bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and coating properties of sulfonated calixarene‐based waterborne polyurethane hydrotalcite nanocomposite
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhou Yongxiang , Ma Jianzhong , Wang Hao , Li Wenbo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn this article, sulfonated calixarene was used to modify Mg‐Al hydrotalcite (Mg‐Al‐LDH) prepared by coprecipitation method to improve the interfacial compatibility between nano‐hydrotalcite and waterborne polyurethane (WPU) matrix. Waterborne polyurethane hydrotalcite nanocomposite emulsion (STCR‐LDH/WPU) was prepared by adding modified hydrotalcite into WPU. The tensile strength, surface static contact angle, water permeability rate, and water absorption of the film were measured. FTIR and X‐ray diffraction were used to determine the film‐forming properties. The results showed that the tensile strength increased to 57 MPa, the elongation at break reached 292%, and its water vapor permeability and UV resistance were significantly improved by introducing sulfonated calixarene to modify the hydrotalcite nanosheet structure based on WPU. The compound emulsion gives the coated leather excellent physical and mechanical properties, and the laminated leather has stronger coating abrasion resistance.
Comparison of circulating maternal placenta growth factor levels and sonographic evaluation of patients with abnormal first trimester screening analytes
Authors: Ashwal Eran , Keunen Johannes , Ravichandran Anjana , Ellul Katie , Agrawal Swati , Hobson Sebastian R. , Windrim Rory C. , Kingdom John C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the role of mid‐trimester placental growth factor (PlGF) in patients with abnormal circulating levels of first‐trimester biomarkers.MethodsRetrospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies complicated by abnormal first‐trimester biomarkers (2017–2020). Pregnancies complicated with chromosomal/structural anomalies were excluded. All patients had ultrasound imaging including uterine artery Doppler combined with measurement of maternal circulating PlGF. Sonographic findings, maternal and perinatal outcomes, and placental histopathology were compared between pregnancies with normal and low (<10th percentile for gestational age) PlGF levels. The diagnostic accuracy of PlGF for the prediction of specific placental‐mediated complications was compared with the uterine artery Doppler assessment and additional sonographic findings.ResultsSeventy‐one pregnancies were assessed, of which 35 (49.3%) had low PlGF levels. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics, nulliparity, and aspirin consumption were comparable. In comparison with patients with normal PlGF levels, individuals with low PlGF levels had a higher rate of fetal growth restriction (EFW <3rd centile; 42.9% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.001), preterm‐preeclampsia (22.9% vs. 0%, p = 0.002), preterm delivery <34 weeks (54.3% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.001) and maternal vascular malperfusion placental pathology (72.7% vs. 21.7%, p < 0.001) following delivery. Adjusting for uterine artery Doppler and fetal biometry status, mid‐trimester low PlGF remained significantly associated with these placental‐mediated complications. The predictive capacity of PlGF outperformed ultrasound imaging with only minimal diagnostic improvement when ultrasound information was combined with PlGF status.ConclusionIn pregnancies with unexplained abnormal first‐trimester biomarkers, mid‐trimester PlGF outperformed a comprehensive ultrasound assessment in the identification of a subset of patients destined to develop placental dysfunction. This blood test may be an alternative initial approach in this context, especially where access to specialist care is more geographically challenging.
Screen‐positive rate in cell‐free DNA screening for microdeletion 22q11.2
Authors: Lüthgens Kai , Sinzel Monika , Kolar Miriam , Kagan Karl Oliver 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the impact of the fetal fraction (FF) on the screen‐positive rate in screening for microdeletion 22q11.2.MethodsThis study is based on samples that were analyzed using the Harmony® Prenatal Test (Roche Inc). The study cohort comprised samples from women with singleton pregnancies who were at least 16 years old and at least at 11 weeks' gestation. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant covariates that carry an impact on the screen‐positive rate.ResultsThe study population consisted of 52,019 pregnancies, including 309 pregnancies with a high‐risk result for microdeletion 22q11.2. Thus, the overall screen‐positive rate was 0.59%. In the low‐risk group, the FF was 10.1%, and in the high‐risk group, it was 7.3%. Regression analysis indicated a strong correlation between the FF and the screen‐positive rate. In the cases with an FF of <11.0%, the screen‐positive rate was 0.92%, while it was 0.13% in the group with a higher FF.ConclusionThe screen‐positive rate depends on the FF. In order to keep the rate low, we recommend restricting the analysis to samples with a FF of 11% and more.
Experimental and theoretical EBIC analysis for grain boundary and CdS/Cu (In, Ga)Se2 heterointerface in Cu (In, Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Fukuda Ryotaro , Nishimura Takahito , Yamada Akira 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe behavior of carriers for an electron‐beam‐induced current (EBIC) evaluation is experimentally and theoretically analyzed for the polycrystalline Cu (In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin‐film solar cells. The experimental EBIC signal in‐depth profiles of the CIGS layers show four features: peaks at grain boundaries (GBs), narrowed peaks near the surface, shifted peaks near the surface, and double peaks at the GBs and surface. Operating principles for CIGS solar cell devices under electron–hole pair excitation are systematically revealed utilizing a two‐dimensional theoretical EBIC simulation: (i) The EBIC peaks at the GBs are caused by a high hole barrier, including a valence band offset (ΔEV) and a band bending at the GBs; (ii) narrowing of EBIC peaks near the surface is caused by high defect densities at the GBs, grading of a conduction band minimum, and grading of acceptor concentration (Na) along with the CIGS depth direction; (iii) a shift in EBIC peaks near the surface is caused by high donor‐like defect densities at the surface; (iv) double peaks at the GBs and surface are caused by a thick surface layer (SL) with the ΔEV and the hole barrier at GBs. These findings of the EBIC analysis will help to comprehensively understand the complex polycrystalline CIGS carrier transport mechanism in realizing the highest‐efficiency CIGS solar cells.
Total lignans from Vitex negundo seeds attenuate osteoarthritis and their main component vitedoin A alleviates osteoclast differentiation by suppressing ERK/NFATc1 signaling
Authors: Ban Yanfei , Wang Yang , Qiao Liming , Zhang Chengzhong , Wang Hongrui , He Xuhui , Jia Dan , Zheng Chengjian 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe seeds of Vitex negundo have been used for inflammation‐related disease treatment in traditional medicine. This study focused on the anti‐osteoarthritis (OA) effects of the total lignans of V. negundo seeds (TOV) in monosodium iodoacetate‐induced osteoarthritis rats and its pharmacokinetic properties, as well as the effects and potential mechanism of its main components VN1 (6‐hydroxy‐4‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐phenyl)‐3‐hydro‐xymethyl‐7‐methoxy‐3,4‐dihydro‐2‐naphthaldehydeb) and VN2 (vitedoin A) on receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). TOV significantly attenuated osteoarthritis, leading to an increase in pain thresholds, improvement of knee articular cartilages and chondrocytes loss, and decreased total joint scores and serum levels of TNF‐α, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in osteoarthritis rats. The half‐time (T1/2) was 2.82 h and 1.33 h, and the bioavailability was 15.34%–21.89% and 16.29%–22.11%, for VN1 and VN2, respectively. VN2, rather than VN1, remarkably inhibited tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, reduced the number of TRAP‐positive multinuclear cells, diminished the formation of actin ring, and decreased mRNA levels of cathepsin K (CTSK), TRAP, nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 (NFATc1), and osteoclast‐associated receptor, as well as downregulated protein levels of p‐ERK (phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase), TRAP, CTSK and NFATc1 in BMMs. These findings suggest TOV has promising therapeutic potential for OA treatment and VN2, in particular, attenuates osteoclast differentiation by suppressing ERK/NFATc1 signaling and actin ring, mainly accounting for the anti‐OA efficacy of TOV.
Insights on Mpox virus infection immunopathogenesis
Authors: Saghazadeh Amene , Rezaei Nima 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAn immunocompromised status has been associated with more odds of being infected with Mpox virus (MPXV) and progressing to severe disease. This aligns with the importance of immune competence for MPXV control and clearance. We and others have previously reviewed parallels between MPXV and other viruses belonging to the Poxviridae in affecting the immune system. This article reviews studies providing direct evidence of the MPXV‐immune interactions. The wide‐ranging effects of MPXV on the immune system, from stimulation to modulation to memory, are broadly categorised, followed by a detailing of these effects on the immune cells and molecules, including natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, cytokines, interferons, chemokines, and complement.
Iterative learning identification: Dynamic parametrization modeling and comparison
Authors: Sun Mingxuan , Zhong Guomin , Wang Liming 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis article elaborates the iterative learning mechanism for time‐varying system identification, and describes the learning algorithms that could achieve the consistent estimation for time‐varying parameters under persistent repetitive‐excitation conditions. A dynamic parametrization approach, in this article, is presented for modeling and analysis a general class of nonlinear systems. The derivations are conducted to give linear‐in‐the‐parameters models with time‐varying coefficients. The resultant models can be in a unified form, with the aid of the variable difference representation, and the iterative learning least squares algorithm and its variant are applicable for the purpose of parameter estimation. Moreover, a learning control scheme is adopted for demonstrating effectiveness of the dynamically‐parametrized modes, which are simulated and fully compared with the presented numerical results.
Hollow‐Particles Quasi‐Solid‐State Electrolytes with Biomimetic Ion Channels for High‐Performance Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Zixin , Chen Weizhe , Zhang Fengling , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie , Li Li 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSolid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are the core material of solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SLMBs), which are being researched urgently owing to their high energy and safety. Both high ionic conductivity and excellent cycling stability remain the primary goal of solid‐state electrolytes. Herein, inspired by K+/Na+ ion channels in cell membrane of eukaryotes, a novel hollow UiO‐66 with biomimetic ion channels based on quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes (QSSEs) is designed. The hollow UiO‐66 spheres containing biomimetic ion channels can spontaneously combine anions and incorporate more lithium ions, creating improved ionic conductivity (1.15 × 10−3 S cm−1) and lithium‐ion transference number (0.70) at room temperature. The long‐term cycling of symmetric batteries and COMSOL simulations demonstrate that this biomimetic strategy enables uniform ion flux to suppress Li dendrites. Furthermore, the Li metal full cells paired with LiFePO4 cathode exhibit excellent cycling stability and rate performance. Consequently, the strategy of designing biomimetic QSSEs opens up a new path for developing high‐performance electrolytes for SLMBs.
Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly: An Emerging Tool for Generating Polymer‐Based Biohybrid Nanostructures
Authors: Qiu Liang , Han Xinyue , Xing Chengfen , Glebe Ulrich 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe combination of biomolecules and synthetic polymers provides an easy access to utilize advantages from both the synthetic world and nature. This is not only important for the development of novel innovative materials, but also promotes the application of biomolecules in various fields including medicine, catalysis, and water treatment, etc. Due to the rapid progress in synthesis strategies for polymer nanomaterials and deepened understanding of biomolecules’ structures and functions, the construction of advanced polymer‐based biohybrid nanostructures (PBBNs) becomes prospective and attainable. Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA), as an efficient and versatile technique in obtaining polymeric nano‐objects at high concentrations, has demonstrated to be an attractive alternative to existing self‐assembly procedures. Those advantages induce the focus on the fabrication of PBBNs via the PISA technique. In this review, current preparation strategies are illustrated based on the PISA technique for achieving various PBBNs, including grafting‐from and grafting‐through methods, as well as encapsulation of biomolecules during and subsequent to the PISA process. Finally, advantages and drawbacks are discussed in the fabrication of PBBNs via the PISA technique and obstacles are identified that need to be overcome to enable commercial application.
Effect of steel fibers on the performance of an economical ultra‐high strength concrete
Authors: Nguyen Tan‐Trac , Thai Huu‐Tai , Ngo Tuan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis study examines the use of steel fibers in enhancing the ductility of an economical ultra‐high strength concrete (UHSC). The addition of fibrous material with very small geometry in this mixture is an effective solution to improve its ductility and prevent its brittle failure which is a common characteristic of UHSC. Different mechanical properties of reinforced and unreinforced concrete (e.g., slump flow, compressive, splitting tensile strength tests, and failure modes) were taken into account to find out the efficiency of micro steel fibers. The test results showed that concrete containing 25 mm length and 0.20 mm diameter steel fibers at a volume fraction of 0.5% not only presented a reasonable improvement in ductility performance but also ensured cost‐effectiveness. The cost evaluation conducted on several existing mix designs is also introduced in this study to investigate the influence of various steel fiber contents on the total cost of concrete so that figure out the lowest budget solution. The evaluation shows the high price of fiber reinforcement in which an addition of steel fibers by 5% volume could increase 7% of the total concrete cost.
Material reduced tunnel lining segments for moderately swelling soils
Authors: Petraroia Diego N. , Medeghini Filippo , Plückelmann Sven , Mark Peter , Breitenbücher Rolf 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTunnels in unfavorable ground conditions are exposed to high internal stresses due to localized loading at the outer face. Addition of extra layers of compressible material as a countermeasure needs more material and greater excavation volumes which is in conflict to the global goals of CO2 reduction. Thus, two alternative types of segments with higher bearing capacities are proposed that allow for lining thickness reduction. They are derived from multi‐load topology optimization considering relevant load cases during construction and in service. The first design incorporates centered recesses that maximize segmental stiffness. The second shifts the recesses to the outer face increasing their potential to absorb deformation. Two prototypes of each type are fabricated from high performance steel fiber reinforced concrete. Experiments show that a concrete reduction of up to 55.2% is achieved with respect to a conventional design. The volume savings give space for layers of radially compressible material.
Spinophilin‐dependent regulation of GluN2B‐containing NMDAR‐dependent calcium influx, GluN2B surface expression, and cleaved caspase expression
Authors: Salek Asma B. , Claeboe Emily T. , Bansal Ruchi , Berbari Nicolas F. , Baucum Anthony J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are calcium‐permeable ion channels that are ubiquitously expressed within the glutamatergic postsynaptic density. Phosphorylation of NMDAR subunits defines receptor conductance and surface localization, two alterations that can modulate overall channel activity. Modulation of NMDAR phosphorylation by kinases and phosphatases regulates the amount of calcium entering the cell and subsequent activation of calcium‐dependent processes. The dendritic spine enriched protein, spinophilin, is the major synaptic protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) targeting protein. Depending on the substrate, spinophilin can act as either a PP1 targeting protein, to permit substrate dephosphorylation, or a PP1 inhibitory protein, to enhance substrate phosphorylation. Spinophilin limits NMDAR function in a PP1‐dependent manner. Specifically, we have previously shown that spinophilin sequesters PP1 away from the GluN2B subunit of the NMDAR, which results in increased phosphorylation of Ser‐1284 on GluN2B. However, how spinophilin modifies NMDAR function is unclear. Herein, we utilize a Neuro2A cell line to detail that Ser‐1284 phosphorylation increases calcium influx via GluN2B‐containing NMDARs. Moreover, overexpression of spinophilin decreases GluN2B‐containing NMDAR activity by decreasing its surface expression, an effect that is independent of Ser‐1284 phosphorylation. In hippocampal neurons isolated from spinophilin knockout animals, there is an increase in cleaved caspase‐3 levels, a marker of calcium‐associated apoptosis, compared with wildtype mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate that spinophilin regulates GluN2B containing NMDAR phosphorylation, channel function, and trafficking and that loss of spinophilin enhances neuronal cleaved caspase‐3 expression.
Transient Biomacromolecular Nanoparticles for Labels with Self‐Erasable and Rewritable Ability
Authors: Li Jiahui , Wang Liang , Pan Chunyu , Yang Bai , Li Yunfeng 
Published: February 2023

AbstractNature utilizes non‐equilibrium self‐assembly to achieve remarkable functions. Although such systems have been synthesized, this class of assembly is only sparsely explored in innovative materials with life‐like functions. Here, we report transient nanoparticles driven by adenosine triphosphate and their applications on the self‐erasable and rewritable security labels. We show that the lifetime of transient nanoparticles can be tuned from a few minutes to hundreds of minutes through adjusting concentrations of the components. By integrating the transient nanoparticles into hydrogels, we achieve self‐erasable and rewritable labels with time‐ and space‐encoded information encryption. Notably, a smart Morse code is implemented by programming the hydrogel labels in a spatiotemporal manner. This work provides an emerging material involving transient nanoparticles for information encryption, further accelerating the explorations of the new type information encryption materials.
Identification with cartoon characters across cultures suggests better fit for appointments at subsidiaries
Authors: Behrens Alfredo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCaucasian Anglophones tend to side with the Coyote while Latin Americans, Indians, and Iberians with the Roadrunner. The Roadrunner types claim to dislike being led by Coyote types, and that is probably what they get at subsidiaries, because the heads of subsidiaries are likely to be appointed by Anglophone Coyote‐type bosses. Among the Seligman virtues, Justice and Courage show the greatest cleavage between the choices between characters. Respondents who side with the Roadrunner appreciate more what they see as fairness and leadership in the Roadrunner, while those who side with the Coyote appreciate more its bravery and integrity. Because MBA alumni respondents tend to have relatively homogenous training and goals, their expressed allegiances to either the Coyote or the Roadrunner characters of the Warner Bros. cartoon are likely to express culturally nuanced projections on the characters. Respondents also explained what managerial roles they see fitting for each character.
Can synoptic drivers explain rotor‐area wind conditions and predict energy output?
Authors: Coburn Jacob , Klink Katherine 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSynoptic‐scale weather patterns are an important driver of wind speed at turbine hub height, but wind energy generation is also affected by the wind profile across the rotor. In this research, we use a 6‐year record of hourly profile measurements at the Eolos Wind Research Station in Minnesota, USA, to investigate whether synoptic weather patterns can provide information about rotor‐area characteristics in addition to hub‐height wind speed. We use sea level pressure data from the MERRA‐2 reanalysis to classify synoptic patterns at the Eolos site into 15 synoptic types and use the Eolos wind profile data to create mean hourly and mean monthly values of wind speed and turbulence intensity at hub height (80 m), and wind speed shear, wind direction shear, and the potential temperature gradient across the rotor (30–129 m), for each synoptic type. Using a simple linear regression model, we find that, at monthly time scales, wind speed, turbulence intensity, and wind speed shear across the rotor are the most important variables for predicting monthly wind energy output from the Eolos turbine. Regression models using the original Eolos data and the derived synoptic types capture about 64% and 55% of the variance in monthly energy output, respectively. When fewer than the full 6 years of observations are used to fit the regression model, however, predictions using the synoptic types slightly outperform predictions using the Eolos observations. These results suggest that seasonal energy projections may be enhanced by incorporating wind profile measurements with synoptic‐scale drivers.
Evaluation of analysis volume in total reflection X‐ray fluorescence analysis
Authors: Tsuji Kouichi , Taniguchi Naoya , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Matsuyama Tsugufumi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTotal reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) is widely used for trace elemental analysis, wherein a thin monochromatic X‐ray beam is typically applied at glancing angles. The actual volume of the sample measured by the instrument (analysis volume) depends on the dimensions of the X‐ray beam and glancing angle, and it is a key feature in sample preparation for TXRF analysis. Herein, the analysis volume, including the analysis region and analysis height, was experimentally evaluated. A thin Au layer approximately 5 nm thick and 1 mm in diameter was prepared at a specific position on a flat glass substrate using a vacuum evaporation device. The position of this Au layer was controlled by manipulating a mask plate with a small hole. Nine samples were prepared at different Au layer positions and analyzed at 8 azimuth angles using a tabletop TXRF instrument. Finally, the Au XRF intensity distribution was visualized on a glass substrate. It was found that the XRF emitted over a diameter of approximately 5 mm was effectively detected using the tabletop TXRF instrument. The analysis height was experimentally evaluated using a thin Au layer deposited on a polyimide film 5 mm in diameter and 5 nm thick. The Au layer height was adjusted by inserting polyimide thin films between the Au layer and the glass substrate. The Au XRF intensity drastically decreased with increasing Au layer height, suggesting that the XRF emitted from the sample is effectively detected at heights of <10 μm by using the described setup.