bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of mixed micellar interactions of CnBCl and SDBS mixtures using dissociated Margules model and influence of different salts
Authors: Sood Ashwani Kumar , Sethi Omish , Aggarwal Meenu 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe conductivity measurement has been used to determine the first and second CMC's (CMC1 and CMC2) of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (CnBCl; n = 12, 14 and 16) as well as gemini surfactant trimethylene‐1,2‐bis‐(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (12‐2‐12) with sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate (SDBS) in aqueous solutions using Rubingh's the regular theory approximation as well as the dissociated Margules Model. The use of Margules model allows us to calculate activity coefficients of the constituents and hence provides better values of micellar parameters for asymmetric mixed systems as compared to the regular solution theory. The CMC1 values for CnBCl/SDBS mixtures were seen to be lower than those predicted from their ideal mixtures suggesting synergistic interactions although the synergism increases with chain length (n) of the cationic surfactant. Both CMC1 and CMC2 experience a decrease with rising values of n. The addition of salts including NaCl, KCl, NaBr, Na3PO4, and Na2SO4 in mixtures of C16BCl and SDBS suggests that salt counterions have a considerable impact on CMC1 when either surfactant is in excess. Zeta potential (ζ) measurements provide more evidence in favor of these observations. The thermodynamic features of micellization have also been scrutinized using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).
The Relation Between Protein Adsorption and Hemocompatibility of Antifouling Polymer Brushes
Authors: Riedelová Zuzana , de los Santos Pereira Andres , Svoboda Jan , Pop‐Georgievski Ognen , Májek Pavel , Pečánková Klára , Dyčka Filip , Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar , Riedel Tomáš 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWhenever an artificial surface comes into contact with blood, proteins are rapidly adsorbed onto its surface. This phenomenon, termed fouling, is then followed by a series of undesired reactions involving activation of complement or the coagulation cascade and adhesion of leukocytes and platelets leading to thrombus formation. Thus, considerable efforts are directed towards the preparation of fouling‐resistant surfaces with the best possible hemocompatibility. Herein, a comprehensive hemocompatibility study after heparinized blood contact with seven polymer brushes prepared by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization is reported. The resistance to fouling is quantified and thrombus formation and deposition of blood cellular components on the coatings are analyzed. Moreover, identification of the remaining adsorbed proteins is performed via mass spectroscopy to elucidate their influence on the surface hemocompatibility. Compared with an unmodified glass surface, the grafting of polymer brushes minimizes the adhesion of platelets and leukocytes and prevents the thrombus formation. The fouling from undiluted blood plasma is reduced by up to 99%. Most of the identified proteins are connected with the initial events of foreign body reaction towards biomaterial (coagulation cascade proteins, complement component, and inflammatory proteins). In addition, several proteins that are not previously linked with blood‐biomaterial interaction are presented and discussed.
A z‐gradient array coil with a dedicated active‐shielded array coil for MRI
Authors: Takrimi Manouchehr , Atalar Ergin 
Published: August 2022

PurposeAn array‐based z‐gradient coil with a set of programmable power amplifiers can outperform a conventional z‐gradient coil and make it highly customizable with a broader range of tunable features.MethodsA dynamically adjustable imaging volume can be achieved using a pair of independent arrays and a modified optimization procedure based on analytic equations. Two modes of operation are provided: (a) standard mode that resembles a conventional coil; (b) advanced mode, where all performance parameters can be adjusted employing a controllable feeding mechanism. Commercial software is used to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the proposed coil.ResultsPrimary and shield array diameters are 24 and 30 cm, both of which comprise 12 bundles of 10 turns copper wires. Maximum feeding voltage/current is 250 V/100 A for all array elements. Four distinct magnetic profiles are provided: (a) conventional profile with 140 mm diameter spherical region of interest, 120 mT/m gradient, and up to 4500 T/m/s slew rate; (b) profile of 200 mT/m, 70 mm region of interest, and up to 6900 T/m/s slew rate; (c) 60 mm axially shifted 70 mm region of interest with 120 mT/m strength and 3600 T/m/s slew rate; and (d) profile of 370 mT/m, 120 mm region of interest, and 3700 T/m/s slew rate when the active shield is reverse fed.ConclusionBy using an active‐shielded gradient array coil, the magnetic field profile of the imaging volume can be adjusted dynamically, and it can provide new features and a wide range of field profiles for diverse applications in MRI.
Software‐defined content delivery network at the edge for adaptive video streaming
Authors: Kumar Akhilesh , Banerjea Shashwati , Jain Rishabh , Pandey Mayank 
Published: August 2022

SummaryIn DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP), it is required to store multiple encoding for same video segments which increases the storage requirement of CDN (content delivery network) servers. Further, to keep network delay in check, it is not feasible to continuously increase the number of CDN servers in different geographical locations as per the ever‐increasing demand. Peer‐to‐peer (P2P) CDN acts as an elegant alternative to supplement existing CDN servers to harness the benefits of both P2P and CDN technologies. We present the concept of “CDN at the edge,” where end hosts can collaborate for video streaming in pure P2P manner to provide better QoE (Quality of Experience). However, dynamically changing behavior of underlying network, uncertain leaving, joining pattern of clients, and frequent change in source node during video streaming session make the selection of the desired bitrate (at any given time) extremely difficult. In this paper, we have designed and implemented a software‐defined network (SDN)‐based P2P CDN system that supports browser‐based adaptive video streaming. SDN provides global view of the topology and thus assists in providing timely information about leaving or joining peers in the proposed “CDN at the edge.” Further, this SDN‐based P2P CDN is compared with non‐SDN‐based P2P CDN using both virtual switch‐based emulations and physical switch‐based actual implementation. The comparison is performed under different churn rates with respect to QoE parameters such as start‐up delay, bitrate, stall count, and its duration. The experimental results prove the applicability of our approach.
Mechanism study on gliding arc (GA) plasma reforming: A combination approach of experiment and modeling
Authors: Liu Jing‐Lin , Gao Yu , Sun Bing , Zhu Bin , Li Xiao‐Song , Zhu Ai‐Min 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAiming at a deep understanding of the reaction kinetics of gliding arc (GA) plasma reforming, a new approach to combining simulation and experiment is reported. By adding thermodynamic module and conservation equations of mass and energy into the conventional 0D plasma kinetics model, an effective link between experimental diagnostics and reaction kinetics simulation is established for dry reforming of CH4 in GA plasma. The GA plasma parameters are diagnosed experimentally as electron density of 1.4 × 1014 cm−3, electron temperature of 1.5 eV, and arc gas temperature of 2500 K. The kinetics simulation is implemented based on the obtained plasma parameters and verified by the online analysis of gaseous products. Consequently, the reaction mechanism is revealed by the reliable model.
Comparison of 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT and mp‐MRI in regard to local staging for prostate cancer with histopathological results: A retrospective study
Authors: Ucar Taha , Gunduz Nesrin , Demirci Emre , Culpan Meftun , Gunel Humeyra , Kir Gozde , Atis Ramazan Gokhan , Yildirim Asif 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundImaging modalities are used to diagnose and clinical grading of clinically significant prostate cancer. In this study, 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT (PSMA) and multiparametric prostate MRI (mp‐MRI) were compared in regard to locating intraprostatic tumor and locoregional staging.MethodsAfter ethics committee approval, a total of 49 patients with prostate cancer who had mp‐MRI and PSMA before radical prostatectomy were included. Preoperative and postoperative PSA, transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy (TRUS‐Bx) ISUP grade, radical prostatectomy ISUP grade, body mass index (BMI), TRUS prostate volume, mp‐MRI tumor mapping, PSMAtumor mapping, pathologic tumor mapping, extraprostatic extension (EPE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), lymph node invasion (LNI), and bladder neck invasion (BNI)were retrospectively evaluated. Index tumor was located by uroradiologist, nuclear medicine specialist, and uropathologist on a 12‐sector prostate pathology map and compared with each other in terms of accuracy and locoregional clinical staging.ResultsMean age of the patients was 66.18 ± 6.67 years and the mean of preoperative PSA results was 21.11 ± 32.56 ng/ml. Nearly half of the patients' (44.9%) pathology was reported as ISUP grade 4 and 5% and 18.4% of patients were surgical margin positive. According to the pathological findings, 362 out of 588 sectors were tumor‐positive, 174 out of 362 sectors were tumor‐positive in mp‐MRI, and 175 out of 362 sectors were tumor‐positive in PSMA. Both PSMA and mp‐MRI were comparable (p = 0.823) and accurate to detect the location of the intraprostatic index tumor (AUC = 0.66 vs. 0.69 respectively, p = 0.82). The sensitivity and the specificity of the PSMA and mp‐MRI for localizing intraprostatic index tumors were 42.5% versus 49.5% and 90.7% versus 88.6% respectively. mp‐MRI was more accurate than PSMA in terms of EPE (AUC = 0.8 vs. AUC = 0.57 respectively, p = 0.027) and both methods were comparable in terms of SVI (AUC = 0.75 vs. AUC = 0.75, p = 0.886) and BNI (AUC = 0.51 vs. AUC = 0.59, p = 0.597). PSMA and mp‐MRI were comparable in terms of LNI (AUC = 0.76 vs. AUC = 0.64, p = 0.39).Conclusionmp‐MRI should be considered for its high accuracy in the diagnosis of EPE, especially before decision‐making for nerve‐sparing surgery in high‐risk patients. Both imaging modalities were accurate for localizing intraprostatic index tumor. PSMA is accurate for detecting LNI.
Association between duration of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist use and cardiovascular risks: A population‐based competing‐risk analysis
Authors: Chan Jeffrey S. K. , Tang Pias , Hui Jeremy M. Ho , Lee Yan H. A. , Dee Edward C. , Ng Kenrick , Liu Kang , Tse Gary , Ng Chi Fai 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlthough androgen deprivation therapy has known cardiovascular risks, it is unclear if its duration is related to cardiovascular risks. This study thus aimed to investigate the associations between gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist use duration and cardiovascular risks.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included adult patients with prostate cancer receiving GnRH agonists in Hong Kong during 1999–2021. Patients who switched to GnRH antagonists, underwent bilateral orchidectomy, had <6 months of GnRH agonist, prior myocardial infarction (MI), or prior stroke was excluded. All patients were followed up until September 2021 for a composite endpoint of MI and stroke. Multivariable competing‐risk regression using the Fine‐Gray subdistribution model was used, with mortality from any cause as the competing event.ResultsIn total, 4038 patients were analyzed (median age 74.9 years old, interquartile range (IQR) 68.7–80.8 years old). Over a median follow‐up of 4.1 years (IQR 2.1–7.5 years), longer GnRH agonists use was associated with higher risk of the endpoint (sub‐hazard ratio per year 1.04 [1.01–1.06], p = 0.001), with those using GnRH agonists for ≥2 years having an estimated 23% increase in the sub‐hazard of the endpoint (sub‐hazard ratio 1.23 [1.04–1.46], p = 0.017).ConclusionLonger GnRH agonist use may be associated with greater cardiovascular risks.
Andrographolide suppresses breast cancer progression by modulating tumor‐associated macrophage polarization through the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Li Lin , Yang Li‐Li , Yang Song‐Lin , Wang Run‐Qing , Gao Hui , Lin Zhu‐Ying , Zhao Yi‐Yi , Tang Wei‐Wei , Han Rui , Wang Wen‐Ju , Liu Ping , Hou Zong‐Liu , Meng Ming‐Yao , Liao Li‐Wei 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAndrographolide(ADE) has been demonstrated to inhibit tumor growth through direct cytotoxicity on tumor cells. However, its potential activity on tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), composed mainly of M2 macrophages, are the key cells that create an immunosuppressive TME by secretion of cytokines, thus enhancing tumor progression. Re‐polarized subpopulations of macrophages may represent vital new therapeutic alternatives. Our previous studies showed that ADE possessed anti‐metastasis and anoikis‐sensitization effects. Here, we demonstrated that ADE significantly suppressed M2‐like polarization and enhanced M1‐like polarization of macrophages. Moreover, ADE inhibited the migration of M2 and tube formation in HUVECs under M2 stimulation. In vivo studies showed that ADE restrained the growth of MDA‐MB‐231 and HCC1806 human breast tumor xenografts and 4T‐1 mammary gland tumors through TAMs. Wnt5a/β‐catenin pathway and MMPs were particularly associated with ADE's regulatory mechanisms to M2 according to RNA‐seq and bioinformatics analysis. Moreover， western blot also verified the expressions of these proteins were declined with ADE exposure. Among the cytokines released by M2, PDGF‐AA and CCL2 were reduced. Our current findings for the first time elucidated that ADE could modulate macrophage polarization and function through Wnt5a signaling pathway, thereby playing its role in inhibition of triple‐negative breast cancer.
Investigations of structure strength and ventilation performance for agriproduct corrugated cartons under long‐term transportation trip
Authors: Huang Ting‐Chuan , Wang Tan‐Feng , Liao Kuo‐Chi 
Published: August 2022

AbstractLoad‐carrying capability of corrugated cartons packaging fresh agriproducts must be significant enough. Collapse of the carton stacked on the pallet in an environment‐controlled container is commonly observed during the shipping trip. A homogenization approach of the corrugated paperboard is adopted to dramatically reduce the computational time in the present study. A creep model is further implemented into the numerical analysis to describe the stiffness decay of the carton over the relatively long period. A finite element analysis is conducted to investigate the mechanical performance of the carton locating at bottom of the stacked pile. Simulation results show that the carton performs local buckling deformations similar to the experimental observations. The vented carton based on the modified design exhibits rather smaller deformations after the transportation journey. Moreover, the modified design provides better uniformity of ventilation based on the computational fluid dynamics analysis. Current procedure is promising for the selection of liner and fluting that compose the corrugated paperboard and the assessment of the ventilation of cartons in the early design stage.
Development of bullous lung disease with pneumothorax following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Abdullah Hafizah , Wong Yen Shen , Ibrahim Muhammad Amin , Natasya Musa Aisya , Jayaraman Thevaraajan , Mohd Zim Mohd Arif 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCystic lung formation secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection was described during coronavirus disease pandemic, but with relatively low prevalence. A rare yet under‐recognized complication is that these cystic areas may progress to bullae, cavities and pneumothorax. We reported two cases of ruptured bullae with pneumothorax following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Two patients were discharged following SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia, which did not require invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). However, both patients presented again a month later with shortness of breath. Repeated computed tomography (CT) thorax showed development of bullous lung disease and pneumothorax. The first patient underwent surgical intervention whilst the second patient was treated conservatively. Development of bullous lung disease following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is rare but may be associated with serious morbidity. Patients whose general condition permits should be offered surgical intervention whilst conservative management is reserved for non‐surgical candidates.
Metal‐Free, Biomass‐Derived Nano‐Architectured Carbon Quantum Dots as an Efficient Acid‐Base Bifunctional Catalyst for Facile Synthesis of Benzo[g]chromene and Pyrimidine Analogs
Authors: Singh Amanpreet , Singh Gagandeep , Sharma Shilpa , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPerusal of literature reports revealed that variedly functionalized carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been extensively studied as sustainable alternative to conventional nanomaterials in catalysis. In this context, herein, we have designed and developed an efficient, metal free, green and heterogeneous sulfonic acid functionalized carbon quantum dots (CQDs)‐based catalyst derived from biomass for one pot multicomponent reactions. The developed catalyst has been fully characterized using various techniques such as DLS, IR spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements. The synthesized catalyst acts as a bipolar catalyst which can activate all the three components via hydrogen bond donor as well as hydrogen bond acceptor sites in the reaction mixture, to synthesize pyrimidine and 4H‐benzo[g]chromene derivatives in pure aqueous medium. Further, the catalyst exhibits significant reusability up to six cycles without any significant loss in its catalytic activity. Therefore, an economical and sustainable protocol has been developed for facile syntheses of biologically important heterocycles through an efficient and easily recoverable biomass derived catalyst in pure aqueous medium. Apparently, the developed strategy provides good eco‐scale and E‐factor values, which are acceptable according to green chemistry protocols.
Performance of Direct Formate/Sodium Persulfate Microfluidic Fuel Cells with Carbon Paper and Graphite Felt Electrodes
Authors: Liu Chun‐Mei , Gao Yan‐Jun , Liu Lei , Jiang Peng‐Fei , Liu Jing‐Jie 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMicrofluidic fuel cells (MFCs) are potential micro power sources for portable electronics. MFCs utilize the co‐laminar flowing of the solutions in the microchannel and remove the membranes in the traditional fuel cells. Flow‐through electrodes exploit the internal electrode surfaces and improve the MFC performance. Carbon paper (CP) has been widely used as a flow‐through electrode with a limited specific surface area. We have also used graphite felt (GF) with a high specific surface area as the electrode and then compared the performance of the MFCs with the CP and GF as the electrodes, respectively. Firstly, we showed the SEM surface morphologies of the two electrodes with or without the Pd catalysts. Secondly, we compared the electrochemical activities of the two electrodes in the solutions, respectively. The GF electrode always showed higher electrochemical activities than the CP electrode, since the GF electrode owned its larger accessible electrochemical surface area and less electrode resistance than the CP electrode. Thirdly, we compared the performance of the MFCs with the two electrodes. The results showed that the performance of the MFC with the GF electrodes electrodes was optimum, with the peak power density of 175.60 mW cm−2 and limiting current density of 616.53 mA cm−2. Finally, we conducted the discharge performance of the MFCs with the two electrodes. There existed a minor variation in the discharge current densities of the MFCs with the CP cathodes.
Strong and Elastic Membranes via Hydrogen Bonding Directed Self‐Assembly of Atomically Precise Nanoclusters
Authors: Som Anirban , Griffo Alessandra , Chakraborty Indranath , Hähl Hendrik , Mondal Biswajit , Chakraborty Amrita , Jacobs Karin , Laaksonen Päivi , Ikkala Olli , Pradeep Thalappil , Nonappa  
Published: August 2022

Abstract2D nanomaterials have provided an extraordinary palette of mechanical, electrical, optical, and catalytic properties. Ultrathin 2D nanomaterials are classically produced via exfoliation, delamination, deposition, or advanced synthesis methods using a handful of starting materials. Thus, there is a need to explore more generic avenues to expand the feasibility to the next generation 2D materials beyond atomic and molecular‐level covalent networks. In this context, self‐assembly of atomically precise noble nanoclusters can, in principle, suggest modular approaches for new generation 2D materials, provided that the ligand engineering allows symmetry breaking and directional internanoparticle interactions. Here the self‐assembly of silver nanoclusters (NCs) capped with p‐mercaptobenzoic acid ligands (Na4Ag44‐pMBA30) into large‐area freestanding membranes by trapping the NCs in a transient solvent layer at air–solvent interfaces is demonstrated. The patchy distribution of ligand bundles facilitates symmetry breaking and preferential intralayer hydrogen bondings resulting in strong and elastic membranes. The membranes with Young's modulus of 14.5 ± 0.2 GPa can readily be transferred to different substrates. The assemblies allow detection of Raman active antibiotic molecules with high reproducibility without any need for substrate pretreatment.
Distributing epistemic functions and tasks—A framework for augmenting human analytic power with machine learning in science education research
Authors: Kubsch Marcus , Krist Christina , Rosenberg Joshua M. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMachine learning (ML) has become commonplace in educational research and science education research, especially to support assessment efforts. Such applications of machine learning have shown their promise in replicating and scaling human‐driven codes of students' work. Despite this promise, we and other scholars argue that machine learning has not yet achieved its transformational potential. We argue that this is because our field is currently lacking frameworks for supporting creative, principled, and critical endeavors to use machine learning in science education research. To offer considerations for science education researchers' use of ML, we present a framework, Distributing Epistemic Functions and Tasks (DEFT), that highlights the functions and tasks that pertain to generating knowledge that can be carried out by either trained researchers or machine learning algorithms. Such considerations are critical decisions that should occur alongside those about, for instance, the type of data or algorithm used. We apply this framework to two cases, one that exemplifies the cutting‐edge use of machine learning in science education research and another that offers a wholly different means of using machine learning and human‐driven inquiry together. We conclude with strategies for researchers to adopt machine learning and call for the field to rethink how we prepare science education researchers in an era of great advances in computational power and access to machine learning methods.