics by egg position in the laying sequence for two songbirds: tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and house wrens (Troglodytes aedon). Egg mercury concentration in the second egg laid was 14% lower for tree swallows and 6% lower for house wrens in comparison with the first egg laid. These results indicate that in both species, after an initial relatively high transfer of mercury into the first egg laid, a smaller amount of mercury was transferred to the second egg laid. This lower mercury concentration persisted among all subsequently laid eggs (eggs three to eight) in tree swallows (all were 14%–16% lower than egg 1), but mercury concentrations in subsequently laid house wren eggs (eggs three to seven) returned to levels observed in the first egg laid (all were 1% lower to 3% greater than egg 1). Egg size increased with position in the laying sequence in both species; the predicted volume of egg 7 was 5% and 6% greater than that of egg 1 in tree swallows and house wrens, respectively. This change was caused by a significant increase in egg width, but not egg length, with position in the laying sequence. The percentage of decline in mercury concentration with position in the laying sequence was considerably lower in tree swallows and house wrens compared with other bird taxonomic groups, suggesting that there are key differences in the maternal transfer of mercury into songbird eggs compared with other birds. Finally, we performed simulations to evaluate how within-clutch variation in egg mercury concentrations affected estimates of mean mercury concentrations in each clutch and the overall sampled population, which has direct implications for sampling designs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1844–1854. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Reliable community card system for detecting and isolating selfish vehicles in smart and connected communities‐based VDTN's
Authors: Rehman Ghani Ur , Haq Muhammad Inam Ul , Badshah Afzal , Zubair Muhammad , Daraz Amil , AlQahtani Salman A. , Alamri Atif M.
Published: June 2024

Smart and connected communities (SCC) is a new area of the Internet of Things with the potential to improve people's lives. The goal of developing SCC for a community is to encourage people to focus on the present, consider the future, and reflect on the past. In SCC, nodes (vehicles) can use their mobility to collect data from interconnected devices and send it to a variety of delay‐tolerant applications. Vehicular delay tolerant networks are an ideal fit for such services. However, the problem is that the devices and nodes (vehicles), having limited resources, may become unwilling to cooperate due to their selfish behavior. This article presents a reliable community card system (RCCS) with two main parts: a reliable community and community‐based card tracking system (CBCTS). The reliable community contains all trustworthy vehicles with a certain level of community reputation determined by their honesty level. In CBCTS, every vehicle needs a community card to participate in the network and the neighboring vehicles act as monitoring vehicle. The evaluation results show that the proposed RCCS is quite effective, with detection time and packet delivery. Similarly, it causes minimal overhead and energy consumption compared to all other existing techniques.
Lysosomal cholesterol accumulation in aged astrocytes impairs cholesterol delivery to neurons and can be rescued by cannabinoids
Authors: Allende Leandro G. , Natalí Lautaro , Cragnolini Andrea B. , Bollo Mariana , Musri Melina M. , de Mendoza Diego , Martín Mauricio G.
Published: June 2024

Cholesterol is crucial for the proper functioning of eukaryotic cells, especially neurons, which rely on cholesterol to maintain their complex structure and facilitate synaptic transmission. However, brain cells are isolated from peripheral cholesterol by the blood–brain barrier and mature neurons primarily uptake the cholesterol synthesized by astrocytes for proper function. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aging on cholesterol trafficking in astrocytes and its delivery to neurons. We found that aged astrocytes accumulated high levels of cholesterol in the lysosomal compartment, and this cholesterol buildup can be attributed to the simultaneous occurrence of two events: decreased levels of the ABCA1 transporter, which impairs ApoE‐cholesterol export from astrocytes, and reduced expression of NPC1, which hinders cholesterol release from lysosomes. We show that these two events are accompanied by increased microR‐33 in aged astrocytes, which targets ABCA1 and NPC1. In addition, we demonstrate that the microR‐33 increase is triggered by oxidative stress, one of the hallmarks of aging. By coculture experiments, we show that cholesterol accumulation in astrocytes impairs the cholesterol delivery from astrocytes to neurons. Remarkably, we found that this altered transport of cholesterol could be alleviated through treatment with endocannabinoids as well as cannabidiol or CBD. Finally, according to data demonstrating that aged astrocytes develop an A1 phenotype, we found that cholesterol buildup is also observed in reactive C3+ astrocytes. Given that reduced neuronal cholesterol affects synaptic plasticity, the ability of cannabinoids to restore cholesterol transport from aged astrocytes to neurons holds significant implications in aging and inflammation.
Soluble levels of 4‐1BB (CD137) and OX40 (CD134) are associated with cancer progression in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lima Cecilia Araújo Carneiro , Martins Mário Rino , dos Santos Rogerio Luiz , da Silva Luciana Mata , Da Silva Jeronimo Paulo Assis , Forones Nora Manoukian , Torres Leuridan Cavalcante
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Previous studies have demonstrated that soluble forms of T‐cell costimulatory molecules 4‐1BB (s4‐1BB) and OX40 (sOX40) interact with immune cells and may constitute a mechanism of immune evasion by tumors in various cancers. The role of the soluble forms of 4‐1BB and OX40 in GC remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association between serum levels of s4‐1BB and sOX40 and tumor progression in patients with GC.

Methods

Between 2017 and 2018, a cross‐sectional study was performed with serum samples of 83 GC patients and 20 healthy controls.

Results

Patients with stage IV metastatic gastric cancer had significantly higher levels of soluble OX40 in comparison with stage III patients with lymph nodes metastasis (p = 0.0003) and stages I and II patients (p = 0.005), whereas the opposite was found for soluble 4‐1BB levels, with lower levels being found in advanced stage III (p = 0.003) compared with initial stages I/II.

Conclusions

The sOX40 and s4‐1BB‐mediated T cell interactions may be involved in antitumor immune responses in GC, possibly favoring tumor escape and progression. Serum levels of sOX40 and s4‐1BB are associated with staging in GC and may constitute biomarkers for prognosis, as well as potential targets for immunotherapy.
Short‐term changes in serum miRNA levels and patient‐reported clinical outcomes in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Huang Yu‐Fang , Bhandage Amol K. , Adeström Lisa Diaz‐Pintado , Punga Anna Rostedt
Published: June 2024

Introduction/Aims

The circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) miR‐150‐5p, miR‐30e‐5p, and miR‐21‐5p have been suggested as potential biomarkers for myasthenia gravis (MG); however, the relationships between short‐term natural changes of the miRNAs and patient‐reported MG outcome scores have not been well‐studied. We assessed the short‐term fluctuations in miRNA levels and patient‐reported outcome measures in MG.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 39 MG patients with regular follow‐ups and unchanged medications at the Neurology outpatient clinic at Uppsala University Hospital. Patients had weekly follow‐up visits for 1 month, at which blood samples were drawn, and scores from MG activities of daily living (MG‐ADL), MG quality‐of‐life‐15 (MG‐QoL15), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were assessed. Serum levels of miRNA miR‐150‐5p, miR‐30e‐5p, and miR‐21‐5p were analyzed using quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results

Intra‐individual levels of miR‐30e‐5p and miR‐150‐5p were stable, whereas a significant reduction in miR‐21‐5p was observed from week 1 to week 2 (p = .0024) and from week 2 to week 3 (p < .0001). There were intra‐individual differences over a short time in MG‐ADL, with higher scores in female patients (p = .0281) and a significant reduction from the first to the second weeks (p = .0281), whereas MG‐QoL15 and FSS scores were stable.

Discussion

The suggested MG biomarkers miR‐30e‐5p and miR‐150‐5p were more stable than miR‐21‐5p over a short time, indicating their short‐term stability as biomarkers. Prospective multi‐center studies with longer periods of follow‐up and matched controls are needed to validate these miRNAs as biomarkers in MG.
Nutritional considerations with antiobesity medications
Authors: Almandoz Jaime P. , Wadden Thomas A. , Tewksbury Colleen , Apovian Caroline M. , Fitch Angela , Ard Jamy D. , Li Zhaoping , Richards Jesse , Butsch W. Scott , Jouravskaya Irina , Vanderman Kadie S. , Neff Lisa M.
Published: June 2024

The improved efficacy and generally favorable safety profile of recently approved and emerging antiobesity medications (AOMs), which result in an average weight reduction of ≥15%, represent significant advancement in the treatment of obesity. This narrative review aims to provide practical evidence‐based recommendations for nutritional assessment, management, and monitoring of patients treated with AOMs. Prior to treatment, clinicians can identify preexisting nutritional risk factors and counsel their patients on recommended intakes of protein, dietary fiber, micronutrients, and fluids. During treatment with AOMs, ongoing monitoring can facilitate early recognition and management of gastrointestinal symptoms or inadequate nutrient or fluid intake. Attention should also be paid to other factors that can impact response to treatment and quality of life, such as physical activity and social and emotional health. In the context of treatment with AOMs, clinicians can play an active role in supporting their patients with obesity to improve their health and well‐being and promote optimal nutritional and medical outcomes.
Analysis of impact response and damage evolution in multi‐scale of novel 3D carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone composites
Authors: Yang Xiaori , Zheng Liangang , Zhuge Xiaojie , Liu Yang , Zhang Kun , Xu Fujun
Published: June 2024

Thermoplastic composites have a high application demand in aerospace, marine military and other cutting‐edge industry. However, it poses a considerable obstacle in achieving three‐dimensional (3D) thermoplastic composites because of the inadequate infiltration of highly viscous thermoplastic resins. In this paper, high‐toughness Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin‐based 3D orthogonal carbon fiber thermoplastic composites were designed and obtained. Low‐velocity impact test was conducted on 3D orthogonal woven composite (3DOWC) under the energy levels of 5 and 10 J, and its performance was compared with that of the 2D unidirectional layup composite (2DULC) and the 2D plain layup composite (2DPLC). The results showed that 3DOWC possessed superior elastic energy absorption capacity and less damage morphology compared to 2D composites. 3DOWC had the highest contact force value of 2420.25 N at 10 J, which is 36.83% higher than that of 2DPLC. Furthermore, a finite element model in multi‐scale was established to investigate the damage evolution and failure mechanism of the 3D orthogonal woven CF/PEEK composites. The damage morphology observed in both experimental and numerical findings demonstrated that the matrix shedding, while the yarn fractured on the nonimpact side beneath the impact point. Additionally, enhancing the tensile strength of the yarn in the bottom layer can lead to further improvement in impact resistance. This work provides an innovative method for manufacturing 3D thermoplastic composites and lays the foundation for the impact simulation analysis of such composites.

Highlights

A novel approach was introduced for fabricating 3D carbon fiber/PEEK composites, which exhibits remarkable resistance to impact.

A comprehensive investigation was conducted to evaluate the impact properties of 3D thermoplastic composite compared to 2D composite.

A finite element model in multi‐scale including failure criteria was established to simulate the damage evolution.
Experimental and theoretical investigations on Magnetostrictive stresses of PDMS based magnetorheological elastomer films
Authors: Zhang Qiushu , Chen Guoqing , Xu Jintao , Wen Pan , Peng Bei
Published: June 2024

This paper demonstrates experimental and theoretical research of the magnetostrictive stresses of the magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) films comprised of PDMS and Fe/Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The MRE films possessing three types of microstructures were formed via imposing an external magnetic field or under no magnetic field during the film preparation, whose nanoparticle weight fractions were in the range of 1–40 wt%. The measurement of the film magnetostrictive stresses was carried out by employing the FLX 2320‐S thin film stress measurement system with a special structure used for applying a homogeneous magnetic field to the samples in the process of testing. The experimental data show that the film magnetostrictive stresses are greatly dependent on the nanoparticle concentration and the film microstructure. The theoretical analysis and numerical simulation were performed to obtain a good understanding of the mechanism and the important influencing factors of the film magnetostrictive stresses. For the isotropic specimens, the calculated values of the film magnetostrictive stresses are in good agreement with the measured values. The research results reported in this work could facilitate the applications of MREs to the micro/nano technology field such as MEMS, small‐scale soft robotics, and so on.

Highlights

Magnetostrictive stresses of MRE films can be experimentally obtained.

Magnetostrictive stress results from magneto‐mechanical coupling.

Particle content has an effect on film magnetostrictive stress.

Orientation of particle clusters influences film magnetostrictive stress.

Size and number of particle clusters affect film magnetostrictive stress.
High‐efficiency modification of PET by the low addition of a self‐assembled functional nanocellulose film prepared from waste paper
Authors: Lei Wanqing , Hou Jingyu , Fang Changqing , Qin Jianqin , Zhou Xing , Li Lu
Published: June 2024

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a conventional packaging material. Its modification has attracted immense attention in the industry and academia. Here, office waste paper, white cardboard waste, and waste corrugated paper were first employed as raw materials for cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) extraction by acid hydrolysis. Thereafter, CNC/PET composite films with various CNC additions were prepared via a self‐assembly technique. The results revealed that the CNCs formed a self‐assembled film on the PET surface via the synergistic effect of the complex interactions among the CNCs as well as between the CNCs and PET. Moreover, the CNCs improved the barrier property of PET and decreased the oxygen and water vapor transmittances of CNC/PET by 30.7% and 21.7%, respectively. Additionally, the coating of the PET surface with 0.2 wt.% CNCs extracted from the waste paper decreased the surface wettability of PET, exhibiting application potentials in the hydrophobic modification of polymers. This study realized waste paper recycling and provided a basis for constructing self‐assembled functional films on PET surfaces. The findings and insights of this study could exhibit application potentials in the fields of waste recycling and packaging materials.

Highlights

A functional cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) film is prepared from waste paper.

Self‐assembled CNC is coated on a PET surface to form a CNC/PET composite film.

The synergistic interactions among CNCs and between CNC and PET modified PET.

The low addition of CNCs realized the efficiency modification of PET.

The study achieves waste paper recycling and high‐value utilization.
Impact response of hybrid composites under varying environmental conditions: A comparative study
Authors: Gunoz Alper , Kur Mert , Kara Memduh
Published: June 2024

Composite materials are widely preferred in the aviation, automotive, construction and maritime industries due to their many superior properties. As a result of this widespread use, composite structures are inevitably subjected to various environmental conditions. Various environmental conditions may negatively affect the mechanical performance of the structure, and the structure may become unable to maintain its initial mechanical properties, especially in the face of critical loading, such as low‐velocity impacts. This research investigated the influence of various environmental conditions on the low‐velocity impact strength of composite materials. 12‐layer plate samples with epoxy matrix reinforced with woven glass fabric (GF), woven carbon fabric (CF), and hybrid fabric (HF), where the two fabrics are used together, were produced. Low‐velocity impact tests were conducted to these specimens at 20 and 40 J energy levels. Damages occurring in the material as a result of the low‐velocity impact test were interpreted using high‐resolution camera and optical microscope images. Force‐time and force‐ displacement curves were drawn and interpreted. It was concluded that as the impact energy values increased, the maximum force and displacement values also increased.

Highlights

The influence of various environmental conditions to which composite materials may be exposed on the dynamic response of the structure has been investigated.

Various environmental conditions significantly affected the composite structure's impact behavior.

While glass fabric (GF) composite samples were more affected by the seawater environment, carbon fabric (CF) composite samples were more affected by the HCl environment.

Hybrid (HF) composite samples were affected by seawater and HCl in approximately equal amounts.