bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Few‐shot segmentation framework for lung nodules via an optimized active contour model
Authors: Yang Lin , Shao Dan , Huang Zhenxing , Geng Mengxiao , Zhang Na , Chen Long , Wang Xi , Liang Dong , Pang Zhi‐Feng , Hu Zhanli
Published: January 2024

Background

Accurate segmentation of lung nodules is crucial for the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in clinical practice. However, the similarity between lung nodules and surrounding tissues has made their segmentation a longstanding challenge.

Purpose

Existing deep learning and active contour models each have their limitations. This paper aims to integrate the strengths of both approaches while mitigating their respective shortcomings.

Methods

In this paper, we propose a few‐shot segmentation framework that combines a deep neural network with an active contour model. We introduce heat kernel convolutions and high‐order total variation into the active contour model and solve the challenging nonsmooth optimization problem using the alternating direction method of multipliers. Additionally, we use the presegmentation results obtained from training a deep neural network on a small sample set as the initial contours for our optimized active contour model, addressing the difficulty of manually setting the initial contours.

Results

We compared our proposed method with state‐of‐the‐art methods for segmentation effectiveness using clinical computed tomography (CT) images acquired from two different hospitals and the publicly available LIDC dataset. The results demonstrate that our proposed method achieved outstanding segmentation performance according to both visual and quantitative indicators.

Conclusion

Our approach utilizes the output of few‐shot network training as prior information, avoiding the need to select the initial contour in the active contour model. Additionally, it provides mathematical interpretability to the deep learning, reducing its dependency on the quantity of training samples.
Cinchona‐Based Hydrogen‐Bond Donor Organocatalyst Metal Complexes: Asymmetric Catalysis and Structure Determination
Authors: Nagy Sándor , Richter Dóra , Dargó Gyula , Orbán Balázs , Gémes Gergő , Höltzl Tibor , Garádi Zsófia , Fehér Zsuzsanna , Kupai József
Published: January 2024

In this study, we describe the synthesis of cinchona (thio)squaramide and a novel cinchona thiourea organocatalyst. These catalysts were employed in pharmaceutically relevant catalytic asymmetric reactions, such as Michael, Friedel–Crafts, and A3 coupling reactions, in combination with Ag(I), Cu(II), and Ni(II) salts. We identified several organocatalyst‐metal salt combinations that led to a significant increase in both yield and enantioselectivity. To gain insight into the active catalyst species, we prepared organocatalyst‐metal complexes and characterized them using HRMS, NMR spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations (B3LYP‐D4/def2‐TZVP), which allowed us to establish a structure‐activity relationship.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Malachite Green by Titanium Dioxide/Covalent Organic Framework Composite: Characterization, Performance and Mechanism
Authors: Yao Dongmei , Xie Xiaoting , Liang Xuling , Lu Sufen , Lai Hongfang
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a titanium dioxide/covalent organic framework (TiO2/COF) composite was prepared and its photocatalytic removal of dye was investigated. Using tetrabutyl titanate as a titanium source, TiO2 nanomaterial was prepared by sol‐gel method. In the presence of TiO2, TiO2/COF core‐shell composite was prepared by solvothermal synthesis using melamine and 1,4‐phthalaldehyde as ligands. The prepared materials are characterized by SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, TG, FTIR, BET, EPR, PL, and UV‐Vis‐DRS techniques. Using malachite green as a model of dye wastewater, the photocatalytic degradation performance of TiO2/COF composites was investigated under the irradiation of ultraviolet light. The results show that the modification of COF significantly improves the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2, the degradation rate increases from 69.77 % to 93.64 %, and the reaction rate constant of the first‐order kinetic equation is increased from 0.0078 min−1 to 0.0192 min−1. Based on the free radical capture experiment, the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of TiO2/COF was discussed, and the feasibility of its photocatalytic degradation of malachite green was theoretically clarified. Accordingly, a simple and practical method for photocatalytic degradation of malachite green was constructed, which has potential application value in the degradation of dye wastewater.
Janus composite film comprising metal–organic framework/polyimide and BNNSs/polyimide as high energy storage dielectrics
Authors: Long Yiting , Qu Can , Kang Yuting , Huang Xu , Zan Pengfei , Chen Junshu , Sun Xiaoyan , Yu Qinlin , Dai Yatang , Wang Wei , Pu Linyu , Zhang Huan
Published: January 2024

In order to prepare polymer dielectric materials with high energy storage density, a series of polyimide (PI) based Janus composite films were prepared by metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) material (UiO‐66) with high dielectric constant (ɛr) and boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) with high breakdown strength (Eb). As reported, the UiO‐66 can significantly improve the ɛr of the composites. The ɛr of 20 wt% UiO‐66/PI film is 10.51 at 103 Hz, which is 3.1 times that of pure PI film (3.39 at 103 Hz). However, the Eb of 20 wt% UiO‐66/PI is only 58 MV m−1, which is only 16.51% of pure PI (352 MV m−1). The sharp decline in Eb reduces the energy storage capacity of the composites. To solve this problem, first, BNNSs with an average diameter of 2 μm and a thickness of 1.36 nm (about 4–5 layer) were obtained by hydrothermal reflux stripping. BNNSs/PI//UiO‐66/PI Janus composite films with double‐layer structure were prepared by directly casting BNNSs/PI on the surface of UiO‐66/PI. For 0.3 wt% BNNSs/PI//10 wt% UiO‐66/PI, the calculated energy storage density (Ue) is 5.75 J cm−3 at 140 MV m−1, which is 3.57 times that of pure PI film (1.61 J cm−3 at 140 MV m−1). Meanwhile, the charge discharge efficiency is 82.55% (at 140 MV m−1).

Highlights

BNNSs prepared by hydrothermal reflux stripping have fewer layers.

BNNSs/PI composites improve the Eb of UiO‐66/PI composites by Janus structure.

The Ue of BP‐0.3//UP‐10 composites with Janus structure was 5.75 J cm−3.
Diagnose and treatment for Type D congenital esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula
Authors: Wang Dingding , Zhao Yong , Zhang Yanan , Hua Kaiyun , Gu Yichao , Li Shuangshuang , Liao Junmin , Yang Shen , Yang Ting , Zhao Jiawei , Huang Jinshi
Published: January 2024

Importance

Type D esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is characterized by EA with both proximal and distal TEFs. It is a rare congenital anomaly with a very low incidence.

Objective

To investigate diagnostic and treatment strategies for this rare condition.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological features of patients with EA/TEF treated at our institution between January 2007 and September 2021.

Results

Among 386 patients with EA/TEF, 14 (3.6%) had type D EA/TEF. Only two patients were diagnosed with proximal TEF preoperatively. Seven patients were diagnosed intraoperatively. Five patients were missed for diagnosis during the initial surgery but was later confirmed by bronchoscopy. During the neonatal period, seven patients underwent a one‐stage repair of proximal and distal TEF via thoracoscopy or thoracotomy. Due to missed diagnosis and other reasons, the other 7 patients underwent two‐stage surgery for repair of the proximal TEF, including cervical incision and thoracoscopy. Ten of the 14 patients experienced postoperative complications including anastomotic leakage, pneumothorax, esophageal stricture, and recurrence. Patients who underwent one‐stage repair of distal and proximal TEF during the neonatal period showed a higher incidence of anastomotic leak (4/7). In contrast, only one of seven patients with two‐stage repair of the proximal TEF developed an anastomotic leak.

Interpretation

Type D EA/TEF is a rare condition, and proximal TEFs are easily missed. Bronchoscopy may aim to diagnose and determine the correct surgical approach. A cervical approach may be more suitable for repairing the proximal TEF.
Registration of ‘KUML4’ and ‘KUML8’ mungbean cultivars with high yield and large seeds
Authors: Somta Prakit , Sorajjapinun Worawit , Yimram Tarika , Tanadul Orn‐u‐ma , Laosatit Kularb , Srinives Peerasak
Published: January 2024

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] is an agro‐economically important legume crop of Thailand. In recent years, mungbean has been gaining attention and popularity from consumers and industries for its dense nutrients. Although farmers, consumers, and processors prefer large‐seeded mungbeans, all mungbean cultivars available in Thailand are medium‐seeded. Therefore, a need was felt to develop new mungbean cultivars with large seed size that would fulfill the needs of farmers, consumers, and processors. In this study, we report the development of two new mungbean cultivars: ‘KUML4’ (Reg. no. CV‐354, PI 703288) and ‘KUML8’ (Reg. no. CV‐355, PI 703289). These cultivars were developed by pedigree and bulk‐selection methods. Standard yield trials revealed that KUML4 gave seed yields (SDY) of 1444.75 and 1316.38 kg ha−1, respectively, which was on par with check cultivars. The seed of KUML4 and KUML8 was larger than all of the check cultivars; their 100‐seed weights were 7.25 and 7.84 g, respectively, compared with 6.58 g, the mean of the check cultivars. Further, the genotype main effect plus genotype‐by‐environment analysis showed that KUML4 had good yield stability for its SDY. The yield trials under farmer fields and practices revealed that KUML4 gave SDY similar to the best check cultivar, ‘Chai Nat 3’ (CN3), whereas KUML8 gave a lower yield than CN3. The yield gap between the experimental research station and farmer field/practice was about 47%. In conclusion, KUML4 and KUML8 have shown high yield, large seed size, and early and uniform maturity.
Registration of R16‐45 as a flood‐tolerant, high‐yielding soybean germplasm line
Authors: Wu Chengjun , Acuña Andrea , Florez‐Palacios Liliana , Harrison Derrick , Ravelombola Francia , Oliveira Maria Roberta , Winter Joshua , Rogers Daniel James , Carlin John F. , Shannon J. Grover , Nguyen Henry , Vieira Caio Canella , Mozzoni Leandro Angel
Published: January 2024

R16‐45 (Reg. no. GP‐526, PI 704118) is a high‐yielding soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeding line with flood tolerance at early reproductive stages released as germplasm by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2023. It is an F2 selection from the cross between the flood‐tolerant breeding line R07‐6669 and the high‐yielding Arkansas cultivar ‘UA 5612’. R16‐45 is a conventional (non‐genetically modified) soybean with a relative maturity of 5.6. Plants have determinate growth habit, white flower color, and buff hilum color. It has gray pubescence, tan pod wall at maturity, and yellow cotyledons with a dull yellow seed coat. R16‐45 showed high yield potential and broad adaptability across 17 environments in Arkansas and other southern states, with an average of 4145 kg ha−1 (95.3% of the checks’ mean). Six years of field evaluations for flooding tolerance showed that R16‐45 is consistently tolerant to 8‐to‐10‐day flooding stress at the R1/R2 growth stages (average flood damage score of 3.6, compared with 6.0 from the reference checks). In addition, R16‐45 is resistant to stem canker. Given substantial yield losses associated with flooding stress and stem canker, R16‐45 is a valuable germplasm source for public and private soybean breeding programs attempting to incorporate novel genetic diversity into their breeding pipeline.
Modified‐constraint movement induced therapy versus neuro‐developmental therapy on reaching capacity in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Abdul‐Rahman Radwa S. , Radwan Nadia L. , El‐Nassag Bassam A. , Amin Wafaa Mahmoud , Ali Mostafa S.
Published: January 2024

Background and Objective

Upper extremity impairment is one of the complications in hemiplegic children. The purpose of modified constraint‐induced movement therapy (mCIMT) is to improve the function of impaired arms and hands in these children. This study compared the efficacy of mCIMT and the approach of neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) on reaching capacity in children with spastic hemiplegia.

Methods

Fifty‐two spastic hemiplegic children ranging in age from four to 6 years were selected for this study from an outpatient clinic and biomechanical lab (Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, KSA). They were randomly divided into two experimental groups: group I received NDT and group II received mCIMT for the involved upper limb and restriction of the uninvolved arm movements for 12 weeks (three times per week). Both groups received a conventional exercise program in addition to experimental one. Active elbow extension range of motion and three‐dimensional motion analysis of the reaching task were measured before and after 3 months of treatment.

Results

Significant enhancement in all pre‐treatment and post‐treatment outcomes was observed in both groups by a two‐way mixed MANOVA; furthermore, Group II (mCIMT) showed the most significant improvement (elbow extension, percentage of reach to peak velocity, movement time and movement units) when comparing the post‐treatment outcomes between the two groups (p < 0.001).

Implication for Physiotherapy Practice

Addition of mCIMT to a conventional exercise was superior to adding NDT exercise therapy in promoting the performance of reaching pattern in hemiplegic children.
Kinetics for the sulfuric acid‐catalyzed reactions of ethylene oxide with water and ethylene glycols
Authors: Levin Marc E. , Mitschke Justin , Smith Sheehan , Chipman Peter I. , Singh S. K. , Lenahan Robert , Frederick Timothy S. , Gulledge Bill
Published: January 2024

Adiabatic calorimeter experiments have quantified the sulfuric acid‐catalyzed reaction of ethylene oxide (EO) with water to form ethylene glycol (EG) and higher glycols. Conditions were selected relevant to industrial safety, such as a scenario of reverse flow of acid from a scrubber to an EO tank. Concentrations of 25–95 wt% EO with acidified water of pH 3.0 down to pH –0.7 were examined. In some experiments, EG was also added to the mix. The best fit apparent reaction rate expression exhibits a 1.5 order in EO concentration, third order in water concentration, nearly first order in acid concentration, and an activation energy of 76,500 kJ/kmol. The reaction model provides an adequate fit of adiabatic self‐heat rate versus temperature, pressure rate versus temperature, pressure versus time, and temperature versus time data for a large number of APTAC (Automatic Pressure Tracking Adiabatic Calorimeter) experiments. The model builds on one previously developed for the neutral reactions of EO with water and EGs. A case study involving a sulfuric acid‐contaminated EO railcar is presented. The reaction model can help quantify the behavior of EO contaminated with sulfuric acid solution below about 120°C. Above this temperature, other reaction pathways not characterized in this study become more prominent.
Consequences analysis of a natural gas pipeline: The case of the trans‐Anatolian natural gas pipeline
Authors: Cetinyokus Saliha , Dinc Duran , Ata Sila
Published: January 2024

Industrial accidents include fire, explosion, and toxic substance spread involving hazardous substances. They threaten the health of many people, cause permanent or long‐term pollution of the natural environment, cause a high degree of property damage, and require a large‐scale emergency response. Pipelines that transfer hazardous chemicals over a large area are risky for industrial accidents. In this study, we aimed to analyze the consequences of a possible industrial accident at the Edirne Ipsala compressor station in the trans‐Anatolian natural gas pipeline (TANAP). Analyses were carried out with the ALOHA software on two hypothetical scenarios: In Scenario 1, the chemical escapes from the pipe without the gas burning; and in Scenario 2, the chemical escapes from the pipe with the gas burning (jet fire). In the analysis of overpressure effects, TNT EM and TNO MEM were used besides the software. The largest effect distance (≈5000 m) was determined in the flammable area as a result of Scenario 1, and the prominent hazard property of the chemical was supported. The overpressure effects obtained with TNO MEM and the software were compatible with each other, but the values obtained with TNT EM were less severe and quite different. In the analysis of overpressure effects, it is shown that the ALOHA software provided more conservative results and that buildings would collapse and lethal effects might occur at a distance of 1000 m from the source. ALOHA produced outputs integrated with GIS by providing thermal radiation and toxic effect threat zones as well as overpressure effects. ALOHA turns out to be a more convenient and practical tool for risk assessment studies and emergency plans.
The Mechanism Behind the Annealing‐Induced Reduction of Infrared Absorption in Zinc‐Hyperdoped Silicon
Authors: Hu Zechen , Fu Jiawei , Cheng Li , Ding Degong , Cong Jingkun , Yang Deren , Yu Xuegong
Published: January 2024

Pulsed laser hyperdoping is widely investigated as an effective method for expanding the infrared absorption of silicon. Prior to further device fabrication, thermal treatment is commonly applied to hyperdoped silicon to repair lattice defects and activate dopants. However, it is observed that thermal treatment adversely affects the infrared absorption of hyperdoped silicon, and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Herein, zinc‐hyperdoped silicon (Si:Zn) is prepared using vacuum magnetron sputtering combined with femtosecond laser pulses, and the mechanisms of the reduction in infrared absorption during conventional annealing of Si:Zn samples are investigated. The diffusion of zinc and its precipitation as zinc clusters in silicon are observed during the annealing process, leading to a decrease in the concentration of zinc dopants within the silicon lattice and consequent attenuation of infrared absorption. Building upon this understanding, the approach of short timescale annealing subjected to infrared rapid thermal annealing furnace is proposed to be employed as a method to mitigate the adverse effects of zinc transitional precipitation, resulting in enhancement of the performance of Si:Zn optoelectronic devices.
Direct Exchange in Ultra‐Thin Ferromagnetic Janus MXenes
Authors: Yan Xuanhui , Zheng Jiming , Zhao Xi , Zhao Puju , Guo Ping , Jiang Zhenyi
Published: January 2024

The development of spintronic devices urgently requires ultra‐thin two‐dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic materials with high Curie temperature (Tc), TC however, there are few natural intrinsic ferromagnetic 2D materials. The successful synthesis of Janus monolayer MoSSe in experiments provides a new approach for designing new 2D materials. By replacing transition metal carbides with two different transition metal atoms, we have designed over 70 Janus MXence materials and determined that 30+ materials have ferromagnetic ground states, of which three have robust ferromagnetism through density functional theory analysis. The ferromagnetic coupling in such materials mainly originates from the direct exchange of d‐orbitals between transition metal atoms in different layers. Further, using K‐nearest neighbours (KNN) machine learning (ML) method, six out of the remaining 360 Janus MXence systems were screened for ferromagnetism, with one system exhibiting strong ferromagnetism. This work provides an alternative and convenient method for developing ultra‐thin 2D magnetic materials for next generation spintronic device applications.
Constrained control of multi‐input systems with distinct input delays
Authors: Abel Imoleayo , Janković Mrdjan , Krstić Miroslav
Published: January 2024

We consider the problem of enforcing safety in multi‐input systems with distinct input delays via the use of Control Barrier Functions (CBFs). For systems with input delay(s), a popular approach for enforcing safety is the combination of a CBF designed for the delay‐free system with state‐predictors that compensate the input delays. Typically, this comes with the assumption that the system does not violate safety constraints before all input delays have been compensated and the system is fully under control. In this paper, we introduce two control approaches that enforce safety before all input delays have been compensated, whenever it is possible to do so. We do this by utilizing a robust CBF formulation that treats longer‐delayed inputs as known disturbances when determining control effort for shorter delayed inputs. This formulation ensures that, whenever possible, a subset of input channels with shorter delays will be utilized for keeping the system in the admissible safe set before longer input delays have been compensated. The effectiveness of our approaches is demonstrated with two numerical examples.
Intelligent classifier for various degrees of coffee roasts using smart multispectral vision system
Authors: Lin Ming‐Yi , Chen Ching‐Han , Lu Jung‐Hua
Published: January 2024

This study proposes an innovative deep learning model for use in a multispectral vision system comprising a complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor image sensor and a spectrometer. To ensure accurate color recognition, the deep learning model includes an embedded adaptive automatic color temperature correction engine. By using this color temperature correction engine, the multispectral vision system can intelligently compensate for lighting and chromatic variations. To evaluate the performance of the system, we created a nine‐dimensional data set using the IT8.7/2 color target. We then used this data set to train the deep learning model. Our deep learning model outperformed other lightweight deep learning models in experiments, making it suitable for deployment on edge devices and embedded systems. We tested the ability of the multispectral vision system to classify adulterated coffee beans into their respective classes. The overall accuracy rate was more than 99.3%, indicating that out proposed multispectral vision system is effective in identifying color differences. Considering its capabilities in agricultural screening, we suggest incorporating our adaptive automatic multispectral vision system into agricultural machines for the realization of Agriculture 4.0.
Water quality shapes the community structure of zoobenthos in rivers but only has a minor effect on the fatty acid composition of zoobenthos and salmonids
Authors: Kesti Petri , Strandberg Ursula , Taipale Sami , Hiltunen Minna , Vesterinen Jussi , Vainikka Anssi , Kankaala Paula
Published: January 2024

Many river ecosystems in the boreal zone have faced remarkable changes due to intensive human activities, including land‐use changes in the catchments and channelization. Recently, restoration efforts have increased, hoping to restore a more natural hydromorphology. We studied the community structure of benthic macroinvertebrates (zoobenthos) in seven rivers in Eastern Finland, using samples that covered pre‐ and post‐restoration periods, to examine how environmental metrics relate to the zoobenthos community structure, and the fatty acid (FA) composition and content of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera nymphs and larvae. We also analyzed the FA composition and content of land‐locked salmon (Salmo salar m. sebago) in three of the rivers and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in two of the rivers. Zoobenthos communities differed significantly among most of the rivers: 24% of the differences between the zoobenthos communities were driven by water quality parameters related to the loading of terrestrial organic matter (water color, pH, and iron concentration). Temporal changes in zoobenthos communities could not be fully attributed to restorations. The FA composition of zoobenthos was mostly explained by phylogenetic origin (47%). However, especially mayfly Heptagenia sulphurea (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) had variable FA composition and content among the rivers suggesting an environmental quality indicator role for this species. FA composition and content of salmonids were mostly size‐dependent (24%), but river identity also influenced their FA composition (22%). Our results indicate that water quality affects the availability of essential FAs for consumers by altering the zoobenthos community structure and their FA composition and content.
Effect of hydrogen on the chemical state, stoichiometry and density of amorphous Al2O3 films grown by thermal atomic layer deposition
Authors: Cancellieri Claudia , Gramatte Simon , Politano Olivier , Lapeyre Léo , Klimashin Fedor F. , Mackosz Krzysztof , Utke Ivo , Novotny Zbynek , Müller Arnold M. , Vockenhuber Christof , Turlo Vladyslav , Jeurgens Lars P. H.
Published: January 2024

Amorphous oxide thin films grown by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) typically contain high impurity concentrations of hydrogen, which affects both chemistry and structure and thereby the functional properties, such as the barrier properties in, for example, microelectronic and photovoltaic devices. This study discloses the effect of H incorporation in amorphous Al2O3 ALD oxide films on the local chemical binding states of Al, O and H, as well as the oxide density and stoichiometry, by a combined analytical approach using elastic recoil detection analysis, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and full chemical state analysis by dual‐source X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)/hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The experimental findings are compared with crystalline anhydrous α‐Al2O3 and hydroxide α‐Al (OH)3 reference phases and further supported by molecular dynamic simulations. It is shown that H preferably forms covalent –OH hydroxyl bonds with O in the nearest‐neighbour coordination spheres of interstitial Al cations, which affects both the ligand electronic polarizability and the bond length of the randomly interconnected [AlOn] polyhedral building blocks in the amorphous ALD oxide films.
Synthesis of Fused Isoxazoles of Iodoquinol as in vitro EGFR Aiming Anticancer Agents
Authors: Bokkala Karthik , Bapuram Ashok Kumar , Thirukovela Narasimha Swamy , Nukala Satheesh Kumar
Published: January 2024

We have presented the synthesis of some new quinoline linked fused isoxazoles via copper (I) catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) followed by intramolecular C−H arylation of isoxazole ring using PdCl2(PPh3)2 catalyst. All the synthesized compounds were investigated for anticancer activity against three human breast cancer cell lines such as MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐468 and MDA‐MB‐231 using MTT assay and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) was used as a standard drug. In this study, three compounds were exhibited greater activity than reference drug 5‐FU against three cell lines which further screened for in vitro tyrosine kinase EGFR inhibition and molecular docking studies by taking EGFR protein as the target. Finally, insilico pharmacokinetic profile of the same compounds was obtained using SWISSADME where two compounds following Lipinski, Ghose, Veber, Egan, and Muegge rules.
Mold Resistance of Bamboo after Laccase‐Catalyzed Fixation of Lignin Nanoparticles
Authors: Amat Marshallanore , Chin Suk Fun , Seng Ngieng Ngui , Effendi Wasli Mohd , Husaini Awang Ahmad Sallehin Awang
Published: January 2024

In this study lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) and iodolignin nanoparticles (ILNPs) were prepared in aqueous medium and subsequently deposited on the bamboo surfaces via laccase catalyzed reaction. The SEM micrographs of blocks treated with LNPs and ILNPs revealed a layer of nanoparticles with a mean particles size of 100 nm and 215 nm. Besides that, the fungal isolates from the bamboo culm of Dendrocalamus asper shared 99 %, 98 % and 100 % similarity with Penicillium sumatrense, Pleosporales and Cunninghamella species. The treatment of ILNPs exhibited maximum biocidal efficacy at 91 % against P. sumatrense, Pleosporales sp. and Cunninghamella sp. After leaching with ultrapure water, LNPs‐treated blocks exhibited a reduced biocidal effectiveness with an efficacy of 67 %. In contrast, bamboo treated with ILNPs exhibited a higher level of resistance to decay than LNPs. The reduction in mass of 2 %, 3 %, and 1 % was observed when subjecting P. sumatrense, Cunninghamella, and Pleosporales species to treatment with ILNPs. This study demonstrates the application of laccase catalysis in both LNPs and ILNPs, indicating a potentially effective approach for providing surface protection to bamboo against plant pathogenic fungi.
Activated tyrosine kinase c‐Src‐responsive artificial gene carrier: in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Terada Keiko , Asai Daisuke , Kang Jeong‐Hun , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki
Published: January 2024

The proto‐oncogene c‐Src is a protein‐tyrosine kinase that is associated with increased risk of acute and chronic kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and cancers. The purpose of this study was to develop a gene delivery carrier responding to activated c‐Src and to evaluate its efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The polymeric gene carrier consists of a neutral main chain bearing a peptide substrate of c‐Src or negative control peptide. Complexes of the polymer containing c‐Src‐targeting peptides and DNA were phosphorylated in the presence of c‐Src, resulting in release of the DNA. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression was observed after microinjection of complexes of polymer containing c‐Src‐targeting peptides and GFP‐encoding DNA into A431 cells at the nitrogen/phosphate (N/P) ratio of 1.0. GFP was not expressed in cells microinjected with negative control polymer/DNA complex. Direct injection of complexes of polymer containing c‐Src‐targeting peptides and luciferase‐encoding DNA at N/P ratios of 1.0 and 2.0 into tumor‐bearing mice resulted in luciferase expression in A431 tumors but not in normal skin tissues. No luciferase expression was observed in A431 tumors or skin tissues after injection of control polymer/DNA complex. These results indicate that our gene delivery carrier enables activated c‐Src‐specific gene expression.
Enhancing Phase Transition Temperature in Novel Crown Inclusion Materials through Anion‐Substitution Engineering
Authors: Cai Zhuoer E. , Hua Xiu‐Ni , Shi Xian , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Yinan N. , Chen Jian , Zhang Xinyi Y. , Xiao Shiyue Y. , Sun Baiwang W.
Published: January 2024

Host‐guest inclusion materials serve as an ideal model for designing phase transition materials. The typical host molecule, 18‐crown‐6 (1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16‐hexaoxacyclo‐octadecane), is known for its strong coordination with amino compounds through N−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen‐bonding interactions, attracting the attention of numerous scientific researchers. This study presented the successful synthesis and characterization of two host‐guest inclusion materials, [(trans‐4‐aminocyclohexanol)(18‐crown‐6)][ClO4] (1) and [(trans‐4‐aminocyclohexanol)(18‐crown‐6)][BF4] (2). Both compounds 1 and 2 underwent reversible phase changes at temperatures of 312 K/305 K and 322 K/314 K, respectively. In this article, crystal structures, thermal properties, optical properties and analyses of intermolecular interactions were discussed in details. Our endeavors are believed to have made a contribution to the advancement of phase change materials.
Pt Single‐Atoms on Structurally‐Integrated 3D N‐Doped Carbon Tubes Grid for Ampere‐Level Current Density Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Pan Qijun , Wang Yuguang , Chen Bin , Zhang Xiang , Lin Dou , Yan Sisi , Han Fangming , Zhao Huijun , Meng Guowen
Published: January 2024

To date, the excellent mass‐catalytic activities of Pt single‐atoms catalysts (Pt‐SACs) toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are categorically confirmed; however, their high current density performance remains a challenge for practical applications. Here, a binder‐free approach is exemplified to fabricate self‐standing superhydrophilic‐superaerphobic Pt‐SACs cathodes by directly anchoring Pt‐SAs via Pt‐NxC4‐x coordination bonds to the structurally‐integrated 3D nitrogen‐doped carbon tubes (N‐CTs) array grid (denoted as Pt@N‐CTs). The 3D Pt@N‐CTs cathode with optimal Pt‐SACs loading is capable of operating at a high current density of 1000 mA cm−2 with an ultralow overpotential of 157.9 mV with remarkable long‐term stability over 11 days at 500 mA cm−2. The 3D super‐wettable free‐standing Pt@N‐CTs possess interconnected vertical and lateral N‐CTs with hierarchical‐sized open channels, which facilitates the mass transfer. The binder‐free immobilization adding to the large surface area and 3D‐interconnected open channels endow Pt@N‐CTs cathodes with high accessible active sites, electrical conductivity, and structural stability that maximize the utilization efficiency of Pt‐SAs to achieve ampere‐level current density HER at low overpotentials.
Spontaneous Formation of Ultrasmall Noble Metal Nanoparticles on Cobalt‐Based Layered Double Hydroxide for Electrochemical and Environmental Catalysis
Authors: Chen Qian , Cao Peisheng , Wang Yanying , Yuan Jing , Wu Peng
Published: January 2024

Supported noble metal nanoparticles (NMNPs) are appealing for energy and environment catalysis. To facilitate the loading of NMNPs, in situ reduction of Mn+ on the support with extra reductants/surfactants is adopted, but typically results in aggregated NMNPs with uneven size distributions or blocked active sites of the NMNPs. Herein, the use of cobalt layered double hydroxide (Co‐LDH) is proposed as both support and reductant for the preparation of supported NMNPs with ultrasmall sizes and even distributions. The resultant Co‐LDH‐supported NMNPs exhibit excellent catalytic performance and stability. For example, Ir/Co‐LDH displays a low overpotential of 188 mV (10 mA cm−2) for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction and a long‐term stability over 100 h (100 mA cm−2) in overall water splitting. Ru/Co‐LDH can achieve a 4‐nitrophenol reduction with high rate of 0.36 min−1 and S2− detection with low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.34 µm. Overall, this work provides a green and effective strategy to fabricate supported NMNPs with greatly improved catalytic performances.
Tailoring Subthreshold Swing in A‐IGZO Thin‐Film Transistors for Amoled Displays: Impact of Conversion Mechanism on Peald Deposition Sequences
Authors: Yoon Seong Hun , Cho Jae Hun , Cho Iaan , Kim Min Jae , Hur Jae Seok , Bang Seon Woong , Lee Heung Jo , Bae Jong Uk , Kim Jiyoung , Shong Bonggeun , Jeong Jae Kyeong
Published: January 2024

Amorphous IGZO (a‐IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) are standard backplane electronics to power active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode (AMOLED) televisions due to their high carrier mobility and negligible low leakage characteristics. Despite their advantages, limitations in color depth arise from a steep subthreshold swing (SS) (≤ 0.1 V/decade), necessitating costly external compensation for IGZO transistors. For mid‐size mobile applications such as OLED tablets and notebooks, it is important to ensure controllable SS value (≥ 0.3 V/decade). In this study, a conversion mechanism during plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) is proposed as a feasible route to control the SS. When a pulse of a diethylzinc (DEZn) precursor is exposed to the M2O3 (M = In or Ga) surface layer, partial conversion of the underlying M2O3 to ZnO is predicted on the basis of density function theory calculations. Notably, significant distinctions between In‐Ga‐Zn (Case I) and In‐Zn‐Ga (Case II) films are observed: Case II exhibits a lower growth rate and larger Ga/In ratio. Case II TFTs with a‐IGZO (subcycle ratio of In:Ga:Zn = 3:1:1) show reasonable SS values (313 mV decade−1) and high mobility (µFE) of 29.3 cm2 Vs−1 (Case I: 84 mV decade−1 and 33.4 cm2 Vs−1). The rationale for Case II's reasonable SS values is discussed, attributing it to the plausible formation of In‐Zn defects, supported by technology computer‐aided design (TCAD) simulations.
Helium Ion‐Assisted Wet Etching of Silicon Carbide with Extremely Low Roughness for High‐Quality Nanofabrication
Authors: Wen Xiaolei , Zhang Lansheng , Wang Xiuxia , Chen Lin , Sun Jian , Hu Huan
Published: January 2024

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a promising material for a wide range of applications, including mechanical nano‐resonators, quantum photonics, and non‐linear photonics. However, its chemical inertness poses challenges for etching in terms of resolution and smoothness. Herein, a novel approach known as helium ion‐bombardment‐enhanced etching (HIBEE) is presented to achieve high‐quality SiC etching. The HIBEE technique utilizes a focused helium ion beam with a typical ion energy of 30 keV to disrupt the crystal lattices of SiC, thus enabling wet etching using hydrofluoric acids and hydrogen peroxide. The etching mechanism is verified via simulations and characterization. The use of a sub‐nanometer beam spot of focused helium ions ensures fabrication resolution, and the resulting etched surface exhibits an extremely low roughness of ≈0.9 nm. One of the advantages of the HIBEE technique is that it does not require resist spin‐coating and development processes, thus enabling the production of nanostructures on irregular SiC surfaces, such as suspended structures and sidewalls. Additionally, the unique interaction volume of helium ions with substrates enables the one‐step fabrication of suspended nanobeam structures directly from bulk substrates. The HIBEE technique is expected to facilitate and accelerate the prototyping of high‐quality SiC devices.
Stabilizing Flow of Molten Steel in Mold during Slab Continuous Casting through Electromagnetic Swirling Flow in Nozzle
Authors: Zhu Xiaowei , Zhao Lijia , Li Dewei , He Ming , Jin Baigang , Tian Chen , Wang Kai , Wang Qiang
Published: January 2024

Bias flow of molten metal in slab mold caused by unstable flow from submerged entry nozzle can deteriorate the slab quality during continuous casting. In this study, a novel electromagnetic swirling flow in nozzle (EMSFN) technique, which utilizes electromagnetic force to stabilize the flow in the nozzle and subsequently control the flow in the mold, is proposed. The mechanism for controlling unstable flow through EMSFN is explored through numerical simulation and water model experiments. In the results, it is shown that the molten steel is rotated under the effect of magnetic field and flows into the mold along the upper edge of the nozzle outlet, which weakens the impact of molten steel on the bottom of nozzle and stabilizes the outflow from nozzle. The flow field is consistently symmetrical on both sides of the nozzle. The impact depth of molten steel flowing down along the narrow sides of the mold on both sides is greatly reduced. The surface velocity on both sides of the nozzle changes uniformly. The range of surface velocity variation with EMSFN is only 10% of that with a conventional nozzle. The EMSFN technique can help prevent slag entrapment and improve the flotation of inclusions and bubbles.
Development of a simple and fast method named solvent‐assisted dispersive solid phase extraction for trace detection of triazole fungicides in water, fruit, vegetable, and agricultural soil samples
Authors: Aladaghlo Zolfaghar , Sahragard Ali , Fakhari Alireza
Published: January 2024

Solvent‐assisted dispersive solid‐phase extraction (SA‐DSPE) approach was developed to measure triazole fungicides (TFs). In the SA‐DSPE technique, the addition of 1000 μL of ethanol as a disperser solvent, along with a small quantity of benzil as a sorbent to the sample solution, led to a cloudy solution. After completion of the extraction, the mixture was subjected to centrifugation to isolate benzil. Next, benzil was dissolved in ethanol, and the resulting solution was subsequently analyzed by a gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector. This method demonstrated high linearity (R2 > 0.9963) and repeatability (relative standard deviation % < 4.3) for the quantification of TFs under the optimal conditions (sorbent: benzil, amount of benzil: 2% w/v, pH of solution: 7.0, disperser solvent: ethanol, volumes of ethanol: 1000 μL, centrifuge time: 3 min, extraction temperature: 25°C, and ionic strength: without salt addition). The proposed SA‐DSPE yielded detection limits, quantification limits, and preconcentration factors within the ranges of 0.3–0.9 ng/mL, 1.0–3.0 ng/mL, and 419–426, respectively. Finally, the validated method was employed to determine TFs in a diverse range of real samples, encompassing waters, fruits, vegetables, and agricultural soils, with relative recoveries ranging from 93.0% to 104%.
Ermüdungsfestigkeit am Nahtende im rechnerischen Lichte der neuen Normen EN 1993‐1‐9 und EN 1993‐1‐14
Authors: Lang Robert
Published: January 2024

Für Stahlbauteile im Bauwesen ist der Ermüdungsnachweis in EN 1993‐1‐9 geregelt. Diese Norm stellt de facto nur den Nachweis mit Nennspannungen zur Verfügung. Andere Nachweisformate wie das Strukturspannungskonzept sind nur teilweise oder nicht vorhanden. Mit Einführung der neuen EN 1993‐1‐9 sowie der EN 1993‐1‐14 werden neue Konzepte möglich, die sich bislang auf weiterführende Fachliteratur beschränkten. Für den Anwender stellt sich alsbald die Frage, welches Konzept geeignet, anwendbar und auch wirtschaftlich ist. Während für übliche T‐Stöße weitergehende Untersuchungen bereits getätigt wurden, sind für das ebenfalls bemessungsrelevante Schweißnahtende kaum umfangreiche vergleichende Parameterstudien vorhanden. In diesem Aufsatz wird dies nachgeholt.
Application of optimization‐based regression analysis for evaluation of frost durability of recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Esmaeili‐Falak Mahzad , Sarkhani Benemaran Reza
Published: January 2024

Concrete constructed using recycled aggregates in place of natural aggregates is an efficient approach to increase the construction sector's sustainability. To improve recycled aggregate concrete () technologies in permafrost, it is essential to certify the stability in frost‐induced conditions. The main goal of this study was to use support vector regression () methods to forecast the frost durability () of on the basis of durability agent value in cold climates. Herein, three optimization methods called Ant lion optimization (), Grey wolf optimization (), and Henry Gas Solubility Optimization () were employed for indicating optimal values of key parameters. The results depicted that all developed models have capability in predicting the of in cold regions. The values of as a comprehensive index depicted that the model has the higher value at 0.0571 as the weakest model, then at 0.0312 recognized as the second‐highest model, and finally the system at 0.0224 mentioned as outperformed model. and approaches were likewise capable of accurately forecasting the of in cold regions, but the created method outperformed them all when taking into account the explanations and justifications.
Activated sodium bentonite as an adsorbent for efficient removal of hexavalent chromium: Statistical optimization using Box–Behnken design
Authors: Bekele Tadele , Worku Zemene , Duguma Abu , Myneni Venkata Ratnam
Published: January 2024

At present, developing countries, including Ethiopia, are undergoing a phase of industrial transformation. As a result, there has been a significant rise in the presence of harmful pollutants in groundwater. The release of deleterious heavy metals, such as Cr (VI), into the surrounding ecosystem is a result of various industrial operations. The present investigation utilized activated sodium bentonite clay as an adsorbent agent to facilitate the elimination of Cr (VI). The clay was subjected to acidification and thermal modification techniques to enhance its adsorption capacity. The investigation involved an examination of the particular surface area, capacity for cation exchange, crystalline properties, functional groups on the surface, and structural morphology. The methylene blue test method was employed to ascertain the maximum specific surface area and cation exchange capacity of the adsorbent, which were found to be 512 m2/g and 65.5 meq/100 g, respectively. The clay mineral composition was analyzed using X‐ray diffraction, which indicated that the primary constituent was montmorillonite. The presence of impurities such as quartz, feldspar, muscovite, cristobalite, and hematite was also detected. The study employed response surface methodology, Box–Benkhen design (RSM‐BBD) to investigate the impact of operational parameters, including agitation time, initial Cr (VI) concentration, and adsorbent dosage. Under the optimal conditions, a removal efficiency of 98.05% was achieved for Cr (VI) for a contact duration of 120 min, a dosage of 3.913 g/L, and an initial concentration of 50 mg/L. The sodium bentonite clay that was activated demonstrated a maximum capacity for adsorption of 22.72 mg/g in regards to the adsorption of Cr (VI). The experimental data were best fitted by the Langmuir isotherm, which exhibited a correlation coefficient of 0.9699. The adsorption kinetics were assessed and determined to adhere to a pseudo‐second‐order pattern, exhibiting a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.999. Furthermore, the activated sodium bentonite clay demonstrated remarkable potential for repeated utilization in the adsorption of Cr (VI) ions in aqueous solutions.
Management of medically unresponsive detrusor urethral dyssynergia in three dogs by perineal urethrostomy
Authors: Picón Sámar Riziq , Macdonald Nicholas , Smith Peter M. , Burrow Rachel
Published: January 2024

Three male dogs were referred with chronic dysuria. A presumptive diagnosis of idiopathic detrusor urethral dyssynergia was made based on a characteristic pattern of urination (a ‘spurting’ interrupted urine stream, dribbling urine following failed attempts at urination), normal clinical and neurological examination, absence of physical obstruction on urethral catheterisation and absence of abnormalities on plain and contrast radiography and ultrasonography. Medical management failed to resolve clinical signs, and all dogs therefore underwent perineal urethrostomy as a salvage procedure. There were no major postoperative complications, and all dogs urinated with a normal uninterrupted stream of urine at their first urination postoperatively. Urinary function was assessed before and after perineal urethrostomy by observation of urination and estimation of residual bladder volume using ultrasound. No recurrence of dysuria was reported during long‐term follow‐up, with urination reported to be normal in all cases.
‘To Read in an Indian Way’ (Johann Gottfried Herder): Pre-Emergent Colonial Epistemologies in Indian–German Entanglements, Showcased in Protestant Theology c.1800
Authors: Wiesgickl Simon
Published: January 2024

In this chapter, Simon Wiesgickl shows how, by the end of the eighteenth century, new epistemologies and a newWissenschaftlichkeitwere forming part of the colonial set-up in Germany. He discusses German identity by drawing comparisons between German and foreign cultures, with a focus on the theological discussions that were so central to many debates on German identity. He explains how Johann Gottfried Herder extolled the beauty and value of the Hebrew language and used new ideas and notions of India in his innovative interpretation of the Hebrew Bible as an introduction to the Orient. Herder identified the spirit of poetry and the ‘childhood of mankind’ with the Orient, especially India. By ‘reading in an Indian way’, Herder inspired the German debate about its origin and paved the way for a new ethnographic understanding of the Hebrew Bible. Eventually, he also helped to craft a picture of Indians as noble savages who were mild, close to nature, and fully sensuous.