bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connectivity and the Mobility Industry
Authors:   Delphi Corp., Brown Jr. Andrew
Published: December 2011

Bound to play an ever increasing role in the driver-vehicle relationship, connectivity is becoming a basic consumer requirement when it comes to choosing a vehicle. Moving from the computer into the car, the ability to stay in touch, informed and entertained has reached yet a higher level of technology ubiquity. Featuring 20 SAE technical papers published in 2010 and 2011, Connectivity and the Mobility Industry addresses important aspects of one of the most cutting-edge topics in the industry today. Edited by Dr. Andrew Brown, Jr. 2010 SAE International President and Chief Technologist for Delphi Corporation, this book also includes three original articles on the subject, written by various experts: • What to Expect Beyond 2015 - Fourth Generation Wireless and the Vehicle • The Evolution of the Driving Experience and Associated Technologies • Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicle Converged with Communication Technology Part of the new paradigm of "green, safe and connected," this title is of special interest to those looking for an integrated view of how the driving experience will develop within these boundaries, and what emerging technologies are likely to be successful in the upcoming years. This book is the third in the trilogy from SAE on "Safe, Green and Connected" vehicles in the mobility industry edited by Dr. Andrew Brown, Jr. The other two books in this trilogy are: Green Technologies and the Mobility Industry Active Safety and the Mobility Industry Buy a Combination of Books and Save!> This trilogy can be purchased in a combination of two books as follows: Green Technologies and Active Safety in the Mobility Industry Green Technologies and Connectivity in the Mobility Industry Active Safety and Connectivity in the Mobility Industry Buy the Entire 3 Book Set and Save the Most! Green, Safe & Connected: The Future of Mobility
How Do Children's Eating Patterns and Food Choices Change over Time? Results from a Cohort Study
Authors: Lytle Leslie A. , Seifert Sara , Greenstein Jessica , McGovern Paul
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in eating patterns and food choices in a cohort of students as they moved from the third to the eighth grade.

Design.

Dietary behaviors and food choices were abstracted from 24-hour recalls and compared across grade levels.

Setting.

The setting for the study was elementary and junior high schools.

Subjects.

The subjects were a cohort of 291 students from Minnesota.

Measures.

Individual 24-hour dietary recalls from a cohort of students were collected in the third, fifth and eighth grades.

Results.

As students moved from elementary to junior high and middle school, their consumption of breakfast, fruits, vegetables, and milk decreased. Soft drink consumption increased. In the third grade, nearly 99% of the cohort reported eating breakfast; by the eighth grade, 85 % reported eating breakfast. Fruit consumption fell by 41% between the third and the eighth grades while vegetable consumption fell by 25%. The proportion of beverage coming from soft drinks more than tripled between the third and the eighth grades with concomitant reductions in milk and fruit juice consumption.

Conclusions.

Family, school, and community-wide efforts are needed to promote healthful eating patterns and food choices among adolescents. Our research indicates that nutrition education is needed in the elementary and middle school years. In addition, we need to work on improving teens' social and physical environments to encourage and facilitate their choice of healthy foods.
A substantial export flux of particulate organic carbon linked to sinking dead copepods during winter 2007–2008 in the Amundsen Gulf (southeastern Beaufort Sea, Arctic Ocean)
Authors: Sampei Makoto , Sasaki Hiroshi , Forest Alexandre , Fortier Louis
Published: December 2011

In the Arctic Ocean, vertical fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) remain low during the dark winter period because POC fluxes are derived from photosynthetic production. Passively sinking dead copepods are traditionally excluded from POC fluxes estimated using sediment traps, resulting in the underestimation of the total POC flux. Here, we present the seasonal variability of total POC export flux measured by a sediment trap moored at ∼ 100 m in the Amundsen Gulf (southeastern Beaufort Sea) over October 2007‐July 2008. Surprisingly, the integrated total POC flux for February (466 mg m−2) was the second highest flux during the study period (the highest was in Jul; 1015 mg C m−2) due to a contribution of 91% from sinking dead copepods. The total POC flux in February 2008 in the Amundsen Gulf was up to two orders of magnitude higher than the previously reported traditional POC winter fluxes that did not include the contribution of sinking dead copepods. Hence, the POC flux in February only could be equivalent to ∼ 18% of the quasi‐annual traditional POC flux. Our observations suggest that a substantial POC export flux occurred during winter 2007–2008 due to zooplankton life cycle.
SWAT use of gridded observations for simulating runoff – a Vietnam river basin study
Authors: Vu M. T. , Raghavan S. V. , Liong S. Y.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Many research studies that focus on basin hydrology have used the SWAT model to simulate runoff. One common practice in calibrating the SWAT model is the application of station data rainfall to simulate runoff. But over regions lacking robust station data, there is a problem of applying the model to study the hydrological responses. For some countries and remote areas, the rainfall data availability might be a constraint due to many different reasons such as lacking of technology, war time and financial limitation that lead to difficulty in constructing the runoff data. To overcome such a limitation, this research study uses some of the available globally gridded high resolution precipitation datasets to simulate runoff. Five popular gridded observation precipitation datasets: (1) Asian Precipitation Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards the Evaluation of Water Resources (APHRODITE), (2) Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), (3) Precipitation Estimation from Remote Sensing Information using Artificial Neural Network (PERSIANN), (4) Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP), (5) modified Global Historical Climatology Network version 2 (GHCN2) and one reanalysis dataset National Centers for Environment Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) are used to simulate runoff over the Dakbla River (a small tributary of the Mekong River) in Vietnam. Wherever possible, available station data are also used for comparison. Bilinear interpolation of these gridded datasets is used to input the precipitation data at the closest grid points to the station locations. Sensitivity Analysis and Auto-calibration are performed for the SWAT model. The Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and Coefficient of Determination (R2) indices are used to benchmark the model performance. This entails a good understanding of the response of the hydrological model to different datasets and a quantification of the uncertainties in these datasets. Such a methodology is also useful for planning on Rainfall-runoff and even reservoir/river management both at rural and urban scales.
A Retrieval Analysis of Explanted Durom Metal-On-Metal Hip Arthroplasties
Authors: Matthies Ashley K. , Henckel Johann , Skinner John A. , Hart Alister J.
Published: December 2011

Given the recent reports of high failure rates, an improved understanding of the mechanism of failure of large diameter metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties is essential. We present clinical data and tribological analysis of a consecutive series of 74 failed large diameter metal-on-metal hips, comparing the Durom (Zimmer) with the Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR) (Smith and Nephew). We retrospectively analysed pre-, intra-, and post-operative clinical data and measured the linear wear and component form of the explanted components using a roundness measuring machine. A significantly higher proportion of hips in the Durom group failed as a result of acetabular loosening (p=0.001) and this was supported by evidence of reduced bone in-growth on the backside of the cup. Comparison of roundness measurement revealed that the Durom hip was significantly lower wearing than the BHR (p<0.05) but the Durom femoral components were subject to significantly greater form errors (p<0.001), the pole of the head being flattened by up to 31 microns. Although the Durom hip is low wearing, reduced sphericity of the femoral component may have resulted in equatorial bearing, leading to an increased frictional torque at the cup-bone interface, preventing bone in-growth, and culminating in acetabular loosening. This supports recent clinical findings of high revision rates as a result of acetabular loosening for the Durom metal-on-metal hip system.
Overactive Bladder Syndrome: The Social and Economic Perspective
Authors: Sacco Emilio , Bientinesi Riccardo , Marangi Francesco , D'addessi Alessandro , Racioppi Marco , Gulino Gaetano , Pinto Francesco , Totaro Angelo , Bassi Pierfrancesco
Published: December 2011

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a highly prevalent condition associated with a significant impairment of patients’ Quality of Life (QoL) because of its adverse effects on social, sexual, interpersonal, and professional functions. Cost-of-illness analyses showed the huge economic burden related to OAB for patients, public healthcare systems, and society, secondary to both direct and indirect costs. These types of cost analyses, however, exclude intangible costs related to QoL impairment. Recently, many novel therapies have been introduced, arising the need to apply the modern methodology of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to new therapies in order to evaluate objectively their value in terms of both improvement in length/Quality of Life and costs. By producing information on the clinical, economic, organizational, social and ethical impact of health technologies, HTA has been used worldwide to inform decision makers at different levels in health systems. The HTA approach demonstrated, worldwide, to be a useful approach to increase the level of appropriateness in the use of medical technology and, as a consequence of that, of resources. Health utilities are instruments that allow a measurement of QoL and its integration in the economic evaluation using the Quality-of-life-Adjusted-Life-Years (QALYs) model and cost-utility analysis. The development of suitable instruments for quantifying utility in the specific group of OAB patients is vitally important to extend the application of cost-utility analysis in OAB and to guide healthcare resources allocation for this disorder. Studies are required to define the cost-effectiveness of available pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy options.
Pulsars: Cosmic Permanent “Neutromagnets”?
Authors: Hansson Johan , Ponga Anna
Published: December 2011

We argue that pulsars may be spin-polarized neutron stars, that is,
cosmic permanent magnets. This would simply explain several observational facts about pulsars, including the “beacon effect” itself, that is, the static/stable misalignment of rotational and magnetic axes, the extreme temporal stability of the pulses, and the existence of an upper
limit for the magnetic field strength, coinciding with the one observed
in “magnetars.” Although our model admittedly is speculative, this
latter fact seems to us unlikely to be pure coincidence.
Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Modified for Inpatients with Depression
Authors: Page Andrew C. , Hooke Geoff R.
Published: December 2011

The effectiveness among inpatients with depression of a modified cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program was examined. A group of 300 inpatient admissions with a primary diagnosis of depression attending a private psychiatric clinic were assessed at the beginning and end of a two-week CBT program. The effectiveness of the treatment was demonstrated by improvements on the Beck depression inventory (BDI), the health of the nation outcome scales, locus of control of behaviour scale, and the global assessment of function. The changes on the BDI for patients with depression were benchmarked against estimates generated from published studies. The degree of change in a two-week period for inpatients with depression was similar to that observed in efficacy studies of CBT that typically run over a more extended time. Implications for integrating CBT with inpatient services are discussed.
Pyrolysis and Oxidation of PAN in Dry Air. Thermoanalytical Methods
Authors: BIEDUNKIEWICZ Anna , FIGIEL Pawel , SABARA Marta
Published: December 2011

The results of investigations on pyrolysis and oxidation of pure polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and its mixture with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) under non-isothermal conditions at linear change of samples temperature in time are presented. In each case process proceeded in different way. During pyrolysis of pure PAN the material containing mainly the product after PAN cyclization was obtained, while pyrolysis of PAN+DMF mixture gave the product after cyclization and stabilization. Under conditions of measurements, in both temperature ranges, series of gaseous products were formed.For the PAN-DMF system measurements at different samples heating rates were performed. The obtained results were in accordance with the kinetics of heterogeneous processes theory. The process rates in stages increased along with the temperature increase, and TG, DTG and HF function curves were shifted into higher temperature range. This means that the process of pyrolysis and oxidation of PAN in dry air can be carried out in a controlled way.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.17.1.246
Influence of Weave into Slippage of Yarns in Woven Fabric
Authors: MALČIAUSKIENĖ Edita , MILAŠIUS Algirdas , LAURECKIENĖ Ginta , MILAŠIUS Rimvydas
Published: December 2011

Slippage resistance of yarns at a seam in woven fabrics is a very important factor and very strict claims are raised for this property. It is necessary to know how fabric structure influences on seam slippage quality before manufacturing the fabric. The purpose of this work was to establish which of the weave factor is most suitable to describe balanced weave fabrics seam slippage. It was investigated seam slippage characteristics in the fabric and the factor was offered, which characterizes best fabric structure from the thread slippage point of view. Fifteen wool fabrics, which differ only on weave were weaved for investigations. The test was carried out according to LST EN ISO 13936-1standard. First of all, the well known factors such as fabric structure factor P and average float F were investigated and then a new fabric structure factor was offered, which the best characterizes the weave from thread slippage point of view. The proposed model shows good correlation between experimental and theoretical values of the new weave factor.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.17.1.248
The Effect of Dopants on Sintering and Microstructure of Lead-free KNN Ceramics
Authors: SMELTERE Ilze , ANTONOVA Maija , KALVANE Anna , GRIGS Oskars , LIVINSH Maris
Published: December 2011

Lead-free potassium sodium niobate (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN) has been prepared via conventional ceramic processing method. The influence of 0.5 wt% - 1.5 wt% MnO2 and WO3 addition on the sintering, crystallographic structure, microstructure and dielectric properties of KNN has been investigated. Optimal sintering temperatures of KNN ceramics were observed to be in the narrow interval: 1090 °C - 1110 °C for MnO2 doped KNN; 1150 °C - 1170 °C for pure KNN and doped with WO3. XRD patterns showed that all the samples have single perovskite structure with monoclinic structure. Microstructure of ceramics was changed greatly by using dopants.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.17.1.251
Investigation of Peculiarities in the Hardening Process of Portland Cements with Active Additives out of Waste
Authors: ŽVIRONAITĖ Jadvyga , PUNDIENĖ Ina , ANTONOVIČ Valentin , BALKEVIČIUS Valdas
Published: December 2011

This study deals with the impact of waste fluid cracking catalyst (FCC) and cupola dust (CD) on hardening process of various Portland cements (CEM I 42.5 R (PCR), CEM I 42.5 N (PCN), CEM II/A-S 42.5 N (PCSN)). The plain cement pastes and waste modified pastes (with cements replacement for 10 % of additives), also pastes with the well-known pozzolana additive, microsilica (MS), were investigated. The studies of development of hardening structure by ultrasound wave velocity (UWV) measurement method, of change of mineral composition and physical-mechanical properties were carried out. Impact of additives is subject to both the own properties (chemical, mineral composition and fineness) of additive and of cement. FCC accelerates noticeably the development of initial structure of finer cement (PCR) only. Beyond 24 h development of structure in all FCC modified pastes is going somewhat slower, nevertheless, after 28 days their structure is already more compact than that of plain pastes. The strength properties are changing accordingly. The development of initial structure of CD modified PCR, and especially PCSN, pastes is going faster, PCN - almost does not change. Beyond 24 h compacting of structure of all CD modified pastes was slower. For the early strength of cements, the impact of CD was negligible, after 28 and 90 days the strength of CD modified PCR and PCN pastes was lower than that of plain pastes. In the case of PCSN, the slag is activated by alkali and the strength increased. CD additive, like MS and FCC, decreases the OH" concentration in the liquid phase of hydrating cement suspensions at the initial period (till 3 h), however further in the course of 28 days it was growing and became higher than that of plain cement suspensions.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.17.1.254
Utilization of Meat and Bone Meal Bottom Ash in Ceramics
Authors: VALANČIENĖ Virginija
Published: December 2011

During utilization of animal waste meat and bone meal (MBM) is received, realization and use of which has been stopped due to risk for the transmission of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy infection. The MBM must be safely stored or treated. Most often meat and bone meal undergoes thermal treatment. During combustion large quantities of residues (ashes) are received, the recycled use of which has been given a lot of attention lately. In this work it was investigated the impact of the additive of the bottom ash (BA) formed during combustion of the MBM on the properties of forming mass and ceramic body of hydromica clay, and also it was evaluated a possibility to use the MBM BA in manufacturing of building ceramics. After replacing the sand in porous ceramics by this additive the plasticity of the forming mass, drying and firing shrinkage as well as density of ceramic body changed insignificantly whereas the compressive strength increased by 8 % - 22 %. So the MBM BA can be utilized in production of porous ceramics.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.17.1.256
Influence of Plasma Transferred Arc Process Parameters on Structure and Mechanical Properties of Wear Resistive NiCrBSi-WC/Co Coatings
Authors: GRUZDYS Eitvydas , MEŠKINIS Šarūnas
Published: December 2011

Self-fluxing NiCrBSi and related coatings received considerable interest due to their good wear as well as corrosion resistance at moderate and elevated temperatures. Hard tungsten carbide (WC) particles can be included in NiCrBSi for further increase of the coating hardness and abrasive wear resistance. Flame spray technique is widely used for fabrication of NiCrBSi films. However, in such a case, subsequent remelting of the deposited coatings by flame, arc discharge or high power laser beam is necessary. In present study NiCrBSi-WC/Co coatings were formed using plasma transferred arc process. By adjusting plasma parameters, such as current, plasma gas flow, shielding gas flow, a number of coatings were formed on steel substrates. Structure of the coatings was investigated using X-ray diffractometry. Microstructure of cross-sectioned coatings was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Hardness of the coating was evaluated by means of the Vickers hardness tests. Wear tests were also performed on specimens to determine resistance to abrasive wear. Acquired results allowed estimating the influence of the deposition process parameters on structure and mechanical properties of the coatings.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.17.2.482
Concrete Dust Influence on Cement Stone Properties
Authors: GRIGONIS Donatas , IVANAUSKAS Ernestas , RUDŽIONIS Žymantas
Published: December 2011

The results of experimental investigation of reusing concrete dust (CD), from old concrete construction demolition as cement replacement are presented in the article. Tests were conducted on cement mass by replacing 0 % - 30 % of cement with CD mass. The physical and chemical properties of CD were stock reviewed to assess the possible influence on both fresh and hardened properties of cement. The results of qualitative properties evaluated by standard tests on different mixtures of Portland cement and CD proved to be promising. The comprehensive series of tests included rheology, compressive strength, absorbability, density, exothermic effect and rentgenographic. According to our findings CD can be used as cement replacement without strongly influencing the cement stone properties; CD can also become an alternative to  ecological concrete.http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.17.2.492
Open Retromuscular Sugarbaker vs Keyhole Mesh Placement for Parastomal Hernia Repair
Authors: Maskal Sara M. , Ellis Ryan C. , Fafaj Aldo , Costanzo Adele , Thomas Jonah D. , Prabhu Ajita S. , Krpata David M. , Beffa Lucas R. A. , Tu Chao , Zheng Xinyan , Miller Benjamin T. , Rosen Michael J. , Petro Clayton C.
Published: June 2024

Importance

Durable parastomal hernia repair remains elusive. There is limited evidence comparing the durability of the open retromuscular Sugarbaker and keyhole mesh configurations.

Objective

To determine if the open retromuscular Sugarbaker mesh placement technique would lower parastomal hernia recurrence rates.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this single-center, randomized clinical trial, 150 patients with a permanent stoma and associated parastomal hernia who were candidates for open retromuscular parastomal hernia repair were enrolled and randomized from April 2019 to April 2022 and followed up for 2 years.

Interventions

Following intraoperative assessment to determine the feasibility of either technique, enrolled patients were randomized to receive either retromuscular Sugarbaker or keyhole synthetic mesh placement.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was parastomal hernia recurrence at 2 years. Secondary outcomes included mesh-related complications, wound complications, reoperations, as well as patient-reported pain, abdominal wall–specific quality of life, stoma-specific quality of life, and decision regret at 1 year and 2 years.

Results

A total of 150 patients were randomized, and with 91% follow-up at 2 years, there were 13 (17%) parastomal hernia recurrences in the retromuscular Sugarbaker arm and 18 (24%) in the keyhole arm (adjusted risk difference, −0.029; 95% CI, −0.17 to 0.153, and adjusted risk ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.69). There were no statistically significant differences between the Sugarbaker and keyhole groups regarding reoperations for recurrence (2 vs 7, respectively), nonhernia intra-abdominal pathology (4 vs 10, respectively), stoma necrosis (1 vs 0, respectively), mesh-related complications (4 vs 1, respectively), patient-reported pain, abdominal wall–specific quality of life, stoma-specific quality of life, and decision regret at any time point.

Conclusions and Relevance

In the setting of open parastomal hernia repair, a retromuscular Sugarbaker mesh placement technique was not superior to a keyhole configuration 2 years after repair. Further innovation is necessary to improve parastomal hernia repair outcomes.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03972553
Larger and structurally complex woodland creation sites provide greater benefits for woodland plants
Authors: Waddell Emily H. , Fuentes‐Montemayor Elisa , Park Kirsty J. , Carey Peter , Guy Matt , Macgregor Nicholas A. , Watts Kevin
Published: June 2024

Reforestation initiatives are underway across the world. However, we know relatively little about the ecological consequences of creating and restoring forest ecosystems, and there is a lack of studies examining the drivers of species colonisation and establishment across appropriate temporal and spatial scales to inform conservation practice.

Using data from a long‐term natural experiment (the WrEN project), we explore ground plant species occurrence and community composition in 102 woodland creation sites (10–160 years since planting), and 27 old growth woodlands (>250 years). We conducted field surveys to collect data on occurrence of plant species (classified into woodland specialist, woodland generalist, or non‐woodland) and used Structural Equation Modelling to investigate the influence of local (age, size, woodland structure) and landscape‐level (amount of surrounding woodland) attributes on species richness.

Woodland generalists are readily colonising woodland creation sites to similar levels found in old growth woodlands. However, there were fewer woodland specialist and more non‐woodland plants in creation sites than in old growth. Specialists and generalists were more likely to be present in larger woodlands and those with higher variation in tree size (which was higher in older woodlands) and did not appear to be influenced by features of the surrounding landscape. Some plant communities in older creation sites (80–160 years) were similar to old growth, suggesting colonisation of a typical old growth flora over time; however, some sites were shifting away from this trajectory.

Specialists are slow to colonise woodland creation sites and their occurrence was low relative to old growth woodlands even after >80 years. However, woodland management to increase structural complexity may enhance the establishment of woodland plants. The lack of influence of the surrounding landscape on species occurrence is likely due to most of the study sites being relatively isolated resulting in limited colonisation. This suggests that new woodlands need to be adjacent or very near to existing woodland to receive the benefits of increased colonisation. Our results highlight the importance of creating large and structurally complex woodlands, close to existing woodlands to facilitate the colonisation and establishment of woodland plants.
Liposome‐Based Permeable Eyedrops for Effective Posterior Segment Drug Delivery
Authors: Wang Ying , Hu Yanhong , An Jinying , Zhang Hui , Liu Xun , Li Xiaorong , Zhang Zhanzhan , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: June 2024

Topical eyedrop administration is identified as an ideal non‐invasive strategy for ocular drug delivery. However, multiple complex ocular barriers greatly restrict their effectiveness in the treatment of posterior ocular disease. Herein, a liposome‐based permeable eyedrops (pDrops) capable of overcoming multiple ocular barriers and achieving efficient posterior drug delivery is presented. pDrops have a core‐shell structure in which drugs are encapsulated inside the liposome core with a chitosan shell. This chitosan coating significantly enhances the pDrops’ binding to mucin in tears and facilitates the temporary opening of tight junctions in cornea/conjunctive epithelial cells, thereby achieving prolonged preocular retention and enhanced posterior segment drug delivery. In this study, hydrophilic ganciclovir (GCV) and hydrophobic curcumin (CUR) are employed as model drugs. Upon topical instillation, pDrops effectively overcome ocular barriers and delivered GCV to the posterior segment in both rat and rabbit eyes. Notably, CUR delivery by pDrops demonstrates significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy in light‐damaged retina of mice. Considering that pDrops can deliver both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs to the posterior segment of the eye, it can potentially become a feasible platform for the non‐invasive delivery of various drug molecules and improve the treatment efficiency of posterior ocular diseases.
Designing Conductive Pyrrolidinium‐Based Dual Network Gel Electrolytes: Tailoring Performance with Dynamic and Covalent Crosslinking
Authors: Katcharava Zviadi , Orlamünde Torje E. , Tema Lawrence T. , Hong Haobo , Beiner Mario , Iliev Boyan , Marinow Anja , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: June 2024

Transitioning toward a carbon‐negative direction necessitates continued development and enhancement of existing lithium battery technologies. A key impediment for these technologies is the utilization of flammable organic solvent‐based electrolytes, which pose significant safety risks. Furthermore, the recyclability of batteries has not reached the level required for transitioning to a circular economy. Here, poly(ionic liquid)‐based dual network gel electrolytes are reported as safer and sustainable alternative materials. The materials employ both, dynamic (up to 45 mol%) and covalent crosslinking (up to 10 mol%), allowing the fabrication of mechanically stable gels with a high content (up to 65 wt%) of ionic liquid/salt both via thermal and photo polymerization. The dual nature of this network in interplay with other key components is systematically investigated. Mechanical stability (up to 0.7 MPa), combined with enhanced ionic conductivity (surpassing 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature) is achieved via the synergetic combination of dynamic non‐covalent and covalent crosslinking, resulting in improved electrochemical (up to 5 V) and thermal stability (reaching 300 °C) by the embedded ionic liquid. Moreover the presence of the dynamic crosslinks facilitates reprocessing at 70 °C without comrpomising the electrochemical performance, thus reaching full recyclability and reusability.
Van der Waals Encapsulation by Ultrathin Oxide for Air‐Sensitive 2D Materials
Authors: Yi Kongyang , Wu Yao , An Liheng , Deng Ya , Duan Ruihuan , Yang Jiefu , Zhu Chao , Gao Weibo , Liu Zheng
Published: June 2024

The ambient stability is one of the focal points for applications of 2D materials, especially for those well‐known air‐sensitive ones, such as black phosphorus (BP) and transitional metal telluride. Traditional methods of encapsulation, such as atomic layer deposition of oxides and heterogeneous integration of hexagonal boron nitride, can hardly avoid removal of encapsulation layer when the 2D materials are encapsulated for further device fabrication, which causes complexity and damage during the procedure. Here, a van der Waals encapsulation method that allows direct device fabrication without removal of encapsulation layer is introduced using Ga2O3 from liquid gallium. Taking advantage of the robust isolation ability against ambient environment of the dense native oxide of gallium, hundreds of times longer retention time of (opto)electronic properties of encapsulated BP and MoTe2 devices is realized than unencapsulated devices. Due to the ultrathin high‐κ properties of Ga2O3, top‐gated devices are directly fabricated with the encapsulation layer, simultaneously as a dielectric layer. This direct device fabrication is realized by selective etching of Ga2O3, leaving the encapsulated materials intact. Encapsulated 1T' MoTe2 exhibits high conductivity even after 150 days in ambient environment. This method is, therefore, highlighted as a promising and distinctive one compared with traditional passivation approaches.
Merging Organolithium Chemistry and Stereoselective Biocatalysis: Transformation of Aromatic Nitriles into Chiral Alcohols
Authors: Ríos‐Lombardía Nicolás , Morís‐Menéndez Gloria , Lavandera Iván , Gotor‐Fernández Vicente , García‐Álvarez Joaquín
Published: June 2024

The combination of RLi‐mediated organic transformations (under air and at room temperature) with a subsequent stereoselective biocatalytic reaction is for the first time presented. Most of the previous asymmetric chemoenzymatic routes have been limited to the concomitant or sequential combination of transition metals/organocatalysts with enzymes. However, the use of polar organometallic reagents (RLi) in the design of these stereoselective hybrid protocols has been totally neglected, as far as we are concerned. Thus, in this work, the combination of organolithium chemistry and asymmetric biocatalysis is described for the first time in a one‐pot fashion. The chemoenzymatic approach converts a series of nitriles into chiral alcohols consisting of two steps, where the key item was the finding of suitable conditions to adapt the reactivities of organolithiums and alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) in the same recipient. The organolithium addition occurred with total chemoselectivity (no side reactions were observed) under neat conditions and room temperature leading to the corresponding imines, which were hydrolyzed using a buffer, and adjusting the pH for the subsequent ADH action. Commercial and made in house overexpressed ADHs allowed to produce chiral alcohols with excellent selectivities and good overall yields. The different behavior displayed for the reductive enzymes in the presence of diethyl ether clearly influenced in the decision to let the organolithium solvent evaporate under open‐air conditions before developing the bioreduction step. Our results demonstrate the importance of the fine orchestration of the reaction conditions for the development of efficient hybrid chemoenzymatic cascades without the need of intermediate isolation/purification steps or compartmentalization of the different synthetic systems.
Beyond the Passive Diffusion: Core@Satellite Magneto‐Plasmonic Particles for Rapid and Sensitive Colorimetric Immunosensor Response
Authors: De Luca Maria , Acunzo Adriano , Marra Daniele , Borriello Margherita , Ingrosso Diego , Velotta Raffaele , Iannotti Vincenzo , Della Ventura Bartolomeo
Published: June 2024

Magneto‐plasmonic particles, comprising gold and iron oxide, exhibit substantial potential for biosensing applications due to their distinct properties. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) provide plasmonic features, while iron oxide composites, responsive to an external magnetic field, significantly reduce detection time compared to passive diffusion. This study explores core@satellite magneto‐plasmonic particles (CSMPs), featuring magnetic nanoparticle clusters and numerous satellite‐like AuNPs, to amplify the optical response on a nanostructured gold surface. Using a sandwich scheme, target analytes are detected as hybrid nanoparticles bind to the pre‐immobilized target on the AuNPs surface, inducing changes in the immunosensor's extinction spectrum. Application of an external magnetic field notably enhances biosensor response and sensitivity, reducing assay time from hours to minutes. Leveraging the properties of CSMPs, the immunosensor detects specific immune protein at low concentrations within minutes. CSMPs hold considerable promise for precise and sensitive analyte detection, offering potential applications in rapid testing and mass screening.
Strong Acid Enabled Comprehensive Training of Poly (Sodium Acrylate) Hydrogel Networks
Authors: Yang Baibin , Wang Caihong , Yu Qiannan , Ma Peipei , Zhao Qiang , Wu Yong , Ma Kui , Tan Shuai
Published: June 2024

The design of admirable hydrogel networks is of both practical and fundamental importance for diverse applications of hydrogels. Herein a general strategy of acid‐assisted training is designed to enable multiple improvements of conventional poly (sodium acrylate) networks for hydrogels. Hydrophobic homogeneous crosslinked poly (sodium acrylate) hydrogels are prepared to verify the strategy. The multiple improvements of poly (sodium acrylate) networks are simply achieved by immersing the hydrogel networks into 4 M H2SO4 solutions. The introduced acids would induce transformation of poly (sodium acrylate) into poly (acrylic acid) at hydrogel surface, which constructs dynamic hydrogen bonding interactions to tighten the network. The acid‐containing poly (sodium acrylate) hydrogels newly generate anti‐swelling and self‐healing performance, and show mechanical improvement. The internal poly (sodium acrylate) of the pristine acid‐containing hydrogels is further fully transformed via acid‐infiltration after following cyclic stretch/release training to significantly improve the mechanical performance. The Young's modulus, stress, and toughness of the fully‐trained hydrogels are 187.6 times, 35.6 times, and 5.4 times enhanced, respectively. The polymeric networks retain isotropic in fully‐trained hydrogels to ensure superior stretchability of 8.6. The acid‐assisted training performance of the hydrogels can be reversibly recovered by NaOH neutralization. The acid‐assisted training strategy here is general for poly (sodium acrylate) hydrogels.
Exploration of the sensitization effect of Chaihu Shugan powder on chemotherapy for triple‐negative breast cancer and its active ingredients
Authors: Wei Wei , Li Xiaofei , Li Zhiyuan
Published: June 2024

Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in the clinical treatment of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), but drug resistance limits its clinical application. The active ingredients of Chaihu Shugan Powder (CSP; Bupleurum Liver‐Coursing Powder), quercetin and luteolin, both belong to flavonoid compounds and have significant anti‐tumor potential, which can promote chemotherapy sensitivity. However, the correlation between the two and TNBC paclitaxel (PTX) chemotherapy sensitivity is unknown. We collected herbal components of CSP from the TCMSP database, and screened effective molecules and corresponding targets. STRING database was utilized to construct a protein–protein interaction network combining effective molecules and target genes. The top 50 nodes ranked by affinity were chosen for subsequent functional analysis, and the drug‐active ingredient‐gene interaction network was established using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was used to determine the small molecules that target TNBC PTX resistance. The “clusterProfiler” package was utilized for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses on the top 50 genes to determine the pathways affected by CSP. Cell counting and colony formation assays evaluated cell viability, IC50 values, and proliferation capacity. Flow cytometry tested PTX intracellular accumulation. Western blot assayed the expression of TNF pathway‐related proteins. Active ingredients of CSP, quercetin and luteolin, could inhibit TNBC cell proliferation and promote PTX chemotherapy sensitization. Quercetin and luteolin repressed the TNF signaling pathway and promoted PTX chemotherapy sensitization. Quercetin and luteolin could inhibit TNBC cell proliferation and promote PTX chemotherapy sensitization through the TNF signaling pathway. Therefore, the use of quercetin and luteolin plus PTX treatment provides a prospective strategy for TNBC treatment.
A clinical‐radiomic‐pathomic model for prognosis prediction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after radical resection
Authors: Xie Qu , Zhao Zeyin , Yang Yanzhen , Wang Xiaohong , Wu Wei , Jiang Haitao , Hao Weiyuan , Peng Ruizi , Luo Cong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Radical surgery, the first‐line treatment for patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC), faces the dilemma of high early recurrence rates and the inability to predict effectively. We aim to develop and validate a multimodal model combining clinical, radiomics, and pathomics features to predict the risk of early recurrence.

Materials and Methods

We recruited HCC patients who underwent radical surgery and collected their preoperative clinical information, enhanced computed tomography (CT) images, and whole slide images (WSI) of hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) stained biopsy sections. After feature screening analysis, independent clinical, radiomics, and pathomics features closely associated with early recurrence were identified. Next, we built 16 models using four combination data composed of three type features, four machine learning algorithms, and 5‐fold cross‐validation to assess the performance and predictive power of the comparative models.

Results

Between January 2016 and December 2020, we recruited 107 HCC patients, of whom 45.8% (49/107) experienced early recurrence. After analysis, we identified two clinical features, two radiomics features, and three pathomics features associated with early recurrence. Multimodal machine learning models showed better predictive performance than bimodal models. Moreover, the SVM algorithm showed the best prediction results among the multimodal models. The average area under the curve (AUC), accuracy (ACC), sensitivity, and specificity were 0.863, 0.784, 0.731, and 0.826, respectively. Finally, we constructed a comprehensive nomogram using clinical features, a radiomics score and a pathomics score to provide a reference for predicting the risk of early recurrence.

Conclusions

The multimodal models can be used as a primary tool for oncologists to predict the risk of early recurrence after radical HCC surgery, which will help optimize and personalize treatment strategies.
Happiness contagion in China's cities: Who gets more happiness from urban communities?
Authors: Yang Chang , Zhang Zhe , Sha Chenbing
Published: June 2024

While emotional transmission is a well‐documented phenomenon, the contagion of happiness, specifically as a positive emotion, has received limited research attention. This study utilizes data from the 2015 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS2015) to analyse the effects of happiness contagion among different individual groups in urban communities. Findings indicate that individuals with positive personalities and social attitudes are more susceptible to happiness contagion. Regarding personal and job attributes, the elderly, the highly educated, the married, or people who are religious, have high incomes, work in non‐state‐owned enterprises, or work flexibly tend to receive more happiness from their neighbours. Moreover, residents living in economically developed areas exhibit a greater receptivity to happiness contagion. The paper discusses policy implications of the results. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Effects of metformin on cancers in experimental and clinical studies: Focusing on autophagy and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways
Authors: Zamanian Mohammad Yasin , Golmohammadi Maryam , Yumashev Alexey , Hjazi Ahmed , Toama Mariam Alaa , AbdRabou Mervat Ahmed , Gehlot Anita , Alwaily Enas R. , Shirsalimi Niyousha , Yadav Pankaj Kumar , Moriasi Gervason
Published: June 2024

Metformin (MET) is a preferred drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent studies show that apart from its blood glucose‐lowering effects, it also inhibits the development of various tumours, by inducing autophagy. Various studies have confirmed the inhibitory effects of MET on cancer cell lines’ propagation, migration, and invasion. The objective of the study was to comprehensively review the potential of MET as an anticancer agent, particularly focusing on its ability to induce autophagy and inhibit the development and progression of various tumors. The study aimed to explore the inhibitory effects of MET on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and its impact on key signaling pathways such as adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and PI3K. This review noted that MET exerts its anticancer effects by regulating key signalling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), LC3‐I and LC3‐II, Beclin‐1, p53, and the autophagy‐related gene (ATG), inhibiting the mTOR protein, downregulating the expression of p62/SQSTM1, and blockage of the cell cycle at the G0/G1. Moreover, MET can stimulate autophagy through pathways associated with the 5′ AMPK, thereby inhibiting he development and progression of various human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, osteosarcoma, myeloma, and non‐small cell lung cancer. In summary, this detailed review provides a framework for further investigations that may appraise the autophagy‐induced anticancer potential of MET and its repurposing for cancer treatment.
Applying nitrogen fertilizer improves the indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) quality by coordinating enzyme activity and grain‐filling rate
Authors: Liu Aihua , Li Yuwei , Yang Liubin , Zhang Yangyang , Liao Shipeng , Li Xiaokun
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

The effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on rice quality, grain‐filling rate, and starch synthase activity have been widely studied, but whether there is a relationship between grain‐filling rate and starch synthase activity has not been reported. We conducted a 2‐year field experiment using the indica rice cultivar Shenliangyou 5814 to investigate the effects of N fertilization (0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 kg·ha–1) on rice quality.

Findings

N fertilization notably increased grain yield, head rice rate, and protein content while reducing chalkiness degree and rate, thereby enhancing milling, appearance, and nutritional quality. Meanwhile, N fertilizer application (N = 270–360 kg·ha–1) delayed the time to reach the maximal grain‐filling rate, extending it to approximately 18.4–19.9 days after flowering, and enzyme activity also peaked around the same time. Grain‐filling rate was positively correlated with the activities of AGPase and SBE after N fertilization. They were also significantly correlated with milling, appearance, and nutritional quality after 22 days of flowering.

Conclusions

N fertilization achieved a harmonious balance between the grain‐filling rate and starch synthase activities, ultimately improving milling, appearance, and nutritional quality.

Significance and Novelty

N fertilization regulated the coordination between grain‐filling rate and starch synthase activity for rice quality.
Designing Heterogeneous Catalysts for Microwave Assisted Selective Oxygenation
Authors: Sun Jia , Hayward James S. , Barter Michael , Slocombe Daniel R. , Bartley Jonathan K.
Published: June 2024

Microwave dielectric heating is an emerging technology in heterogeneous catalysis. However, catalyst design in this field is not as well developed as when conventional heating is used. In this study the selective oxidation of propene to acrolein has been used as a model reaction to understand the how the properties of bismuth mixed metal oxide catalysts can be tuned for use in microwave assisted catalysis. The role of the dielectric properties, that are crucial to enable the catalyst to be heated in the microwave electric field, were determined using cavity perturbation methods. Catalysts with a very high loss tangent reached high temperatures leading to combustion products, whereas materials with a low loss tangent could not be heated and were inactive. Bi2MoO6 and BiVO4 both showed promising performance during an initial screening and were investigated further. For Bi2MoO6, a partial substitution of molybdenum with vanadium resulted in the formation of Bi1−X/3V1−xMoxO4, with a decrease in particle size and dielectric loss tangent, and the highest rate of acrolein production was found when x=0.6 at 15 W microwave power. Higher microwave power resulted in thermal runaway which decreased the activity of the catalyst.