bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The "Deeper" and the "Wider" EU Strategies of Trade Integration: An Empirical Evaluation of EU Common Commercial Policy Effects
Authors: De Santis Roberta , Vicarelli Claudio 
Published: December 2007

Since the post war period, the EU Common Commercial Policy (CCP) has moved in two directions mainly through Preferential Trade agreements (PTAs): a "deeper" (internal) trade integration process intended to reinforce trade relations among European countries (i.e. Custom Union, Single Market, European Monetary Union, Enlargement Process), and a "wider" (external) integration process intended to reinforce trade relations with third countries. Surprisingly, there are very few empirical studies in the literature which specifically quantify the effects of the overall EU PTAs on the European countries’ trade flows. This paper seeks to fill this gap by conducting an empirical investigation on whether and how the CCP had a significant impact on European countries' imports. It adopts an extended version of the gravity model. In line with recent studies, it uses a Hausman Taylor estimator, controls for heterogeneity and includes a set of variables to proxy for the "multilateral trade resistance index" According to our results, the EU "free trade area" has been a successful experiment in trade liberalisation. However, the positive and significant coefficient of PTAs signed by the EU with third countries may somehow have limited the occurrence of trade diversion effects. Indeed, the coefficient of the trade diversion dummy is significant but relatively small.
Cross-Border Shopping and the Sales Tax: An Examination of Food Purchases in West Virginia
Authors: Tosun Mehmet S , Skidmore Mark L 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In this article we present new evidence of cross-border shopping in response to sales taxation. While several instructive studies provide estimates of the cross-border shopping effect, we utilize a unique opportunity to evaluate the effect of a large discrete change in sales tax policy. Using county level data on food sales and sales tax rates for West Virginia over the 1988-1991 period we estimate that for every one-percentage point increase in the county relative price ratio due to the sales tax change, per capita food sales decreased by about 1.38 percent. Our estimates indicate that food sales fell in West Virginia border counties by about eight percent as a result of the imposition of the six percent sales tax on food at the beginning of 1990.
Comparative demography of three coexisting Acer species in gaps and under closed canopy
Authors: Tanaka H. , Shibata M. , Masaki T. , Iida S. , Niiyama K. , Abe S. , Kominami Y. , Nakashizuka T. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractQuestions: 1. Is there a trade‐off between gap dependency and shade tolerance in each of the life‐history stages of three closely related, coexisting species, Acer amoenum (Aa), A. mono (Am) and A. rufinerve (Ar)? 2. If not, what differences in life‐history traits contribute to the coexistence of these non‐pioneer species?Location: Ogawa Forest Reserve, a remnant (98 ha), species‐rich, temperate deciduous forest in central Japan (36°56’ N, 140°35’ E, 600 ‐ 660 m a.s.l.).Methods: We estimated the demographic parameters (survival, growth rate and fecundity) by stage of each species growing in gaps and under closed canopy through observations of a 6‐ha permanent plot over 12 years. Population dynamics were analysed with stage‐based matrix models including gap dynamics. Results: All of the species showed high seedling and sapling survival rates under closed canopies. However, demographic parameters for each growth stage in gaps and under closed canopies revealed inter‐specific differences and ontogenetic shifts. The trade‐off between survival in the shade and growth in gaps was detected only at the small sapling stage (height < 30 cm), and Ar had the highest growth rate both in the shade and in the gaps at most life stages.Conclusions: Inter‐specific differences and ontogenetic shifts in light requirements with life‐form differences may contribute to the coexistence of the Acer species in old‐growth forests, with Aa considered a long‐lived sub‐canopy tree, Am a long‐lived canopy tree, and Ar a short‐lived,‘gap‐phase’ sub‐canopy tree.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of tau‐PET in amnestic MCI with different FDG‐PET subtypes
Authors: Boccalini Cecilia , Caminiti Silvia Paola , Chiti Arturo , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Garibotto Valentina , Perani Daniela ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesMild cognitive impairment presenting with an amnestic syndrome (aMCI) and amyloid positivity is considered due to AD. Many subjects, however, can show an overall very slow progression relevant for differential diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This study assessed PET biomarkers, including brain glucose metabolism, tau, and amyloid load, in a series of comparable aMCI at baseline, clinically evaluated at follow‐up.MethodsWe included 72 aMCI subjects from Geneva Memory Center (N = 31) and ADNI cohorts (N = 41), selected based on available FDG‐PET, tau‐PET, amyloid‐PET, and clinical follow‐up (2.3 years ± 1.2). A data‐driven algorithm classified brain metabolic patterns into subtypes that were then compared for clinical and PET biomarker measures and cognitive decline. Voxel‐wise comparisons were performed both with FDG‐PET and tau‐PET data.ResultsThe algorithm classified three metabolic subtypes, namely “Hippocampal‐sparing with cortical hypometabolism” (Type1; N = 27), “Hippocampal and cortical hypometabolism” (Type 2; N = 23), and “Medial temporal hypometabolism” (Type 3; N = 22). Amyloid positivity and tau accumulation in the medial temporal and neocortical regions characterized Type 1 and Type 2, whereas Type 3 showed no significant tau pathology, variable amyloid positivity, and stability at follow‐up. All tau‐positive patients, independently of the FDG‐based subtype, showed faster cognitive decline.InterpretationaMCI subjects can differ in metabolic patterns, tau and amyloid pathology, and clinical progression. Here, we complemented with PET tau biomarker the specific brain hypometabolic patterns at the individual level in the prodromal phase, contributing to the patient's classification. Tau PET is the most accurate biomarker in supporting or excluding the AD diagnosis in aMCI across metabolic subtypes and also predicting the risk of decline.
Research on image processing of electric power system terminals based on reinforcement learning and mobile edge computing optimization
Authors: Zhou Hui , Yu Jun , Luo Huafeng , Wang Liuwang , Yang Binbin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis research is dedicated to the optimization of power system terminal image processing based on RL and MEC. With the continuous development of power system, the demand for image processing of terminal equipment is increasing day by day. However, traditional image processing methods have the problems of high computing complexity and real‐time and energy consumption. To solve this problem, this study introduces the idea of RL and MEC to improve the efficiency and performance of image processing of power system terminals. By modeling and optimizing the image processing task of the power system terminal equipment, the intelligent adjustment of the processing parameters is realized to adapt to the needs of different scenarios. MEC technology is introduced to move image processing tasks from the central server to the edge device, reducing data transmission delay and network burden, thus improving real‐time performance and reducing energy consumption. The experimental results show that the proposed optimization method based on RL and MEC has a significant performance improvement compared with the traditional method in the power system terminal image processing. The framework our proposed has achieved significant improvement in task completion latency, achieving higher system energy efficiency compared to traditional methods.
Methanol‐Facilitated Surface Reconstruction Catalysts for Near 200% Faradaic Efficiency in a Coupled System
Authors: Xia Qing , Jin Chengkai , Huang Yu Lun , Zhai Yanjie , Han Wenkai , Wu Jie , Xia Chuan , Lin Chun Che , Zhao Xunhua , Zhang Xiao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe coupling of the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) holds great promise for the energy‐efficient production of HCOO−. However, anode catalysts' limited selectivity (<80%) and stability (<15 h) have impeded electron utilization and HCOO− production rates. To overcome it, copper‐copper(I) oxide‐copper(II) oxide nanowires (Cu─CuO─Cu2O NWs) catalysts have been developed, which exhibit exceptional performance in promoting the MOR with a faradic efficiency of nearly 100% at commercially viable current densities, and long stability over 100 h at 100 mA cm−2. Interestingly, the unique structure of the catalysts, when exposed to methanol, facilitates a transition from Cu/CuO to Cu2O. This phenomenon promotes the MOR while inhibiting the competitive oxygen evolution reaction (OER). By coupling the anodic reaction with cathodic CO2 reduction, the system demonstrates exceptional performance in HCOO− production, achieving an overall faradic efficiency of nearly 200% at 100 mA cm−2 with a low cell voltage of 2.382 V. Techno‐economic analysis indicates that the production costs of HCOOH are ≈US$0.37 and 0.35 kg−1 at 100 and 150 mA cm−2, respectively, significantly lower than those associated with traditional electrochemical methods.
Dual‐Sensing Nanoreporter for Dynamic and High‐Throughput Monitoring of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Responses in Tumor‐Derived Organoids
Authors: Nguyen Anh , Ramesh Anujan , Fish Adam , Kulkarni Ashish A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHeterogenous immune responses to checkpoint blockade therapy remain a major challenge to early prediction of treatment efficacy. Current methods of evaluating treatment efficacy in tumors are ineffective in accurately monitoring the disease status after immunotherapy early on. This study reports an immune response monitoring strategy that longitudinally reports on two crucial protease activities involved in T cell‐mediated target cell death, granzyme B (GrzB) and downstream caspase 3 (Casp3), during and after immune checkpoint antibody treatment. Specifically, activatable nanoreporters are engineered to sensitively and selectively capture the activity of GrzB and Casp3 enzymes in tumor cells triggered by cytotoxic T cells in real‐time, providing a direct readout of the tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Furthermore, incorporating 3D tumor‐derived organoids and ex vivo cultures on microfluidic devices with nanoreporters enables high‐throughput screening of various ICIs and their combinations in immunocompetent tumor models. These findings suggest that efficient monitoring of dynamic immunological processes in the tumor microenvironment could help uncover mechanisms associated with ICI response or resistance. It is further anticipated that combining the dual‐sensing nanoreporter with tumor‐derived organoid‐on‐chip technology could lead to an early prediction of treatment outcomes with high fidelity and accelerate the development of optimal treatment in immuno‐oncology.
Unveiling the Glucose Oxidase‐Like and Catalase‐Like Activities of Highly Conjugated 3,4,9,10‐Perylenetetracarboxylic Dianhydride for Boosting Biofuel Cells
Authors: Gu Chengcheng , Zhang Lei , Hou Ting , Zhu Dangqiang , Li Feng , Gai Panpan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCarbon‐based nanozymes have received considerable attention due to their superior biosafety, enhanced tolerance to extreme conditions, and ease of chemical modification. However, due to limited material diversity and unconfirmed molecular structure, carbon‐based nanozymes face challenges such as relatively low enzyme activity and unclear catalytic mechanisms. The development of materials with well‐defined structures and controllable properties is crucial for promoting the rapid progress of nanozymes. Herein, 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PD) exhibits both glucose oxidase (GOx)‐like and catalase (CAT)‐like activities, which may be due to the fact that PD possesses the features of highly conjugated structure and high electron mobility. In addition, it is demonstrated that the enzymatic activity is related to the degree of PD aggregation via the characterization of its morphology and size. Based on the excellent GOx‐like and CAT‐like activities of PD, a self‐cascade catalytic system is constructed for application in biofuel cells (BFCs). It is worth mentioning that such BFC still maintains high stability after working for 30 days. Therefore, this study expands the enzyme‐like systems and discovers that nanomaterials with highly conjugated structures and high electron mobility can mimic enzymes. Additionally, the multi‐enzyme activities are utilized to construct self‐cascade systems, which can effectively improve the performance of BFCs.
Red–Green–Blue Light Emission from Composition Tunable Semiconductor Micro‐Tripods
Authors: Song Xiaohang , Xu Zitong , Gao Bo , Li Xuyang , Lv Qihang , Zhang Rui , Wang Bingjie , Zhang Hulin , Guo Pengfei , Ho Johnny C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMicro/nanoscale lasers that span the entire visible spectrum, especially those in red, green, and blue colors, are not only essential for a variety of optical devices but also have important applications in visible color communication, multi‐color fluorescence sensing, and wavelength division multiplexing. Despite the great efforts made to achieve multi‐color lasing using a variety of approaches, on‐chip white light emission and even red, green, and blue multi‐color lasers still suffer from considerable challenges in micro‐nano structures. Here, CdSxSe1−x, CdS, and ZnS micro‐tripod structures are successfully prepared using chemical vapor deposition approaches. The micro‐photoluminescence (µ‐PL) spectra and PL‐mapping of these micro‐tripods reveal various emissions at 630, 508, and 460 nm, respectively. Additionally, white‐light emissions based on these composition‐tunable tripods are realized through an end‐coupling structure system. Moreover, room‐temperature modes tunable lasers are observed clearly from three legs of these micro‐tripods, with a low threshold of ≈48.39 µJ cm−2 and a high quality factor of 1227.3. The realization of micro‐tripods‐based lasers may provide an innovative way for highly integrated photonic circuits and communications.
MANNosylation of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Modifies TLR4 Localization and NF‐κB Translocation in T24 Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Hohagen Mariam , Sánchez Laura , Herbst Ann‐Jacqueline , Kählig Hanspeter , Shin Jae Won , Berry David , Del Favero Giorgia , Kleitz Freddy 
Published: March 2024

AbstractD‐mannose is widely used as non‐antibiotic treatment for bacterial urinary tract infections. This application is based on a well‐studied mechanism of binding to the type 1 bacterial pili and, therefore, blocking bacteria adhesion to the uroepithelial cells. To implement D‐mannose into carrier systems, the mechanism of action of the sugar in the bladder environment is also relevant and requires investigation. Herein, two different MANNosylation strategies using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are described. The impact of different chemical linkers on bacterial adhesion and bladder cell response is studied via confocal microscopy imaging of the MSN interactions with the respective organisms. Cytotoxicity is assessed and the expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and caveolin‐1 (CAV‐1), in the presence or absence of simulated infection with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is evaluated using the human urinary bladder cancer cell line T24. Further, localisation of the transcription factor NF‐κB due to the MANNosylated materials is examined over time. The results show that MANNosylation modifies bacterial adhesion to the nanomaterials and significantly affects TLR4, caveolin‐1, and NF‐κB in bladder cells. These elements are essential components of the inflammatory cascade/pathogens response during urinary tract infections. These findings demonstrate that MANNosylation is a versatile tool to design hybrid nanocarriers for targeted biomedical applications.
Macrophage‐Capturing Self‐Assembly Photosensitizer Nanoparticles Induces Immune Microenvironment Re‐Programming and Golgi‐Responsive Immunogenic Cell Death in Head and Neck Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Zhi‐hang , Zhou Xin‐yu , Zhang Yi‐yi , Zhao Tong‐Chao , Li Jiang , Zhong Lai‐ping , Pang Yi‐chuan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHead and neck carcinoma treatment is shifted toward the combination of therapy causing immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and immunogenic cell death. In this study, a CSFRi‐chimeric TAMCSFR+‐targeting extracellular vesicle (EV@CSFRi) platform is developed and designed an intracellular protoporphyrin conjugated with RVRR peptide sequence for furin‐cleavage to perform Golgi‐targeting and generating ROS (GT‐RG). The graphical abstract illustrates the self‐assembly of GT‐RG nanoparticles into nanofiber through the hydrophily of RVRR and hydrophobicity of RG, and the red line indicates the site of furin cleavage. As is shown in the Graphical abstract, the Golgi‐targeting Protoporphyrin‐RVRR platform is composed with CSFRi‐chimeric extracellular vesicles and forms the tumor‐responsive TAM‐reprogramming bilayers (GT‐RGEV@CSFRi). The GT‐RGEV@CSFRi acted as a multifunctional theranostic platform, which can induce immunogenic cell death and further help modulate TAM, thus suppressing the HNC xenograft model by combination therapy with anti‐PD‐1.
Lead‐Free Perovskite Single Crystal Linear Array Detector for High‐Resolution X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Zhang Yunxia , Hao Jinglu , Zhao Zeqin , Pi Jiacheng , Shi Ruixin , Li Xiaojun , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning , Liu Shengzhong(Frank) , Liu Yucheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract0D Bi‐based 329‐type halide perovskite is demonstrated as a promising semiconductor for X‐ray detection due to its strong X‐ray absorption, superior stability, availability of large single crystals (SCs) and solution processibility at low temperature. However, its low mobility‐lifetime product (µτ) limits its further improvement in detection sensitivity. Based on the first‐principles calculations, this work designs a new 2D Bi‐based 329‐type halide perovskite using a mixed‐halide‐induced structural dimension regulation strategy. By using a continuous supply of a precursor solution, this work successfully grows inch‐sized high‐quality SCs. These SCs exhibit large µτ product, high resistivity, and low ion migration. The detectors fabricated using the SCs show X‐ray detection sensitivity as high as 24,509 µC Gyair−1 cm−2, short response time of 315 µs, low detection limit of 4.3 nGy s−1, and superior stability. These properties are the best among all lead‐free perovskite detectors and are comparable to those of the best lead‐based perovskite detectors. The linear array detector assembled on the SCs for the first time also shows a high spatial resolution of 10.6 lp mm−1 during X‐ray imaging. The high performance combined with superior stability of these new 329‐type lead‐free halide perovskite SCs is expected to promote a new generation of X‐ray detection technologies.
Mechanical Performance of Copper‐Nanocluster‐Polymer Nanolattices
Authors: Tang Jin , Liang Heyi , Ren An , Ma Liang , Hao Wei , Yao Yuqing , Zheng Letian , Li Hanying , Li Qi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA type of copper‐nanocluster‐polymer composites is reported and showcased that their 3D nanolattices exhibit a superior combination of high strength, toughness, deformability, resilience, and damage‐tolerance. Notably, the strength and toughness of ultralight copper‐nanocluster‐polymer nanolattices in some cases surpass current best performers, including alumina, nickel, and other ceramic or metallic lattices at low densities. Additionally, copper‐nanocluster‐polymer nanolattices are super‐resilient, crack‐resistant, and one‐step printed under ambient condition which can be easily integrated into sophisticated microsystems as highly effective internal protectors. The findings suggest that, unlike traditional nanocomposites, the laser‐induced interface and the high fraction of ultrasmall Cu15 nanoclusters as crosslinking junctions contribute to the marked nonlinear elasticity of copper‐nanocluster‐polymer network, which synergizes with the lattice‐topology effect and culminates in the exceptional mechanical performance.
Thermophoretic Assay for Biosensing
Authors: Ling Haixiang , Yuan Yunhe , Chen Fuli , Guo Jiuchuan , Guo Jinhong , Li Diangeng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThermophoresis refers to the directional movement of particles driven by temperature gradients, which is ubiquitous in nature. This phenomenon can be conveniently used to manipulate molecules and objects such as biomolecules, colloids, metal nanoparticles, and cells. Because of these advantages, thermophoresis is widely used in biosensing. In vitro diagnosis, as an important field of biosensing, is highly compatible with thermophoresis. Compared with traditional in vitro diagnostic techniques, thermophoretic diagnosis is a homogeneous system that boasts high efficiency and rapid detection as well as a wide detection range; thus, thermophoresis has a myriad of applications. The emergence of microscale and multifield coupling thermophoresis technologies yield widespread applications of thermophoresis in the field of in vitro diagnostics. This study presents the history of thermophoresis and reviews various cases of biosensors utilizing thermophoresis. Those biosensors are widely used in in vitro diagnostics, biomarker discovery, and other fields. Furthermore, it assesses the advantages of thermophoresis, and finally discusses its current challenges and future development.
Photophore‐Anchored Molecular Switch for High‐Performance Nonvolatile Organic Memory Transistor
Authors: Hassan Syed Zahid , Kwon Jieun , Lee Juhyeok , Sim Hye Ryun , An Sanghyeok , Lee Sangjun , Chung Dae Sung 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOver the past decade, molecular‐switch‐embedded memory devices, particularly field‐effect transistors (FETs), have gained significant interest. Molecular switches are integrated to regulate the resistance or current levels in FETs. Despite substantial efforts, realizing large memory window with a long retention time, a critical factor in memory device functionality, remains a challenge. This is due to the inability of an isomeric state of a molecular switch to serve as a stable deep trap state within the semiconductor layer. Herein, the study addresses this limitation by introducing chemical bonding between molecular switch and conjugated polymeric semiconductor, facilitating closed isomer of diarylethene (DAE) to operate as a morphologically stable deep trap state. Azide‐ and diazirine‐anchored DAEs are synthesized, which form chemical bonds to the polymer through photocrosslinking, thereby implementing permanent and controllable trapping states nearby conjugated backbone of polymer semiconductor. Consequently, when diazirine‐anchored DAE is blended with F8T2 and subjected to photocrosslinking, the resulting organic FETs exhibit remarkable memory performance, including a memory window of 22 V with a retention time over 106 s, a high photoprogrammable on/off ratio over 103, and a high operational stability over 100 photocycles. Further, photophore‐anchored DAEs can achieve precise patterning, which enables meticulous control over the semiconductor layer structure.