bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of a piperazine pyrophosphate intumescent flame retardant in thin‐walled glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene materials
Authors: Hu Zhi , Shi Tao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTo overcome the “candlewick effect” caused by glass fibers (GFs), a novel intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system (FR‐1420) composed of piperazine pyrophosphate (PAPP) and melamine polyphosphate (MPP) is used to induce flame retardancy in GF‐reinforced polypropylene (PP/GF). The thermal stability, combustion behavior, char formation, and flame‐retardant mechanism of the IFR‐PP/GF samples are investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 test, cone calorimeter test, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. When the FR‐1420 content is increased to 25 wt%, the 0.8 mm UL‐94 V‐0 grade is achieved and the LOI increases to 39.0%, overcoming the “candlewick effect” caused by GFs in the thin‐walled PP composite. The IFR‐PP/GF composite creates a continuous and compact char layer after combustion. It is concluded that the charring of FR‐1420 greatly weakens the candlewick effect of the GF. Moreover, the carbon layer wrapped on the surface of the GF is beneficial for the formation of a more continuous and compact carbon layer throughout the combustion zone, consequently protecting the PP composites during combustion, and resulting in better flame retardancy of the IFR‐PP/GF composite than the PP/GF composite.
Heliothis virescens chymotrypsin is translationally controlled by AeaTMOF binding ABC putative receptor
Authors: Borovsky Dov , Rougé Pierre 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHeliothis virescens larval chymotrypsin (GenBank accession number AF43709) was cloned, sequenced and its three dimensional (3D) conformation modeled. The enzyme's transcript was first detected 6 days after larval emergence and the transcript level was shown to fall between larval ecdysis periods. Comparisons between the activities of larval gut chymotrypsin and trypsin shows that chymotrypsin activity is only 16% of the total trypsin activity and the pH optimum of the larval chymotrypsin is between pH 9−10, however the enzyme also exhibited a broad activity between pH 4−6. Injections of AeaTMOF and several shorter analogues into 3rd instar larvae followed by Northern blot analyses showed that although the chymotrypsins activities were inhibited by 60%−80% the transcript level of the sequenced chymotrypsin was not reduced and was similar to controls in which the chymotrypsin activity was not inhibited, indicating that AeaTMOF and its analogues exert a translational control. Based on these observations a putative AeaTMOF receptor (ABCC4) homologous to the Ae. aegypti ABC receptor sequence was found in the H. virescens genome. 3D molecular modeling and docking of the AeaTMOF and several of its analogues to the ABCC4 receptor showed that it can bind AeaTMOF and its analogues as was shown before for the Ae. aegypti receptor.
Rational Design of Three‐Dimensional Self‐Supporting Structure for Advanced Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Jin Minghuan , Wu Lianhui , Guo Daying , Wu Chuanhuang , Wang Cong , Chen Xi'an , Wang Shun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLithium metal anode (LMA) is the next generation of high‐performance electrochemical energy storage materials because of its unique advantages (high capacity and low redox potential). However, a discontinuous solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer and lithium dendrites are formed during battery charging, leading to serious safety problems. For this purpose, researchers have devised many solutions, such as artificial SEI, modified current collector, and lithium alloy layer. Among them, the three‐dimensional (3D) current collector with a high surface area can not only reduce the local current density of lithium deposition but also promote lithium‐ion transfer and nucleation, thus inhibiting dendrite growth. In this progress report, we review the design of the LMA 3D‐structured current collector in accordance with the classification. Firstly, we discuss the latest development of advanced metal current collectors. Secondly, the 3D design of carbon‐based current collectors is summarized to improve the overall performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Finally, the main challenges and development prospects of LMBs’ current collectors in the future are discussed.
Stable hydrogel adhesion to polydimethylsiloxane enables cyclic mechanical stimulation of 3D‐bioprinted smooth muscle constructs
Authors: Xuan Zongzhe , Gurevich Leonid , Christiansen Jesper de Claville , Zachar Vladimir , Pennisi Cristian Pablo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDuring normal urination, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the lower urinary tract (LUT) are exposed to mechanical signals that have a critical impact on tissue structure and function. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of the contractile phenotype of SMCs remain poorly understood. This is due, in part, to a lack of studies that have examined the effects of mechanical loading using three‐dimensional (3D) models. In this study, surface modifications of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane were evaluated to investigate the effects of cyclic mechanical stimulation on SMC maturation in 3D constructs. Commercially available cell stretching plates were modified with amino or methacrylate groups to promote adhesion of 3D constructs fabricated by bioprinting. After 6 days of stimulation, the effects of mechanical stimulation on the expression of contractile markers at the mRNA and protein levels were analyzed. Methacrylate‐modified surfaces supported stable adhesion of the 3D constructs to the membrane and facilitated cyclic mechanical stimulation, which significantly increased the expression of contractile markers at the mRNA and protein levels. These effects were found to be mediated by activation of the p38 MAPK pathway, as inhibition of this pathway abolished the effects of stimulation in a dose‐dependent manner. These results provide valuable insights into the role of mechanical signaling in maintaining the contractile phenotype of bladder SMCs, which has important implications for the development of future treatments for LUT diseases.
Enhanced Plasmonic Hot Electron Transfer on Aucore‐Agshell Nanoparticles under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Yonglong , Zhang Zhao , Xie Wei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPlasmonic photocatalysis under visible‐light irradiation has long been regarded as a very promising strategy for inducing chemical transformations. However, the efficient utilization of these hot electrons on monometallic nanoparticles to induce chemical reaction remains a challenging subject. Here, we study plasmonic hot electron activity of Aucore‐Agshell bimetallic nanoparticles towards the four‐electron reduction of 4‐nitrothiophenol to 4,4′‐dimercaptoazobenzene. Our results show that Aucore‐Agshell nanoparticles possess a higher catalytic activity than pure Au and Ag nanoparticles and the photocatalytic transformation is strongly dependent on the thickness of Ag shell. The plasmonic catalytic activity could be explained by a boosting hot‐electron‐hole separation driven by the contact potential at the bimetallic interface. This work provides new opportunities to enhance the efficient utilization of hot electron for plasmonic photocatalysis reaction.
Photodegradation Effect on Electrical and Thermal Performance of Polyaniline‐Montmorillonite Nanocomposites
Authors: Youcef Hattab , Nacera Benharrats 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPolymer‐clay nanocomposites have attracted significant research interest for more than a decade for various applications. The structural, thermal, and electrical stability of a nanocomposite determines its durability and long‐term application under sunlight and UV photodegradation of dyes, lithium nanopolymer batteries, and petroleum pipeline corrosion protection, in addition to the effect of high temperatures, e.g., in the Sahara. In the present work, the intercalation of montmorillonite clay within the polymer structure was done by organophilization using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. The obtained nanocomposite was characterized in terms of its structural, electrical, and thermal properties using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the four‐pin method, and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The effect of photodegradation on polymer nanocomposite properties was assessed under sunlight and UV radiation under laboratory conditions. The obtained results highlighted the good barrier properties of the nanocomposite, attributed to the clay part.
Solid‐Phase Synthesis of PROTACs and SNIPERs on Backbone Amide Linked (BAL) Resin
Authors: Hales Liam Thomas , Thompson Philip Evan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDeveloping straightforward but flexible approaches to PROTAC synthesis that can incorporate the structural elements of emerging designs can improve the quality and efficiency of PROTAC development. Solid‐phase approaches could offer many advantages over conventional PROTAC synthesis if diverse chemistries and topographies can be incorporated. We have exploited the backbone‐amide‐linked (BAL) resin to employ an array of solid‐phase organic reactions, providing access to VHL‐ and IAP‐targeting degraders using the BRD4‐targeting JQ1 conjugates as examples.
Hydrovoltaic energy from water droplets: Device configurations, mechanisms, and applications
Authors: Li Luxian , Wang Xiang , Deng Wei , Yin Jun , Li Xuemei , Guo Wanlin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWater, the source of life, contains immense energy and manifests in diverse forms. Hydrovoltaic technology enables the direct interaction between water and materials to generate electricity, a vital necessity for industry modernization. Due to the ubiquitous presence and easy availability of falling water, hydrovoltaic energy derived from water droplets has attracted considerable attention and shown great potential in raindrop energy harvesting. In this review, a comprehensive summary of the latest advancements in harvesting hydrovoltaic energy from water droplets is presented, with a focus on the configurations and underlying mechanisms of hydrovoltaic devices. Additionally, a brief discussion on the applications of droplet‐based hydrovoltaic devices is presented, along with future prospects for this energy‐harvesting technology.
Skin‐derived TSLP stimulates skin migratory dendritic cells to promote the expansion of regulatory T cells
Authors: Tanaka Yukinori , Yokoyama Yuichi , Kambayashi Taku 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTherapeutic strategies that enhance regulatory T (Treg) cell proliferation or suppressive function hold promise for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. We previously reported that the topical application of the vitamin D3 analog MC903 systemically expands Treg cells by stimulating the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) from the skin. Using mice lacking TSLP receptor expression by dendritic cells (DCs), we hereby show that TSLP receptor signaling in DCs is required for this Treg expansion in vivo. Topical MC903 treatment of ear skin selectively increased the number of migratory DCs in skin‐draining lymph nodes (LNs) and upregulated their expression of co‐stimulatory molecules. Accordingly, DCs isolated from skin‐draining LNs but not mesenteric LNs or spleen of MC903‐treated mice showed an enhanced ability to promote Treg proliferation, which was driven by co‐stimulatory signals through CD80/CD86 and OX40 ligand. Among the DC subsets in the skin‐draining LNs of MC903‐treated mice, migratory XCR1−CD11b+ type 2 and XCR1−CD11b− double negative conventional DCs promoted Treg expansion. Together, these data demonstrate that vitamin D3 stimulation of skin induces TSLP expression, which stimulates skin migratory DCs to expand Treg cells. Thus, topical MC903 treatment could represent a convenient strategy to treat inflammatory disorders by engaging this pathway.
Simulated seismic testing of two pitched roofs constructed using timber trusses extracted from vintage unreinforced masonry buildings
Authors: Derakhshan Hossein , Ingham Jason , Griffith Michael , Thambiratnam David 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTwo roof structures representing vintage unreinforced masonry (URM) building components were subjected to longitudinal pseudo‐static cyclic loading. The overall roof dimensions were 8.94 m (span) by 3.1 m (length), with each roof incorporating a pair of as‐built timber trusses that were retrieved from two demolished URM buildings. Both roofs were tested first with nailed connections representing original construction and then again with connections that included proprietary metal brackets and straps representing a remediation of the original construction. The loading was applied perpendicular to the trusses, hence parallel to the diaphragm purlins. Damage patterns and deformation profiles were used to interpret the mechanics governing the roof behaviour utilizing existing modelling techniques for timber floors. It was found that the roof behaviour was shear‐dominated, akin to the in‐plane response of timber floors. For the direction of applied loading, both roof stiffness and roof strength were governed by the strength of the connections between the trusses and the diaphragm purlin members and the purlin spacing. Consistent with these findings, a method was suggested to estimate the stiffness and strength of similar roof structures that may have different aspect ratios using the results from the tests. A comparison between the various test results showed that implementing upgrades that were focused on the connections significantly improved the roof stiffness and roof strength.
Evaluating the effect of building patterns on urban flooding based on a boosted regression tree: A case study of Beijing, China
Authors: Li Zhen , Wang Zhuowei , Wu Leixiang , Huang Wei , Peng Wenqi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRapid urbanization and global climate change are likely to exacerbate urban flooding intensity, frequency and uncertainty. Thus, it is fundamental and crucial to investigate the dominant influencing factors for the mitigation of urban flooding. However, knowledge about the influence of building patterns on urban flooding remains limited. Taking Beijing, a typical megacity, as a case study area, we quantified the importance of building patterns and their interaction effect at the subwatershed scale using the boosted regression tree and geographical detector model. The results indicated that (1) the landscape shape index, slope, green space ratio and waterbody ratio were the most important influencing factors determining urban flooding, with a total relative contribution of 67.23%; (2) building metrics had a certain impact on urban flooding, and the sum of the relative contribution reached 21.03%; (3) the landscape shape index, slope, and green space ratio exhibited a combination of negative and positive correlations with urban flooding density; and (4) an enhancement effect existed between building metrics, especially the building congestion degree and building density. These findings provide quantitative insights on rational urban morphology planning which could be applied to improve stormwater management and promote urban sustainability in megacities.
Factors affecting the bundled adoption of irrigation and nutrient best management practices for improving water quality and quantity in Florida
Authors: Soh Moonwon , Wade Tara , Grogan Kelly , Yehouenou Lauriane S. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study focuses on clustering irrigation and nutrient best management practices (BMPs) that help to improve water quality and quantity using a multiple indicator multiple causation model. Data from a survey of Florida growers' irrigation and nutrient practices are used to identify bundles that growers adopt using a cluster analysis. Identified bundles are regressed on grower and farm characteristics. Growers with a college degree or more, income greater than $100,000, greater farm experience, larger operations, organic production, and who produce multiple crops are more likely to adopt the specified practice bundles. Our results can help increase participation in BMPs adoption programs.
Heterogeneous responses to corporate marginal tax rates: Evidence from small and large firms
Authors: Eskandari Ruhollah , Zamanian Morteza 
Published: August 2023

SummaryDo small and large firms respond differently to tax cuts? Using new narrative measures of the exogenous variation in corporate marginal tax rates and a unique dataset of US manufacturing firms, we find that the investment of large firms is more sensitive to a marginal tax cut than that of small firms. Furthermore, we show that small firms finance their new investments almost entirely through debt, whereas large firms use both cash and debt. Following a tax cut, the tax advantage of debt financing falls relative to cash financing. This substitution effect is more pronounced for large firms and induces them to rely on cash financing to a larger extent than small firms.
Hemoglobin S target of <50% as compared to 30% in chronic red cell exchange for secondary stroke prevention in sickle cell disease
Authors: Choi Jihee , Markantonis John Emmanuel , De Simone Nicole , Nero Alecia , Kim Jaehyup , Sarode Ravi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) patients with a history of stroke are encouraged to receive chronic red blood cell exchange (RBCx) for stroke prevention. The American Society of Hematology guideline published in 2020 recommends an HbS target of <30%. However, this approach necessitates more frequent RBCx and more RBC units. UT Southwestern has devised a chronic exchange protocol that elevates the HbS target to <50% in patients with a low risk of stroke.Study DesignThis retrospective chart review study reviewed the medical records of patients receiving chronic RBCx with a target of HbS <50% over the past 10‐year period to assess the safety of maintaining higher HbS targets in SCD patients with a low risk of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA).ResultsAmong 49 SCD patients in the chronic RBCx program for secondary stroke prevention, 33 patients were maintained on an HbS target of <50% (average measured: 35.4%) for the duration of RBCx program enrollment (median 93.0 months, 95% CI, 83‐99). Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) clearly attributable to changing target HbS had not been identified among the 33 study subjects. Seven patients experienced conversion between the HbS targets of <50% and <30% HbS target. Significant reductions were observed in the frequency of RBCx and usage of blood volume in four of them.ConclusionThe findings suggest that liberalizing the HbS target could confer clinical flexibility without increasing the risk of CVA in a selective population. Further studies to fully evaluate the potential benefits of this approach are indicated.
Pediatric vitamin D: Pseudo‐hypervitaminosis
Authors: Olayinka Lily , Poventud‐Fuentes Izmarie , Garnett Emily , Devaraj Sridevi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D toxicity is rare in pediatric population. Falsely elevated levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D have been reported as a major challenge with immunoassay methods for quantifying vitamin D metabolites.Case Presentation and MethodHere, we present two pediatric cases of falsely elevated 25‐hydroxyvitamin D that resulted in unnecessary further testing. We also report significant same‐day variation in the measurement of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D using the Abbott i2000SR immunoassay. Samples were spun twice and their values were confirmed with the gold standard liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for confirmation.ConclusionThe addition of a centrifugation step prior to sample testing resolved the variation observed in the measurement of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels. The patient samples were confirmed with instruments from a different vendor and LC–MS/MS. Re‐centrifugation of samples resolved the variation in the 25‐hydroxyvitamin D values.
Pancreatic duct filling during cholecystectomy intraoperative cholangiogram and incidence of postoperative pancreatitis
Authors: Sidiqi M Masood , Guirgis Mina , Sala Michael , Ballal Helen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimLaparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is a commonly performed surgical procedure in most hospitals. Anecdotal evidence suggests that when the pancreatic duct (PD) inadvertently fills during IOC, there may be an increased risk of postoperative pancreatitis (POP). However, there is a paucity of information in the literature about both the incidence of pancreatitis post LC and the incidence of PD filling on IOC and any potential relationship between the two.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all LC performed in our institution over a 10‐year period. IOC images were reviewed and clinical data collated.ResultsOf the 1243 procedures identified, 952 had IOC images available for review and were included in the study. The incidence of POP was 0.7%. The incidence of PD filling was 13.4%. Patient's age, sex, urgency of surgery, preoperative liver function tests (LFTs), history of pancreatitis, contrast leakage, and preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were not statistically related to the incidence of POP. Of those with PD filling, 2% had POP versus 0.5% who had no PD filling. This trended toward significance on univariate analysis (P = 0.05). However, on logistic regression, POP was the only significant independent risk factor (P = 0.02).ConclusionThe incidence of pancreatitis post LC and IOC is low. PD filling is associated with increased incidence of pancreatitis in this scenario and it is crucial for clinicians to be aware of this potential risk. This retrospective study was based on the review of saved images, and therefore PD filling might have been underestimated. Prospective studies would be useful to ascertain any definitive clinical association.
Tumor microenvironment phenotypes and prognostic evaluation tools for osteosarcoma characterized by different prognostic outcomes and immunotherapy responses
Authors: Tu Zubo , Li Wang , Chen Zhigang , Jiang Dong , Zhou Shiran , Lv Shujun , Cui Haidong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe physiological and immunological characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have a profound impact on the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The present study aimed to define the TME subtype of osteosarcoma according to the signatures representing the global TME of the tumor, as well as create a new prognostic assessment tool to monitor the prognosis, TME activity and immunotherapy response of patients with osteosarcoma.MethodsThe enrichment scores of 29 functional gene expression signatures in osteosarcoma samples were calculated by single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). TME classification of osteosarcoma was performed and a prognostic assessment tool was created based on 29 ssGSEA scores to comprehensively correlate them with TME components, immunotherapy efficacy and prognosis of osteosarcoma.ResultsThree TME subtypes were generated that differed in survival, TME activity and immunotherapeutic response. Four differentially expressed genes between TME subtypes were involved in the development of prognostic assessment tools. The established prognosis assessment tool had strong performance in both training and verification cohorts, could be effectively applied to the survival prediction of samples of different ages, genders and transfer states, and could well distinguish the TME status of different samples.ConclusionsThe present study describes three different TME phenotypes in osteosarcoma, provides a risk stratification tool for osteosarcoma prognosis and TME status assessment, and provides additional information for clinical decision‐making of immunotherapy.