bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wood Derived Flexible and Spongy Architectures for Advanced Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Patil Rahul , Mishra Meemansha , Liu Shude , Jun Seong Chan , Dutta Saikat
Published: September 2023

Wood‐based flexible and porous architectures are currently receiving extensive attention in the development of flexible devices. The unique water adsorption properties of natural wood enable rapid and spontaneous water uptake, leading to concentration differences that facilitate the diffusion of ions with opposite charges. This article gives a summary of the differences between flexible and porous architectures made from natural wood. It also gives a detailed look at the porous architecture, which is made up of nanochannels, low‐tortuosity channels, and single‐atom sites to improve the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors, metal‐air batteries, lithium‐sulfur batteries, and lithium‐oxide batteries. Moreover, the processing approaches that utilize cell wall engineering to transform flat wood sheets into adaptable 3D structures such as flexible films and foams are described. Finally, some existing challenges and future perspectives faced by wood‐based flexible and spongy architectures for electrochemical energy conversion and storage are described.
Deep Learning‐Based Classification of Image Data Sets Containing 111 Different Seeds
Authors: Tugrul Bulent , Eryigit Recep , Ar Yilmaz
Published: September 2023

Image analysis plays a crucial role in understanding and protecting biodiversity. A wide variety of images are used in research on identifying and classifying plants, including stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. In order to increase crop production, more research needs to be done on the image analysis of seeds. This study aims to fill the gap in this field by creating an image data set of 111 different species in 42 families. An improved Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) model is developed by adding new layers to the last layers of the well‐known CNNs in the literature. A well‐balanced image data set is used to train the proposed model and calculate its performance. The accuracy of the custom CNNs model for seed classification is between 91% and 94%. The custom model's top‐2 and top‐3 accuracy values are 98.56% and 98.92%, respectively. The proposed CNNs model shows encouraging results in terms of accuracy and computation time for seed classification and recognition.
Dually Sulphophilic Chromium Boride Nanocatalyst Boosting Sulfur Conversion Kinetics Toward High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Hongyang , Chen Guxian , Zhang Kailong , Wang Liangbiao , Li Gaoran
Published: September 2023

The sluggish kinetics of sulfur conversions have long been hindering the implementation of fast and efficient sulfur electrochemistry in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. In this regard, herein the unique chromium boride (CrB) is developed via a well‐confined mild‐temperature thermal reaction to serve as an advanced sulfur electrocatalyst. Its interstitial‐alloy nature features excellent conductivity, while the nano‐lamination architecture affords abundant active sites for host‐guest interactions. More importantly, the CrB nanocatalyst demonstrates a dual sulphophilicity with simultaneous Cr─S and B─S bondage for establishing strong interactions with the intermediate polysulfides. As a result, significant stabilization and promotion of sulfur redox behavior can be achieved, enabling an excellent Li–S cell cyclability with a minimum capacity fading rate of 0.0176% per cycle over 2000 cycles and a favorable rate capability up to 7 C. Additionally, a high areal capacity of 5.2 mAh cm−2, and decent cycling and rate performances are still attainable under high sulfur loading and low electrolyte dosage. This work offers a facile approach and instructive insights into metal boride sulfur electrocatalyst, holding a good promise for pursuing high‐efficiency sulfur electrochemistry and high‐performance Li–S batteries.
Capturing Nano‐Scale Inhomogeneity of the Electrode Electrolyte Interface in Sodium‐Ion Batteries Through Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Dinda Sirshendu , Trivedi Shivam , Roy Ananyo , Pammer Frank D. , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: September 2023

A prime challenge in the development of new battery chemistries is the fundamental understanding of the generation of the electrode–electrolyte interface (EEI) and its evolution upon cycling. Tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) under an inert gas atmosphere is employed to study the chemical components of the anode/cathode electrolyte interface in a sodium‐ion battery. After the first cycle, TERS reveals that the EEI mostly consists of organic carbonate/dicarbonate, oligoethylene oxides, α,β‐unsaturated vinyl ketones/acetates, and inorganic species ClO4−, ClO3−, and Na2CO3. Whereas after 5× cycling, the EEI composition has evolved to contain long chain monodentate or bridging/bidentate carboxylates and alkoxides. The TERS map reveals the nano‐scale heterogeneity present in the EEI layers and elucidates a multilayered nano‐mosaic coating structure. The sheer volume of Raman signature present in the TERS signal can completely unravel the mysteries regarding the chemical composition and may shed light to the physicochemical behavior of the EEI.
Interface Coating Design for Dynamic Voltage Stability of Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Wang Yichao , Ye Luhan , Fitzhugh William , Chen Xi , Li Xin
Published: September 2023

Intrinsic or interface thermodynamic voltage windows of solid electrolytes are often narrower than the operational voltage range needed by a full battery, thus various interface decomposition reactions can happen in a practical solid‐state battery. Experimentally, it is found that a proper battery design utilizing the reactions can lead to a dynamic evolution from interface instability to stability, giving the so‐called dynamic voltage stability for advanced battery performance. Here, first the state‐of‐the‐art understanding is articulated about how the dynamic voltage stability should be interpreted in physical picture and treated in computation, emphasizing the potential importance of nonequilibrium reaction pathways. The constrained ensemble computational approach is further applied across most types of solid‐state electrolytes to systematically evaluate and compare their dynamic stability voltage windows in response to the mechanical constriction effect. High‐throughput calculations are used to search for coating materials for different interfaces between sulfide, halide, and oxide electrolytes and typical cathode materials with enhanced dynamic voltage stability. A comparison with experiment is given to highlight the value of these computational predictions.
Healthy transition: Roadmap for young adults with Down syndrome to adulthood
Authors: Weaver Maya , McCormick Andrew
Published: September 2023

Healthcare transition is the purposeful and planned process for preparing young adults with Down syndrome for an adult oriented healthcare system. Significant gaps of a delayed, incomplete, siloed and decentered transition can be avoided when transition is approached in a longitudinal and holistic manner. Young adults with Down syndrome are specifically vulnerable to these gaps as the combination of intellectual differences and healthcare complexity leads to the need for a process that allows for appropriate preparation to develop the skills and process for an appropriate. To establish a successful transition care plan, the six core elements of policy, tracking, readiness, planning, transfer of care, and complete transition will compose the scaffolding of the transition process and address these gaps in care. A comprehensive tool kit including policy statements, healthcare transition tracking forms, the TRAQ tool, and template portable medical summaries will operationalize those elements and counteract any gaps in the transition process.
Effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions on the outcomes of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest: An analysis of the JAAM‐OHCA registry
Authors: Inoue Tomoaki , Kaneda Kotaro , Ise Natsu , Koga Yasutaka , Yagi Takeshi , Todani Masaki , Nakahara Takashi , Fujita Motoki , Tsuruta Ryosuke
Published: September 2023

Aim

To determine whether dispatcher‐provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructions improve the outcomes of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

Cases registered in the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest (JAAM‐OHCA) Registry between June 2014 and December 2019 were included. Cases in which the dispatcher provided CPR instructions to the bystander were included in the “Instructions” group”, and cases without CPR instructions were included in the “No Instructions” group. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a favorable neurological outcome, defined as a Glasgow–Pittsburgh cerebral performance category scale of 1 to 2 at 1 month after OHCA.

Results

Overall, 51,199 patients with OHCA were registered in the JAAM‐OHCA Registry during the study period. Of these, 33,745 were eligible for the study, with 16,509 in the Instructions group and 17,236 in the No Instructions group. The proportion of patients with a favorable neurological outcome at 1 month after OHCA was inferior in the Instructions group than in the No Instructions group (2.3% versus 3.0%, p < 0.001). After adjustment for patient background characteristics, no association was found between CPR instructions provided by a dispatcher and favorable neurological outcomes at 1 month after OHCA (adjusted odds ratio, 1.000; 95% confidence interval, 0.869–1.151, p = 0.996).

Conclusion

The present study found no clear clinical benefit of dispatcher‐provided CPR instructions on the neurological outcomes of cases with OHCA.
Forcing Twisted 1,7‐Dibromoperylene Diimides to Flatten in the Solid State: What a Difference an Atom Makes
Authors: Konidaris Konstantis F. , Zambra Marco , Giannici Francesco , Guagliardi Antonietta , Masciocchi Norberto
Published: September 2023

Perylene diimides (PDI) are workhorses in the field of organic electronics, owing to their appealing n‐semiconducting properties. Optimization of their performances is widely pursued by bay‐atom substitution and diverse imide functionalization. Bulk solids and thin‐films of these species crystallize in a variety of stacking configurations, depending on the geometry of the stable conformation of the polyaromatic core. We here demonstrate that 1,7‐dibromo‐substituted perylene diimides, PDI(H2Br2), possessing a heavily twisted conformation in the gas phase, in solution and in the solids, can be easily flattened in the solid state into centrosymmetric molecules if the polyaromatic cores form π–π stabilized chains. This is achieved by using axial residues with low stereochemical hindrance, as guaranteed by a single CH2/NH spacer directly linked to the imide function. Structural powder diffraction and DFT calculations on four newly designed species of the PDI(H2Br2) class coherently show that, thanks to the flexibility of the N−X−Ar link (X=CH2/NH), flat cores are indeed obtained by overcoming the interconversion barrier between twisted atropoisomers, of only 26.5 kJ mol−1. This strategy may then be useful to induce “anomalously flat” polyaromatic cores of different kinds (substituted acenes/rylenes) in the solid state, towards suitable crystal packing and orbital interactions for improved electronic performances.
Fluorine‐Boosted Kinetic and Selective Molecular Sieving of C6 Derivatives
Authors: Moosa Basem , Alimi Lukman O. , Lin Weibin , Fakim Aliyah , Bhatt Prashant M. , Eddaoudi Mohamed , Khashab Niveen M.
Published: September 2023

Porous molecular sorbents have excellent selectivity towards hydrocarbon separation with energy saving techniques. However, to realize commercialization, molecular sieving processes should be faster and more efficient compared to extended frameworks. In this work, we show that utilizing fluorine to improve the hydrophobic profile of leaning pillararenes affords a substantial kinetic selective adsorption of benzene over cyclohexane (20 : 1 for benzene). The crystal structure shows a porous macrocycle that acts as a perfect match for benzene in both the intrinsic and extrinsic cavities with strong interactions in the solid state. The fluorinated leaning pillararene surpasses all reported organic molecular sieves and is comparable to the extended metal–organic frameworks that were previously employed for this separation such as UIO‐66. Most importantly, this sieving system outperformed the well‐known zeolitic imidazolate frameworks under low pressure, which opens the door to new generations of molecular sieves that can compete with extended frameworks for more sustainable hydrocarbon separation.
Tuning Binding Strength of Multiple Intermediates towards Efficient pH‐universal Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Mo8O26‐NbNxOy Heterocatalysts
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Lijia , Chen Shuai , Yan Wenjun , Zhou Haiqing , Zhang Xian‐Ming , Fan Xiujun
Published: September 2023

Developing efficient and robust hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts for scalable and sustainable hydrogen production through electrochemical water splitting is strategic and challenging. Herein, heterogeneous Mo8O26‐NbNxOy supported on N‐doped graphene (defined as Mo8O26‐NbNxOy/NG) is synthesized by controllable hydrothermal reaction and nitridation process. The O‐exposed Mo8O26 clusters covalently confined on NbNxOy nanodomains provide a distinctive interface configuration and appropriate electronic structure, where fully exposed multiple active sites give excellent HER performance beyond commercial Pt/C catalyst in pH‐universal electrolytes. Theoretical studies reveal that the Mo8O26‐NbNxOy interface with electronic reconstruction affords near‐optimal hydrogen adsorption energy and enhanced initial H2O adsorption. Furthermore, the terminal O atoms in Mo8O26 clusters cooperate with Nb atoms to promote the initial H2O adsorption, and subsequently reduce the H2O dissociation energy, accelerating the entire HER kinetics.
Visible‐Light Initiated Dispersion Photopolymerization of Styrene
Authors: Canterel Rémi , Lalevée Jacques , Bourgeat‐Lami Elodie , Lacôte Emmanuel , Lansalot Muriel
Published: September 2023

Polystyrene (PS) particles were synthesized in ethanol/water mixture by dispersion polymerization using visible light irradiation, with either a N‐heterocyclic carbene borane‐based photoinitiating system (PIS) or a disulfide. With the full PIS and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) as stabilizer, the size distributions were broad and the amount of PEGMA had a strong impact on the experiment reproducibility. The addition of a base solved the problem, leading to faster polymerizations, narrower size distributions and larger particles. With the disulfide as sole PIS, bigger and narrowly distributed PS particles were again formed. Quantitative conversion was achieved in each system, with particle size ranging between 100 and 350 nm. The use of poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) as stabilizer led to significantly larger particles, up to 1.2 μm, with narrow size distributions. The production of such large latex particles by photoinitiated polymerizations is unprecedented.
Solar‐driven seawater production H2O2 catalyzed by hydroxyl functionalized crystalline K‐doped g‐C3N4 under ambient conditions
Authors: Luo Pan‐Pan , Li Xin‐Zhong , Qu Bei‐Bei , Xue Han‐Yu , Yang Yan‐Hui
Published: September 2023

Three hydroxyl functionalized crystalline K‐doped g‐C3N4 were synthesized from dicyandiamide, melamine, ammonium chloride, ammonium oxalate, and ammonium citrate via ionothermal polycondensation using KCl as molten salt under N2 atmosphere, which served as efficient recyclable photocatalysis realized that generating H2O2 directly from seawater with air by 2e− ORR pathway under stimulated solar irradiation in ambient conditions. Under optimized conditions, the highest H2O2 production rate of 1622 μmol g−1 h−1 for duration of 10 h was obtained. The cycling performances of HPCN‐2 displayed reusable for five times without noticeably loss of its catalytic activity. This work presents a real safer, sustainable, and economical approach for production of H2O2 directly from abundant natural seawater.
Multifunctional alkali‐modified biochar‐nPd/Fe composites for enhanced removal of 2,4‐D: Preparation, characterization, and mechanism
Authors: Zhou Hongyi , Hu Shufen , Huang Ning , Luo Yangchun , Chen Jinhai , Ma Mengyan , Lv Longfei , Baig Shams Ali , Wang Junliang
Published: September 2023

In this study, nPd/Fes were dispersed on peanut shells‐derived alkali‐modified biochar (BCalk) to obtain BCalk‐nPd/Fe composite for overcoming the instability, agglomeration, and oxidation of nPd/Fes. Results demonstrated that the dispersion stability and thermal stability of nPd/Fes were improved and the surface passivation layer was thinned by nanoparticles loading onto the alkalized biochar. Characterization analyses revealed of the improved 2,4‐D dichlorination by BCalk‐nPd/Fe. After biochar alkalization, more Si‐O‐Si sites on BCalk responsible for supporting nZVI particles were formed and coupled with nZVI to generate Si‐O‐Fe. Hence, nPd/Fes were immobilized on BCalk, while the increased oxygen‐containing surface functional groups promoted electron transport between nPd/Fes and 2,4‐D. Therefore, the BCalk‐nPd/Fe exhibited higher dechlorination efficiency toward 2,4‐D than that of nPd/Fe and BCraw‐nPd/Fe. About 99.25% and 89.11% of the 2,4‐D removal and dechlorination, respectively, were achieved after 150 min. Kinetic studies revealed that the removal of 2,4‐D using nPd/Fe, BCraw‐nPd/Fe, and BCalk‐nPd/Fe fitted well in the Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model, and the order of rate constants was as follows: BCalk‐nPd/Fe > BCraw‐nPd/Fe > nPd/Fe. This study suggested that the prepared composites promoted detoxification and harmlessness of 2,4‐D contaminated wastewater and exhibited promising prospect in the efficient treatment of wastewater containing chlorinated organics.
Process variability effects on tensile response in injection molded, fluorinated thermoplastics
Authors: Wilcox Douglas R. , Shepherd Rebekah , Brown Geoffrey W. , McCollum Jena M.
Published: September 2023

The mechanical properties of fluorinated thermoplastics (i.e., tensile strength and elongation) can vary with changes in injection molding processing parameters. Four fluoropolymers are examined: poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and random poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐CTFE) with three CTFE concentrations. Dog bones were manufactured with various cylinder dwell times and mold cooling times to assess the manufacturing sensitivity to the tensile response. Dwell and cooling times increasingly impact mechanical performance as CTFE concentration increases. Specimens exhibit higher tensile strength as a function of injection order. The first injected specimen exhibits the lowest tensile strength and highest elongation in all copolymers. This trend becomes more pronounced among fluoropolymers with higher CTFE concentration and lower weight‐averaged molecular weight. Parallel plate rheology was used to obtain the zero‐shear viscosity as a function of material type, process, and injection order. We found that in the copolymers, the first injected sample exhibited a lower zero‐shear viscosity than the next, which indicates a lower molecular weight in the first injected specimen. This phenomenon was not presented for the PVDF homopolymer. Copolymer mechanical uncertainties are hypothesized to result from the shorter molecular weight chains extruding out of the specimens' sides as a flash due to higher mobility with CTFE segments.
A new strategy for improving high‐temperature mechanical properties of HNBR/ZDMA composites through polymerization of ZDMA promoted by zinc methylmercaptobenzimidazole
Authors: Li Xuesong , Li Hongqiang , Lai Xuejun , Liu Yunchun , Fang Yuesheng , Jiang Xianpeng , Zeng Xingrong
Published: September 2023

In this work, zinc methylmercaptobenzimidazole (MMBZ) was introduced into hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) matrix with zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA) as a reinforcing filler to prepare HNBR/ZDMA composites. The effects of MMBZ on the crosslinking network, high‐temperature mechanical properties, and interfacial interaction between HNBR and poly(zinc dimethacrylate) (PZDMA) in the HNBR/ZDMA composites were systematically investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and crosslinking density test. It was found that MMBZ accelerated the in situ polymerization of ZDMA to form PZDMA in the HNBR matrix. In addition, the results of FTIR, transmission electron microscopy, and stress–strain behavior at different temperatures also demonstrated that the MMBZ was able to facilitate the grafting of PZDMA onto the HNBR molecular chains, which obviously strengthened the interfacial interaction between HNBR and PZDMA. In comparison to the HNBR/ZDMA composite without MMBZ, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the HNBR/ZDMA‐MMBZ composite with 8 phr MMBZ at 130°C sharply increased from 9.8 MPa and 250% to 15.5 MPa and 305%, respectively. The strategy proposed in this work for the preparation of HNBR/ZDMA composites with high‐temperature mechanical properties is simple to produce on a large scale, which will further promote the development and application of HNBR.
Effect of milled fish scale powder reinforcement on physical properties of ether‐based polyurethane foam composite
Authors: Naidoo Deneshree , Onwubu Stanley Chibuzor , Mokhothu Thabang Hendrica , Mdluli Phumlane Selby , Mishra Ajay Kumar
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the effects of reinforcing ether‐based flexible polyurethane foam (PUF) with milled fish scale powder (MFSP) on the physical properties of the resulting composite under different temperature conditions. The composites were prepared with varying MFSP concentrations (0%, 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%) with the PUF matrix and then subjected to the resulting mixture in a mold and cured in an oven at 70 degrees for 15 min. The physical properties of the composites, namely tensile strength, elongation at break, tear resistance, density, color, and cell structure were characterized under different temperature conditions. The results showed that at standard temperature (23°C), the addition of 0.5 wt% MFSP resulted in an 18.8% increase in tensile strength and a 15.7% increase in elongation at break. Tear resistance exhibited significant improvements under heat aging, with a 22% increase (0.5 wt% MFSP) and a remarkable 37% increase (1 wt% MFSP). The cell structure revealed closed cells after the addition of MFSP to the PUF matrix. The salient feature of the study suggests that the use of MFSP as a reinforcing agent for PUF‐based composites has the potential to improve their physical properties. This is critical in producing PUF at a reduced cost with less impact on the environment.
Embryonic cranial cartilage defects in the Fgfr3Y367C/+ mouse model of achondroplasia
Authors: Motch Perrine Susan M. , Sapkota Nishchal , Kawasaki Kazuhiko , Zhang Yejia , Chen Danny Z. , Kawasaki Mizuho , Durham Emily L. , Heuzé Yann , Legeai‐Mallet Laurence , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: September 2023

Achondroplasia, the most common chondrodysplasia in humans, is caused by one of two gain of function mutations localized in the transmembrane domain of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) leading to constitutive activation of FGFR3 and subsequent growth plate cartilage and bone defects. Phenotypic features of achondroplasia include macrocephaly with frontal bossing, midface hypoplasia, disproportionate shortening of the extremities, brachydactyly with trident configuration of the hand, and bowed legs. The condition is defined primarily on postnatal effects on bone and cartilage, and embryonic development of tissues in affected individuals is not well studied. Using the Fgfr3Y367C/+ mouse model of achondroplasia, we investigated the developing chondrocranium and Meckel's cartilage (MC) at embryonic days (E)14.5 and E16.5. Sparse hand annotations of chondrocranial and MC cartilages visualized in phosphotungstic acid enhanced three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐computed tomography (microCT) images were used to train our automatic deep learning‐based 3D segmentation model and produce 3D isosurfaces of the chondrocranium and MC. Using 3D coordinates of landmarks measured on the 3D isosurfaces, we quantified differences in the chondrocranium and MC of Fgfr3Y367C/+ mice relative to those of their unaffected littermates. Statistically significant differences in morphology and growth of the chondrocranium and MC were found, indicating direct effects of this Fgfr3 mutation on embryonic cranial and pharyngeal cartilages, which in turn can secondarily affect cranial dermal bone development. Our results support the suggestion that early therapeutic intervention during cartilage formation may lessen the effects of this condition.
An approach to assess the quality of Jupyter projects published by GLAM institutions
Authors: Candela Gustavo , Chambers Sally , Sherratt Tim
Published: September 2023

GLAM organizations have been digitizing their collections and making them available for the public for several decades. Recent methods for publishing digital collections such as “GLAM Labs” and “Collections as Data” provide guidelines for the application of computational methods to reuse the contents of cultural heritage institutions in innovative and creative ways. Jupyter Notebooks have become a powerful tool to foster use of these collections by digital humanities researchers. Based on previous approaches for quality assessment, which have been adapted for cultural heritage collections, this paper proposes a methodology for assessing the quality of projects based on Jupyter Notebooks published by relevant GLAM institutions. A list of projects based on Jupyter Notebooks using cultural heritage data has been evaluated. Common features and best practices have been identified. A detailed analysis, that can be useful for organizations interested in creating their own Jupyter Notebooks projects, has been provided. Open issues requiring further work and additional avenues for exploration are outlined.
Superstructure optimization of a microalgal biorefinery design with life cycle assessment‐based and economic objectives
Authors: Kopton Johannes , Rihko‐Struckmann Liisa K. , König‐Mattern Laura , Sundmacher Kai
Published: September 2023

We present a multi‐objective optimization framework for the design of an algal biorefinery with multiple target products. Four environmental endpoint indicators and the economic performance are used as objective functions following the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The process alternatives are modeled as a superstructure covering a total of 720 feasible routes. The proposed method optimizes not only the superstructure route but simultaeously discrete and continuous parameters within the process units. A multi‐objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is used to solve this nonlinear mixed‐integer optimization problem to design the extraction procedures for all macromolecular fractions. For the extractions, liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) are predicted with quantum chemical calculations. A microalgae biorefinery for the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum is considered as case study, including the cultivation and extraction‐supported fractionation of the wet algal biomass to harvest the target products eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), laminarin and fucoxanthin. 2‐Butanol proved to be the preferred solvent for the initial extraction step of wet biomass. Nutrients and solvent production cause most of the environmental impact of the overall process. A Python package for integrating LCA with multi‐objective superstructure optimization is provided as open source software. It is applicable to any process system design task involving environmental objectives.
‘It's missing the heart of what writing is about’: teachers' interpretations of writing assessment criteria
Authors: Clarkson Rebecca
Published: September 2023

Primary school teachers in England are responsible for the statutory assessment of writing, using a set of criteria. The aim of this research was to analyse the responses of teachers to the criteria at the expected standard. An elicitation exercise with 10 primary school teachers was conducted, where teachers talked through their interpretations of the criteria. Qualitative, inductive coding was undertaken to provide a rich and deep understanding of teachers' understandings of the assessment criteria. The perceptions of teachers are shown to be varied and complex. Definitions of the criteria were diverse, and fundamentally different concepts of writing were identified, which points to sources of misunderstanding. Limitations of the assessment criteria themselves are also highlighted, which caused disagreement among the teachers. The findings show evidence of threats to the validity and reliability of the assessment and its use as an accountability measure because of the lack of confidence in inferences drawn from the use of the criteria in the assessment of writing.
Construction of prophage‐free and highly‐transformable Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains and their use for production of 1,3‐propanediol
Authors: Singh Kalpana , Park Sunghoon
Published: September 2023

The lactic acid bacterium Limosilactobacillus reuteri (formerly Lactobacillus reuteri) is a desirable host for the production of 1,3‐propanediol (1,3‐PDO) from glycerol when 1,3‐PDO is used in the food or cosmetic industry. However, the production is hindered by strain instability, causing cell lysis, and difficult gene manipulation. This study reveals that the stability of L. reuteri DSM 20016 and its 1,3‐PDO production, especially in the alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs)‐deletion mutants, are greatly enhanced after the deletion of two prophages (Φ3 and Φ4) present in the L. reuteri's chromosome. The resulting phage‐free and ADHs‐deletion mutant could produce >825 mM 1,3‐PDO in 48 h without cell lysis at the theoretical maximum yield on glucose of ~2 mol/mol. Compared to the wild‐type strain, the mutant exhibited a 45.2% increase in 1,3‐PDO production titer and a 2.1‐fold increase in yield. In addition, this study reports that the transformation efficiency of L. reuteri Δadh2Δadh6 mutant strains were greatly enhanced by >300‐fold after the deletion of prophage Φ3, probably due to the removal of a restriction‐modification (RM) system which resides in the phage genome. With improved stability and higher transformation efficiency, recombinant L. reuteri DSM 20016 Δadh2Δadh6ΔΦ3ΔΦ4 can be a more reliable and amenable host for industrial applications.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio is associated with stroke progression and functional outcome in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Xu Chongxi , Cai Linrui , Yi Tong , Yi Xingyang , Hu Yu
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective of the present research was to examine the correlation between the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and stroke progression (SP) as well as the functional outcome following an ischemic stroke (IS).

Methods

The current study was conducted as prospective observational research. A cohort of 341 participants diagnosed with IS was included in the study from March 2019 to August 2021. This study's primary measure of interest was the occurrence of SP within the initial week following hospital admission. The secondary outcome was functional status 3 months after IS as measured by a modified Rankin scale score. The association between NLR with SP, and poor functional outcomes was examined using multivariate logistic regression. The predictive value of NLR for SP and poor functional outcomes was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Among the 341 enrolled patients, 56 (16.4%) had SP, and 285 (83.6%) had no SP. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the existence of diabetes mellitus and the NLR were independently associated with SP and poor functional outcomes. The area under the ROC curve of NLR in predicting poor functional outcome was 0.6117 (95% confidence interval, .5341–.6893, p = .0032), and the optimal cut‐off point was 4.2139. The sensitivity and specificity of NLR in predicting poor functional outcomes were 52.7% and 72.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with acute IS exhibited a very high incidence of SP. NLR may be a valuable prognostic indicator in clinical practice because it was independently associated with SP and a poor functional outcome.
Obstructive sleep apnea and attention deficits: A systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers and neuropsychological assessments
Authors: Ghaderi Sadegh , Mohammadi Sana , Mohammadi Mahdi
Published: September 2023

Background and objective

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that causes intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, leading to attention impairment and other cognitive deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful modality that can reveal the structural and functional brain alterations associated with attention impairment in OSA patients. The objective of this systematic review is to identify and synthesize the evidence on MRI biomarkers and neuropsychological assessments of attention deficits in OSA patients.

Methods

We searched the Scopus and PubMed databases for studies that used MRI to measure biomarkers related to attention alteration in OSA patients and reported qualitative and quantitative data on the association between MRI biomarkers and attention outcomes. We also included studies that found an association between neuropsychological assessments and MRI findings in OSA patients with attention deficits.

Results

We included 19 studies that met our inclusion criteria and extracted the relevant data from each study. We categorized the studies into three groups based on the MRI modality and the cognitive domain they used: structural and diffusion tensor imaging MRI findings, functional, perfusion, and metabolic MRI findings, and neuropsychological assessment findings.

Conclusions

We found that OSA is associated with structural, functional, and metabolic brain alterations in multiple regions and networks that are involved in attention processing. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure can partially reverse some of the brain changes and improve cognitive function in some domains and in some studies. This review suggests that MRI techniques and neuropsychological assessments can be useful tools for monitoring the progression and response to treatment of OSA patients.
Adherence, frequency, and long‐term follow‐up of video game‐based treatments in patients with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Caselles‐Pina Lucía , Sújar Aaron , Quesada‐López Alejandro , Delgado‐Gómez David
Published: September 2023

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents. Recent studies show that video games have great potential for the treatment and rehabilitation of ADHD patients.

The aim of the present review is to systematically review the scientific literature on the relationship between video games and ADHD, focusing on adherence to treatment, frequency of the intervention, and the long‐term follow‐up of video games in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Methods

The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines were adopted. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO database. We searched in three databases, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science to identify studies examining the association between video game interventions in ADHD patients.

Results

A total of 18 empirical studies met the established inclusion criteria. The results showed that video games‐based interventions can be used to improve ADHD symptoms and display high adherence to treatment. In addition, in the studies reviewed, the most common intervention frequency is 30 min three to five times per week. However, there is little evidence from studies with video games showing long‐term effects in patients with ADHD.

Conclusion

Video games are useful and effective interventions that can complement traditional treatments in patients with ADHD.
Cigarette smoking and thyroid cancer risk: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiang Hongzhan , Li Yi , Shen Jiali , Lin Huihui , Fan Siyue , Qiu Rongliang , He Jiaxi , Lin Ende , Chen Lijuan
Published: September 2023

Background

The association between cigarette smoking and thyroid cancer has been reported in prospective cohort studies, but the relationship remains controversial. To investigate this potential correlation further, we employed Mendelian randomization methodology to evaluate the causative impact of smoking on thyroid cancer incidence.

Methods

From the genome‐wide association study and Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine use, we obtained genetic variants associated with smoking initiation and cigarettes per day (1.2 million individuals). We also extracted genetic variants associated with past tobacco smoking from the UK Biobank (424,960 individuals). Thyroid cancer outcomes were selected from the FinnGen GWAS (989 thyroid cancer cases and 217,803 control cases). Sensitivity analyses employing various approaches such as weighted median, MR‐Egger, and MR‐pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR‐PRESSO) have been executed, as well as leave‐one‐out analysis to identify pleiotropy.

Results

Using the IVW approach, we did not find evidence that any of the three smoking phenotypes were related to thyroid cancer (smoking initiation: odds ratio (OR) = 1.56, p = 0.61; cigarettes per day: OR = 0.85, p = 0.51; past tobacco smoking: OR = 0.80, p = 0.78). The heterogeneity (p > 0.05) and pleiotropy (p > 0.05) testing provided confirmatory evidence for the validity of our MR estimates.

Conclusions

The MR analysis revealed that there may not exist a causative link between smoking exposure and elevated incidence rates of thyroid malignancies.
Reevaluate tax status of NIL collectives
Authors: Romano Robert
Published: September 2023

An interesting phenomenon resulted from the implementation of the NCAA's Interim Policy on name, image, and likeness — the concept of the NIL collective.
Did court dismiss Title IX retaliation claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: September 2023

Past and current members of the San Diego State University women's sports teams initiated a Title IX lawsuit against the university. The student‐athletes claimed that the university failed to provide female student‐ athletes with financial aid in the same proportion as male student‐athletes.
Biological Effects and Crystal X‐Ray Study of Novel Schiff Base Containing Pentafluorophenyl Hydrazine: In Vitro and in Silico Studies
Authors: Hamurcu Fatma , Özmen Ümmühan Özdemir , Şentürk Ozan Sanlı , Kaya Kerem , Adem Sevki , Erden Büşra Aksoy , Celebioglu Hasan Ufuk , Erden Yavuz , Taslimi Parham
Published: September 2023

A novel Schiff base namely 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐((2‐(perfluorophenyl)hydrazono)methyl)phenol was successfully synthesized and characterized using FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and 19F‐NMR. The crystal structure analysis of the Schiff base compound was also characterized with single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies and supported the spectroscopic results. The cytotoxicity, anti‐bacterial properties, and enzyme inhibition of the compound were also investigated. The molecular docking studies were performed in order to explain the interactions of the synthesized compound with target enzymes. The newly synthesized hydrazone derivative Schiff base compound showed high cellular toxicity on MCF‐7 and PC‐3 cells. Also, this compound caused low antibacterial effect on E. coli and S. aureus. Besides, the compound exhibited the inhibitory effect against pancreatic cholesterol esterase and carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme I, II with IC50 values 63, 99, and 188 μM, respectively. Consequently, it has been determined that the prepared Schiff base is an active compound in terms of cytotoxicity, enzyme inhibition, and anti‐bacterial properties. These results provide preliminary information for some biological features of the compound and can play a major role in drug applications of the Schiff base compound.
Formation and Effects of Upstream DNA–RNA Base Pairing in Telomerase
Authors: Özmaldar Aydın , Balta Bülent
Published: September 2023

Telomere elongation by telomerase consists of two types of translocation: duplex translocation during each repeat synthesis and template translocation at the end of repeat synthesis. Our replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations show that in addition to the Watson–Crick interactions in the active site, templating RNA can also form base pairs with the upstream regions of DNA, mostly with the second upstream DNA repeat with respect to the 3’‐end. At the end of the repeat synthesis, dG10‐P442 and dG11‐N446 hydrogen bonds form. Then, active‐site base pairs dissociate one by one, and the RNA bases reanneal with the complementary base on the upstream DNA repeat. For each dissociating base pair a new one forms, thus conserving the number of base pairs during template translocation.
Computer simulations to improve reality: A novel paradigm for interventional procedure planning
Authors: Machanahalli Balakrishna Akshay , Goldsweig Andrew M.
Published: September 2023

Key Points

Pre‐procedure computer simulation can help to determine the optimal transcatheter heart valve size and implantation depth for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Computer simulation may be especially beneficial for patients with challenging anatomy, who are at the highest risk for paravalvular leak and conduction abnormalities.

Computer simulation may also help with planning left atrial appendage occlusion and percutaneous coronary intervention.
Dual Frequency Real Aperture Radar Monitoring of a Railway Bridge
Authors: Luzi Guido , Palamà Riccardo , Barros‐González Brais , Riveiro‐Rodríguez Belén
Published: September 2023

Different studies demonstrated that the monitoring of the vibrational characteristics of bridges can be fostered using real aperture radar interferometers. Commercial systems operating at Ku band have been made available to the users since the last two decades. Analyzing the phase of the radar signal, which is related to the displacement of the phase center of each radar range cell, the radar bin, a description of the vibrating mode of civil structures as bridges, towers, and tall buildings can be achieved. Displacement time series of different parts of the monitored structure can be processed to retrieve the frequency and amplitude of the vibrational modes to evaluate the dynamic behavior of the structure. Systems operating at higher frequencies and using advanced radar techniques have been recently proposed. Here we report the use of two different radar systems, working at Ku and K band respectively, to compare their performance, when used to monitor a railway bridge located in Spain. The radar acquisitions were realized by positioning the radar systems at different locations, to detect multiple vibrational modes. The results show a quite good agreement with accelerometer acquisitions, demonstrating the suitability of radar interferometers to measure bridge vibrations.
Measurement of corrosion rates on reinforcement using the field test
Authors: Koteš Peter , Zahuranec Michal , Prokop Jozef , Strauss Alfred , Matos Jose
Published: September 2023

Reinforcement corrosion is a phenomenon that affects not only the durability and serviceability of the structure itself but the economy of the countries, as well. In many cases, structures and bridges must be repaired or reconstructed as a result of corrosion of the reinforcement. In extreme cases, when maintenance is neglected, it is necessary to completely replace the structures with new ones, even if their planned service lifetime has not been reached ‐ it is not enough to strengthen them or it is economically inefficient. Corrosion of the reinforcement primarily causes a reduction in the cross‐sectional resistance of the load‐bearing elements by reducing the cross‐sectional area of the reinforcement, which means a reduction in the force in the reinforcement that it transmits. For this reason, it is necessary to know the rate of corrosion over time depending on the environment in which the element is located. The paper is focused on the experimental measurements of corrosion losses due to atmospheric corrosion on reinforcement samples using the field test. As a part of experimental measurements, corrosion rates on reinforcements of four diameters (diameters 6, 10, 14, and 25 mm) of steel for reinforcement, grade B 500B, are monitored at measuring stations and bridges in various aggressive environments.
Concept for a digital twin of railway bridges on the example of the new Filstal bridges
Authors: Naraniecki Hubert , Lazoglu Alex , Marx Steffen , Zaidman Igor
Published: September 2023

The preservation of infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. The current reactive maintenance management only initiates maintenance measures after damage has occurred. Short‐term measures can lead to unforeseen restrictions in infrastructure availability and thus cause high social and economic damage.

High‐quality measurement technology, automated data analysis, structured data management and collaborative work are just a few technological developments that form the cornerstones for a future predictive maintenance strategy. The digital twin, a digital representation of the real object, combines these developments and is a promising method for a sustainable preservation of infrastructure.

Using the example of the Filstal bridges, a concept for a digital bridge twin is introduced. The digital twin combines measurement data, bridge information, inspection results as well as structural safety verifications and aggregates them to continuously display the current bridge condition and thus supports the maintenance of bridges. For intuitive use, all information is located and presented in a way that is consumable by the user.
The application of modern methods for bridge diagnostics and load testing
Authors: Stančík Vojtěch , Ryjáček Pavel
Published: September 2023

The paper deals with the modern methods of testing and diagnostics of existing, mainly steel, bridges. The focus is on the DIC method (digital image correlation) and its application for the static measurements and dynamic measurements of the bridge deflection at high speeds and on the detection of the behavior of bridge details, such as pins and fatigue cracks. The sources of potential related error values are identified and possible strategies for the minimization of errors corresponding to the DIC field measurements are developed and described in the paper. The proposed DIC methods were successfully applied on the deflection measurement on long distances and on the measurement of the strain on details in‐situ. Relevant applications were done in the Czech Republic as a part of the bridge load testing and the results are discussed in the paper.