bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of ultrasonic pretreatment and drying approaches on the drying kinetics and rehydration of sprouted mung beans
Authors: Salehi Fakhreddin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSprouting is one of the most traditional methods used to decrease most of the antinutritional elements in legumes. The assistance of ultrasound appears to enhance the drying step of the sprouted legumes. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of ultrasound pretreatment and drying methods (hot‐air and infrared) on the drying time, mass transfer kinetic, effective moisture diffusivity (Deff), and rehydration ratio of sprouted mung beans. The ultrasound process (40 kHz and 150 W) was performed in an ultrasonic bath for 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. The results showed that the ultrasonic pretreatment increased the moisture diffusion capacity (higher moisture loss) and reduced the drying time of sprouted mung beans. Also, the drying time of samples in the infrared dryer was significantly less than that in the hot‐air dryer (p < .05). The Deff determined by Fick's second law was varied from 1.36 × 10−10 to 1.88 × 10−10 m2 s−1, and from 1.18 × 10−9 to 1.85 × 10−9 m2 s−1, for samples dried in hot‐air and infrared dryers, respectively. Comparing the coefficient of determination (r), sum of squared error (SSE), and root mean squared error (RMSE) values of 10 models, it was concluded that the Midilli model represents the drying characteristics of sprouted mung beans better than the others. The rehydration ratio of dried samples in hot‐air and infrared dryers increased when the ultrasound pretreatment time was increased. In general, the use of ultrasound pretreatment (about 20 min) and an infrared dryer is a promising drying technique for sprouted mung beans with higher mass transfer and a shorter drying time.
A new metric for sunlight exposure in rivers, lakes, and oceans
Authors: Gardner John R. , Doyle Martin W. , Ensign Scott H. , Kahler David M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractVertical motion is an important driver of sunlight exposure in aquatic environments, shaping the growth and fate of materials and organisms. We derive a simple model accounting for turbulent depth fluctuations of particles to predict the depth that contributes the most sunlight exposure (effective depth) as well as the single depth that, if measured at one place over time, produces the same total sunlight exposure as a moving particle (functional depth). Field measurements of light and depth in rivers using neutrally buoyant drifters and buoys validate our model. Effective depth varied from 0.1 to 1.5 m below the water surface and was ~ 30% of the overall water depth on average. Functional depth varied from 0.67 to 2.3 m and was ~ 50% of the overall water depth on average. Functional and effective depth are physically based concepts incorporating turbulent motion, spatial variability, and water clarity offering new approaches to characterize light exposure in aquatic environments.
Impact of skin hydration on patterns of microthermal injury produced by fractional CO2 laser
Authors: Wenande Emily , Hastrup Anna , Fredman Gabriella Louise , Olesen Uffe Høgh , Wolkerstorfer Albert , Haedersdal Merete 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe impact of skin hydration on patterns of thermal injury produced by ablative fractional lasers (AFLs) is insufficiently examined under standardized conditions. Using skin with three different hydration levels, this study assessed the effect of hydration status on microchannel dimensions generated by a fractional CO2 laser.MethodsA hydration model (hyperhydrated‐, dehydrated‐ and control) was established in ex vivo porcine skin, validated by changes in surface conductance and sample mass. After, samples underwent AFL exposure using a CO2 laser (10,600 nm) at two examined pulse energies (10 and 30 mJ/mb, fixed 10% density, six repetitions per group). Histological assessment of distinct microchannels (n = 60) determined three standardized endpoints in H&E sections: (1) depth of microthermal treatment zones (MTZs), (2) depth of microscopic ablation zones (MAZs), and (3) coagulation zone (CZ) thickness. As a supplemental in vivo assessment, the same laser settings were applied to hyperhydrated‐ (7‐h occlusion) and normohydrated forearm skin (no pretreatment) of a human volunteer. Blinded measurement of MAZ depth (n = 30) was performed using noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT).ResultsModest differences in microchannel dimensions were shown between hyperhydrated, dehydrated and control skin at both high and low pulse energy. Compared to controls, hyperhydration led to median reductions in MTZ and MAZ depth ranging from 5% to 8% (control vs. hyperhydrated at 30 mJ/mb; 848 vs. 797 µm (p < 0.003) (MAZ); 928 vs. 856 µm (p < 0.003) (MTZ)), while 14%–16% reductions were shown in dehydrated skin (control vs. dehydrated at 30 mJ/mb; MAZ: 848 vs. 727 µm (p < 0.003); MTZ: 928 vs. 782 µm (p < 0.003)). The impact of skin hydration on CZ thickness was in contrast limited. Corresponding with ex vivo findings, hyperhydration was similarly associated with lower ablative depth in vivo skin. Thus, median MAZ depth in hydrated skin was 10% and 14% lower than in control areas at 10 and 30 mJ/mb pulse energy, respectively (10 mJ: 210 vs. 180 µm (p < 0.001); 30 mJ: 335 vs. 300 µm (p < 0.001)).ConclusionSkin hydration status can exert a minimal impact on patterns of microthermal injury produced by fractional CO2 lasers, although the clinical implication in the context of laser therapy requires further study.
A miniaturized aperture‐coupled 4 × 4 MIMO array SIW antenna at K band
Authors: Tewari Nidhi , Joshi Neetu , Srivastava Shweta 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA planar miniaturized rectangular substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity resonator with an array of patches is presented, which enhances the overall gain of antenna at the K band. The aperture‐coupled feeding is provided from SIW rectangular cavity resonator to reduce radiation losses as in microstrip feeding at a higher frequency. The resonating fields from the cavity excite an array of patches on the substrate. This is further replicated uniformly to design a 4 × 4 element multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna. The overall antenna dimension is 2λ × 3.1λ × 0.07λ, where λ is the operating wavelength. The compact structure configuration provides a high peak gain of 13.98 dBi resonating at 19.97 GHz in a broadside direction. An isolation of −17.53 dB is achieved by inserting metal pins. The envelope correlation coefficient of 0.0001 and total active reflection coefficient of −10 dB show characteristics of a high‐performing MIMO antenna. The antenna structure is simulated using HFSS ver. 2022, measured using Anritsu Vector Network Analyzer and Anechoic Chamber, the simulated and measured results are in good concurrence. The antenna is suitable for satellite communication, short‐range wireless applications in IoT, and radar.
Single institution experience with efgartigimod in patients with myasthenia gravis: Patient selection, dosing schedules, treatment response, and adverse events
Authors: Singer Madeline , Khella Sami , Bird Shawn , McIntosh Paul , Paudyal Bandhu , Wadhwani Anil , Quinn Colin , Karam Chafic 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsEfgartigimod is a neonatal Fc receptor blocker and was the first approved medication in its class for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). As a novel therapy, little is known about the use of efgartigimod in clinical practice. This study aims to describe how efgartigimod is being incorporated into the current therapeutic landscape of MG.MethodsWe reviewed the charts of 17 patients with gMG treated with efgartigimod at the University of Pennsylvania between January 2022 and June 2023.ResultsEfgartigimod was selected mainly for patients who were treatment refractory, had side effects to other treatments, and/or required quick improvement in their symptoms. All patients had been previously treated with at least one medication for MG and had an average baseline Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL) score of 9.1. The patients treated with efgartigimod improved their MG‐ADL score by an average of 5.5 points at 3 months (p < .001) and 7.1 points by 6 months (p < .001). Forty percent of patients achieved minimal symptom expression. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 43.7% of patients on efgartigimod, the most common being mild infection (urinary tract infection and thrush). There were no serious AEs.DiscussionThis study found efgartigimod to be efficacious, well tolerated, and safe in patients with MG. Efgartigimod should be considered as an add‐on therapy, a bridge therapy, or as a monotherapy if patients have difficulty tolerating other treatments.
Weight change in chronic kidney disease: Association with mortality and kidney function
Authors: Singer Richard , Huang Hsin‐Chia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundExcess body weight is a risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but weight loss in CKD has been associated with higher mortality. Consequently, blanket weight loss recommendations in this population are controversial. Little data is available on the patterns of weight‐change in CKD. The authors aimed to describe weight‐changes in moderate/severe CKD and explore associations with mortality and renal endpoints in patients with overweight and obesity.MethodsNon‐dialysis Canberra Hospital patients with estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 were followed for up to 5.5 years. Weight‐change ≥5% was considered clinically significant. The renal endpoint was defined as the commencement of dialysis or transplant or a ≥40% fall in eGFR. Relationships between weight‐change in the first year of follow‐up and mortality or the renal endpoint were assessed using Cox‐regression.ResultsThree hundred ten patients (median age 75, median BMI 31 kg/m2) were identified. 68% had Stage‐4 CKD at baseline. Over 4.4‐years median follow‐up, 128 died and 140 had significant weight‐change. During the first year of follow‐up, 42 patients lost and 23 gained ≥5% body weight, of whom only 3 had intentionally lost weight. On multivariate regression, significant weight loss/gain at 1‐year was associated with 2.74 (p < 0.0005) and 2.67 (p = 0.003) hazard of subsequent death and with 2.51 (p = 0.004) and 2.20 (p = 0.05) hazard of the renal endpoint respectively. There was no association between baseline eGFR and subsequent weight change.ConclusionsPatients with moderate/severe CKD experience significant weight‐change, but this has no relationship to baseline kidney function. Significant weight‐change is associated with higher subsequent mortality and loss of kidney function, but this association is likely significantly affected by confounding.
Design, manufacture, and experiments of lightweight CFRP hydraulic cylinder tube without metal liner
Authors: Li Yao , Shang Yaoxing , Wan Xiaofei , Jiao Zongxia , Yu Tian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHydraulic cylinders are widely used in aircraft rudder surface control, landing gear retraction, flaps and speed brakes retraction, ground steering driving, and engine thrust reverser control. The huge weight of hydraulic cylinders severely limits the aircraft's potential for increased range, maneuverability, energy efficiency, and carrying capacity. To achieve the maximum weight reduction, the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) hydraulic tube without a metal liner is designed in this paper. In response to the lack of a parameter calculation method for CFRP hydraulic tubes, the accurate calculation method is developed through mechanical modeling and analysis of parameter influence law. For the structure design challenges of connection, sealing, and friction of CFRP hydraulic tube without metal liner, we have proposed and verified the wave contour inlaid structure, three leak‐proof solutions of the connection interface, the leak‐proof structure of the wound CFRP body and the seal friction pair. For the difficulties of multi‐material and high‐precision molding, a new process of split manufacturing‐combined molding is developed to achieve high‐precision and low‐cost manufacturing. Finally, the prototype is manufactured and tested by the presented method, and its weight reduction ratio is 56.64% compared with the original metal hydraulic tube. This study has further matured the application of CFRP hydraulic tubes without metal liners and has great lightweight benefits in aircraft.Highlights
CFRP hydraulic tube without metal liner is designed to reduce weight.
An accurate calculation method of CFRP parameters is developed.
Connection structure, leak‐proof structure, and seal friction pair are designed.
The high‐precision and low‐cost molding process is innovatively proposed.
Preparation and characterization of snake plant fiber reinforced composite: A sustainable utilization of biowaste
Authors: Mishfa Kaniz Fatima , Alim Md. Abdul , Repon Md. Reazuddin , Habibullah MD , Tonmoy Mohd Abir Hossen , Jurkonienė Sigita , Shukhratov Sharof 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNatural fibers are one of the most attractive materials in biocomposites due to their potential for sustainability. This study aims to prepare sustainable composite materials using fibers from Sansevieria trifasciata (snake plant) and to investigate their mechanical, morphological, and water absorption properties. The composite was prepared with epoxy resin through a manual hand lay‐up process, maintaining standard parameters with changeable reinforcement (10%, 20%, and 30%). The mechanical properties (tensile, impact, and flexural strength), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and water absorbency of the composites were evaluated. The result showed that the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance of the composites are 6.99 MPa, 10.77 MPa, and 14 J, respectively, for 30% fiber components, which are significantly higher than other composite materials. The SEM analysis showed a strong interfacial bond between the snake plant fiber and the epoxy resin. The FTIR analysis revealed a reduction in hemicellulose and lignin and an improvement in the interfacial adhesion between snake plant fiber and epoxy resin. The composites also demonstrated time‐dependent increases in water absorption, with the sample containing 30% fiber components showing the best absorbency performance at 0.88%.Highlights
A study is being conducted on the effective and sustainable use of biowaste.
The composite materials loaded with 30% fibers had significantly high tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance.
The SEM analysis of snake plant fiber‐reinforced polymer composite showed a strong interfacial bond between fiber and epoxy resin.
The FTIR analysis of the composite revealed the reduction of hemicellulose and lignin.
The use of non‐renewable materials is reduced, and eco‐friendliness is promoted.
Precise Tuning of Hollow and Pore Size of Bimetallic MOFs Derivate to Construct High‐Performance Nanoscale Materials for Supercapacitors and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Song Jinlu , Chai Lulu , Kumar Anuj , Zhao Man , Sun Yanzhi , Liu Xiaoguang , Pan Junqing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPrecise control of pore volume and size of carbon nanoscale materials is crucial for achieving high capacity and rate performances of charge/discharge. In this paper, starting from the unique mechanism of the role of In, Zn combination, and carboxyl functional groups in the formation of the lumen and pore size, the composition of InZn‐MIL‐68 is regulated to precisely tune the diameter and wall pore size of the hollow carbon tubes. The hollow carbon nanotubes (CNT) with high‐capacity storage and fast exchange of Na+ ions and charges are prepared. The CNT possess ultra‐high specific capacitance and ultra‐long cycle life and also offer several times higher Na+ ion storage capacity and rate performance than the existing CNTs. Density functional theory calculations and tests reveal that these superior characteristics are attributed to the spacious hollow structure, which provides sufficient space for Na+ storage and the tube wall's distinctive porosity of tube wall as well as open ends for facilitating Na+ rapid desorption. It is believed that precise control of sub‐nanopore volume and pore size by tuning the composition of the carbon materials derived from bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) will establish the basis for the future development of high‐energy density and high‐power density supercapacitors and batteries.
Designing Efficient Non‐Precious Metal Electrocatalysts for High‐Performance Hydrogen Production: A Comprehensive Evaluation Strategy
Authors: Wang Meng , Ma Wansen , Tan Chaowen , Qiu Zeming , Hu Liwen , Lv Xuewei , Li Qian , Dang Jie 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDeveloping abundant Earth‐element and high‐efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production is crucial in effectively reducing the cost of green hydrogen production. Herein, a strategy by comprehensively considering the computational chemical indicators for H* adsorption/desorption and dehydrogenation kinetics to evaluate the hydrogen evolution performance of electrocatalysts is proposed. Guided by the proposed strategy, a series of catalysts are constructed through a dual transition metal doping strategy. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and experimental chemistry demonstrate that cobalt‐vanadium co‐doped Ni3N is an exceptionally ideal catalyst for hydrogen production from electrolyzed alkaline water. Specifically, Co,V‐Ni3N requires only 10 and 41 mV in alkaline electrolytes and alkaline seawater, respectively, to achieve a hydrogen evolution current density of 10 mA cm−2. Moreover, it can operate steadily at a large industrial current density of 500 mA cm−2 for extended periods. Importantly, this evaluation strategy is extended to single‐metal‐doped Ni3N and found that it still exhibits significant universality. This study not only presents an efficient non‐precious metal‐based electrocatalyst for water/seawater electrolysis but also provides a significant strategy for the design of high‐performance catalysts of electrolyzed water.
Bamboo‐Modulated Helical Carbon Nanotubes for Rechargeable Zn‐Air Battery
Authors: Chen Zhonghao , Zou Yihui , Chen Hongjiao , Zhang Kewei , Hui Bin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe high‐performance and sustainable electrocatalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are essential for rechargeable Zn‐air batteries (ZABs). In this paper, a natural all‐components bamboo is provided as the carbon source, and melamine and cobalt chloride are provided as the nitrogen and cobalt sources, respectively. As a result, the unique helical carbon nanotubes (HCNTs) encapsulated cobalt nanoparticles are prepared, which are acted as ORR/OER electrocatalysts to improve ZABs performance. The resultant HCNTs contribute to high ORR/OER activities via exposing more Co─N sites, providing excellent electron conductivity, and facilitating mass transfer of the reactant. The HCNTs assembled rechargeable liquid ZABs showed a maximum output power density of 226 mW cm−2 and a low voltage gap of 0.85 V for 330 h cycles. The flexible all‐solid‐state ZABs achieved the maximum power density with 59.4 mW cm−2 and charge–discharge cycles over 25 h. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the increase of Co─N at HCNTs effectively regulates the electronic structure of Co, optimizing the binding affinity of oxygen intermediates and resulting in the low ORR/OER overpotentials. This work paves the way for transforming renewable bamboo biomass into versatile electrocatalysts, which boosts the development of next‐generation energy storage and conversion devices.
A Promising Solid‐State Synthesis of LiMn1‐yFeyPO4 Cathode for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Jinli , Wu Yingqiang , Zhang Bo , Xiao Xiang , Hu Qiao , Han Qiaofeng , Wang Li , Bei Fengli , He Xiangming 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLiMn1‐yFeyPO4 (LMFP) is a significant and cost‐effective cathode material for Li‐ion batteries, with a higher working voltage than LiFePO4 (LFP) and improved safety features compared to layered oxide cathodes. However, its commercial application faces challenges due to a need for a synthesis process to overcome the low Li‐ion diffusion kinetics and complex phase transitions. Herein, a solid‐state synthesis process using LFP and nano LiMn0.7Fe0.3PO4 (MF73) is proposed. The larger LFP acts as a structural framework fused with nano‐MF73, preserving the morphology and high performance of LFP. These results demonstrate that the solid‐state reaction occurs quickly, even at a low sintering temperature of 500 °C, and completes at 700 °C. However, contrary to the expectations, the larger LFP particles disappeared and fused into the nano‐MF73 particles, revealing that Fe ions diffuse more easily than Mn ions in the olivine framework. This discovery provides valuable insights into understanding ion diffusion in LMFP. Notably, the obtained LMFP can still deliver an initial capacity of 142.3 mAh g−1, and the phase separation during the electrochemical process is significantly suppressed, resulting in good cycling stability (91.1% capacity retention after 300 cycles). These findings offer a promising approach for synthesizing LMFP with improved performance and stability.
An adolescent female African elephant (Loxodonta africana) gave birth to an abnormal calf
Authors: Duan Yujing , Wang Zhencun , Li Jiangtao , Zhang Meng , Bi Zhenchao 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMaternal nutrition and the uterine environment can influence placental development in mammals, leading to the birth of abnormal infants who often experience difficulties in independent standing. This article documents an adolescent female African elephant (Loxodonta africana) giving birth to an African elephant calf with a shoulder height below the mean, and its inability to stand for the first 10 h after birth, a time span that significantly exceeds the average duration for independent standing. Through the implementation of assisted feeding and assisted standing measures, the calf eventually achieved independent standing and nursing from its mother after 27 h and subsequent catch‐up growth at 5 months of age. This study presents the first case report on the growth parameters during pregnancy of an adolescent African elephant, the birth and care (feeding, assisted standing) of a small African elephant calf with the inability to stand alone and nurse independently for several hours, highlighting pregnancy may influence the growth of cows during their ongoing growth and development phase, the calf's survival and subsequent catch‐up growth at 5 months of age. These findings offer valuable insights into the care of abnormal African elephant calves.