bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in PDMS Optical Waveguides: Properties, Fabrication, and Applications
Authors: Zimmermann Camila A. , Amouzou Koffi N. , Ung Bora 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPoly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) has emerged as a promising polymer for fabricating optical waveguides. Its optical transparency, stretchability, flexibility, biocompatibility, and facile processing are a complement to common optical materials that are more brittle and stiff such as fused silica, polystyrene (PS), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Although PDMS is not a new material, with its first synthesis dating back to the early twentieth century, recent decades have seen an increased effort to expand its use in optical waveguides beyond conventional rubber applications. This review compiles established concepts and new advancements in PDMS science to shed light on limitations and new opportunities to better harness PDMS’ potential for optical waveguiding. With the materials science tetrahedron in mind (structure, properties, processing, and performance), this review explores the state‐of‐the‐art in PDMS waveguide technology and exposes relevant basic concepts pertaining to its physicochemical properties. The goal is to equip the photonics community with knowledge to further expand PDMS waveguide technology. The review covers three main topics: PDMS’ key properties (chemical, optical, thermal, and mechanical, besides biological and environmental aspects); PDMS waveguide fabrication techniques (processing, refractive index tuning, and post‐processing); and its applications. The review concludes with a discussion of current challenges and future prospects.
Spiro‐Based Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Deng Yun , Li Yue , Li Xiaoyan , Yu Fan , Li Hao , Zhu Shoujia , Wang Bingyang , Chen Zhikuan , Feng Quanyou , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSpiro structures, possessing unique π‐electron systems, large steric hindrance, high glass transition temperature, and chemical stability, serve as critical structural building blocks in constructing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters. The incorporation of various heteroatoms such as oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen in 9,9′‐spirobifluorene generates diverse spiro structures like spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐xanthene], spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐thioxanthene], and spiro[acridine‐9,9′‐fluorene]. Based on the charge transfer characteristics, TADF emitters built upon spiro structures can be classified into various types, including twisted intramolecular charge transfer, through‐space charge transfer, multiresonance, and exciplex‐type TADF emitters. This review systematically highlights the recent progress in the research on TADF emitters comprised of spiro‐structured aromatics. It intricately explores the molecular design strategies, material synthesis methods, understanding of photophysical attributes, and analysis of organic light‐emitting diode performance. Concurrently, it sketches out the challenges faced in the commercial application stage while providing an outlook for potential research trajectories.
Batch vs Continuous‐Flow Method to Synthesize N‐(3‐Acylamidopropyl)Lactams Through N−C Bond Cleavage in Amides with Amidines
Authors: Govindan Karthick , Chen Nian‐Qi , Venkatachalam Gokulakannan , Leung Tsz‐Fai , Lin Wei‐Yu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe selective N−C bond cleavage of amides to create value‐added products through a transition metal‐free approach has become a significant challenge. Here, we present a method to convert amides into N‐(3‐acylamidopropyl)lactams through sequential amide chemoselective N−C bond cleavage and amidine ring opening under mild conditions, applicable in batch and continuous flow processes. These methods utilize bench‐stable reagents and are operationally straightforward and mild, enabling synthesis on a gram scale with excellent functional group tolerance. Additionally, the synthetic feasibility of these reactions under flow conditions has proven to be highly efficient, providing N‐(3‐acylamidopropyl)lactam derivatives with improved yields and shorter reaction time.
CTNND1‐Related Disorder: New Insight on Prenatal Phenotype
Authors: Conti B. , Di Napoli C. , Hafdaoui S. , Nicotra V. , Cesaretti C. , Runza L. , Accurti V. , Boito S. , Iascone M. , Marchetti D. , Silipigni R. , Finelli P. , Natacci F. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
CTNND1 is a gene located in 11q12.1, encoding for p120 catenin, a protein involved in maintaining adherent junctions, regulating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and transcriptional signaling of different cellular pathways. Pathogenic variants in CTNND1 are classically associated with isolated cleft palate and Blefaro‐cheilo‐dontic syndrome, an autosomal dominant condition characterized by abnormalities of the eyelid. Considering different signs and symptoms associated first with Blefaro‐cheilo‐dontic syndrome and later specifically with CTNND1, Ahlaratani and colleagues proposed a wider developmental role for CTNND1 than previously described, associating a broader phenotypic spectrum. This report describes a prenatal case in which a CTNND1 pathogenic variant and reverse phenotyping allowed a diagnosis of Blefaro‐cheilo‐dontic syndrome associated with characteristics never related to Blefaro‐cheilo‐dontic syndrome or CTNND1, such as hydrocephalus. This report is the first detailed fetal case of Blefaro‐cheilo‐dontic syndrome, and the new feature reported is consistent with CTNND1 developmental role and may add new insights into the phenotype spectrum that is being defined.
Generation of Bis(pentafluorophenyl)boron Enolates from Alkynes and Their Catalyst‐Free Alkyne Coupling
Authors: Shibuya Masatoshi , Yuruka Souta , Yamamoto Yoshihiko 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCarbon‐carbon bond forming reactions are powerful synthetic tools for constructing organic molecular frameworks. In this study, strongly Lewis acidic bis(pentafluorophenyl)boron enolates were generated from alkynes through oxygen transfer from 2,6‐dibromopyridine N‐oxide using tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C6F5)3]. Boron enolates were highly reactive owing to the strong Lewis acidity of the boron centers, and thus immediately coupled with alkynes. N‐Ethynylphthalimide reacted as an alkyne with 2,6‐dibromopyridine N‐oxide and B(C6F5)3 to form a semi‐stable bis(pentafluorophenyl)boron enolate through the coordination of the carbonyl group to the boron center. This enolate underwent coupling with another alkyne.
Controllable Heavy n–type Behaviours in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with Non‐Conjugated Passivants
Authors: Guan Haowei , Wu Jie , Yang Daobin , Xie Lisha , Zhang Weifu , Shan Jiahong , Wang Zhongqiang , Meng Yuanyuan , Zhu Jintao , Chen Fei , Zhou Yubo , Ge Ziyi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractInterfacial issues between the perovskite film and electron transport layer greatly limit the efficiency and stability of inverted (p‐i‐n) perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Despite organic ammonium passivants have been widely established as interfacial layers, they failed to improve electron extraction. Here, we reported that the heavy n‐type characteristics in a low band gap perovskite film could be modulated by incorporating non‐conjugated ammonium passivants with strong electron‐withdrawing abilities. This resulted in a significant enhancement of electron extraction in the heavily n‐type doped perovskite. The passivant‐treated PSCs exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 25.74 % with an excellent fill factor of 85.4 % and a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.166 V, which are significantly higher than that of the control device. The unencapsulated devices maintained 88 % of their initial PCEs after 1,200 hours at 85 °C.
Validation of a Dried Blood Spot Assay for Testosterone Measurement Using Liquid Chromatography‐Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gruenstein Yehudah 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTestosterone is a critical hormone involved in regulating various physiological processes in both men and women. Accurate testosterone measurement is essential for diagnosing endocrine disorders such as hypogonadism and polycystic ovary syndrome and for routine testing. Traditionally, testosterone levels are measured using serum or plasma samples, which present challenges in sample collection, storage, and transport, particularly in resource‐limited settings. Dried blood spot (DBS) sampling has emerged as an effective alternative for hormone analysis, offering significant advantages in terms of sample stability, ease of collection, and simplified logistics. This study aimed to validate a DBS‐based testosterone assay using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) to ensure accuracy and precision comparable to conventional serum‐based methods. Drops of whole blood samples were collected from adult volunteers using a single‐use safety lancet for finger pricks, with blood applied onto DBS cards (PerkinElmer 226 Spot Saver RUO card) for further analysis. The testosterone was extracted from DBS using a liquid‐liquid method and analyzed with LC‐MS/MS. The assay demonstrated excellent linearity across a wide concentration range (0.1–100 ng/mL) with a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.999 and achieved a lower limit of detection of 0.058 ng/mL and a lower limit of quantification of 0.086 ng/mL. The method showed high precision, with intra‐ and inter‐day coefficients of variation below 10%, and satisfactory recovery rates. Hematocrit correction and matrix effect evaluations confirmed the robustness of the assay for clinical and research applications. Additionally, the assay displayed a strong clinical correlation between testosterone levels in DBS and venous serum samples, supporting its reliability for testosterone monitoring. This validation study supports that the DBS‐based LC‐MS/MS testosterone assay is a reliable tool for testosterone quantification for routine testing.
Optimizing melt electrowriting prototypes for printing non‐medical and medical grade polycaprolactone meshes in prolapse repair
Authors: Vaz Maria Francisca , Martins Joana Alexandra Pinheiro , Pinheiro Fabio , Ferreira Nuno Miguel , Brandão Sofia , Alves Jorge Lino , Fernandes Antonio Augusto , Parente M. P. L. , Silva Maria Elisabete 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPelvic organ prolapse (POP) arises from insufficient support of female pelvic organs. Synthetic implants used in treatment can cause complications like infections, mesh shrinkage, and tissue erosion, often due to biomechanical compatibility issues. This research aims to optimize printing parameters for a melt electrowriting process using medical grade biodegradable Poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with a pellet extruder. The primary goal is to produce meshes with specific characteristics, including square and diagonal shapes, and filament diameters of 80, 160, and 240 μm. These meshes are evaluated through mechanical tests, comparing their performance with a commercially available mesh and sheep vaginal tissue. The mechanical analysis showed that the commercial mesh was 84% stiffer than sheep vaginal tissue at higher strain levels. Non‐medical grade PCL, with 80 μm meshes, closely matched the tissue's mechanical properties, with an 8% variation. Medical‐grade PCL exhibited distinct behavior, with the 80 μm square mesh (two layers) showing a 27% variation and the 160 μm diagonal mesh (one layer) displaying the closest fit at 9%. The findings indicate that 3D‐printed biodegradable meshes, particularly those printed with medical‐grade PCL, may serve as a suitable alternative to mitigate complications associated with commercial implants.
A high‐performance stretchable strain sensors with hierarchically gradient morphology of filler network
Authors: Zhang Rong , Xiang Yifan , Liu Qingyan , Liu Qingting , Fu Xudong , Hu Shengfei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn recent years, stretchable strain sensors have received increasing attention in areas such as human motion detection and soft robotics. However, how to simultaneously improve the sensitivity and operating range of them remains one of the most important challenges. In order to solve this challenge, in this study, nickel‐coated graphite (NCG)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hybrid conductive networks of stretchable strain sensors PNCs with graded degree of sedimentation were constructed in PDMS using the sedimentation method. Due to the difference in packing density and packing morphology, NCG mainly stays in the middle and lower layers, forming a partially‐sedimented state, whereas the CNTs are close to uniformly dispersed, and such partially settled NCG network is especially critical. Based on this, the obtained composite PNCs have high sensitivity, with a GF value as high as 1.48 × 104 in the 0%–25% strain range and an operating range of 224.8%, which achieves a good recognition and detection of the full range of human body movements. This work provides a new process for the preparation of high‐performance stretchable strain sensors.
Self‐healing nanocomposite film of polyvinyl alcohol—polyacrylic acid incorporated with iodine
Authors: Alebrahim Mohammad A. , Ahmad Ahmad A. , Alakhras Lina A. , Al‐Bataineh Qais M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSelf‐healing polyvinyl alcohol‐polyacrylic acid (PVA‐PAA) composite films incorporated with molecular iodine (I2) are presented for optoelectronic applications. The incorporation mechanism between the PVA‐PAA donor and I2 acceptor is investigated by studying the chemical, crystal, and morphological properties of the composite films. Incorporating PVA‐PAA composite films with I2 decreases the crystallinity degree of the composite films, which increases the electrical conductivity by enabling the segmental motion in the polymer matrix. PVA‐PAA/I2 composite films are stable at temperatures lower than 200°C, where the majority of optical, optoelectronic, and electrical applications can be realized. Additionally, introducing I2 into the PVA‐PAA matrix increases the melting temperature of the composite films. Moreover, the optical and electrical properties of the PVA‐PAA/I2 composite films are investigated. The bandgap energy of PVA‐PAA film is 3.88 eV, decreasing continuously to 3.38 eV as I2 concentration increases to 16 wt.%. On the other hand, The average conductivity of the PVA‐PAA film is . Increasing I2 concentration in the PVA‐PAA matrix increases the electrical conductivity continuously up to . The physical properties of the PVA‐PAA/I2 composite films exhibit self‐healing properties after thermal treatment and UV irradiation that occur during the operation cycling in optical, optoelectronic, and electrical applications.
Synthesis and evaluation of self‐healing polyvinyl alcohol‐tannic acid membranes for skin bio‐applications
Authors: Suhail Zarmeen , Ashfaq Jaweria , Channa Iftikhar Ahmed , Sadia Madeeha , Chandio Ali Dad , Sharmmari Basheer A. , Pervez Tasneem , Al‐Jahwar Farooq K. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAutonomic self‐healing films have shown limited mechanical strength, hindering their application as biomaterials, particularly in skin bioengineering. To address this challenge, we developed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐tannic acid (TA)‐based membranes with improved self‐healing properties and strong mechanical performance. Using a blade coating method and freeze–thaw cycles (−10°C for 1 h, followed by room temperature thawing), the synthesized membranes demonstrated a tensile strength of 8.8 MPa before healing and 7.6 MPa after healing, achieving an 88% healing efficiency. Membrane thickness showed a slight reduction from 465 to 432 μm posthealing. After 3000 bending cycles at a 1 cm radius, the membranes maintained flexibility with no significant changes in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) (7.66 g/m2·day) or oxygen transmission rate (OTR) (0.13 cm3/m2·day·bar). These results underscore the membranes' suitability for dynamic skin environments, combining robust mechanical properties with excellent self‐healing capabilities. The PVA‐TA membranes present a promising solution for advanced skin bioengineering applications.
Rational design of temperature‐responsive binary polymers containing sulfobetaine and quaternary ammonium fragments for application in lignocellulosic hydrolysis
Authors: Pan Xinyue , Li Feiyun , Yuan Peng , Tang Yanjun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEnzymatic strengthening and cellulase recovery are effective ways for improving the economy of lignocellulosic hydrolysis. A series of temperature‐responsive quaternary ammonium salt type enzymatic hydrolysis promoters (PSDM) were obtained by aqueous‐solution free radical polymerization. PSDM dissolved under lignocellulosic enzymatic hydrolysis conditions (50°C). After hydrolysis, it co‐precipitated with cellulase when cooling. PSDM had significantly improved hydrolysis and recycling enzyme properties. The efficiency of high‐solid substrate enzymatic hydrolysis of corncob residues improved to 1.2 times, and 50% of the cellulase amount was saved when adding 1.5 g/L of PSDM1 to the system. Hydrophobic binding may be the main driving force for co‐precipitation between PSDM and cellulase. In this work, regulation of glucose yield and cellulase consumption were realized by adjusting the ratio of positive and negative charges in PSDM. This work provides a new idea for reducing the cost of technology for this lignocellulosic sugar platform.
Fresh insights into the light‐induced pineal gland circadian rhythm transmission mechanism derived from mRNA and miRNA profiling
Authors: Li Yunlei , Sun Yanyan , Yuan Jingwei , Li Xiangchen , Shi Lei , Isa Adamu Mani , Wang Yuanmei , Ge Pingzhuang , Zong Yunhe , Wang Panlin , Chen Jilan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe circadian clock significantly impacts animal health and productivity, with light playing a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms. However, the mechanisms behind light‐induced circadian transmission remain unclear, particularly in light‐sensitive avian species. The pineal gland is a key component acting as the photosensitive master oscillator in the avian clock system. Using transcriptome sequencing and small RNA sequencing technologies, we identified circadian genes and miRNAs in the chick pineal gland under light–dark and sudden constant‐light conditions. We observed rhythmic oscillations in up to 1299 genes during the light–dark cycle, with 400 genes maintaining rhythms under constant light. Our findings highlight the light‐sensitive temporal organization in birds as the phase distribution of circadian genes in the pineal gland correlates with light exposure changes. A novel regulatory mechanism involving light, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, light‐sensitive miRNAs, such as gga‐miR‐34b‐5p, and light‐sensitive circadian genes, such as CRY2, was discovered to participate in the light input system of the chick pineal clock, through which light regulates the oscillators and outputs of the circadian clock system. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and Oil Red O staining revealed cyclic changes in lipid synthesis and metabolism throughout the circadian day, which may be a key mechanism through which the circadian clock influences pineal physiology. Our results enhance the understanding of light‐induced circadian transmission mechanisms and identify potential targets for optimizing the circadian clock through light.
D1244 im Betrieb
Authors: Böhm Michael , Dakova Spasena , Stiefelmaier Jonas , Zeller Amelie , Stein Charlotte , Tarín Cristina , Sawodny Oliver 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDas globale Bauen ist für etwa 50 % der weltweiten CO2‐Emissionen und des Ressourcenverbrauchs verantwortlich. Um zukunftsfähig zu sein, bedarf es einer drastischen Reduktion, was jedoch im Widerspruch steht zur weltweiten Demografie, die durch Bevölkerungsanstieg und Urbanisierung gekennzeichnet ist. Ein möglicher Ansatz sind adaptive Tragwerke, die mit verteilter Aktorik und Sensorik ausgestattet durch geometrische Adaption die Verformungen und Spannungsverteilungen unter Last manipulieren können. Für Hochhäuser ermöglicht diese Technologie etwa eine Halbierung des Ressourceneinsatzes. Der weltweit erste Prototyp wurde Ende 2021 auf dem Campus der Universität Stuttgart eingeweiht. Das D1244 ist mit zwölf Stockwerken auf einer Grundfläche von 5 m × 5 m insgesamt 36 m hoch und besitzt 24 hydraulische Aktoren, 128 DMS sowie ein optisches Messsystem, das mit zwei Kameras an 16 Punkten des Tragwerks die Verformungen in der Ebene parallel zum Kamerasensor im Submillimeterbereich misst. In diesem Beitrag wird aufgezeigt, welche Schritte innerhalb der modellbasierten Entwicklungskette zur Automatisierung und Regelung des Hochhauses bisher erfolgt sind und welche Ergebnisse erzielt wurden. Dabei wird auf die experimentelle Modellidentifikation und den darauf aufbauenden Regler‐ und Beobachterentwurf eingegangen. Die verwendeten Algorithmen zur Fehlererkennung werden vorgestellt und auf Basis von ersten Validierungsmessungen wird ihre grundsätzliche Funktionalität nachgewiesen.
The review and development of professional standards through the lens of Democratic Anchorage points
Authors: Simpson Charlaine , Beck Anna , Campbell Louise 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe recent review of the Scottish professional standards for teachers, led by the General Teaching Council for Scotland, offered a unique perspective to interrogate participative approaches in policy‐making in the Scottish education context and to provide insights and implications for future policy‐making. Using one of the authors’ experiences as a General Teaching Council Scotland Officer during the review of the professional standards, this paper conceptualises the consultation process as a form of democratic governance, using Sørensen and Torfing's framing of the four anchorage points that enable democratic legitimacy in governance networks. This perspective places policy‐making within a governance structure that is created by networks that interact, overlap and are entangled with each other, implying a decentralised form of governance. An analysis of the stages of the review process demonstrated that it was participatory. However, there was an over‐reliance on the established policy‐making community. In addition, authentic participation was restricted as choices were limited by the metagovernor. We argue that Sørensen and Torfing's anchorage points for democratic legitimacy allow an interrogation of the extent to which policy‐making in Scottish education is authentically democratic and conclude by offering a framework of critical questions for more transparent democratic participation in future iterations of similar professional standards reviews.
The effects of free tuition policy on university academic performance in Chile
Authors: Espinoza Oscar , Sandoval Luis , Corradi Bruno , McGinn Noel , Larrondo Yahira , Maldonado Karina 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn 2016 Chile initiated a policy of free tuition for students from families in the lower half of the income distribution to improve access to and completion of higher education. The empirical effectiveness of the policy has not yet been completely demonstrated. This study analysed the difference in levels of academic performance of students enrolled in 12 Chilean universities with and without free tuition. The study used a regression discontinuity design with a running discrete variable locally randomised. The results show that the academic performance of students receiving free tuition was equivalent to that of students paying the full cost. There was no difference in the course pass rate of those with or without free tuition. Over time the effects of the policy could reduce inequality in the professional labour market. In addition, the study suggests that there may be complementary practices that further improve university student achievement and completion rates.