bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk among Samoan adults
Authors: Oyama Sakurako , Duckham Rachel L. , Pomer Alysa , Rivara Anna C. , Kershaw Erin E. , Wood Ashlee , Fidow Ulai T. , Naseri Take , Reupena Muagututia S. , Viali Satupaitea , McGarvey Stephen T. , Hawley Nicola L.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Recent studies suggest that early menarche may increase cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Yet few studies have examined this association in the Pacific Islands, where obesity prevalence is among the highest globally. We sought to examine associations between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk in Samoa.

Methods

Participants were from the Soifua Manuia study (n = 285, age 32–72 years) conducted in Samoa from 2017 to 2019. Logistic regressions were conducted to estimate odds of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome per one‐year increase in age at menarche. Linear regressions were conducted to examine associations between age at menarche and continuous measures of adiposity, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and serum lipids.

Results

Median age at menarche was 14 years (IQR = 2). After controlling for relevant covariates, each one‐year increase in age at menarche was associated with a 15% decrease (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72–1.01, p = .067) in odds of hypertension, but a 21% increase (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01–1.45, p = .044) in odds of diabetes and 18% increase (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.98–1.42, p = .081) in odds of high total cholesterol. Each additional year in age at menarche was associated with a 1.60 ± 0.52 kg (p = .002) decrease in lean mass and 1.56 ± 0.51 kg (p = .003) decrease in fat‐free mass.

Conclusions

Associations between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk may be population‐specific and are likely influenced by both current and historical nutritional and epidemiological contexts. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of childhood adiposity and other early life exposures on age at menarche and subsequent cardiometabolic risk.
Heterozygous gain of function variants in a critical region of RNF13 cause congenital microcephaly, epileptic encephalopathy, blindness, and failure to thrive
Authors: Taylor Alan , Kashyape Pawan S. , Jain Ruchi , El Naofal Maha , Tayoun Ahmad Abou
Published: September 2023

Missense variants in the RNF13 gene have been previously known to cause congenital microcephaly, epileptic encephalopathy, blindness, and failure to thrive through a gain‐of‐function disease mechanism. Here, we identify a nonsense variant, expected to result in protein truncation, in a similarly affected patient. We show that this nonsense variant, residing in the terminal exon, is likely to escape nonsense‐mediated decay while removing a critical region for protein function, thus resulting in a gain‐of‐function effect. We review the literature and disease databases and identify several other affected individuals with overlapping phenotypes carrying distinct truncating variants in the terminal exon upstream of the putative critical region. Furthermore, we analyze truncating variants from the general population, namely, the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD), and provide additional evidence supporting our hypothesis, and ruling out haploinsufficiency as an alternative disease mechanism. In summary, our case report, literature review, and analysis of disease and population databases strongly support the hypothesis that heterozygous gain‐of‐function variants in a critical region of RNF13 cause congenital microcephaly, epileptic encephalopathy, blindness, and failure to thrive.
Improved Electrocatalytic Activity and Stability by Single Iridium Atoms on Iron‐based Layered Double Hydroxides for Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Cao Jing , Mou Tong , Mei Bingbao , Yao Pengfei , Han Ce , Gong Xue , Song Ping , Jiang Zheng , Frauenheim Thomas , Xiao Jianping , Xu Weilin
Published: September 2023

Full understanding to the origin of the catalytic performance of a supported nanocatalyst from the points of view of both the active component and support is significant for the achievement of high performance. Herein, based on a model electrocatalyst of single‐iridium‐atom‐doped iron (Fe)‐based layered double hydroxides (LDH) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), we reveal the first completed origin of the catalytic performance of such supported nanocatalysts. Specially, besides the activity enhancement of Ir sites by LDH support, the stability of surface Fe sites is enhanced by doped Ir sites: DFT calculation shows that the Ir sites can reduce the activity and enhance the stability of the nearby Fe sites; while further finite element simulations indicate, the stability enhancement of distant Fe sites could be attributed to the much low concentration of OER reactant (hydroxyl ions, OH−) around them induced by the much fast consumption of OH− on highly active Ir sites. These new findings about the interaction between the main active components and supports are applicable in principle to other heterogeneous nanocatalysts and provide a completed understanding to the catalytic performance of heterogeneous nanocatalysts.
Non‐Doped Blue AIEgen‐Based OLED with EQE Approaching 10.3 %
Authors: Han Pengbo , Lin Chengwei , Xia Erhan , Cheng Jiawei , Xia Qing , Yang Dezhi , Qin Anjun , Ma Dongge , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2023

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) luminogens (AIEgens) are attractive for the construction of non‐doped blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) owning to their high emission efficiency in the film state. However, the large internal inversion rate (kIC(Tn)) between high‐lying triplet levels (Tn) and Tn‐1 causes a huge loss of triplet excitons, resulting in dissatisfied device performance of these AIEgens‐based non‐doped OLEDs. Herein, we designed and synthesized a blue luminogen of DPDPB‐AC by fusing an AIEgen of TPB‐AC and a DMPPP, which feature hot exciton and triplet‐triplet annihilation (TTA) up‐conversion process, respectively. DPDPB‐AC successfully inherits the AIE feature and excellent horizontal dipole orientation of TPB‐AC. Furthermore, it owes smaller kIC(Tn) than TPB‐AC. When DPDPB‐AC was applied in OLED as non‐doped emitting layer, an outstanding external quantum efficiency of 10.3 % and an exceptional brightness of 69311 cd m−2 were achieved. The transient electroluminescent measurements and steady‐state dynamic analysis confirm that both TTA and hot exciton processes contribute to such excellent device performance. This work provides a new insight into the design of efficient organic fluorophores by managing high‐lying triplet excitons.
Lightweight and self‐healing thermally expandable microsphere/silver composites with segregated conductive network for high‐efficiency electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Wei Huan , Luo Haihang , Wang Li , Gao Qiang , Chen Yi , Xiang Jun , Fan Haojun
Published: September 2023

Polymer‐based electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with lightweight, self‐healing and high shielding performance show a wide application in electronics, medicine, national defense, aerospace and other fields. However, the conflict between a good conductive network structure and obtaining low density and excellent self‐healing property brings about tremendous challenges for fabricating these polymer‐based materials. Herein, a lightweight and self‐healing thermally expandable microsphere / silver (TEM/Ag) EMI shielding composites were prepared through a thermal foaming process. Due to the segregated Ag conductive network and expanded porous microsphere structure, the TEM/Ag composites possessed low density (0.095 g/cm3) and super‐high EMI specific shielding effectiveness (2816.3 dB cm2/g). In addition, benefiting from this unique structure, the composites exhibited excellent EMI shielding durability that can withstand ultrasonic washing 6 h (100 W), ethanol (99.5% purity), strong acid (pH 2.0), strong base (pH 12.0), NaCl solution soaking and long‐term air exposure (180 days). Furthermore, the inherent long‐chain entanglement imparts the composites a self‐healing feature, and 86% of the EMI shielding effectiveness can be maintained after self‐healing procedure.
Preparation of modified CO2‐based polyurethane for wet‐type artificial leather with excellent alkali resistance
Authors: He Zonglin , Huang Zhenhong , Chen Jiahui , Chen Ansheng , Ai Jiaoyan , Song Lina , Liu Baohua
Published: September 2023

Poly (propylene carbonate) diol (PPCD) is one of the most attractive CO2 copolymers. PPCD‐based polyurethane has excellent mechanical properties and hydrophilicity, and is widely used in various fields. However, poor alkali resistance limits the application of PPCD‐based polyurethane in wet‐type artificial leather (WPL). In order to solve this problem, polyurethane solution (PUS) for wet‐type artificial leather was prepared by using PPCD and polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMG) as soft segments. The chemical structure, viscosity, molecular weight and distribution, physical and mechanical properties, thermal properties and dynamic mechanical thermal properties of PUS were characterized. The changes of the physical and mechanical properties of PUS films and surface morphology of WPLs after soaking in 10 wt% NaOH solution at room temperature for 24 h were studied, so as to evaluate the alkali resistance of polyurethane. The retention of tensile strength and tearing strength of PUS films modified by PTMG increased from 80% to 96% and from 89% to 100%, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that appropriate PTMG was beneficial to the formation of microporous structure for CO2‐based polyurethane leather. The leather without PTMG showed agglomeration phenomenon, the micropores were not obvious, and the changes were obvious after soaking in alkali solution. After being modified by PTMG, the morphology of leather after soaking in alkali solution was basically unchanged. Polyurethane leather prepared with PTMG and PPCD as soft segments has excellent alkali resistance. These results suggest that PPCD could be a potential artificial leather material.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CDH18 gene affect growth traits in Hu sheep
Authors: Liu Tianyi , Bi Yazhen , Bao Jingjing , Shang Mingyu , Hu Wenping , Zhang Li
Published: September 2023

Growth traits are critical economic traits in sheep. Genetic polymorphism has a great influence on the improvement of sheep traits. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of cadherin 18 (CDH18) gene polymorphisms on growth traits in Hu sheep. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CDH18 gene in Hu sheep were identified by Illumina Ovine SNP 50K BeadChip. Five SNPs were screened out within the CDH18 gene, where SNP1 (rs423955510) was located in exon and SNP2 (rs412944692), SNP3 (rs416959317), SNP4 (rs398980439) and SNP5 (rs428685044) were located in intron. The expression of the CDH18 gene in Hu sheep tissue was analyzed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and the structure and phylogeny of the gene were analyzed using bioinformatics techniques. The results showed that SNP1, SNP2, SNP4, and SNP5 were significantly associated with body weight and body size (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, there were strong linkage disequilibrium relationships between SNP1 and SNP2 (r2 > 0.33). The CDH18 gene was expressed in the muscle tissues of Hu sheep at different months. The relative expression levels at weaning and 4‐month muscle tissue were higher. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that SNP1 existed in the 5′ untranslated regions, which might affect the efficiency of translation. The above findings suggested that these SNP loci might affect growth traits and could be regarded as potential molecular markers for improving the growth performance of Hu sheep, which lay a molecular foundation for the breeding of sheep and accelerate the pace of sheep breeding.
Long‐Term Efficacy and Safety of Canakinumab in Patients With Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–Associated Periodic Syndrome: Results From a Phase III Trial
Authors: Gattorno Marco , Obici Laura , Penadés Inmaculada Calvo , Kallinich Tilmann , Benseler Susanne , Dekker Elise , Lévy Jérémy , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Lachmann Helen
Published: September 2023

Objective

We aimed at assessing efficacy, safety, and tolerability of canakinumab in patients with tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) during a 72‐week long‐term, open‐label extension of the CLUSTER study.

Methods

Patients received open‐label canakinumab 150 or 300 mg, either every 4 weeks (q4w) or every 8 weeks, with up‐titration permitted after on‐treatment flares (maximum dose: 300 mg q4w). Efficacy assessments included physician global assessment of disease activity, number of flares, and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A protein (SAA) levels. Adverse events were also reported. Results are described for the overall population and according to the cumulative dose of canakinumab adjusted for body weight (<36 mg/kg or ≥36 mg/kg).

Results

Of 53 patients entering the final phase (epoch 4) of CLUSTER, 51 completed the treatment. At the end of epoch 4, >94% of patients achieved no or minimal disease activity. Most patients had either no (69.8%) or one flare (24.5%), whereas at baseline, the median number of flares was 9.0 per year. Median CRP levels remained at <10 mg/L. Median SAA concentrations were largely unchanged, with medians of 11.5 mg/L and 14.5 mg/L in the <36 mg/kg and ≥36 mg/kg groups, respectively, at the end of the study. No unexpected safety findings were identified.

Conclusion

Control of disease activity, with low flare incidence, was maintained with long‐term canakinumab treatment in patients with TRAPS during the 72‐week final epoch of the CLUSTER study, with no new safety findings.
Piecewise fractional Legendre functions for nonlinear fractional optimal control problems with ABC fractional derivative and non‐smooth solutions
Authors: Zhagharian Shabnam , Heydari Mohammad Hossein , Razzaghi Mohsen
Published: September 2023

In this study, to solve fractional problems with non‐smooth solutions (which include some terms in the form of piecewise or fractional powers), a new category of basis functions called the orthonormal piecewise fractional Legendre functions is introduced. The upper bound of the error of the series expansion of these functions is obtained. Two explicit formulas for computing the Riemann–Liouville and Atangana–Baleanu fractional integrals of these functions are derived. A direct method based on these functions and their fractional integral is proposed to solve a family of optimal control problems involving the ABC fractional differentiation whose solutions are non‐smooth in the above expressed forms. By the proposed technique, solving the original fractional problem turns into solving an equivalent system of algebraic equations. The established method accuracy is studied by solving some examples.
Graph‐theoretic approach to finite‐time synchronization and topology identification of delayed multi‐group models with stochastic perturbation and multiple dispersal
Authors: Feng Yuli , Zhang Chunmei , Chen Huiling , Li Ran
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the issue of finite‐time synchronization and topology identification of delayed multi‐group models with stochastic perturbation and multiple dispersal. Based on the graph‐theoretic approach, a novel finite‐time topology identification scheme is proposed via drive‐response synchronization. Then, several useful finite‐time topology identification criteria are presented. The topology identification of delayed multi‐group models with stochastic perturbation and multiple dispersal is acquired in finite time under the desired feedback controller. Finally, a numerical example is given to validate the effectiveness of the result developed.
Zika virus screening during pregnancy: Results and lessons learned from a screening program and a post‐delivery follow‐up analysis (2016–2022)
Authors: Martínez‐Arias Andrés , Valerio Lluís , Roure‐Díez Sílvia , Fernández‐Rivas Gema , Rivaya Belén , Pérez‐Olmeda Maria T. , Soldevila‐Langa Laura , Parrón Ignasi , Clotet‐Sala Bonaventura , Vallès Xavier , Rodrigo Carlos
Published: September 2023

Objective

To evaluate a Zika virus screening program applied to asymptomatic exposed pregnant women.

Methodology

Analysis of data generated during the roll out of a Zika screening program. We included socio‐demographic data, ultrasounds, and serological results (IgM, IgG, and Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test; PRNT) from asymptomatic pregnant women exposed to Zika virus enrolled in the screening program between 2016 to 2019.

Results

We included 406 asymptomatic ZIKV‐exposed pregnant women who gave 400 full‐term new‐borns. The median age was 30 years (IQR = 25–34), which was lower (29 years; IQR = 24–34) among women of non‐EU migrant origin (76.4% of the sample). Migrant women tended to delay the first pre‐natal consultation compared to EU origin women (p = .003). Overall, 83.2% (N = 328) of participants had ZIKV low risk serological profile (IgM−/IgG− or IgM−/IgG+ and PRNT‐), 3.0% (N = 12) showed high risk of recent ZIKV infection (IgM+ or PRNT+) and 13.7% (N = 54) had indeterminate results. A fetal malformation was identified in 29 children (9.3%). Fetal malformation was associated with a ZIKV high risk serological profile [24 out of the 246 (1.6%) with low risk profile and 3 out of the 12 with at high risk profile (25.0%; p = .02)]. Four newborns with high risk profile had a positive ZIKV‐PCR test, which included two cases with microcephaly. No association was observed between maternal exposure to ZIKV infection and developmental abnormalities during the post‐natal period follow‐up.

Conclusions

The ZIKV‐screening program had considerable costs and yielded a high rate of indeterminate results among asymptomatic pregnant women. Considering the poor value for decision‐making of the results, efforts should focus on providing early access to routine maternity care, especially to migrant women. A simpler screening protocol might consider an initial ZIKV‐PCR or IgM determination and subsequent referral to a fetal medicine specialist in those women with a positive result and/or whom ultrasound examination has revealed fetal abnormalities (10% of total women in our study sample).
Industriestandard Carbonbeton – durch Standards in eine ressourcenschonende Art des Bauens
Authors: Aldermann Kristina , Schumann Alexander , Rudloff Tobias , Zernsdorf Kai , Wiel Romy , Michler Harald
Published: September 2023

Das Bauen nachhaltiger zu gestalten – das ist die Herausforderung! Damit dies gelingt, ist ein grundlegender Wandel im Bauwesen notwendig. Einen wesentlichen Beitrag dazu liefert der Werkstoff Carbonbeton. Mit dem Ziel, die notwendigen Grundlagen für eine klimabewusste Bauweise zu schaffen, startete im Januar 2022 das im Rahmen des BMBF‐Programms RUBIN (Regionale unternehmerische Bündnisse für Innovation) geförderte Forschungsprojekt Industriestandard Carbonbeton (ISC). In diesem Projekt werden fehlende Standards und Leitfäden für das Bauen mit Carbonbeton im Neubau geschaffen. Denn erst durch das Vorliegen von Standardisierungen und den Abbau von Barrieren bei der Anwendung für Planer, Bauherren, Hersteller und ausführende Unternehmen kann Carbonbeton wirtschaftlich und mit einem hohen Absatz in der Baubranche Akzeptanz finden. An dieser Stelle setzt der ISC an und liefert das fehlende Puzzleteil für den Einsatz von Carbonbeton. In nachfolgendem Beitrag werden die Projektpartner, die Ziele des Industriestandards, ausgewählte Forschungsaktivitäten und ‐ergebnisse vorgestellt sowie ein Ausblick auf die weiteren Arbeiten gegeben.
Transformieren statt Ersetzen – Umnutzung Felix‐Platter‐Spital, Basel
Authors: Kunze Matthias , Gianoli Andreas
Published: September 2023

Das denkmalgeschützte Gebäude des ehemaligen Felix‐Platter‐Spitals in Basel wurde in einen gemeinschaftsorientierten Wohnungsbau mit 130 Wohnungen, das sogenannte „Miteinanderhaus“, umgenutzt. Das im Wettbewerb erarbeitete Konzept zielte darauf ab, das bestehende Stahlbetongebäude mit den Hauptabmessungen 100 m×20 m×35 m in seiner Erscheinung und Tragstruktur weitgehend zu erhalten. Ein neues doppelstöckiges Foyer sowie ein Erschließungskorridor mit kaskadenartiger Treppe und neuen Treppenhäusern bildeten die wesentlichen Veränderungen des Bestands. Tragwerkseitig erfolgten die Übernahme der vorhandenen Tragachsen und eine Beschränkung der Auf‐ und Nutzlasten auf die ursprünglichen Werte. Im Zuge der Umnutzung wurde eine Erdbebenertüchtigung mit ergänzenden Aussteifungsmaßnahmen durchgeführt. Die neuen Erdbebenelemente wurden mit Mikropfählen im Baugrund verankert. Notwendige Brandschutzertüchtigungen konnten durch vertiefte rechnerische Untersuchungen auf Teilbereiche reduziert werden. Die Realisierung der Eingangshalle im Bestand wurde mittels temporärer Sprießtürme gewährleistet. Abfangscheiben und Sichtbetonstützen bilden das neue Tragwerk des Foyers. In einer überzeugenden interdisziplinären Kooperation gelang die erfolgreiche Transformation eines Baudenkmals. Der Devise „Umnutzen statt Abbrechen“ folgend wurde hier ein vorbildhaftes Modellprojekt der Ressourcenschonung realisiert.
Similarities in the induction of the intracellular pathogen response in Caenorhabditis elegans and the type I interferon response in mammals
Authors: Lažetić Vladimir , Batachari Lakshmi E. , Russell Alistair B. , Troemel Emily R.
Published: September 2023

Although the type‐I interferon (IFN‐I) response is considered vertebrate‐specific, recent findings about the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR) in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans indicate that there are similarities between these two transcriptional immunological programs. The IPR is induced during infection with natural intracellular fungal and viral pathogens of the intestine and promotes resistance against these pathogens. Similarly, the IFN‐I response is induced by viruses and other intracellular pathogens and promotes resistance against infection. Whether the IPR and the IFN‐I response evolved in a divergent or convergent manner is an unanswered and exciting question, which could be addressed by further studies of immunity against intracellular pathogens in C. elegans and other simple host organisms. Here we highlight similar roles played by RIG‐I‐like receptors, purine metabolism enzymes, proteotoxic stressors, and transcription factors to induce the IPR and IFN‐I response, as well as the similar consequences of these defense programs on organismal development.
An untargeted serum and urine lipidomics research based on UPLC–MS revealed the lipid alterations on adjuvant‐induced arthritis rats
Authors: Shi Wei , Han Yue
Published: September 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease dominated by chronic inflammatory lesions of peripheral synovial joints. Growing evidence suggests that abnormal lipid metabolism levels contribute to the progression of RA. Although several metabolomics studies have shown abnormality in the RA lipidome, the relationship between the overall lipid metabolites and RA has not been systematically evaluated. In this study, an untargeted lipidomics method based on ultra performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS) was used to analyze the serum and urine lipidomes of adjuvant‐induced arthritis rats to study the characteristics of lipid metabolism changes in the rats and search lipid markers for diagnosing RA. By combining with orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, a total of 52 potential lipid markers were identified, mainly involved in sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, sterol lipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism, which provided crucial insight into lipid metabolism disturbances in RA. Further receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the areas under the curve of PC(22:4/16:0), PI(18:1/16:0) and LacCer(d18:1/12:0) from serum and 25‐hydroxycholesterol from urine were 0.94, 1.00, 1.00 and 1.00, respectively, indicating the high predictive ability of this method for RA. In this study, our results indicated that a combination of serum and urine analysis can provide a more comprehensive and reliable assessment of RA, and a UPLC–MS‐based lipidomics strategy is a powerful tool to search for potential lipid markers associated with RA and explore the pathogenesis of RA.
Effect of Qigong exercise on non‐motor function and life quality in stroke patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lan Yi , You Qiqi , Jiang Qingqing , Peng Xiaoxiang , Cao Shiyi , Sun Jian
Published: September 2023

Background

Qigong have a positive impact on the rehabilitation of motor function in stroke survivors, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness of Qigong on activities of daily living (ADL), neurological function, and life quality for patients with stroke. We aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effect of Qigong on non‐motor function and life quality in stroke patients.

Methods

Electronic literature searches were performed for randomized controlled trials on this topic using PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure through August 2022. The primary outcome measures were the Barthel Index, neurological deficit score (NDS), and Stroke‐Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQLS). A random‐effects model was used to calculate the pooled mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 16 eligible randomized controlled trials with 1253 stroke patients were included. As indicated by the Barthel Index, Qigong was associated with the improvement in daily living activities of stroke patients (MD: 10.72, 95% CI: 5.88∼15.57). It was also found that Qigong was helpful in improving life quality (SSQLS, MD: 14.41, 95% CI: 5.56∼23.25) and reducing NDSs among them (NDS, MD: −4.56, 95% CI: −6.99∼−2.14). After sensitivity analysis, the effect of Qigong on these functions and life quality did not change significantly. By subgroup analysis of intervention duration, we found that long‐term intervention (MD: 11.83, 95% CI: 2.80∼20.86) had a better effect on the improvement of daily living activities than short‐term intervention (MD: 10.07, 95% CI: 6.15∼14.00) (pfor subgroup differences = .001).

Conclusions

Pooled results suggested that Qigong had beneficial effects on ADL, neurological function, and life quality in stroke patients, which may provide an option for their rehabilitation.
Suppressing the P2‐O2 phase transition and Na+/vacancy ordering in Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 by a delicate multicomponent modulation strategy
Authors: Wan Guanglin , Chen Yanxu , Peng Bo , Yu Lai , Ma Xinyi , Ahmad Nazir , Zhang Genqiang
Published: September 2023

P2‐type Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 is a promising cathode for sodium‐ion batteries with features of high specific capacity and air resistance, whereas its cycling stability and rate performance are dissatisfactory suffering from the disastrous P2‐O2 phase transition and Na+/vacancy ordering during sodium‐ion de/intercalation, which makes it an obstruction for future practical applications. Herein, a delicate multicomponent modulation strategy is proposed to tackle these two issues simultaneously, in which Li+ and Ti4+ are introduced to replace the Ni2+ and Mn4+, respectively, whereas the Na+ content is also designed according to the principle of charge balance. Consequently, the designed cathode (Na0.72Ni0.28Li0.05Mn0.57Ti0.10O2) can deliver an enchanting cycling stability of 80% at 1 C after 200 cycles along with a considerable rate performance of 82.7 mAh g−1 at 5 C. In situ X‐ray diffraction measurement demonstrates the destructive P2‐O2 phase transition is suppressed and converted into a P2‐Z phase transition with superior reversibility as well as smooth charge/discharge curves with better Na+/vacancy disordering. In addition, the full cell matched with hard carbon anode delivers an excellent energy density of 263.4 Wh kg−1 at 37.3 W kg−1, exhibiting great practicality. Our work presents a mean to rationally design the component of layered oxide cathode and achieve fabulous performance for sodium ion batteries.
Nanodelivery systems: An efficient and target‐specific approach for drug‐resistant cancers
Authors: Ashique Sumel , Garg Ashish , Hussain Afzal , Farid Arshad , Kumar Prashant , Taghizadeh‐Hesary Farzad
Published: September 2023

Background

Cancer treatment is still a global health challenge. Nowadays, chemotherapy is widely applied for treating cancer and reducing its burden. However, its application might be in accordance with various adverse effects by exposing the healthy tissues and multidrug resistance (MDR), leading to disease relapse or metastasis. In addition, due to tumor heterogeneity and the varied pharmacokinetic features of prescribed drugs, combination therapy has only shown modestly improved results in MDR malignancies. Nanotechnology has been explored as a potential tool for cancer treatment, due to the efficiency of nanoparticles to function as a vehicle for drug delivery.

Methods

With this viewpoint, functionalized nanosystems have been investigated as a potential strategy to overcome drug resistance.

Results

This approach aims to improve the efficacy of anticancer medicines while decreasing their associated side effects through a range of mechanisms, such as bypassing drug efflux, controlling drug release, and disrupting metabolism. This review discusses the MDR mechanisms contributing to therapeutic failure, the most cutting‐edge approaches used in nanomedicine to create and assess nanocarriers, and designed nanomedicine to counteract MDR with emphasis on recent developments, their potential, and limitations.

Conclusions

Studies have shown that nanoparticle‐mediated drug delivery confers distinct benefits over traditional pharmaceuticals, including improved biocompatibility, stability, permeability, retention effect, and targeting capabilities.
The potential of data analyses out of the steam control technology for the autoclaves
Authors: Theede Florian
Published: September 2023

In most AAC factories, a full control technology for steam distribution is available. Normally, measured process data like pressure and temperatures of autoclaves are stored in the system. These data are used for visual analysis of the process curves. But the potential to use these data for statistical analyses is not exploited. In this work, it is shown, how to use these data for long‐term statistical analyses to get hints for the optimization of the plant engineering. Leaks in fresh steam valves, defective condensate drains or slowly decreasing vacuum technology are recognized. Continuous monitoring of the proportion of transferred steam from finished autoclave cycles can be used for continuous improvement and allows plant comparisons. The analyses are useful to avoid sudden occurring defects in plant engineering and quality problems. It also supports process optimization and avoids energy losses in AAC factories.
Optimization of energy consumption and production volume by simulation of autoclave regimes
Authors: Haas Martin , Theede Florian
Published: September 2023

This article describes the physics behind the calculation of autoclave cycles and their use in Excel and simulation tools. The idea behind this is, that each component of an autoclave regime like the autoclave, the curing equipment, the dry mass, and the water content of the AAC is considered separately and the autoclave cycle is split up into small time intervals of one minute for example. This allows to calculate the timely development of temperature, pressure, steam, and condensate quantities. It is also possible to calculate the timely development of these parameters for a stack of several autoclaves, including steam accumulators and heat recovery systems. But for this purpose, special simulation tools are required.
Morphology of cracks and comparison of load‐bearing capacity of joints of AAC masonry walls
Authors: Galman Iwona , Jasiński Radosław
Published: September 2023

Structural problems of wall joints in masonry structures are often neglected. This has its historical justification: with the traditional binding of the walls and relatively durable walls, the damage was rare. Currently, with the constant striving to simplify the structure, the introduction of new technologies and materials, damage and failures are becoming commonplace. Replacing the traditional masonry bond with fasteners significantly affects the operation of the entire structure and its possible cracking. The paper presents the results of experimental tests of wall joints made of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry elements. Reference models consisting of two wall panels connected perpendicularly with a traditional masonry bond and models with the same geometry but with a modified connection method—using various types of connectors popular on the market (plates, rods, nets) were tested. The shape and size of the research models and the construction of the test stand were determined on the basis of the analysis of current knowledge, pilot studies and FEM numerical analyses. The mechanisms of cracking and damage as well as the behavior of different types of fasteners were compared. The analyses concerned load‐bearing capacity and the morphology and damage mechanism of the models.
Shear capacity of traditional joints between walls made of AAC masonry units
Authors: Galman Iwona , Jasiński Radosław
Published: September 2023

The article presents the synthesis of the results of tests performed on unreinforced joints of walls made of autoclaved aerated concrete. The shape of the research element and the testing set up were innovatively designed based on the own research, literature review and numerical analyses. The article discusses the morphology of cracks and the mechanism of failure as well as the load–deflection relationship of the unreinforced joints made with traditional masonry bond. The individual work phases of the joints were specified and the rigidity of the joint was calculated. Using standardized procedures, parameters for the design of the joints were given. The obtained results encourage further analyses on the detailing of the joints and applications of new methods in the construction of the joints.
Assessment of durability of UK AAC blocks taken from walls of buildings
Authors: Fudge Clifford , Sargeant Graham
Published: September 2023

It is often difficult to ascertain the durability or longevity of construction products. Two opportunities arose to examine old AAC masonry material that had been used in construction with a reasonable knowledge of the manufactured characteristics of the product. The first of these was from blocks sampled from three locations within the internal and external walls of the H+H factory in England that was being dismantled in 2013. In the second case, a partly demolished wall provided an opportunity to salvage two almost complete blocks for testing. This paper will describe the tests, and the results and compare the results with the predicted physical characteristics of the manufactured products
Shrinkage behavior of autoclaved aerated concrete containing calcined diatomaceous earth as the main silica raw materials at various autoclaving temperatures
Authors: Shams Taban , Schober Georg , Seifert Severin
Published: September 2023

In previous studies, calcined diatomaceous earth (DE) was used as the main silica raw material within the mixture of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) to produce DE‐based AAC. Compared to the quartz‐based AAC autoclaved at 192°C, the DE‐based AAC autoclaved at 165°C exhibited, a 57% higher compressive strength and a 54% higher A‐value. In this study, the values of total drying shrinkage are presented in order to complete the results reported in previous studies. According to the results obtained in this study, for AAC with calcined DE, a decrease of 27% in the total value of drying shrinkage was observed as the autoclaving temperature was adjusted to 165°C instead of 192°C. This observation was in opposition to the behavior of AAC with quartz sand which its total value of drying shrinkage increased by 59% when the autoclaving temperature was set to 165°C instead of 192°C. However, in general, a higher total drying shrinkage was observed for the DE‐based AAC autoclaved at 165°C compared to that for the quartz‐based AAC autoclaved at 192°C. The reason could be due to the higher portion of capillary pores and non‐crystalline C‐S‐H as a result of replacing quartz sand with calcined DE within the AAC mixture.
Water absorption characteristics in autoclaved aerated concrete, diatomite, and calcium silicate board
Authors: Asamoto Shingo , Koyama Rintaro , Matsui Kunio , Takahashi Keisuke
Published: September 2023

Water absorption into cementitious materials has been discussed to be anomalous because of the nonlinearity of cumulative water absorbed with the square root of time. In this study, the water absorption characteristics in porous materials such as autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), diatomite, and calcium silicate board were examined focusing on the different pore structures and the gravity effect. The one‐dimensional water absorption into diatomite and calcium silicate board both from top and bottom surface can be explained by water flow under its own capillary pressure based on the Washburn equation. On the other hand, the cumulative water volume absorbed into AAC was not proportional to the square root of time. The effect of gravity affected the absorption rate but was small for the ultimate cumulative water volume absorbed in AAC. The moisture content near the top drying surface was only half of that near the bottom wetting surface. It was hypothesized that the capillary pores in AAC can be dried while the fine pores at nano meter scale can be saturated under the pore humidity near the drying surface. It is concluded that the anomaly of water absorption in AAC may be affected by complicated pore structures with fine pores as well as drying conditions opposite to wetting surfaces.
Modern AAC additive—A ready tool helping with decarbonization of AAC production by reduction of water, cement, lime and energy consumption
Authors: Horala Wojciech , Boruta Mikołaj
Published: September 2023

European Association of AAC producers (EAACA) has set the goal for the AAC industry to become carbon‐neutral by 2050, so it is now more important than ever to explore ways to achieve it. One of the readily available solutions is a dedicated additive for AAC production, production, the effects of which positively affect the reduction of CO2e emissions. The additive is a tool helping the chemical reaction and offers improvements in two key emission sources for AAC. The first one is cement and lime usage, responsible for 74% of CO2e emissions in AAC production. A few percent cutbacks of binders consumption generate direct results in this area. The second one is the production process itself, being accountable for 13% of CO2e emissions. Lowering water content in the mix directly results in a lower requirement for steam during autoclaving, therefore impacting energy usage. Reductions in these two areas can be calculated in terms of CO2e emissions, as well as economical savings. The financial advantages generated by the additive are always higher than the cost of it. The chemical and process background presented in this paper is supported with examples from AAC plants worldwide, and complemented by GHG methodology calculation where 3,6% of CO2e emissions reductions can be achieved solely by using modern additive for production.
AAC building components for modular construction using recycled materials
Authors: Łaskawiec Katarzyna , Gębarowski Piotr , Zając Piotr , Stankiewicz Jarosław
Published: September 2023

The article presents the results of a study of the use of aggregates from the processing of wastewater treatment plant waste for the manufacture of large‐scale prefabricated building components means large‐scale autoclaved aerated concrete. This aggregate, applied to hydration‐bonded materials, makes it possible to obtain lightweight concretes (density 1400–1600 kg/m3) with increased thermal resistance. In addition, the addition of an aluminosilicate phase to the concrete mix can favorably affect mechanical characteristics and durability. The lightweight aggregate obtained using sewage sludge is characterized by high porosity, resulting from the complete combustion of the organic parts contained in the sludge (more than 90% d.m.), which act as a porophore in the ceramization process. This feature predestines this type of aggregate for use in hydration‐bonded materials that exhibit improved thermal insulation properties. The combination of sludge‐based lightweight aggregate technology with AAC production technology, therefore, implies a synergistic action to obtain a material with improved thermal insulation parameters combined with the mechanical strength expected for structural materials. An important environmental aspect of the proposed approach is the use of waste materials including municipal sewage sludge, which is particularly difficult to manage and dispose of, and the reduction of natural resource exploitation.
Investigation of the influence of bed joint steel reinforcement on the load‐bearing capacity and deformability of walls made of AAC (subjected to vertical compression). Part 2 test of the wall connection zone
Authors: Drobiec Łukasz , Mazur Wojciech
Published: September 2023

This paper presents results from testing full‐scale walls made of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). A new type of reinforcement—steel mesh reinforcement protected against corrosion, was used in these tests. This paper is a second part of the paper and a continuation of previous tests. It presents the effect of reinforcement on the connection zone of perpendicular walls. The analysis was performed for load‐bearing capacity and crack resistance of the connection of perpendicular walls subjected to non‐uniform loading. The results were compared with the results from previous tests. The results were also analyzed and rules for using reinforcement in the connection zone of perpendicular walls were established.
Production and use of AAC in India
Authors: Bansal Sidharth , Bansal Sourabh
Published: September 2023

AAC was introduced in India in 1970s. However, there were only three factories producing a total of less than 1 million m3/year till 2008. Post 2009, AAC blocks gained popularity due to their numerous advantages, including high strength, excellent insulation properties, fire resistance, sound absorption, and cost advantages over alternate walling materials. The use of AAC blocks has also been promoted by the Indian government's emphasis on sustainable and eco‐friendly building materials. The number of factories increased rapidly to over 150 factories with a cumulative capacity of over 25 million m3/year in 2022 (a growth of 25 times in nearly 15 years). Despite the rapid growth, the share of AAC in walling industry in India is still in the range of 5%–6%. There is still a lot of room for the industry to grow. AAC reinforced products have also been recently re‐introduced in India, though it is still at a very nascent stage and the share of AAC reinforced products in total AAC sales is less than 1%. More than 95% of AAC industry in India uses fly ash as the primary raw material and faced challenges initially to stabilize the design mix, due to variations in raw material characteristics. The rapid growth also resulted in improper implementation of standards and processes, during both production and application. The primary issue on the production side has been lower compressive strength and higher corner chipping. The main challenge on the application side has been improper techniques such as non‐usage of reinforcement beams and fiber meshes, which led to cracks in masonry subsequently. Now, the AAC industry is working together with applicators and researchers to overcome these challenges, in order to consolidate the gains and continue the rapid growth trajectory to become the preferred walling material.
Modeling of AAC composition without autoclaving proces
Authors: Łaskawiec Katarzyna , Gębarowski Piotr , Zając Piotr
Published: September 2023

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) technology is undergoing continuous development. This development has so far consisted mainly of expanding the palette of raw materials and preparing them accordingly. The breakthrough in AAC technology came as a result of the introduction of automatic control of production processes. The introduction of automation has made it much easier to maintain a proper autoclaving cycle. It allowed precise regulation of temperature rises in the initial phase of thermal processing. More favorable conditions made it possible to produce lightweight varieties of AAC while maintaining adequate strength of building components. For manufacturers, not only the performance characteristics are important, but also the cost of AAC production, especially the price of the binding material: cement and lime, and the energy‐intensive process of autoclaving. Reducing the cost of manufacturing autoclaved aerated concrete can be achieved by using pozzolanic mineral additives. The article presents research of the structure of AAC obtained using geopolymers. This allows both the modification of the raw material composition and the course of the autoclaving process.
Influence of the type of lintel and the method of covering the window opening on the compressive strength of walls made of AAC
Authors: Drobiec Łukasz , Jasiński Radosław , Mazur Wojciech , Rybarczyk Tomasz
Published: September 2023

This article presents the results of tests on the compressive load capacity of AAC walls with a window opening with a clear span of 1550 mm. Different walls were tested in terms of confinement, concrete and the type of lintel. Standard lintels made of ordinary concrete and prefabricated AAC lintels were built in. Models of walls with additional cores placed along the vertical edges of window openings, in which lintel reinforcement was anchored, were also tested. During the study, apart from the load on the walls and deflection of the lintels, the morphology of cracking of the wall models around the lintel was also analyzed.
Comprehensive studies of the influence of superficial strengthening with the FRCM system on the load‐bearing capacity and deformability of AAC walls
Authors: Drobiec Łukasz , Mazur Wojciech , Jokiel Remigiusz
Published: September 2023

This article presents the results of tests on walls made of AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete) strengthened with the FRCM system. The effect of the applied strengthening was determined based on the results of tests on masonry models subjected to compression, diagonal compression and shear. Models of walls without strengthening, strengthened on one and two sides were tested. The research models were built of masonry elements made of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) SOLBET OPTIMAL 4/600. The walls were erected on a system thin‐layer mortar, class M5, without filling the head joints. PBO fiber meshes embedded in a mineral matrix were used as superficial reinforcement. The walls were strengthened by applying the PBO‐MX GOLD MASONRY system mortar to the side surfaces of the models and the PBO‐MESH GOLD 22/22 mesh was embedded in it, and then the top layer of the PBO‐MX GOLD MASONRY system mortar was applied. The compressive strength test was performed on 18 models in accordance with the requirements of the PN‐EN 1052‐1: 2000 standard. In the case of compression, additional tests were performed on models weakened by a cut imitating cracking. The diagonal compression test was performed on 18 models in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E519‐81 standard. The shear load test was performed on 27 models in accordance with the requirements of the PN‐EN 1052–3: 2004 standard. A clear increase in load capacity in each type of test was noted in models strengthened on two sides. In models strengthened on one side, the positive effect of strengthening was observed only by increasing the deformability of the wall. Regardless of the test type, the use of surface reinforcement allowed for smoother behavior of the test models after the loss of load capacity in relation to models without strengthening.