bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Net accumulation rates derived from ice core stable isotope records of Pío XI glacier, Southern Patagonia Icefield
Authors: Schwikowski M. , Schläppi M. , Santibañez P. , Rivera A. , Casassa G.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Pío XI, the largest glacier of the Southern Patagonia Icefield, reached its neoglacial maximum extent in 1994 and is one of the few glaciers in that area which is not retreating. In view of the recent warming it is important to understand glacier responses to climate changes. Due to its remoteness and the harsh conditions in Patagonia, no systematic mass balance studies have been performed. In this study we derived net accumulation rates for the period 2000–2006 from a 50 m (33.2 4 m weq) ice core collected in the accumulation area of Pío XI (2600 m a.s.l., 49°16'40"S, 73°21'14"W). Borehole temperatures indicate near temperate ice, but the average melt percent is only 16 ± 14%. Records of stable isotopes are well preserved and were used for identification of annual layers. Net accumulation rates range from 3.4–7.1 water equivalent (m weq) with an average of 5.8 m weq, comparable to precipitation amounts at the Chilean coast, but not as high as expected for the Icefield. Ice core stable isotope data correlate well with upper air temperatures and may be used as temperature proxy.
Estado de desarrollo de la archivística clásica hasta los años 30 del siglo XX: Tres manuales archivísticos de trascendencia universal
Authors: Montilla Peña Leomar José , Mena Mujica Mayra M.
Published: October 2013

La finalidad de este artículo es presentar una revisión teórica del estado desarrollado de la archivística clásica hasta las tres primeras décadas del siglo XX, con el propósito de exponer las teorías y las referencias de la sujeción epistemológica de esta ciencia, es decir, describir los presupuestos del discurso científico técnico en la que orbita esta disciplina científica. Para poder desarrollar algunas ideas preliminares sobre este discernimiento plantearemos primero una panorámica general de los tres primeros manuales publicados y sus autores dentro del contexto europeo. Después, nos referiremos a la caracterización de la archivística concebida hasta ese periodo describiendo brevemente el objeto de estudio, los principios y conceptos fundamentales y los procesos de tratamiento de los documentos de archivo.
Herramientas no invasivas de observación en la evaluación de procesos de alfabetización informacional: Uso de Camstudio
Authors: Donoso Vegas Rodrigo , González Figueroa Marcelo
Published: October 2013

Se propone el uso de aplicaciones “Screen Video Capture” (SVC) para observar y evaluar competencias de Alfabetización Informacional (ALFIN). La aplicación propuesta es capaz de registrar en video toda la actividad visualizada en la pantalla de un computador. Lo anterior permite la observación “no invasiva” de procesos como la búsqueda, la selección y uso de información. Se presenta una experiencia piloto en la que se utilizó el software de código abierto CamStudio y se orienta en el uso investigativo de ésta aplicación.
Ruolo Della Radioterapia Nei Tumori Urologici Localmente Avanzati e/o Recidivati
Authors: Bortolus Roberto
Published: October 2013

Radiation therapy (RT) plays a fundamental role in the treatment of locally advanced and/or relapsed urological tumors, as well as in palliation, or as definitive treatment, and even where integrated into a multi-modal approach. In operated renal tumors, positive margins or extracapsular extension show a positive impact of postoperative RT, with a reduction of relapses between 100% and 30%, while, in the case of palliation, treatments with RT at high doses are preferred. In advanced cancers of the upper urinary tract, RT plays a limited role, even if it seems to increase the level of disease control locally and, with the combination of cisplatin, survival rates too. An important reduction in the recurrence is also observed in locally advanced tumors of the urethra, with a recurrence of 60% after surgery, 36% after RT and 25% after pairing of the two. In locally advanced tumors of the penis, RT shows poorer results than surgery, and the addition of postoperative RT does not seem to add any further outcome, except where, in the presence of a positive inguinal dissection, the postoperative RT reduces lymph node recurrences by 60%-11%. Interesting data for the preservation of the organ are reported with reference to the combination with chemotherapy. In the tumors of the testis, it is still disputable whether the treatment of residual masses after chemotherapy may be appropriate, with a view to a possible salvage radiotherapy. In the treatment of the prostate, the role of RT is consolidated and evolving with the progress of dose escalation, the association with hormonal therapy, new technologies, new possibilities of IMRT and proton therapy and various studies on multi-modal approaches (hormone therapy, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy). Cystectomy is the gold standard for the treatment of locally advanced bladder cancer, even though there is a revived interest in multimodal treatments (transurethral resection, chemotherapy, RT) that may allow the organ preservation. Postoperative radiotherapy, which can reduce by 50% to 20%-5% local recurrences that are highly correlated with distance failure and with survival, should be revised in the light of modern RT techniques that can further increase local control levels and reduce the toxicity significantly.
The Role of Radiotherapy in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Pinnarò Paola , Giordano Carolina , Giovinazzo Giuseppe , Saracino Biancamaria
Published: October 2013

In this article we report on the current role of radiotherapy in the management of non-muscle invasive as well as in muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Radiotherapy seems to have no role in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

In muscle invasive bladder tumors, the role of radiotherapy is under investigation in view of new radiotherapy techniques and novel cytotoxic and biological agents.
Letter from the editors
Authors: De Blas C. , Lopez-Sebastian A.
Published: October 2013

a letter from the editors
A Heterometallic MOC Assembled from Cobalt-bisupported Keggin Subunits
Authors: Liu Heng , Guo Ying , Ran Rui , Ma Huiyuan , Pang Haijun , Zhang Huiqiu , Zhao Chunyan
Published: October 2013

A heterometallic metal-organic complex (MOC), K[Co(1,10-phen)2(H2O)]2[BW12O40]·2H2O (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) (1), has been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex exhibits cobaltbisupported tungstoborate units and potassium cations. The luminescence of the title complex has been investigated.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of New 1,3-Disubstituted Imidazoline-2-thiones
Authors: Laus Gerhard , Kahlenberg Volker , Wurst Klaus , Müller Thomas , Kopacka Holger , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: October 2013

Two methods (MeOH/K2CO3, pyridine/Et3N) were assessed for the introduction of sulfur into the 2-position of 1,3-disubstituted quaternary imidazolium salts 1-9 (Cl, I, BF4, PF6, CH3OSO3 were used as anions) to yield nine 1,3-disubstituted imidazoline-2-thiones 10-18 (1, 10: R1 = CH3, R2 = CH3; 2, 11: R1 = OCH2Ph, R2 = CH3; 3, 12: R1 = OCH3, R2 = CH3; 4, 13: R1 = OCH3, R2 = OCH3; 5, 14: R1 = NH2, R2 = CH2Ph; 6, 15: R1 = NCHPh, R2 = CH3; 7, 16: R1 = NH2, R2 = CH3; 8, 17: R1 = NCHPh, R2 = NCHPh; 9, 18: R1 = NH2, R2 = OCH3). Compounds 11-18 represent N-alkyloxy and N-amino imidazoline-2-thiones, whereas 10 served as reference compound. The first method was advantageous for the conversion 1 → 10 due to faster reaction, whereas in the reaction 2 → 11 considerable amounts of by-products were formed. Pure thiones 11, 14, 16, 17, and 18 were obtained only by the second method. Both methods worked for the synthesis of the methoxy derivatives 12 and 13 from 3 and 4, and the benzylideneamino derivative 15 from 6. 1-Amino-3- methylimidazoline-2-thione (16) was also prepared by hydrolysis of the benzylideneamino derivative 15. Crystal structures of seven 1,3-disubstituted imidazoline-2-thiones were determined by singlecrystal X-ray diffraction. Intermolecular C-H···S contacts were identified and, additionally, N-H···S interactions in aminothiones 14 and 16. The 1H NMR shifts of 10 and 13 were satisfactorily correlated with the Kamlet-Abboud-Taft π* and b parameters in ten solvents. From the lack of correlation with the a parameter and from the C=S bond length (average 1.68 Å ) a significant contribution of a mesoionic imidazolium-2-thiolate resonance structure seems unlikely.
A Strategy Oriented Framework for Food and Beverage E-Supply Chain Management
Authors: Stritto Giulia Dello , Schiraldi Massimiliano M.
Published: October 2013

Several authors have emphasized the importance of analysing the impact of e-business, e-commerce and online-shopping on supply chain and operations management; however, it seems that to date no one has suggested a comprehensive framework that could help identify and support supply chain design decisions for companies about to enter the online-business in the consumer goods retail trade, encompassing the business drivers at a strategic level. This paper aims to bridge the gap between theoretical taxonomies or abstract models and the concrete supply chain design problems encountered by logistics managers who need to take their Food & Beverage retail company into the internet business while also preserving a consistent alignment with their current company strategy. Some insights on this area are presented along with a field study approach and a proposal of a 6-phase framework to jointly manage all the relevant strategic and functional aspects of supply networks.
Decellularized Feeders: An Optimized Method for Culturing Pluripotent Cells
Authors: Lim Mei Ling , Jungebluth Philipp , Sjöqvist Sebastian , Nikdin Hero , Kjartansdóttir Kristín Rós , Unger Christian , Vassliev Ivan , Macchiarini Paolo
Published: October 2013

Pluripotent cells such as human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells are useful in the field of regenerative medicine because they can proliferate indefinitely and differentiate into all cell types. However, a limiting factor for maintaining and propagating stem cells is the need for inactivated fibroblasts as a growth matrix, since these may potentially cause cross-contamination. In this study, we aimed to maintain stem cells on the extracellular matrix (ECM) of either nonirradiated or γ-irradiated fibroblasts. It has been demonstrated that the ECM contains factors and proteins vital for the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of pluripotent cells. In order to preserve the ECM, the cell layers of the fibroblasts were decellularized by treatment with 0.05% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), which resulted in an absence of DNA as compared with conventional feeder culture. However, SDS treatment did not cause a detectable change in the ECM architecture and integrity. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry demonstrated that expressions of major ECM proteins, such as fibronectin, collagen, and laminin, remained unaltered. The human pluripotent cells cultured on this decellularized matrix maintained gene expression of the pluripotency markers NANOG and OCT4 and had the potency to differentiate to three germ layers. The in vitro culture system shown here has an excellent potential since the main allogeneic components (i.e., DNA of the feeder cells) are removed. It is also a technically easy, fast, safe, and cheap method for maintaining a refined feeder-free stem cell culture for further cell differentiation studies.
À l’avant-garde du folklore : Édouard-Zotique Massicotte, 1882-1915
Authors: Joly Diane
Published: October 2013

Quelle place occupe Édouard-Zotique Massicotte dansl’historiographie de l’ethnologie ? Cette étudeprésente ses intérêts, ses recherches et sonparcours littéraire entre 1882 et 1915, soit avant sa rencontreavec Marius Barbeau en 1917. Son oeuvre pionnière dans ledomaine du folklore est souvent citée. Mais, elle reste peuconnue des chercheurs. L’analyse du discours abordé sousl’angle de l’agitateur culturel met en lumière savolonté de partager ses connaissances au-delà de sespairs, et ses exhortations à poursuivre les recherches. Dansl’ensemble, la contribution de Massicotte à la disciplinede l’ethnologie – le folklore à son époque–, et à l’émergence du patrimoine serévèle plus riche qu’anticipé.
La chasse aux lutins. Chronique d’une tradition réinventée
Authors: Bergeron Bertrand
Published: October 2013

À l’automne 2007 au Lac-Saint-Jean, l’initiative d’un grand-père (Régis Tremblay) à l’endroit de ses deux petits-fils (Maxime et Alexis) a déclenché une véritable déferlante qui s’est répandue d’abord aux villages circonvoisins avant de déborder dans les autres régions du Québec, puis dans certaines provinces canadiennes à partir de son lieu d’origine : Lac-à-la-Croix−Métabetchouan. Il s’agit de la chasse aux lutins. De manière spontanée, Régis Tremblay s’est approprié une ancienne croyance et l’a réinventée pour satisfaire l’imaginaire des enfants, avides de merveilleux. Cet article se propose de remonter à la genèse de ce phénomène qui prend de l’ampleur afin d’en comprendre à la fois la contagion qu’il a engendrée auprès des enfants, contagion qui a fini par emporter l’adhésion de leurs parents, et les enjeux ludiques et sociaux impliqués par sa propagation.
La production littéraire de la barbarie
Authors: Citton Yves
Published: October 2013

Et Laurent Bordelon (1653-1730) et le protagoniste de son Histoire des imaginations extravagantes de Monsieur Oufle (1710) occupent chacun une position d’excentrique au sein de notre histoire littéraire. Cette double marginalité nous invite à revisiter l’articulation entre littérature et barbarie. Le personnage donne l’exemple d’une barbarie à la fois érudite et bestiale, au terme de laquelle la littérature peut faire de l’homme un loup-garou pour l’homme. L’auteur dénonce cette barbarie en s’exilant des conventions littéraires, en se faisant lui-même un barbare incapable de parler la langue commune du récit. L’analyse détaillée d’un épisode de cet antiroman pose non seulement la question de savoir comment on peut devenir loup-garou, alors même que nous savons que les loups-garous n’existent pas. Elle nous pousse surtout à nous demander ce que c’est qu’un « esprit », aussi bien à l’échelle de l’individu qu’à celle du public. On en conclut que l’esprit relève non d’une psychologie, mais d’une médiologie : l’antiroman de Monsieur Oufle nous aide à voir que notre esprit consiste en une circulation médiatique, et que la littérature, telle qu’elle a pris sa forme moderne un siècle après la parution de ce texte, n’a fait qu’approfondir le besoin obstiné qu’éprouvait Bordelon de résister à cette circulation en l’évidant de toute crédibilité.
The Poetics of Translation According to Javier Marías: Theory and Practice1
Authors: Pegenaute Luis
Published: October 2013

This article studies the activity undertaken by Javier Marías involving translation. The presence of translator protagonists in his novels is studied, together with his theoretical position on translation and his facet as a translator himself. In all three fields the following of a fully coherent poetics in his aesthetic convictions regarding translation is observed, for Marías rejects traditional stances that make of translation a secondary activity when compared with original composition, thus identifying writing with re-writing without any type of hierarchical prejudice.
A genome-to-genome analysis of associations between human genetic variation, HIV-1 sequence diversity, and viral control
Authors: Bartha István , Carlson Jonathan M , Brumme Chanson J , McLaren Paul J , Brumme Zabrina L , John Mina , Haas David W , Martinez-Picado Javier , Dalmau Judith , López-Galíndez Cecilio , Casado Concepción , Rauch Andri , Günthard Huldrych F , Bernasconi Enos , Vernazza Pietro , Klimkait Thomas , Yerly Sabine , O’Brien Stephen J , Listgarten Jennifer , Pfeifer Nico , Lippert Christoph , Fusi Nicolo , Kutalik Zoltán , Allen Todd M , Müller Viktor , Harrigan P Richard , Heckerman David , Telenti Amalio , Fellay Jacques ,   for the HIV Genome-to-Genome Study and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: October 2013

HIV-1 sequence diversity is affected by selection pressures arising from host genomic factors. Using paired human and viral data from 1071 individuals, we ran >3000 genome-wide scans, testing for associations between host DNA polymorphisms, HIV-1 sequence variation and plasma viral load (VL), while considering human and viral population structure. We observed significant human SNP associations to a total of 48 HIV-1 amino acid variants (p<2.4 × 10−12). All associated SNPs mapped to the HLA class I region. Clinical relevance of host and pathogen variation was assessed using VL results. We identified two critical advantages to the use of viral variation for identifying host factors: (1) association signals are much stronger for HIV-1 sequence variants than VL, reflecting the ‘intermediate phenotype’ nature of viral variation; (2) association testing can be run without any clinical data. The proposed genome-to-genome approach highlights sites of genomic conflict and is a strategy generally applicable to studies of host–pathogen interaction.
Toward a Comprehensive Measure of Drug-Attributable Harm
Authors: Rees Vaughan W. , Kubeisy Connor , Koh Howard K.
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint from authors at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health summarizes approaches to addressing substance use in the US; challenges posed by metrics such as overdose deaths; and more informative metrics, such as quality-adjusted life-years, to promote health equity and improve length and quality of life and health outcomes at all levels.
Comparative Effectiveness of Three Digital Interventions for Adults Seeking Psychiatric Services
Authors: Horwitz Adam G. , Mills Elizabeth D. , Sen Srijan , Bohnert Amy S. B.
Published: July 2024

Importance

There is a substantial gap between demand for and availability of mental health services. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) are promising tools for bridging this gap, yet little is known about their comparative effectiveness.

Objective

To assess whether patients randomized to a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)–based or mindfulness-based DMHI had greater improvements in mental health symptoms than patients randomized to the enhanced personalized feedback (EPF)–only DMHI.

DESIGN,

SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This randomized clinical trial was conducted between May 13, 2020, and December 12, 2022, with follow-up at 6 weeks. Adult patients of outpatient psychiatry services across various clinics within the University of Michigan Health System with a scheduled or recent outpatient psychiatry appointment were recruited. Eligible patients were randomized to an intervention arm. All analyses followed the intent-to-treat principle.

Interventions

Participants were randomized to 1 of 5 intervention arms: (1) EPF only; (2) Silvercloud only, a mobile application designed to deliver CBT strategies; (3) Silvercloud plus EPF; (4) Headspace only, a mobile application designed to train users in mindfulness practices; and (5) Headspace plus EPF.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change in depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; score range: 0-27, with higher scores indicating greater depression symptoms). Secondary outcomes included changes in anxiety, suicidality, and substance use symptoms.

Results

A total of 2079 participants (mean [SD] age, 36.8 [14.3] years; 1423 self-identified as women [68.4%]) completed the baseline survey. The baseline mean (SD) PHQ-9 score was 12.7 (6.4) and significantly decreased for all 5 intervention arms at 6 weeks (from −2.1 [95% CI, −2.6 to −1.7] to −2.9 [95% CI, −3.4 to −2.4]; n = 1885). The magnitude of change was not significantly different across the 5 arms (F4,1879 = 1.19; P = .31). Additionally, the groups did not differ in decrease in anxiety or substance use symptoms. However, the Headspace arms reported significantly greater improvements on a suicidality measure subscale compared with the Silvercloud arms (mean difference in mean change = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.20-1.06; P = .004).

Conclusions and Relevance

This randomized clinical trial found decreases in depression and anxiety symptoms across all DMHIs and minimal evidence that specific applications were better than others. The findings suggest that DMHIs may provide support for patients during waiting list–related delays in care.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04342494
kV reference dosimetry in Australia and New Zealand: Survey results and trends
Authors: Tyler Madelaine , Duncan Mitchell , McNamara Joanne
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To assess the number of radiotherapy kilovoltage (kV) units in service, their clinical utilization, and methodology and equipment used for absorbed dose determination across Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

A survey was sent to 61 Australian and New Zealand radiotherapy providers in the second half of 2023.

Results

Fifty‐seven responses were received, with 43 departments having kV units and providing beam quality data for 185 therapeutic kV beams 20–300 kVp. Percentage depth dose curves were compared between five clinical beams with 100 kVp and 2.13–6.28 mm Aluminum half value layers (HVLs), demonstrating large differences that can occur between beams with the same kVp. Eighteen departments provided clinical utilization data for their kV units, with a total of 4458 treatment courses and their corresponding kVp reported. All departments complied with national and international recommendations with respect to the equipment used for reference dosimetry of kV beams; 77% of ionization chambers used for absorbed dose determination were of Farmer‐type, with the remaining 23% being plane parallel soft x‐ray chambers. Methods of derivation of air‐kerma calibration factors varied, with 73% of respondents using a draft document disseminated by the Australian Primary Standards laboratory, 23% using HVL alone, and 6% using other methods.

Conclusions

The results of this survey provide a snapshot of kilovoltage radiation therapy use and the number of kV units across Australia and New Zealand. This data can be used as a point of reference for future investigations into clinical utilization and reference dosimetry methods across Australia and New Zealand or for comparisons with other countries, facilitating standardization of reference dosimetry practice for kilovoltage units.
Validation of Acuros for total body irradiation at extended distance
Authors: Nelson Geoffrey , Sarkar Vikren , Szegedi Martin , Molineu Andrea , Olch Arthur J. , Kunz Jeremy N. , Zhao Hui , Huang Y. Jessica , Pillai Susha , Rassiah Prema
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Standardized and accurately reported doses are essential in conventional total body irradiation (TBI), especially lung doses. This study evaluates the accuracy of the Acuros algorithm in predicting doses for extended‐distance TBI.

Methods

Measurements and calculations were done with both 6 and 18 MV. Tissue Maximum Ratio (TMR), output and off axis ratios (OAR) were measured at 200 and 500 cm source to detector distance and compared to Acuros calculated values. Two end‐to‐end tests were carried out, one with an in‐house phantom (solid water and Styrofoam) with inserted ion chambers and the other was with the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC) TBI anthropomorphic phantom equipped with TLDs. The end‐to‐end test was done for 6 and 18 MV both with and without lung blocks. The source to midplane distance for both phantoms were at 518 and 508 cm respectively. Lung blocks were placed at the phantom surface and a beam spoiler was positioned 30 cm from the surface of the phantoms as per our clinical set up.

Results

The agreement between measured and calculated TMR, output and off axis ratios for both 6 and 18 MV were within 2%. Ion chamber measurements in both the Styrofoam and solid water for both energies carried out with and without lung blocks were within 2% of calculated values. TLD measured doses for both 6 and 18 MV in the IROC phantom were within 5% of calculated doses which is within the uncertainty of the TLD measurement.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the clinical beam model for Acuros 16.1 commissioned at standard clinical distances is capable of calculating doses accurately at extended distances up to 500 cm.
Event boundary perception in audio described films by people without sight
Authors: Johansson Roger , Rastegar Tina , Lyberg‐Åhlander Viveka , Holsanova Jana
Published: July 2024

Audio description (AD) plays a crucial role in making audiovisual media accessible to people with a visual impairment, enhancing their experience and understanding. This study employs an event segmentation task to examine how people without sight perceive and segment narrative events in films with AD, compared to sighted viewers without AD. Two AD versions were utilized, differing in the explicitness of conveyed event boundaries. Results reveal that the participants without sight generally perceived event boundaries similarly to their sighted peers, affirming AD's effectiveness in conveying event structures. However, when key event boundaries were more implicitly expressed, event boundary recognition diminished. Collectively, these findings offer valuable insights into event segmentation processes across sensory modalities. Additionally, they underscore the significance of how AD presents event boundaries, influencing the perception and interpretation of audiovisual media for people with a visual impairment and providing applied insights into event segmentation, multimodal processing, and audiovisual accessibility.
Modeling Mechanical Properties of Titanium Scaffolds with Variable Microporosity
Authors: Slámečka Karel , Skalka Petr , Pokluda Jaroslav
Published: July 2024

The article introduces a two‐level finite element model for metallic scaffolds with porosity at both design and material levels. Despite several additive manufacturing methods producing structures with controlled hierarchical porosity, their functional properties remain largely unknown, hindering industrial utilization. This article examines how material microporosity affects the mechanical properties of a scaffold prepared by direct ink writing from pure titanium with dimensions typical for orthopedic implants. The study focuses on the compressive response of scaffolds with microporosity ranging from 0.05 to 0.65. The article demonstrates the practical application of the model by estimating the effective Young's modulus and the relative length of the fatigue crack initiation stage. Tensile plastic strains at critical sites exhibit a delocalization from around micropores followed by relocalization into thinning interpore walls with increasing microporosity, resulting in the highest fracture strain predicted for microporosities between 0.2 and 0.3. These strains enable the estimation of the length of the fatigue crack initiation stage, which proves to be very short for all microporosities. This emphasizes the crucial role of the crack growth stage in scaffold fatigue life and confirms the potential for additional experiments on scaffolds with microporosities exceeding 0.15 to enhance their fatigue resistance.
Chromium Coatings Applied to Zr Alloy Claddings by Cathodic Arc Ion Plating: Effect of Nitrogen Inclusion on Limiting Columnar Defects
Authors: Yoon Hae Won , Choi Yuri , Yeo Kuk Hyun , Kim Sang Gweon , Cho Yong Ki
Published: July 2024

The effect of nitrogen on an anticorrosive Cr coating for the Zr alloy cladding of nuclear fuel rods is investigated. It is aimed to reduce the number of typical columnar defects generated in Cr‐based coatings when using the cathodic arc ion plating method through reactive nitrogen inclusion and improve the oxidation resistance. Under a working pressure of 5 Pa and an arc current of 60 A in a chrome target, Cr‐based coatings are fabricated under varying N2/Ar gas flow ratios and substrate biases. The growth structures, crystallography, and corrosion behavior of the coatings are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and potentiodynamic polarization tests. The Cr coating exhibits a typical columnar structure with voids, pores, and columnar defects. In comparison, through nitrogen inclusion, when the nitrogen content of the Cr‐based coating is less than 15 at%, the Cr(N) coating shows a “featureless structure” similar to an amorphous structure, resulting in fewer voids and defects. Potentiodynamic polarization tests reveal that the Cr(N) coating, featuring a distorted body‐centered cubic‐Cr structure, exhibits a significantly low corrosion current in the passive region. The protection efficiency of the Cr(N) coating is calculated to be 96.9%, confirming its superior substrate protection capabilities compared with chromium nitride coatings.
Prospects and Challenges of Practical Nonaqueous Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Linlin , Zhang Shiwan , Li Nan , Chen Jiale , Chen Yifan , Zhang Zhe , Tan Lulu , Niu Xiaogang , Yang Yusi , Zhang Jianwen , Li Hongliang , Ji Xiao , Zhu Yujie
Published: July 2024

Over the past decade, concerns over the sustainability of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have arisen due to the scarcity of critical elements such as lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), prompting the exploration of alternative and complementary electrochemical energy storage technologies. Due to the more abundant resources compared to contemporary LIBs and the potentially higher specific energy than the emerging sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have attracted intensive research interest as a promising alternative to existing technologies. Nevertheless, the development of practical PIBs remains in its infancy. In this perspective, the various electrode materials and electrolytes reported for PIBs from an application point of view and identifying the most promising ones with high practical interest are first concisely discussed. Then, the pack‐level specific energy, energy density, and cost analyses are presented for several PIBs chemistries, which are also compared with representative LIBs and SIBs to demonstrate the advantages of PIBs. After that, a succinct discussion is presented to evaluate the practicality of potassium metal batteries. Finally, the challenges associated with the commercialization of PIBs, providing future critical research fronts for the development of practical high‐performance PIBs are outlined.
Rational Design of Fluorinated 2D Polymer Film Based on Donor–Accepter Architecture toward Multilevel Memory Device for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Liu Lei , Ji Wenyan , He Weixin , Cheng Yuanzhe , Hao Ruisha , Hao Pengyuan , Dong Huanli , Ding Xuesong , Lei Shengbin , Han Baohang , Hu Wenping
Published: July 2024

Fluorine‐containing 2D polymer (F‐2DP) film is a desired system to regulate the charge transport in organic electronics but rather rarely reports due to the limited fluorine‐containing building blocks and difficulties in synthesis. Herein, a novel polar molecule with antiparallel columnar stacking is synthesized and further embedded into an F‐2DP system to control over the crystallinity of F‐2DP film through self‐complementary π‐electronic forces. The donor–accepter–accepter′–donor′ (D–A–A′–D′) structure regulates the charge transportation efficiently, inducing multilevel memory behavior through stepwise charge capture and transfer processes. Thus, the device exhibits ternary memory behavior with low threshold voltage (Vth1 of 1.1 V, Vth2 of 2.0 V), clearly distinguishable resistance states (1:102:104) and ternary yield (83%). Furthermore, the stepwise formation of the charge complex endows the device with a wider range to regulate the conductive state, which allows its application in brain‐inspired neuromorphic computing. Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology recognition can reach an accuracy of 86%, showing great potential in neuromorphic computing applications in the post‐Moore era.
Complementary Multisite Turnover Catalysis toward Superefficient Bifunctional Seawater Splitting at Ampere‐Level Current Density
Authors: Liao Liling , Li Dongyang , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yong , Yu Fang , Yang Lun , Wang Xiuzhang , Tang Dongsheng , Zhou Haiqing
Published: July 2024

The utilization of seawater for hydrogen production via water splitting is increasingly recognized as a promising avenue for the future. The key dilemma for seawater electrolysis is the incompatibility of superior hydrogen‐ and oxygen‐evolving activities at ampere‐scale current densities for both cathodic and anodic catalysts, thus leading to large electric power consumption of overall seawater splitting. Here, in situ construction of Fe4N/Co3N/MoO2 heterostructure arrays anchoring on metallic nickel nitride surface with multilevel collaborative catalytic interfaces and abundant multifunctional metal sites is reported, which serves as a robust bifunctional catalyst for alkaline freshwater/seawater splitting at ampere‐level current density. Operando Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies combined with density functional theory calculations corroborate that Mo and Co/Fe sites situated on the Fe4N/Co3N/MoO2 multilevel interfaces optimize the reaction pathway and coordination environment to enhance water adsorption/dissociation, hydrogen adsorption, and oxygen‐containing intermediate adsorption, thus cooperatively expediting hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions in base. Inspiringly, this electrocatalyst can substantially ameliorate overall freshwater/seawater splitting at 1000 mA cm−2 with low cell voltages of 1.65/1.69 V, along with superb long‐term stability at 500–1500 mA cm−2 for over 200 h, outperforming nearly all the ever‐reported non‐noble electrocatalysts for freshwater/seawater electrolysis. This work offers a viable approach to design high‐performance bifunctional catalysts for seawater splitting.
Reaction‐Induced Self‐Assembly of Polymyxin Mitigates Cytotoxicity and Reverses Drug Resistance
Authors: Hu Xiaowen , Li Dongdong , Li Huaping , Piao Yinzi , Wan Hongping , Zhou Tieli , Karimi Mahdi , Zhao Xinghong , Li Yuanfeng , Shi Linqi , Liu Yong
Published: July 2024

Polymyxins have been regarded as an efficient therapeutic against many life‐threatening, multidrug resistant Gram‐negative bacterial infections; however, the cytotoxicity and emergence of drug resistance associated with polymyxins have greatly hindered their clinical potential. Herein, the reaction‐induced self‐assembly (RISA) of polymyxins and natural aldehydes in aqueous solution is presented. The resulting assemblies effectively mask the positively charged nature of polymyxins, reducing their cytotoxicity. Moreover, the representative PMBA4 (composed of polymyxin B (PMB) and (E)‐2‐heptenal (A4)) assemblies demonstrate enhanced binding to Gram‐negative bacterial outer membranes and exhibit multiple antimicrobial mechanisms, including increased membrane permeability, elevated bacterial metabolism, suppression of quorum sensing, reduced ATP synthesis, and potential reduction of bacterial drug resistance. Remarkably, PMBA4 assemblies reverse drug resistance in clinically isolated drug‐resistant strains of Gram‐negative bacteria, demonstrating exceptional efficacy in preventing and eradicating bacterial biofilms. PMBA4 assemblies efficiently eradicate Gram‐negative bacterial biofilm infections in vivo and alleviate inflammatory response. This RISA strategy offers a practical and clinically applicable approach to minimize side effects, reverse drug resistance, and prevent the emergence of resistance associated with free polymyxins.
Enhanced Performance of Self‐Powered Ge Schottky Photodetectors Enabled by 2D hBN Monolayer Passivation
Authors: Park HyunJung , Kim Munho
Published: July 2024

Ensuring high‐quality surface passivation is the key to realizing high‐performance self‐powered optoelectronic devices, as it significantly impacts carrier transport. 2D hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) exhibits exceptional material characteristics, including a wide bandgap, high dielectric constant, minimized dangling bonds, and high chemical stability, making it one of the most promising candidates for high‐quality passivation. Nevertheless, the passivation characteristics of hBN on Ge and their influence on self‐powered photodetection remain unexplored, as well as their effects on carrier recombination lifetime, interface defect density, and Schottky barrier height. In this study, the first demonstration of enhanced Schottky junction photodiode characteristics and the impact of the surface passivation on carrier lifetime and defect density using an hBN monolayer on Ge are presented. The characteristics of hBN/Ge with Al2O3/Ge are compared to demonstrate the superior passivation quality of hBN over conventional materials. These results highlight the significant potential of hBN as an effective passivation for optoelectronic device applications.
Enzyme Cascade with Four Enzymes in One Pot for the Synthesis of L‐Phosphinothricin
Authors: Xu Jianmiao , Xi Zhijie , Zhao Keji , He Chenxiang , Cheng Feng , Xue Yaping , Zheng Yuguo
Published: July 2024

The biocatalytic oxidative deamination‐ reductive amination process for the production of L‐phosphinothricin (L‐PPT) from D,L‐phosphinothricin (D,L‐PPT) is a green and environmentally friendly approach with significant development potential. In this study, the adopted technological route involves the oxidative deamination of the D‐PPT component in D,L‐PPT to 2‐oxo‐4‐(hydroxymethylphosphinyl)butanoic acid (PPO) by utilizing D‐amino acid oxidase (DAAO), followed by the catalytic reductive amination of PPO to L‐PPT using phosphinothricin dehydrogenase (PpDH). In order to enhance the catalytic rate and reduce the inhibitory effect of the intermediate product PPO on the catalytic process, optimization of both oxidative deamination and reductive amination phases was conducted through separate strategies of constant‐pressure oxygen supply and substrate feeding, respectively. A “two‐step one‐pot” method was employed to link the optimized reactions, significantly shortening the production time. Furthermore, the “two‐step one‐pot” catalytic strategy was optimized, ultimately achieving a high 97.7% yield of L‐PPT with ee of L‐PPT>99.9% after 5.5 h of reaction under 800 mM D,L‐PPT catalytic conditions, D‐PPT and PPO could not bedetected in the reaction system, further enchanced the catalytic efficiency, production efficiency and product quality. The aforementioned results demonstrate that this proposed approach has great potential for industrial‐scale production of L‐PPT as well as significant competitive advantages in terms of economic feasibility.
Efficacy Evaluation of Adjuvant Therapeutic Drugs Against Early and Middle Stage Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Organoids
Authors: Liu Lin‐Jie , Li Hong , Chen Chun‐Yuan , Li Ting‐Ting , Deng Biao , Liang Zhu , Liu Jia
Published: July 2024

30–55% post‐surgical recurrent rate of early and middle stage non‐small cell lung cancer (e/mNSCLC) suggests the need of adjuvant therapy. The e/mNSCLC derived organoids (e/mNSCLCOs)‐based efficacy evaluation of the proposed regimens may improve clinical benefits for e/mNSCLC patients. The e/mNSCLCOs are established from 33 IA‐IIIB resectable non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients without systemic antitumor therapy via optimized 3D culture, of which six with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Immunohistochemical staining is employed to ascertain the maintenance of biomarker expression patterns of e/mNSCLCOs with that of their parental tumors. The e/mNSCLCOs are treated with six conventional anti‐NSCLC chemotherapeutic regimens, respectively. Calcein‐AM/PI cell viability/cytotoxicity assay and EdU cell proliferation test reveal that the platinum‐based chemotherapeutic or mono‐chemotherapeutic regimens are generally ineffective to e/mNSCLCOs because of their high IC50 values. Non‐platinum gemcitabine combined with vinorelbine achieve better anti‐e/mNSCLCOs outcome in terms of suppressed cell proliferation and 51.6–65.8% of intra‐organoid cell death. The 6 e/mNSCLCOs with EGFR mutations are sensitive to EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) in drug selective patterns. The low efficacy of conventional anti‐NSCLC drugs to e/mNSCLCOs suggests the necessity to explore alternative approaches for better adjuvant management of e/mNSCLC patients.
DDR1 Drives Malignant Progression of Gastric Cancer by Suppressing HIF‐1α Ubiquitination and Degradation
Authors: Wei Zhewei , Li Jin , Zhong Li , Yang Dongjie , Li Wuguo , Chen Wei , Zhou Hao , He Yulong , Song Wu , Wang Boyan , Zeng Leli
Published: July 2024

The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been demonstrated to be dysregulated and crucial for malignant progression in gastric cancer (GC), but the mechanism is not well understood. Here, that discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), a principal ECM receptor, is recognized as a key driver of GC progression is reported. Mechanistically, DDR1 directly interacts with the PAS domain of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), suppresses its ubiquitination and subsequently strengthens its transcriptional regulation of angiogenesis. Additionally, DDR1 upregulation in GC cells promotes actin cytoskeleton reorganization by activating HIF‐1α/ Ras Homolog Family Member A (RhoA)/Rho‐associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) signaling, which in turn enhances the metastatic capacity. Pharmacological inhibition of DDR1 suppresses GC progression and angiogenesis in patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) and organoid models. Taken together, this work first indicates the effects of the DDR1‐HIF‐1α axis on GC progression and reveals the related mechanisms, providing experimental evidence for DDR1 as a therapeutic target for GC.
Inactivated cGAS‐STING Signaling Facilitates Endocrine Resistance by Forming a Positive Feedback Loop with AKT Kinase in ER+HER2– Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Kai‐Ming , Zhao De‐Chang , Li Ze‐Yu , Wang Yan , Liu Jian‐Nan , Du Tian , Zhou Ling , Chen Yu‐Hong , Yu Qi‐Chao , Chen Qing‐Shan , Cai Rui‐Zhao , Zhao Zi‐Xuan , Shan Jia‐Lu , Hu Bing‐Xin , Zhang Hai‐Liang , Feng Gong‐Kan , Zhu Xiao‐Feng , Tang Jun , Deng Rong
Published: July 2024

Endocrine‐resistant ER+HER2– breast cancer (BC) is particularly aggressive and leads to poor clinical outcomes. Effective therapeutic strategies against endocrine‐resistant BC remain elusive. Here, analysis of the RNA‐sequencing data from ER+HER2– BC patients receiving neoadjuvant endocrine therapy and spatial transcriptomics analysis both show the downregulation of innate immune signaling sensing cytosolic DNA, which primarily occurs in endocrine‐resistant BC cells, not immune cells. Indeed, compared with endocrine‐sensitive BC cells, the activity of sensing cytosolic DNA through the cGAS‐STING pathway is attenuated in endocrine‐resistant BC cells. Screening of kinase inhibitor library show that this effect is mainly mediated by hyperactivation of AKT1 kinase, which binds to kinase domain of TBK1, preventing the formation of a trimeric complex TBK1/STING/IRF3. Notably, inactivation of cGAS–STING signaling forms a positive feedback loop with hyperactivated AKT1 to promote endocrine resistance, which is physiologically important and clinically relevant in patients with ER+HER2– BC. Blocking the positive feedback loop using the combination of an AKT1 inhibitor with a STING agonist results in the engagement of innate and adaptive immune signaling and impairs the growth of endocrine‐resistant tumors in humanized mice models, providing a potential strategy for treating patients with endocrine‐resistant BC.
Tracing the Cross‐Talk Phenomenon of Vinylethylene Carbonate to Unveil its Counterintuitive Influence as an Electrolyte Additive on High‐Voltage Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pfeiffer Felix , Griggio Angela , Weiling Matthias , Wang Jian‐Fen , Reißig Friederike , Peschel Christoph , Pillatsch Lex , Warrington Stefan , Nowak Sascha , Grimaudo Valentine , Wright Iain , Baghernejad Masoud
Published: July 2024

The formation of effective interphases is crucial to enable high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries. This can be facilitated by the introduction of electrolyte additives, ensuring improved stability and transport properties. The identification of proper additives requires a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of interfacial reactions governing interphase formation. This study presents a detailed investigation of widely known and less conventional interphase‐forming additives in high‐voltage LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2, NMC622||artificial graphite cells. The electrochemical characterization shows that cells containing vinylethylene carbonate (VEC) significantly outperform all other investigated electrolyte formulations. Surprisingly, gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy measurements of the electrolyte composition after cycling indicate the formation of an ineffective solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) in the presence of VEC. A thorough analysis of the interfacial composition via operando shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy elucidates rather the formation of an effective cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI). This phenomenon results from the reductive reaction of VEC on the anode, followed by the product transfer and electro‐polymerization of reaction products on the cathode. Additionally, focused ion beam secondary ion mass spectrometry (FIB‐SIMS) with a time of flight (ToF)‐detector is used to analyze the elemental spatial distribution of Li‐species and Mn in the respective SEIs.
Empowering a person‐centered long‐term care workforce
Authors: Pace Doug , Betts Shadoworee , Reda Lillian , Griff Merle , Stratton Lauren , Shubeck Emily , Eichenberger Lakelyn , Holles Nikki , Holloway Lisa , Little Rachel , Maguire Sharon , Mahoney Joyce , Smith Cole , Fazio Sam
Published: July 2024

Currently there is a crisis in the long‐term care workforce, as many workers experience poor pay, a lack of training, burnout, low quality working conditions, and physical strain, which is leading to a workforce shortage. To address this, the Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Provider Roundtable (AADCPR) convened a panel of direct care workers to discuss and provide direction on their view of the current state of the workforce. From this panel, five touchpoints for hiring and retaining direct care workers were highlighted: high quality jobs; recruitment and reputation management; onboarding; retention; and training and career advancement. In addition, the DCPR put together a set of standards to follow to meet these needs, which includes promoting staff dementia education opportunities, creating recommendations around peer mentoring programs specific to dementia care, and increasing inclusion of direct care workers in decision‐making and plans of care.

Highlights

Presents the current state of workforce in long‐term care.

Provides five touchpoints that long‐term and home and community‐based services should implement for hiring and retaining direct care workers.

Recommends a set of standards to follow to meet the needs of the workforce within long‐term care.