bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Layered 2D Nanomaterials to Tailor Friction and Wear in Machine Elements—A Review
Authors: Marian Max , Berman Diana , Rota Alberto , Jackson Robert L. , Rosenkranz Andreas 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRecent advances in 2D nanomaterials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, boron nitride, MXenes, allow not only to discover several new nanoscale phenomena but also to address the scientific and industrial challenges associated with the design of systems with desired physical properties. One of the great challenges for mechanical systems is associated with addressing friction and wear problems in machine elements. In this review, the beneficial properties of layered 2D materials that enable the control of their tribological behavior and make them excellent candidates for efficient friction and wear reduction in dry‐running and boundary lubricated machine components are summarized. The recent studies highlighting the successful implementation of 2D structures when used as solid lubricant coatings or reinforcement phases in composites for various machine components including sliding and rolling bearings, gears, and seals are overviewed. The examples presented in the studies demonstrate the great potential for 2D materials to address the energy‐saving needs by friction and wear reduction.
Electrothermally‐Driven Elongating‐Contracting Film Actuators Based on Two‐Way Shape Memory Carbon Nanotube/Ethylene‐Vinyl Acetate Composites
Authors: Xu Lu , Li Zhao , Lu Haohao , Qi Xiaoming , Dong Yubing , Dai Hongbo , Islam Md Zahidul , Fu Yaqin , Ni Qingqing 
Published: December 2021

AbstractElectrothermally‐driven shape‐memory composites (EDSMCs) are promising candidates in the field of actuators; however, they are still unable to deliver both substantial stretching strain and precise strain control, which limits their potential applications. A carbon nanotube (CNT) EDSMC composite made from ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) is fabricated in this study using a novel hot‐pressing and xylene‐aided ultrasonic adsorption two‐step procedure to overcome this problem. Because of the outstanding electrical response of the CNT/EVA EDSMC, even at 50% tensile strain, it can accomplish electrothermally‐driven melting‐induced contraction (an extraordinary working limit for shape memory polymers‐based actuators). A large reversible strain and precise strain control can be integrated simultaneously with crystallization‐induced elongation at different cooling time. In addition, programmable actuation behaviors are made possible by the CNT/EVA EDSMC, which can generate predictable and diverse strain changes. Furthermore, the lightweight CNT/EVA EDSMC demonstrates good load capacity and can lift an object to 1000 times its weight. The CNT/EVA EDSMC shows durable performance under repeated elongation and contraction cycles tests over 100 times, without significant reduction of the strain precision, and had broad prospects for both engineering devices and robotics.
A Self‐Degradable Conjugated Polymer for Photodynamic Therapy with Reliable Postoperative Safety
Authors: Huang Hongye , Xie Wensheng , Wan Qing , Mao Liucheng , Hu Danning , Sun Hua , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wei Yen 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAs a noninvasive therapeutic technique, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted numerous research interests for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the residual photosensitizers (PSs) still produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage normal cells under sunlight after PDT, which limits their practical application in clinic. Herein, the authors propose a self‐degradable type‐I PS based on conjugated polymer, which is composed of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and imidazole units. Due to the effective conjugated skeleton and unique AIE properties, thus‐obtained polymers can effectively generate superoxide radical (O2−•) through the type‐I process under light irradiation, which is ideal for hypoxic tumors treatment. Intriguingly, under light irradiation, O2−• produced by the conjugated polymers can further lead to the self‐degradation of the polymer to form nontoxic micro‐molecules. It not only helps to resolve the potential phototoxicity problems of residual PSs, but also can accelerate the metabolism of the conjugated polymers to avoid the potential biotoxicity of drug accumulation. This work develops a self‐degradable type‐I PS, which can turn off the generation of ROS in time after PDT, providing a novel strategy to balance the PDT effect and postoperative safety.
A microRNA Cluster Controls Fat Cell Differentiation and Adipose Tissue Expansion By Regulating SNCG
Authors: Rodríguez‐Barrueco Ruth , Latorre Jessica , Devis‐Jáuregui Laura , Lluch Aina , Bonifaci Nuria , Llobet Francisco J. , Olivan Mireia , Coll‐Iglesias Laura , Gassner Katja , Davis Meredith L. , Moreno‐Navarrete José M. , Castells‐Nobau Anna , Plata‐Peña Laura , Dalmau‐Pastor Miki , Höring Marcus , Liebisch Gerhard , Olkkonen Vesa M. , Arnoriaga‐Rodríguez Maria , Ricart Wifredo , Fernández‐Real José M. , Silva José M. , Ortega Francisco J. , Llobet‐Navas David 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe H19X‐encoded miR‐424(322)/503 cluster regulates multiple cellular functions. Here, it is reported for the first time that it is also a critical linchpin of fat mass expansion. Deletion of this miRNA cluster in mice results in obesity, while increasing the pool of early adipocyte progenitors and hypertrophied adipocytes. Complementary loss and gain of function experiments and RNA sequencing demonstrate that miR‐424(322)/503 regulates a conserved genetic program involved in the differentiation and commitment of white adipocytes. Mechanistically, it is demonstrated that miR‐424(322)/503 targetsγ‐Synuclein (SNCG), a factor that mediates this program rearrangement by controlling metabolic functions in fat cells, allowing adipocyte differentiation and adipose tissue enlargement. Accordingly, diminished miR‐424(322) in mice and obese humans co‐segregate with increased SNCG in fat and peripheral blood as mutually exclusive features of obesity, being normalized upon weight loss. The data unveil a previously unknown regulatory mechanism of fat mass expansion tightly controlled by the miR‐424(322)/503 through SNCG.
Laparoscopic Surgery for Acute Diffuse Peritonitis Due to Gastrointestinal Perforation: A Nationwide Epidemiologic Study Using the National Clinical Database
Authors: Hoshino Nobuaki , Endo Hideki , Hida Koya , Kumamaru Hiraku , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Ishigame Teruhide , Kitagawa Yuko , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Miyata Hiroaki , Sakai Yoshiharu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundElective laparoscopic surgery is now widely accepted in the treatment of abdominal diseases because of its minimal invasiveness and rapid postoperative recovery. It is also used in the emergency setting for the diagnosis and treatment of acute diffuse peritonitis regardless of the causative disease. However, the value of laparoscopy in acute diffuse peritonitis remains unclear. In this study we aimed to show trends in the use of laparoscopy over time and compare the real‐world performance of laparoscopic surgery with that of open surgery for acute diffuse peritonitis due to gastrointestinal perforation.MethodsWe extracted data from the National Clinical Database, a nationwide surgery registration system in Japan, for patients with a diagnosis of acute diffuse peritonitis due to gastroduodenal or colorectal perforation between 2016 and 2019. Trends in the use of laparoscopy over time were identified. Patient characteristics, laboratory findings, surgical findings, and postoperative complications were compared between laparoscopic surgery and open surgery.ResultsPatients in poor condition and those with abnormal laboratory findings tended to undergo open surgery. Anesthesia time and operating time were longer for laparoscopic surgery in patients with gastroduodenal perforation but shorter in those with colorectal perforation. Fewer complications occurred in patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery. The number of institutions where laparoscopic surgery was performed and the proportion of the use of laparoscopy at each institution increased over time.ConclusionThe use of laparoscopy is becoming common in surgery for acute diffuse peritonitis due to gastrointestinal perforation. This approach may be a useful option for acute diffuse peritonitis.
KI‐assisted Sulfur Activation/Insertion/Denitration Strategy towards Dual C−S Bond Formation for One‐pot Synthesis of β‐Carboline‐tethered 2‐Acylbenzothiophenes
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Jamra. Rahul , Paul Avijit K. , Malakar Chandi C. , Singh Virender 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA simple and efficient KI promoted sulfur activation‐insertion/de‐nitration strategy has been developed for the synthesis of β‐carboline C1 tethered 2‐acylbenzothiophenes via one‐pot assembly of 1‐acetyl β‐carbolines (an alkaloid based scaffold), 2‐nirobenzaldehydes and elemental sulfur. This expeditious reaction proceeds through the formation of β‐carboline linked nitro‐chalcones followed by embodiment of elemental sulfur to generate the multifunctional β‐carboline linked benzothiophene derivatives. The highlighted features of this efficient methodology are transition metal‐free conditions, use of inexpensive and non‐toxic catalyst, easy procedure, short reaction time, and broad substrate scope with good yields. The scope of this protocol has been extended for the synthesis of a range of novel compounds with significant diversity.
Identification of subgroups via partial linear regression modeling approach
Authors: Zhou Yizhao , Yuan Ao , Tan Ming T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn clinical trials, treatment effects often vary from subject to subject. Some subjects may benefit more than others from a specific treatment. One of the aims of subgroup analysis is to identify if there are subgroups of subjects with differential treatment effects. As in standard analysis, we first test if subgroups with differential treatment effects exist; if they do, we classify the subjects into different subgroups based on their covariate profiles; otherwise, we conclude no subgroups have differential treatment effects in this population. Existing methods utilize regression models, particularly linear models, for such analysis. However, in practice, not all effects of covariates on responses are linear. To address this issue, the article proposes a more flexible model, the partial linear model with a nonlinear monotone function to describe some specific effects of covariates and with a linear component to describe the effects of other covariates, develops model‐fitting algorithm and derives model asymptotics. We then utilize the Wald statistic to test the existence of subgroups and the Neyman–Pearson rule to classify subjects into the subgroups. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the finite sample performance of the proposed method by comparing it with the commonly used linear models. Finally, we apply the methods to analyzing a real clinical trial.
Designing a virtual reality programming environment for quantum computers
Authors: Hakan Genç Hasan , Aydın Serkan , Erdal Hasan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractQuantum computation based on quantum physics is spreading rapidly with many interdisciplinary studies from machine learning to genetics. After the unveiling of real quantum computers, this process has been rising almost exponentially. We are about to experience an effect with quantum computers similar to the effect created by the process from the first electromechanical computers to very large‐scale integrated circuit computers. In the programming of quantum computers, we are in a similar place to programming classical computers at an early stage. There are various models in quantum computing, and the most widely used model is quantum gates. Therefore, an easy and practical understanding of the behavior of the gates used in the programming of quantum computers is of great importance. To realize this process, a virtual reality (VR)‐based teaching platform of quantum computer programming called QU‐VR Education Tool was designed by using Unity 3D VR. In the creation of this design, IBM's so‐called Quantum Composer platform and Microsoft Quantum Katas were taken as a reference. In this study, the design process and usage of a novel VR‐based platform are presented in detail.
Activity, Selectivity and Initial Degradation of Iron Molybdate in the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethanol
Authors: Oefner Niklas , Heck Franziska , Dürl Marcel , Schumacher Leon , Khatoon Siddiqui Humera , Kramm Ulrike I. , Hess Christian , Möller Angela , Albert Barbara , Etzold Bastian J. M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIron molybdate catalysts are applied in the industrial FormOx process to produce formaldehyde by oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of methanol. Only few studies are available about the applicability of iron molybdate catalysts for the ODH of ethanol to produce acetaldehyde. Herein, an iron molybdate synthesized by co‐precipitation (p) and an iron molybdate prepared by a ball‐milling solid‐state synthesis (bm) are applied as ethanol ODH catalysts. Both materials show attractive acetaldehyde selectivites of >90 % (280 °C: p‐Fe2(MoO4)3: YAcH=90.3 %; bm‐Fe2(MoO4)3: YAcH=60.4 %) and a stable performance. The bulk composition and crystal structure could be confirmed by various characterization techniques and is maintained during ethanol ODH. XPS reveals an enrichment of Mo on the catalyst surface which is slightly decreasing after the catalytic tests. This observation could be a first sign of long‐term deactivation like known from methanol ODH. Comparing the performance of both materials, p‐Fe2(MoO4)3 shows higher activity and aldehyde selectivity. We propose the higher Mo/Fe surface ratio and the lower acidity to be the reasons for these differences.
Novel insights into exosomal circular RNAs: Redefining intercellular communication in cancer biology
Authors: Lin Huimin , Yu Jie , Gu Xiang , Ge Shengfang , Fan Xianqun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractExosomes, a special type of membrane‐bound extracellular vesicle regarded as an ideal carrier for intercellular messages, play an essential role in intercellular communication both locally and systematically. Recent studies have reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs), members of the noncoding RNA family, are abundant and stable in exosomes. As an essential mediator of intercellular communication within cancer cells or between cancer cells and noncancerous cells, exosomal circRNAs participate in multiple aspects of cancer. In this review, we summarize the biogenesis, properties and functions of exosomal circRNAs. In particular, we describe their intercellular transfer in the tumour microenvironment and associate their biological functions with different phenotypes of cancer. Finally, we discuss potential clinical applications in the future.
Predicting the suitable habitats of parasitic desert species based on a niche model with Haloxylon ammodendron and Cistanche deserticola as examples
Authors: He Ping , Li Yunfeng , Xu Ning , Peng Cheng , Meng Fanyun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHaloxylon ammodendron, an excellent tree species for sand fixation and afforestation in the desert areas of western China, is threatened by climate change and anthropogenic activities. The suitable habitat of this species is shrinking at a remarkable rate, although conservation measures have been implemented. Cistanche deserticola is an entirely parasitic herb that occurs in deserts, is a source of “desert ginseng” worldwide, and has extremely high medicinal value. Little is known about using niche models to simulate habitat suitability and evaluate important environmental variables related to parasitic species. In this study, we modeled the current suitable habitat of H. ammodendron and C. deserticola by MaxEnt based on occurrence record data of the distributions of these two species in China. We grouped H. ammodendron and C. deserticola into three groups according to the characteristics of parasitic species and modeled them with environmental factors. The results showed that bioclimate was the most important environmental parameter affecting the H. ammodendron and C. deserticola distribution. Precipitations, such as annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality, and precipitation in the driest quarter, were identified as the most critical parameters. The slope, diurnal temperature range, water vapor pressure, ground‐frost frequency, and solar radiation also substantially contributed to the distribution of the two species. The proportions of the most suitable areas for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 1.2%, 1.3%, and 1.7%, respectively, in China. When combined with cultural geography, five hot spot conservation areas were determined within the distribution of H. ammodendron and C. deserticola. The comprehensive analysis indicated that by using MaxEnt to model the suitable habitat of parasitic species, we further improved the accuracy of the prediction and coupled the error of the distribution of a single species. This study provides a useful reference for the protection of H. ammodendron forests and the management of C. deserticola plantations.
Applying synthetic biology strategies to bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Dong Fangyuan , Simoska Olja , Gaffney Erin , Minteer Shelley D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAlthough the past 20 years have seen significant advances in tailoring materials for improving the performance of bioelectrochemical systems, recently, there have been efforts in utilizing the synthetic biology toolkit for engineering organisms for bioelectrochemical systems. This review discusses the use of synthetic biology to engineer non‐native properties into bioelectrochemical systems for increasing the diversity of fuel utilization in energy applications, allowing for novel electrosynthetic strategies, and improving the selectivity of biosensors. The review also discusses synthetic biology strategies for improving the abiotic/biotic interface, which improves the performance of bioelectrochemical systems. Both strategies are required and need to be combined with materials innovation to produce commercially viable bioelectrochemical systems in the future.
Monitoring the apical growth characteristics of hairy roots using non‐invasive laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: Schott Carolin , Bley Thomas , Walter Thomas , Brusius Janis , Steingroewer Juliane 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHairy roots are used to produce plant agents and additives. Due to their heterogeneous structure and growth characteristics, it is difficult to determine growth‐related parameters continuously and in real time. Laser speckle contrast analysis is widely used as a non‐destructive measurement technique in material testing or in medical technology. This type of analysis is based on the principle that moving objects or particles cause fluctuations in stochastic interference patterns known as speckle patterns. They are formed by the random backscattering of coherent laser light on an optically rough surface. A Laser Speckle Imager, which is well established for speckle studies of hemodynamics, was used for the first time for non‐invasive speckle measurements on hairy roots to study dynamic behavior in plant tissue. Based on speckle contrast, a specific flux value was defined to map the dynamic changes in the investigated tissue. Using this method, we were able to predict the formation of lateral strands and to identify the growth zone in the apical root region, as well as dividing it into functional regions. This makes it possible to monitor physiological processes in the apical growth zone in vivo and in real time without labeling the target structures.
Rocking incremental dynamic analysis
Authors: Lachanas Christos G. , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe seismic response assessment of rocking systems via Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) is investigated, focusing on the issues that arise in the analysis and postprocessing stages. Rocking IDA curves generally differ from those of hysteretic structural systems due to (i) the frequent appearance of resurrections; (ii) their highly weaving non‐monotonic behavior; and (iii) their overall high variability. Hence, including or ignoring analysis results above the first resurrection level, deriving statistics given a response level versus an intensity measure level, as well as selecting an adequate number of ground motion records and runs per record, become challenging issues with non‐trivial impact on the probabilistic characterization of rocking response. This necessitates a fresh view on analysis choices and post‐processing techniques, aiming to assure the accuracy and fidelity of rocking IDA results. As an example, the effect of different choices and techniques are showcased on two‐dimensional rigid blocks that are assumed to represent simplified models of monolithic ancient columns of different slenderness.
Modified African buffalo and group teaching optimization algorithm‐based clustering scheme for sustaining energy stability and network lifetime in wireless sensor networks
Authors: A. Balamurugan , Janakiraman Sengathir , M. Deva Priya 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWireless sensor networks (WSNs) are capable of offering data dissemination among the nodes such that the exploration of a network's potential could be performed based on the frequency range. It is highly difficult for recharging sensor devices under adverse situations. The main drawbacks of WSNs concern to the issues of network lifetime, coverage, scheduling and data aggregation. Prolonging network lifetime confirms energy conservation of sensor nodes, data transmission reliability and scalability of their operation in data aggregation. Clustering schemes are highly suitable for effectively utilizing the resources with lower overhead, such that energy consumption is enhanced for upgrading the network lifespan. This problem of energy‐aware optimization included in the clustering process is an NP optimization problem. At this juncture, metaheuristic optimization algorithms are potential candidates for optimizing energy that attributes towards predominant sustenance in network lifetime. In this article, a modified African buffalo and group teaching optimization algorithm (MABGTOA) is proposed for achieving energy stability and maintaining network lifetime by efficient cluster head (CH) selection during the process of clustering. This MABGTOA scheme is developed for sustaining the tradeoff existing between the rate of exploitation and exploration that aids in efficient selection of CHs, thus maintaining lifetime and energy stability in the network. The simulation experiments of the proposed MABGTOA confirm its predominance by offering increased throughput by 18.21% and sustenance in residual energy by 15.48% when compared to the benchmarked schemes taken for comparative investigation.