bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrochemically Mediated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Driven by Alternating Current
Authors: De Bon Francesco , Fantin Marco , Pereira Vanessa A. , Lourenço Bernardino Teresa J. , Serra Armenio C. , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Coelho Jorge F. J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlternating current (AC) and pulsed electrolysis are gaining traction in electro(organic) synthesis due to their advantageous characteristics. We employed AC electrolysis in electrochemically mediated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (eATRP) to facilitate the regeneration of the activator CuI complex on Cu0 electrodes. Additionally, Cu0 served as a slow supplemental activator and reducing agent (SARA ATRP), enabling the activation of alkyl halides and the regeneration of the CuI activator through a comproportionation reaction. We harnessed the distinct properties of Cu0 dual regeneration, both chemical and electrochemical, by employing sinusoidal, triangular, and square‐wave AC electrolysis alongside some of the most active ATRP catalysts available. Compared to linear waveform (DC electrolysis) or SARA ATRP (without electrolysis), pulsed and AC electrolysis facilitated slightly faster and more controlled polymerizations of acrylates. The same AC electrolysis conditions could successfully polymerize eleven different monomers across different mediums, from water to bulk. Moreover, it proved effective across a spectrum of catalyst activity, from low‐activity Cu/2,2‐bipyridine to highly active Cu complexes with substituted tripodal amine ligands. Chain extension experiments confirmed the high chain‐end fidelity of the produced polymers, yielding functional and high molecular‐weight block copolymers. SEM analysis indicated the robustness of the Cu0 electrodes, sustaining at least 15 consecutive polymerizations.
The synthesis of a novel polymer‐type antistatic agent and its effect on the properties of polypropylene
Authors: Zhao Yaqin , Liu Yangdong , Zhao Haoning , Chen Zhenbin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a novel polymeric antistatic agent, TMQ, with excellent antistatic properties, low cost, and good compatibility with polypropylene (PP), was prepared from isopentenyl polyoxyethylene ether (TPEG), maleic anhydride (MAH) and homemade quaternary ammonium salt (QAS). The structure is characterized using FTIR and 1H NMR. How the addition of TMQ and the molar ratio of TPEG, QAS, and MAH affect the antistatic, mechanical, and crystalline properties of PP are investigated. The results show that as the feed ratio of TPEG, MAH and QAS is TPEG:MAH:QAS = 1:8:8, the modified PP displays the best overall performances. Further exploring finds out when TMQ is added at 15 wt%, the surface resistivity of PP reduces to 6.78 × 109 Ω/sq and the volume resistivity of PP reduces to 7.9 × 109 Ω cm−1, the notched impact strength and melt index improve by 357% and 991%, respectively, while the tensile strength decreases by 38.6% compared with that of pure PP. Besides, the crystal study shows after TMQ is added, the crystallinity of PP reduces, the melt peak temperature remains essentially unchanged, and the crystallization peak temperature increases slightly. The material has excellent antistatic resistance to washing and durability, and the changes in relative humidity have little effect on its antistatic properties.
Evaluation of the thin film polyimide‐based holographic metasurface inspired leaky‐wave antenna
Authors: Sharma Praveen Kumar , Dzagbletey Philip Ayiku , Chung Jae‐Young 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe proposed paper presents the design of a leaky‐wave antenna inspired by holographic metasurfaces employing thin film. Leveraging the holographic principle, this metasurface showcases its transformative capacity by converting an omnidirectionally radiating monopole into a highly directional antenna emitting leaky waves. The holographic metasurface is constructed using a thin film of polyimide (PI) (Df = 0.008; Dk = 3.5), measuring 50 μm in thickness. The antenna structure comprises multiple layers, commencing with the top PI layer, succeeded by a 40 μm thick adhesive layer (Df = 0.004; Dk = 6). Subsequent layer includes the Rogers RT/duroid 5880 substrate (Df = 0.0009; Dk = 2.20), grounded at the bottom and has a thickness of 1.6 mm. The meticulously tailored design of the proposed antenna ensures optimal performance at 15 GHz, facilitating directional radiation and precise beam steering at 10 degrees (ϴ = 10°). This innovative design, incorporating the holographic metasurface on thin film, significantly enhances the antenna's performance, increasing gain from 1.5 dBi to 13.8 dBi.
Influence of Surface Basic Sites and Oxygen Vacancies on the Performance of Metal‐Modified Rod‐Like Ceria Catalysts for Low‐Temperature Hydrolysis of Carbonyl Sulfide
Authors: Zi Shuangyan , Li Kai , Wang Xueqi , Sun Lina , Tian Yu , Huang Bei , Zeng Heping , Ma Yixing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study utilized a hydrothermal method to synthesize various metal‐modified rod‐like ceria catalysts (Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, La), achieving efficient COS removal at low temperatures. The research identified surface oxygen vacancies and basic sites as critical factors that influence the catalytic performance of COS hydrolysis. The addition of different metals to pristine ceria rods increased the specific surface area, oxygen vacancy content (Ov), and basicity, which enhanced the catalysts′ sulfur resistance and stability. Among all the catalysts tested, 10La‐CeO2 demonstrated the highest COS removal rate. This is because La doping significantly augmented Ov, providing more H2O adsorption and activation sites. Furthermore, 10La‐CeO2 showed enhanced Lewis basicity, making it easier for COS to adsorb and promote hydrolysis. The in situ DRIFTS results confirmed that appropriate oxygen vacancies and basic sites favored the formation of intermediates such as HCO3− and HSCO2−, promoting the decomposition of COS into H2S and CO2.
Reductive anti‐Dizincation of Arylacetylenes
Authors: Yamaguchi Haruka , Takahashi Fumiya , Kurogi Takashi , Yorimitsu Hideki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractArylacetylenes undergo anti‐1,2‐dizincation to afford trans‐1,2‐dizincioalkenes. The process employs sodium dispersion as a reducing agent and zinc chloride TMEDA complex as a reduction‐resistant zinc electrophile. This reductive anti‐dizincation contrasts with the conventional additive syn‐dimetalation like silylzincation. The resulting dizincated alkenes undergo the cross‐coupling to yield multi‐substituted alkenes stereoselectively.
Denkmalkonforme Instandsetzung der Beton‐Glas‐Fenster der St.‐Mauritius‐Kirche
Authors: Kryzhanovskyi Vitalii , Umbach Cristin , Orlowsky Jeanette , Middendorf Bernhard , Auras Michael , Grillich Philipp 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDie Entwicklung von Instandsetzungssystemen für denkmalgeschützte Betonbauwerke stellt sowohl materialtechnisch als auch ästhetisch eine Herausforderung dar. Der starke Korrosionsfortschritt an den künstlerisch gestalteten Beton‐Glas‐Fensterbändern des Baudenkmals St.‐Mauritius‐Kirche in Wiesbaden macht eine Instandsetzung unumgänglich. Basierend auf Daten zur Bauwerkshistorie und visuellen Inspektionen des Schädigungsgrads wurde ein denkmalkonformer Instandsetzungsansatz entwickelt, um die Lebensdauer der Glaseinfassungen unter den aktuellen Nutzungsbedingungen zu verlängern. Unter Berücksichtigung der Materialverträglichkeit wurden faserverstärkte Mörtel für die Instandsetzung entwickelt. Eine präzise Abstimmung der Materialien untereinander, mit dem Ziel einer optimierten Packungsdichte, ergab ähnliche Gefügedichten wie bei hochfesten oder ultrahochfesten Betonen, während die bauphysikalischen und mechanischen Eigenschaften dem Altbeton angepasst waren. Insbesondere Druck, Biegezug‐ und Haftzugfestigkeit sowie der Elastizitätsmodul, das Schwinden, die Temperaturwechselbeständigkeit und die Wasseraufnahme wurden im Vorfeld untersucht. Es konnte experimentell nachgewiesen werden, dass eine Faserbewehrung die Haftzugfestigkeit des Instandsetzungsmörtels deutlich verbessert und seine Dauerhaftigkeit erhöht.
Targeting genomic receptors in voided urine for confirmation of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Thakur Mathew , Tomar Vivek S. , Dale Emma , Gomella Leonard G. , Solomides Charalambos , Kolesnikov Oleksandr , Keith Scott W. , Navarro Hector T. , Dahlgren Olivia , Chaga Michael , Trabulsi Edouard J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study is to validate a hypothesis that a non‐invasive optical imaging assay targeting genomic VPAC receptors on malignant cells shed in voided urine will represent either benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatic cancer (PCa). Risk for BPH in men 50–70 years old is 50–70% and PCa is 17%. BPH and PCa can coexist in 20% of men with BPH. Most commonly practiced methods to diagnose BPH do not distinguish BPH from PCa.Patients (or Materials) and MethodsMales with BPH (N = 97, 60.8 ± 6.3 years, prostate‐specific antigen 0.7 ± 0.4 ng/mL) and without oncologic disease (N = 35, 63.4 ± 5.8 years, prostate‐specific antigen < 1.5 ng/mL) signed informed consent form and provided voided urine. Urine was cytocentrifuged, cells collected on glass slide, fixed, treated with VPAC specific fluorophore TP4303 (Kd 3.1 × 10−8M), washed, incubated with DAPI and observed using a fluorescence microscope. Cells with no VPAC did not fluoresce (BPH) and those with VPAC had red‐orange fluorescence (PCa). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses for VPAC and NKX3.1 assay for cell origin were performed.ResultsEighty‐seven subjects were negative for VPAC expression. Positive VPAC expression was noted in 10 subjects. Patient chart review for clinical data on these 10 VPAC positive subjects showed five had nephrolithiasis, three had renal cysts, one had prostatitis and one was being treated with finasteride. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis‐VPAC expressions for 7 normal and 12 BPH subjects were 1.31 ± 1.26 and 0.94 ± 0.89, respectively (P = 0.46). NKX3.1 showed cells of prostate origin for finasteride‐treated patient. Specificity for VPAC urine assay for excluding prostate cancer in this BPH cohort was 88.5%, positive predictive value 0.00% and negative predictive value 100%.ConclusionVPAC assay may contribute extensively for BPH diagnosis and warrant continued investigation.
Pharmacokinetic control of orally dosed cyclosporine A with mucosal drug delivery system
Authors: Yamada Kohei , Ristroph Kurt D. , Kaneko Yuuki , Lu Hoang D. , Prud’homme Robert K. , Sato Hideyuki , Onoue Satomi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to control the oral absorption of cyclosporine A (CsA) with the use of a mucosal drug delivery system (mDDS). Mucopenetrating nanocarriers (MP/NCs) and mucoadhesive nanocarriers (MA/NCs) were prepared by flash nanoprecipitation employing polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol) and polystyrene‐block‐poly(N,N‐dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate), respectively. Their particle distribution in the rat gastrointestinal tract were visualized by fluorescent imaging. Plasma concentrations were monitored after oral administration of CsA‐loaded MP/NCs (MP/CsA) and MA/NCs (MA/CsA) to rats. MP/NCs and MA/NCs had a particle size below 200 nm and ζ‐potentials of 4 and 40 mV, respectively. The results from in vitro experiments demonstrated mucopenetration of MP/NCs and mucoadhesion of MA/NCs. Confocal laser scanning microscopic images showed diffusion of MP/NCs in the gastrointestinal mucus towards epithelial cells and localization of MA/NCs on the surface of the gastrointestinal mucus layer. In a pH 6.8 solution, rapid and sustained release of CsA were observed for MP/CsA and MA/CsA, respectively. After oral dosing (10 mg‐CsA/kg) to rats, amorphous CsA powder exhibited a time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) of 3.4 h, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 0.12 μg/mL, and bioavailability of 0.7%. Compared with amorphous CsA powder, MP/CsA shortened Tmax by 1.1 to 2.3 h and increased the bioavailability by 43‐fold to 30.1%, while MA/CsA prolonged Tmax by 3.4 to 6.8 h with Cmax and bioavailability of 0.65 μg/mL and 11.7%, respectively. These pharmacokinetic behaviors would be explained by their diffusion and release properties modulated by polymeric surface modification. The mDDS approach is a promising strategy for the pharmacokinetic control of orally administered CsA.
What's colour got to do with it? A psychometric assessment of Peggy McIntosh's white privilege
Authors: Ehrich John , Woodcock Stuart 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPeggy McIntosh's (White privilege and male privilege: A personal account of coming to see correspondences through work in women's studies, Working Paper 189, Wellesley Center for Research on Women, 1988) list of 50 racial privileges, which purportedly benefit persons of white skin colour, has had enormous impact on social science research and educational curriculum and pedagogy. Surprisingly, to date, no attempt has been made to empirically explore the validity and reliability of her list of racial privileges. To address this issue, we conducted a psychometric analysis on McIntosh's list of racial privileges with 204 adult Australian university students. Using a combination of factor analyses and Rasch modelling on McIntosh's list of racial privileges we identified a 27‐item multidimensional scale consisting of three well‐functioning and reliable subscales (i.e. a 15‐item Racial Representation, a six‐item Social Interaction and a six‐item Culture and Politics subscale). Moreover, the derived multi‐dimensional white privilege instrument was found to have good criterion validity in that persons’ experiences of racism significantly predicted white privilege (i.e. the more racism experienced the less white privilege experienced and vice versa). Finally, analysis of variance comparisons indicated that persons with white skin colour had significantly more white privilege than persons with black skin colour and Asians, while Asians had more white privilege than persons with black skin colour. Overall, this study presents evidence of a psychometrically valid and reliable 27‐item multi‐dimensional white privilege instrument and lends empirical support to the theoretical underpinnings of McIntosh's contentions.
Teaching effects of the online and offline flipped classroom model (FCM) in the post‐epidemic era: Development and feasibility study
Authors: Wang Shumin , Liu Yizhi , Wang Fengze , Zhao Baochang , Gao Lijun , Guo Miao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith the rapid development of multimedia technology, the student centered flipped classroom model (FCM) and massive open online courses (MOOCs) have been increasingly introduced and implemented in higher medical education. However, comparative analyses of the offline face‐to‐face FCM and completely online FCM have been rarely reported. In this study, we focused specifically on a set of flipped classrooms in which prerecorded videos were provided before class. Using the Zhihuishu platform as the major online course platform, our team built a MOOC and evaluated the teaching effectiveness of the FCM in both the offline face‐to‐face class and the online electronic live class for medical genetics education. Questionnaires, paper‐based and oral exams were used to collect data on the teaching effects of the different teaching methods. We found that student satisfaction and overall student performance in the offline FCM group was significantly higher than that in the completely online teaching group. Although online FCM allowed students to play back and review anywhere and anytime after class, students taught in offline FCM had a significantly higher degree of knowledge mastery, had a deeper understanding of theoretical knowledge, and were better at knowledge comprehensive application. The effects of their training on genetic disease clinical diagnosis and treatment skills were significantly better, and their capacity for scientific research was also significantly improved. Our research discussed the advantages of the online courses and the problems brought about by using these technologies, and it provided insight into online teaching practices in the era of internet‐based medical education.
Innovating for impact: Proposing quality 4.0 integration to achieve sustainable development goals in microenterprises
Authors: Avilés‐Sacoto Sonia Valeria , Velasco‐Tapia Kenya Cristina , Avilés‐Sacoto Estefanía Caridad , Argüello‐Herrera Juan Ignacio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn today's highly competitive global market, companies aim to improve their market position to ensure their competitiveness and survival. The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies constitutes a good approach to enhancing processes and productivity while maintaining high‐quality standards. This is where Quality 4.0 becomes crucial, as it focuses on boosting the quality of organisational processes through the integration of disruptive technologies from Industry 4.0. Furthermore, companies are prioritising implementing environmentally friendly practices in their processes that support sustainable development. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate how the application of Quality 4.0 can ease production improvements with minimal environmental impact while also aligning with sustainable development goals. This article analyses how these initiatives can be used within the food industry, specifically those dedicated to the production and sale of a product, evaluating a microenterprise dedicated to the production of artisanal ice cream. A comprehensive framework is proposed for the adoption of Quality 4.0 and its potential to support sustainable development goals. Using the PDCA cycle, the original situation is evaluated to later recommend strategies and tools to create improvements in the enterprise.
Ventriculo‐arterial uncoupling with an impella assisted HVAD: The p‐D LVAD
Authors: Ashraf Hassan , Patel Manish , Armas Ismael Salas De , Jumean Marwan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper presents the novel use of a temporary percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) in a 51‐year‐old man with an implanted durable left ventricular assist device (d‐LVAD). The pre‐existing left ventricular assist device was unable to successfully unload the left ventricle, and the addition of the temporary pVAD achieved successful unloading as well as a decrease in pulmonary artery pressures without compromising the function of the right ventricle allowing safe UNOS listing for orthotopic heart transplantation.
Overexpressed miR‐486 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells represses urethral fibrosis and targets Col13a1 in urethral stricture rats
Authors: Xu Yali , Huang Lihong , Qiu Zhixin , Zhang Jiaqi , Xue Xueyi , Lin Junshan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUrethral stricture (US) is a challenging problem in urology and its pathogenesis of US is closely related to the fibrotic process. Previous evidence has indicated the downregulation of microRNA (miR)‐486 in injured urethral specimens of rats. This study aimed to explore the effects of miR‐486‐overexpressed bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on US. BMSCs were identified by detecting their multipotency and surface antigens. Lentivirus virus expressing miR‐486 was transduced into rat BMSCs to overexpress miR‐486. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 induced fibrotic phenotypes in urethral fibroblasts (UFs) and rat models. Western blotting showed protein levels of collagen I/III and collagen type XIII alpha 1 chain (Col13a1). Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized for messenger RNA level evaluation. Hematoxylin‐eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Von Willebrand Factor staining were conducted for histopathological analysis. Immunofluorescence staining was employed for detecting alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression. Luciferase reporter assay verified the interaction between miR‐486 and Col13a1. The results showed that miR‐486‐overexpressed BMSCs suppressed collagen I/III and α‐SMA expression in TGF‐β1‐stimulated UFs. miR‐486‐overexpressed BMSCs alleviated urethral fibrosis, collagen deposition, and epithelial injury in the urethral tissue of US rats. miR‐486 targeted and negatively regulated Col13a1 in US rats. In conclusion, overexpression of miR‐486 in BMSCs targets Col13a1 and attenuates urethral fibrosis in TGF‐β1‐triggered UFs and US rats.
Atomic Indium‐Doped Copper‐Based Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to C2+ Products
Authors: Yao Ting , Han Shitao , Xia Wei , Jia Shuaiqiang , He Mingyuan , Wu Haihong , Han Buxing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) holds substantial promise for producing high‐value chemicals and fuels, drawing significant attention from both academia and industry. This work proposes an in‐situ electrodeposition method to prepare indium‐doped copper (Cu)‐based catalysts on carbon paper (Cu100Inx−CP, x=3.9, 4.5, 4.8, 5.1, and 7.6, denoting the molar ratio of In to Cu in the catalyst.). The catalysts Cu100Inx−CP were used for CO2RR to produce multi‐carbon (C2+) products. Characterization results showed that In was highly dispersed in the Cu particles at x<5.1. The Cu100In5.1−CP (containing 0.95 wt % In based on Cu) was very efficient for electrocatalytic CO2RR. The in‐situ Raman spectroscopy showed that Cu100In5.1−CP enhanced *CO intermediate adsorption and promoted the production of C2+ products due to the synergistic effect between In and Cu. In doping could suppress HER, enhanced *CO intermediate adsorption, and C−C coupling for the production of C2+ products in CO2RR.
Nanoporous Copper for the Electrosynthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from CO2 and Epoxides
Authors: Ibrahim Sawsan , Crespo Daniel , Blaseio Sonja , Hockmann Andre , Hilt Gerhard , Oezaslan Mehtap 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCyclic carbonates are often produced through catalytic coupling reactions of CO2 with epoxides under harsh conditions. Here, we present a highly active nanoporous copper (np‐Cu) cathode material for the electrosynthesis of cyclic carbonates in mild environments. Np−Cu material was drop casted on glassy carbon (np‐Cu/GC) as cathode electrode to perform galvanostatic electrosynthesis using a magnesium anode in CO2‐saturated acetonitrile with 0.1 M tetraethylammonium iodide. Very good yields have been obtained for 1,2‐butylene carbonate (BC, 74 ± 4 %) and propylene carbonate (PC, 62 ± 6 %). By varying the cathode electrode materials, low yields (≤ 20 %) on bare GC, but similar yields (76 ± 4 % BC and 63 ± 5 % PC) on polycrystalline Cu were achieved. Although the pore‐ligament structure is beneficial to enhance the CO2RR performance, its impact on the yield of cyclic carbonate is minimal. This implies that the activation of CO2 to the CO2⋅− radical anion is not the rate‐limiting step, but rather the ring closure of the final intermediate to form cyclic carbonates. Moreover, the np‐Cu/GC shows very good stability and reusability for the electrochemical‐organic test reaction. This study provides deeper insights into the reaction mechanism of cyclic carbonates formation on Cu‐based electrodes.