bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved performance of the ultrafiltration membranes by simple modification with air plasma treatment and polymeric deposition
Authors: Marques Ingrid R. , Leite Monique Juna L. , Piacentini Artur M. , Binder Cristiano , Dotto Marta E. R. , Ambrosi Alan , Di Luccio Marco , da Costa Cristiane 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study seeks to increase the antifouling properties of fluorinated polyvinylidene (PVDF) membranes through the synergistic application of plasma treatment and polymer deposition, employing polymerizations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethyleneimine (PEI). The results show remarkable success in modifications, presenting exceptional performance. Two distinct surface modification methods, plasma treatment and polymer deposition, were used to improve the antifouling properties and filtration performance of PVDF membranes. The plasma used was a discharge dielectric barrier using ambient air as gas, and hydrophilic polymers, PVP, and PEI. The results outlined changes in membrane roughness with a significant roughness reduction of up to 43% evident based on topographic and morphological analyses. Hydraulic permeability analysis revealed a substantial 35‐fold increase, indicating a notable improvement in performance. All treated membranes exhibited higher water affinity and superior performance during 12‐h ultrafiltration compared to their untreated counterparts. After chemical cleaning, water flux recovery exceeded 85% for all treated membranes, indicating the inherent antifouling properties of the surface.
Rapid tooling for rubber extrusion molding by digital light processing 3D printing with dual curable vitrimers
Authors: Höller Rita , Hrbinič Katja , Reisinger David , Alabiso Walter , Schuschnigg Stephan , Fleisch Mathias , Waly Christoph , Rossegger Elisabeth , Schlögl Sandra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFor the manufacture of extrusion dies, three‐dimensional (3D) printing with photopolymers offers numerous advantages including flexibility, high surface quality, decent build speed, low costs and a reduced amount of waste. However, the majority of photocurable resins used in vat photopolymerization 3D printing rely on acrylates, which entail 3D‐printed objects with poor mechanical properties. In particular, the high brittleness limits their application in rapid tooling, for which tough materials with high glass transition temperatures (Tg) are required. In the present study, we highlight the use of dual curable acrylate‐epoxy resins with dynamic covalent bonds for the direct fabrication of extrusion dies. During digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing the acrylate network is formed, whose toughness and thermal stability are significantly enhanced by the thermoactivated formation of a second network. By following a postbaking procedure, aminoglycidiyl monomers are cured with an anhydride hardener bearing bulky norbornene groups yielding interpenetrating polymer networks with a Tg > 100°C. The tertiary amine groups present in the structure of the aminoglycidyl derivatives do not only accelerate the ring‐opening reaction but also act as internal catalysts and activate bond exchange reactions between free –OH groups and ester moieties available in the photopolymer. This is confirmed by rheometer studies showing a distinctive stress relaxation at elevated temperature and giving rise to a possible reprocessability of the 3D‐printed dies. With a selected resin formulation, a set of dies is printed by DLP 3D printing, with which a highly filled rubber compound is successfully extruded. The results clearly show that dual curable resins with dynamic covalent bonds are a promising class of material for rapid tooling and pave the way towards a customized and convenient fabrication of extrusion dies for rubber processing.
Effect of Intravenous Zoledronic Acid on Total Knee Replacement in Patients With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis and Without Severe Joint Space Narrowing: A Prespecified Secondary Analysis of a Two‐Year, Multicenter, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Cai Guoqi , Laslett Laura L. , Thompson Michael , Cicuttini Flavia , Hill Catherine , Wluka Anita E. , March Lyn , Wang Yuanyuan , Otahal Petr , Stoney James D. , Antony Benny , Buttigieg Kathy , Winzenberg Tania , Jones Graeme , Aitken Dawn 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) on the risk of total knee replacement (TKR) in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and without severe joint space narrowing (JSN).MethodsWe included 222 participants (mean age 62 years, 52% female) from the two‐year Zoledronic Acid for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain trial (113 received 5 mg of ZA annually and 109 received placebo) conducted between November 2013 and October 2017. Primary TKR were identified until February 22, 2022. The effect of ZA on TKR risk was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Because the treatment effect failed the proportional hazards assumption, a time‐varying coefficients analysis for treatment was conducted by splitting the study into two periods (ie, within and after two years of randomization).ResultsOver a mean follow‐up of seven years, 39% and 30% of participants had any TKR in the ZA and placebo groups, and 28% and 18% had TKR in the study knee, respectively. Use of ZA was associated with a higher risk of TKR in any knee (hazard ratio [HR] 4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–14.7) and showed a trend in the study knee (HR 6.8, 95%CI 0.9–53.9) during the trial. In the posttrial period, the risk of TKR was similar in the ZA and the placebo groups for any knee (HR 1.2, 95%CI 0.5–1.8) and the study knee (HR 1.4, 95%CI 0.5–2.2).ConclusionThese results suggest that ZA is not protective against TKR in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and without severe JSN.image
Intra‐Articular Mineralization on Computerized Tomography of the Knee and Risk of Cartilage Damage: The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study
Authors: Liew Jean W. , Jarraya Mohammed , Guermazi Ali , Lynch John , Felson David , Nevitt Michael , Lewis Cora E. , Torner James , Roemer Frank W. , Crema Michel D. , Wang Na , Becce Fabio , Rabasa Gabriela , Pascart Tristan , Neogi Tuhina 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveIntra‐articular (IA) mineralization may contribute to osteoarthritis (OA) structural progression. We studied the association of IA mineralization on knee computed tomography (CT) with cartilage damage worsening on knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a focus on location‐ and tissue‐specific effects.MethodsParticipants from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study with knee CT and MRI scans were included. Presence of IA mineralization on CT was defined as a Boston University Calcium Knee Score >0 anywhere in the knee. Cartilage worsening on MRI was defined as any increase in the MRI OA Knee Score, including incident damage. We evaluated the association of whole‐knee, compartment‐specific (ie, medial or lateral), and subregion‐specific (ie, location‐matched) IA mineralization at baseline with cartilage worsening at two years’ follow‐up in the corresponding locations using binomial regression with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).ResultsWe included 1,673 participants (mean age 60 years, 56% female, mean BMI 29). Nine percent had any IA mineralization in the knee, and 47.4% had any cartilage worsening on follow‐up. Mineralization of any tissue in the knee, regardless of location, was not associated with MRI cartilage worsening. However, cartilage mineralization was associated with 1.39 (95% confidence interval 1.04–1.88) times higher risk of cartilage worsening in the same compartment, with similar results in subregion‐specific analysis.ConclusionCT‐detected IA mineralization in the cartilage was associated with higher risk of MRI cartilage worsening in the same compartment and subregion over two years. These findings suggest potential localized, tissue‐specific effects of IA mineralization on cartilage pathology in knee OA.
A Data‐Driven Method based on Discrete Wavelet Transform for online Li‐Ion Battery State‐of‐Health Prediction and Monitoring
Authors: Pelosi Dario , Gallorini Federico , Ottaviano Panfilo Andrea , Barelli Linda 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTransportation electrification is accelerating the clean energy transition. Due to high efficiencies and energy density, Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) are used as on‐board energy carrier for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). LIBs are subject to rapid degradation due to fast‐charging, mechanical, electrical and thermal factors. Thus, state‐of‐health (SoH) prediction is required to optimize LIBs exploitation over their lifespan. An online accurate and easy‐of‐implementation battery SoH prediction and monitoring method for BEV applications is here presented. The method implements discrete wavelet transform (DWT) analysis to voltage profiles, measured while driving. Specifically, an extensive cycle aging experimental campaign on NCR 18650 cells was performed, applying two typical US test drives (urban and extra‐urban drive cycle, respectively) to the cells at different SoH. Moreover, tests carried out on LIBs at different temperatures demonstrated that temperature effect on the implemented DWT‐based method can be distinguished and separated from cycle aging effect. The proposed method allows a real‐time SoH estimation showing a good accuracy (MAE, ME and RMSE respectively result in 0.917, 2.897 and 1.32) without requiring high computational efforts. This allows to assess battery SoH during the driving. The method can also be extended to other chemistries requiring a dedicated experimental activity for the parameters tuning.
Effects of 3.5‐GHz radiofrequency radiation on energy‐regulatory hormone levels in the blood and adipose tissue
Authors: Bektas Hava , Dasdag Suleyman , Altindag Fikret , Akdag Mehmet Z. , Yegin Korkut , Algul Sermin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn recent years exposure of living beings to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from wireless equipment has increased. In this study, we investigated the effects of 3.5‐GHz RFR on hormones that regulate energy metabolism in the body. Twenty‐eight rats were divided into four groups: healthy sham (n = 7), healthy RFR (n = 7), diabetic sham (n = 7), and diabetic RFR (n = 7). Over a month, each group spent 2 h/day in a Plexiglas carousel. The rats in the experimental group were exposed to RFR, but the sham groups were not. At the end of the experiment, blood and adipose tissues were collected from euthanized rats. Total antioxidant, total oxidant, hydrogen peroxide, ghrelin, nesfatin‐1, and irisin were determined. Insulin expression in pancreatic tissues was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Whole body specific absorption rate was 37 mW/kg. For the parameters analyzed in blood and fat, the estimated effect size varied within the ranges of 0.215–0.929 and 0.503–0.839, respectively. The blood and adipose nesfatin‐1 (p = 0.002), blood and pancreatic insulin are decreased, (p = 0.001), gherelin (p = 0.020), irisin (p = 0.020), and blood glucose (p = 0.040) are increased in healthy and diabetic rats exposed to RFR. While nesfatin‐1 are negatively correlated with oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and insulin, ghrelin and irisin are positively correlated with oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. Thus, RFR may have deleterious effects on energy metabolism, particularly in the presence of diabetes.
Preparation of chromium complexes for ethylene tetramerization catalyst
Authors: Park Jun Hyeong , Park Ju Yong , Baek Jun Won , Seo Yeong Hyun , Lee Mi Ryu , Lee Junseong , Lee Bun Yeoul 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOne of the remaining challenges in the commercialization of a highly efficient ethylene tetramerization catalyst, [1‐CrCl2][B(C6F5)4] (1=iPrN[P(C6H4Si(Octyl)3)2]2), is the generation of small amounts of polyethylene (PE). To address this issue, we explored different activator options and found that (Octyl)3Al was the most effective choice. Building on the observation that [iPrN(PPh2)2]CrCl3(THF) was not completely alkylated by the action of excess Me3Al to form ([iPrN(PPh2)2]Cr(μ2‐Cl)(ClMe2AlClAlMe3))2, we synthesized [ortho‐(MeO)C6H4CH2‐η1C:κO]3Cr, developing a catalytic system comprising this precursor, PNP ligand 1, and [MeN(H)(C18H37)2][B(C6F5)4]. However, this catalytic system exhibited a long induction time (~30 min) and generated a significant amount of PE. Returning to the catalytic system of [1‐CrCl2][B(C6F5)4], we successfully achieved the conversion of [(EtOH)4CrCl2][B(C6F5)4] to [(CH3CN)4CrCl2][B(C6F5)4] at a large scale by designing a specialized glass apparatus. Finally, we discovered that the generation of PE could be reduced by adjusting the reaction conditions during the synthesis of [1‐CrCl2][B(C6F5)4].
An FPGA‐based tool for supporting the design, modeling, and evaluation of hybrid object recognition systems on computer engineering courses
Authors: Guzmán‐Ramírez Enrique , Garcia Ivan , Pacheco Carla , Guerrero‐Ramírez Esteban 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe field of computer vision is characterized by computationally intensive algorithms and techniques with strict real‐time requirements. Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are based on a concurrent paradigm which allows the design of efficient hardware architectures and has positioned FPGAs as an ideal device for implementing compute‐intensive applications. For this reason, FPGA technology has had a great impact in areas such as computer vision, where one of the main objectives for researchers working in this field is to create efficient automatic object recognition systems. Therefore, the need to provide undergraduates with the necessary skills to design FPGA‐based object recognition systems is evident. With this aim in mind, it is essential that specialization courses related to the design of these systems include the required resources for the student to apply the theoretical knowledge in solving practical problems. In this article, we present a development tool designed to help students, teachers, and researchers during the design‐modeling‐implementation process of object recognition systems based on FPGAs. The proposed tool operates under a modular approach as this facilitates the working on any of the phases of a recognition system and it is considered as a hybrid because the other phases can be developed using a software language. An empirical evaluation involving undergraduates enrolled in a Computer Engineering program was conducted to create a hardware architecture for the DAISY descriptor that uses the homogeneous features of objects immersed in images to produce an efficient representation. By considering similar descriptors such as Scale‐Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) and Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG), DAISY is computed by convolving orientation maps instead of using weighted sums of gradient norms, which offers the same kind of invariance at a lower computational cost for the dense case. The results obtained during such an evaluation indicated that students consider this FPGA‐based tool to be an alternative to receiving practical training on designing systems for solving problems related to the area of object recognition.
Chemical Composition, Toxicity, and Repellency of Essential Oils from Three Hedychium Species Against Stored‐Product Insects
Authors: Wang Jia‐Zhu , Du Yue‐Shen , Qi Yuan‐Tong , Zhang Chen , Zhang Zhao‐Rui , Zhang Hai‐Ming , Du Shu‐Shan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStored products are constantly infested by insects, so finding eco‐friendly bioinsecticides for insect management is important. The work aimed to assess the insecticidal and repellent activity of essential oil (EO) from Hedychium glabrum S. Q. Tong, Hedychium coronarium Koen., and Hedychium yunnanense Gagnep. against Tribolium castaneum, Lasioderma serricorne, and Liposcelis bostrychophila. Results showed that 88 chemical components were identified in the extracted Hedychium EOs, indicating that they exhibited diversity in components. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the composition of the EO from the H. yunnanense stem and leaf (EOHYSL) was significantly different from other EOs due to the different organs and species. The biological activity also varied continuously with plant species and organs. Only the EO of H. yunnanense (EOHY) showed strong fumigant toxicity. While in the contact tests, EOHGR showed the strongest toxicity effect on L. bostrychophila, with a LC50 value of 71.76 μg/cm2, which was closest to the positive control (Pyrethrin). All EOs had remarkable repellent activities against the three target insects, and repellency increased with concentration. According to the results of the comprehensive score, EOHY had the highest potential, which ranged from 0.7999 to 0.8689. Thus, Hedychium EOs possess potential biorational traits to be biological insecticides.
Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Gallic Acid Based Chalcone Indl 2 by Inhibiting Efflux Pump Transporters
Authors: Dwivedi Gaurav Raj , Pathak Nandini , Tiwari Nimisha , Negi Arvind Singh , Kumar Akhil , Pal Anirban , Sharma Ashok , Darokar Mahendra P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs a part of novel discovery of drugs from natural resources, present study was undertaken to explore the antibacterial potential of chalcone Indl‐2 in combination with different group of antibiotics. MIC of antibiotics was reduced up to eight folds against the different cultures of E. coli by both chalcones. Among the two compounds, the i. e. 1‐(3′, 4,′5′‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐3‐(3‐Indyl)‐prop‐2‐enone (6, Indl‐2), a chalcone derivative of gallic acid (Indl‐2) was better along with tetracycline (TET) worked synergistically and was found to inhibit efflux transporters as obvious by ethidium bromide efflux confirmed by ATPase assays and docking studies. In combination, Indl‐2 kills the MDREC−KG4 cells, post‐antibiotic effect (PAE) of TET was prolonged and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of TET was also decreased. In‐vivo studies revealed that Indl‐2 reduces the concentration of TNF‐α. In acute oral toxicity study, Indl‐2 was non‐toxic and well tolerated up‐to dose of 2000 mg/kg. Perhaps, the study is going to report gallic acid derived chalcone as synergistic agent acting via inhibiting the primary efflux pumps.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activity of Ruta chalepensis L. Ethanolic Extract
Authors: Althaher Arwa R. , Oran Sawsan A. , Awadallah Mirna W. , Ameen Hanan H. , Shehabi Reham F. , Bourghli Laurance M. S. , Mastinu Andrea 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRuta chalepensis L. is a versatile herb used in culinary arts and traditional medicine. The study aimed to determine the chemical composition of an ethanolic extract from R. chalepensis and the total phenolic and flavonoid content. Additionally, the extracts′ antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were tested. The disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were used to test the antibacterial properties on four types of bacteria: Escherichia coli, Proteus penneri, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. A colorimetric assay was used to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content, and the DPPH method was used to assess the antioxidant activity. The phytochemical constituents were determined using LC–MS/MS. The results indicated that R. chalepensis ethanolic extract had 34 compounds, and the predominant compounds were quercetin (9.2 %), myricetin (8.8 %), and camphene (8.0 %). Moreover, the extract had a good level of polyphenols and flavonoids, as demonstrated by inhibiting free radicals (DPPH) (IC50 was 41.2±0.1). Also, the extract exhibited robust antimicrobial activity against P. penneri and S. aureus with an MIC of 12.5 and 25.0 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the results suggest that the R. chalepensis ethanolic extract has good antioxidant and antibacterial properties that could be utilized to develop new antibacterial agents.
Unlocking the Mysteries of Technical Catalyst Deactivation: A View from Space
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Maurer Florian , Lott Patrick , Sheppard Thomas L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractModern analytical techniques enable researchers to study heterogeneous catalytic systems at extended length scales and with local probing methods which were previously impractical. Such spatially–resolved analyses are ideal for exploring the complex dynamics governing catalytic activity, and more specifically, deactivation. Here we highlight significant experimental concepts and milestones in the spatially–resolved analysis of technical catalysts, where it is now possible to study catalyst behavior even up to industrially relevant scale. At such extended length scales and in contrast to many model systems, spatial heterogeneities in solid catalyst bodies may play a crucial role in controlling catalytic properties and may be closely linked to catalyst deactivation. Spatially–resolved studies can therefore provide a unique source of information about such local phenomena. Researchers can gain a deeper insight into the operational life of a catalyst by understanding deactivation patterns, which are one of many factors influencing the dynamics of catalytic reactions. In turn, this information promotes the design of more robust and sustainable catalytic systems. We therefore outline the current state of spatially–resolved characterization, together with its role in deconvoluting the complexity of technical catalysts and their deactivation.
Dynamics and Coordination of a P2N2 Ligand – from Twisted Conformation to Chelation
Authors: Elvers Benedict J. , Fischer Christian , Schulzke Carola 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBased on their general spacial flexibility, their Lewis and Brønsted basicity, and ability to mimic second sphere effects the 1,5‐diaza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctane ligand family and their complexes have regained substantial scientific interest. It was now possible to structurally analyze a recently reported member of this family with p‐tolyl and t‐butyl substituents on P and N, respectively, (P2p‐tolN2tBu). Notably, the ligand crystallizes with a ‘twisted’ backbone. This compound is the very first of its kind to have been unambiguously characterized with regard to its chemical and molecular structure as being in this conformation. A temperature‐dependent NMR study provides insight into the molecular dynamics of two isomers in solution, which are most likely also both twisted, as judged by the observed limited reactivity. Despite the in principle unfavorable conformation of the free ligand, it was successfully chelated to tungsten and molybdenum centers in mononuclear carbonyl complexes. The ligand, a derivative thereof and four new complexes were comprehensively characterized and analyzed in comparison. This includes single crystal XRD molecular structures of P2p‐tolN2tBu and all four complexes. P2p‐tolN2tBu, regardless of its twisted conformation, is able to coordinate to metal centers given that enough energy (heat) for a conformational change is provided.