bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between C‐reactive protein level and periodontitis and systemic diseases
Authors: Lee Jung‐Hwa , Mun So‐Jung
Published: October 2023

Background

Periodontitis affects systemic disease risk, although the relationship thereof in the context of different C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels is not clear. This study investigated the association of periodontitis with systemic diseases according to high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP) level and sought to identify the risk of systemic diseases in patients with periodontitis.

Methods

We used data from the seventh (2016–2018) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In a total of 16,489 subjects, the hs‐CRP group was classified into the hs‐CRP low‐risk group and the hs‐CRP high‐risk group. Propensity score matching (PSM) is used for 1:1 matching of confounding variables (e.g., age, gender, income, and education) between hs‐CRP low‐risk and hs‐CRP at‐risk groups to analyze the final 5316 subjects. The association between general characteristics and prevalence of systemic diseases was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi‐squared test. The associations between hs‐CRP level and systemic and periodontitis were analyzed using logistic regression analyses.

Results

Within the hs‐CRP group, the presence of periodontitis was associated with a significantly increased prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and stroke. In the hs‐CRP risk group, periodontitis significantly increased the risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus by 2.1 and 2.4 times, respectively.

Conclusions

The presence of periodontitis significantly increases the prevalence of systemic diseases and more so in individuals with higher hs‐CRP levels. This indicates the significance of maintaining oral health in reducing the risk of systemic diseases.
Optimizing detection of the bobwhite reproduction call using passive acoustic monitoring
Authors: Johnson Lacrecia A. , Butler Matthew J. , Sesnie Steven E.
Published: October 2023

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations have declined across much of their range. In response to these declines, wildlife biologists and managers have increased survey efforts and tried to optimize detection and capitalize on technological advances to improve population estimates and cost‐effectiveness. Our objective was to determine how environmental conditions influence detection of the reproduction call, or whistle, of masked bobwhite (C. v. ridgwayi), an endangered subspecies of northern bobwhite, using autonomous recording units (ARUs). We estimated the call intensity of the masked bobwhite reproduction call as 112 ± 0.5 decibels (mean ± SE) at 10 cm. We then broadcasted 16,284 calls during 17 trials to compare manual and automated call detection in recordings collected with ARUs. We used these data to model detectability of a bobwhite reproduction call, for when the bird is present and available, as a function of distance and weather conditions using generalized linear mixed models with trial as a random effect. Regardless of detection type, one model structure was competitive and suggested detection probability was a function of distance, wind speed, and wind direction. Detectability decreased with increased distance and wind speed and was influenced by wind direction. We demonstrate the use of our results to predict the probability of detecting a reproduction call during ARU‐based monitoring efforts. By understanding the effects of environmental factors on the detection of a bobwhite reproductive call, bobwhite surveys can be improved.
The Photodetection of Ultrashort Optical Pulse Trains for Low Noise Microwave Signal Generation
Authors: Quinlan Franklyn
Published: October 2023

Electrical signals derived from optical sources have achieved record‐low levels of phase noise, and have demonstrated the highest frequency stability yet achieved in the microwave domain. Attaining such ultrastable phase and frequency performance requires high‐fidelity optical‐to‐electrical conversion, typically performed via a high‐speed photodiode. This paper reviews characteristics of the direct photodetection of optical pulses for the intent of generating high power, low phase noise microwave signals from optical sources. The two most popular types of photodiode detectors used for low noise microwave generation are discussed in terms of electrical pulse characteristics, achievable microwave power, and photodetector nonlinearities. Noise sources inherent to photodetection, such as shot noise, flicker noise, and photocarrier scattering are reviewed, and their impact on microwave phase fidelity is discussed. General guidelines for attaining the lowest noise possible from photodetection that balances power saturation, optical amplification, and amplitude‐to‐phase conversion are also presented.
Photonic Higher‐Order Topological Insulator with Enlarged Non‐Trivial Bandgaps
Authors: Zhang Yuexin , Dai Xiaoyu , Xiang Yuanjiang
Published: October 2023

The emergence of higher‐order topological insulators (HOTIs) has greatly expanded the family of topological materials. While the co‐dimensional bulk‐boundary correspondence is observed in platforms, such as acoustics and photonics, realizing three‐dimensional (3D) photonic HOTIs is relatively challenging due to the complex properties of electromagnetic waves such as polarizations, scattering, and refractive index. In this paper, a photonic HOTI with a simple multilayer structure that supports higher‐order hinge states is proposed. By inserting a central metallic pillar in the unit cell, the 3D bandgap can be well extended, enabling pure and distinguishable surface and hinge modes. The lattice is reconfigurable and flexible, allowing for hinge and surface waves to be generated by controlling the geometrical length of sub‐lattices. The idea of distinguished higher‐order hinge modes is also extended to enlarged higher‐orbital bandgaps. Furthermore, by introducing a central disclination in this photonic model, the one‐dimensional (1D) vertical disclination mode is obtained which is not seen in existing photonic HOTIs. The findings open the door for a high‐performance topological optical apparatus that features efficient one‐way light propagation and energy concentration.
Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Poly(lactic acid) Blend Films Prepared from Aqueous Dispersions
Authors: Belletti Giada , Ronconi Giulia , Mazzanti Valentina , Buratti Elena , Marchi Lorenzo , Sotgiu Giovanna , Calosi Matteo , Mollica Francesco , Bertoldo Monica
Published: October 2023

In this study, the preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends of different compositions, 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, and 0/100, by mixing water solutions of the former and water dispersions of the latter polymer, is reported. Two distinct dispersions of PLA are prepared using a commercial‐grade polyester and two different surfactants, an anionic one and a neutral one. Films of PLA and of the corresponding blends are obtained by simply drying at 60 °C the water dispersions without or with the PVA. The films are characterized by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. This evidences an island‐like morphology, with the continuous phase consisting of a PVA rich phase at all compositions except 25/75, for which an inverted phase composition, with a continuous phase made mostly of PLA, is instead found. Voids caused by air bubbles trapped in the initial mixture are observed in particular in the formulations with the anionic surfactant. The trapped bubbles result in premature thermal degradation by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mechanical failure during clamping. Films with the neutral stabilizer are tougher than the bare commercial PLA, with Young modulus and elongation at break depending on the combination of the composition and arrangement of blend phases.
Oriented Porous Polymer Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering: A Comprehensive Review of Preparation Strategies and Applications
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Yibo , Kuang Tairong
Published: October 2023

The pursuit of effective therapeutic strategies for tissue damage has prompted extensive scholarly investigations worldwide. Tissue engineering has emerged as a prominent approach, particularly through the utilization of artificial scaffolds that closely resemble the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). These scaffolds exhibit multi‐scale topological structures and surface physicochemical properties, which significantly influence cellular behavior, thereby attracting considerable attention from numerous researchers. This comprehensive review is concentrated on the primary techniques employed in the fabrication of biodegradable polymer scaffolds possessing oriented porous structures, and the most recent advancements in tissue engineering research are presented. Significantly, the profound influence of scaffold surface characteristics is underscored on cellular behavior, elucidating the superiority of oriented pore structures over disordered ones in mimicking the distinctive attributes of the ECM. Enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue differentiation represent notable advantages associated with oriented porous scaffolds. Additionally, the critical interplay between scaffold structure, performance, and functionalization is emphasized, highlighting the imperative to optimize the clinical application of tissue engineering scaffolds.
Use of Spectroscopic, Mechanical, and Microbiological Analysis to Study a Natural Sheep Leather
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Guadagno Liberata , D'Angelo Antonio , Raimondo Marialuigia , Zarrelli Mauro , Piccirillo Annamaria
Published: October 2023

Natural leather is a durable and flexible material processed from the hides and skins of animals by tanning. The individual features and the composition of each animal's hides and skin contribute to determine the chemico‐physical and mechanical properties of the obtained natural leather. Deep knowledge of such properties is required to select a suitable application field for the produced leather as well as for the development of new performant synthetic leather. In the present work, the chemical structure of sheep leather used as a model is studied by attenuated total reflection Fourier‐transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. Moreover, some chemico‐physical properties, as well as microbiological properties and tensile strength, are determined.
FTIR Analysis of the Curing Behaviors of Bi‐Functional Epoxy Resin with Anhydride Based Hardener
Authors: Vertuccio Luigi , Calabrese Elisa , D'Angelo Antonio , Piccirillo Anna Maria , Longo Raffaele
Published: October 2023

In the field of structural materials, there is a growing need to use new materials/components, which can be easily manufactured through energy‐saving production processes. The design of the new materials must guarantee improved mechanical and thermal performance or at least the preservation of the performance of current materials. This study deals with the kinetics and the curing reactions of a bi‐functional epoxy precursor, which can be cured using as hardener an anhydride. The system is able to reach a high curing degree and good mechanical performance, suitable for structural components. The curing process has been monitored using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The FTIR results highlight high curing conversions also at low values of temperature.
Design and Printing of a Case for an Arduino System
Authors: Tulică Alexandru Constantin , Roșca Ileana‐Constanța , Drugă Corneliu‐Nicolae , Torcătoru Constantin
Published: October 2023

This article will be presented the stages of making a two‐component housing, for the protection and stability of a system that is implemented on an Arduino data acquisition and acquisition board. The housing has the actual body and cover, implicitly four inner pillars, which will present the stability in the housing of the system. The design and printing stages of this element of the mechatronic system will be identified. The design will be done with the help of the Solidworks program, and the printing will be done with the Prusa I3 printer.
Application of Supervised and Unsupervised Machine Learning to the Classification of Damaged Rotor‐Bearing Systems
Authors: Rezazadeh Nima , Felaco Amelia , Fallahy Shila , Lamanna Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

In this letter, supervised machine learning classifiers are compared with clustering algorithms in the categorization of malfunctioned rotor systems. For this purpose, a dataset containing 660 faulted rotor‐bearing systems—that are, unbalanced, misaligned, and cracked—is used. Samples are created utilizing the finite element method in MATLAB. A sequential forward selection (SFS) method is employed to reduce the number of features in the signal‐processing stage after the feature extraction phase in the time, frequency, and time–frequency domains. The outcomes of three supervised algorithms—support vector machine, k‐nearest neighbors, and ensemble learning, as well as one unsupervised procedure, e.g., k‐Means clustering, are compared. In the latter method, to find the optimal number of clusters, the Calinski–Harabasz criterion is applied. The findings represent that, even though the supervised methods' acquired accuracies are noticeably higher (97.7% in the validation stage), using clustering algorithms can be beneficial in a variety of real‐time condition monitoring applications in rotating machines where the type, extent, and location of the damage are unknown.
Acetaldehyde as a Food Flavoring Substance: Aspects of Risk Assessment
Authors: Cartus Alexander T. , Lachenmeier Dirk W. , Guth Sabine , Roth Angelika , Baum Matthias , Diel Patrick , Eisenbrand Gerhard , Engeli Barbara , Hellwig Michael , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich , Joost Hans‐Georg , Kulling Sabine E. , Lampen Alfonso , Marko Doris , Steinberg Pablo , Wätjen Wim , Hengstler Jan G. , Mally Angela
Published: October 2023

The Senate Commission on Food Safety (SKLM) of the German Research Foundation (DFG) has reviewed the currently available data in order to assess the health risks associated with the use of acetaldehyde as a flavoring substance in foods. Acetaldehyde is genotoxic in vitro. Following oral intake of ethanol or inhalation exposure to acetaldehyde, systemic genotoxic effects of acetaldehyde in vivo cannot be ruled out (induction of DNA adducts and micronuclei). At present, the key question of whether acetaldehyde is genotoxic and mutagenic in vivo after oral exposure cannot be answered conclusively. There is also insufficient data on human exposure. Consequently, it is currently not possible to reliably assess the health risk associated with the use of acetaldehyde as a flavoring substance. However, considering the genotoxic potential of acetaldehyde as well as numerous data gaps that need to be filled to allow a comprehensive risk assessment, the SKLM considers that the use of acetaldehyde as a flavoring may pose a safety concern. For reasons of precautionary consumer protection, the SKLM recommends that the scientific base for approval of the intentional addition of acetaldehyde to foods as a flavoring substance should be reassessed.
A perspective on single‐photon LiDAR systems
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: October 2023

This perspective discusses the challenges and opportunities of single‐photon LiDAR and Raman LiDAR systems. Typical uses of LiDAR and Raman LiDAR include autonomous vehicles, mapping and surveying, environmental monitoring, archeology, and cultural heritage, meteorology and weather forecasting, defense and security, natural resource management, and infrastructure inspection. Key directions of development include sensitivity and range, spatial resolution, speed and efficiency, integration with other sensors, miniaturization and portability, and cost reduction. With a market value of 1.5 billion US$ in 2021, LiDAR systems are projected to grow to 4.83 billion US$ by 2030, at a CAGR of 13.8% during the forecast period.
Partial dietary fishmeal replacement with soy products in grow-out-stage Burbot
Authors: Oliver Luke P. , Bruce Timothy J. , Gulen Sinem , Jones Evan M. , Vuglar Brent M. , Brown Michael L. , Cain Kenneth D.
Published: October 2023

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to determine how soy products affect Burbot Lota lota maculosa growth and gastric evacuation. The secondary objective was to determine the digestibility of common soy products in Burbot.

Methods

A 130-day feed study was conducted with subadult (grow-out stage) Burbot to evaluate performance with 25% of the dietary fish meal replaced with soybean meal or soy protein concentrate compared with a control diet formulated to resemble a salmonid diet. Additionally, diets from the feed study, along with chironomid meal (a natural forage item), were used to determine Burbot gastric evacuation rates using fish naive to soy. These diets, containing over 12% soy, were applied to fish from the same cohort of Burbot used in the initial feed study. A digestibility assessment was conducted using diets with 30% of the fish meal replaced with soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, and a fermented soybean meal.

Result

No differences in growth performance were observed. The gastric evacuation assessment revealed that soy protein concentrate was evacuated at a significantly higher rate than chironomid meal; however, no other differences in gastric evacuation rates among diets were detectable. Apparent digestibility of protein was significantly higher in the soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, and fermented soybean meal treatments relative to the control diet. Apparent lipid digestibility was significantly lower in the soybean meal diet relative to the control diet; however, neither diet was significantly different from the soy protein concentrate or fermented soybean meal treatments.

Conclusion

Soy protein is highly digestible in grow-out-stage Burbot, these fish can be produced to market size on diets with ≥25% of the fish meal (relative to the experimental control diet) replaced with soybean meal or soy protein concentrate with no impact on growth performance relative to a salmonid diet formulation.
Measurement of changes in cerebrospinal fluid pulsation after traumatic brain injury using echo‐planar imaging‐based functional MRI
Authors: Kim Jun‐Hee , Im Jae‐Geun , Park Sung‐Hong
Published: October 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern worldwide, with a high incidence and a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. The alteration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics after TBI is a well‐known phenomenon; however, the underlying mechanisms and their implications for cognitive function are not fully understood. In this study, we propose a new approach to studying the alteration of CSF dynamics in TBI patients. Our approach involves using conventional echo‐planar imaging‐based functional MRI with no additional scan, allowing for simultaneous assessment of functional CSF dynamics and blood oxygen level‐dependent–based functional brain activities. We utilized two previously suggested indices of (i) CSFpulse, and (ii) correlation between global brain activity and CSF inflow. Using CSFpulse, we demonstrated a significant decrease in CSF pulsation following TBI (p < 0.05), which was consistent with previous studies. Furthermore, we confirmed that the decrease in CSF pulsation was most prominent in the early months after TBI, which could be explained by ependymal ciliary loss, intracranial pressure increment, or aquaporin‐4 dysregulation. We also observed a decreasing trend in the correlation between global brain activity and CSF inflow in TBI patients (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the decreased CSF pulsation after TBI could lead to the accumulation of toxic substances in the brain and an adverse effect on brain function. Further longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes, TBI biomarker data, and various demographic information are needed to investigate the association between cognitive decline and CSF dynamics after TBI. Overall, this study sheds light on the potential role of altered CSF dynamics in TBI‐induced neurologic symptoms and may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
Novel cannabinoid receptor 1 inverse agonist CRB‐913 enhances efficacy of tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutidein the diet‐induced obesity mouse model
Authors: Morningstar Marshall , Kolodziej Andrew , Ferreira Suzie , Blumen Tracy , Brake Rachael , Cohen Yuval
Published: October 2023

Objective

Incretin receptor agonists are now standard of care in treating obesity. Their efficacy and tolerability might be further improved by combining them with compounds that offer orthogonal mechanisms of action. The cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) is a clinically validated therapeutic target in obesity, and several experimental CB1R inverse agonists have been shown to induce weight loss.

Methods

This study characterizes a novel CB1R inverse agonist (CRB‐913) with similar preclinical potency to rimonabant but markedly reduced brain penetration. CRB‐913 was tested as monotherapy and in combination with tirzepatide, semaglutide, or liraglutide in the diet‐induced obesity (DIO) mouse model for body weight reduction.

Results

CRB‐913 demonstrated enhanced plasma exposure (3.8‐fold larger area under the curvelast) and reduced brain levels (9.5‐fold lower area under the curvelast) than rimonabant. CRB‐913 monotherapy yielded a dose‐dependent decrease in body weight in DIO mice reaching −22% within 18 days. In further DIO studies in combination with tirzepatide, semaglutide, or liraglutide, CRB‐913 (2.5 mg/kg) resulted in −32.6%, −28.8%, and −16.8% decreases in body weight on Day 18, respectively, with concomitant improvements in body fat content, liver triglycerides, and liver fat deposits.

Conclusions

CRB‐913 in combination with incretin analogues could deliver meaningful improvements over current standards of care for obesity and related conditions.
Intercostal nerve cryoablation reduces opioid utilization after thoracotomy in children with cancer
Authors: McElhinney Kathryn L. , Zeineddin Suhail , Ahle Samantha L. , Goldstein Seth D. , Lautz Timothy B.
Published: October 2023

Background

Intercostal nerve cryoablation (INC) has shown promise as an adjunct method for analgesia in adults undergoing thoracotomy, but has yet to be widely used in children for this indication. We hypothesize that INC decreases opioid utilization in children undergoing thoracotomy for cancer operations.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of children who underwent thoracotomy for cancer diagnosis at a freestanding children's hospital from 2018 to 2023. Patient characteristics, intraoperative data, and data on clinical course were collected. Patients were divided into those who underwent INC and those who underwent routine care for comparison.

Results

Twenty‐six patients underwent 38 procedures at a median age of 16 years (range 5–21 years). INC was performed in 23 cases over a median of five intercostal levels (range 2–7). Total oral morphine equivalents during inpatient admission were significantly lower in INC patients (137.6 vs. 514.5 mg, p = .002). Routine care patients were more likely to be discharged with an opioid prescription (30.4% vs. 80.0%, p = .008). Length of stay was similar between patients with INC and routine care (4 vs. 5 days, p = .15). There were no differences in rates of reoperation or 30‐day re‐admission (emergency department or inpatient).

Conclustions

INC is a feasible and safe adjunct for children undergoing thoracotomy for cancer. INC is associated with reduced postoperative opioid utilization with respect to both inpatient use and outpatient prescriptions.
Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy: An inexpensive, rapid, and less‐destructive tool for starch and resistant starch analysis from pulse flour
Authors: Johnson Nathan , Thavarajah Pushparajah , Madurapperumage Amod , Windsor Nathan , Tang Leung , Thavarajah Dil
Published: October 2023

Pulse crops are a rich source of resistant starch (RS) (5–7 g/100 g), a prebiotic carbohydrate that promotes gut health. The standard method to measure total starch (TS) and RS is through enzymatic assay; however, this is both time consuming and expensive. Fourier‐transform mid‐infrared (FT‐MIR) spectroscopy is a high‐throughput, cost‐effective method to quantify nutritional traits in seeds, but models have not been developed for starch in pulse crops. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate an FT‐MIR chemometric technique to estimate TS and RS in dry pea (Pisum sativum L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), and lentil (Lens culinaris, Medikus) flours to accelerate global pulse breeding efforts, support industrial carbohydrate utilization, and develop healthier food‐feed calorie contents. Breeding lines were selected to capture the diversity of starch concentrations in each crop and were analyzed using an enzymatic assay. Models for each trait–crop combination were calibrated using partial least squares regression, resulting in R2 and root means square error of prediction ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 and 0.16 to 4.0 g/100 g, respectively. These results demonstrate that FT‐MIR spectroscopy is a promising tool for estimating TS and RS concentrations in pulse crops at a reduced analysis time and cost, expediting plant breeding and starch use efforts in the food processing industry.
Environmental horticulture for domestic and community gardens—An integrated and applied research approach
Authors: Gush Mark B. , Blanuša Tijana , Chalmin‐Pui Lauriane S. , Griffiths Alistair , Larsen Elisabeth K. , Prasad Raghavendra , Redmile‐Gordon Marc , Sutcliffe Chloe
Published: October 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Daunting global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss may seem overwhelming. However, gardeners have a secret weapon—gardens, balconies, indoor planting, yards and allotments are mini‐ecosystems that offer opportunities to counter perceptions of helplessness, inadequacy and resultant inaction by using those spaces to ‘Do what we can, with what we have, where we are’. Minimising gardening ‘footprints’ to mitigate harmful impacts, whilst maximising gardening ‘handprints’ to enhance benefits, is readily achievable. With this in mind, the Royal Horticultural Society is leading research into environmental horticulture for gardens, and benefits for individual wellbeing.

This article presents an integrated and applied research approach to the unique and multi‐disciplinary area of science referred to here as environmental horticulture. It does this by: (a) providing an institutional perspective (The Royal Horticultural Society) on a research approach for this particular area, emphasising why domestic and community gardens are important in the context of global environmental threats; (b) presenting four primary research focus areas and project examples; and (c) highlighting interdisciplinary linkages, future research needs, public engagement/knowledge sharing opportunities, and ‘Green Skills’ development in the area of environmental horticulture. Research focus areas discussed are: (1) responding to the changing climate (adaptation, mitigation and resilience solutions in gardens); (2) ‘plants for purpose’ (harnessing the potential of horticultural plant diversity, and gardening, to help regulate environmental conditions); (3) sustainability and climate risk reduction through effective and efficient resource management (reduction, re‐use, recycling and repurposing); and (4) gardening and cultivated plant choice for human health and wellbeing. We argue that a key research priority is improving our understanding of the linkages and interactions between soil, water, plants, weather and people. These crucial linkages affect above and below ground processes, for both outdoor and indoor plants. They impact the effectiveness with which water and nutrient cycling takes place, the extent to which ecosystem services may be delivered, and the resultant capacity of gardens and gardening to provide environmental and human health benefits.
Transmission Electron Microscopy Investigation of Self‐assembled 'Si/Mn4Si7‐Alloy' Janus Nanosphere Architectures Produced by a HelixJet Atmospheric Plasma Source
Authors: Wolff Niklas , Dworschak Maren , Benedikt Jan , Kienle Lorenz
Published: October 2023

The HelixJet atmospheric plasma‐assisted synthesis can be a new toolbox to realize dedicated nanoparticle architectures such as Janus‐type morphologies. Silicon nanoparticles produced by the decomposition of Silane molecules are directed into an in‐flight annealing stage. The applied high‐temperature supplies a metal vapor rich atmosphere containing Manganese, Chromium, Iron, and Tin outgassing from the used steel tube. The metal atoms alloy into the Silicon nanoparticles and form a self‐assembled 'Si/MnxSiy‐alloy' Janus nanosphere architecture. The Janus particles nanochemistry is thoroughly examined in detail by the analytic capabilities of transmission electron microscopy. The combined approach of electron diffraction, EDS, and EELS identifies the Janus particle composition consisting of a pure Si hemisphere interfaced to an alloyed Mn4Si7 hemisphere covered by a thin (MnaFebCrc)Siy surface shell.
Impact of Electric Field Pulse Duration on Ferroelectric Hafnium Zirconium Oxide Thin Film Capacitor Endurance
Authors: Lenox Megan K. , Jaszewski Samantha T. , Fields Shelby S. , Shukla Nikhil , Ihlefeld Jon F.
Published: October 2023

While ferroelectric HfO2shows promise for use in memory technologies, limited endurance is one factor that challenges its widespread application. Herein, endurance is investigated through field cycling W/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/W capacitors above the coercive field while manipulating the time under field using bipolar pulses of varying pulse duration or duty cycle. Both remanent polarization and leakage current increase with increasing pulse duration. Additionally, an order of magnitude decrease in the pulse duration from 20 to 2 μs results in an increase in endurance lifetime of nearly two orders of magnitude from 3 × 106to 2 × 108cycles. These behaviors are attributed to increasing time under field allowing for charged oxygen vacancy migration, initially unpinning domains, or driving phase transformations before segregating to grain boundaries and electrode interfaces. This oxygen vacancy migration causes increasing polarization before creating conducting percolation paths that result in degradation and premature device failure. This process is suppressed for 2 μs pulse duration field cycling where minimal wake‐up and lower leakage before device failure are observed, suggesting that very short pulses can be used to significantly increase device endurance. These results provide insight into the impact of pulse duration on device performance and highlight consideration of use of conditions when endurance testing.
Recent Advances in Hierarchical Porous Engineering of MOFs and Their Derived Materials for Catalytic and Battery: Methods and Application
Authors: Li Qian , Li Qun , Wang Zhewei , Zheng Xiaobo , Cai Shichang , Wu Jiabin
Published: October 2023

Hierarchical porous materials have attracted the attention of researchers due to their enormous specific surface area, maximized active site utilization efficiency, and unique structure and properties. In this context, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a unique mix of properties that make them particularly appealing as tunable porous substrates containing highly active sites. This review focuses on recent advances in the types and synthetic strategies of hierarchical porous MOFs and their derived materials. Furthermore, it highlights the relationship between the mass diffusion and transport of hierarchical porous structures and the pore size with examples and simulations, while identifying their potential and limitations. On this basis, how the synthesis conditions affect the structure and electrochemical properties of MOFs based hierarchical porous materials with different structures is discussed, highlighting the prospects and challenges for the synthetization, as well as further scientific research and practical applications. Finally, some insights into current research and future design ideas for advanced MOFs based hierarchical porous materials are presented.
Targeted Delivery of Sucrose‐Coated Nanocarriers with Chemical Cargoes to the Plant Vasculature Enhances Long‐Distance Translocation
Authors: Jeon Su‐Ji , Zhang Yilin , Castillo Christopher , Nava Valeria , Ristroph Kurt , Therrien Benjamin , Meza Leticia , Lowry Gregory V. , Giraldo Juan Pablo
Published: October 2023

Current practices for delivering agrochemicals are inefficient, with only a fraction reaching the intended targets in plants. The surfaces of nanocarriers are functionalized with sucrose, enabling rapid and efficient foliar delivery into the plant phloem, a vascular tissue that transports sugars, signaling molecules, and agrochemicals through the whole plant. The chemical affinity of sucrose molecules to sugar membrane transporters on the phloem cells enhances the uptake of sucrose‐coated quantum dots (sucQD) and biocompatible carbon dots with β‐cyclodextrin molecular baskets (suc‐β‐CD) that can carry a wide range of agrochemicals. The QD and CD fluorescence emission properties allowed detection and monitoring of rapid translocation (<40 min) in the vasculature of wheat leaves by confocal and epifluorescence microscopy. The suc‐β‐CDs more than doubled the delivery of chemical cargoes into the leaf vascular tissue. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) analysis showed that the fraction of sucQDs loaded into the phloem and transported to roots is over 6.8 times higher than unmodified QDs. The sucrose coating of nanoparticles approach enables unprecedented targeted delivery to roots with ≈70% of phloem‐loaded nanoparticles delivered to roots. The use of plant biorecognition molecules mediated delivery provides an efficient approach for guiding nanocarriers containing agrochemicals to the plant vasculature and whole plants.
Ultra‐Low Loading of Ultra‐Small Fe3O4 Nanoparticles on Nonmodified CNTs to Improve Green EMI Shielding Capability of Rubber Composites
Authors: Wei Zijian , Cai Yifan , Zhan Yanhu , Meng Yanyan , Pan Na , Jiang Xiancai , Xia Hesheng
Published: October 2023

From a material design perspective, the incorporation of Fe3O4@carbon nanotube (Fe3O4@CNT) hybrids is an effective approach for reconciling the contradictions of high shielding and low reflection coefficients, enabling the fabrication of green shielding materials and reducing the secondary electromagnetic wave pollution. However, the installation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on nonmodified and nondestructive CNT walls remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a novel strategy for fabricating the above‐mentioned Fe3O4@CNTs and subsequently assembling segregated Fe3O4@CNT networks in natural rubber (NR) matrices is proposed. The advanced and unique structure, magnetism, and lossless conductivity endow the as‐obtained Fe3O4@CNT/NR with a shielding effectiveness (SE) of 63.8 dB and a low reflection coefficient of 0.24, which indicates a prominent green‐shielding capability that surpasses those of previously reported green‐shielding materials. Moreover, the specific SE reaches 531 dB cm−1, exceeding that of those of previously reported carbon/polymer composites. Meanwhile, the outstanding conductivity enables the composite to reach a saturation temperature of ≈95 °C at a driving voltage of 1.5 V with long‐term stability. Therefore, the as‐fabricated Fe3O4@CNT/rubber composites represent an important development in green‐shielding materials that are applied in cold environment.
Effect of Electrochemical Pre‐Lithiation on Layered Oxide Cathodes for Anode‐Free Lithium‐metal Batteries
Authors: Vanaphuti Panawan , Su Laisuo , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: October 2023

Due to high energy density and lower manufacturing cost, anode‐free lithium‐metal batteries (AFLMBs) are attracting increasing attention. The challenges for developing them lie in inferior Coulombic efficiency and short cycle life due to the highly reactive lithium metal. Herein, an electrochemical pre‐lithiation strategy is applied to layered oxide cathodes, specifically LiNiO2 and LiCoO2, aiming to provide an additional lithium source and understand the effect on the cathode structure for AFLMBs. The mechanism for accommodating the excess Li depends on the structural stability of the cathodes where LiNiO2 forms lithiated Li2NiO2 with the excess lithium in the crystalline lattice while the excess lithium in LiCoO2 forms a Li2O phase. More importantly, an optimal amount of Li excess is necessary to maintain decent cycle stability and specific capacity in AFLMB, with 40% excess Li for LiNiO2 and 150% for LiCoO2. While the pre‐lithiation process causes particle pulverization depending on the amount of Li excess, LiCoO2 offers a much better cycle performance than LiNiO2 with a promising capacity retention of 80% after 300 cycles in AFLMB (vs 76% after 100 cycles for 40% Li excess in LiNiO2). This study provides a promising avenue for developing tailor‐made layered oxide cathodes for AFLMBs.
Microfluidics Coupled Mass Spectrometry for Single Cell Multi‐Omics
Authors: Zhang Dongxue , Qiao Liang
Published: October 2023

Population‐level analysis masks significant heterogeneity between individual cells, making it difficult to accurately reflect the true intricacies of life activities. Microfluidics is a technique that can manipulate individual cells effectively and is commonly coupled with a variety of analytical methods for single‐cell analysis. Single‐cell omics provides abundant molecular information at the single‐cell level, fundamentally revealing differences in cell types and biological states among cell individuals, leading to a deeper understanding of cellular phenotypes and life activities. Herein, this work summarizes the microfluidic chips designed for single‐cell isolation, manipulation, trapping, screening, and sorting, including droplet microfluidic chips, microwell arrays, hydrodynamic microfluidic chips, and microchips with microvalves. This work further reviews the studies on single‐cell proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and multi‐omics based on microfluidics and mass spectrometry. Finally, the challenges and future application of single‐cell multi‐omics are discussed.
DOMICO: Checking conformance between domain models and implementations
Authors: Zhong Chenxing , Zhang He , Huang Huang , Chen Zhikun , Li Chao , Liu Xiaodong , Li Shanshan
Published: October 2023

As a predominant design method for microsservices architecture (MSA), domain‐driven design (DDD) utilizes a series of standard patterns in both models and implementations to effectively support the design of architectural elements. However, an implementation may deviate from its original domain model that uses certain patterns. The deviation between a domain model and its implementation is a type of architectural drift, which needs to be detected promptly. This paper proposes an approach, namely DOMICO, to check the conformance between the domain model and its implementation, by which the conformance is formalized by defining eight common structural patterns of domain modeling and their representations in both models and the corresponding source code. Based on the formalization, our approach can not only identify the discrepancies (e.g., divergence, absence, and modification) with respect to pattern elements, but also detect possible violations of 24 compliance rules imposed by the patterns. To validate DOMICO, we performed a case study to investigate its use in a supply chain project and its performance. The results show that DOMICO can accurately identify 100% inconsistency issues in the cases examined. As the first conformance checking approach for DDD, DOMICO can be integrated into the regular domain modeling process and help ensure the conformity of microservice implementations to models.
Fetal Medicine Foundation charts for fetal growth in twins
Authors: Wright A. , Wright D. , Chaveeva P. , Molina F. S. , Akolekar R. , Syngelaki A. , Petersen O. B. , Kristensen S. E. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To derive reference distributions of estimated fetal weight (EFW) in twins relative to singletons.

Methods

Gestational‐age‐ and chorionicity‐specific reference distributions for singleton percentiles and EFW were fitted to data on 4391 twin pregnancies with two liveborn fetuses from four European centers, including 3323 dichorionic (DC) and 1068 monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. Gestational age was derived using the larger of the two crown–rump length measurements obtained during the first trimester of pregnancy. EFW was obtained from ultrasound measurements of head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length using the Hadlock formula. Singleton percentiles were obtained using the Fetal Medicine Foundation population weight charts for singleton pregnancies. Hierarchical models were fitted to singleton Z‐scores with autoregressive terms for serial correlations within the same fetus and between twins from the same pregnancy. Separate models were fitted for DC and MCDA twins.

Results

Fetuses from twin pregnancies tended to be smaller than singletons at the earliest gestational ages (16 weeks for MCDA and 20 weeks for DC twins). This was followed by a period of catch‐up growth until around 24 weeks. After that, both DC and MCDA twins showed reduced growth. In DC twins, the EFW corresponding to the 50th percentile was at the 50th percentile of singleton pregnancies at 23 weeks, the 43rd percentile at 28 weeks, the 32nd percentile at 32 weeks and the 22nd percentile at 36 weeks. In MCDA twins, the EFW corresponding to the 50th percentile was at the 36th percentile of singleton pregnancies at 24 weeks, the 29th percentile at 28 weeks, the 19th percentile at 32 weeks and the 12th percentile at 36 weeks.

Conclusions

In DC and, to a greater extent, MCDA twin pregnancies, fetal growth is reduced compared with that observed in singleton pregnancies. Furthermore, after 24 weeks, the divergence in growth trajectories between twin and singleton pregnancies becomes more pronounced as gestational age increases. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Introduction: Integration in and Through Education and Employment
Authors: Teräs Marianne , Osman Ali , Eliasson Eva
Published: October 2023

In this book, our focus is on different aspects of education, employment, and integration of migrants in Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland, and what could be perceived as the relative success of integration processes from different theoretical vantage points, perspectives, and aspects. One intention of the book is to start a debate about what ‘successful integration’ entails. Research about migrants tends to focus on integration failures, such as structural hindrances, discrimination, lack of skills, and difficulties with recognition of prior learning. Our focus is on achievements rather than deficits, particularly how migrants transcend obstacles and mobilise cultural resources.

The chapters in the book examine, for example, the significance of labour market initiatives, recognition of prior learning, recognition processes in career counselling, the importance of encounters, historical aspects of integration, the concept of integration, the importance of adult education, bridging programmes, and multicultural perspectives in education.
Potential, Actuality or Vulnerability? The Importance of Recognition in Career Counselling for Newly Arrived Migrants
Authors: Hertzberg Fredrik
Published: October 2023

This article studies the importance of recognition in career guidance counselling for newly arrived migrants. The term “recognition” is used as a sensitising concept, in line with Herbert Blumer’s sociology. The article draws attention to many different meanings of the concept of recognition, such as the recognition of previously established knowledge, skills and experiences; study and career aspirations; norms and values; opportunities for development; and the recognition of particularly difficult and therefore noteworthy life circumstances. The study is based on the analysis of qualitative data, drawn from semi-structured interviews with 14 study and career counsellors, who in their work meet (or have met) newly arrived migrants. The analysis draws attention to the fact that opportunities for development, as well as the recognition of particularly difficult and thus noteworthy life circumstances, are usually acknowledged without more extensive objections, but that the recognition of previously established knowledge, skills and experiences, study and career aspirations as well as norms and values can, according to the interviewees, lead to goal conflicts in study and career counselling work (although the relevance of a recognizing approach is generally emphasised).
Spezifische Teilhaberisiken und -chancen
Authors: Wacker Elisabeth , Beck Iris , Brandt Martina , Köbsell Swantje , Lippke Sonia , Niehaus Mathilde
Published: October 2023

Dieses Kapitel bezieht sich auf die Teilhabe und Gesundheit von Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen, wobei das Augenmerk auch auf den besonderen und akuten Belastungen durch die Risiken von

Einsamkeit

und durch 

Teilhabeeinschränkung

en in Zeiten der

COVID-19-Pandemie

liegt. Es wird deutlich, dass Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen ein erhöhtes Einsamkeitsrisiko haben,
was sich negativ auf ihre Gesundheit auswirkt. Als Gegenpole können soziale Beziehungen und Netzwerke
wirken, doch auch diese sind weniger tragfähig als in der Mehrheitsgesellschaft. Dadurch fehlen wichtige
Ressourcen, die Resilienz für den Fall schwieriger Lebenssituationen fördern könnten. Deshalb sollte
der Prävention von Einsamkeit mehr Aufmerksamkeit gewidmet werden. Als besonderes Exklusions- und damit
Einsamkeitsrisiko für Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen erwiesen sich die Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung der
COVID-19-Pandemie. Dieser Problematik wird differenziert und auf breiter Datenbasis den exkludierenden
und isolierenden Wirkungen vieler Maßnahmen für Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen nachgegangen. Ein Exkurs zur

Verfassungsbeschwerde

zur Schutzpflicht des Staates gegenüber Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen im Hinblick auf

Triage

-Entscheidungen zeigt, welche lebensbedrohlichen Wirkungen der Verzicht auf

Disability Mainstreaming

bei Maßnahmen im Gesundheitswesen haben kann. Daraus folgt, dass

Pandemiebekämpfung

ohne gesundheitsbedrohliche Ausgrenzungen für Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen entwickelt und durchgeführt werden muss. Welche Rolle ihre Selbstvertretung dabei spielen kann und muss, wird abschließend diskutiert. Entsprechendes gilt für die

Digitalisierung

im Gesundheitswesen. Sie hat im Kontext der COVID-19-Pandemie erheblich an Bedeutung gewonnen, dennoch sind dabei sehr viele Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen nach wie vor ausgeschlossen.
Inklusive Gesundheitssorge – in All Policies
Authors: Wacker Elisabeth , Beck Iris , Brandt Martina , Köbsell Swantje , Lippke Sonia , Niehaus Mathilde
Published: October 2023

Die vorangegangenen Kapitel haben verdeutlicht, dass das Leben von Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen
von vielfachen Benachteiligungen – und damit Risiken – durchzogen ist. Dies betrifft auch ihre Gesundheit
und ihre Gesundheitsversorgung. Folgerichtig legt dieses letzte Kapitel den Fokus auf Gesundheitschancen
bei Beeinträchtigungen und Behinderung und darauf, wie sie verbessert werden können. Im Kontext der Corona-Pandemie
sind Ungleichbehandlungen und deren Konsequenzen deutlich zutage getreten. Dies kann nun im Sinne von
Art. 25 UN-BRK auch jenseits von Krisenzeiten als Chance für eine engagierte Neuausrichtung der gesundheitlichen
Versorgung von Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen genutzt werden. Die wichtigsten Botschaften dieses Buches
sind hier in zehn wegweisenden „Merkposten“ komprimiert. Um eine bessere gesundheitliche Versorgung von
Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen sicherzustellen ist ihre aktive und partizipative Beteiligung, als Expertinnen
und Experten in eigener Sache nach dem Motto „nothing about us without us“, von zentraler Bedeutung.
Diesem Ziel dient letztlich auch das zukunftsweisende und partizipativ ausgelegte Konzept „

Health in All Policies

“ (HiaP), mit dem die gesundheitliche Versorgung von Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen durch den Abbau von Barrieren und Diskriminierung weiterentwickelt werden soll.