bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germline FAS gene mutation in a case of ALPS and NLP Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: van den Berg Anke , Maggio Ewerton , Diepstra Arjan , de Jong Debora , van Krieken Johan , Poppema Sibrand
Published: July 2002

FAS germline mutations have been associated with the development of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). Occurrence of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has been reported in 2 families with ALPS. In both families an uncle of the index patient developed HL. A 15-year-old boy with autoimmune thrombopenia, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly for 6 years was studied. In an axillary lymph node biopsy nodular lymphocyte predominant (NLP) HL was diagnosed; in the areas between the nodules a proliferation of double-negative blastic T cells were present, suggestive of ALPS. Analysis for the presence of aFAS gene mutation using the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis technique indicated a mutation in exon 9. Direct sequence analysis revealed a mutation causing a substitution of arginine with glutamine at codon 234. Because ALPS and NLP HL are both highly infrequent conditions, the occurrence in at least 3 families suggests a causative relationship between germline FAS gene mutations and NLP HL.
Secretion of heparin-binding protein from human neutrophils is determined by its localization in azurophilic granules and secretory vesicles
Authors: Tapper Hans , Karlsson Anna , Mörgelin Matthias , Flodgaard Hans , Herwald Heiko
Published: July 2002

Human neutrophils have an important role in host defense against microbial infection. At different stages of an infectious process, neutrophils progressively up-regulate receptors and release various effector molecules. These are stored in several distinct types of granules with varying propensity to be secreted. Heparin-binding protein (HBP), also known as CAP37 or azurocidin, is a multifunctional, inactive serine-protease homologue. The present work shows that HBP is released from neutrophils on stimulation with secretagogues that do not trigger the secretion of azurophilic granule content. Therefore, the subcellular localization of HBP was investigated in more detail. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that HBP was localized close to the plasma membrane. Further analysis by fractionation of postnuclear supernatants from cavitated neutrophils showed that HBP is stored in azurophilic granules and secretory vesicles but that it is also detected to a minor extent in the plasma membrane. These findings were confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy showing that HBP colocalized with marker proteins of azurophilic granules and secretory vesicles. The presence of HBP in secretory vesicles possibly depends on the stage of cell differentiation, since the promyelocytic cell line HL-60 contains less HBP than mature neutrophils, stored exclusively in the less easily mobilized azurophilic granules. Our findings suggest that HBP can be synthesized or targeted to easily mobilized compartments at a late stage of neutrophil maturation. The ability of neutrophils to secrete HBP from secretory vesicles may be important for proinflammatory functions of this protein, such as the alteration of vascular permeability.
An investigation into the engineering of the drapability of fabric
Authors: Stylios George K. , Powell Norman J. , Cheng Lu
Published: July 2002

The drape attributes of fabrics, number of folds, depth of folds and evenness of folds were measured together with the drape coefficient. The relationship between these measurements and the subjective evaluation of the fabric drape were modelled for each end use on a neural network using back propagation, which can correctly predict the grades of 90% of the samples. The relationship between the drape attributes and fabric bending, shear and weight was also modelled using neural networks. It was found that using the natural logarithm of the material property divided first by the weight of the fabric produced the most predictive model. Together, these models provide a powerful predictive tool to determine both the drape attributes and the drape grade from the mechanical properties of a fabric. The accuracy of the prediction of this system was found to be 83% overall. Combining this with a novel feedback system (Stylios and Cheng, in preparation), the drape grade or drape attributes of a fabric can be modified to fit customer requirements and then the changes to the material properties required to achieve them can be determined.
Soluble VCAM-1 is a very early marker of endothelial cell activation in cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Andresen Tonje Katrine , Svennevig Jan L , Videm Vibeke
Published: July 2002

Cardiopulmonary bypass causes a systemic inflammatory reaction, which leads to endothelial activation with increased expression of adhesion molecules. The study aim was to test whether activated endothelial cells secrete measurable amounts of soluble adhesion molecules during the time course of routine heart surgery, and whether these markers correlate with cellular activation responses. Endothelial cells from human umbilical cords were cultured by standard methods and stimulated with endotoxin. After 2 h, the expression of membrane-bound E-selectin on the cells had increased significantly ( p= 0.04), whereas soluble VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1) had increased significantly in the culture media ( p= 0.03). In agreement with these findings, sVCAM-1 increased from 399 ng/ml (median) to 581 ng/ml within 3 h postoperatively in sera from 11 patients undergoing open heart surgery ( p= 0.003). sVCAM-1, therefore, may be suitable as an early marker of endothelial activation related to the systemic inflammation after open heart surgery. The clinical significance of sVCAM-1 measurements must be further evaluated in future patient studies.
A review of the mid-Holocene elm decline in the British Isles
Authors: Parker A. G. , Goudie A. S. , Anderson D. E. , Robinson M. A. , Bonsall C.
Published: July 2002

Over the past 50 years the most enigmatic feature of pollen diagrams from northwest Europe has been the mid-Holocene ‘elm decline’, and there has been much speculation as to the origin(s) and cause(s) of this event. A total of 150 radiocarbon dates from 139 sites spanning the elm decline in Britain and Ireland have been collated and scrutinized. Statistical analyses on 138 dates show that the event has a mean date of 5036 14C yr BP with a standard deviation of ± 247. Calibration of the dates and combining the sum probabilities yielded a range spanning 6347-5281 cal yr BP (1s), covering 1066 years. The start of the elm decline event lies between 6343 and 6307 cal yr BP (1s), a period of 36 years, indicating that the onset was rapid. The end of the event lies between 5290 and 5420 cal yr BP (1s), a period of 130 years. The probability distribution indicates that the elm decline was a uniform phased event across the British Isles. It appears that the elm decline can be explained to a large extent by the outbreak of disease. However, recent research on palaeoclimatic change and the nature of the transition from the Mesolithic to Neolithic in the British Isles suggests that both climatic change and human activities were implicated. It was probably the interplay between these factors, rather than any in isolation, that catalyzed the widespread, catastrophic decline of elm populations during the mid-Holocene.
An assessment of asbestos body formation in extrapulmonary sites: liver and spleen
Authors: Williams Marion Glenn , Dodson Ronald F , Dickson Eric W , Fraire Armando E
Published: July 2002

Study Objectives: Asbestos bodies (ABs) form as asbestos fibers become coated by a cellular iron- and protein-rich matrix. ABs have been reported in lymph nodes and a few extrapulmonary sites, but no data exist as to their formation outside of the lung. It is not clear whether the AB found in these extrapulmonary areas have been transported as mature structures from the lung or formed at the extrapulmonary site. This study was designed to determine if ABs are produced in extrapulmonary sites. The guinea pig efficiently forms ferruginous bodies in the lung and so it was chosen as a model to test the coating efficiency of amosite asbestos fibers in lung, liver and spleen. Design: Sized amosite asbestos (5 mg) was administered either endotracheally into lung (n=2) or directly into liver (n=4) and spleen (n=4) of healthy 10-week-old male guinea pigs. The lung, liver and splenic tissues were removed at 40 and 180 days post inoculation and were examined histologically for the presence of AB via light microscopy. Uncoated fibers isolated from the tissues were characterized by electron microscopy. The coating efficiency was calculated as a ratio of uncoated/coated fibers per organ. Results: The coating efficiency ratios of fibers that were collected at 40 days post-injection from the individual sites were: lung—350:1, liver—4200:1, and spleen—220,000:1. At 6 months post-injection the ratios for the individual sites consisted of: lung—176:1, liver—11,000:1, and spleen—1000:1. Conclusion: This study indicates that AB can be formed in extrapulmonary sites and that the coating efficiency in the lung is much greater than that within the liver or spleen.
Estimating carbon accumulation rates of undrained mires in Finland–application to boreal and subarctic regions
Authors: Turunen Jukka , Tomppo Erkki , Tolonen Kimmo , Reinikainen Antti
Published: July 2002

Equations based on empirical relationships of peat physical properties were used to estimate the average long-term apparent rate of carbon accumulation (LORCA) in Finnish mire vegetation regions. The results were generalized to the boreal and subarctic regions. Analyses of 1302 dated peat cores were used to infer carbon accumulation for each mire vegetation region of Finland. The area-weighted LORCA for Finnish undrained mire areas was 18.5 g m 2 yr 1 and the total carbon sink 0.79 Tg yr 1 (1 Tg = 1012g). The total carbon pool of Finnish undrained mires was estimated as 2257 Tg. The aapa-mire region included 80% of the total net accumulation rate of carbon and 85% of the total carbon reservoirs of Finnish undrained mires. LORCA was signi” cantly higher in the raised-bog region, 26.1 g m 2 yr 1, compared with the aapa-mire region, 17.3 g m 2 yr 1, and bogs generally had a higher LORCA 20.8 g m 2 yr 1, than fens 16.9 g m 2 yr 1. The total C sink for boreal and subarctic mires was estimated at 66 Tg yr 1 which is about 31% lower than the previous estimates. The total C pool of all boreal and subarctic mires was estimated at 270–370 Pg (1 Pg = 1015g).
Association of maternal blood pressure and hemoglobin level with organochlorines in human milk
Authors: Siddiqui M KJ , Nigam U , Srivastava S , Tejeshwar D S , Chandrawati
Published: July 2002

Milk samples of women from the general population in Lucknow were analysed by gas–liquid chromatography to determine the concentration of organochlorine pesticides and their possible association with maternal characteristics. p,p0-DDT (dichloro diphenyltrichloroethane),p,p-DDE (dichloro diphenyl trichloroethylene), p,p0-DDD (dichloro diphenyl dichloroethane), ¬, 00ad, fi and flisomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and aldrin were detected. The calculated daily intake of DDT and HCH by the neonates exceeded their acceptable daily intake (ADI) set by the WHO. A statistically significant association was noted between ¬-HCH residues in milk and hemoglobin (Hb) level in maternal blood (P<0.001). Also, there was a significant association between fi-HCH and p,p0-DDT levels in milk and diastolic blood pressure of mother (P<0.05). An apparent negative relationship between p,p0-DDE level in mother's milk and birthweight of the baby was also noticed (P<0.05). These results highlight the need for periodic monitoring to determine organochlorine contamination in human milk and assess their impact on mother and on neonatal health.
Effects of cigarette smoke with different tar contents on hepatic and pulmonary xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in rats
Authors: Eke B C , İşcan M
Published: July 2002

The effects of smoke from cigarettes with two different tar contents (32 mg/cigarette, high tar, and 15 mg/cigarette, low tar) on hepatic and pulmonary monooxygenase (MO) activities (aniline 4-hydroxylase [AH]; aminopyrine N-demethylase [AMND]; 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase [EROD]; p-nitroanisole O-demethylase [p-NAOD]), lipid peroxidation (LP) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities toward several substrates (1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene [CDNB]; 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene [DCNB]; ethacrynic acid [EAA]; 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)-propane [ENPP]) were determined in adult male rats. Adult male rats were exposed to smoke of high-or low-tar cigarettes five times a day, with 1-hour intervals, for 3 days in a chamber where smoke and fresh air lead alternatively and were killed 16 hours after the last treatment. Smoke of both high-and low-tar cigarettes (SHTCC and SLTCC) significantly increased hepatic and pulmonary EROD and p-NAOD activities compared to controls. However, the increase noted by SHTCC on pulmonary EROD activity was higher than that of SLTCC. Hepatic AMND and pulmonary AH activities were significantly increased only by SHTCC. LP level was significantly decreased and increased by SHTCC in liver and lung, respectively, whereas it remained unaltered by SLTCC. Only SHTCC significantly increased GSH level in liver. In the lungs, both SHTCC and SLTCC significantly increased GSH level to the same extent. Hepatic GST activity toward EAA was significantly increased by SHTCC but was significantly decreased by SLTCC. ENPP GST activity was significantly decreased by SHTCC and SLTCC in the livers. In the lungs, all the GST activities examined were significantly depressed by SHTCC whereas only GST activity toward DCNB was reduced significantly by SLTCC. These results reveal that the hepatic and pulmonary MOs and GSTs are differentially influenced by SHTCC and SLTCC in rats.
Invited response to definition of hormesis (EJ Calabrese and LA Baldwin)
Authors: Pickrell J A , Oehme F W
Published: July 2002

Calabrese and Baldwin have proposed the Theory of Hormesis to explain a variety of disparate data. We evaluated the explanation using examples of pulmonary injury, radiation injury to white blood cells and selenium as an essential element, reducer of carcinogenesis and a potential toxicant. Calabrese and Baldwin have fulfilled many of the criteria allowing generalizability of their theory. They have gathered data extensively. These data were logically consistent with their experiences. They needed to examine critically the theory and any theories competing with it. At this point, each theory must be proved, disproved or its limitations clearly stated. It is in this phase that most work is still being accomplished. This examination is important because it provides referents for vigorous outside criticism, the final phase. Calabrese and Baldwin are to be complimented on seeking outside comment. Considerable refinement of the theory has taken place with time.
Comments on the article ‘Defining hormesis’, by EJ Calabrese and LA Baldwin
Authors: Upton A C
Published: July 2002

In view of the diversity of biological responses and the extent to which many of them remain poorly elucidated, there is merit in the suggestion by Calabrese and Baldwin that the term ‘hormesis’ should be applicable to those adaptive responses that are characterized by biphasic dose–response relationships, without reference to any associated beneficial or harmful effects. Whether the dose–response relationships for radiation-induced mutations and chromosome aberrations are biphasic in nature is an important question that remains to be resolved.
The Experience of Spain’s Early Modern Soldiers: Combat, Welfare and Violence
Authors: White Lorraine
Published: July 2002

Between 1500 and 1700, hundreds of thousands of soldiers served in the armies of the Spanish monarchs. Our knowledge of the conditions of service of these men is scant and largely limited to those who served in the Army of Flanders. This article examines the experience of soldiers in the regular armies and the militias in the Iberian peninsula during this period. With a focus on combat, physical and spiritual welfare and the culture of violence, it provides a range of insights into the reality of warfare in mainland Spain. It examines a number of variables which influenced or arose from that experience. These include rates of attrition arising from desertion and casualities; the availability, use and effectiveness of weapons and munitions, along with evidence for ratios of the deployment of artillery; the nature of medical and spiritual assistance; food and drink; association with women; and engagement in and subjection to violence. The article provides incidental evidence for the use in the peninsula in the mid-seventeenth century of tactics associated with the Military Revolution, and for the violent interaction of soldiers with civilians.
Military Marauders in Nineteenth-Century French Popular Culture
Authors: Hopkin David M.
Published: July 2002

Marauding first emerged as a suitable topic for the popular imagery manufacturers located in France’s eastern garrison cities in the wake of the Allied invasions of 1814-15. During the nineteenth century, however, domestic marauders replaced foreign soldiers as a central theme in military imagery. While foreign soldiers were condemned for such actions, French soldiers were lauded for their marauding talent. Marauding was depicted as part of a martial re-education programme, in which rural recruits were taught to despise their peasant origins and to prey on their countrymen. Thus the soldier acquired a new military morality and developed the skills of quick-wittedness and individual bravura so necessary for his new occupation. Because such fl air was conceived of as inherently Gallic, marauding was also a process of becoming more French. For the state authorities, who censored the production of popular imagery and were even major customers (through the schools), such prints were a means of preparing young men for the transformation from peasants into Frenchmen.
Beyond the Boundary Between Science and Values: re-evaluating the moral dimension of the nurse’s role in cot death prevention
Authors: Horstman Klasien , van Rens-Leenaarts Engeline
Published: July 2002

This article combines a philosophical critique of the idea that public health nurses are primary technicians who neutrally hand over scientifically established facts on risks to the public and an empirical analysis of the actual work of public health nurses. It is argued that the relationship between facts and values in public health is complex and that, despite the introduction of several scientifically-based standards and guidelines, public health nurses are not technicians. They do moral work and experience ethical dilemmas. To get a grip on the specific character of this moral work, we distance ourselves from the idea that there are ethical dilemmas in public health nursing for which we can provide general ethical rules and principles. Instead we suggest a contextual ethical approach, in which several different kinds of consideration may be important. To illustrate this, we analysed 15 in-depth interviews with nurses involved in the prevention of cot deaths in the Netherlands. It is shown that these nurses do not neutrally pass on the epidemiological facts on the risks of prone sleeping, warm bedclothes and passive smoking, but they are the moral architects of this preventive practice. It is also shown that this moral work and the ethical dilemmas they experience cannot be characterized in terms of general ethical rules and principles. It becomes clear that the moral work of nurses differs according to the three main risks at stake: the balance between virtue, risk taking and responsibility depends on the specific context.
Nurse Autonomy as Relational
Authors: MacDonald Chris
Published: July 2002

This article seeks an improved understanding of nurse autonomy by looking at nursing through the lens of what recent feminist scholars have called ‘relational’ autonomy. A relational understanding of autonomy means a shift away from older views focused on individuals achieving independence, towards a view that seeks meaningful self-direction within a context of interdependency. The main claim made here is that nurse autonomy is, indeed, relational. The article begins with an explanation of the notion of relational autonomy. It then explains both the collective and the individual application of the term ‘professional autonomy’. Finally, it argues that both senses of professional autonomy are best understood as relational, and suggests some implications of this conclusion.
Measuring vocabulary size in English as an additional language
Authors: Cameron Lynne
Published: July 2002

The paper reports findings from a study in two stages to trial tests of vocabulary size in English as an additional language (EAL). The first, pilot, stage trialled the Levels test (Nation, 1990) and the Yes/No test (Meara, 1992) with secondary students aged 15 years, with an average of 11 years of education in the target language. The Levels test was found more useful, mainly because the inclusion of non-words in the Yes/No test produced unreliable results.

In the second stage, the Levels test was used with students aged 13 and 14 years, 63 students for whom English was an additional language, and 84 monolingual English speakers. The results of the tests show a different profile of scores for EAL than occur in typical EFL contexts. EAL students, who have had on average 10.5 years in English medium education, show gaps in their knowledge of the most frequent words and more serious problems with less frequent words, with important implications for educational achievement. Comparison of mean scores of EAL students and their native speaker peers using t-tests reveal significant differences at 3K and 5K levels.

The study shows that the Levels test offers a useful research and pedagogic tool in additional language learning contexts, yielding an overall picture of receptive vocabulary learning across groups. The test also produces information about individual language development that may help teaching. Implications include the need for further research into the effects of learning environments on language development, andvthe need for skilled intervention in additional language development to continue throughout secondary schooling.
NGOs, civil society and democratization: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Mercer Claire
Published: July 2002

One of the most striking features of the anglophone literature on NGOs is the diversity of NGO sectors and their contributions to civil society and democracy; yet, exploration of this complexity is often eschewed in favour of a normative approach in which the apparently mutually enhancing relationship between NGOs, civil society and the state is underpinned by liberal democratic assumption rather than an engagement with wider debates about the politics of development. Following a critique of this approach to NGOs, civil society and democracy, the paper argues that the role of NGOs in the politics of development is far more complex than much of the NGO literature would suggest, and calls for a more contextualized and less value-laden approach to the understanding of the political role of NGOs.
Phase II Study of Oxaliplatin and Fluorouracil in Taxane- and Anthracycline-Pretreated Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Zelek L. , Cottu P. , Tubiana-Hulin M. , Vannetzel J.-M. , Chollet Ph. , Misset J.-L. , Chouaki N. , Marty M. , Gamelin E. , Culine S. , Dieras V. , Mackenzie S. , Spielmann M.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: Phase II study evaluating efficacy and safety of combined oxaliplatin/fluorouracil (5-FU) in taxane-pretreated advanced and metastatic breast cancer (ABC) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four taxane- and anthracycline-pretreated (within 6 months of study entry) women were treated with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 (2-hour intravenous [IV] infusion), day 1, and 5-FU 1,000 mg/m2/d (continuous IV infusion) days 1 to 4, every 3 weeks.

RESULTS: Median patient age was 51 years (range, 34 to 71 years), with a median of two involved organs (range, one to six organs), and metastases in the liver (70%), bone (47%), and lung (34%). Patients had a median of two prior chemotherapy regimens (range, one to six regimens), and 78% had previous hormonal therapy, with clinical taxane and anthracycline resistance in 53% and 34%, respectively. A total of 367 cycles were administered, with a median of six cycles/patient (range, one to 15 cycles). Sixty patients were assessable for response (World Health Organization criteria): 17 partial response, 26 stable disease, and 17 disease progression, giving an overall response rate of 27% (95% confidence interval, 16.3% to 39.1%), and 26% and 36% in taxane- and anthracycline-resistant populations, respectively, all responders having metastatic liver disease. Median time to progression was 4.8 months, and median overall survival was 11.9 months. Four treatment-related serious adverse events occurred, seven patients withdrew because of treatment-related toxicity. Hematotoxicity was prevalent but rarely severe, with grade 3-4 neutropenia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia in 34%, 19%, and 16% of patients, respectively, and a single episode of febrile neutropenia. One third of patients developed grade 2-3 peripheral neuropathy (oxaliplatin-specific scale), with grade 3 in only 8%.

CONCLUSION: This oxaliplatin/5-FU combination is effective with an excellent safety profile in anthracycline/taxane-pretreated ABC patients, showing encouraging activity in patients with anthracycline/taxane-resistance or visceral disease.
Barriers to Optimal Clinician Guideline Adherence in Management of Markedly Elevated Blood Pressure
Authors: Lu Yuan , Arowojolu Oreoluwa , Qiu Xiaoliang , Liu Yuntian , Curry Leslie A. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: August 2024

IMPORTANCE

Hypertension poses a substantial public health challenge. Despite clinical practice guidelines for hypertension management, clinician adherence to these guidelines remains suboptimal.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a taxonomy of suboptimal adherence scenarios for severe hypertension and identify barriers to guideline adherence.

DESIGN, SETTING, and PARTICIPANTS

This qualitative content analysis using electronic health records (EHRs) of Yale New Haven Health System included participants who had at least 2 consecutive visits with markedly elevated blood pressure (BP; defined as at least 2 consecutive readings of systolic BP ≥160 mm Hg and diastolic BP ≥100 mm Hg) between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2021, and no prescription for antihypertensive medication within a 90 days of the second BP measurement. Data analysis was conducted from January to December 2023.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was scenarios and influencing factors contributing to clinician nonadherence to the guidelines for hypertension management. A thematic analysis of EHR data was conducted to generate a pragmatic taxonomy of scenarios of suboptimal clinician guideline adherence in the management of severe hypertension.

RESULTS

Of the 20 654 patients who met criteria, 200 were randomly selected and thematic saturation was reached after analyzing 100 patients (mean [SD] age at index visit, 66.5 [12.8] years; 50 female [50%]; 8 Black [8%]; 5 Hispanic or Latino [5%]; 85 White [85%]). Three content domains emerged: (1) clinician-related scenarios (defined as noninitiation or nonintensification of treatment due to issues relating to clinician intention, capability, or scope), which included 2 subcategories (did not address and diffusion of responsibility); (2) patient-related scenarios (defined as noninitiation or nonintensification of treatment due to patient behavioral considerations), which included 2 subcategories (patient nonadherence and patient preference); and (3) clinical complexity–related scenarios (defined as noninitiation or nonintensification of treatment due to clinical situational complexities), which included 3 subcategories (diagnostic uncertainty, maintenance of current intervention, and competing medical priorities).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this qualitative study of EHR data, a taxonomy of suboptimal adherence scenarios for severe hypertension was developed and barriers to guideline adherence were identified. This pragmatic taxonomy lays the foundation for developing targeted interventions to improve clinician adherence to guidelines and patient outcomes.
Geometrical Parameters Investigation of a Zig‐Zag Soft Pneumatic Actuators
Authors: Yoon Jingon , Yun Dongwon
Published: August 2024

Unlike conventional rigid robots, soft robots utilize soft materials that allow them to deform based on their structure, enabling safe interaction with humans. Among various pneumatic actuators in soft robotics, pneumatic network (PneuNet) actuators, which consist of bellows‐like chambers, enable bending and repetitive actions with minimal material deformation at low pressures. Given that the performance of PneuNet actuators is affected by their geometric parameters, considering the impact of geometric variations is crucial in this field. Herein, the effect of geometrical parameters on a zig‐zag soft pneumatic actuator, and an improved version of conventional PneuNet actuators designed for enhanced performance are investigated. Finite element analysis (FEA) indicates that smaller gaps between chambers, thinner bottom layers, and taller chamber heights result in greater bending under the same pressure within the tested parameter range. Experimental results reveal a 30.9% larger bending angle than that of conventional actuators with the same parameters. The FEA results are consistent with the experimental data, exhibiting an error of 10.2%. Furthermore, the tip and grip forces are 1.45 times and 1.3 times larger, respectively, compared to conventional actuators. These results provide direction for the design of zig‐zag soft pneumatic actuators, showcasing improved performance over conventional soft actuators.
Data ‐Driven Long‐Term Energy Efficiency Prediction of Dielectric Elastomer Artificial Muscles
Authors: Li Ang (Leo) , Cuvin Phil , Lee Siyoung , Gu Jiahao , Tugui Codrin , Duduta Mihai
Published: August 2024

The widespread adoption of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) as compliant artificial muscle is on the horizon after a wide range of prototype demonstrations. The next step is to accelerate the material optimization for specific design requirements. This work proposes a data‐driven framework to predict long‐term DEA energy consumption and efficiency using measurements of initial electrical properties. DEA datasets are generated from 242 pre‐stretched single‐layer actuators and 53 multi‐layer bending actuators actuated for 30–180min. Devices are made with different elastomer and electrode materials, and tested with a novel instrument that can measure multiple aspects of DEA actuation. First, experiments are conducted to develop an empirical understanding of the electro‐mechanical energy conversion mechanism and the impact of material choices during DEA actuation. Second, data‐driven models are applied to the datasets to predict energy consumption and efficiency. Third, the potential generalization of this approach is investigated by using transfer learning strategies to predict energy efficiency at 100 min with as little as 1 min of input data. Moreover, it is found that linear regression can extend the prediction up to 180 min. Additionally, transfer learning is applied to predict energy‐related properties of multi‐layer DEAs using a small dataset. The proposed data‐driven framework can evolve into an intelligent system for accelerating new material discovery by predicting performance and providing device optimization strategies.
Achieving 19.4% Efficiency Polymer Solar Cells by Reducing Backbone Disorder in Donor Terpolymers
Authors: Zhang Guangjun , Wu Qingxing , Duan Yuwei , Liu Wanqiang , Jeong Sang Young , Woo Han Young , Zhao Qiming , Zhou Hu
Published: August 2024

The ternary copolymerization strategy has emerged as a promising strategy for developing high‐efficiency donor polymers in polymer solar cells (PSCs). Terpolymers based on the star polymer PM6 have already realized good photovoltaic performance. However, challenges such as the intricate synthesis of fluorine‐substituted benzodithiophene (F‐BDT) unit of PM6 and entropy increase induced by backbone disorder have hindered the construction of high‐performance donor terpolymers. In this work, these challenges are addressed by opting for the cost‐effective chlorinated‐substituted benzodithiophene unit (Cl‐BDT) as an alternative to F‐BDT and incorporating the large dipole moment and electron‐deficient TPD group as the third component into the high‐performance donor polymer of PM7. As expected, this approach effectively suppresses terpolymer backbone disorder while enhancing crystallinity, thereby optimizing morphology and improving charge generation and transport. Remarkably, the PM7‐TPD‐10‐based device with 10% TPD replacement achieves a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.26%. After introducing PM7‐TPD‐10 as the third component into D18:L8‐BO blend, a dual mechanism for improving the efficiency to 19.40% is realized. This work demonstrates that the high dipole moiety as the third component to construct terpolymers is an important strategy to suppress the backbone disorder and increase the crystallinity, facilitating the optimization of morphology and device performance.
Muticomponent Melt‐Electrowritten Vascular Graft to Mimic and Guide Regeneration of Small Diameter Blood Vessels
Authors: Federici Angelica S. , Garcia Orquidea , Kelly Daniel J. , Hoey David A.
Published: August 2024

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity. Current treatments include vessel substitution using autologous/synthetic vascular grafts, but these commonly fail in small diameter applications, largely due to compliance mismatch and clot formation. In this study, a multicomponent vascular graft, that takes inspiration from native vessel architecture, is developed to overcome these limitations. Melt electrowriting (MEW) is used to produce tubular scaffolds with vascular‐mimetic fiber architecture and mechanics, which is combined with a lyophilized fibrinogen matrix with tailored degradation kinetics to generate a hybrid graft. The MEW framework not only contributes to graft mechanics, but also provides contact guidance to direct cell/neotissue orientation and mimic the native tunica media. This construct is further functionalized with heparin, which in combination with the smooth extracellular matrix (ECM) surface, reduced platelet adhesion and clot formation providing a substrate for endothelization, thereby mimicking the function of the intima. Lastly, an outer electrospun layer representing the adventitia is added to improve elasticity and reduce permeability. This graft satisfies ISO implantability requirements, matches the compliance of native vessels, and reestablishes physiological flow with minimal clot formation in a preclinical model. Therefore, this graft represents an innovative off‐the‐shelf alternative to address the unmet clinical need for small‐diameter vascular grafts.
Cinnamon Particle‐Stabilized Gas Marbles: A Novel Approach for Enhanced Stability and Versatile Applications
Authors: Mukai Eima , Dari Carolina , Yasui Takanori , Yagishita Takuto , Fameau Anne‐Laure , Fujii Syuji
Published: August 2024

Suspension of solid particles at interfaces is a common phenomenon, pivotal in natural, and industrial contexts. This study focuses on gas marbles which are single soap‐like air bubbles in air environment stabilized by colloidal particles. A unique stabilization method employing edible cinnamon particles is introduced. Unlike previous studies using spherical particles, the irregularly‐shaped micrometer‐sized cinnamon particles demonstrate remarkable long‐term stability through jamming and interlocking at the air‐liquid interface. Comprehensive characterization via optical and scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle experiments, elucidates the stabilization mechanism. These gas marbles exhibit exceptional resilience against drying, heating, freezing, and mechanical stress. They can be fabricated with various edible liquids offering extensive customization possibilities. This breakthrough introduces a promising method for creating stable gas marbles with edible particles, offering versatility for various fields and applications. The application scope includes surface catalysis and shock/vibration sensors, and also molecular gastronomy.
Regulating the Oxygen Vacancy on Bi2MoO6/Co3O4 Core‐Shell Nanocage Enables Highly Selective CO2 Photoreduction to CH4
Authors: Fan Jingshan , Shi Liang , Ge Haonan , Liu Jiangchuan , Deng Xiuzheng , Li Zhongyu , Liang Qian
Published: August 2024

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) into high‐value‐added fuels has received significant attention, yet multiple electron and proton processes involved in CO2RR result in low selectivity. Herein, a strategy involving oxygen vacancies (Ovs)‐enriched Bi2MoO6 coated on ZIF‐67‐derived Co3O4 to construct well‐defined core‐shell nanocage is developed, which drives effective CO2 photoconversion to CH4 with nearly 100% selectivity and high apparent quantum efficiency of 2.5% at 420 nm in pure water under simulated irradiation. Theoretical calculations and experiments exhibit that the potential difference stemming from the built‐in electric field provides guarantee for CO2 reduction occurring on Bi2MoO6 and H2O oxidation set in Co3O4. Numerous exposed Bi2MoO6 with Ovs formed in Bi─O bond by ethylene glycol mediated approach promotes the CO2 adsorption and charge separation efficiency, which can optimize the reaction kinetics and thermodynamics, facilitating the hydrogenation of key intermediate *CO to generate CH4. This work provides a new strategy for controlled oxygen vacancy generation on photocatalysts to achieve high‐performance CO2 methanation.
Reliable Fabrication of Mineral‐Graded Scaffolds by Spin‐Coating and Laser Machining for Use in Tendon‐to‐Bone Insertion Repair
Authors: Chen Yidan , Hao Min , Bousso Ismael , Thomopoulos Stavros , Xia Younan
Published: August 2024

A reliable method for fabricating biomimetic scaffolds with a controllable mineral gradient to facilitate the surgical repair of tendon‐to‐bone injuries and the regeneration of the enthesis is reported. The gradient in mineral content is created by sequentially spin‐coating with hydroxyapatite/poly(ε‐caprolactone) suspensions containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in decreasing concentrations. To produce pores and facilitate cell infiltration, the spin‐coated film is released and patterned with an array of funnel‐shaped microchannels by laser machining. The unique design provided both mechanical (i.e., substrate stiffness) and biochemical (e.g., hydroxyapatite content) cues to spatially control the graded differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Immunocytochemical analysis of human mesenchymal stem cell‐seeded scaffolds after 14 days of culture demonstrated the formation of a spatial phenotypic cell gradient from osteoblasts to mineralized chondrocytes based on the level of mineralization in the scaffold. By successfully recreating compositional and cellular features of the native tendon enthesis, the biomimetic scaffolds offer a promising avenue for improved tendon‐to‐bone repair.
AC‐Driven Plasmon Waveguide Integrated Electroluminescent Device
Authors: Yi Xiao , Zhai Jixin , Luo Ziyu , Liu Huawei , Liu Yong , Yang Xin , Tan Qin , Qu Junyu , Liu Bingjie , Jiang Qi , Sun Ronghuan , Zhang Quanlong , Jiang Ying , Chen Shula , Pan Anlian
Published: August 2024

Photonic elements have greater information‐carrying capabilities compared to electronic components, making the development of high‐speed, chip‐integrated optical communication devices crucial for addressing interconnect bottlenecks in high‐speed computing systems. Significant progress has been made in studying light sources and their transmission. Despite these advancements, achieving a satisfactory integration of photonic circuits with both light source and optical waveguide functions has remained a challenge. Here, a silver nanowire (AgNW) waveguide‐integrated light source is demonstrated driven by alternating current (AC) voltage. AgNW functions as both the electrode and waveguide to simplify the device structure, and the 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) monolayer acts as the gain media in device. The electroluminescence (EL) can be tunably modulated via adjusting the frequency and voltage of the AC in this device, and it is also successfully coupled into the waveguide with its transmission distance up to 25 µm. The experiments of electroluminescence and waveguide transmission of different materials and their interlayer excitons have made a preliminary exploration of multiple wavelength transmission. It provides a new research platform forward in the development of chip‐integrated optical communication devices, thereby hopefully addressing the interconnect bottleneck and unlocking the potential for enhanced performance and efficiency in high‐speed computing systems.
New Insights into MAI Additives in 2D‐Assisted 3D Controlled Crystallization Toward High‐Quality α‐Phase FAPbI3 Perovskites
Authors: Liu Tao , Hou Meichen , Hao Wending , Du Shitong , Yang Wenbin , Yuan Yihui , Wang Ning
Published: August 2024

The highly oriented 2D perovskite templates of n = 1 have typically been created to attain controllable and oriented crystallization of 3D α‐phase formamidinium lead triiodide (α‐FAPbI3) perovskites. However, the role of methylammonium iodide (MAI), a widely used α‐FAPbI3 phase stabilizer, in regulating the growth dynamics of 2D/3D perovskites is generally ignored. Herein, Ruddlesden–Popper type n = 1 2D octylammonium lead iodide (OA2PbI4) perovskites are added into FAPbI3 precursor solution. The template of n = 2 (OA2MAPb2I7), which is spontaneously constructed by the mixture of n = 1 2D and methylammonium chloride (MACl), acts as a skeleton to template the epitaxial growth of α‐FAPbI3. However, the volatilization of MACl inevitably causes damage to the 2D structure during thermal annealing. This study reveals that small amounts of less volatile MAI additive enables the creation of stable 2D template, leading to more controlled vertical orientation crystallization. Consequently, the high‐quality mixed‐dimensional perovskite film delivers a high efficiency of 24.19% together with improved intrinsic stability. This work provides an in‐depth understanding of 2D‐assisted controlled epitaxial growth of α‐FAPbI3.
SiMPl‐GS: Advancing Cell Line Development via Synthetic Selection Marker for Next‐Generation Biopharmaceutical Production
Authors: Yoon Chansik , Lee Eun‐ji , Kim Dongil , Joung Siyun , Kim Yujin , Jung Heungchae , Kim Yeon‐Gu , Lee Gyun Min
Published: August 2024

Rapid and efficient cell line development (CLD) process is essential to expedite therapeutic protein development. However, the performance of widely used glutamine‐based selection systems is limited by low selection efficiency, stringency, and the inability to select multiple genes. Therefore, an AND‐gate synthetic selection system is rationally designed using split intein‐mediated protein ligation of glutamine synthetase (GS) (SiMPl‐GS). Split sites of the GS are selected using a computational approach and validated with GS‐knockout Chinese hamster ovary cells for their potential to enable cell survival in a glutamine‐free medium. In CLD, SiMPl‐GS outperforms the wild‐type GS by selectively enriching high producers. Unlike wild‐type GS, SiMPl‐GS results in cell pools in which most cells produce high levels of therapeutic proteins. Harnessing orthogonal split intein pairs further enables the selection of four plasmids with a single selection, streamlining multispecific antibody‐producing CLD. Taken together, SiMPl‐GS is a simple yet effective means to expedite CLD for therapeutic protein production.
Pushing the Operation Current Density of Alkaline Water Oxidation above 1 A cm2 via Electrocatalyst Engineering
Authors: Zhang Wenyan , Wang Kunyan , Tan Lei , Meharban Faiza , Wang Dong , Li Xiaopeng , Lin Chao , Luo Wei
Published: August 2024

Rapid cost reduction of green hydrogen is essential for the large‐scale deployment of hydrogen‐based energy system. A major component in achieving this is the development of advanced water electrolyzers. Sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the bottleneck for water electrolysis, and tremendous efforts have been devoted to develop electrocatalysts that accelerate the OER kinetics. Recent advances have highlighted the potential of precious metal‐free OER electrocatalyst capable of stable operation at current densities above 1 A cm2. This brings an opportunity of constructing new‐generation electrolyzer with lower cost and higher productivity. However, achieving such high operating current densities presents new challenges. This review summarize the recent progress of high‐performance OER catalysts, and identifies key factors that can be leveraged to enhance catalyst activity. These factors include interface/surface engineering, amorphous and crystal phase coupling, hierarchical structure design, structural reconstruction and phase conversion, high entropy catalyst, and defect engineering. Additionally, the pressing challenges that have been largely ignored in previous research is addressed, such as sustaining long‐term stability under crucial conditions, disadvantages of immobilized powder electrocatalysts, electrode scale design, the necessity of designing innovative electrolyzer cell designs and advance characterization techniques.
Medicaid expansion and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: The role of Integrated Eligibility Systems
Authors: Mandal Bidisha
Published: August 2024

Evidence suggests the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion may increase participation in other public programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This study examines a potential mechanism behind these effects. Before the expansion, most states operated Integrated Eligibility Systems that managed enrollment processes for various public programs. In 2014, many states decoupled Medicaid from these platforms following Medicaid's new eligibility criteria. This research examines the impact of Medicaid expansion on integrated systems and SNAP participation, finding higher SNAP participation rates in states with uninterrupted Integrated Eligibility Systems compared to those that delinked their systems or never had such systems.
Advancing self‐healing soy protein hydrogel with dynamic Schiff base and metal‐ligand bonds for diabetic chronic wound recovery
Authors: Lan Tian , Dong Yabo , Shi Jiajia , Wang Xing , Xu Zejian , Zhang Yan , Jiang Lianzhou , Zhou Weibiao , Sui Xiaonan
Published: August 2024

To address the unique challenges of diabetic wound healing, wound dressings, particularly multifunctional hydrogels have garnered considerable interest. For the first time, a novel environmentally friendly soy protein‐based hydrogel is developed to accelerate the healing of diabetic chronic wounds. Specifically, this hydrogel framework is in direct formation through the dynamic Schiff base between oxidized guar gum and epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG)‐modified soy protein isolate. Meantime, the addition of Ag+ enhances the cross‐linking of the hydrogel network by forming metal‐ligand bonds with the catechol groups in EGCG. Interestingly, the stretchability (up to 380%), swelling, and rheology properties of the hydrogel can be controlled by fine‐tuning the density of metal‐ligand bonds, endowing them with a high potential for precise matching. Additionally, various dynamic bonds endow hydrogel with excellent self‐healing ability, adhesiveness, and injectability. This hydrogel also exhibits good antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and cell migration capabilities. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated the outstanding anti‐inflammatory capacity of the hydrogel and its ability to modulate macrophage polarization. Consequently, the hydrogel has proven effective in promoting wound healing in a diabetic full‐thickness wound model through enhanced angiogenesis and collagen deposition. This eco‐friendly plant protein hydrogel offers a sustainable solution for wound care and environmental protection.