bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Preparation and Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO-TiO2 Nanofibers
Authors: Xiong Qian , Zhou Mi , Qian Xin
Published: February 2012

ZnO-TiO2 composite nanofibers were prepared by using the electrospun fibers of PVP/ZnSO4/ Ti(OiPr)4 composite as precursor, and through calcination treatment. The chemical components, structures and morphology were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the catalysts were investigated by photocatalystic degradation of Rhodamine B under visible-light irradiation. It was found that the ZnO-TiO2 composite nanofibers photocatalyst calcined at 600 °C which was mixed the anatase phase and rutile phase, showed higher photocatalytic activities than those calcined at other two temperatures. This result was expected as a new morphology of photocatalysts to degrade the organic pollutants in the sun.
Microstructure Study on Optimization of High Strength Fly Ash Based Geopolymer
Authors: Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Hussin Kamarudin , Binhussain Mohammed , Khairul Nizar Ismail , Abd Razak Rafiza , Zarina Yahya
Published: February 2012

The compressive strength and microstructural characteristics of fly ash based geopolymer with alkaline activator solution were investigated. The sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate were mixed together to form an alkaline activator. Three parameters including NaOH molarity, mix design (fly ash/alkaline activator ratio and Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio), and curing temperature were examined. The maximum strength of 71 MPa was obtained when the NaOH solution of 12M, fly ash/alkaline activator of 2.0, Na2SiO3/NaOH of 2.5 and curing temperature of 60°C were used at 7th days of testing. The results of SEM indicated that for geopolymer with highest strength, the structure was dense matrix and contains less unreacted fly ash with alkaline activator
Spectroscopy Methods in Analysis of Mineral Composition
Authors: He Tao
Published: February 2012

The large number of publications addressing possible methods for quantitative mineralogical analysis is a good reflection of demand for determination by the scientific and industrial communities. The descriptive and determinative aspects of the study of mineral are fundamental to our understanding of geology. Simply put, more accurate geologic models can be constructed if we know something about the relative proportions of mineral constituents in a sample. We analyses some application of XRD, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy methods in analysis of mineral composition.
Study on Mechanical Properties of PEEK Composites
Authors: Zhang Lan Zhu , Li Min , Hu Hui
Published: February 2012

The tensile properties of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites, which were reinforced with short fibers, such as short carbon fiber (SCF), short glass fiber (SGF), or filled with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTEF), expanded graphite and nano material TiO2 were examined and studied. The weight content of short fibers, PTFE and expanded graphite was varied from 0-15%, and of TiO2 was varied from 0-8%. The results showed, with increasing of the weight content of short fibers, the tensile performance (tensile strength and modulus) of PEEK composites was increased rapidly. If the weight percent of short fibers was more than 10%, this increasing tendency became slowly. With the increasing of PTFE content, the tensile strength was increased at first and then decreased rapidly. However, the tensile modulus kept constant during the change of PTFE content. The influence of expanded graphite and nano particles TiO2 on mechanical properties of PEEK composites was also be studied here. Meanwhile, the reasons of different influence of these fillers were analyzed during microstructure changes of PEEK composites with SEM photographs.
Utilization of Alternative Insulation Materials for Thermal Insulating Ceramics Blocks Production
Authors: Zach Jiri , Peterková Jitka , Sedlmajer Martin
Published: February 2012

There has been a substantional increase of atributes for building constructions in area of thermal protection in last decade. This was shown as increasing of requirements for materials and components intended for building of cover constructions as well. In case of shaped bricks used for perimeter walls advanced production technologies were applied. These technologies consist of decreasing thermal conductivity coefficient for brick clinker, of decreasing inner ribs thickness and in last years this concerns the technology of filling inner cavities of shaped bricks with thermal insulating materials as well. This paper describes possibilities of using alternative raw material sources (natural fibres originated in agriculture, separate textile waste, ....) as integrated insulating layers in contemporary ceramic shaped bricks with high usable qualities.
Adsorption of Cu 2+ Ions from Aqueous Solution by NaOH Activated ZSM-5 Zeolite
Authors: Sun Xu Zhuo , Wan Dong Jin , Li Bo , Wang Li Li , Wang Ning , Chen Jing
Published: February 2012

ZSM-5 zeolite was chemical activated by using NaOH solution to enhance the adsorption efficiency to Cu2+ in aqueous solution. The equilibrium isotherm of NaOH activated ZSM-5 zeolite showed that the Langmuir model gave a better fit to the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacity of NaOH activated ZSM-5 zeolite was 40.49 mg/g. The adsorption capacity was increased nearly 3.3 times than unactivated zeolite by using 0.4M NaOH. The kinetics study showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetics model could be used to describe the adsorption process satisfactorily. The research also found that the coexisting of Pb2+ ion would greatly decrease the adsorption efficiency of activated zeolite from 99.35% decreased to 56.52%. Both ZSM-5 zeolite and NaOH activated ZSM-5 zeolite was characterized by SEM.
Photocatalytic Activity of Transition Metal Ion Doped Titania for Amaranth Dye Degradation
Authors: Divya Neetu , Bansal Ajay , Jana Asim K.
Published: February 2012

nanosized titania catalyst and transition metal doped titania photocatalysts such as TiO2/Ag, TiO2/Cu and TiO2/Ag/Cu were used for photocatalytic degradation of Amaranth. Doping of titania was done with impregnation method. Photocatalytic activity was checked in terms of percentages of decolorization, COD removal and TOC removal. It was found that TiO2/Ag/Cu doped photocatalyst was more effective for Amaranth dye degradation under feasible treatment conditions. For decolorization, Amaranth took irradiation time of 210 min with UV/H2O2 but it took only 60 min with TiO2/Ag/Cu doped photocatalyst. Only 29% COD and 49% TOC removal were achieved with homogeneous photodegradation, whereas with TiO2/Ag/Cu heterogeneous photodegradation, 100% COD and 98% TOC removal was achieved in 9h for 50 ppm aqueous Amaranth solution. The relative electrical energy consumption per order of magnitude for photocatalytic degradation of Amaranth was considerably lower with TiO2/Ag/Cu catalyst than that with UV/H2O2 and other combinations of doped photocatalyst. The photocatalysts were characterized using XRD and TEM analysis.
Gardening as an Occupation: A Critical Review
Authors: York Michelle , Wiseman Tania
Published: February 2012

Purpose:

The occupation of gardening has historically generated a wealth of literature. Although espousing its positive impact on wellbeing, evidence is typically anecdotal in nature, with only one major synthesis of reliable evidence to date. This study sought to explore people's experiences and personal meanings of gardening within the literature, from 2003–2010, in order to present a concise body of evidence and to inform occupational therapy practice.

Procedures:

A meta-ethnography was used in gathering high quality qualitative studies, synthesising through a process of translations, rather than aggregation, in order to preserve meanings from within a range of culturally specific contexts. Four papers, out of 214 initially identified, met the inclusion criteria employed.

Findings:

This study has identified processes within the occupation of gardening in a natural environment, which offer satisfying and meaningful methods of recovery for people who are marginalised within society. This has been shown on an individual and a community health level.

Conclusion:

This study has highlighted fundamental links between gardening and wellbeing, and how occupational therapists can broaden practice and have an impact upon health at a community level.
Didáctica universitaria: ¿un asunto de interés para la universidad actual?
Authors: Lucarelli Elisa
Published: February 2012

Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar la situación histórica y actual del campo de la Didáctica Universitaria en la Argentina, con especial referencia a los últimos 25 años y en relación con los acontecimientos que se sucedieron en el contexto institucional y nacional. Ejemplifi ca sus problemáticas a partir de las características y devenir de un programa de investigación en la materia, sus líneas de trabajo y su producción, haciendo énfasis en un estudio que encara en la actualidad acerca de la formación en los aprendizajes complejos de la práctica profesional en el área de la salud, especialmente aquellos que se desarrollan en las Clínicas. Con este propósito utiliza una metodología cualitativa con estudio de casos e instancias de participación. Sus principales resultados dan cuenta de las características que asumen las modalidades de enseñanza en esos ámbitos en lo relativo encarar la tensión que se genera entre la lógica de formación y la lógica de atención de la salud, destacándose la identifi cación de las modalidades desarrolladas por el profesor, en especial la observación y la supervisión de la tarea de los estudiantes, como práctica real anticipatoria del desempeño profesional. De igual manera fueron reconocidas las modalidades que se generan en relación al lugar del estudiante en la situación de formación y las derivaciones didácticas de la organización en las clínicas y el aprendizaje cooperativo entre estudiantes.
Characterization of aerosol and cloud water at a mountain site during WACS 2010: secondary organic aerosol formation through oxidative cloud processing
Authors: Lee A. K. Y. , Hayden K. L. , Herckes P. , Leaitch W. R. , Liggio J. , Macdonald A. M. , Abbatt J. P. D.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The water-soluble fractions of aerosol samples and cloud water collected during Whistler Aerosol and Cloud Study (WACS 2010) were analyzed using an Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). This is the first study to report AMS organic spectra of re-aerosolized cloud water, and to make direct comparison between the AMS spectra of cloud water and aerosol samples collected at the same location. In general, the aerosol and cloud organic spectra were very similar, indicating that the cloud water organics likely originated from secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed nearby. By using a photochemical reactor to oxidize both aerosol filter extracts and cloud water, we find evidence that fragmentation of aerosol water-soluble organics increases their volatility during oxidation. By contrast, enhancement of AMS-measurable organic mass by up to 30% was observed during aqueous-phase photochemical oxidation of cloud water organics. We propose that additional SOA material was produced by functionalizing dissolved organics via OH oxidation, where these dissolved organics are sufficiently volatile that they are not usually part of the aerosol. This work points out that water-soluble organic compounds of intermediate volatility (IVOC), such as cis-pinonic acid, produced via gas-phase oxidation of monoterpenes, can be important aqueous-phase SOA precursors in a biogenic-rich environment.
Observations of glyoxal and formaldehyde as metrics for the anthropogenic impact on rural photochemistry
Authors: DiGangi J. P. , Henry S. B. , Kammrath A. , Boyle E. S. , Kaser L. , Schnitzhofer R. , Graus M. , Turnipseed A. , Park J.-H. , Weber R. J. , Hornbrook R. S. , Cantrell C. A. , Maudlin III R. L. , Kim S. , Nakashima Y. , Wolfe G. M. , Kajii Y. , Apel E. C. , Goldstein A. H. , Guenther A. , Karl T. , Hansel A. , Keutsch F. N.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. We present simultaneous fast, in-situ measurements of formaldehyde and glyoxal from two rural campaigns, BEARPEX 2009 and BEACHON-ROCS, both located in Pinus Ponderosa forests with emissions dominated by biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Despite considerable variability in the formaldehyde and glyoxal concentrations, the ratio of glyoxal to formaldehyde, RGF, displayed a very regular diurnal cycle over nearly 2 weeks of measurements. The only deviations in RGF were toward higher values and were the result of a biomass burning event during BEARPEX 2009 and very fresh anthropogenic influence during BEACHON-ROCS. Other rapid changes in glyoxal and formaldehyde concentrations have hardly any affect on RGF and could reflect transitions between low and high NO regimes. The trend of increased RGF from both anthropogenic reactive VOC mixtures and biomass burning compared to biogenic reactive VOC mixtures is robust due to the short timescales over which the observed changes in RGF occurred. Satellite retrievals, which suggest higher RGF for biogenic areas, are in contrast to our observed trends. It remains important to address this discrepancy, especially in view of the importance of satellite retrievals and in-situ measurements for model comparison. In addition, we propose that RGF, together with the absolute concentrations of glyoxal and formaldehyde, represents a useful metric for biogenic or anthropogenic reactive VOC mixtures. In particular, RGF yields information about not simply the VOCs in an airmass, but the VOC processing that directly couples ozone and secondary organic aerosol production.
Evaluation of Arctic broadband surface radiation measurements
Authors: Matsui N. , Long C. N. , Augustine J. , Halliwell D. , Uttal T. , Longenecker D. , Niebergall O. , Wendell J. , Albee R.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The Arctic is a challenging environment for making in-situ surface radiation measurements. A standard suite of radiation sensors is typically designed to measure incoming and outgoing shortwave (SW) and thermal infrared, or longwave (LW), radiation. Enhancements may include various sensors for measuring irradiance in narrower bandwidths. Many solar radiation/thermal infrared flux sensors utilize protective glass domes and some are mounted on complex mechanical platforms (solar trackers) that keep sensors and shading devices trained on the sun along its diurnal path. High quality measurements require striking a balance between locating stations in a pristine undisturbed setting free of artificial blockage (such as from buildings and towers) and providing accessibility to allow operators to clean and maintain the instruments. Three significant sources of erroneous data in the Arctic include solar tracker malfunctions, rime/frost/snow deposition on the protective glass domes of the radiometers and operational problems due to limited operator access in extreme weather conditions. In this study, comparisons are made between the global and component sum (direct [vertical component] + diffuse) SW measurements. The difference between these two quantities (that theoretically should be zero) is used to illustrate the magnitude and seasonality of arctic radiation flux measurement problems. The problem of rime/frost/snow deposition is investigated in more detail for one case study utilizing both SW and LW measurements. Solutions to these operational problems that utilize measurement redundancy, more sophisticated heating and ventilation strategies and a more systematic program of operational support and subsequent data quality protocols are proposed.
Revisiting "Narrow Bipolar Event" intracloud lightning using the FORTE satellite
Authors: Jacobson A. R. , Light T. E. L.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The lightning stroke called a "Narrow Bipolar Event", or NBE, is an intracloud discharge responsible for significant charge redistribution. The NBE occurs within 10–20 μs, and some associated process emits irregular bursts of intense radio noise, fading at shorter timescales, sporadically during the charge transfer. In previous reports, the NBE has been inferred to be quite different from other forms of lightning strokes, in two ways: First, the NBE has been inferred to be relatively dark (non-luminous) compared to other lightning strokes. Second, the NBE has been inferred to be isolated within the storm, usually not participating in flashes, but when it is in a flash, the NBE has been inferred to be the flash initiator. These two inferences have sufficiently stark implications for NBE physics that they should be subjected to further independent test, with improved statistics. We attempt such a test with both optical and radio data from the FORTE satellite, and with lightning-stroke data from the Los Alamos Sferic Array. We show rigorously that by the metric of triggering the PDD optical photometer aboard the FORTE satellite, NBE discharges are indeed less luminous than ordinary lightning. Referred to an effective isotropic emitter at the cloud top, NBE light output is inferred to be less than ~3 × 108 W. To address isolation of NBEs, we first expand the pool of geolocated intracloud radio recordings, by borrowing geolocations from either the same flash's or the same storm's other recordings. In this manner we generate a pool of ~2 × 105 unique and independent FORTE intracloud radio recordings, whose slant range from the satellite can be inferred. We then use this slant range to calculate the Effective Radiated Power (ERP) at the radio source, in the passband 26–49 MHz. Stratifying the radio recordings by ERP into eight bins, from a lowest bin (<5 kW) to a highest bin (>140 kW), we document a trend for the radio recordings to become more isolated in time as the ERP increases. The highest ERP bin corresponds to the intracloud emissions associated with NBEs. At the highest ERP, the only significant probability of temporal neighbors is during times following the high-ERP events. In other words, when participating in a flash, the high-ERP emissions occur at the apparent flash initiation.
Species-specific trajectories of nitrogen isotopes in Indiana hardwood forests, USA
Authors: McLauchlan K. K. , Craine J. M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Humans have drastically altered the global nitrogen (N) cycle, and these alterations have begun to affect a variety of ecosystems. In North America, N deposition rates are highest in the central US, yet there are few studies that examine whether N availability has been increasing to different tree species in the forests of the region. To determine the species-specific trajectories of N availability in secondary temperate forests experiencing high N deposition, we measured the N concentrations and composition of stable N isotopes in wood of four tree species from six hardwood forest remnants in northern Indiana, USA. Annual nitrogen deposition rates averaged 5.8 kg ha−1 from 2000 to 2008 in this region. On average, wood δ15N values in Quercus alba have been increasing steadily over the past 100 years. In contrast, wood δ15N values have been declining in three other hardwood species – Acer saccharum, Carya ovata, and Fagus grandifolia – over the same time period. The species-specific trends suggest a change in the partitioning of ammonium and nitrate among species, due to an increase in nitrification rates over time. With no apparent net change in wood δ15N over the past century at the stand level, there is currently little evidence for consistent trends in stand-level N availability over time in the Indiana forests.
Direct observations of diel biological CO2 fixation in the oceans
Authors: Thomas H. , Craig S. E. , Greenan B. J. W. , Burt W. , Herndl G. J. , Higginson S. , Salt L. , Shadwick E. H. , Urrego-Blanco J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Much of the variability in the surface ocean's carbon cycle can be attributed to the availability of sunlight, through processes such as heat fluxes and photosynthesis, which regulate over a wide range of time scales. The critical processes occurring on timescales of a day or less, however, have undergone few investigations, and most of these have been limited to a time span of several days to months, or exceptionally, for longer periods. Optical methods have helped to infer short-term biological variability, however corresponding investigations of the oceanic CO2 system are lacking. We employ high-frequency CO2and optical observations covering the full seasonal cycle on the Scotian Shelf, Northwestern Atlantic Ocean, in order to unravel diel periodicity of the surface ocean carbon cycle and its effects on annual budgets. Significant diel periodicity occurs only if the water column is sufficiently stable as observed during seasonal warming. During that time biological CO2 drawdown, or net community production (NCP), is delayed for several hours relative to the onset of photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), due to diel cycles in chlorophyll-a concentration and to grazing, both of which, we suggest, inhibit NCP in the early morning hours. In summer, NCP decreases by more than 90 %, coinciding with the seasonal minimum of the mixed layer depth and resulting in the disappearance of the diel CO2 periodicity in the surface waters.
Seasonal leaf dynamics for tropical evergreen forests in a process based global ecosystem model
Authors: De Weirdt M. , Verbeeck H. , Maignan F. , Peylin P. , Poulter B. , Bonal D. , Ciais P. , Steppe K.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The influence of seasonal phenology in tropical humid forests on canopy photosynthesis remains poorly understood and its representation in global vegetation models highly simplified, typically with no seasonal variability of canopy leaf area properties taken into account. However, recent flux tower and remote sensing studies suggest that seasonal phenology in tropical rainforests exerts a large influence over carbon and water fluxes, with feedbacks that can significantly influence climate dynamics. A more realistic description of the underlying mechanisms that drive seasonal tropical forest photosynthesis and phenology could improve the correspondence of global vegetation model outputs with the wet-dry season biogeochemical patterns measured at flux tower sites. Here, we introduce a leaf Net Primary Production (NPP) based canopy dynamics scheme for evergreen tropical forests in the global terrestrial ecosystem model ORCHIDEE and validated the new scheme against in-situ carbon flux measurements. Modelled Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) patterns are analyzed in details for a flux tower site in French Guiana, in a forest where the dry season is short and where the vegetation is considered to have developed adaptive mechanisms against drought stress. By including leaf litterfall seasonality and a coincident light driven leaf flush and seasonal change in photosynthetic capacity in ORCHIDEE, modelled carbon and water fluxes more accurately represent the observations. The fit to GPP flux data was substantially improved and the results confirmed that by modifying canopy dynamics to benefit from increased light conditions, a better representation of the seasonal carbon flux patterns was made.
A BOUNDARY-LAYER APPROACH TO STRESS ANALYSIS IN THE SIMPLE SHEARING OF RUBBER BLOCKS
Authors: Horgan Cornelius O. , Murphy Jeremiah G.
Published: February 2012

Rubbers are usually modeled as being perfectly incompressible. In the simple shear of rubber blocks, the normal stress components, therefore, contain an arbitrary constant pressure term to be determined from the boundary conditions. There is therefore a fundamental ambiguity in the determination of this pressure because the normal stresses are expected to be identically zero on different faces of the sheared block. It is proposed here that the stress distribution near a face should be determined by the normal stress boundary condition at that face and that this distribution is valid only within a short distance from the face, giving rise to boundary layers at the faces of the sheared block. At the intersection of these boundary layers it will be assumed that the stress is additive. It is further assumed that the stresses within the bulk of the material should be determined by treating the perfectly incompressible material as equivalent to a slightly compressible material. The form of slight compressibility adopted here is that usually assumed in the finite element simulation of rubbers. These reasonable assumptions give rise to a complex stress pattern within the block. The results are qualitatively similar to results obtained by other authors on using a finite element approach for a neo-Hookean material. The possible occurrence of cavitation at the corners of the block is also examined.
Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic Learning Styles and Their Impacts on English Language Teaching
Authors: Pourhosein Gilakjani Abbas
Published: February 2012

One of the most important uses of learning styles is that it makes it easy for teachers to incorporate them into their teaching. There are different learning styles. Three of the most popular ones are visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic in which students take in information. Some students are visual learners, while others are auditory or kinaesthetic learners. While students use all of their senses to take in information, they seem to have preferences in how they learn best. In order to help students learn, teachers need to teach as many of these preferences as possible. Teachers can incorporate these learning styles in their curriculum activities so that students are able to succeed in their classes. This study is an analysis of learning styles for Iranian EFL students. The purpose of this study is to increase faculty awareness and understanding of the effect of learning styles on the teaching process. A review of the literature will determine how learning styles affect the teaching process. Keywords: Learning styles, Auditory, Visual, Kinaesthetic, Effective Teaching
Targeting metabolic reprogramming to overcome drug resistance in advanced bladder cancer: insights from gemcitabine‐ and cisplatin‐resistant models
Authors: Kawahara Ichiro , Yoshino Hirofumi , Fukumoto Wataru , Arima Junya , Saito Saeki , Li Gang , Fukuda Ikumi , Mitsuke Akihiko , Sakaguchi Takashi , Inoguchi Satoru , Matsushita Ryosuke , Nakagawa Masayuki , Tatarano Shuichi , Yamada Yasutoshi , Enokida Hideki
Published: June 2024

Gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) combination chemotherapy is the primary treatment for advanced bladder cancer (BC) with unresectable or metastatic disease. However, most cases develop resistance to this therapy. We investigated whether drug resistance could be targeted through metabolic reprogramming therapies. Metabolomics analyses in our lab's gemcitabine‐ and cisplatin‐resistant cell lines revealed increased phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) expression in gemcitabine‐resistant cells compared with parental cells. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) gain of function stabilized hypoxia‐inducible factor1α (HIF1α) expression, stimulating aerobic glycolysis. In gemcitabine‐resistant cells, elevated fumaric acid suppressed prolyl hydroxylase domain‐containing protein 2/Egl nine homolog 1 (PHD2) and stabilized HIF1α expression. PHGDH downregulation or inhibition in gemcitabine‐resistant BC cells inhibited their proliferation, migration, and invasion. Cisplatin‐resistant cells showed elevated fatty acid metabolism, upregulating fatty acid synthase (FASN) downstream of tyrosine kinase. Using the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor erdafitinib, we inhibited malonyl‐CoA production, which is crucial for fatty acid synthesis, and thereby suppressed upregulated HIF1α expression. Combination treatment with NCT503 and erdafitinib synergistically suppressed tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Understanding these mechanisms could enable innovative BC therapeutic strategies to be developed.
MASH as an emerging cause of hepatocellular carcinoma: current knowledge and future perspectives
Authors: Karin Michael , Kim Ju Youn
Published: June 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the deadliest and fastest‐growing cancers. Among HCC etiologies, metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has served as a major HCC driver due to its great potential for increasing cirrhosis. The obesogenic environment fosters a positive energy balance and results in a continuous rise of obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, it is difficult to understand how metabolic complications lead to the poor prognosis of liver diseases and which molecular mechanisms are underpinning MAFLD‐driven HCC development. Thus, suitable preclinical models that recapitulate human etiologies are essentially required. Numerous preclinical models have been created but not many mimicked anthropometric measures and the course of disease progression shown in the patients. Here we review the literature on adipose tissues, liver‐related HCC etiologies and recently discovered genetic mutation signatures found in MAFLD‐driven HCC patients. We also critically review current rodent models suggested for MAFLD‐driven HCC study.
Pragmatics and Cognition
Authors: Ifantidou Elly
Published: June 2024

Language does not happen in a social vacuum. This idea lies at the origins of pragmatics forged by Austin and Searle's classical answers to how verbal communication is achieved. Language does not occur in a cognitive vacuum either. Thanks largely to the influential work of Paul Grice, modern pragmatics has recognized that verbal and nonverbal communication is an inferential activity involving the expression and recognition of
intentions
. These two factors—the social and the cognitive inherent in online processing—are reflected in natural behaviors and in speech coupled with gestures, voice, attitudes, desires, as well as emotions conveyed.

In principle, the aim of pragmatic theory is to explain how
utterances
—with all their linguistic and nonlinguistic properties—are understood. The advent of cognitive pragmatics in the early 1980s brought a different orientation: “pragmatics” is a capacity of the mind which interacts with the utterance comprehension system to show, or recognize, someone's intention to inform. But in the process of utterance interpretation, speakers show us more about their beliefs, desires, and intentions to convey their happiness, distress, anger, or fear, than the words they have used.
Technology in Language Teaching: Mixed‐Methods Research
Authors: Chen Yu‐Li
Published: June 2024

Currently, using technology for teaching is a challenge for language teachers, as seen in various studies on why and how teachers have approached the incorporation of technology into their instruction and the best practices. This entry offers an overview of the advantages of applying a mixed‐methods research design to explore how language teachers have adapted to the current, rapid technological advances. The study described in this entry used the quantitative method of a survey and qualitative technique of interviews. The survey data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and the interview responses using a thematic analysis. Finally, the two data analyses and results were combined and converged for comparison and corroboration and thus obtained a comprehensive understanding of the integration of technology into language teachers' instructive practices in northern Taiwan.
Four‐hour‐delayed 3D‐FLAIR MRIs in patients with acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy
Authors: Kim Keun‐Tae , Park Sangeun , Lee Sun‐Uk , Park Euyhyun , Kim Byungjun , Kim Byung‐Jo , Kim Ji‐Soo
Published: June 2024

Objective

Conventionally, MRI aids in differentiating acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy/vestibular neuritis (AUPV/VN) from mimickers. Meanwhile, the diagnostic utility of MRIs dedicated to the inner ear remains to be elucidated for diagnosing AUPV/VN.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 53 patients with AUPV/VN (mean age ± SD = 60 ± 15 years, 29 men). Initial MRIs were performed with a standard protocol, and an additional axial 3D‐fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (3D‐FLAIR) sequence was obtained 4 h after intravenous injection of gadoterate meglumine. Abnormal enhancement was defined as a signal intensity that exceeded the mean + 2SD value on the healthy side. The findings of neurotologic evaluation and MRIs were compared.

Results

Overall, the inter‐rater agreement for gadolinium enhancement was 0.886 (Cohen's kappa coefficient). Enhancement was observed in 26 patients (49%), most frequently in the vestibule (n = 20), followed by the anterior (n = 12), horizontal (HC, n = 8), posterior canal (n = 5), and superior (n = 3) and inferior (n = 1) vestibular nerves. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the enhancement was associated with decreased HC gain in video head‐impulse tests (p = 0.036), increased interaural difference in ocular vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials (p = 0.001), and a longer onset‐to‐MRI time span (p = 0.024). The sensitivity and specificity were 92.3% and 81.5%, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.90 for predicting gadolinium enhancement.

Interpretation

Robust gadolinium enhancement was observed on 4‐hour‐delayed 3D‐FLAIR images in nearly half of the patients with AUPV/VN, with a good correlation with the results of neurotologic evaluation. The positivity may be determined by the extent of vestibular deficit, timing of imaging acquisition, and possibly by the underlying etiology causing AUPV/VN. MRIs may aid in delineating the involved structures in AUPV/VN.
A Water‐Insoluble Yttrium‐Based Complex as Dual‐Ionic Electrolyte Additive for Stable Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Liansheng , Chen Chun , Meng Pengyu , Zhang Yijie , Liang Qinghua
Published: June 2024

Aqueous batteries employing Zinc metal anodes (ZMAs) are considered to be promising next‐generation energy storage systems. However, the severe interfacial side reactions and dendrite growth restrict the practical application of ZMAs in aqueous electrolytes. Herein, a water‐insoluble dual‐ionic electrolyte additive of yttrium 2,4,5‐trifluorophenylacetate (YTFPAA) is developed to stabilize the aqueous ZMAs. Notably, the ethanol‐solvated TFPAA− can capture H+ and thus buffer the decreased electrolyte pH caused by the hydrolysis of Y3+. Furthermore, the ethanol‐solvated TFPAA−  can dynamically adsorb onto the surface of ZMAs through a reversible oxidation‐reduction reaction, effectively suppressing the interfacial side reactions by forming a water‐poor interface, and enhancing the reversibility of Zn2+ deposition/stripping by redistributing the Zn2+ flux. These favorable effects of TFPAA− combined with the dynamic electrostatic shielding effect of Y3+ ultimately enable uniform and dense Zn2+ deposition. As a result, the Zn/Zn cells assembled with 0.25YTFPAA electrolyte exhibit an impressive cycle life of 2100 h at 0.5 mA cm−2–0.25 mAh cm−2. More importantly, the assembled V2O5/Zn full cell shows an ultra‐long cycle life of up to 18000 cycles at 5.0 A g−1.  This work highlights the rational design of multifunctional ionic additives for stabilizing aqueous ZMAs.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Transformation for the Synthesis of Tetracyclic Indoline Thioesters
Authors: Li Ming , Zhao Guo‐Xiao , Xu Shanmei , Miao Dong‐Yu , Li Shun‐Xi , Qiu Yi‐Feng , Chen Dong‐Ping , Quan Zheng‐Jun , Wang Xi‐Cun , Liang Yong‐Min
Published: June 2024

Palladium‐catalyzed thioesterification of (aza)indole‐tethered aryl iodides, Mo(CO)6, and sulfonyl chlorides is reported. A series of C2 thioester‐group substituted indoline‐fused ring compounds are constructed by an intramolecular Heck cyclization and carbonylation chemistry involving N‐(2‐iodobenzoyl)indole. The salient features of this three‐component cascade sequence include the use of solid Mo(CO)6 as the carbon monoxide source and good functional group tolerance.
A Novel Ubiquitin Ligase Adaptor PTPRN Suppresses Seizure Susceptibility through Endocytosis of NaV1.2 Sodium Channels
Authors: Wang Yifan , Yang Hui , Li Na , Wang Lili , Guo Chang , Ma Weining , Liu Shiqi , Peng Chao , Chen Jiexin , Song Huifang , Chen Hedan , Ma Xinyue , Yi Jingyun , Lian Jingjing , Kong Weikaixin , Dong Jie , Tu Xinyu , Shah Mala , Tian Xin , Huang Zhuo
Published: June 2024

Intrinsic plasticity, a fundamental process enabling neurons to modify their intrinsic properties, plays a crucial role in shaping neuronal input‐output function and is implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Despite its importance, the underlying molecular mechanisms of intrinsic plasticity remain poorly understood. In this study, a new ubiquitin ligase adaptor, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type N (PTPRN), is identified as a regulator of intrinsic neuronal excitability in the context of temporal lobe epilepsy. PTPRN recruits the NEDD4 Like E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase (NEDD4L) to NaV1.2 sodium channels, facilitating NEDD4L‐mediated ubiquitination, and endocytosis of NaV1.2. Knockout of PTPRN in hippocampal granule cells leads to augmented NaV1.2‐mediated sodium currents and higher intrinsic excitability, resulting in increased seizure susceptibility in transgenic mice. Conversely, adeno‐associated virus‐mediated delivery of PTPRN in the dentate gyrus region decreases intrinsic excitability and reduces seizure susceptibility. Moreover, the present findings indicate that PTPRN exerts a selective modulation effect on voltage‐gated sodium channels. Collectively, PTPRN plays a significant role in regulating intrinsic excitability and seizure susceptibility, suggesting a potential strategy for precise modulation of NaV1.2 channels' function.
CD147‐K148me2‐Driven Tumor Cell‐Macrophage Crosstalk Provokes NSCLC Immunosuppression via the CCL5/CCR5 Axis
Authors: Wang Ke , Chen Xiaohong , Lin Peng , Wu Jiao , Huang Qiang , Chen Zhi‐Nan , Tian Jiale , Wang Hao , Tian Ye , Shi Mingyan , Qian Meirui , Hui Bengang , Zhu Yumeng , Li Ling , Yao Rui , Bian Huijie , Zhu Ping , Chen Ruo , Chen Liang
Published: June 2024

Immunosuppression is a major hallmark of tumor progression in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), an important pro‐tumorigenic factor, is closely linked to NSCLC immunosuppression. However, the role of CD147 di‐methylation in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. Here, di‐methylation of CD147 at Lys148 (CD147‐K148me2) is identified as a common post‐translational modification (PTM) in NSCLC that is significantly associated with unsatisfying survival outcomes among NSCLC sufferers, especially those in the advanced stages of the disease. The methyltransferase NSD2 catalyzes CD147 to generate CD147‐K148me2. Further analysis demonstrates that CD147‐K148me2 reestablishes the immunosuppressive TME and promotes NSCLC progression. Mechanistically, this modification promotes the interaction between cyclophilin A (CyPA) and CD147, and in turn, increases CCL5 gene transcription by activating p38‐ZBTB32 signaling, leading to increased NSCLC cell‐derived CCL5 secretion. Subsequently, CD147‐K148me2‐mediated CCL5 upregulation facilitates M2‐like tumor‐associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration in NSCLC tissues via CCL5/CCR5 axis‐dependent intercellular crosstalk between tumor cells and macrophages, which is inhibited by blocking CD147‐K148me2 with the targeted antibody 12C8. Overall, this study reveals the role of CD147‐K148me2‐driven intercellular crosstalk in the development of NSCLC immunosuppression, and provides a potential interventional strategy for PTM‐targeted NSCLC therapy.
A Bionic Flapping Magnetic‐Dipole Resonator for ELF Cross‐Medium Communication
Authors: Cheng Zhi , Zhou Jing , Wang Bin , Wu Qiong , Ma Liang , Qin Zhi , Shen Jie , Chen Wen , Peng Wei , Chang Jianglei , Ci Penghong , Dong Shuxiang
Published: June 2024

Extremely low‐frequency (ELF) electromagnetic (EM) waves adeptly propagate in harsh cross‐medium environments, overcoming rapid decay that hinders high‐frequency counterparts. Traditional antennas, however, encounter challenges concerning size, efficiency, and power. Here, drawing inspiration from nature, we present a groundbreaking piezo‐actuated, bionic flapping‐wing magnetic‐dipole resonator (BFW‐MDR), operating in the electro‐mechano‐magnetic coupling mechanism, designed for efficient ELF EM wave transmission. The unique rigid‐flexible hybrid flapping‐wing structure magnifies rotation angles of anti‐phase magnetic dipoles by tenfold, leading to constructive superposition of emitted magnetic fields. Consequently, the BFW‐MDR exhibits a remarkable quality factor of 288 and an enhanced magnetic field emission of 514 fT at 100 meters with only 6.9 mW power consumption, surpassing traditional coil antennas by three orders of magnitude. The communication rate is doubled by the ASK+PSK modulation method. Its robust performance in cross‐medium communication, even amidst various interferences, underscores its potential as a highly efficient antenna for underwater and underground applications.
Global research and scientific publications on PND between 1969 and 2022: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Liu Ruoxuan , Gao Duan , Yang Ning , Qiao Yu , Zhang Zihang , Zuo Mingzhang
Published: June 2024

Objectives

We hope to offer a comprehensive understanding of the advancements and patterns in research on PND. Methods: We performed a thorough search on the Web of Science Core Collection to locate relevant studies published from 1969 to 2022 and utilized four distinct tools, namely VOSviewer (J Data Inf Sci, 2017, 2, 1; J Am Soc Inf Sci, 1973, 24, 265; Amer Doc, 1963, 14, 10 and Scientometrics, 2010, 82, 581), CiteSpace (Scientometrics, 2010, 84, 523), Scimago Graphica, and R‐bibliometrix which allowed us to examine various aspects. Results: We included a total of 6787 articles and reviews for analysis which described PND research, the sources, and the subfields; highlighted the significant developments in this field; identified three main directions in PND.Conclusion: This study highlights the rapid growth of research on PND in recent years and provided an overview of previous studies in the field of PND, thereby establishing the overall landscape of PND research and identifying potential avenues for future investigations.

Methods

We performed a thorough search on the Web of Science Core Collection to locate relevant studies published from 1969 to 2022. To perform bibliometric analysis and network visualization, we utilized four distinct tools, namely VOSviewer (J Data Inf Sci, 2017, 2, 1; J Am Soc Inf Sci, 1973, 24, 265; Amer Doc, 1963, 14, 10 and Scientometrics, 2010, 82, 581), CiteSpace (Scientometrics, 2010, 84, 523), Scimago Graphica, and R‐bibliometrix. These tools allowed us to examine various aspects, including the yearly publication output, the contribution of different countries or regions, the involvement of active journals, co‐citation analysis, publication status, keywords, and terms, as well as scientific categories. We hope to offer a comprehensive understanding of the advancements and patterns in research on PND. The insights gained from this study can assist researchers and clinicians in enhancing the management and implementation of their work in this field.

Results

In this study, we included a total of 6787 articles and reviews for analysis. First, publication trends and contribution by country analysis described PND research. Second, a historical analysis described PND research, the sources, and the subfields. Third, an analysis of keywords highlighted the significant developments in this field. Fourth, an analysis of research themes identified three main directions in PND.

Conclusion

In summary, the research volume exhibits exponential growth over time. Furthermore, the majority of contributions originate from Western countries and China. The interdisciplinary nature of the field is evident, with its roots in biology and medicine and further branching into psychology and social sciences. POCD, delirium‐predominant associated clinical management were major research themes about PND.
Predictive factors of actual 5‐y recurrence‐free survival after upfront surgery for resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Uemura Masao , Sugiura Teiichi , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Yamada Mihoko , Otsuka Shimpei , Aramaki Takeshi , Notsu Akifumi , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: June 2024

Aim

The present study investigated the prognostic factors associated with actual 5‐y recurrence‐free survival (RFS) after upfront surgery for resectable pancreatic cancer (R‐PC) in patients who were deemed not to require neoadjuvant treatment.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2016, 316 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for radiologically R‐PC were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the predictors of actual 5‐y RFS. Predictors were identified using logistic regression analysis of preoperative evaluable factors. The cutoff values for continuous variables were determined based on a minimum p‐value approach (model 1) or the value that maximized the rate of 5‐y RFS survivors (model 2).

Results

Fifty‐one patients (16.1%) achieved a 5‐y RFS. A tumor size ≤23 mm, the absence of serosal invasion on computed tomography (CT), and Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio <1.0, were significantly associated with the 5‐y RFS in model 1. A Prognostic Nutritional Index ≥58 and the absence of serosal invasion and extrapancreatic nerve plexus invasion on CT were significantly associated with 5‐y RFS in model 2. Only six (11.8%, model 1) and four (7.8%, model 2) patients had all three prognostic factors, and their 5‐y RFS rates were 83.3% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

A modest number of patients who underwent upfront surgery achieved 5‐y RFS, but only ~10% of them could be identified preoperatively. Based on these results, almost all R‐PC patients are forced to undergo neoadjuvant treatment in daily practice.
Still high risk? A review of translocation t(14;16) in multiple myeloma
Authors: Mian Hira , Kaiser Martin , Fonseca Rafael
Published: June 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous and complex disease, both in mutational biology as well as in the clinical presentation of patients. While tailored and biomarker‐targeted therapy remains the direct goal for patient‐centric management, existing therapies in MM remain largely uniform. Translocation t(14;16) is a rare primary genetic event found in less than 5% of patients with newly diagnosed MM. Here, we present an overview of the biology of t(14;16), epidemiology, clinical presentation, prognostic impact, and discuss the future clinical and therapeutic strategies for targeting this rare yet high‐risk group in MM to optimize patient outcomes.
Preparation and performance exploration of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid‐based copolyester bioplastics: Controlling thermal properties, tensile properties, and surface hydrophilicity through composition
Authors: Xu Jia , Zou Haitao , Jin Yanqiao , Zheng Qixi , Lei Fanghui , Wu Yuxin
Published: June 2024

To improve the comprehensive properties of polybutylene furandicarboxylate (PBF), 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (2,5‐FDCA), and aliphatic chain diol 1,8‐octanediol and 1,4‐butanediol were used as monomers to synthesize a series of bio‐based polybutylene glycol‐octanediol 2,5‐furandicarboxylate (PBOF). The results showed that the chemical composition of PBOF could be controlled through the molar ratio of monomers. Compared with PBF, as the proportion of octanediol segments gradually increased, PBOF could gradually transform from semi‐crystalline thermoplastic to amorphous form, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) gradually decreased. The crystallization ability reduced but a part of the crystal area was still retained. The copolyesters still has a decomposition temperature above 370°C, indicating excellent thermal stability. The introduction of the octanediol segment significantly improved the tensile mechanical properties and flexibility of the POBF copolyester. These meet the requirements for the preparation of bio‐based engineering plastics. The water absorption rate of PBOF showed that it may have certain degradable potential. PBOF copolyesters have potential application prospects in bio‐based medical plastics and biodegradable packaging polymer materials after copolymerization modification.