bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Largely toughened poly(lactic acid) fabricated by melt blending with thermoplastic polyurethane through interfacial compatibilization induced by simultaneous addition of hydrophobic silica nanoparticles and in situ cross‐linking reaction
Authors: Haghjoo Salar , Khademzadeh Yeganeh Jafar , Ghasemi Ismail
Published: July 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) has gained significant attention as a commercially available biodegradable and biocompatible polymer. However, the brittleness of PLA greatly limits its application. Blending PLA with another rubbery polymer such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a simple strategy to toughen PLA. In this study, a largely toughened PLA has been successfully prepared by melt blending with TPU through interfacial compatibilization induced by the simultaneous addition of hydrophobic silica nanoparticles (NPs) and in situ cross‐linking reaction. The torque evolution during melt mixing and rheological analysis confirm a successful dynamic vulcanization process. Scanning electron microscopy images indicate that, dynamic vulcanization and adding NPs synergistically compatibilize the TPU and PLA phases leading to a considerable interfacial adhesion between the phases. Simultaneous addition of NPs at an optimum amount of 5 wt% and in situ cross‐linking reaction significantly improve the elongation at break, and tensile toughness of the PLA/TPU blend as they are achieved 311%, and 91 MJ/m3, respectively. Both dynamic vulcanization and NPs play their role independently in the compatibilization of PLA and TPU phases inducing substantial shear yielding of the matrix phase under stress resulting in a highly toughened blend. The microstructural properties of the blends are studied by rheological analysis.
Luminescent polybenzoxazine: Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties
Authors: Younis Osama , Khamies Aya , Yang Xinchun , Aly Kamal I.
Published: July 2024

Polybenzoxazines are a class of luminescent polymers that exhibit light emission properties, making them suitable for various applications. This manuscript presents the synthesis, characterization, and thermal behavior of a novel luminescent polybenzoxazine, named P‐BZ‐CP. The synthesis of P‐BZ‐CP involved a three‐stage process, starting with the formation of Bis‐OHOMe through the reaction of cyclopentanone and vanillin, followed by a Mannich condensation reaction with p‐toluidine to obtain the monomer M‐BZ‐CP. Thermal ring‐opening polymerization of M‐BZ‐CP at 250°C resulted in the synthesis of P‐BZ‐CP. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including NMR, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and DSC, were employed to analyze the structure and properties of both M‐BZ‐CP and P‐BZ‐CP. The thermal behavior of M‐BZ‐CP curing was investigated using DSC, highlighting the temperature‐dependent polymerization process. This work also provides insights into the photophysical properties of Bis‐OHOMe, M‐BZ‐CP, and P‐BZ‐CP, highlighting the role of molecular structure and concentration in determining absorption, excitation, and emission characteristics. The core benzylidene cyclopentanone chromophore contributes to the common absorption and emission features, while the additional functional groups in M‐BZ‐CP lead to concentration‐dependent photoluminescence behavior due to aggregation or excimer formation. These findings demonstrate the importance of understanding the structure–property relationships in designing optoelectronic materials with tunable photophysical properties. The findings demonstrate the successful synthesis and characterization of luminescent polybenzoxazines, providing valuable insights into their potential applications in optoelectronics.
Effect of nanofibril cellulose empty fruit bunch‐reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites on tensile and dynamic mechanical properties for flexible substrates
Authors: Azzra N. A. , Atiqah A. , Fadhlina H. , Jalar A. , Bakar M. A. , Ismail A. G. , Supian A. B. M.
Published: July 2024

Researchers and scientists have focused on the development and future opportunities of flexible sensors in food, environment and defense fields. In this study, we propose a flexible substrate material‐based nanofibril cellulose empty fruit bunch (NEFB)‐reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blend nanocomposite for flexible substrate materials. Untreated and treated nanofibril cellulose samples of empty fruit bunch (NEFB, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt. %) were treated with 6 wt.% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and subjected to internal Brabender mixer followed by a hot‐pressing machine. The density and tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated for the treated and untreated samples. Tensile properties were characterized using a Universal Testing Machine, and the fracture mechanism after post‐tensile testing was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Increasing the content of untreated NEFB/TPU improved the tensile strength compared with 6% treated NEFB/TPU blend nanocomposites. Incorporating the nanofibril cellulose of empty fruit bunch at 2% into the TPU blend nanocomposites significantly increased E′, E" and Tg compared with other formulations.

Highlights

Nanocellulose derived from plants is considered a promising material for flexible substrates in electronics due to its robust mechanical properties and eco‐friendliness.

Malaysia's abundant empty fruit bunch (EFB) resources make it a possible source of nanocellulose, which improves the properties of polymers.

The effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the compatibility of EFB‐derived nanocellulose with polymer matrices was investigated.

The addition of nanocellulose, particularly at a concentration of 1%, significantly increases the tensile strength of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites, whereas 6% NaOH treatment has no effect.

Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals high storage modulus at 2% nanofibril cellulose empty fruit bunch (NEFB) and energy dissipation at 4% NEFB as well as enhanced interfacial bonding at 1% NEFB.
Mechanical and ballistic studies of boron carbide filler reinforced glass fiber composites
Authors: Dharani Kumar S. , Magarajan U. , Kumar Saurabh S. , Prabhu Loganathan
Published: July 2024

Owing to the outstanding properties of boron carbide (B4C) particles, material researchers have shown potential in filler‐reinforced polymer composites. The present work studied the implication of B4C fillers on the mechanical and ballistic properties of glass fiber epoxy reinforced composites. Two different weight percentages of 2 and 4 wt% B4C fillers were used to modify the epoxy resin. The composite samples with glass fabric woven were made through compression molding. The results show that the tensile, flexural, interlaminar, impact strength and hardness of glass fiber composite were improved by addition of 2 wt% of B4C. The high‐velocity ballistic tests were conducted on the unfilled and B4C filler‐reinforced composites using a 9 mm parabellum projectile with an initial striking of 372 ± 15 m/s. The least back face signature (BFS) and highest specific energy absorption (SEA) were observed for 2 wt% B4C filler composite. Adding B4C filler enhanced matrix toughening and interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix. Matrix cracking and fiber breakage result in the least ballistic resistance for unfilled composite. Fracture behavior was studied on tensile, impact, and ballistic‐tested samples using scanning electron microscopy. The fractured surfaces of filler‐reinforced composite demonstrated good interfacial bonding, matrix hardening, and fiber pullouts.

Highlights

The addition of B4C with epoxy up to 2 wt% improves the mechanical and ballistic properties of the composites.

The least back face signature and highest specific energy absorption were observed for 2 wt% B4C filler composite.

B4C filler enhanced matrix toughening and interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix.

Failure of unfilled glass fiber composites is a combination of matrix cracking, fiber pullout, and interface debonding.
CaO‐catalyzed simplified synthesis of fully bio‐based self‐cross‐linkable MB‐polyether ether ketone toward waterborne carbon fiber sizing agent to enhance the interfacial properties and solvent‐resistance of carbon fiber/polyether ether ketone composites
Authors: Guo Jiaming , Ma Yan , Yuan Jingyan , Wu Yuanqi , Du Weifeng , Zhuang Hailin , Li Dongfeng , Liu Liu , Ao Yuhui , Liu Yu
Published: July 2024

Sizing treatment stands out as an indispensable part of actual carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (CF/PEEK) production for its simple operation and distinct enhancement effects, and the recently reported novel waterborne self‐cross‐linkable PEEK derivative sizing agents have achieved tremendous attentions for bolstering interfacial bonding for CF/PEEK. Nevertheless, the key polymer‐precursors utilized in the related waterborne self‐cross‐linkable PEEK researches to date are majority rely on petroleum‐based reagents and prepared through cumbersome and toxic catalytic systems, which have become a bottleneck of its future developments. In this research, a simple and sustainable‐minded approach was performed utilizing fully biogenic‐sourced materials. Specifically, magnolol and 2,5‐furandicarboxylic‐acid derived 2,5‐bis(4‐fluorobenzoyl)‐furan were utilized to elaborate a self‐cross‐linkable MB‐PEEK. Notably, the incorporation of CaO as catalyst, possessing excellent water absorption properties, allowed for eliminating the highly toxic azeotropic solvent, thereby achieving a simple and green synthetic process. The fastidiously designed full‐bio‐based self‐cross‐linkable MB‐PEEK sizing agent conspicuously boosted the interfacial performances of CF/PEEK. Noteworthy, the inherent mechanism during the processing stage of CF‐(MB‐PEEK)/PEEK encompass a self‐crosslinking of allyl groups of magnolol toward stable crosslinked structures with an unparalleled resistance to solvents and unorthodox robustness to interphase. Among them, the interfacial and interlaminar shear strength of sized‐CF/PEEK were improved by 65.71% and 55.09%. Notably, even after enduring 3 days of solvent aging, the mechanical integrity preserved at approximately 93%. Our study presents a straightforward and green approach for production of sustainable waterborne sizing agent with outstanding properties that show excellent enhancement effect in interfacial performance and solvent‐resistance in CF/PEEK.

Highlights

A full‐bio‐based cross‐linkable MB‐PEEK sizing agents for CF/PEEK were prepared.

Magnolol and 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid were employed to substituted the petroleum‐based reagent.

The green catalyst CaO was used to replace the poisonous catalyst systems.

The ILSS, IFSS, and bending strength were significantly increased by 55.09%, 65.71%, and 34.14%.

Treated composites remained over 93% of properties after a week solvent corrosion.
Development of novel sustainable biocomposite from polycaprolactone and Sesbania rostrata fiber
Authors: Krishnan Raja , Muthusamy Kathirselvam , Shanmugam Senthil Kumar Marudhamuthu , Kadhiresan Santhanam
Published: July 2024

An efficient method to accelerate the use of polymer composites is to focus on their development as environmentally friendly materials that can naturally break down without causing any harm to the ecosystem. Hence, the primary aim of this study is to develop a biocomposite material through the fusion of Sesbania rostrata (SRF) bark fibers and the polycaprolactone (PCL) biopolymer. Various percentages (10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.%) of untreated and sodium bicarbonate‐treated SRF were incorporated into polycaprolactone to create the biocomposite samples. The composite panels were made using the compressing molding technique. Several tests were performed on the samples, such as mechanical, thermal, water absorption, wear, and morphological tests. Research has demonstrated that the strength of biocomposites composed of 20% chemically treated SRF and PCL is superior to that of other mixed materials. The thermal properties of the biocomposite remained unchanged when untreated fibers were included, but they improved when treated fibers were included. Higher water absorption properties are attributed to an increased fiber volume fraction in the biocomposites, while chemically treated fibers exhibit a notable improvement in water resistance. The wear test results indicate that the weight loss of the biocomposites is mainly influenced by the contact temperature and adhesion between the SRF surface and the PCL matrix. When examining the fractured biocomposites with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), it becomes evident that the primary reasons for failure are fiber pull‐out, debonding, and agglomeration.

Highlights

SR Natural fiber is chemically treated by eco‐friendly sodium bicarbonate.

The treated SRF‐reinforced composites had best mechanical property.

The treated SRF‐reinforced composites showed less water absorption.

The composite mechanical and thermal properties had dropdown at 25 wt.% SRF.

The addition of SRF reduced the weight loss of composites on wear test.
A strategy to distinguish similar traditional Chinese medicines by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, electronic senses, and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry: Marsdeniae tenacissimae Caulis and Paederiae scandens Caulis as examples
Authors: Wang Jia‐Wei , Pei Zhi‐Dong , Chen Yue‐Hua , Li Si‐Yu , Wang Tian‐Min , Kang Ting‐Guo , Li Na , Song Ya‐Mei , Song Hui‐Peng , Zhang Hui
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Marsdeniae tenacissimae Caulis (MTC), a popular traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in the treatment of tumor diseases. Paederiae scandens Caulis (PSC), which is similar in appearance to MTC, is a common counterfeit product. It is difficult for traditional methods to effectively distinguish between MTC and PSC. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a rapid and accurate method to identify MTC and PSC.

Objectives

The aim is to distinguish between MTC and PSC by analyzing the differences in nonvolatile organic compounds (NVOCs), taste, odor, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Methods

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) was utilized to analyze the NVOCs of MTC and PSC. Electronic tongue (E‐tongue) and electronic nose (E‐nose) were used to analyze their taste and odor respectively. Gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC‐IMS) was applied to analyze VOCs. Finally, multivariate statistical analyses were conducted to further investigate the differences between MTC and PSC, including principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, discriminant factor analysis, and soft independent modeling of class analysis.

Results

The results of this study indicate that the integrated strategy of LC‐MS, E‐tongue, E‐nose, GC‐IMS, and multivariate statistical analysis can be effectively applied to distinguish between MTC and PSC. Using LC‐MS, 25 NVOCs were identified in MTC, while 18 NVOCs were identified in PSC. The major compounds in MTC are steroids, while the major compounds in PSC are iridoid glycosides. Similarly, the distinct taste difference between MTC and PSC was precisely revealed by the E‐tongue. Specifically, the pronounced bitterness in PSC was proven to stem from iridoid glycosides, whereas the bitterness evident in MTC was intimately tied to steroids. The E‐nose detected eight odor components in MTC and six in PSC, respectively. The subsequent statistical analysis uncovered notable differences in their odor profiles. GC‐IMS provided a visual representation of the differences in VOCs between MTC and PSC. The results indicated a relatively high relative content of 82 VOCs in MTC, contrasted with 32 VOCs exhibiting a similarly high relative content in PSC.

Conclusion

In this study, for the first time, the combined use of LC‐MS, E‐tongue, E‐nose, GC‐IMS, and multivariate statistical analysis has proven to be an effective method for distinguishing between MTC and PSC from multiple perspectives. This approach provides a valuable reference for the identification of other visually similar traditional Chinese medicines.
Phonon Polaritons Launched by Natural Boron Nitride Wrinkles Probed with Nano‐Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Hertling Lukas , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: July 2024

Nano‐fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a powerful tool to measure optical and electronic properties of materials at the nanoscale. It is especially useful for visualizing plasmon and phonon polaritons launched from edges of a sample or structures on top of it. Herein, an exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride flake with a thickness of ≈16 nm is transferred onto a gold substrate. The flake is characterized by micro‐Raman and nano‐FTIR spectroscopy. The Raman spectra show no difference between points on the flat surface and points on the wrinkles of the flake. Nano‐FTIR spectra, while comparable to conventional infrared spectra on the flat surface, show a strong change in the form of a second absorption peak appearing near a wrinkle in the flake. This second absorption peak shifts to higher wavenumber and becomes more intense as the probed spot gets closer to the wrinkle. This is consistent with the behavior of phonon polaritons when approaching the scattering point that is reflecting them.
Identification and Manipulation of Atomic Polarization Moments for Nonlinear Magneto‐Optical Rotation Atomic Magnetometers
Authors: Chai Yanchao , Jiang Liwei , Liu Jiali , Zhao Xin , Tian Mengnan , Lu Zhenglong , Lei Xusheng , Wang Zhuo , Quan Wei
Published: July 2024

Polarization moments play a crucial role in measuring magnetic fields for nonlinear magneto‐optical rotation (NMOR) atomic magnetometers. However, it is challenging to distinguish between each polarization moment and evaluate its effect on the magnetic resonance response signal in an alkali vapor cell with buffer gas. To address this issue, a method is proposed to identify different polarization moments through the frequency shift of the magnetic resonance response signal. The proportion of each polarization moment is determined, and it is demonstrated that the magnetic resonance response signal is affected by the hexadecapole moment, resulting in a frequency shift and a decrease in signal amplitude. To mitigate this effect, an approach is investigated to manipulate the polarization moments by flipping the phase of the pump light. Ultimately, a 15.19% increase in response amplitude is achieved in the simulated geomagnetic environment within the magnetic shield barrel. The theory and method presented here provide strong support for the study of the polarization moments in an alkali vapor cell with buffer gas, which potentially enhance the performance of NMOR atomic magnetometers.
Vapor‐Tailored Nanojunctions in Ultraporous ZnO Nanoparticle Networks for Superior UV Photodetection
Authors: Huang Jeff , Chen Xiaohu , Huang Shujuan , Nasiri Noushin
Published: July 2024

High quality nanojunctions are known to effectively improve the conductivity and structural robustness of ultraporous nanoparticle networks, surpassing the performance of natural van der Waals interfaces. Nevertheless, the traditional approach of forming these junctions by thermal annealing is incompatible with thermolabile polymers and slender metal electrodes found in modern wearable technologies. Herein, we present a low temperature, solvent vapor‐based method to rapidly elicit high‐quality metal‐oxide nanojunctions in a fast, effortless, inexpensive, and easily scalable process; capable of generating necked interparticle interfaces in a matter of minutes. When applied to ultraporous‐based ZnO Ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors, the vapor‐tailoring process produces an incredible 128,000‐fold improvement in responsivity (6.6 A.W−1) over untreated structures (51.2 µA.W−1), and a 5300‐fold improvement in responsivity over thermally annealed structures; all while maintaining exceptionally low dark currents of 140 pA at a low bias voltage of 1 V. Most importantly, the exceptional performance enabled by room temperature synthesis suggests high potential adaptability of this process toward wearable UV sensors, shedding lights on the strategy of modifying weakly bonded porous nanostructures for improved physical properties.
Synergistically Utilizing a Liquid Bridge and Interconnected Porous Superhydrophilic Structures to Achieve a One‐Step Fog Collection Mode
Authors: Chen Mingshuo , Sun Wei , Liu Hongtao , Luo Qiang , Wang Yining , Huan Jinmu , Hou Yongping , Zheng Yongmei
Published: July 2024

Conventional fog collection efficiency is subject to the inherent inefficiencies of its three constituent steps: fog capture, coalescence, and transportation. This study presents a liquid bridge synergistic fog collection system (LSFCS) by synergistically utilizing a liquid bridge and interconnected porous superhydrophilic structures (IPHS). The results indicate that the introduction of liquid bridge not only greatly accelerates water droplet transportation, but also facilitates the IPHS in maintaining rough structures that realize stable and efficient fog capture. During fog collection, the lower section of the IPHS is covered by a water layer, however due to the effect of the liquid bridge, the upper section protrudes out, while covered by a connective thin water film that does not obscure the microstructures of the upper section. Under these conditions, a one‐step fog collection mode is realized. Once captured by the IPHS, fog droplets immediately coalesce with the water film, and are simultaneously transported into a container under the effect of the liquid bridge. The LSFCS achieves a collection efficiency of 6.5 kg m−2 h−1, 2.3 times that of a system without a liquid bridge. This study offers insight on improving fog collection efficiency, and holds promise for condensation water collection or droplet manipulation.
Entropy‐Dominated Triplet Exciton Emission in Carbon Dots
Authors: Xiang Zhi‐Yu , Cao Qing , Hu Yan‐Wei , Song Shi‐Yu , Zhou Ying , Gao Chao‐Jun , Shan Chong‐Xin , Liu Kai‐Kai
Published: July 2024

Phosphorescence in carbon dots (CDs) from triplet exciton radiative recombination at room temperature has achieved significant advancement. Confinement and nanoconfinement, serving as valuable techniques, are commonly utilized to brighten triplet exciton in CDs, thereby enhancing their phosphorescence. However, a comprehensive and universally applicable physical description of confinement‐enhanced phosphorescence is still lacking, despite efforts to understand its underlying nature. In this study, the dominance of entropy is revealed in triplet exciton emission from CDs through the establishment of a microscopic vibration state model. CDs with varying entropy levels are studied, indicating that in a low entropy system, the multi‐energy triplet exciton emission in CDs exhibits enhanced brightness, accompanied by a corresponding increase in their lifetimes. The product of lifetime and intensity in CDs serves as a descriptor for their phosphorescence properties. Moreover, an entropy‐dependent information variation system based on the CDs is demonstrated. Specifically, in a low‐entropy system, information is retained, whereas the corresponding information is erased in a high‐entropy system. This work elucidates the underlying physical nature of confinement‐enhanced triplet exciton emission, offering a deeper understanding of achieving ultralong phosphorescence in the future.
Tri‐Step Water‐Assisted Strategy for Suppressing Cs4PbBr6 Phase in Printable Carbon‐Based CsPbBr3 Solar Cells to Achieve High Stability
Authors: Cen Ronghao , Shao Wu , Wu Wenjun
Published: July 2024

Often deemed the “natural nemesis” of perovskites, water molecules have been largely circumvented by the majority of researchers in the field of perovskite solar cells. This has resulted in significant hurdles in investigating the beneficial impacts of water molecules on perovskite crystallization. Herein, it is found that by utilizing ethanol with minimal water content and subjecting all‐inorganic perovskite to three distinct annealing temperatures within the same solvent, the residual CsBr can be effectively removed, and the formation of the Cs4PbBr6 phase can be curtailed. By selecting an optimal water content, substantial improvements are observed in the crystalline quality of CsPbBr3, the perovskite/carbon interface, and the mesoporous filling effect. The Urbach energy (Eu) is reduced from 38.96 to 35.59 meV, and the defect density decreased from 4.16 × 1014 to 3.39 × 1014 cm−3. As a result, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) improved from 7.55% in the control group to 9.37%. Under severe environmental conditions with a temperature (T) of 85 °C and a relative humidity (RH) of 40%, tracking tests over 1200 h retained 89.3% of the initial PCE. This research signifies a breakthrough in the fabrication of highly stable and efficient all‐inorganic printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells.
Integrating Polyoxometalates and Silver Clusters into Atomically Precise Molecular Heterojunction
Authors: Wang Jia‐Qi , Zhou Meng‐Qi , Yang Di‐Feng , Cai Li‐Hong , Xiang Shengchang , Fan Xi , Zhang Jindan , Zhang Zhangjing
Published: July 2024

The Ag cluster–POM assemblies have been shown to possess interesting and potentially useful properties. However, there is no precedent example of atomically precise Ag cluster–POM assemblies showing heterojunction effects in photocatalysis. Herein, the synthesis and total structure determination of the periodically distributed molecular heterojunction [Ag12(SCy)6(CH3CN)12(PW12O40)]n (Ag12‐PW12) are reported. The assembly of Ag/W clusters into 3D network can endow the resulting binary structure with an aesthetic topology and unique physicochemical properties. More remarkably, the incorporation of Ag12 cluster with PW12 can efficiently facilitate the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, thus significantly promoting the catalytic efficiency in selective oxidation of sulfides. The Ag12‐PW12 heterojunction can be recovered and reused five times with no drastic change in the catalytic performance. This research is expected to assist in the rational design of cluster‐based heterojunction catalysts. The increase of catalytic activity of the Ag12‐PW12 assembly in comparison with the unassembled Ag12 and PW12 clusters is attributed to the synergistic effect of Ag12 and PW12 clusters, offering the splendid opportunity for deciphering structure–reactivity relationship of heterostructure‐coupled photosystem.
Vietnamese Insights into Cognitive Aging Program (VIP): Objectives, study design, and cohort description
Authors: Meyer Oanh L. , Farias Sarah Tomaszewski , Whitmer Rachel A. , Kanaya Alka M. , Harvey Danielle , Hinton Ladson , Tiet Quyen Q. , Vuong Quyen , Gavett Brandon , Park Van Ta
Published: July 2024

Introduction

There is a dearth of research on cognitive aging and dementia in Asian Americans, particularly in Vietnamese Americans, the fourth largest Asian subgroup in the United States.

Methods

The Vietnamese Insights into Cognitive Aging Program (VIP) investigates early life adversity and war‐related trauma and their associations with cognitive health in a community‐based sample of older Vietnamese Americans in Northern California (i.e., Sacramento and Santa Clara counties). Baseline measurements include a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, including measures of global cognition along with executive function, semantic memory, and episodic memory. Data also include measures of functioning, early life adversity and trauma exposure, and psychosocial and traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. Cognitive assessments will be repeated twice over the course of the data collection period, approximately 12‐ and 24‐ months post‐baseline. Blood samples collected during Wave 2 will be assayed for biochemical risk factors.

Results

Baseline assessments were conducted from January 2022 to November 2023, with N = 548 Vietnamese Americans; mean age ± SD was 73 ± 5.31 years and 55% of participants were women. There were significant differences in social factors by site, with Santa Clara participants having higher education (some college or higher: Sacramento, ≈25%; Santa Clara: ≈48%) and marginally higher incomes compared to Sacramento participants. A higher percentage of Santa Clara participants reported speaking English well or very well (24%) compared to Sacramento participants (13%), although the majority of the entire sample (81%) reported speaking some to no English (response options: not at all; some/a little bit; well/very well).

Discussion

This longitudinal study providea a unique opportunity to more fully delineate psychosocial factors that contribute to dementia disparities in diverse and under‐engaged populations. Future work will examine cognition, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia, and other health outcomes, while controlling for site differences in all analyses.

Highlights

Vietnamese Insights into Cognitive Aging Program (VIP) is a new study.

VIP has detailed early life and health data on 548 older Vietnamese Americans.

History of war and trauma may contribute to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD)–related burden.

VIP may provide insight into ADRD burden in other understudied groups.
Structural Studies of Piperidino‐Alanes with Halide, Amide and Hydride as further Ligands at Aluminum
Authors: Veith Michael , Kirs Tatjana , Morgenstern Bernd , Huch Volker
Published: July 2024

Nine different derivatives of piperidino alanes of the general formula (CH2)5N‐AlXY [X=Y=Cl (1), Br (2), I (3); X=(CH2)5N, Y=Cl (4), Br (5), I (6); X=H, Y=Cl (7), Br (8), I (9)] have been synthesized and compared with respect to their structures. All molecules form dimers with an Al2N2 central cycle and aluminum and nitrogen atoms in distorted tetrahedral environments as determined from X‐ray diffraction. The three dihalide derivatives 1, 2 and 3 have C2h (2/m) symmetries in solution of which they maintain the Centro symmetry in the crystal lattice. The bis(piperidino) derivatives 4, 5 and 6 have either C1 (1) symmetry with the bridging piperidino cycles oriented in the same direction (4, 5) or Ci (ī) point symmetry as found for 6 (in solution at least one other isomer is present). Whereas the chlorine derivative 7 has crystallographic Ci (ī) symmetry, the bromine 8 has almost C2 and the iodine 9 crystallographic C2 (2) point symmetry. In solution all derivatives 7, 8, 9 show equilibria between cis (C2) and trans (Ci) isomeric forms (27Al NMR). The longest Al−N bond lengths within the rings are found for 5 (1.969(4) Å) and the shortest for 8 (1.940(4) Å). The ratio of Al⋅⋅⋅Al to N⋅⋅⋅N non‐bonding distances in the almost square rings vary with the bulkiness of the terminal ligands at aluminum.
Regionalisation of International Initiatives: Case Study of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG)
Authors: Khamzaev Dilaver
Published: July 2024

The Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG), as a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)–style regional body (FSRB), synchronises national legislations across Central Asia to combat money laundering and financing terrorism through FATF mechanisms, aiming to eliminate external stresses on large economies. However, the hardening of FATF’s soft law approach through establishing power relationships with international organisations and several states, as well as mutual evaluation practices has been questioned given the imposition of minority interests on the majority through involvement in FATF activities. But, the role of individual states in FSRB activities, which directly coordinates the anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime in the region, has received scant scholarly attention. Thus, using open-source data from the official EAG website and its mutual evaluation reports, I evaluated the level of participation of member-states in its activities. My analysis revealed the dominance of one state (the Russian Federation) in EAG activities, despite the presence of other economically strong member-states (China and India). This chapter shows that flexible FATF governance practices, aimed at synchronising national AML/CFT legislation, can enable dominant economies to influence regional territories aligned with their geopolitical interests.
Germany’s Hydrogen Strategy: Securing Industrial Leadership in a Carbon–Neutral Economy
Authors: Nunez Almudena , Quitzow Rainer
Published: July 2024

This chapter provides a review of Germany’s import-oriented hydrogen strategy. It places the German policy approach in the context of its broader energy transition strategy, aimed not only at a transition of Germany’s energy and industrial system to carbon neutrality by 2045 but also at the promotion of the German Energiewende approach abroad. The chapter begins by providing a short review of the German Energiewende policy legacy, relating it to it emerging hydrogen policy. On this basis, it provides a comprehensive review of Germany’s national hydrogen strategy with a particular focus on its outward-oriented elements. The chapter closes with discussion of key strengths and weaknesses and the broader geopolitical and geoeconomic implications of the strategy.
Hydrogen Affairs in Hungary’s Politically Confined Ambition
Authors: Szabo John
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen is a much-discussed facet of Hungary’s energy transition that has seen little progress in practice but offers an important tool to extend the government’s foreign and energy policy. Policy-making in Hungary is highly centralised and government ambitions have prioritised the continued role of nuclear power, natural gas, and solar photovoltaics. These closely trace foreign policy priorities are well, given that the former two entrench relations with Russia and the latter enhances energy autonomy and allows the country to meet EU climate targets. A hydrogen economy supports such ambitions, while the government has also welcomed EU funds and foreign investment into novel (green) technologies that increase the value added in the economy. Domestic demand offers a secondary, but nonetheless important, push for the uptake of hydrogen, as it is envisioned to play a role in industry and transportation. Hungary’s case shows how pre-existing political economic confines shape the uptake of hydrogen, as governments and other key actors take action while disrupting pre-existing practices to the least extent possible.
Trends in Research on State Socialist Globalization: The Old and the New Mainstream
Authors: Tomka Béla
Published: July 2024

This chapter reviews recent developments of research on the history of globalization in post-war East Central Europe, and more broadly in Eastern Europe, and deconstructs the arguments presented in the revisionist perspective on state socialist globalization. Several influential works have undertaken a thorough revision of conventional approaches to the globalization of European state socialist countries. It is contended that the region became much more globalized in the three or four decades following World War II than previously thought. This new understanding highlights distinctive structural and temporal patterns of globalization within the region. In particular, the globalization of this region was shaped by its relations with the Global South, as the expansion of East-South links largely offset the deficits in their relations with the Western world. Furthermore, the year 1989 assumes a new role in the globalization process; several authors explicitly refute the notion that the regime changes accelerated the region's globalization, arguing instead that these changes only altered the nature of the region's globalization.
How to Conceptualize State Socialist Globalization?
Authors: Tomka Béla
Published: July 2024

This chapter discusses the plausibility of key concepts competing in the interpretation of state socialist globalization, particularly ‘alternative globalization’ and ‘socialist protoglobalization’. Throughout the state socialist era, countries in East Central Europe, as well as Eastern European nations overall, sustained moderate economic and cultural ties with the Global South. East-South trade represented only a small fraction of world trade, and the East-South relationship cannot be considered central to the Third World either. Similarly, cultural ties with the Global South had little impact on the East Central European societies. The notion of an ‘alternative globalization’, as proposed by revisionist approaches to Eastern European state socialist globalization, does not seem useful because the connections that the East Central European countries established with the Third World could not compensate for their limited links with the West. Instead of ‘alternative’, the terms ‘fragmented’, ‘selective’, and ‘uneven’ appear more valid for conceptualizing state socialist globalization. Focusing on these features of globalization in state socialist East Central Europe can bridge the gap between earlier approaches that focused on the region’s isolation and more recent revisionist research.
Chat-Messenger-Nutzung in der Parkinson-Versorgung
Authors: Naegele A. , Schwaninger I. , Toenges L. , Eggers C. , Warnecke T. , Weigand C. , Klucken J.
Published: July 2024

Hintergrund

Die Nachfrage nach Chat-Messengern für den Austausch zwischen Ärzten, Therapeuten und ihren Patienten steigt. Die Erwartungen an die Chat-Messenger und Unsicherheiten hinsichtlich Einführung und Nutzung sind heterogen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Implementierung eines Chat-Messengers in die Parkinson-Versorgung soll durch die Formulierung einführungs- und anwendungsrelevanter Empfehlungen vereinfacht werden.

Methodik

Semistrukturierte Interviews mit Neurologen und Physiotherapeuten wurden durchgeführt, um die Erwartungen an die Nutzung von Chat-Messengern zu erfassen, welche die Basis für die abgeleiteten Empfehlungen bildeten.

Ergebnisse

Die Erwartungen an die technische Funktionalität übersteigen die Funktionen von Chat-Messenger. Das betrifft z. B. die Anbindung des Chat-Messengers an die elektronische Patientenakte. Insbesondere auch bei den anzuwendenden Regelungen der Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO) herrscht große Unsicherheit. Die Empfehlungen, die sich auf die Nutzung der Chat-Messenger, auf die Aspekte des Datenschutzes, die Gestaltung dieser Technologien und methodische Überlegungen beziehen, sollen bei der Implementierung des Tools als zusätzlichen Kommunikationskanal helfen.

Diskussion

Aus den Ergebnissen leiten sich Empfehlungen zur Funktionalität, dem Umgang mit Chat-Messengern im Alltag und in Bezug zum Datenschutz ab. Durch Verbesserung der Kenntnisse bei den Gesundheitsberuflern und Beachtung dieser Handlungsanweisungen können Ärzte und Therapeuten zu einer erfolgreichen Etablierung des Chat-Messengers als zusätzliches Kommunikationstool beitragen.
Das Basler Modell der prinzipienorientierten klinischen Ethikkonsultation 2.0
Authors: Schürmann Jan , Wetterauer Charlotte , Westermair Anna Lisa , Trachsel Manuel
Published: July 2024

Hintergrund

Die Wirksamkeit klinischer Ethikberatung in der Medizin hinsichtlich der Zufriedenheit der Beteiligten, der Unterstützung ethischer Entscheidungsfindung, der wahrgenommenen Auswirkungen auf die klinische Versorgung, der moralischen Kompetenz und der Qualität der Kommunikation ist inzwischen empirisch gut belegt. Auch in der Psychiatrie verfügen immer mehr Einrichtungen über Strukturen klinischer Ethikberatung. Es fehlt jedoch nach wie vor an evaluativer Begleitforschung zum Nutzen und zur differenziellen Indikation der verschiedenen Formen und Modelle klinischer Ethikberatung in der Psychiatrie.

Ziel der Arbeit

Der Artikel präsentiert die Grundlagen und die schrittweise Anwendung der prinzipienorientierten klinischen Ethikkonsultation nach dem Basler Modell 2.0.

Material und Methoden

Der Artikel stützt sich auf Materialien und Verfahren, die an der Abteilung Klinische Ethik des Universitätsspitals Basel und der Universitären Psychiatrischen Kliniken Basel zur prinzipienorientierten klinischen Ethikkonsultation nach dem Basler Modell 2.0 entwickelt wurden.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Die prinzipienorientierte klinische Ethikkonsultation nach dem Basler Modell 2.0 eignet sich, um moralische Fragen und Konflikte in der psychiatrischen Praxis zu bearbeiten und ethisch zu reflektieren. Es braucht jedoch weitere evaluative Begleitforschung zum Nutzen und zur differenziellen Indikation dieses und weiterer Modelle klinischer Ethikberatung in der Psychiatrie.
A Mattila–Sjölin theorem for simplices in low dimensions
Authors: Palsson Eyvindur Ari , Romero Acosta Francisco
Published: July 2024

In this paper we show that if a compact set $$E \subset {\mathbb {R}}^d$$

E
⊂

R

d

, $$d \ge 3$$

d
≥
3

, has Hausdorff dimension greater than $$\frac{(4k-1)}{4k}d+\frac{1}{4}$$

(
4
k
-
1
)

4
k

d
+

1
4

when $$3 \le d<\frac{k(k+3)}{(k-1)}$$

3
≤
d
<

k
(
k
+
3
)

(
k
-
1
)

or $$d- \frac{1}{k-1}$$

d
-

1

k
-
1

when $$\frac{k(k+3)}{(k-1)} \le d$$

k
(
k
+
3
)

(
k
-
1
)

≤
d

, then the set of congruence class of simplices with vertices in E has nonempty interior. By set of congruence class of simplices with vertices in E we mean $$\begin{aligned} \Delta _{k}(E) = \left\{ \textbf{t} = \left( t_{ij} \right) : |x_i-x_j|=t_{ij}; \ x_i,x_j \in E; \ 0\le i < j \le k \right\} \subset {\mathbb {R}}^{\frac{k(k+1)}{2}} \end{aligned}$$

Δ
k

(
E
)

=

t
=

t

ij

:

|

x
i

-

x
j

|

=

t

ij

;

x
i

,

x
j

∈
E
;

0
≤
i
<
j
≤
k

⊂

R

k
(
k
+
1
)

2

where $$2 \le k <d$$

2
≤
k
<
d

. This result improves the previous best results in the sense that we now can obtain a Hausdorff dimension threshold which allow us to guarantee that the set of congruence class of triangles formed by triples of points of E has nonempty interior when $$d=3$$

d
=
3

as well as extending to all simplices. The present work can be thought of as an extension of the Mattila–Sjölin theorem which establishes a non-empty interior for the distance set instead of the set of congruence classes of simplices.
Origin-specific differences in the durability of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) wood against wood-destroying basidiomycetes
Authors: Brischke C. , Stolze H. , Koddenberg T. , Vek V. , Caesar C. M. C. , Steffen B. , Taylor A. M. , Humar M.
Published: July 2024

Global climate change is accompanied by a change in tree composition in many regions. In Europe, the distribution areas of many species are expanding towards the north so that, among others, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), which is native to the USA and has long been established in south-eastern Europe, is also becoming increasingly important in central and northern Europe. Many other tree species are known to have different properties between their original and new locations, including the biological durability of the wood. Hence, the resistance of black locust wood against decay fungi was studied concerning origin-specific differences. Wood was sampled from seven different origins in Europe and original habitats in the United States. Fungal incubation experiments were conducted, wood extractives were analysed, and different anatomical characteristics were quantified such as ring width, vessel size distribution and the presence of tyloses. In addition to differences in durability between juvenile and mature wood, origin-specific differences within the mature heartwood were attributed to extractive contents and the percentages of earlywood vessels containing tyloses. Based on parameters that contributed at least 20% to mass loss, susceptibility to fungal decay was modelled with multiple regressions.
Bdellovibrio’s prey-independent lifestyle is fueled by amino acids as a carbon source
Authors: Herencias Cristina , Rivero-Buceta Virginia , Salgado Sergio , Hernández-Herreros Natalia , Baquero Fernando , del Campo Rosa , Nogales Juan , Prieto M. Auxiliadora
Published: July 2024

Identifying the nutritional requirements and growth conditions of microorganisms is crucial for determining their applicability in industry and understanding their role in clinical ecology. Predatory bacteria such as Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus have emerged as promising tools for combating infections by human bacterial pathogens due to their natural killing features. Bdellovibrio’s lifecycle occurs inside prey cells, using the cytoplasm as a source of nutrients and energy. However, this lifecycle supposes a challenge when determining the specific uptake of metabolites from the prey to complete the growth inside cells, a process that has not been completely elucidated. Here, following a model-based approach, we illuminate the ability of B. bacteriovorus to replicate DNA, increase biomass, and generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in an amino acid-based rich media in the absence of prey, keeping intact its predatory capacity. In this culture, we determined the main carbon sources used and their preference, being glutamate, serine, aspartate, isoleucine, and threonine. This study offers new insights into the role of predatory bacteria in natural environments and establishes the basis for developing new Bdellovibrio applications using appropriate metabolic and physiological methodologies.

Key points

• Amino acids support axenic lifestyle of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus.

• B. bacteriovorus preserves its predatory ability when growing in the absence of prey.
The role of clonal progression leading to the development of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms
Authors: Guarnera Luca , Pascale Maria Rosaria , Hajrullaj Hajro , Cristiano Antonio , Mallegni Flavia , Onorato Angelo , Voso Maria Teresa , Fabiani Emiliano
Published: July 2024

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) are characterized by aggressive features and a dismal prognosis. Recent evidence suggests a higher incidence of t-MN in individuals harboring clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). In order to gain insight into CHIP-driven malignant progression, we gathered data from ten published reports with available detailed patient characteristics at the time of primary malignancy and t-MN development. Detailed clinical and molecular information on primary malignancy and t-MN were available for 109 patients: 43% harbored at least one somatic mutation at the time of the primary malignancy. TET2 and TP53 mutations showed an increasing variant allele frequency from CHIP to t-MN. ASXL1-associated CHIP significantly correlated with the emergence of TET2 and CEBPA mutations at t-MN, as well as U2AF1-driven CHIP with EZH2 mutation and both IDH2 and SRSF2-driven CHIP with FLT3 mutation. DNMT3A-driven CHIP correlated with a lower incidence of TP53 mutation at t-MN. In contrast, TP53-driven CHIP correlated with a complex karyotype and a lower tendency to acquire new mutations at t-MN. Patients with multiple myeloma as their first malignancy presented a significantly higher rate of TP53 mutations at t-MN. The progression from CHIP to t-MN shows different scenarios depending on the genes involved. A deeper knowledge of CHIP progression mechanisms will allow a more reliable definition of t-MN risk.