bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water‐assisted mechanical testing of polymeric thin‐films
Authors: Zhang Song , Galuska Luke A. , Gu Xiaodan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThin films with a nanometer‐scale thickness are of great interest to both scientific and industrial communities due to their numerous applications and unique behaviors different from the bulk. However, the understanding of thin‐film mechanics is still greatly hampered due to their intrinsic fragility and the lack of commercially available experimental instruments. In this review, we first discuss the progression of thin‐film mechanical testing methods based on the supporting substrate: film‐on‐solid substrate method, film‐on‐water tensile tests, and water‐assisted free‐standing tensile tests. By comparing past studies on a model polymer, polystyrene, the effect of different substrates and confinement effect on the thin‐film mechanics is evaluated. These techniques have generated fruitful scientific knowledge in the field of organic semiconductors for the understanding of structure–mechanical property relationships. We end this review by providing our perspective for their bright prospects in much broader applications and materials of interest.
Self‐assembled free‐floating nanomaterials from sequence‐defined polymers
Authors: Babi Jon , Zhu Linglan , Lin Angela , Uva Azalea , El‐Haddad Hana , Peloewetse Atang , Tran Helen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSequence‐defined polymers can be programmed to self‐assemble into precise nanostructures for applications in biosensing, drug delivery, optics, and molecular computation. Inspired by the natural self‐assembly processes present in biological protein and DNA systems, sets of molecular design rules have emerged across materials classes as instructions to build a variety of tunable structures. This review highlights recent advances in self‐assembled sequence‐defined and sequence‐specific polymers across peptides, peptoids, DNA, and non‐biological synthetic materials, with a focus on synthesis, assembly processes and overall structure. Specifically, these self‐assembled structures are free‐floating, as such constructs can potentially serve as a platform for the aforementioned applications. Emphasis is placed on the molecular design of polymers that self‐assemble into zero‐dimensional, one‐dimensional, two‐dimensional, or three‐dimensional nanostructures. With the development of automated syntheses and increasing control over self‐assembly, future work may focus on emerging classes of compatible hybrid materials with exciting directions toward new architectures and applications.
The IRIS Imager: A freeware program for quantification of paint removal on IRIS films
Authors: Limmer Matt A. , Evans Abby E. , Seyfferth Angelia L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSoils with seasonal or continuous water saturation are characterized by unique redox‐related processes including Fe and Mn oxide reduction. Indicators of reduction in soils (IRIS) devices were created as low‐cost, direct sensors of such reduced chemistry. Such IRIS devices are painted with oxides of Fe or Mn, inserted into the soil, and then removed after a period of time; once removed, the paint lost due to reductive dissolution of these oxides is used to indicate the presence, location, and/or intensity of reducing conditions. However, quantifying the paint removal using existing methods can be subjective and time consuming. Here, we describe the use of the IRIS Imager, an image analysis program that calculates removal of paint from IRIS films in L*a*b* color space (where L* is lightness, a* is red–green value, and b* is blue–yellow value) by comparing the change in lightness between initial and final IRIS film images. Paint removal from films deployed in flooded rice (Oryza sativa L.) paddy soils were quantified using the IRIS Imager, the grid method, and chemical extractions of IRIS films. All three methods were suitable for quantification of paint removal, but the IRIS Imager provided additional statistics to assess heterogeneity in paint removal on individual films and a less subjective approach to quantifying Mn oxide paint removal when Fe oxidation on Mn films was present. This free software can be used with IRIS devices to reproducibly measure paint removal from Fe oxide and Mn oxide IRIS and Fe oxide precipitation on Mn oxide IRIS.
A Sensitive Microextraction Method Using Effervescence Tablets to Disperse Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Cadmium Determination in Lake Water Samples
Authors: Borahan Tülay , Karlıdağ Nazime Ebrar , Zaman Buse Tuğba , Bakırdere Sezgin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this study, an effective and sensitive method was developed for the preconcentration of cadmium in flame atomic absorption spectrometer system combined with a 5‐holes cut slotted quartz tube (SQT‐FAAS). For this aim, a dispersive solid‐phase microextraction method based on a magnetic effervescent tablet consisting of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (EA‐MNP‐dSPME) was proposed. In the developed microextraction method, the dispersion of the nanoparticles used as adsorbents was assisted by the effervescent tablets generated from a mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate. In order to obtain the highest extraction and instrumental output, all variables that affect the efficiency was investigated comprehensively and optimum conditions were determined with univariate optimization steps. The detection power of the conventional FAAS system was enhanced about 135 folds with respect to the LOD value of the developed method (0.34 ng mL−1) obtained under the optimum conditions. The EA‐MNP‐dSPME method presented high reproducibility with a low %RSD value calculated as 8.1 %. In order to validate the accuracy and applicability of the method, matrix matching method based recovery studies were carried out using the lake water samples taken from Horseshoe Island. The percent recovery results reported between 99.9–104.3 % with percent relative standard deviation below 7.9 % indicated the developed method‘s applicability for the accurate and precise determination of cadmium.
Fabrication of Flexible Graphene Paper/MnO2 Composite Supercapacitor Electrode through Electrodeposition of MnO2 Nanoparticles on Graphene Paper
Authors: Liu Gu , Liu Jian , Xu Kejun , Wang Liuying , Xiong Shanxin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe flexible electrodes are the crucial components for fabricating wearable supercapacitors. In this study, we present a quick and convenient method to prepare graphene paper (GP) as a flexible current collector on a large scale by an easy one‐step method. The composite electrode integrated with GP and MnO2 as a flexible supercapacitor was obtained by an electrochemical deposition method without using binder or conductive agent. The substrate (GP) of electrode not only provides mechanical strength, but also contributes energy storage capacity. The MnO2 nanoparticles deposited on the surface of GP further improved the electrochemical performance of composite. The neat GP can give a specific capacitance of 184 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. At a current density of 1 A/g, the specific capacitance of the GP/MnO2 composite with a deposition time of 30 s is as high as 410 F/g. The method presented here shows great potential for the development of flexible electrode materials in practical energy storage devices.
Preparation of Sulfonated Polyarylene Ether Nitrile Hollow Fiber Membrane Adsorbent and Its Potential in Separation Lithium Ion from Brine
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Li Xiulei , Tao Baifu , Guo Ruili 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a series of sulfonated polyarylene ether nitriles copolymers (SPEN) with adjustable sulfonic acid groups are synthesized through nucleophilic substitution reaction. Then, the SPEN hollow fiber membrane (SPENH) adsorbents are successfully prepared by dry‐wet phase conversion. Due to the increase of hydrophilic groups sulfonic acid (−SO3H) and increases surface roughness, the water contact angle of SPENH‐60 is as low as 46.97°, and the wettability of SPENH adsorbent is improved. In addition, SPENH‐60 adsorbent has a high porosity of 97.87 % and −SO3H groups (1.53 mmol g−1), which shows an excellent Li+ adsorption uptake of up to 20.54 mg⋅g−1. The adsorption kinetics of Li+ follows the pseudo‐second‐order adsorption kinetic and the adsorption isotherm data conforms to the Langmuir model. The selectivity factors of Li+ to Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ are 5.019, 4.038, 2.726 and 48.348, respectively. After 10 times of adsorption‐desorption cycles, the adsorption uptake decrease by only 4.3 %. Therefore, SPENH adsorbent has the potential to selectively separate and recycle Li+ from brine.
The United States should recognize and support caregiving youth
Authors: Armstrong‐Carter Emma , Johnson Catherine , Belkowitz Julia , Siskowski Connie , Olson Elizabeth 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn the United States, more than 5.4 million children and adolescents under age 18 provide care for family members who are aging or have chronic illness, disability, or other health conditions that require assistance. In this policy report, we describe youth’s care for the family, and highlight the increasing prevalence, global challenges, and uneven successes of measurement and categorization. We briefly summarize research on how caregiving affects youth’s academic, social, and emotional well‐being. Next, we present novel, emerging evidence from the public school‐based 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for the State of Florida, which suggests that as many as 24% of middle school students and 16% of high school students provide at least some care to the family on a regular basis. Drawing on this evidence, we discuss targeted social programs which have been shown to promote the well‐being of caregiving youth outside of the United States, as well as a 13‐year‐old school‐based intervention in The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida. We conclude with specific recommendations for a path toward recognizing and supporting caregiving youth via policy and practice in the United States. Our aim is to increase the awareness and feasibility of identifying and supporting caregiving youth and their families via government‐organized data collection and targeted social policies.
State of the art in development of molecularly imprinted biosensors
Authors: Wu Licheng , Li Xiaolei , Miao Haohan , Xu Jingjing , Pan Guoqing 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBiosensors are a class of smart devices fabricated for target analyte detection. A biosensor is commonly made of three basic components: a specific bioreceptor, a physicochemical transducer, and a signal processing device. The bioreceptor part features one of the more crucial technologies of a biosensor to perform specific detection of analytes. They commonly make use of various molecular recognition elements, such as enzymes, natural receptors, antibodies, nucleic acid aptamers, and even synthetic receptors. Then, the molecular recognition events of these bioreceptors can be translated into readable signals in various forms like electrochemical, optical, piezo/pyro electric, etc. Finally, these signals are mathematically processed for quantitative analysis. Nowadays, the great advances in biomimetic materials, in particular the synthetic receptors based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), promote tremendous development of biosensors. Integration of this field with artificial intelligence enables emerging design of advanced biosensors, which has moved from concept to implementation, meanwhile facing new opportunities and challenges. With no doubt, bioreceptor innovation based on molecular imprinting is an emerging driving force for biosensors development. In this review paper, we provide an overview of MIP‐based biosensors, and also their challenges and opportunities moving forward toward wearable devices are discussed.
Explainable artificial intelligence: an analytical review
Authors: Angelov Plamen P. , Soares Eduardo A. , Jiang Richard , Arnold Nicholas I. , Atkinson Peter M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper provides a brief analytical review of the current state‐of‐the‐art in relation to the explainability of artificial intelligence in the context of recent advances in machine learning and deep learning. The paper starts with a brief historical introduction and a taxonomy, and formulates the main challenges in terms of explainability building on the recently formulated National Institute of Standards four principles of explainability. Recently published methods related to the topic are then critically reviewed and analyzed. Finally, future directions for research are suggested.This article is categorized under:
Technologies > Artificial Intelligence
Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Explainable AI
Improved access through ball milling: Octahedral Ta6 cluster alkoxides with weakly coordinating cations and a rare example of an electron‐poor Ta6 cluster
Authors: Schröder Florian , Köckerling Martin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFrom the reaction of activated (ball‐milled) [Ta6I14] with Mg‐methanolate or ethanolate the first examples of compounds with hexanuclear Ta6 units which have the octahedral edges bridged by alcoholato ligands are obtained. Either methanolato or iodido ligands are further attached to the exo sites of the Ta6 octahedra. The [Ta6(OCH3)i12(OCH3)a6]2− and [Ta6(OCH3)i12Ia6]2−/1− units were crystallized with large cations. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies have revealed the structures of four of these compounds. They show that the Ta−Ta atom distances are shorter than those found in comparable Ta6 halides, because of the much less pronounced matrix effect of the smaller O atoms compared to i. e. Cl. The cluster unit in (PPN)[Ta6(OC2H5)i12Ia6] comprises a rare example of an electron‐poor ensemble with 13 cluster based electrons (located in highest in energy, metal based orbitals). Differences of bond lengths between the clusters with 13 CBEs and 14 CBEs are in line with published theoretical descriptions of the bonding situation.
|Isolation and characterization of novel bacteriophages as a potential therapeutic option for Escherichia coli urinary tract infections
Authors: González-Villalobos Edgar , Ribas-Aparicio Rosa María , Montealegre Gerardo Erbey Rodea , Belmont-Monroy Laura , Ortega-García Yerisaidy , Aparicio-Ozores Gerardo , Balcázar José Luis , Eslava-Campos Carlos Alberto , Hernández-Chiñas Ulises , Molina-López José 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are mainly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), whose impact can be exacerbated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Effective control strategies are, therefore, urgently needed. Among them, phage therapy represents a suitable alternative. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of novel phages from wastewater samples, as well as their lytic activity against biofilm and adherence of UPEC to HEp-2 cells. The results demonstrated that phage vB_EcoM-phiEc1 (ϕEc1) belongs to Myoviridae family, whereas vB_EcoS-phiEc3 (ϕEc3) and vB_EcoS-phiEc4 (ϕEc4) belong to Siphoviridae family. Phages showed lytic activity against UPEC and gut commensal strains. Phage ϕEc1 lysed UPEC serogroups, whereas phages ϕEc3 and ϕEc4 lysed only UTI strains with higher prevalence toward the O25 serogroup. Moreover, phages ϕEc1 and ϕEc3 decreased both biofilm formation and adherence, whereas ϕEc4 was able to decrease adherence but not biofilm formation. In conclusion, these novel phages showed the ability to decrease biofilm and bacterial adherence, making them promising candidates for effective adjuvant treatment against UTIs caused by MDR UPEC strains.

Key points

Phage with lytic activity against MDR UPEC strains were isolated and characterized under in vitro conditions.

A novel method was proposed to evaluate phage activity against bacterial adherence in HEp-2 cell..

Phages represent a suitable strategy to control infections caused by MDR bacteria.
Clinical Performance Status and Technical Factors Affecting Outcomes from Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Interventions; A Multicentre, Prospective, Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Makris Gregory C. , Macdonald Andrew C. , Allouni Kader , Corrigall Hannah , Tapping Charles R. , Hughes Jane Philips , Anthony Suzie , Boardman Phil , Patel Rafiudin , Wigham Andrew , Husainy Mohammad Ali , See Teik Choon , Cast James , Olliff Simon , Travis Simon , Laasch Hans-Ulrich , Nice Colin , Uberoi Raman 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of a ‘Modified Karnofsky Scoring System’ on outcomes and provide real-world data regarding the UK practice of biliary interventions.

Materials and Methods
A prospective multi-centred cohort study was performed. The pre-procedure modified Karnofsky score, the incidence of sepsis, complications, biochemical improvement and mortality were recorded out to 30 days post procedure.

Results
A total of 292 patients (248 with malignant lesions) were suitable for inclusion in the study. The overall 7 and 30 day mortality was 3.1% and 16.1%, respectively. The 30 day sepsis rate was 10.3%. In the modified Karnofsky ‘high risk’ group the 7 day mortality was 9.7% versus 0% for the ‘low risk’ group (p = 0.002), whereas the 30 day mortality was 28.8% versus 13.3% (p = 0.003). The incidence of sepsis at 30 days was 19% in the high risk group versus 3.3% at the low risk group (p = 0.001)

Conclusion
Percutaneous biliary interventions in the UK are safe and effective. Scoring systems such as the Karnofsky or the modified Karnofsky score hold promise in allowing us to identify high risk groups that will need more careful consideration and enhanced patient informed consent but further research with larger studies is warranted in order to identify their true impact on patient selection and outcomes post biliary interventions.
(H)IF applicable: promotion of neurogenesis by induced HIF-2 signalling after ischaemia
Authors: Leu Tristan , Fandrey Joachim , Schreiber Timm 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHIF-2 represents a tissue-specific isoform of the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) which regulate oxygen homeostasis in the cell. In acute oxygen deficiency, HIF transcription factors ensure the timely restoration of adequate oxygen supply. Particularly in medical conditions such as stroke, which have a high mortality risk due to ischaemic brain damage, rapid recovery of oxygen supply is of extraordinary importance. Nevertheless, the endogenous mechanisms are often not sufficient to respond to severe hypoxic stress with restoring oxygenation and fail to protect the tissue. Herein, we analysed murine neurospheres without functioning HIF-2α and found that special importance in the differentiation of neurons can be attributed to HIF-2 in the brain. Other processes, such as cell migration and signal transduction of different signalling pathways, appear to be mediated to some extent via HIF-2 and illustrate the function of HIF-2 in brain remodelling. Without hypoxic stress, HIF-2 in the brain presumably focuses on the fine-tuning of the neural network. However, a therapeutically increase of HIF-2 has the potential to regenerate or replace destroyed brain tissue and help minimize the consequences of an ischaemic stroke.
Salivary IL-8 as a putative predictive biomarker of radiotherapy response in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Principe Sara , Zapater-Latorre Enrique , Arribas Leo , Garcia-Miragall Enrique , Bagan Jose 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objectives
Ionizing radiation increases the expression of a number of salivary proteins involved in immunoregulatory networks related to infection, injury, inflammation, and cancer. Our main objective was to analyze whether there are significant differences in salivary cytokines before and after radiotherapy and whether any of them are associated to better outcomes after radiotherapy serving as a potential predictive biomarker of response to the treatment.

Materials and methods
We analyzed a panel of eight salivary markers (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10; MCP-1; TNF-α; VEGF; and EGF) in a group of HNC patients (N = 30), before and after irradiation treatment pre- and post-RT. We also compared these results with a group of healthy controls (N = 37). In both groups, we used stimulated saliva and we performed immunoassays based on multi-analyte profiling technology (Luminex xMAP).

Results
In our group of 30 HNC patients, 24 of them showed a good clinical response after radiotherapy treatment while 6 cases did not respond to radiotherapy. The data revealed a post-treatment increase in multiple cytokines in the stimulated saliva of HNC patients; the increases in IL-8 and MCP-1 were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.0001, respectively). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the strong potential of IL-8 as a predictive biomarker of RT good outcomes (area under the curve = 0.84; p = 0.018).

Conclusions
After analyzing the panel of salivary cytokines, IL-8 showed the best association to the response to radiotherapy; in this sense, low IL-8 levels in the saliva of HNC patients before receiving irradiation therapy are associated with positive RT outcomes.

Clinical relevance
Salivary IL-8 expression in HNC patients undergoing RT may serve as a potential predictive biomarker of response to the treatment.
Wigner ensemble Monte Carlo simulation without splitting error of a GaAs resonant tunneling diode
Authors: Muscato Orazio 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA Monte Carlo technique for the solution of the Wigner transport equation has been developed, based on the generation and annihilation of signed particles (Nedjalkov et al. in Phys Rev B 70:115319, 2004). A stochastic algorithm without time discretization error has been recently introduced (Muscato and Wagner in Kinet Relat Models 12(1):59–77, 2019). Its derivation is based on the theory of piecewise deterministic Markov processes. Numerical experiments are performed in the case of a GaAs resonant tunneling diode. Convergence of the time-splitting scheme to the no-splitting algorithm is demonstrated. The no-splitting algorithm is shown to be more efficient in terms of computational effort.
Are Fish Wild?
Authors: Wyatt Tanya , Friedman Kim , Hutchinson Alison 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAs the global biodiversity crisis continues, it is important to examine the legislative protection that is in place for species around the world. Such legislation not only includes environmental or wildlife law, but also trade law, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which gets transposed into national legislation. This commentary analyses legislative definitions of wildlife, whether or not that includes fish, which has implications for fish welfare, use of fish for food security, and biodiversity conservation when fish, or other wildlife, are excluded. Through a legislative content analysis of the 183 parties’ legislation of CITES, we explore whether fish are afforded the same protections as other species by being included in legal definitions of wildlife. We found that while a majority of CITES parties’ legislation appear to define fish as wildlife, there are a number of instances where this is unclear or not the case, and this could have significant ramifications for the welfare of non-human animals, their use, and conservation.