bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrochromics for energy efficiency and indoor comfort
Authors: Granqvist Claes G. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Electrochromic (EC) oxide films with nanocrystalline and nanoporous structure constitute the basis of a number of devices for modulating the throughput of radiant energy. One example is in architectural windows capable of providing energy efficiency and indoor comfort simultaneously. This paper introduces EC technology with particular attention to applications to the built environment. The nanostructural features of the EC films are emphasized, and it is pointed out that reactive magnetron sputtering can be used for large area manufacturing. Electrochromics is discussed from the viewpoints of materials, device technology, and applications.
Control of deposition processes and structures of fibroin nanofilms by IR pulsed laser ablation
Authors: Senna Mamoru , Nakayama Sayuri 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Control of structural and morphological features of silk fibroin (SF), one of the most popular and stable structural proteins, prepared by near infrared (1064 nm) pulsed laser deposition (PLD) are discussed, based mainly on the recent experimental studies made in the authors' laboratory. The small deposition rate and mingling of much larger units, called chunks or debris, are the main problems. The structure and properties of irradiation targets are highlighted, in an attempt to make the protein PLD technique affordable for practical purposes. Firm adhesion among fibroin powder particles is a straightforward way to avoid pull-out of the particles from the powder-consolidated target, being one of the main sources of debris. This alone cannot, however, satisfactorily increase the homogeneity of the nanostructures and increase the deposition rate. Finer control of the properties of grain-boundary in the target was therefore devised by using binders, including an autogenous one. A unique feature of the ablation mechanisms of fibroin was also discussed by taking account of the optical properties of fibroin, being transparent to a 1064 nm laser beam.
Novel-shaped LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 prepared by a hydroxide coprecipitation method
Authors: Tang Zexun , Gao Deshu , Chen Ping , Li Zhaohui , Wu Qiang 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3(OH)2, a precursor of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 in new-generation Li-ion batteries, was prepared by a hydroxide coprecipitation method. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) micrographs reveal that the precursor particles thus obtained, show regular shape with uniform size under optimized conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates that well-ordered layer-structured LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 was prepared after calcination at high temperature. The final product exhibited a spherical morphology with uniform size distribution (10 μm in diameter). At the terminal charging voltage of 4.3 and 4.5 V (vs. Li/Li+), the testing cells of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 delivered a specific capacity of 161.2 and 184.1 mAh g-1, respectively. The high capacity retention of 98.0 and 96.1 % after charging to 4.3 and 4.5 V for 50 cycles, respectively, indicates that this material displays excellent cycling stability even at high cut-off voltage.
Quantitative assessment of total phenol contents of European oak (Quercus petraea and Quercus robur) by diffuse reflectance NIR spectroscopy on solid wood surfaces
Authors: Zahri Sofia , Moubarik Amine , Charrier Fatima , Chaix Gilles , Baillères Henri , Nepveu Gérard , Charrier Bertrand 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with multivariate analysis techniques was applied to assess phenol content of European oak. NIRS data were firstly collected directly from solid heartwood surfaces: in doing so, the spectra were recorded separately from the longitudinal radial and the transverse section surfaces by diffuse reflectance. The spectral data were then pretreated by several pre-processing procedures, such as multiplicative scatter correction, first derivative, second derivative and standard normal variate. The tannin contents of sawmill collected from the longitudinal radial and transverse section surfaces were determined by quantitative extraction with water/methanol (1:4, by vol). Then, total phenol contents in tannin extracts were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The NIR data were correlated against the Folin-Ciocalteu results. Calibration models built with partial least squares regression displayed strong correlation – as expressed by high determination correlation coefficient (r2) and high ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) – between measured and predicted total phenols content, and weak calibration and prediction errors (RMSEC, RMSEP). The best calibration was provided with second derivative spectra (r2 value of 0.93 for the longitudinal radial plane and of 0.91 for the transverse section plane). This study illustrates that the NIRS technique when used in conjunction with multivariate analysis could provide reliable, quick and non-destructive assessment of European oak heartwood extractives.
Effect of autohydrolysis of Eucalyptus globulus wood on lignin structure. Part 1: Comparison of different lignin fractions formed during water prehydrolysis
Authors: Leschinsky Moritz , Zuckerstätter Gerhard , Weber Hedda K. , Patt Rudolf , Sixta Herbert 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The effect of autohydrolysis of Eucalyptus globulus wood was studied with regard to conditions applied in a prehydrolysis-kraft process on the physico-chemical properties of lignin obtained in both the wood residue and hydrolysate. As a reference, milled wood lignin (MWL) was isolated from native wood and compared to three lignin fractions formed during prehydrolysis: 1) lignin from the wood residue isolated as MWL, 2) lignin precipitated from the prehydrolysate during cooling and separated by centrifugation, and 3) lignin degradation products soluble in the prehydrolysate extracted with ethylacetate. All lignin fractions were subjected to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, methoxy group determination, elemental analysis, size exclusion chromatography and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that extensive lignin degradation occurs during prehydrolysis through homolytic cleavage of the aryl-ether bonds resulting in a substantial molecular weight loss of the residual lignin in the treated wood and in the lignin fractions isolated from the prehydrolysate. The aryl-ether cleavage is coupled with a strong increase in phenolic hydroxyl groups and a decrease in aliphatic hydroxyl groups. Indication for condensation reactions were found by NMR spectroscopy.
Shear properties of wood measured by the asymmetric four-point bending test of notched specimen
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The asymmetric four-point bending test for obtaining shear properties of wood was examined. Rectangular bars with various notches on top and bottom surfaces of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla Sarg.) were prepared as a specimen. The shear modulus, proportional limit stress, and shear strength were measured. The influence of notch configuration on the shear properties was examined independently by finite element calculations. The influence of notch configuration was not significant in experiments, while it was found relevant in finite element analyses. Although the pure shear stress condition could not be realized after the initiation of failure, the measurement of shear properties of solid wood simply by the asymmetric four-point bending test was feasible.
Effects of m-Tyrosine on Feeding and Survival of Formosan Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Gautam Bal K , Henderson Gregg 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Amino acids are important to all animal life. Termites rely mainly on microorganisms to retrieve these nitrogen sources from their food. One naturally occurring amino acid, m-tyrosine, has been reported to be toxic to bacteria and weeds. Its direct effects on termite survival are unknown however. Both no-choice and choice bioassays using five different doses of m-tyrosine were conducted to determine the feeding response and survival of Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), in the laboratory. In no-choice tests, although all doses of m-tyrosine tested reduced filter paper consumption, only the highest dose tested (0.05 M) had significantly lower consumption compared with the control. This dose also caused significantly high termite mortality. In a five-choice bioassay, all doses of m-tyrosine tested reduced filter paper consumption significantly compared with the control. No mortality was observed in the choice tests, and very little feeding of filter paper treated with m-tyrosine occurred. From these experiments, we conclude that m-tyrosine is toxic to Formosan subterranean termites and acts as a feeding deterrent, and therefore, may be a promising wood preservative.
Cancer Survivorship: A Pediatric Perspective
Authors: Landier Wendy , Bhatia Smita 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Quantify the magnitude of long-term complications and the burden of morbidity faced by cancer survivors.Detail the relationship between therapeutic exposures and specific long-term complications, identify those at highest risk, and follow up these patients using standardized follow-up guidelines.Evaluate and manage childhood cancer survivors.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
The last four decades have seen tremendous improvements in the survival of children diagnosed with cancer, with 5-year survival rates now at 80%. The burgeoning population of childhood cancer survivors creates an obligation to understand the health and well-being of these individuals. The use of cancer therapy at an early age can produce complications that may not become apparent until years later; it has been demonstrated quite conclusively that approximately two thirds of these survivors will experience at least one late effect and about one third will experience a late effect that is severe or life threatening. Long-term complications in childhood cancer survivors, such as impairment in growth and development, neurocognitive dysfunction, cardiopulmonary compromise, endocrine dysfunction, renal impairment, gastrointestinal dysfunction, musculoskeletal sequelae, and subsequent malignancies, are not only related to the specific therapy employed, but may also be determined by individual host characteristics. This review describes some of the known late effects described in childhood cancer survivors in order to suggest reasonable starting points for evaluation of specific long-term problems in this unique and growing population.
Angiogenesis Inhibition in Non-GIST Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Sleijfer Stefan , van der Graaf Winette T.A. , Blay Jean-Yves 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Describe the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis in non-GIST STSs.Choose endpoints for screening studies in non-GIST STSs.Identify the several tumor entities that comprise the group of STSs.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Because angiogenesis is of crucial importance in the pathogenesis of cancer, blocking the function of proangiogenic factors has been shown to improve the outcomes of patients with several cancer types. Given the poor survival durations of patients with advanced soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs), which has remained stable at a median of 12 months over the last 20 year, there is an unmet need for novel agents active against these tumors. Like in other tumors, accumulating evidence points at an important role for angiogenic factors in STSs, rendering these factors attractive treatment targets. This review discusses the currently available evidence supporting a role for angiogenic factors in the pathogenesis of STSs and the first preliminary study results obtained with angiogenesis inhibitors.
Usage and Usability of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) among the Coordination Centers for Clinical Trials (KKS)
Authors: Luntz S.P. , Knaup P. , Krockenberger K. 
Published: November 2008

Summary

Objectives:
With Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) the conduction of clinical trials should be standardized so that the results are comparable and traceable. This aim can only be reached if the staff of clinical trials really uses the SOPs. Therefore, we conducted a survey to explore the use and usability of SOPs in clinical trials and to identify problems for their handling.

Method:
Standardized, validated questionnaire among the staff of all 12 coordination centers for clinical trials in Germany (n = 238), anonymous, descriptive analyses

Results:
A return rate of 58.8 % was reached. When having questions about the daily work 18.4% more likely ask a colleague than read the corresponding SOP (13.8%). For the relevance of SOPs 16.9% of the staff regard less than 10% of SOPs as relevant for them. Exclusively working with electronic SOPs are 4%.

Conclusions:
The results of the survey indicate that improvements for the handling of SOPs are necessary. They could be used to design a computer-based information retrieval system for SOPs to increase the easeof- use and usefulness of SOPs in clinical trials.
Trends in the Management of Anterior Mitral Leaflet Regurgitation
Authors: Khairallah Sherif , Rahouma Mohamed , Gambardella Ivancarmine , Habib Robert , Gaudino Mario , Girardi Leonard , Mick Stephanie L. 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceThe overall prevalence of mitral valve replacement (MVR) or MV repair at the time of cardiac surgery in the setting of isolated anterior mitral leaflet degenerative pathologic status in the US population is unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of MVR and MV repair using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ Adult Cardiac Surgery Database.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn a cross-sectional study, all patients diagnosed with isolated anterior mitral leaflet degenerative regurgitation who underwent either surgical MVR or MV repair between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2022, were identified. Linear regression analysis was used to assess trends over time.Main Outcomes and MeasuresAssessment of the trends in MV repair and MVR over time.ResultsA total of 16 259 patients (9624 [59.2%] men) were identified, and the median age was 68 (IQR, 58-74) years. A total of 7214 patients (44.4%) had MVR, and 9045 (55.6%) had MV repair. There was a declining trend of MV repair from 58.0% in 2011 to 51.6% in 2022 (P = .05). The MVR group was older (median [IQR] age, 70 [62-77] vs 67 [58-74] years; P &amp;lt; .001) and had more comorbidities. A total of 85.1% of all patients underwent concomitant procedures. In 81.7% of MVR cases, no attempt at MV repair was made. The median (IQR) annual hospital volume was lower with MVR vs MV repair (2.50 [1.50-5.00] vs 4.00 [2.00-7.00]; P &amp;lt; .001). Conventional surgical approaches were most common (91.5%) but with a declining trend (P &amp;lt; .001). Minimally invasive approaches were used in 13.1% (robotic, 4.6%), and with an inclining trend from 5.0% in 2011 to 12.0% in 2022 (P &amp;lt; .001). Annuloplasty was performed in 88.8% of MV repair cases. Its use as a sole mean of MV repair decreased from 48.0% in 2011 to 13.9% in 2022 (P &amp;lt; .001). Repair maneuvers in addition to annuloplasty were neochordae (overall 40.1%, increasing from 22.5% in 2011 to 62.3% in 2022; P &amp;lt; .001), leaflet resection (overall 10.2%, decreasing from 13.1% in 2011 to 7.9% in 2022, P = .002), edge-to-edge MV repair (overall 5.3%, decreasing from 6.9% in 2011 to 4.5% in 2022; P = 0.04), and chordal transfer (overall 2.4%, decreasing from 2.7% in 2011 to 0.7% in 2022; P = .004).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cross-sectional study, MV repair was the preferred option for degenerative mitral valve disease but was only slightly more commonly performed than MVR for isolated anterior leaflet pathologic status. A large proportion of MVR was performed without an MV repair attempt, suggesting reluctance to repair this pathologic condition.
Burden of Childhood Cancer and the Social and Economic Challenges in Adulthood
Authors: Hernádfői Márk Viktor , Koch Dóra Kornélia , Kói Tamás , Imrei Marcell , Nagy Rita , Máté Vanda , Garai Réka , Donnet Jessica , Balogh József , Kovács Gábor T. , Párniczky Andrea , Hegyi Péter , Garami Miklós 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceSignificant advancements in pediatric oncology have led to a continuously growing population of survivors. Although extensive research is being conducted on the short-, medium-, and long-term somatic effects, reports on psychosocial reintegration are often conflicting; therefore, there is an urgent need to synthesize the evidence to obtain the clearest understanding and the most comprehensive answer.ObjectiveTo provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the socioeconomic attainment of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) compared with their unaffected peers.Data SourcesA systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using data obtained from a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases on October 23, 2021; the search was updated until July 31, 2023.Study SelectionEligible articles reported on educational attainment, employment, family formation, quality of life (QoL), or health-risk behavior-related outcomes of CCSs, and compared them with their unaffected peers. Study selection was performed in duplicate by 4 blinded independent coauthors.Data Extraction and SynthesisData extraction was performed in duplicate by 4 independent authors following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcome measures were odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences with 95% CIs; data were pooled using a random-effects model.ResultsThe search identified 43 913 articles, 280 of which were eligible for analysis, reporting data on a total of 389 502 survivors. CCSs were less likely to complete higher levels of education (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.40-1.18), had higher odds of health-related unemployment (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.90-4.57), and showed lower rates of marriage (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.63-0.84) and parenthood (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.49-0.74) compared with population-based controls.Conclusion and RelevanceStudy findings suggest that CCSs face several socioeconomic difficulties; as a result, the next goal of pediatric oncology should be to minimize adverse effects, as well as to provide lifelong survivorship support aimed at maximizing social reintegration.
Reagent‐Free Covalent Immobilization of Biomolecules in a Microfluidic Organ‐On‐A‐Chip
Authors: Ashok Deepu , Singh Jasneil , Jiang Shouyuan , Waterhouse Anna , Bilek Marcela 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMicrofluidic systems have become integral for lab‐on‐a‐chip and organ‐on‐a‐chip applications across numerous disciplines. These systems, typically fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips on glass substrates, lack the bioactivity required for such applications. To overcome this, biomolecules are immobilized using either oxygen (O2) plasma treatment or chemical reagents like amino silanes. However, O2 plasma treatments are unstable and cannot covalently immobilize biomolecules, while wet‐chemistry approaches are toxic, time‐consuming, and expensive. A novel microfluidic platform that combines two plasma surface treatments: Plasma‐activated coating (PAC) and atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ), to enable reagent‐free covalent immobilization of biomolecules is described here. These surface treatments, unlike O2 plasma, covalently immobilized fibronectin on PDMS and glass, and significantly improved endothelial cell attachment and proliferation. By combining PAC and APPJ, a hybrid microfluidic platform with equivalent bond strength to standard O2 plasma devices, but with significantly enhanced endothelial cell growth in and artery‐on‐a‐chip model, is developed. This platform is also amenable to high‐shear applications such as coronary shear, with endothelial cells aligning with flow, as seen in human arteries. By providing reagent‐free covalent immobilization of biomolecules within a microfluidic system, this technology has the potential to radically improve organ‐on‐a‐chip development as well as lab‐on‐a‐chip systems, point‐of‐care diagnostics, and sensors.
Skin‐Inspired Bimodal Receptors for Object Recognition and Temperature Sensing Simulation
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Liu Andeng , Shi Yating , Luo Yingjin , Li Jianing , Ye Meidan , Guo Wenxi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSkin contacts with objects with different thermal conductivity and tactile perception will produce different temperature and tactile sensations. Here, an innovative creation is presented known as the BB‐Skin, a highly realistic bionic bimodal electronic skin, meticulously designed to mirror the thermal sensitivity and tactile perception found in human skin. This technology allows for precise object recognition and offers remote temperature sensing feedback. The BB‐Skin comprises temperature sensing, heating, and tribo‐electrode modules. Through the utilization of machine learning algorithms that measure the thermal conductivity and electronegativity of materials, a bimodal bionic robot object recognition system is developed, achieving an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 98.11%. The bimodal nature of the system, based on different types of electrical signals that operate independently, significantly enhances the reliability of the device. Moreover, harnessing the inherent capabilities of the BB‐Skin, a novel remote temperature sensing and feedback system is successfully implemented. This system adeptly replicates the temperature perception when remotely touching objects and provides users with feedback through gloves embedded with heating and cooling modules.
One‐Step Photo‐Patterning Process for Multi‐Modal and Transformative Structural Coloration: Toward Anti‐Counterfeiting Applications
Authors: Thiyagarajan Kaliannan , Ji Sungjoon , Han Jiseok , Cha Chaenyung , Kim Taesung 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe selective interactions of light with matter enable the existence of colors in nature. Through the precise modification of material properties, photonic crystals, plasmonic nanoparticles, and dielectric metasurfaces can produce bright and vivid structural colors. However, this approach is rendered inadequate by its complex fabrication processes, limited working area, and lack of inherent material‐property tuning. Here, a novel one‐step fabrication process based on ultraviolet‐curable chitosan (UVCC) for generating structural multicolor patterns in polydimethylsiloxane in a single bending event is presented. UV exposure through a grayscale photomask controls the polymerization of the UVCC, enabling manipulation of its thickness, thereby allowing the production of size‐, wavelength‐, and amplitude‐controllable wrinkles under compressive stress. This enables the exhibition of selective structural coloration in response to incoming incident light. Upon the release of applied stresses, the wrinkles disappear, and the bilayer device becomes transparent again. Notably, repeating the process allows for dynamic covert–overt switching of the structural colors. This firm control over the active‐layer thickness, simple device structure, cost‐effectiveness, facile fabrication process, and vibrant‐color tuning ability make this one‐step photopatterning approach more competitive for structural‐color applications. Finally, the authenticity of a cosmetic cream is evaluated to demonstrate the anti‐counterfeiting effect of the UVCC circumference wrinkles.