bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snow specific surface area simulation using the one-layer snow model in the Canadian LAnd Surface Scheme (CLASS)
Authors: Roy A. , Royer A. , Montpetit B. , Bartlett P. A. , Langlois A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Snow grain size is a key parameter for modeling microwave snow emission properties and the surface energy balance because of its influence on the snow albedo, thermal conductivity and diffusivity. A model of the specific surface area (SSA) of snow was implemented in the one-layer snow model in the Canadian LAnd Surface Scheme (CLASS) version 3.4. This offline multilayer model (CLASS-SSA) simulates the decrease of SSA based on snow age, snow temperature and the temperature gradient under dry snow conditions, while it considers the liquid water content of the snowpack for wet snow metamorphism. We compare the model with ground-based measurements from several sites (alpine, arctic and subarctic) with different types of snow. The model provides simulated SSA in good agreement with measurements with an overall point-to-point comparison RMSE of 8.0 m2 kg–1, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.1 m2 kg–1 for the snowpack average SSA. The model, however, is limited under wet conditions due to the single-layer nature of the CLASS model, leading to a single liquid water content value for the whole snowpack. The SSA simulations are of great interest for satellite passive microwave brightness temperature assimilations, snow mass balance retrievals and surface energy balance calculations with associated climate feedbacks.
Variability of light transmission through Arctic land-fast sea ice during spring
Authors: Nicolaus M. , Petrich C. , Hudson S. R. , Granskog M. A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The amount of solar radiation transmitted through Arctic sea ice is determined by the thickness and physical properties of snow and sea ice. Light transmittance is highly variable in space and time since thickness and physical properties of snow and sea ice are highly heterogeneous on variable time and length scales. We present field measurements of under-ice irradiance along transects under undeformed land-fast sea ice at Barrow, Alaska (March, May, and June 2010). The measurements were performed with a spectral radiometer mounted on a floating under-ice sled. The objective was to quantify the spatial variability of light transmittance through snow and sea ice, and to compare this variability along its seasonal evolution. Along with optical measurements, snow depth, sea ice thickness, and freeboard were recorded, and ice cores were analyzed for chlorophyll a and particulate matter. Our results show that snow cover variability prior to onset of snow melt causes as much relative spatial variability of light transmittance as the contrast of ponded and white ice during summer. Both before and after melt onset, measured transmittances fell in a range from one third to three times the mean value. In addition, we found a twentyfold increase of light transmittance as a result of partial snowmelt, showing the seasonal evolution of transmittance through sea ice far exceeds the spatial variability. However, prior melt onset, light transmittance was time invariant and differences in under-ice irradiance were directly related to the spatial variability of the snow cover.
Tan spot epiphytosis in winter wheat and triticale crop - comparative studies
Authors: Wakuliński Wojciech , Zamorski Czesław , Schollenberger Małgorzata , Nowicki Bogdan , Kachlicki Piotr
Published: June 2013

Development of tan spot epiphytosis in wheat and triticale has been investigated during three years of cropping seasons 1998-2001. The infection level of plants was scored in four stages of cereals development at the end of tillering (GS 29), shooting (GS 35-37), heading (GS 55-59) and milk maturity (GS 73-77). The monitoring performed on population of 327 wheat and 352 triticale genotypes indicated that the both cereals can be heavy infected by P. tritici-repentis, although the reaction of these hosts differed significantly. On triticale developed small, minute black spots usually without typical for wheat yellow halo. Moreover, the progress of tan spot of triticale over time was less rapid and disease intensity lower in the all plant growth stages during three years of studies.
Antifungal (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici) activity of various glycosides of medicagenic acid
Authors: Martyniuk Stefan , Jurzysta Marian
Published: June 2013

Different concentrations of medicagenic acid and five glycosides of this acid isolated from alfalfa (Medicago sativa) were added to agar medium (corn meal agar, CMA) inoculated with cultures of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt). After 7 days of incubation at 25oC colony radius was measured and % of inhibition calculated in relation to the control medium (CMA enriched with the solvent of the tested compounds). Within the tested concentrations, only 3-O-β -D -glucopiranoside medicagenate (monoglucoside) significantly reduced the growth of Ggt on CMA medium. This compound at 0.05 mM concentration completely inhibited the development of the fungus and the effect was shown to be fungi-toxic.
Honoring Deceased Donors with a Unique Family-Designed Statement Followed by a Moment of Silence: Effect on Donation Outcomes
Authors: Neidlinger Nikole , Gleason Brandy , Cheng Jing
Published: June 2013

Context

Studies indicate that donor families and hospital staff, particularly operating room staff, fear that organ donors will not be treated with dignity, honor, and respect.

Objective

The ritual of a unique, family-designed statement of honor followed by a 15-second moment of silence in the operating room before organ recovery was implemented to honor organ donors and their families. The purpose of this study was to describe the development of the ritual and to investigate its impact on donation rates in the California Transplant Donor Network's service area.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

The California Transplant Donor Network, an organ procurement organization.

Participants

58 organ donors and families in 39 donor hospitals.

Main Outcome Measures

Variables of interest included hospital rate of referral and of timely referral to their organ procurement organization, collaborative conversion rates, and donor families' response to implementation of the new ritual.

Results

The ritual was implemented in 2011 in several randomly selected hospitals locally. Seventy-one unique rituals were performed in 22 local hospitals in the trial period. No families or health care providers declined to participate. Families reported that the ritual honored their loved ones. Although the collaborative conversion rates were similar in hospitals before implementation (2010), implementation of the ritual affected donation rates in 2011.

Conclusions

The 15-second moment of silence honors deceased donors and their families and improves donation rates in donor hospitals.
Nursing Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices: An Interpretive Description
Authors: Gibson Jennifer A. , Henderson Angela , Jillings Carol , Kaan Annemarie
Published: June 2013

Context

Although researchers have studied the experience of caring for patients with ventricular assist devices from the perspective of family caregivers, few reports address the experience of nursing patients with such devices.

Objective

To investigate the experience of nursing patients who have a ventricular assist device.

Design

A qualitative approach called interpretive description was used to conduct semistructured, 1-on-1 interviews.

Participants

Six registered nurses with a range of clinical experiences were interviewed in a 1-year period from 2009 to 2010. Data were transcribed and analyzed by the researcher in conjunction with a research team.

Results

Four distinct themes were interpreted from the interview data: exclusive knowledge, human connection, ethics, and interdisciplinary stress and technology.

Conclusion

Nursing patients who have a ventricular assist device is a complex experience. Nurses develop expert knowledge that is related to direct exposure to patients; this unique knowledge should be formally considered in team decision making. Nursing care of patients who have a ventricular assist device also has features that might result in overconnected nurse-patient relationships. Closely connected nurse-patient relationships intensified the emotional difficultly of experiences of exposure to illness or suffering, or exposure to an unpredictable dying trajectory. Nursing patients with ventricular assist devices can be difficult, and nursing leaders should be aware of the emotional reactions that can result from direct exposure to patients who might be perceived as very ill or suffering. Institutions with ventricular assist device programs should consider providing emotional support for health care workers who find this type of work emotionally difficult.
Phase Imaging of Extreme-Ultraviolet Mask Using Coherent Extreme-Ultraviolet Scatterometry Microscope
Authors: Harada Tetsuo , Nakasuji Masato , Nagata Yutaka , Watanabe Takeo , Kinoshita Hiroo
Published: June 2013

Phase-shifting masks were developed for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography to enlarge the process window, and some researchers developed mask phase defect compensation methods adopting absorber pattern modification. To evaluate these small phase structures, a phase-imaging microscope is required. For actinic phase imaging, we have developed a coherent EUV scatterometry microscope (CSM) based on a coherent diffraction imaging method. The image-forming optics are replaced by an inverse computation, where the frequency space phase data are retrieved. Therefore, the aerial image phase data are also reconstructed. The CSM thus observes the intensity and phase image. We improved the reconstruction algorithm by which the illumination probe was simultaneously reconstructed; phase images of a crossed line pattern, an 88 nm line-and-space pattern, and a phase defect were reconstructed quantitatively. The CSM will be helpful for phase-shift mask development and phase defect compensation.
An In situ Analysis of the Dissolution Characteristics of Half Pitch Line and Space Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Resist Patterns
Authors: Santillan Julius Joseph , Itani Toshiro
Published: June 2013

The characterization of the resist dissolution is one fundamental area of research that has been continuously investigated. This paper focuses on the preliminary work on the application the high speed atomic force microscope (HS-AFM) for the in situ dissolution analysis half-pitch (hp) lines and spaces (L/S) at standard developer concentration. In earlier works, this has been difficult but through extensive optimization and the use of carbon nano fiber-tipped cantilevers, the dissolution characterization of a 32 nm hp L/S pattern at 0.26 N aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide developer (standard developer concentration) was successfully achieved. Based on the results obtained using the EIDEC standard resist (ESR1) it was found that regardless of analysis condition such as resist pattern configuration (isolated or L/S pattern) and developer concentration (diluted or standard), similar dissolution characteristics in the form of resist swelling of exposed areas was observed. Moreover, further investigations using other types of model resist polymer platforms such as poly(hydroxystyrene) (PHS)-based and hybrid (PHS–methacryl)-based model resists have confirmed that dissolution behavior is not affected by the analysis conditions applied.
Formation of Carbon Nanotube/n-Type 6H-SiC Heterojunction by Surface Decomposition of SiC and Its Electric Properties
Authors: Yajima Takatoshi , Sakakibara Satoshi , Naritsuka Shigeya , Yamane Hiroyuki , Kosugi Nobuhiro , Maruyama Takahiro
Published: June 2013

Carbon nanotube (CNT)/n-type SiC heterojunctions were formed by surface decomposition of 6H-SiC(0001), where each CNT directly bonded to SiC crystal at the interface without any interlayer. Through heating temperature and heating time, the CNT length could be controlled up to 4 µm. For the sample with CNTs of 180 and 230 nm in thickness, distinct rectifying behavior was observed in the current–voltage measurements, with the forward direction observed at positively biased CNTs. When the CNT length was 1500 nm, the leakage current was increased. From cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations, we conclude that the increase of the leakage current was due to the deterioration of crystalline quality of CNTs near the interface between CNTs and SiC, which was caused by the obstruction of the desorption of Si atoms by the lengthening of CNTs.
Low-Temperature Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Growth from Pt Catalyst Using Alcohol Gas Source Method in High Vacuum
Authors: Kondo Hiroki , Fukuoka Naoya , Ghosh Ranajit , Naritsuka Shigeya , Maruyama Takahiro , Iijima Sumio
Published: June 2013

The growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was carried out on SiO2/Si substrates with Pt catalysts at 400, 450, and 700 °C using an alcohol gas source method in a high vacuum, and the grown SWCNTs were characterized by Raman spectroscopy. By optimizing the ethanol pressure, we could grow SWCNTs even at 400 and 450 °C. By reducing the growth temperature, both the diameter and diameter distribution of the SWCNTs were markedly decreased, and the diameters for most of the SNWTs grown at 400 °C were estimated to be below 1 nm from the Raman results. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation showed that the reduction in SWCNT diameter was caused by the decrease in catalyst size with decreasing temperature.
Wave-Packet Dynamics Simulation on Electronic Transport in Carbon Nanotubes with Randomly Distributed Impurities
Authors: Takada Yukihiro , Yamamoto Takahiro
Published: June 2013

We investigate coherent electronic transport in semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes with randomly distributed impurities utilizing the wave-packet dynamics method combined with the mode-space decomposition method, focusing particularly on the case of small hole doping. From the behavior of the time-dependent diffusion coefficient and the diffusion length, we verify that the system exhibits Anderson's localization due to quasi-one-dimensionality of nanotubes. Moreover, we reveal the dependence of impurity-potential strength on the localization length, and consequently we demonstrate that the localization can occur even at room temperature, which is consistent with the recent experimental results.
Enhancing Air Retention by Biomimicking Salvinia molesta Structures
Authors: Yang Cho-Yun , Yang Cho-Yu , Sung Cheng-Kuo
Published: June 2013

The air-retaining property of the hydrophobic surface can be widely employed in many applications. This study is carried out to enhance this property by biomimicking the structure ofSalvinia molestafloating leaves, which features hydrophilic patches on a superhydrophobic structure. Different from the existing lotus structure, in this study, the theoretical models and equations governing the contact and sliding angles, and contact line density of the salvinia structure were developed. The Marangoni effect was re-examined and modified to consider the characteristic of the salvinia structure. In addition, a novel process was proposed to fabricate the salvinia and lotus structures, which were designed using mathematical models and numerical simulation results. Both structures were tested to verify the theoretical models and derived governing equations. The results indicate that the air-retaining property was greatly enhanced using the salvinia structure compared with the lotus one.
Poly(ethylene glycol)-Functionalized Photocurable Silsesquioxane as an Antibiofouling Material for Nanostructure-Based Biomedical Applications
Authors: Lee Bong Kuk , Kim Dong-Pyo , Ryu Jin-Hwa , Park Jaehoon , Baek Kyu-Ha , Do Lee-Mi
Published: June 2013

Poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized silsesquioxane acrylate (PEG-SSQA) has been developed as antibiofouling material for nanostructure-based biomedical applications. PEG-SSQA was synthesized from the hydrolytic condensation of trimethoxysilanes with PEG and acrylate groups. From the NMR spectra, the PEG-SSQA was observed to be a mixture of random, ladder, and cage structures. The cured PEG-SSQA exhibits hydrophilicity (water contact angle: 26.6–34.7°), low swelling ratios in water (<1.8 wt %) and organic solvents (< 3 wt %), a high UV transparency (>90% at 365 nm), a high Young's modulus (ca. 1 GPa), and low shrinkage (< 4.2% in height). PEG-SSQA possessed the ability to form sub-25 nm features. In addition, the cured PEG-SSQA films with long-term stability under chemical and biological stress showed strong resistance to the nonspecific adsorption of proteins. These characteristics may offer a new strategy for the development of a number of biomedical applications, such as nanobiodevices, nanobiosensors and labs-on-a-chip.
Property Measurement and Processing Parameter Optimization for Polylactide Micro Structure Fabrication by Thermal Imprint
Authors: Chang Fuh-Yu , Teng Ping-Tun , Tsai Tsan-Hung
Published: June 2013

Polylactide (PLA) is a thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources. In this study, we measured the material properties and forming conditions of PLA under the thermal imprint process. The properties of PLA were investigated under various imprint temperatures and imprint times. The results show that increasing the imprint temperature and imprint time results in a progressive rise in Young's modulus and a decrease in elongation at break. Furthermore, if the imprint time exceeds 10 min, crystallinity at imprint temperatures 90 and 110 °C increases visibly. Measurements of rheology properties was performed and the results show viscoelastic behaviors which are combination of irreversible viscous flow and reversible elastic deformation at the temperature of 110–180 °C. The forming conditions of PLA micro structures under thermal imprint technology were studied based on the Taguchi method. The experimental results show that the transfer rate was enhanced to 96.3%. This study therefore contributes to research on the fabrication of biomedical devices using biodegradable polymers produced by the thermal imprint process.
All-Polymer Electrolytic Tilt Sensor with Conductive Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Electrodes
Authors: Lee June Kyoo , Choi Ju Chan , Kong Seong Ho
Published: June 2013

In this study, an all-polymer electrolytic tilt sensor with conductive and corrosion-resistant poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) electrodes was designed and its performances were characterized. A PDMS cavity in the sensor for holding an electrolyte was fabricated by soft lithography using an ultraviolet-sensitive polymer. A conductive PDMS composite (gPDMS) with graphite powder was used for the electrode to measure the inclination angle of the electrolyte. AgPDMS composite with a graphite concentration above 40 wt % was able to function as a conductive polymer. The fabricated all-polymer tilt sensor exhibited a detectable inclination range of ±60° and showed a relatively linear output signal compared with those exhibited by conventional micromachined tilt sensors with axis asymmetrical cavities. The maximum hysteresis of the output signal was approximately 0.1 Vrmswhen the sensor repeatedly tilted and leveled off. In addition to the fundamental characterization of the sensor, various characteristics of the all-polymer tilt sensor, such as time-dependent and electrolyte-volume-dependent variations in the output signal, were investigated in this study. While the performance of the proposed sensor was comparable to that of conventional silicon-micromachined tilt sensors, the sensor could be produced at a fraction of the cost required to fabricate the conventional sensors.
Fabrication and Noise Reduction of the Miniature Tactile Sensor Using Through-Silicon-Via Connection with Signal Amplifier
Authors: Yokoyama Hokuto , Sohgawa Masayuki , Kanashima Takeshi , Azuma Teruaki , Okuyama Masanori , Noma Haruo
Published: June 2013

A miniature tactile sensor has been fabricated by connecting stress-sensitive part with an amplifier of integrated circuit through through-silicon-via (TSV) electrically. The sensitive part consists of three warped cantilevers with piezoresistive NiCr thin film which are prepared on a silicon-on-insulator wafer by the surface micromachining technique. The TSV connection can reduce noise of detected change of the piezoresistive output induced by wire between the sensitive part and the amplifier. Fabricated tactile sensor of 5×5 mm2 size has linear dependence of the output on both normal and shear forces. The output noise has been successfully decreased by 14 and 34% in the sensor using the TSVs compared with that using wires of 3 and 6 mm lengths, respectively.
Study on Homogeneous Wafer Level Dielectric Film Preparation Using Chemical Solution Deposition Method
Authors: Sueshige Kazutaka , Ichiki Masaaki , Suga Tadatomo , Itoh Toshihiro
Published: June 2013

Process parameters of lead zirconate titanate thin film preparation using metal organic decomposition method were optimized by a statistical method and their effects on the film properties were investigated quantitatively in this study. The crystallization temperature and the precursor formation temperature were found to be important factors for high quality thin films. We also investigated the films deposited on the 4-in. wafer under the optimum conditions and found that it exhibited great film properties. Furthermore, the process damage to the wafer sample by photolithography was clarified experimentally. The results will be useful for the fabrication of the MEMS devices and integration technology of electrical devices including piezoelectric films.
Perfectly Matched Layers for Elastic Waves in Piezoelectric Solids
Authors: Hasegawa Koji , Sato Shingo
Published: June 2013

The material constants of perfectly matched layers (PMLs) for elastic waves in piezoelectric solids in orthogonal coordinates, such as the cylindrical and spherical coordinates, in the frequency domain were derived from the differential form. Using the coordinate transformation laws of tensors, the quotient rule, and complex coordinate stretching, we obtained the material parameters of PMLs in the real coordinate. Our results on stress and piezoelectric stress constants are different from the parameters determined by the analytic continuation because we include or exclude the transformation of the contravariant components in the differential form or the analytic continuation, respectively. The presented results are extensions of our results for anisotropic solids without piezoelectricity.
Formation of Morphotropic Phase Boundary in (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–BaZrO3–(Bi0.5Li0.5)TiO3 Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Zushi Junta , Ariizumi Takuma , Kojima Seiji , Wang Ruiping , Bando Hiroshi
Published: June 2013

For the development of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, which have a tetragonal–rhombohedral morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), 0.90(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–xBaZrO3–(0.10 - x)(Bi0.5Li0.5)TiO3 ceramics have been synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction method. A phase diagram was summarized from the X-ray diffraction pattern and the dielectric measurements. It is found that 0.90(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–xBaZrO3–(0.10 - x)(Bi0.5Li0.5)TiO3 ceramics have an MPB between x = 0.07 and 0.08. In the vicinity of the MPB, it was observed that the dielectric and piezoelectric properties were enhanced.
Photoacoustic Imaging with Multiple-Wavelength Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Adachi Yoshitaro , Hoshimiya Tsutomu
Published: June 2013

Multiple-color light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used for photoacoustic (PA) imaging of printed color specimens, and the obtained PA images agreed well with the corresponding amount of absorbance of the specimens. The LED light sources with wavelengths of 455, 505, 617, and 660 nm were used to evaluate PA images that were obtained for colored specimens printed on the front and rear surfaces of an OHP sheet. The PA images obtained for individual wavelengths were combined to recover the colored image of the specimen, and the recovered image was compared with the original full-color image. The PA signals with amplitudes and phases behave as vectors so that the vectorial addition of PA signals generated from the surface and undersurface well describes the PA signal behavior. Furthermore, imaging of a layered specimen with a surface color layer was also carried out, which lead to successful thermal depth profiling with a colored optical source.
Application of Sandwich Assay to Resonance Acoustic Microbalance with Naked-Embedded Quartz Biosensor for High-Selectivity Detection of C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Kato Fumihito , Tsurimoto Keisuke , Ogi Hirotsugu , Hirao Masahiko
Published: June 2013

The selectivity of the resonance acoustic microbalance with naked-embedded quartz (RAMNE-Q) biosensor addition to its original features (label-free, high-sensitivity, and replacement-free) was improved by applying a sandwich assay. We succeeded in the real-time monitoring of a frequency change due to a series of reactions: the nonspecific adsorption of streptococcal protein G (SPG), the oriented immobilization of an anti-C-reactive protein (anti-CRP) antibody, the specific binding of CRP as the antigen, and the specific binding of another anti-CRP antibody as the detection antibody. The detection of the low concentrations of CRP (100 pg/ml) and the anti-CRP antibody (1 µg/ml) was carried out repeatedly, and its repeatability was confirmed.
Investigation of High-Power Properties of (Bi,Na,Ba)TiO3 and (Sr,Ca)2NaNb5O15 Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Doshida Yutaka , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Mizuno Youich , Tamura Hideki
Published: June 2013

We investigated why the nonlinear behaviors of (Bi,Na,Ba)(Ti,Mn)O3 (BNBTM) ceramics and (Sr,Ca)2NaNb5O15 (SCNN) ceramics occur in comparison with Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-based (PZT) ceramics by evaluating their high-power properties with the distinction between mechanical nonlinearity and temperature dependence of properties. The equivalent stiffness of PZT decreased with increasing vibration velocity and sample temperature. However, the equivalent stiffnesses of BNBTM and SCNN did not depend on vibration velocity, they decreased and increased linearly with an increase in sample temperature, respectively. The nonlinear behavior of PZT originated from the soft-spring effect through which the mechanical nonlinearity was induced and the temperature dependence of stiffness was enhanced. On the other hand, it appeared that the nonlinear behaviors of BNBTM and SCNN originated from the apparent soft- and hard-spring effects through which the temperature dependence of stiffness was induced. The temperature characteristic of elasticity is important for controlling the high-power properties.
Sonochemical Degradation of Reactive Black 5 with a Composite Catalyst of TiO2/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Cho Eunju , Choi Jongbok , Lee Yonghyeon , Park Jeong Min , Khim Jeehyeong
Published: June 2013

In the sonocatalytic process, composites of TiO2-carbon were used because carbon provides more adsorption sites and acts like an electron sink to prevent the recombination of an electron/hole. Therefore, in the present study, the characteristics of a TiO2/single-walled carbon nanotubes catalyst (TiO2/SWCNTs) have been investigated, and the optimal weight ratio of SWCNTs and the dose for degradation of reactive black 5 (RB5) were also evaluated. TiO2/SWCNT composite was characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction microanalysis and spectra, and X-ray diffraction patterns. The degradation rate constants of RB5 with the ratio of SWCNTs were found to depend on the adsorption phenomenon of a surface catalyst, light absorbance, and the recombination of electrons and holes. As a result, the optimal ratio of carbon in the sono-TiO2/SWCNTs process for degradation of RB5 was TiO2:SWCNTs= 200:1. Additionally, the optimal dose of the catalyst was 0.5 g/L.
Ultrasonically Enhanced Effectiveness of Various Surfactants on Diesel Removal from Contaminated Soil
Authors: Kim Young Uk , Park Sang Hyun , Moon Jun Ho , Jang Soon Mo
Published: June 2013

The use of ultrasound to enhance the efficiency of surfactant-aided soil washing was investigated with a series of laboratory tests on diesel-contaminated soil. Test conditions included the power and duration of sonic energy, the surfactant type, and mixing time. The results of the study show that the use of ultrasound in the soil washing process significantly enhanced the remediation of the contaminated soil. The degree of enhancement varied with sonication energy, treatment time, and mixing duration.
Analysis of Temperature Rise Induced by High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Tissue-Mimicking Gel Considering Cavitation Bubbles
Authors: Asai Ayumu , Okano Hiroki , Yoshizawa Shin , Umemura Shin-ichiro
Published: June 2013

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) causes a selective temperature rise in tissue and is used as a noninvasive method for tumor treatment. However, there is a problem in that it typically takes several hours to treat a large tumor. The development of a highly efficient method is required to shorten the treatment time. It is known that cavitation bubbles generated by HIFU enhance HIFU heating. In this study, the enhancement of the heating effect by cavitation was estimated in a numerical simulation solving a bio-heat transfer equation (BHTE) by increasing the absorption coefficients in and out of the volume of cavitation bubbles. The absorption coefficients were obtained by a curve fitting the temperature rise near the focal point between experiment and simulation. The results show that cavitation bubbles caused the increase in ultrasonic absorption not only in but also near the volume of cavitation bubbles.
Prenatal Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Zhang Yu , Hu Yuhong , Talarico Robert , Qiu Xinye , Schwartz Joel , Fell Deshayne B. , Oskoui Maryam , Lavigne Eric , Messerlian Carmen
Published: July 2024

Importance

Air pollution is associated with structural brain changes, disruption of neurogenesis, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The association between prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and risk of cerebral palsy (CP), which is the most common motor disability in childhood, has not been thoroughly investigated.

Objective

To evaluate the associations between prenatal residential exposure to ambient air pollution and risk of CP among children born at term gestation in a population cohort in Ontario, Canada.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada using linked, province-wide health administrative databases. Participants were singleton full term births (≥37 gestational weeks) born in Ontario hospitals between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2017. Data were analyzed from January to December 2022.

Exposures

Weekly average concentrations of ambient fine particulate matter with a diameter 2.5 μm (PM2.5) or smaller, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) during pregnancy assigned by maternal residence reported at delivery from satellite-based estimates and ground-level monitoring data.

Main outcome and measures

CP cases were ascertained by a single inpatient hospitalization diagnosis or at least 2 outpatient diagnoses for children from birth to age 18 years.

Results

The present study included 1 587 935 mother-child pairs who reached term gestation, among whom 3170 (0.2%) children were diagnosed with CP. The study population had a mean (SD) maternal age of 30.1 (5.6) years and 811 745 infants (51.1%) were male. A per IQR increase (2.7 μg/m3) in prenatal ambient PM2.5 concentration was associated with a cumulative hazard ratio (CHR) of 1.12 (95% CI, 1.03-1.21) for CP. The CHR in male infants (1.14; 95% CI, 1.02-1.26) was higher compared with the CHR in female infants (1.08; 95% CI, 0.96-1.22). No specific window of susceptibility was found for prenatal PM2.5 exposure and CP in the study population. No associations or windows of susceptibility were found for prenatal NO2 or O3 exposure and CP risk.

Conclusions and relevance

In this large cohort study of singleton full term births in Canada, prenatal ambient PM2.5 exposure was associated with an increased risk of CP in offspring. Further studies are needed to explore this association and its potential biological pathways, which could advance the identification of environmental risk factors of CP in early life.
Identifying actionable synthetically lethal cancer gene pairs using mutual exclusivity
Authors: Wooller Sarah K. , Pearl Laurence H. , Pearl Frances M. G.
Published: July 2024

Mutually exclusive loss‐of‐function alterations in gene pairs are those that occur together less frequently than may be expected and may denote a synthetically lethal relationship (SSL) between the genes. SSLs can be exploited therapeutically to selectively kill cancer cells. Here, we analysed mutation, copy number variation, and methylation levels in samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas, using the hypergeometric and the Poisson binomial tests to identify mutually exclusive inactivated genes. We focused on gene pairs where one is an inactivated tumour suppressor and the other a gene whose protein product can be inhibited by known drugs. This provided an abundance of potential targeted therapeutics and repositioning opportunities for several cancers. These data are available on the MexDrugs website, https://bioinformaticslab.sussex.ac.uk/mexdrugs.
Expert consensus on quality control indicators for integrative medicine in rheumatoid arthritis (2023 version)
Authors: Tao Qingwen , Wang Jinping , Wang Zihan , Xu Yuan , Wang Jianming , Zhang Yingze
Published: July 2024

The rising costs of cancer care and subsequent medical financial hardship for cancer survivors and families are well documented in the United States. Less attention has been paid to employment disruptions and loss of household income after a cancer diagnosis and during treatment, potentially resulting in lasting financial hardship, particularly for working‐age adults not yet age‐eligible for Medicare coverage and their families. In this article, the authors use a composite patient case to illustrate the adverse consequences of cancer diagnosis and treatment for employment, health insurance coverage, household income, and other aspects of financial hardship. They summarize existing research and provide nationally representative estimates of multiple aspects of financial hardship and health insurance coverage, benefit design, and employee benefits, such as paid sick leave, among working‐age adults with a history of cancer and compare them with estimates among working‐age adults without a history of cancer from the most recently available years of the National Health Interview Survey (2019–2021). Then, the authors identify opportunities for addressing employment and health insurance coverage challenges at multiple levels, including federal, state, and local policies; employers; cancer care delivery organizations; and nonprofit organizations. These efforts, when informed by research to identify best practices, can potentially help mitigate the financial hardship associated with cancer.
Interface Characterization of Graphene‐Silicon Heterojunction Using Hg Probe Capacitance–Voltage Measurement
Authors: Wang Ting , Peng Songang , Jin Zhi , Hu Chen , Tian He
Published: July 2024

Investigating the intrinsic properties of the Schottky interface between graphene and 3D bulk silicon is crucial. However, the semiconductor technology introduces extra doping and defects in graphene, which significantly disturbs the property of the graphene‐silicon interface. Here, the interface parameters of graphene/n‐Si heterojunction are derived by the damage‐free Hg‐probe capacitance–voltage measurement. Due to its low‐density states, the Fermi level of graphene can be pushed upward, which results in a lower Schottky barrier height (ΦB0) of Hg/graphene/n‐Si (HGS) heterostructure than that of Hg/n‐Si (HS) structure. Additionally, the series resistance (Rs) of HGS becomes lower than that of HS, which can be attributed to the narrowed depletion layer width (WD) and the decreased interface state density (Nit). Furthermore, the frequency characteristic is also investigated. Because of the weak interface state charge trapping–detrapping process and the decreased Nit at high frequency, electrons will accumulate in graphene, and the Fermi level will be pushed up. Hence, the ΦB0 and Rs will decrease with increasing frequency. This study contributes to a deep understanding of the graphene/silicon heterojunction interfaces, which is crucial for designing and optimizing the new electronic and optoelectronic devices based on 2D/3D heterostructure.
Biobased Polyethylene Furanoate: Production Processes, Sustainability, and Techno‐Economics
Authors: Sanders John H. , Cunniffe Julia , Carrejo Edgar , Burke Cullen , Reynolds Autumn M. , Dey Shaikat Chandra , Islam Md. Nazrul , Wagner Owen , Argyropoulos Dimitris
Published: July 2024

Polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is a biobased plastic, similar to synthetic polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is produced from the platform chemical 2,5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Much of the literature surrounding PEF is focused on unit processes, with little regard for their sustainability and economic viability. In this comprehensive critical review, the entire process of PEF production, from the feedstock to polymerization and upstream applications, is critically examined. Identification of individual pathways capable of producing PEF efficiently and with favorable properties while considering economic viability and environmental sustainability are presented. For each unit operation, recent technological developments are summarized, and recommendations are made based on process efficiency. The collection of the findings from both life cycle assessments (LCA) and techno‐economic analyses (TEA) facilitated the identification of pathways with the greatest potential for environmental sustainability and economic viability of PEF production.
Synthesis of Poly‐Pyrrole Nanotubes/Chromium Vanadate Composite as Wired Interlocks to Achieve an Asymmetric Supercapacitor Device with Scaled Electrochemical Energy Parameters
Authors: Jhanjhariya Neeru , Lata Suman
Published: July 2024

Herein, a novel combination with a focused morphology is designed after synthesizing CrVO4 (CV) nanoparticles and poly‐pyrrole nanotubes (PNT or P) to prepare the interlocks of the composites of PNT and CrVO4 as 1PCV1, 1PCV2, 2PCV1, and 2PCV2 to study the supercapacitor application. Structural and spectral characterizations are perpetuated to confirm the synthesis of the samples. Results furnishing best energy storage are obtained for the intercalated composite 2PCV1 examined for three‐probe and two‐probe set‐up. The excel values for specific capacitance (Cs) for 2PCV1 concerning the Cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycle and Galvanostatic Charge Discharge (GCD) curve are 1745.60 F g−1 at 10 mV s−1 rate and 1545.62 F g−1 at 0.625 A g−1 current density studied along with interface controlled and transport‐controlled Cs with a contribution of 55.13% interface part and 44.87% transport part at 5 mV s−1 scan rate. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) study has provided 0.86 n‐factor with solution resistance Rs of 1.48 Ω, and a charge transfer resistance of 0.166 Ω. The respective specific power and specific energy values obtained through the two‐probe set‐up are also interestingly high 416.68 W kg−1 and 45.14 Wh kg−1 at 0.83 A g−1 current density. Also, the retention % in Cs values is studied by running 5000 continuous voltammetric cycles with 96.23% retention in supercapacitor device.
CircCFL1 Promotes TNBC Stemness and Immunoescape via Deacetylation‐Mediated c‐Myc Deubiquitylation to Facilitate Mutant TP53 Transcription
Authors: Wang Zekun , Li Yaming , Yang Jingwen , Sun Yuhan , He Yinqiao , Wang Yuping , Liang Yiran , Chen Xi , Chen Tong , Han Dianwen , Zhang Ning , Chen Bing , Zhao Wenjing , Wang Lijuan , Luo Dan , Yang Qifeng
Published: July 2024

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer. TP53, which has a mutation rate of ≈70%–80% in TNBC patients, plays oncogenic roles when mutated. However, whether circRNAs can exert their effects on TNBC through regulating mutant TP53 has not been well evaluated. In this study, circCFL1, which is highly expressed in TNBC cells and tissues and has prognostic potential is identified. Functionally, circCFL1 promoted the proliferation, metastasis and stemness of TNBC cells. Mechanistically, circCFL1 acted as a scaffold to enhance the interaction between HDAC1 and c‐Myc, further promoting the stability of c‐Myc via deacetylation‐mediated inhibition of K48‐linked ubiquitylation. Stably expressed c‐Myc further enhanced the expression of mutp53 in TNBC cells with TP53 mutations by directly binding to the promoter of TP53, which promoted the stemness of TNBC cells via activation of the p‐AKT/WIP/YAP/TAZ pathway. Moreover, circCFL1 can facilitate the immune escape of TNBC cells by promoting the expression of PD‐L1 and suppressing the antitumor immunity of CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, the results revealed that circCFL1 plays an oncogenic role by promoting the HDAC1/c‐Myc/mutp53 axis, which can serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for TNBC patients with TP53 mutations.
Mechanistic study of the effect of flexible fixation and load‐bearing stress environment on fracture healing and shaping
Authors: Li Xingfu , Deng Zhenhan , Lu Wei
Published: July 2024

Background

The biomechanical environment created by suture‐button fixation Latarjet is conducive to the healing and shaping of the transplanted coracoid, but its mechanism remains unclear. The latest research has found that the absence of stem cell chemokine (CXCL12) impeded bone regeneration in Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)‐deficient animals. However, whether the biomechanical environment affects SHH and CXCL12 function has not been studied.

Methods

Rat fracture models were constructed to simulate stress environments under non‐load‐bearing and load‐bearing conditions. The fracture healing and shaping, as well as the expression levels of SHH and CXCL12, were assessed through gross viewing, micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), and histochemical staining.

Results

Under flexible fixation, the relative bone volume (BV/TV) of rats exposed to the load‐bearing stress environment was significantly higher than that of rats under a non‐load‐bearing stress environment (p ≤ 0.05). Adverse bone shaping was not observed in rats subjected to flexible fixation. The levels of SHH and CXCL12 in load‐bearing rats exhibited significant elevation (p ≤ 0.05). Under a load‐bearing stress environment, no significant difference was observed in the BV/TV between the flexible fixation group and the rigid fixation group (p ≥ 0.05), but there was excessive hyperplasia of the fracture callus in the rigid fixation group. The levels of SHH and CXCL12 in rats subjected to rigid fixation were significantly elevated (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

Flexible fixation and load‐bearing stress environment may contribute to bone healing and shaping by influencing the levels of SHH and CXCL12, suggested that this mechanism may be relevant to the healing and shaping of the transplanted coracoid after suture‐button fixation Latarjet.
Multiplexed and Quantitative Imaging of Live‐Cell Membrane Proteins by a Precise and Controllable DNA‐Encoded Amplification Reaction
Authors: Diao Nannan , Hou Jianing , Peng Xinyu , Wang Yaru , He Axin , Gao Haiyan , Yang Linlin , Guo Pei , Wang Junyan , Han Da
Published: July 2024

Amplifying DNA conjugated affinity ligands can improve the sensitivity and multiplicity of cell imaging and play a crucial role in comprehensively deciphering cellular heterogeneity and dynamic changes during development and disease. However, the development of one‐step, controllable, and quantitative DNA amplification methods for multiplexed imaging of live‐cell membrane proteins is challenging. Here, we introduce the template adhesion reaction (TAR) method for assembling amplifiable DNA sequences with different affinity ligands, such as aptamers or antibodies, for amplified and multiplexed imaging of live‐cell membrane proteins with high quantitative fidelity. The precisely controllable TAR enables proportional amplification of membrane protein targets with variable abundances by modulating the concentration ratios of hairpin templates and primers, thus allowing sensitive visualization of multiple membrane proteins with enhanced signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) without disturbing their original ratios. Using TAR, we achieved signal‐enhanced imaging of six proteins on the same live‐cell within 1–2 h. TAR represents an innovative and programmable molecular toolkit for multiplexed profiling of membrane proteins in live‐cells.
From Ultrafast Photoinduced Small Polarons to Cooperative and Macroscopic Charge‐Transfer Phase Transition
Authors: Privault G. , Hervé M. , Godin N. , Bertoni R. , Akagi S. , Kubicki J. , Tokoro H. , Ohkoshi S. , Lorenc M. , Collet Eric
Published: July 2024

We study by femtosecond infrared spectroscopy the ultrafast and persistent photoinduced phase transition of the Rb0.94Mn0.94Co0.06[Fe(CN)6]0.98 ⋅ 0.2H2O material, induced at room temperature by a single laser shot. This system exhibits a charge‐transfer based phase transition with a 75 K wide thermal hysteresis, centred at room temperature, from the low temperature Mn3+−N−C−Fe2+ tetragonal phase to the high temperature Mn2+−N−C−Fe3+ cubic phase. At room temperature, the photoinduced phase transition is persistent. However, the out‐of‐equilibrium dynamics leading to this phase is multi‐scale. Femtosecond infrared spectroscopy, particularly sensitive to local reorganizations through the evolution of the frequency of the N−C vibration modes with the different characteristic electronic states, reveals that at low laser fluence and on short time scale, the photoexcitation of the Mn3+−N−C−Fe2+ phase creates small charge‐transfer polarons [Mn2+−N−C−Fe3+]* within ≃250 fs. The local trapping of photoinduced intermetallic charge‐transfer is characterized by the appearance of a polaronic infrared band, due to the surrounding Mn2+−N−C−Fe2+ species. Above a threshold fluence, when a critical fraction of small CT‐polarons is reached, the macroscopic phase transition to the persistent Mn2+−N−C−Fe3+ cubic phase occurs within ≃ 100 ps. This non‐linear photo‐response results from elastic cooperativity, intrinsic to a switchable lattice and reminiscent of a feedback mechanism.
N‐Phenyl‐2‐Pyridone‐Derived Endoperoxide Suppressing both Lung Cancer and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Progression by Three‐Pronged Action**
Authors: Wang Lei , Wu Hao , Liu Ziang , Sun Rensong , Li Yanping , Si Yu , Nie Yun , Qiao Yuan , Qian Xiao , Zhang Shengli , Li Guangzhe , Sun Wen , Pan Yue , Akkaya Engin U.
Published: July 2024

We report an endoperoxide compound (E5) which can deliver three therapeutic components by a thermal cycloreversion, namely, singlet oxygen, triplet oxygen and 3‐methyl‐N‐phenyl‐2‐pyridone (P5), thus targeting multiple mechanisms for treating non‐small cell lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In aqueous environment, E5 undergoes clean reaction to afford three therapeutic components with a half‐life of 8.3 hours without the generation of other by‐products, which not only achieves good cytotoxicity toward lung cancer cells and decreases the levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) protein, but also inhibits the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) induced fibrosis in vitro. In vivo experiments also demonstrated the efficacy of E5 in inhibiting tumor growth and relieving idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, while exhibiting good biocompatibility. Many lines of evidence reveal the therapeutic efficacy of singlet oxygen and 3‐methyl‐N‐phenyl‐2‐pyridone for these two lung diseases, and triplet oxygen could downregulate HIF‐1α and relieve tumor hypoxia which is a critical issue in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Unlike other combination therapies, in which multiple therapeutic agents are given in independent formulations, our work demonstrates single molecule endoperoxide prodrugs could be developed as new platforms for treatment of cancers and related diseases.