bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Pregnancy on the Pulmonary Immune Response in a Mouse Model of LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Rieck Rebecca E. , Bivona Joseph J. , Hoyt Laura R. , Ventrone Sebastian , Kokoszynska Marta , Bonney Elizabeth A. , Suratt Benjamin T. 
Published: February 2023

Objective This study evaluated the effect of pregnancy on the pulmonary innate immune response in a mouse model of acute lung injury (ALI) using nebulized lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Study Design Pregnant (day 14) C57BL/6NCRL mice and nonpregnant controls received nebulized LPS for 15 minutes. Twenty-four hours later, mice were euthanized for tissue harvest. Analysis included blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) differential cell counts, whole-lung inflammatory cytokine transcription levels by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and whole-lung vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and BALF albumin by western blot. Mature bone marrow neutrophils from uninjured pregnant and nonpregnant mice were examined for chemotactic response using a Boyden chamber and for cytokine response to LPS by RT-qPCR.
Results In LPS-induced ALI, pregnant mice had higher BALF total cell (p < 0.001) and neutrophil counts (p < 0.001) as well as higher peripheral blood neutrophils (p < 0.01) than nonpregnant mice, but a similar increase (as compared with unexposed mice) in airspace albumin levels. Whole-lung expression of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and keratinocyte chemoattractant (CXCL1) was also similar. In vitro, marrow-derived neutrophils from pregnant and nonpregnant mice had similar chemotaxis to CXCL1 and N-formylmethionine-leucyl-phenylalanine, but neutrophils from pregnant mice expressed lower levels of TNF (p < 0.001) and CXCL1 (p < 0.01) after LPS stimulation. In uninjured mice, VCAM-1 was higher in lungs from pregnant versus nonpregnant mice (p < 0.05).
Conclusion In this model, pregnancy is associated with an augmented lung neutrophil response to ALI without increased capillary leak or whole-lung cytokine levels relative to the nonpregnant state. This may stem from increased peripheral blood neutrophil response and intrinsically increased expression of pulmonary vascular endothelial adhesion molecules. Differences in lung innate cell homeostasis may affect the response to inflammatory stimuli and explain severe lung disease in respiratory infection during pregnancy.
Key Points
Congenital Heart Defects and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A 20-Year Update and New Insights to Aid Clinical Diagnosis
Authors: Diniz Bruna Lixinski , Deconte Desirée , Gadelha Kerolainy Alves , Glaeser Andressa Barreto , Guaraná Bruna Baierle , de Moura Andreza Ávila , Rosa Rafael Fabiano Machado , Zen Paulo Ricardo Gazzola 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCongenital heart defects (CHDs) are one of the most prevalent clinical features described in individuals diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). Therefore, cardiac malformations may be the main finding to refer for syndrome investigation, especially in individuals with a mild phenotype. Nowadays, different cytogenetic methodologies have emerged and are used routinely in research laboratories. Hence, choosing an efficient technology and providing an accurate interpretation of clinical findings is crucial for 22q11.2DS patient's diagnosis.This systematic review provides an update of the last 20 years of research on 22q11.2DS patients with CHD and the investigation process behind each diagnosis. A search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and LILACS using all entry terms to DiGeorge syndrome, CHDs, and cytogenetic analysis. After screening, 60 papers were eligible for review. We present a new insight of ventricular septal defect as a possible pivotal cardiac finding in individuals with 22q11.2DS. Also, we describe molecular technologies and cardiac evaluation as valuable tools in order to guide researchers in future investigations.
Household behavior and vulnerability to acute malnutrition in Kenya
Authors: Bhavnani Ravi , Schlager Nina , Donnay Karsten , Reul Mirko , Schenker Laura , Stauffer Maxime , Patel Tirtha 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAnticipating those most at-risk of being acutely malnourished significantly shapes decisions that pertain to resource allocation and intervention in times of food crises. Yet, the assumption that household behavior in times of crisis is homogeneous—that households share the same capacity to adapt to external shocks—ostensibly prevails. This assumption fails to explain why, in a given geographical context, some households remain more vulnerable to acute malnutrition relative to others, and why a given risk factor may have a differential effect across households? In an effort to explore how variation in household behavior influences vulnerability to malnutrition, we use a unique household dataset that spans 23 Kenyan counties from 2016 to 2020 to seed, calibrate, and validate an evidence-driven computational model. We use the model to conduct a series of counterfactual experiments on the relationship between household adaptive capacity and vulnerability to acute malnutrition. Our findings suggest that households are differently impacted by given risk factors, with the most vulnerable households typically being the least adaptive. These findings further underscore the salience of household adaptive capacity, in particular, that adaption is less effective for economic vis-à-vis climate shocks. By making explicit the link between patterns of household behavior and vulnerability in the short- to medium-term, we underscore the need for famine early warning to better account for variation in household-level behavior.
How to benefit from augmented feedback? The influence of motivational and informational content of augmented feedback and the influence of task complexity
Authors: Bugnon Matteo , Wälchli Michael , Taube Wolfgang 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTAugmented feedback (aF) positively influences motor performance by enhancing motivation and/or by providing information about task execution. It was speculated that aF‐induced performance increments that rely on motivation should also occur when providing incorrect aF, while performance increments that rely on guidance towards “successful executions” (i.e. improved performances) should only occur when aF is correct. We further hypothesised that the informational content of aF is more important in more complex motor tasks. Thus, 32 participants received two forms of aF (correct, incorrect) during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC's; maximise force without time constraints; less complex) and maximal explosive contractions (MEC's; maximise force in the shortest possible way; more complex) of the knee extensors. Peak torque (MVC), peak rate of torque development (MEC) and EMG signals of rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis were recorded. Correct and incorrect aF significantly enhanced MVC performance, indicating that performance improvements resulted mainly from the motivational property of aF. The observed trend towards increased RF muscle activity supports this conclusion. In contrast, while correct aF positively impacted MEC performance, incorrect aF had a negative influence. This indicates that the informational property of aF guided participants towards movement executions resulting in improved (correct aF) or decreased (incorrect aF) performances. The observed simultaneous decrease in muscle activity suggests that participants changed motor strategy, supporting the guiding role of aF. Our results demonstrate that the motivational aspect of aF dominates in maximal tasks with lower complexity (MVC), while the informational aspect is used during more complex maximal tasks (MEC).
Electron impact ionization of atoms and molecules: an improved BBK model
Authors: Attia M , Houamer S , Khatir T , Bechane K , Cappello C Dal 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
We present a new model to study the dynamics of electron impact ionization of atoms and molecules. In this model, the two outgoing electrons are both described by a Coulomb wave with variable charges Z(r) while the incident electron is described by a plane wave. The fully differential cross-section is then calculated in (e,2e) reactions for several atomic and molecular targets taking into account the post-collision interaction. Calculations are carried out for the coplanar asymmetric kinematics, and the results are compared with those from available experiments.
All-optical polarization tuning based on an intensity-dependent nonlinear metasurface
Authors: Hou Yaping , Mao Jianyong , Li Tianlun , Xu Yunfan , Jiang Weitao , Zhang Yanpeng , Zhang Lei 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Active control of light polarization at the nanoscale is essential for integrated photonic devices. Here, an all-optical approach is proposed to tune the polarization state of near-infrared light using a nonlinear metasurface. Based on the large intensity-dependent refractive index change of epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials, a phase difference between two orthogonal electric fields at ENZ wavelength can be continuously tuned in a range larger than 0.61π by varying the incident light power. The polarization state of the reflected light can thus be actively tuned from linear to circular state via an all-optical approach. Notably, abundant polarization states can be obtained by altering the polarization angle of incident light. The proposed all-optical approach is promising for tunable photonic functionalities of practical applications.
Effect of the energy of hydrocarbon ions on diamond-like carbon films deposited on alumina microparticles through repeated pulsed discharge in hollow cathode with methane gas
Authors: An Zhengjie , Zhao Junping , Lian Zhangxiang , Sun Xingyue , Luo Huang Jin , Le Ye , Ai Zhijun , Wu Zhicheng , Zhang Qiaogen 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Diamond-like carbon (DLC)-modified alumina microparticles are expected to be an ideal filler that can greatly improve the thermal conductivity of epoxy-alumina composites with a high fill factor, while the composites can still maintain high dielectric properties. Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) has been mostly used to prepare DLC film on bulk material, and the ion energy in the plasma shows a crucial influence on the properties of the DLC. However, the properties of the DLC on solid microparticles prepared through the PECVD method as well as the effect of the ion energy are still unclear. In this paper, DLC on alumina microparticles has been prepared through a highly efficient method of repeated pulsed hollow cathode discharge in methane gas, and the characteristics of the DLC on the alumina particles have been studied and analyzed. The morphology and bond composition of DLC on particles have been studied through electron microscopy, Raman spectrometer and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The ion energy distribution in the discharge plasma was diagnosed and used to analyze its effect on the hybrid bond content of the DLC through correlation analysis. The correlation of the ion energies and the hybrid bond content of the DLC shows that hydrocarbon ions in the discharge plasma with an energy of 100–200 eV present the most benefit to the formation of the sp3 hybrid bond content of DLC film on alumina microparticles. In addition, hydrogen ions with an energy of 700–1000 eV are also beneficial to improve the sp3 hybrid bond content of the DLC film.
Insights on the variability of Cu filament formation in the SiO2 electrolyte of quantized-conductance conductive bridge random access memory devices
Authors: Maudet Florian , Hammud Adnan , Wollgarten Markus , Deshpande Veeresh , Dubourdieu Catherine 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Conductive bridge random access memory devices such as Cu/SiO2/W are promising candidates for applications in neuromorphic computing due to their fast, low-voltage switching, multiple-conductance states, scalability, low off-current, and full compatibility with advanced Si CMOS technologies. The conductance states, which can be quantized, originate from the formation of a Cu filament in the SiO2 electrolyte due to cation-migration-based electrochemical processes. A major challenge related to the filamentary nature is the strong variability of the voltage required to switch the device to its conducting state. Here, based on a statistical analysis of more than hundred fifty Cu/SiO2/W devices, we point to the key role of the activation energy distribution for copper ion diffusion in the amorphous SiO2. The cycle-to-cycle variability is modeled well when considering the theoretical energy landscape for Cu diffusion paths to grow the filament. Perspectives of this work point to developing strategies to narrow the distribution of activation energies in amorphous SiO2.
Active site identification and CO oxidation in UiO-66-XX thin films
Authors: Eads Calley N , Hu Tianhao , Tian Yi , Kisslinger Kim , Tenney Samuel A , Head Ashley R 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMetal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer an intrinsically porous and chemically tunable platform for gas adsorption, separation, and catalysis. We investigate thin film derivatives of the well-studied Zr–O based MOF powders to understand their adsorption properties and reactivity with their adaption to thin films, involving diverse functionality with the incorporation of different linker groups and the inclusion of embedded metal nanoparticles: UiO-66, UiO-66-NH2, and Pt@UiO-66-NH2. Using transflectance IR spectroscopy, we determine the active sites in each film upon consideration of the acid-base properties of the adsorption sites and guest species, and perform metal-based catalysis with CO oxidation of a Pt@UiO-66-NH2film. Our study shows how surface science characterization techniques can be used to characterize the reactivity and the chemical and electronic structure of MOFs.
Structural and electronic structure evolution of K
x
Fe2−

y
Se2 from semiconducting phase to superconducting phase
Authors: Wang JiaJun , Zhu YongZheng , Li Li , Wang ManFu , Zheng Shuang , Cui Yan , Liu ShiMin , Zhang ZhiHua , He Ming , Song Bo , Zhao Mei 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The structural parameters, magnetic property and electronic structure of K0.875+a
Fe1.5+b
Se2 have been studied by first principles calculations. An increase of K or Fe content leads to the evolution of the magnetic property and electronic structure of K0.875Fe1.5Se2. The introduction of extra K brings a slight rigid shift of the minority states, while the introduction of extra Fe breaks the vacancy order of Fe atoms, forming 1D chains, and causes the Fermi surfaces to display an obvious nesting feature. The K0.875Fe1.5Se2 is proven to be a semiconductor with a 61 meV gap, and the evolution from semiconducting phase to superconducting phase is mainly due to the suppression of a rhombus iron vacancy order and antiferromagnetic order with an increase in Fe content.
Improvement in quantum communication using quantum switch
Authors: Mitra Arindam , Badhani Himanshu , Ghosh Sibasish 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Applications of the quantum switch on quantum channels have recently become a topic of intense discussion. In the present work, we show that some useless (for communication) channels may provide useful communication under the action of quantum switch for several information-theoretic tasks: quantum random access codes, quantum steering, etc. We demonstrate that the quantum switch can also be useful in preventing the loss of coherence in a system when only coherence-breaking channels are the available channels for communication. We also show that if a useless quantum channel does not provide useful communication even after using a quantum switch, concatenating the channel with another suitable quantum channel, and subsequently using the switch, one may achieve useful communication. Finally, we discuss how the introduction of noise in the quantum switch can reduce the advantage that the switch provides.
Synthesis of microcrystalline cellulose from sugarcane bagasse and its incorporation into Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) matrix to test the composites mechanical properties
Authors: Dien Le Vinh , Dat Tran Tan , Khanh Tran Thien , Trinh Huu Vinh 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Plastic pollution and energy consumption are two of the most significant problems facing modern society. While the non-degradability of plastic leaves negative impacts on Earth’s ecosystem, fossil fuel usage as an energy source greatly contributes to air pollution and consequently human health. Scientists are focusing efforts on biodegradable materials and energy-neutral methods to develop a replacement for plastics and fossil fuels. This study was conducted to extract cellulose from bagasse, synthesize microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and apply it to composites formation, and finally examine their mechanical properties. Furthermore, modified starch E1404 was used as a reference reinforcement agent in two distinct ways: solid starch and hydrated starch. Results show that Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) film with 10% microcrystalline cellulose MCC reinforcement has the lowest tensile strength value based on ATSM D882 standard reaching a mean value of 3.92 MPa in stress peak (nearly half the value of pure PVA). Regarding the starch composite, hydrated starch composites show better tensile strength than solid starch composites at higher starch content (PVA/Starch 6:4).
Hybrid effects of carbon nanotubes and steel fiber on dynamic mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete
Authors: Li Shaojie , Yan Jun , Ma Huijuan , Lyu Xuxu , Zhang Yuling , Du Shiguo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This study aims to investigate the hybrid effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and steel fiber (SF) on dynamic mechanical behavior of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) under the high-speed dynamic loading effects. The functionalized CNTs content varied from 0.0% to 0.20%, and SF volume content was added from 0.5% to 2.0%. The UHPC specimens were tested at strain rates ranging from about 60 s-1 to 240 s-1 using the split Hopkinson pressure bar. The dynamic behavior of specimens was evaluated in terms of stress–strain relationships, energy absorption capacity and failure patterns. Test results show that dynamic compressive properties of UHPC are strongly sensitive to strain rates. The individual addition of CNTs obviously improves the dynamic performance of plain UHPC, and there exists an optimal CNTs content of about 0.10% to achieve better improvement effects. The dynamic increase factor (DIF) is almost unrelated to CNTs content but closely correlated to strain rate variations, which can be well described by a modified empirical formula. Furthermore, it is found that the hybrid CNTs and SF display more significant reinforcing effects on dynamic properties of UHPC, as the UHPC specimen with 0.10% CNTs and 2.0% SF exhibits the highest dynamic compressive strength and toughness. Meanwhile, UHPC reinforced by hybrid fibers is less sensitive to high strain rates compared to plain UHPC. From microscopic observations, it is reasonably believed CNTs and SF exert synergistic reinforcing effects on UHPC matrix in view of their respective characteristics, which are more significant in improving the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) structure between SF and the surrounding matrix. This work promotes a fundamental understanding for the reinforcing effects of CNTs on UHPC, and provides an effective strategy to reinforce UHPC from multiscale perspectives.
Rational synthesis of gold-ceria catalysts supported on reduced graphene oxide with remarkable activity for CO oxidation
Authors: Zedan Abdallah F. , Moussa Sherif , El-Shall M. Samy 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Gold (Au)- and ceria (CeO2)-based catalysts are amongst the most active catalysts for the gas phase CO oxidation reaction. Nevertheless, nanosized Au and CeO2 catalysts may encounter heat-induced sintering in thermochemical catalytic reactions. Herein, we report on the rational one-pot synthesis of ceria-reduced graphene oxide (CeO2-RGO) using a facile ethylenediamine (EDA)-assisted solvothermal method. Standalone RGO and free-standing CeO2 were also prepared using the same EDA-assisted method for comparison. We then incorporated Au into the prepared samples by colloidal reduction and evaluated the catalytic activity of the different catalysts for CO oxidation. The RGO-supported CeO2 surpassed the free-standing CeO2, exhibiting a 100% CO conversion at 285 oC compared to 340 oC in the case of CeO2. Interestingly, the RGO-supported Au/CeO2 catalysts outperformed the Au/CeO2 catalysts and achieved a 100% CO conversion at 76 oC compared to 113 oC in the case of Au/CeO2. Additionally, the Au/CeO2-RGO catalyst demonstrated remarkable room-temperature activity with simultaneous 72% CO conversion. This outstanding performance was attributed to the unique dispersion and size characteristics of the RGO-supported CeO2 and Au catalysts in the ternary Au/CeO2-RGO nanocomposite, as revealed by TEM and XPS, among other techniques.
Ballistic impact assessment of Aluminium Alloy 7075 T6, Kevlar and basalt fiber reinforced composite laminate with different nano fillers
Authors: C Rakeshkumar , Jayakumar K.S. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The ballistic response of hybrid laminates made from Kevlar and Basalt fibers, epoxy, and AA 7075-T6 aluminum sheets was studied. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silicon dioxide (SiO2), magnesium hydroxide (Mg (OH)2), and tapioca flour were employed as micro- and nano-fillers in this investigation. The nanofillers were incorporated into the Kevlar and Basalt fibers using polyethylene glycol, which were then arranged between two aluminum sheets with a thickness of 1.8 mm in the sequence KBKBKB up to 20 layers. The ballistic impact strength of STF-treated hybrid laminates saturated with a variety of nanofillers was tested and compared to the strength of hybrid laminates that were not impregnated with nanofillers. Hybrid composite laminates made in the lab were put through their paces with a gas-equipped gun and a high-speed camera to measure how they performed under certain ballistic impact conditions. A high-speed camera was used to record the collision between the target and bullet with a mass of 15 g, which made it easier to figure out the different mechanisms of energy absorption. The projectile penetration provided assistance in the investigation of the effect of the deposition of nano-fillers on the layer of Kevlar and basalt fibers in the hybrid laminate. This evaluation was conducted to determine the impact strength and energy absorption capacity of the material. Analyzing the relationship between sample density and impact strength allows us to compare how well different samples survive ballistic impact. The results demonstrated that the ballistic impact resistance and impact energy absorption of Kevlar and basalt fibers were greatly improved after nano-fillers were deposited onto the surfaces of the fibers. When compared to magnesium hydroxide and silicon carbide powder, aluminum oxide has the maximum energy absorption capacity after being deposited. The addition of tapioca flour has had the smallest impact on the laminates' ability to absorb energy. Based on these results, it appears that polyethylene glycol-coated nano-fillers applied to Kevlar and Basalt fabrics have the potential to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the binder and the fibers in hybrid composite laminates.