bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Study of a Multi-Zone Tight-Gas Well Stimulation and Post-Frac Production Evaluation
Authors: Shaoul Josef , Park Jason , Spitzer Winston , Eaton Maurice
Published: January 2013

The Geesbrug-1 well was drilled in 1992, and perforated and tested in 1993. The production was considered uneconomic at the time. In 2009, the well was re-completed for fracture stimulation. Three horizons were targeted, the Rotliegend, Dalen and Hardenberg. Two propped fracture treatments were placed successfully and the data analyzed to estimate fracture dimensions and conductivity. The post-frac gas production was history matched using a high resolution 3D model and local grid refinement to explicitly model propped fractures. In addition to this the water production was matched to calibrate and understand the relative permeability behavior. PLT data was available at several points in time and used in the matching process. The history matched model was used to optimize the completion design (number of fractures, fracture spacing) for two additional horizontal multiple fractured wells that are planned to develop the field.

This case study illustrates the ability to accurately model the post-frac production from a vertical well producing from multiple intervals. By integrating the fracture treatment analysis with the post-frac production evaluation, a more accurate estimate of fracture and reservoir properties can be obtained, leading to better long-term forecasting and optimization of future wells and stimulation treatments.
Engineering Cementing Solution for Hutubi Underground Gas Storage Project
Authors: Zhang X.. , Taoutaou S.. , Guo Y.. , An Y.. , Zhong S.. , Wang Y..
Published: January 2013

Underground gas storage is an important segment in China’s gas market. Because of the supply and demand misbalance of natural gas, the gas in underground storage is made available during the peak winter season. In the west of China, the Hutubi dry gas field is to be used for underground gas storage with a storage capacity of 4.5 × 109 m3. A total of 37 wells will be drilled with 30 natural gas injection/withdrawal wells, 5 observation wells, and 2 water injection wells. Underground gas storage relies on proper wellbore construction and the sealing function of the caprock. The selection of the type of cement is crucial to having a healthy well that will last to meet the gas storage need of 30 years under high intensity injection. The gas injection and withdrawal will induce different stresses on the cement sheath and may destroy the seal by either debonding (microannulus) or cracking; an effective cement system is required to prevent leakage of the gas and flow through the caprock. A specialized cement technology was identified as a solution to underground gas storage and was deployed successfully in the Hutubi field with great results. The cement selected had to meet the pressure and temperature challenges associated with the underground gas storage, and a methodology was established to qualify the new sealant. Case histories of three wells illustrate the steps taken in cementing UGS wells in the field.
La logique collective
Authors: Menéndez Ramón
Published: January 2013

Les « Assises II du savoir du psychanalyste » comportent un volet « Logique collective ». Les organisateurs ont fait le choix de travailler plus particulièrement la question de l’intransmissibilité de la psychanalyse. Nous présentons ici l’interview réalisée avec Annie Castille et Nancy Katan-Barwell, organisatrices de cette partie.
Proximate Composition and Fatty Acids Profile in Oleaginous Seeds
Authors: Rodrigues Angela Claudia , Souza Aloísio Henrique Pereira de , Matsushita Makoto , Dias Lucia Felicidade , Visentainer Jesui Vergílio , Tonsig Shawany Maldonado , Souza Nilson Evelazio de
Published: January 2013

Fatty acids were quantified in oleaginous seeds: pistachio, almonds, European nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, pecan nuts, and macadamia nuts. Three brands of each sample were purchased in three lots (n = 9). The proximate composition, energetic value, and fatty acids (FA) were determined by gas chromatography. All seeds had large amounts of total lipids and the highest contents (ca. 70%) were found in macadamia, pecan, and European nuts. The samples had significant amounts of crude protein. Pistachio and cashew nuts had the greatest amount (ca. 20%), as well as the largest carbohydrate contents (32%). All seeds were rather energetic, ranging from 600 to 760 Kcal.g-1. From seven to nine FA were identified and quantified, oleic (n-9) and linoleic (n-6) acids were the major acids. Essential fatty acid a-linolenic (n-3) was found in European nuts (except pistachio) with an n-6/n-3 ratio (4:1) that is very beneficial to health. Trans FA were also observed in salted roasted cashew nuts. The major saturated FA (SFA) was palmitic, stearic, and arachidonic acids, however, their amounts were much lower than those of polyunsaturated acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated acids (MUFA). European nuts had the greatest PUFA/SFA ratio (9), followed by almonds (3.6).
Changes in Emergency Contraceptive Fills After Massachusetts’ Statewide Standing Order
Authors: Qato Dima M. , Guadamuz Jenny S. , Myerson Rebecca
Published: July 2024

This study examines whether policies that reduce prescribing barriers may improve access to emergency contraceptives, particularly ulipristal.
Extended-Infusion β-Lactam Therapy, Mortality, and Subsequent Antibiotic Resistance Among Hospitalized Adults With Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Karaba Sara M. , Cosgrove Sara E. , Lee Jae Hyoung , Fiawoo Suiyini , Heil Emily L. , Quartuccio Katelyn S. , Shihadeh Katherine C. , Tamma Pranita D.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Current evidence is conflicting for associations of extended-infusion β-lactam (EI-BL) therapy with clinical outcomes.

Objective

To investigate the association of EI-BL therapy with survival, adverse events, and emergence of antibiotic resistance in adults with gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSI).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study of consecutive adults with GN-BSI admitted to 24 United States hospitals between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, receiving EI-BL were compared with adults with GN-BSI receiving the same agents as intermittent infusion β-lactam (II-BL; ≤1-hour infusions). Statistical analysis was performed from January to October 2023.

Exposures

EI-BL (ie, ≥3-hour infusion).

Main Outcomes and Measures

EI-BL and II-BL groups underwent 1:3 nearest-neighbor propensity score matching (PSM) without replacement. Multivariable regression was applied to the PSM cohort to investigate outcomes, all censored at day 90. The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes included antibiotic adverse events and emergence of resistance (≥4-fold increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration of the β-lactam used to treat the index GN-BSI).

Results

Among the 4861 patients included, 2547 (52.4%) were male; and the median (IQR) age was 67 (55-77) years. There were 352 patients in the EI-BL 1:3 PSM group, and 1056 patients in the II-BL 1:3 PSM group. Among 1408 PSM patients, 373 (26.5%) died by day 90. The odds of mortality were lower in the EI-BL group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.71 [95% CI, 0.52-0.97]). In a stratified analysis, a survival benefit was only identified in patients with severe illness or elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations (ie, in the intermediate range for the antibiotic administered). There were increased odds of catheter complications (aOR, 3.14 [95% CI, 1.66-5.96]) and antibiotic discontinuation because of adverse events (eg, acute kidney injury, cytopenias, seizures) in the EI-BL group (aOR, 3.66 [95% CI, 1.68-7.95]). Emergence of resistance was similar in the EI-BL and II-BL groups at 2.9% vs 7.2%, respectively (P = .35).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with GN-BSI, EI-BL therapy was associated with reduced mortality for patients with severe illness or those infected with nonsusceptible organisms; potential advantages in other groups remain unclear and need to be balanced with potential adverse events. The subsequent emergence of resistance warrants investigation in a larger cohort.
Extracellular glucose triggers metabolic reprogramming of cultured human bronchial epithelial cells and indirect fibroblast activation
Authors: Park Sangmi S. , Ward Rafael , Geraghty Patrick , Garcia‐Arcos Itsaso
Published: July 2024

Glucose is essential for energy metabolism, and its usage can determine other cellular functions, depending on the cell type. In some pathological conditions, cells are exposed to high concentrations of glucose for extended periods. In this study, we investigated metabolic, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence pathways in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) cultured in media with physiologically low (5 mm) and high (12.5 mm) glucose concentrations. HBECs exposed to 12.5 mm glucose showed increased glucose routing toward the pentose phosphate pathway, lactate synthesis, and glycogen, but not triglyceride synthesis. These metabolic shifts were not associated with changes in cell proliferation rates, oxidative stress, or cellular senescence pathways. Since hyperglycemia is associated with fibrosis in the lung, we asked whether HBECS could activate fibroblasts. Primary human lung fibroblasts cultured in media conditioned by 12.5 mm glucose‐exposed HBECs showed a 1.3‐fold increase in the gene expression of COL1A1 and COL1A2, along with twofold increased protein levels of smooth muscle cell actin and 2.4‐fold of COL1A1. Consistently, HBECs cultured with 12.5 mm glucose secreted proteins associated with inflammation and fibrosis, such as interleukins IL‐1β, IL‐10, and IL‐13, CC chemokine ligands CCL2 and CCL24, and with extracellular matrix remodeling, such as metalloproteinases (MMP)‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and MMP‐13 and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP)‐1 and ‐2. This study shows that HBECs undergo metabolic reprogramming and increase the secretion of profibrotic mediators following exposure to high concentrations of glucose, and it contributes to the understanding of the metabolic crosstalk of neighboring cells in diabetes‐associated pulmonary fibrosis.
Vacancy‐Rich Ternary Iron Phosphoselenide Multicavity Nanorods: A Highly Reversible and Fast Anode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tian Zhidong , Sun Wei , Yu Jiaqi , Yuan Jun , Chen Junxiang , Liu Yangjie , Ding Yichun , Hu Xiang , Wen Zhenhai
Published: July 2024

The significance of exploring optimal electrode materials cannot be overstated, particularly in mitigating the critical issues posed by sluggish redox kinetics, significant volume variations, and severe structural collapse resulting from the insertion and extraction of sodium ions. These efforts are crucial for enhancing the longevity and rapid charging capabilities of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, a defect engineering strategy for the in situ encapsulation of single‐phase ternary iron phosphoselenide into porous carbon by robust chemical bonds with the formation of rod‐like multicavity nanohybrids (FePSe3@C) is presented. The incorporation of Se atom not only modulates the electronic structure of the central metal Fe atom and enhances the intrinsic electrical conductivity, but also generates numerous additional reaction sites and accelerates the reaction kinetics of FePSe3@C, as corroborated by theoretical calculations and kinetic analysis. Notably, the FePSe3@C demonstrates an outstanding rate capability of 321.7 mAh g−1 even at 20 A g−1 and long cycling stability over 1000 cycles. The sodium‐ion full cell, pairing the FePSe3@C anode with the Na3V2(PO4)3@C cathode, exhibits a remarkable energy density of 202 Wh kg−1, demonstrating its practical applicability. This work provides a controllable defect and morphology engineering strategy to construct advanced materials with fast charge transfer for high‐power/energy SIBs.
Interface Allocation Precisely Customized Janus Upconversion Nanomotor for Atherosclerosis Amelioration
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liao Cheng , Abudusaimaiti Maolan , Zhou Haibo , Liu Jinliang , Li Wei , Zhang Yong , Mei Qingsong
Published: July 2024

Spatial and temporal precisely control of direction and speed is crucial for nanomotors to enable complex operations and applications in microsurgery, drug delivery, isolation of biological targets, and so on. Judicious material design involving Janus nanoparticles has been popular over the past decades, however, precise and customizable modulation of Janus structure with a specific asymmetric ratio for motion control is still challenging. In this study, a universal “interface allocation” strategy is developed for efficient and controllable preparation of Janus mesoporous silica‐coated upconversion nanoparticles (Janus UCNP@mSiO2) with precisely tuned asymmetric ratio to achieve near‐infrared (NIR)‐controlled active mobility for relieving vessel plaque. Mesoporous silica with a thickness of 50 nm is precisely coated onto the nanoparticles’ surface with an optimal coverage ratio of 50% to encapsulate gas propellant. Upon exposure to upconverted blue light, the nanomotors release nitric oxide, facilitating their motion and pathologically improving atherosclerosis through endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Experimental and theoretical simulation results demonstrate the advantages of NIR‐controlled Janus upconversion nanomotors in atherosclerosis treatment, including enhanced nanoparticle‐transmittance rate (34.83% to 85.57%) and excellent in vivo therapeutic efficacy.
Bulk Photovoltaic Effect in Single Ferroelectric Domain of SnS Crystal and Control of Local Polarization by Strain
Authors: Nanae Ryo , Kitamura Satsuki , Chang Yih‐Ren , Kanahashi Kaito , Nishimura Tomonori , Moqbel Redhwan , Lin Kung‐Hsuan , Maruyama Mina , Gao Yanlin , Okada Susumu , Qi Kai , Fu Jui‐Han , Tung Vincent , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Nagashio Kosuke
Published: July 2024

The bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) in ferroelectrics, wherein spontaneous polarization can be reversed within crystals lacking centrosymmetry, encompasses the significant contribution of ferroelectric domain walls (DWs), known as DW‐PVE. Nevertheless, the separation between intrinsic BPVE within the domain and DW‐PVE remains unexplored in 2D ferroelectrics, notwithstanding its significant importance. In this study, sizable crystals of 2D ferroelectric SnS are successfully grown, facilitating a comprehensive yet intricate examination of domain configurations utilizing polarized optical microscopy and piezoresponse force microscopy. By properly selecting the large ferroelectric single domain within SnS crystals, uniform intrinsic BPVE across the domain is unequivocally demonstrated. Furthermore, to further enhance intrinsic BPVE, manipulation of strain poling increased photocurrent, suggesting that locally distributed polarizations due to imperfection introduced in SnS crystals are aligned by strain. These results will offer a new avenue for rigorous comprehension of DW‐PVE in 2D ferroelectrics.
Deep‐Learning‐Assisted Piezoresistive Intelligent Glove for Pressure Monitoring and Object Identification
Authors: Zhu Jie , Zhang Shuai , Ma Shuqi , Wang Jiacheng , Yuan Quanbo , Luo Xin , Chai Hancheng , Liu Jinchen , Jia Zhenhua
Published: July 2024

The array of tactile information processing capabilities is an important index for modern intelligent devices advancing toward a humanoid form, and it greatly improves the recognition of different objects in human‐computer interactions. Herein, a deep‐learning‐assisted intelligent grasping recognition system based on a piezoresistive sensing glove, hardware conditioning, and acquisition circuits, and a multibranch deep‐capsule network is reported. Owing to the multiscale 3D structure of carbon nanotube (CNTs)/carbon fiber (CFs) embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the piezoresistive sensing glove is highly sensitive to the pressure exerted by external objects. The acquired signals are reflected on a hand‐like background map, and a combination of multiple subgraphs is used to build the dataset. A multibranch deep‐capsule network is constructed to encode spatial information while realizing object recognition with an accuracy of 99.4%. Therefore, the proposed intelligent grasping recognition system possesses good human‐robot interaction capabilities, providing a new approach for the development of intelligent robots in the field of perceptual recognition applications.
Linear Film Strain Sensors with Nanosphere‐on‐Fiber Hetero‐Modulus Microstructure for Human‐Bionic Finger Interfacing
Authors: Wei Kai‐Dong , Shao He‐Qing , Ke Kai , Yin Bo , Yang Ming‐Bo , Yang Wei
Published: July 2024

Stretchable film strain sensors show potential applications in healthcare and human‐machine interfacing, while poor signal linearity restricts their practical applications owing to inaccurate and instable strain indication. Signal sensitivity and linearity can be improved via constructing hetero‐modulus microstructure on elastomeric substrate to some extent, though it is challenging to construct hetero‐structure with distinct modulus differences for electrical signal linearity modulation over a wide strain range. Herein, a simple strategy is proposed to tune signal sensitivity, linearity, and detection range of stretchable strain sensors by adjusting the distribution of rigid polystyrene (PS) nanospheres coated on electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fiber mats. Heterostructure characteristics can be controlled by spray coating times of PS nanospheres, which are immobilized onto the fiber mats by weak swelling of TPU and the linking layer of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) between TPU and PS induced by hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking. Relatively, the sensors with moderate spray coating times of PS nanospheres show balanced signal sensitivity and linearity over a strain range of 0–80%, as well as fast response to tensile strain and good signal reproducibility. Such elastomeric film strain sensors can be used for monitoring physiological activities and interfacing human hand and bionic fingers.
Autonomous Thermal Modulator Based on Gold Film‐Coated Liquid Crystal Elastsomer
Authors: Dong Gaoweiang , Feng Tianshi , Chen Renkun , Cai Shengqiang
Published: July 2024

Radiative cooling has been recently intensively explored for thermal management and enhancing energy efficiency. Yet, traditional materials with singular emissivity fall short in dynamic thermal management, highlighting the need for materials that can adjust their thermal radiation in real time. Active modulation methods, requiring external stimuli such as mechanical stretch, electric potential, or humidity change, offer adaptability but can increase energy use and complexity. Passive approaches, using materials' inherent thermal‐responsive properties, face manufacturing and scalability challenges. Here, a scalable yet effective passive approach is introduced for adaptive thermal modulation based on gold (Au) and liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with a reversible response to environmental temperature changes. This modulator enables a “low thermal resistance” state through actuation‐induced microcracks that expose a high‐emissivity polymer substrate, and a “high thermal resistance” state by closing these microcracks and forming a high thermal resistance air gap between the modulator and the target object. The flexible design and fixed external dimensions of the Au‐LCE thermal modulator make it adaptable to various surface geometries. Furthermore, by adjusting the LCE's chemical composition, the modulator's transition temperature can be tailored, broadening its applications from enhancing building energy efficiency to improving clothing thermal comfort.
Effective Liquid Electrolytes for Enabling Room‐Temperature Sodium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Marangon Vittorio , Barcaro Edoardo , De Boni Francesco , Prato Mirko , Bresser Dominic , Hassoun Jusef
Published: July 2024

Glyme‐based electrolytes for sodium‐sulfur (Na–S) batteries are proposed for advanced cell configuration. Solutions of NaClO4 or NaCF3SO3 in tetraglyme are investigated in terms of thermal stability, ionic conductivity, Na+‐transference number, electrochemical stability, stripping‐deposition ability, and chemical stability in Na‐cells. Subsequently, versions of the electrolytes doped with fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) are prepared using 0.5, 1, 2, or 3% additive weight concentrations, and evaluated by adopting the same approach used for the bare solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides morphological details of the passivation layer formed on the Na electrodes, while X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) sheds light on its composition. The most relevant achievement of the FEC‐added electrolyte is the suppression of the polysulfide shuttle in Na–S cells using a cathode with 70 wt.% of sulfur in the composite. This result appears even more notable considering the low amount of the additive requested for enabling the reversible cell operation. The solutions using 1% of FEC show the best compromise between cell performance and stability. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) displays the potential region related to the FEC electrochemical process responsible for Na–S cell operation. The understanding of the electrolyte features enables additional cycling tests using sulfur cathode with an optimized current collector, increased specific capacity, and coulombic efficiency.
Durable and High‐Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on an Inorganic Triboelectric Pair of Diamond‐Like‐Carbon and Glass
Authors: Li Wenjian , Lu Liqiang , Zhang Chi , Loos Katja , Pei Yutao
Published: July 2024

The long‐term durability of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) remains a main challenge for practical applications because of inevitable material abrasion and wear, especially for sliding TENGs. Herein, an inorganic triboelectric pair composed of diamond‐like carbon (DLC) and glass with excellent durability and triboelectric output for sliding‐mode TENGs is proposed. This triboelectric pair possesses a low coefficient of friction and little abrasion and accordingly excellent durability (>500 000 cycles). Moreover, compared with the traditional copper‐polytetrafluoroethylene (Cu‐PTFE) TENG with maximum transferred charges of 50 nC, those of the DLC‐glass TENG reaches 141 nC. Due to the low‐friction and high hardness of the triboelectric pair, the output quickly recovers after simply cleaning wear debris. The DLC‐glass TENG demonstrates an output power density of 530 mW m−2 and a fourfold faster capacitor charging speed than the Cu‐PTFE TENG. Compared to the reported durable TENGs via structure optimization and interface lubrication, the DLC‐glass TENG shows higher outputs and simpler structure. This DLC‐glass pair structure is also introduced into a spherical TENG for blue energy harvesting with excellent durability. The inorganic triboelectric pair with excellent mechanical durability and electrical performance proposed in this work shows huge prospects for practical applications of TENGs.
Room Temperature Phosphorescent Nanofiber Membranes by Bio‐Fermentation
Authors: Nie Xiaolin , Gong Junyi , Ding Zeyang , Wu Bo , Wang Wen‐Jin , Gao Feng , Zhang Guoqing , Alam Parvej , Xiong Yu , Zhao Zheng , Qiu Zijie , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2024

Stimuli‐responsive materials exhibiting exceptional room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) hold promise for emerging technologies. However, constructing such systems in a sustainable, scalable, and processable manner remains challenging. This work reports a bio‐inspired strategy to develop RTP nanofiber materials using bacterial cellulose (BC) via bio‐fermentation. The green fabrication process, high biocompatibility, non‐toxicity, and abundant hydroxyl groups make BC an ideal biopolymer for constructing durable and stimuli‐responsive RTP materials. Remarkable RTP performance is observed with long lifetimes of up to 1636.79 ms at room temperature. Moreover, moisture can repeatedly quench and activate phosphorescence in a dynamic and tunable fashion by disrupting cellulose rigidity and permeability. With capabilities for repeatable moisture‐sensitive phosphorescence, these materials are highly suitable for applications such as anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption. This pioneering bio‐derived approach provides a reliable and sustainable blueprint for constructing dynamic, scalable, and processable RTP materials beyond synthetic polymers.
Organic cocrystals: From high‐performance molecular materials to multi‐functional applications
Authors: Ding Yuqing , Zhao Yan , Liu Yunqi
Published: July 2024

Advancements in organic electronics are propelling the development of new material systems, where organic materials stand out for their unique benefits, including tunability and cost‐effectiveness. Organic single crystals stand out for their ordered structure and reduced defects, enhancing the understanding of the relationship between structure and performance. Organic cocrystal engineering builds upon these foundations, exploring intermolecular interactions within multicomponent‐ordered crystalline materials to combine the inherent advantages of single‐component crystals. However, the path to realizing the full potential of organic cocrystals is fraught with challenges, including structural mismatches, unclear cocrystallization mechanisms, and unpredictable property alterations, which complicate the effective cocrystallization between different molecules. To deepen the understanding of this promising area, this review introduces the mechanism of organic cocrystal formation, the various stacking modes, and different growth techniques, and highlights the advancements in cocrystal engineering for multifunctional applications. The goal is to provide comprehensive guidelines for the cocrystal engineering of high‐performance molecular materials, thereby expanding the applications of organic cocrystals in the fields of optoelectronics, photothermal energy, and energy storage and conversion.
Pd(0)/TPPMS‐Catalyzed Tsuji–Trost Type Cross‐Coupling of Allylic Alcohols with Organoboron Compounds in Water
Authors: Hikawa Hidemasa , Fu Chuan , Nakayama Taku , Kikkawa Shoko , Azumaya Isao
Published: July 2024

We demonstrated that the combination of a Pd(0) catalyst and a water‐soluble TPPMS ligand has high activity for the direct arylation of readily available allylic alcohols in the Tsuji–Trost type cross‐coupling. Various organoboron reagents can be applied, enabling rapid access to the corresponding arylated products with a wide range of functional group tolerance. Kinetic studies revealed a first‐order rate dependence for the allylic alcohol, boronic acid, CsF and Pd(0)/TPPMS concentrations. A Hammett study found a slightly positive ρ value of 0.79, suggesting that a partial negative charge is generated on the aromatic ring of the aryl boronate in the rate‐determining transmetalation step. Based on several control experiments, we concluded that the transmetalation employing CsF would proceed via the oxo‐palladium mechanism.
Outdoor noncontact respiratory measurements of unrestricted rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) using millimeter‐wave radar
Authors: Minami Toshiki , Sanematsu Daisuke , Iwata Itsuki , Sakamoto Takuya , Myowa Masako
Published: July 2024

Respiration is an invaluable signal that facilitates the real‐time observation of physiological dynamics. In recent years, the advancement of noncontact measurement technology has gained momentum in capturing physiological activities in natural settings. This technology is anticipated to be found not only in humans but also in nonhuman primates. Currently, the predominant noncontact approach for nonhuman animals involves measuring vital signs through subtle variations in skin color. However, this approach is limited when addressing areas of the body covered with hair or when working in outdoor settings under fluctuating sunlight. To overcome this issue, we focused on noncontact respiratory measurements using millimeter‐wave radar. Millimeter‐wave radar systems, which employ millimeter waves that can penetrate animal fur and estimate respiration‐derived periodic body motion, exhibit minimal susceptibility to sunlight interference. Thus, this method shows potential for conducting noncontact vital measurements in natural and outdoor settings. In this study, we validated a millimeter‐wave radar methodology for capturing respiration in outdoor‐housed rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). The radar was positioned beyond the captive enclosure and maintained at a distance >5 m from the target. Millimeter waves were transmitted to the target, and the reflected waves were used to estimate skin surface displacement associated with respiration. The results revealed periodic skin surface displacement, and the estimated respiratory rates weres within the reported range of respiratory rates for rhesus macaques. These results suggest the potential applicability of millimeter‐wave radar for noncontact respiration monitoring in outdoor‐living macaques without anesthesia or immobilization. The continued advancement of noncontact vital measurement technology will contribute to understanding primate mental and physical dynamics during their daily life.
Precise Manipulation of Electron Transfers in Clustered Five Redox Sites
Authors: Izu Hitoshi , Kondo Mio , Okamura Masaya , Tomoda Misa , Lee Sze Koon , Akai Takuya , Praneeth Vijayendran K. K. , Kanaike Mari , Kawata Satoshi , Masaoka Shigeyuki
Published: July 2024

Electron transfers in multinuclear metal complexes are the origin of their unique functionalities both in natural and artificial systems. However, electron transfers in multinuclear metal complexes are generally complicated, and predicting and controlling these electron transfers is extremely difficult. Herein, we report the precise manipulation of the electron transfers in multinuclear metal complexes. The development of a rational synthetic strategy afforded a series of pentanuclear metal complexes which composed of metal ions and 3,5‐bis(2‐pyridyl)pyrazole (Hbpp) as a platform to probe the phenomena. Electrochemical and spectroscopic investigations clarified overall picture of the electron transfers in the pentanuclear complexes. In addition, unique electron transfer behaviors, in which the reduction of a metal center occurs during the oxidation of the overall complex, were identified. We also elucidated the two dominant factors that determine the manner of the electron transfers. Our results provide comprehensive guidelines for interpreting the complicated electron transfers in multinuclear metal complexes.
Tailoring Catalysis of Encapsulated Platinum Nanoparticles by Pore Wall Engineering of Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Guo Mingchun , Guan Xinyu , Meng Qiangqiang , Gao Ming‐Liang , Li Qunxiang , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: July 2024

While supported metal nanoparticles (NPs) have shown significant promise in heterogeneous catalysis, precise control over their interaction with the support, which profoundly impacts their catalytic performance, remains a significant challenge. In this study, Pt NPs are incorporated into thioether‐functionalized covalent organic frameworks (denoted COF‐Sx), enabling precise control over the size and electronic state of Pt NPs by adjusting the thioether density dangling on the COF pore walls. Notably, the resulting Pt@COF‐Sx demonstrate exceptional selectivity (> 99 %) in catalytic hydrogenation of p‐chloronitrobenzene to p‐chloroaniline, in sharp contrast to the poor selectivity of Pt NPs embedded in thioether‐free COFs. Furthermore, the conversion over Pt@COF‐Sx exhibits a volcano‐type curve as the thioether density increases, due to the corresponding change of accessible Pt sites. This work provides an effective approach to regulating the catalysis of metal NPs via their microenvironment modulation, with the aid of rational design and precise tailoring of support structure.
Unconventional hcp/fcc Nickel Heteronanocrystal with Asymmetric Convex Sites Boosts Hydrogen Oxidation
Authors: Pan Hai‐Rui , Shi Zhuo‐Qi , Liu Xiao‐Zhi , Jin Shifeng , Fu Jiaju , Ding Liang , Wang Shu‐Qi , Li Jian , Zhang Linjuan , Su Dong , Ling Chongyi , Huang Yucheng , Xu Cailing , Tang Tang , Hu Jin‐Song
Published: July 2024

Developing non‐platinum group metal catalysts for the sluggish hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is critical for alkaline fuel cells. To date, Ni‐based materials are the most promising candidates but still suffer from insufficient performance. Herein, we report an unconventional hcp/fcc Ni (u‐hcp/fcc Ni) heteronanocrystal with multiple epitaxial hcp/fcc heterointerfaces and coherent twin boundaries, generating rugged surfaces with plenty of asymmetric convex sites. Systematic analyses discover that such convex sites enable the adsorption of *H in unusual bridge positions with weakened binding energy, circumventing the over‐strong *H adsorption on traditional hollow positions, and simultaneously stabilizing interfacial *H2O. It thus synergistically optimizes the HOR thermodynamic process as well as reduces the kinetic barrier of the rate‐determining Volmer step. Consequently, the developed u‐hcp/fcc Ni exhibits the top‐rank alkaline HOR activity with a mass activity of 40.6 mA mgNi−1 (6.3 times higher than fcc Ni control) together with superior stability and high CO‐tolerance. These results provide a paradigm for designing high‐performance catalysts by shifting the adsorption state of intermediates through configuring surface sites.
Photochemically Driven Peptide Formation in Supersaturated Aerosol Droplets
Authors: Logozzo Alexander , Vennes Benjamin , Kaur Kohli Ravleen , Davies James F. , Castillo‐Pazos Durbis J. , Li Chao‐Jun , Neish Catherine D. , Preston Thomas C.
Published: July 2024

The condensation of amino acids into peptides plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and is thus essential for understanding the origins of life. However, the spontaneous formation of peptides from amino acids in bulk aqueous media is energetically unfavorable, posing a challenge for elucidating plausible abiotic mechanisms. In this study, we investigate the formation of amide bonds between amino acids within highly supersaturated aerosol droplets containing dicyandiamide (DCD), a cyanide derivative potentially present on primordial Earth. Metastable states, i.e. supersaturation, within individual micron‐sized droplets are studied using both an optical trap and a linear quadrupole electrodynamic balance. When irradiated with intense visible light, amide bond formation is observed to occur and can be monitored using vibrational bands in Raman spectra. The reaction rate is found to be strongly influenced by droplet size and kinetic modelling suggests that it is driven by the photochemical product of a DCD self‐reaction. Our results highlight the potential of atmospheric aerosol particles as reaction environments for peptide synthesis and have potential implications for the prebiotic chemistry of early Earth.
Significantly enhanced crystallization of poly(L‐lactide) by incorporation of poly(D‐lactide) grafted cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Li Meili , Meng Xiancheng , Tong Zaizai
Published: July 2024

Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA), as a green, biodegradable polymer material, has garnered considerable attention due to its ease of processing and exceptional properties. However, the inherent slow crystallization rate and brittleness of PLLA substantially restrict its extensive applications across various domains. In present work, PLLA and poly(D‐lactide) (PDLA)‐modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), referred as CNC‐g‐L and CNC‐g‐D, are serving as nano‐fillers to enhance the crystallization rate of PLLA. Our findings demonstrate that both nano‐fillers could enhance the crystallization rate of PLLA, but the CNC‐g‐D shows a more efficient nucleation agent compared with its counterpart, CNC‐g‐L. Isothermal crystallization analysis indicates that CNC‐g‐D substantially increases nucleation density of PLLA, with pronounced crystallization at an elevated temperature of 155°C as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Wide‐angle x‐ray diffraction (WAXD) analysis shows the preformation of stereocomplex crystals on the CNC‐g‐D surface may result in a fast crystallization rate. Meanwhile, after incorporation of different nano‐fillers, the toughness property of PLLA has also been significantly enhanced. Our result has shown the CNC‐g‐D could serve as an efficient nucleation agent toward PLLA and also facilitate to aiding in establishing comprehensive structure–property relationships of polymer materials.
A High‐Performance, Low Defected, and Binder‐Free Graphene‐Based Supercapacitor Obtained via Synergistic Electrochemical Exfoliation and Electrophoretic Deposition Process
Authors: Abdillah Oktaviardi Bityasmawan , Jaoh Fatihah Lailayen , Fitriani Pipit , Nuryadin Bebeh Wahid , Aimon Akfiny Hasdi , Iskandar Ferry
Published: July 2024

An integrated electrochemical exfoliation and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method is developed to achieve a high‐performance graphene supercapacitor. The electrochemical delamination of graphite sheet has obtained a low‐defected few‐layer graphene adorned with oxygen‐containing functional groups. Then, the EPD process produced a binder‐free electrode to alleviate the graphene restacking problem. The electrode prepared using a deposition voltage of 5 V exhibits the highest specific capacitance of 145.95 F/g at 0.5 A/g from three‐electrode measurement. Moreover, this EPD‐prepared electrode also demonstrates superior electrochemical properties compared to electrodes fabricated using PVDF binder. In the real symmetrical cell, the EPD‐prepared electrode also shows excellent performance with a high rate capability of 82.31 % (from 0.5 A/g to 10 A/g), high cycling stability of 95.00 % (at 5 A/g) after 10,000 cycles, and rapid frequency response with short relaxation time ( ) of 9.73 ms. These results indicate that this integration method is beneficial to construct a high performance binder‐free supercapacitor electrode consisting of low‐defected graphene materials, low electrode resistance, and less agglomeration of graphene sheets by utilizing an environmentally friendly process.
Correlation analysis of degrading systems based on bivariate Wiener processes under imperfect maintenance
Authors: Bautista Lucía , Castro Inma T. , Bérenguer Christophe , Gaudoin Olivier , Doyen Laurent
Published: July 2024

This article focuses on the correlation between the degradation levels of the two components that form a system. The degradation evolution of each component is modeled using Wiener processes. Both components are dependent and this dependence is described using the trivariate reduction method. To reduce the degradation and extend the system lifetime, preventive maintenance actions are periodically performed. These preventive maintenance actions are imperfect and they are modeled by using an arithmetic reduction of degradation of infinite order model with a determined maintenance efficiency parameter. The evolution of the maintained system is analysed by assessing the expectation and variance of both degradation processes at successive maintenance times. The novelty of this work is the analysis of the Pearson correlation coefficient between the degradation levels of the two components. Different properties of the monotonicity of the Pearson correlation coefficient between the two degradation paths are obtained by considering equal maintenance efficiency and equal general time scales functions for the two Wiener degradation processes associated to each degrading component.
Screening and characterization of Chromobacterium piscinae AMA‐5 for enhanced production of violacein and its ability of textile dyeing
Authors: Deeppal  , Raj Kishan Kumar , Chowdhury Tapas , Umarajashekhar Alavala , Soni Ravindra
Published: July 2024

A violet pigment (violacein) bacterial isolate AMA‐5 was isolated from soil samples collected from Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve, Mungeli district, Chhattisgarh, India. The yield of biocolor from this isolate was screened in minimal medium after 48 h of incubation at 37°C ± 2°C temperature. The violet pigment was extracted in ethanol. It was also observed that ammonium chloride (2.5 g/1000 mL) as a nitrogen source is the best to enhance AMA‐5 pigment production among other nitrogen sources (ammonium sulfate, tryptophan, ammonium iron sulfate, and peptone). The Sanger sequencing of 16S rDNA of strain AMA‐5 showed similarity with Chromobacterium piscinae. From the available literature and research articles, it was assumed that this violet color pigment is violacein. It was further verified by conducting high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) analysis. The violet biocolor that extracted was used in cotton and polyester fabric dyeing. After the fabrics treated with sodium chloride as a mordant were completely dried, it was identified that the color was solidifying. Overall study showed that C. piscinae AMA‐5 has good potential for production of violacein, which is the most important industrial natural dye used to add color to textile products.
Mitigating Dissolution to Enhance the Performance of Pillar[5]quinone in Sodium Batteries
Authors: Adil Md. , Schmidt Maximilian , Vogt Julia , Diemant Thomas , Oschatz Martin , Esser Birgit
Published: July 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries using organic electrode materials are a promising alternative to state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries. However, their practical viability is hindered by challenges such as a low specific capacity of the organic electrode materials, or their dissolution in the electrolyte. We herein present a double mitigation strategy to enhance the performance of pillar[5]quinone (P5Q) as positive electrode material in sodium batteries. Using 5 m sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in succinonitrile as highly concentrated electrolyte, as well as encapsulating P5Q in CMK‐3 (Carbon Mesostructured by KAIST with hexagonally ordered rod‐like carbon domains) as templated ordered mesoporous carbon, we achieve a record cycling performance with improved cycling stability even at elevated temperature (40 °C). The P5Q@CMK‐3 composite electrode delivers 430 mAh g−1 specific discharge capacity at 0.2 C rate with 90 % retention over 200 cycles. This corresponds to an energy density of 831 Wh kg−1 (based on P5Q mass) and surpasses previous reports on pillarquinones. When operated at 40 °C, the P5Q@CMK‐3 composite electrodes deliver a specific discharge capacity of 438 mAh g−1 with 88 % capacity retention over 500 cycles (0.02 % per cycle). This study underscores the crucial role the electrolyte plays in advancing organic sodium batteries, offering a promising avenue for the future of sustainable energy technologies.
Characterization of groundnut shell biochar produced with different stainless steel combustion compartment volumes
Authors: Ayanwusi Oluwatoyin Rhoda , Abdulkareem Sulyman A. , Michael Taiwo Temitayo , Iwuozor Kingsley O. , Emenike Ebuka Chizitere , Hambali Hambali Umar , Adeniyi Adewale George
Published: July 2024

Biochar, a solid material derived from a thermochemical process, has received significant attention due to its usefulness in various sectors. Previous studies have been conducted to improve the properties and quality of this material by altering the thermochemical processes, treating the feedstock, hybridizing the feedstock, and so forth, but little has been done on the effect of varying the reactor's configuration. This research aims to study the effect of varying the stainless‐steel‐based combustion compartment volume of a biomass‐fueled top‐lit updraft gasifier on the groundnut shell biochar. The biochar yields for reactors ranged from 34.9% to 51.2%. The sample produced in the smallest combustion compartment volume showed the highest carbon content, according to energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Potassium, another major element, decreased as the combustion compartment was reduced. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the biochar samples produced had an irregular shape and rough surfaces, and reducing the combustion compartment volume resulted in larger particles on the surface. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis showed similarities and differences in peaks observed for all the samples. The biochar samples produced can find applications in wastewater treatment, energy conversion and storage, and soil amendment, and the findings contribute to the design and optimization of biomass‐based gasifiers.
Combining Partial True Discovery Guarantee Procedures
Authors: Xu Ningning , Solari Aldo , Goeman Jelle J.
Published: July 2024

Closed testing has recently been shown to be optimal for simultaneous true discovery proportion control. It is, however, challenging to construct true discovery guarantee procedures in such a way that it focuses power on some feature sets chosen by users based on their specific interest or expertise. We propose a procedure that allows users to target power on prespecified feature sets, that is, “focus sets.” Still, the method also allows inference for feature sets chosen post hoc, that is, “nonfocus sets,” for which we deduce a true discovery lower confidence bound by interpolation. Our procedure is built from partial true discovery guarantee procedures combined with Holm's procedure and is a conservative shortcut to the closed testing procedure. A simulation study confirms that the statistical power of our method is relatively high for focus sets, at the cost of power for nonfocus sets, as desired. In addition, we investigate its power property for sets with specific structures, for example, trees and directed acyclic graphs. We also compare our method with AdaFilter in the context of replicability analysis. The application of our method is illustrated with a gene ontology analysis in gene expression data.
Association between gut microbiota and malignant cardiac tumors: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Song Yongfei , Hu Jiale , Li Chongrong , Lian Jiangfang
Published: July 2024

Background

Recent studies provide compelling evidence linking the gut microbiota to most cancers. Nevertheless, further research is required to establish a definitive causal relationship between the gut microbiota and malignant cardiac tumors.

Methods

The genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) data on the human gut Microbiota, included in the IEU Open GWAS project, was initially collected by the MiBioGen consortium. It encompasses 14,306 individuals and comprises a total of 5,665,279 SNPs. Similarly, the GWAS data on malignant cardiac tumors, also sourced from the IEU Open GWAS project, was initially stored in the finnGen database, including 16,380,303 SNPs observed within a cohort of 174,108 individuals within the European population. Utilizing a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methodology, we examined whether there exists a causal association between the gut microbiota and cardiac tumors. Additionally, to bolster the credibility and robustness of the identified causal relationships, we conducted an extensive array of sensitivity analyses, encompassing Cochran's Q test, MR‐PRESSO tests, MR‐Egger interpret test, directionality test and leave‐one‐out analysis.

Results

Our analysis unveiled seven distinct causal associations between genetic susceptibility in the gut microbiota and the incidence of malignant cardiac tumors. Among these, the Family Rikenellaceae, genus Eubacterium brachy group, and genus Ruminococcaceae UCG009 exhibited an elevated risk of cardiac tumors, while the phylum Verrucomicrobia, genus Lactobacillus, genus Ruminiclostridium5, and an unknown genus id.1868 were genetically linked to a reduced risk of cardiac tumors. The causal relationship between these two bacteria, belonging to the phylum Verrucomicrobia (OR = 0.178, 95% CI: 0.052–0.614, p = 0.006) and the genus Ruminococcaceae UCG009 (OR = 3.071, 95% CI: 1.236–7.627, p = 0.016), and cardiac tumors was further validated through sensitivity analyses, reinforcing the robustness and reliability of the observed associations.

Conclusion

Our MR analysis confirms that the phylum Verrucomicrobia displays significant protection against cardiac tumor, and the genus Ruminococcaceae UCG009 leads to an increasing risk of cardiac tumor.