bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of secreted small extracellular vesicles from activated human microglial cell lines reveals distinct pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory proteomic profiles
Authors: Niu Xueming , Zhang Zhen , Zhou Quan , Wuethrich Alain , Lobb Richard , Trau Matt 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMicroglia are a specialized population of innate immune cells located in the central nervous system. In response to physiological and pathological changes in their microenvironment, microglia can polarize into pro‐inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory phenotypes. A dysregulation in the pro‐/anti‐inflammatory balance is associated with many pathophysiological changes in the brain and nervous system. Therefore, the balance between microglia pro‐/anti‐inflammatory polarization can be a potential biomarker for the various brain pathologies. A non‐invasive method of detecting microglia polarization in patients would have promising clinical applications. Here, we perform proteomic analysis of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from microglia cells to identify sEVs biomarkers indicative of pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory phenotypic changes. sEVs were isolated from microglia cell lines under different inflammatory conditions and analyzed by proteomics by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Our findings provide the potential roles of sEVs that could be related to the pathogenesis of various brain diseases.
Tunable Enhanced Second‐Harmonic Generation in InP‐InAsP Quantum Well Nanomembranes
Authors: Su Zhicheng , Yan Jingshi , Wang Naiyin , Jagadish Chennupati , Neshev Dragomir , Tan Hark Hoe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSecond‐harmonic generation (SHG) offers a convenient approach for infrared‐to‐visible light conversion in tunable nanoscale light sources and optical communication. Semiconductor nanostructures offer rich possibilities to tailor their nonlinear optical properties. In this study, strong second‐harmonic generation in InP nanomembranes with InAsP quantum well (QW) is demonstrated. Compared with bulk InP, up to 100 times enhancement of SHG is achieved in the short‐wave infrared range. This enhancement is shown to be predominantly induced by the resonance‐enhanced absorption and quantum confinement of fundamental wavelengths in the InAsP QW. The thin nanomembrane structure will also provide nanocavity enhancement for second‐harmonic wavelengths. The enhanced SHG peak wavelengths can also be tuned by changing the QW composition. These findings provide an effective strategy for enhancing and manipulating the second‐harmonic generation in semiconductor quantum‐confined nanostructures for on‐chip all‐optical applications.
Compact Model and Detailed Balance Limit for a Dual n‐Type Direct Z‐Scheme Heterojunction
Authors: Lauwaert Johan , Jacob Nithin Thomas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive study on a compact model and the detailed balance limit for a dual n‐type direct Z‐scheme heterojunction. The compact model developed in this work describes the current–voltage (IV) characteristics of the staggered heterojunction under one‐sided illumination. The model incorporates charge neutrality, surface recombination, thermionic emission over the barrier, and surface potentials. By considering these factors, the IV curve of the staggered heterojunction is captured, shedding light on the charge transfer and separation processes within the device. The heterojunction device consists of two photosystems: photosystem one (PSI) with a wide band gap and photosystem two (PSII) with a narrow band gap. Furthermore, the paper establishes the detailed balance limit for the efficiency of the dual n‐type direct Z‐scheme heterojunction. The maximum achievable efficiency, estimated to be 11.4%, is determined by the interplay between the band gap of PSII and the empirical relation for the maximum barrier for electrons leaving PSII. This detailed balance limit represents the highest efficiency that can be attained, accounting for carrier generation, recombination, and charge transfer mechanisms. The compact model and the derived detailed balance limit provide insights for designing and improving the performance of direct Z‐scheme heterojunctions.
Optimizing Interplanar Spacing, Oxygen Vacancies and Micromorphology via Lithium‐Ion Pre‐Insertion into Ammonium Vanadate Nanosheets for Advanced Cathodes in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Ji , Zhai Yijun , Li Yangjie , Zhang Xiaoyue , Zhang Xiaoqin , Chen Yuxiang , Zeng Yuxiao , Wu Xingqiao , Zheng Qiaoji , Lam Kwok‐Ho , Tan Xin , Lin Dunmin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAmmonium vanadates, featuring an N─H···O hydrogen bond network structure between NH4+ and V─O layers, have become popular cathode materials for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs). Their appeal lies in their multi‐electron transfer, high specific capacity, and facile synthesis. However, a major drawback arises as Zn2+ ions tend to form bonds with electronegative oxygen atoms between V─O layers during cycling, leading to irreversible structural collapse. Herein, Li+ pre‐insertion into the intermediate layer of NH4V4O10 is proposed to enhance the electrochemical activity of ammonium vanadate cathodes for AZIBs, which extends the interlayer distance of NH4V4O10 to 9.8 Å and offers large interlaminar channels for Zn2+ (de)intercalation. Moreover, Li+ intercalation weakens the crystallinity, transforms the micromorphology from non‐nanostructured strips to ultrathin nanosheets, and increases the level of oxygen defects, thus exposing more active sites for ion and electron transport, facilitating electrolyte penetration, and improving electrochemical kinetics of electrode. In addition, the introduction of Li+ significantly reduces the bandgap by 0.18 eV, enhancing electron transfer in redox reactions. Leveraging these unique advantages, the Li+ pre‐intercalated NH4V4O10 cathode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 486.1 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and an impressive capacity retention rate of 72% after 5,000 cycles at 5 A g−1.
Smartphone‐Based Free‐to‐Total Prostate Specific Antigen Ratio Detection System Using a Colorimetric Reaction Integrated with Proximity‐Induced Bio‐Barcode and CRISPR/Cas12a Assay
Authors: Luo Bin , Zhou Juan , Zhan Xiaohui , Ying Binwu , Lan Fang , Wu Yao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe free‐to‐total prostate‐specific antigen (f/t‐PSA) ratio is of great significance in the accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer. Herein, a smartphone‐based detection system is reported using a colorimetric reaction integrated with proximity‐induced bio‐barcode and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a assay for f/t‐PSA ratio detection. DNA/antibody recognition probes are designed to bind f‐PSA or t‐PSA and induce the release of the DNA bio‐barcode. The CRISPR/Cas12a system is activated by the DNA bio‐barcode to release Ag+ from the C‐Ag+‐C structure of the hairpin DNA. The released Ag+ is used to affect the tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)‐H2O2‐based colorimetric reaction catalyzed by Pt nanoparticles (NPs), as the peroxidase‐like activity of the Pt NPs can be efficiently inhibited by Ag+. A smartphone with a self‐developed app is used as an image reader and analyzer to analyze the colorimetric reaction and provide the results. A limit of detection of 0.06 and 0.04 ng mL−1 is achieved for t‐PSA and f‐PSA, respectively. The smartphone‐based method showed a linear response between 0.1 and 100 ng mL−1 of t‐PSA or f‐PSA. In tests with clinical samples, the smartphone‐based method successfully diagnosed prostate cancer patients from benign prostatic hyperplasia patients and healthy cases with high sensitivity and specificity.
Novel Lignin‐Functionalized Waterborne Epoxy Composite Coatings with Excellent Anti‐Aging, UV Resistance, and Interfacial Anti‐Corrosion Performance
Authors: Feng Pingxian , Wang Huan , Gan Shiyu , Liao Bokai , Niu Li 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDeveloping high‐performance lignin anti‐corrosive waterborne epoxy (WEP) coatings is conducive to the advancement of environmentally friendly coatings and the value‐added utilization of lignin. In this work, a functionalized biomass waterborne epoxy composite coating is prepared using quaternized sodium lignosulfonate (QLS) as a functional nanofiller for mild carbon steel protection. The results showed that QLS has excellent dispersion and interface compatibility within WEP, and its abundant phenolic hydroxyl, sulfonate, quaternary ammonium groups, and nanoparticle structure endowed the coating with excellent corrosion inhibition and superior barrier properties. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of 100 mg L−1 QLS in carbon steel immersed in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution reached 95.76%. Furthermore, the coating maintained an impedance modulus of 2.29 × 106 Ω cm2 (|Z|0.01 Hz) after being immersed for 51 days in the high‐salt system. In addition, QLS imparted UV‐blocking properties and thermal‐oxygen aging resistance to the coating, as evidenced by a |Z|0.01 Hz of 1.04 × 107 Ω cm2 after seven days of UV aging while still maintaining a similar magnitude as before aging. The green lignin/WEP functional coatings effectively withstand the challenging outdoor environment characterized by high salt concentration and intense UV radiation, thereby demonstrating promising prospects for application in metal protection.
Realizing a Superior Conversion Efficiency of ≈11.3% in the Group IV‐VI Thermoelectric Module
Authors: Cheng Jinxuan , Yin Li , Wang Xinyu , Duan Sichen , Zhao Peng , Ma Xiaojing , Li Xiaofang , Bao Xin , Zhi Shizhen , Mao Jun , Cao Feng , Zhang Qian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGeTe‐based materials exhibit superior thermoelectric performance, while the development of power generation devices has mainly been limited by the challenge of designing the interface due to the phase transition in GeTe. In this work, via utilizing the low‐temperature nano‐Ag sintering technique and screening suitable Ti‐Al alloys, a reliable interface with excellent connection performance has been realized. The Ti‐Al intermetallic compounds effectively inhibit the diffusion process at Ti‐34Al/Ge0.9Sb0.1Te interface. Thus, the thickness of the interfacial reaction layer only increases by ≈2.08 µm, and the interfacial electrical contact resistivity remains as low as ≈15.2 µΩ cm2 even after 30 days of isothermal aging at 773 K. A high conversion efficiency of ≈11.3% has been achieved in the GeTe/PbTe module at a hot‐side temperature of 773 K and a cold‐side temperature of 300 K. More importantly, the module's performance and the reliability of the interface remain consistently stable throughout 50 thermal cycles and long‐term aging. This work promotes the application of high‐performance GeTe materials for thermoelectric power generation.
Functions as a service for distributed deep neural network inference over the cloud‐to‐things continuum
Authors: Bueno Altair , Rubio Bartolomé , Martín Cristian , Díaz Manuel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe use of serverless computing has been gaining popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional Cloud computing. We explore the usability and potential development benefits of three popular open‐source serverless platforms in the context of IoT: OpenFaaS, Fission, and OpenWhisk. To address this we discuss our experience developing a serverless and low‐latency Distributed Deep Neural Network (DDNN) application. Our findings indicate that these serverless platforms require significant resources to operate and are not ideal for constrained devices. In addition, we archived a 55% improvement compared to Kafka‐ML's performance under load, a framework without dynamic scaling support, demonstrating the potential of serverless computing for low‐latency applications.
Experimentelle und numerische Untersuchungen der lokalen Spannungen in Kranbahnträgern nahe Quersteifen
Authors: Kettler Markus , Zauchner Paul , Jungwirth Michael , Kampleitner Andreas , Unterweger Harald 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGeschweißte Kranbahnträger mit größeren Steghöhen werden in der Praxis üblicherweise mit zusätzlichen Quersteifen zwischen den Auflagern ausgeführt. Dadurch wird die Beultragfähigkeit des Stegs erhöht und die Verdrehung des Obergurts zufolge exzentrischer Radlasteinleitung begrenzt. Allerdings werden dadurch in Hinblick auf eine möglichst kerbarme Radlasteinleitung in den Trägersteg zusätzliche kritische Konstruktionsdetails im Bereich der an den Obergurt angeschweißten Quersteifen erzeugt, die im Nachweis gegen Ermüdungsversagen zu berücksichtigen sind. Darüber hinaus finden sich in DIN EN 1993‐6 derzeit keine Regeln zur Berechnung der lokalen Spannungen im Steg und in den Quersteifen für Radlasteinleitung im Nahbereich der Quersteifen. Daher werden in diesem Beitrag sowohl Laborversuche als auch FE‐Berechnungen präsentiert, welche die lokalen Spannungen in unmittelbarer Nähe von Quersteifen im Detail untersuchen. Die ermittelten Spannungen werden anschließend für vergleichende Ermüdungsnachweise an den nun maßgebenden Konstruktionsdetails im Verhältnis zu entsprechenden Nachweisen ohne Berücksichtigung des Quersteifeneinflusses verwendet. Auf Basis der gewonnenen Ergebnisse werden Defizite der aktuellen Vorgehensweise aufgezeigt und Empfehlungen für die Bemessungspraxis abgeleitet.
Accidental isoniazid toxicosis in a dog
Authors: Haritha Gurram S , Ramesh Puttchakayala , Prakash Kumar Busakala , Manoj Kumar Karnam , Srilatha Bethapudi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA 7‐month‐old, male, spitz dog was presented with history of accidental ingestion of isoniazid tablets. On presentation, signs of seizures, involuntary defecation and urination, vomiting and excess salivation were noticed. Clinical examination revealed tachycardia, ataxia, increased respiratory rate and severe dehydration. Therapy was aimed at stabilisation of the dog with fluid therapy, anti‐convulsants and antidote pyridoxine (at the dose rate of 60 mg/kg bodyweight). The clinical signs subsided in 4 hours of therapy. Complete blood profile revealed mild neutrophilia, hypoproteinemia, elevated blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase. After 24 hours of therapy, apart from vomiting no other clinical signs were noticed. Fluid therapy along with anti‐emetics, proton pump inhibitors and oral pyridoxine was administered for 2 more days following first day. The dog showed complete recovery on Day 3 of therapy, and the biochemical values were back to normal on seventh day. The present case reports a dog with accidental oral ingestion of isoniazid, its clinical signs and therapeutic management.
Scoping review: The terminology used to describe major abdominal surgical procedures
Authors: Courtney Alona , Clymo Jonathon , Dorudi Yasmin , Moonesinghe Suneetha Ramani , Dorudi Sina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundMajor abdominal surgery (MAS) can have a profound impact on the patient but there is currently no consensus as to which surgical procedures constitute MAS. The main objective of this work is to ascertain the terminology used to describe MAS procedures and to apply these findings in order to propose a definition of MAS.MethodsThe following databases were searched: Ovid MEDLINE (R) ALL, Embase Classic and Embase (via OvidSP), Global Health (via OvidSP), Health Management Information Consortium (via OvidSP), APA PsycInfo (via OvidSP), PubMed and Web of Science. Original research articles, published between 1980 and April 26, 2022 that contained a description of MAS procedure were included in this study. Article screening and data extraction was undertaken independently by 3 authors. Content analysis was performed to identify key terminology used to describe MAS.ResultsFive thousand six hundred and sixty three articles were identified, of which 767 underwent full‐text review and 312 were included in the scoping review. Content analysis resulted in 4 main categories: (1) pre‐operative factors, (2) intraoperative factors, (3) operation‐related factors, (4) post‐operative factors. Operation‐related factors was the predominant category (1137 references coded). The gastrointestinal resection made the vast majority of the references coded (591).ConclusionsBased on these results, the term “major abdominal surgery” should be defined as an intra‐peritoneal operation with no primary involvement of the thorax, involving either luminal resection and/or resection of a solid organ associated with the gastrointestinal tract. However, further work is required to verify this definition using real world data.
Philosophy of the Earth Sciences
Authors: Turner Derek D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOver the last 20 years or so, much work on the philosophy of the geosciences has privileged epistemological questions about confirmation, explanation, and underdetermination. Taking a cue from nineteenth-century geologist Edward Hitchcock’s reflections on his own practice, this chapter argues that philosophers should broaden their understanding of geoscientific practice to include its esthetic as well as its epistemic dimensions. Recent work in environmental esthetics – particularly Arnold Berleant’s esthetics of engagement and Allen Carlson’s scientific cognitivism – can help elucidate the esthetic aspects of the earth sciences. This broadening of our understanding of the values embedded in scientific practice could also help reinvigorate the relationship between philosophy and history of the geosciences.
Preparing for a Digital Steel Industry: What Challenge for Skills Formation Systems?
Authors: Antonazzo Luca , Stroud Dean , Weinel Martin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis chapter draws on data collected under the ESSA project and on institutional literature to illustrate emerging skills needs in the steel industry, and to reflect on the effectiveness of vocational education and training (VET) reforms to meet those needs. VET systems represent a central plank of skills formation institutions. Here, we focus on recent VET reforms in three European countries (Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom) to remark on a potential disconnect between expectations and outcomes. Whilst the given reforms nominally address the skills and training arrangements deemed as necessary for the industry’s technological transformation, we argue that their effectiveness relies lastly on their fit (or complementarity) with pre-existing institutions and with the institutional model in which they occur. This has implications for how attempts to reform national skills formation institutions will support the future steel industry in meeting its challenges.
Conclusion: Recasting the Future of the European Steel Industry
Authors: Akyazi Tugce , Goti Aitor , Alberdi Elisabete , Behrend Clara , Schröder Antonius Johannes , Colla Valentina , Stroud Dean , Antonazzo Luca , Weinel Martin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWhen the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was established in 1952 to unite European countries economically and politically to secure long-lasting peace, steel production was one of the two main strategic industries in which a common European project was first launched. Today, the steel industry still represents a critical asset for the European economy and contributes to the development of a huge number of transforming industries, in particular the automotive, construction and infrastructure, robotics, advanced machinery and tools, and household appliances sectors. During the period till the end of the ECSC in 2002 and then beyond into the new millennium, the steel industry in Europe more broadly and within the EU has gone through significant waves of expansion, consolidation, modernisation, rationalisation and shrinkage, and it is currently facing tremendous pressures and challenges, including the twin-challenges that form the focus of this volume. In this conclusion to the present collection, we offer our broader reflections on the industry.
The Impact of the New Technologies and the EU Climate Objectives on the Steel Industry
Authors: Branca Teresa Annunziata , Colla Valentina , Murri Maria Maddalena , Schröder Antonius Johannes 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOver the last years, an ever-increasing level of automation has been observed in the steelworks. In this context, the European steel industry is committed to integrating new technologies in the production chain to evolve towards the Industry 4.0 paradigm and even beyond. The application of digital technologies aims at optimising the integration of production units to enhance product quality, process flexibility, energy and resource efficiency, environmental sustainability and productivity in the whole sector. This chapter aims at providing an overview on the challenges related to the integration of digital technologies as well as to the EU climate objectives in the European steel sector. Starting from a state-of-the-art analysis, including the progresses achieved in the field over the last few decades, this chapter presents some of the outcomes of the study carried out within the Erasmus+ industry-driven project ‘European Steel Skills Alliance (ESSA)’. The impact of digital technologies on the workforce, the technological transformation and the EU climate objectives are analysed. Moreover, the results of an analysis concerning the level of automation in the European steelworks and the digital technologies in supporting the social innovation are discussed.
Robotic Systems in the European Steel Industry: State-of-Art and Use Cases
Authors: Vannucci Marco , Matino Ruben , Murri Maria Maddalena , Piancaldini Roberto , Schröder Antonius Johannes , Stroud Dean 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe current digital and technological transformation affecting the European steel industry is carried out through the continuous and progressive application of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) according to the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Among these technologies, robotic systems and autonomous vehicles (UAV/UGV), are increasingly applied in steel plants with the aim of improving health and safety in workplaces. Dangerous operations related to monitoring, maintenance and safety are often performed by using such systems in order to avoid workers’ exposure to accidents and injuries. Therefore, robotic applications and autonomous vehicles, which are suitably equipped with artificial vision and innovative sensors, are integrated in the daily operations by supporting humans and interacting with them according to well defined procedures, in order to minimise potential and dangerous events. The present chapter assesses the state-of-art for this technology, by analysing both the literature and European-funded projects, and investigates two specific use-cases related to different applications in steel plants with specific focus on the workforce impact in terms of implications in work organisation and operational procedure. Moreover, changed work patterns (e.g., behaviours, tasks, decision-making, training, skills, etc.) are also discussed considering human experience as a fundamental aspect.