bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D‐printed, patient‐specific intracranial aneurysm models: From clinical data to flow experiments with endovascular devices
Authors: Pravdivtseva Mariya S. , Peschke Eva , Lindner Thomas , Wodarg Fritz , Hensler Johannes , Gabbert Dominik , Voges Inga , Berg Philipp , Barker Alex J. , Jansen Olav , Hövener Jan‐Bernd
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Flow models of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) can be used to test new and existing endovascular treatments with flow modulation devices (FMDs). Additionally, 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the ability to measure hemodynamics. This way, the effect of FMDs can be determined noninvasively and compared to patient data. Here, we describe a cost‐effective method for producing flow models to test the efficiency of FMDs with 4D flow MRI.

Methods

The models were based on human radiological data (internal carotid and basilar arteries) and printed in 3D with stereolithography. The models were printed with three different printing layers (25, 50, and 100 µm thickness). To evaluate the models in vitro, 3D rotational angiography, time‐of‐flight MRI, and 4D flow MRI were employed. The flow and geometry of one model were compared with in vivo data. Two FMDs (FMD1 and FMD2) were deployed into two different IA models, and the effect on the flow was estimated by 4D flow MRI.

Results

Models printed with different layer thicknesses exhibited similar flow and little geometric variation. The mean spatial difference between the vessel geometry measured in vivo and in vitro was 0.7 ± 1.1 mm. The main flow features, such as vortices in the IAs, were reproduced. The velocities in the aneurysms were similar in vivo and in vitro (mean velocity magnitude: 5.4 ± 7.6 and 7.7 ± 8.6 cm/s, maximum velocity magnitude: 72.5 and 55.1 cm/s). By deploying FMDs, the mean velocity was reduced in the IAs (from 8.3 ± 10 to 4.3 ± 9.32 cm/s for FMD1 and 9.9 ± 12.1 to 2.1 ± 5.6 cm/s for FMD2).

Conclusions

The presented method allows to produce neurovascular models in approx. 15 to 30 h. The resulting models were found to be geometrically accurate, reproducing the main flow patterns, and suitable for implanting FMDs as well as 4D flow MRI.
Semiempirical, parameterized spectrum estimation for x‐ray computed tomography
Authors: FitzGerald Paul , Araujo Stephen , Wu Mingye , De Man Bruno
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To develop a tool to produce accurate, well‐validated x‐ray spectra for standalone use or for use in an open‐access x‐ray/CT simulation tool. Spectrum models will be developed for tube voltages in the range of 80 kVp through 140 kVp and for anode takeoff angles in the range of 5° to 9°.

Methods

Spectra were initialized based on physics models, then refined using empirical measurements, as follows. A new spectrum‐parameterization method was developed, including 13 spline knots to represent the bremsstrahlung component and 4 values to represent characteristic lines. Initial spectra at 80, 100, 120, and 140 kVp and at takeoff angles from 5° to 9° were produced using physics‐based spectrum estimation tools XSPECT and SpekPy. Empirical experiments were systematically designed with careful selection of attenuator materials and thicknesses, and by reducing measurement contamination from scatter to <1%. Measurements were made on a 64‐row CT scanner using the scanner’s detector and using multiple layers of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), aluminum, titanium, tin, and neodymium. Measurements were made at 80, 100, 120, and 140 kVp and covering the entire 64‐row detector (takeoff angles from 5° to 9°); a total of 6,144 unique measurements were made. After accounting for the detector’s energy response, parameterized representations of the initial spectra were refined for best agreement with measurements using two proposed optimization schemes: based on modulation and based on gradient descent. X‐ray transmission errors were computed for measurements vs calculations using the nonoptimized and optimized spectra. Half‐value, tenth‐value, and hundredth‐value layers for PMMA, Al, and Ti were calculated.

Results

Spectra before and after parameterization were in excellent agreement (e.g., R2 values of 0.995 and 0.997). Empirical measurements produced smoothly varying curves with x‐ray transmission covering a range of up to 3.5 orders of magnitude. Spectra from the two optimization schemes, compared with the unoptimized physic‐based spectra, each improved agreement with measurements by twofold through tenfold, for both postlog transmission data and for fractional value layers.

Conclusion

The resulting well‐validated spectra are appropriate for use in the open‐access x‐ray/CT simulator under development, the x‐ray‐based Cancer Imaging Toolkit (XCIST), or for standalone use. These spectra can be readily interpolated to produce spectra at arbitrary kVps over the range of 80 to 140 kVp and arbitrary takeoff angles over the range of 5° to 9°. Furthermore, interpolated spectra over these ranges can be obtained by applying the standalone Matlab function available at https://github.com/xcist/documentation/blob/master/XCISTspectrum.m.
Losartan prevents bladder fibrosis and protects renal function in rat with neurogenic paralysis bladder
Authors: He Yu L. , Wen Jian G. , Pu Qing S. , Wen Yi B. , Zhai Rong Q. , Chen Yan , Ma Yuan , Liu Er P. , Xing Dong , Ji Feng P. , Yang Xing H. , Wang Qing W. , Wang Yan , Bauer Stuart B.
Published: January 2021

Aims

To investigate the effect of losartan on preventing bladder fibrosis and protecting renal function in rats with neurogenic paralysis bladder (NPB).

Materials and Methods

Rats were assigned to the transecting spinal nerves group (TSNG), transecting spinal nerves + losartan group (LSTG), and control group (CG). On Day 32 postsurgery, bladder capacity (BC), bladder compliance (ΔC), bladder leakage pressure (Pves.leak) of TSNG and LSTG while BC, ΔC, and bladder threshold pressure (Pves.thre) of CG were measured by cystometry in each cohort. Renal function and the expression quantity of Angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang II) in blood were detected, in addition Ang II, Ang II Type 1 receptor (AT1), transformation growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), Collagen Ⅲ, and collagen fibrin in the bladder tissue were detected too.

Results

ΔC in TSNG and LSTG decreased significantly compared to the CG. Pves.leakin TSNG and LSTG were significantly higher than Pves.threin CG. Renal function of both TSNG and LSTG decreased significantly compared with the CG, but renal function in LSTG was better than in TSNG. Ang Ⅱ in blood and bladder tissue in TSNG and LSTG increased significantly compared with CG. AT1 was expressed in the bladder tissue of all rats. The TGFβ1, Collagen Ⅲ, and collagen fibrin expression level increased significantly in TSNG compared with LSTG and CG, while these levels were not significantly different between CG and LSTG.

Conclusion

Losartan might prevent NPB fibrosis by stopping the upregulated signaling of Ang II/AT1/TGFβ1 and consequently may reduce kidney damage from occurring.
A stochastic biomass blending problem in decentralized supply chains
Authors: Ekşioğlu Sandra D. , Gulcan Berkay , Roni Mohammad , Mason Scott
Published: January 2021

Blending biomass materials of different physical or chemical properties provides an opportunity to adjust the quality of the feedstock to meet the specifications of the conversion platform. We propose a model which identifies the right mix of biomass to optimize the performance of the thermochemical conversion process at the minimum cost. This is a chance‐constraint programming (CCP) model which takes into account the stochastic nature of biomass quality. The proposed CCP model ensures that process requirements, which are impacted by physical and chemical properties of biomass, are met most of the time. We consider two problem settings, a centralized and a decentralized supply chain. We propose a mixed‐integer linear program to model the blending problem in the centralized setting and a bilevel program to model the blending problem in the decentralized setting. We use the sample average approximation method to approximate the chance constraints, and propose solution algorithms to solve this approximation. We develop a case study for South Carolina using data provided by the Billion Ton Study. Based on our results, the blends identified consist mainly of pine and softwood residues. The blends identified and the suppliers selected by both models are different. The cost of the centralized supply chain is 2%–6% lower. The implications of these results are twofold. First, these results could lead to improved collaborations in the supply chain. Second, these results provide an estimate of the approximation error from assuming centralized decision making in the supply chain.
Why nonprofits can benefit most from digitization in 2021
Authors: Lawton Angelina
Published: January 2021

Businesses of all sizes, industries and models alike are affected by the proliferation of technology and tools that make organizations more efficient and scalable. As technology allows us to build faster, smarter, more efficient and resilient models that lead to company growth and increased revenues, we can turn these same innovations to supercharge our human capabilities in a process known as “digitization.”
The History of Human Subjects Research and Rationale for Institutional Review Board Oversight
Authors: Spellecy Ryan , Busse Kristin
Published: January 2021

The history of human subjects research and the abuses that led to the creation of the United States’ (US) regulatory schema for research, which includes institutional review boards (IRBs), is long and complex. However, when one understands the history, one can see direct links between those abuses and the regulations, as well as the ethical principles, contained in the Belmont Report. To that end, we provide a brief analysis of the history of human subjects research and its abuses, including a lesser known case (the atrocities committed by Nazi scientists and physicians during World War II) and infamous cases in the US (including the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and Willowbrook). With that history in hand, we will then seek to understand the regulations that govern human subjects research and the IRB by grounding them both in the ethical principles in the Belmont Report.
How the Missionary got hisMana: Charles Elliot Fox and the Power of Name‐Exchange in Solomon Islands
Authors: Scott Michael W.
Published: January 2021

Charles Elliot Fox (1878–1977) was one of the Anglican Melanesian Mission's most emblematic figures, extending its reputation for scholarship and respect for Pacific traditions. Uniquely among the Mission's European figures, however, Fox is also credited with exceptional powers (mana). Based on archival research and ethnographic fieldwork among the Arosi (Makira, Solomon Islands), I argue that Fox's name‐exchanges with Makirans have contributed in unrecognized ways to his reputation formana. In so doing, I show how, in contrast with name‐exchange in Polynesia, Arosi name‐exchange implies the internalization of a gap between ontological categories that renders name‐exchange partners two persons in one body, endowed with access to one another's being and ways. Fox's writings indicate that he understood this aspect of Arosi name‐exchange as a prefiguration of the Christian doctrine of the incarnation. This understanding, in turn, shaped his mission method and motivated his otherwise puzzling claims that he was a Melanesian.
Burke's “sensitive” sublime rooted in brain and body versus Kant's transcendental concept in the German Romantic discourse
Authors: Gambino Renata , Pulvirenti Grazia
Published: January 2021

During the 18th century, debates about what constituted the sublime flourished in Europe, and particularly in Germany. These debates were nourished by two different visions: The Kantian concept supposed that the sublime is supra‐sensible and rooted in reason (Logos) rather than in the object, thus provoking a mental state of tension between nature and art; Edmund Burke's concept, on the other hand, conceived of the sublime as a bodily immersive experience, which we here define as “sensitive” sublime. In summary, Burke's view of the sublime is rooted in the senses and not in the power of reason, unlike Kant's. This was to disrupt the mainstream ideas of that time, unconsciously anticipating some of the recent neuroaesthetic acquisitions regarding the central role played by the sensory apparatus in the experience of beauty and of the sublime.
A review of electrically conductive poly(ether ether ketone) materials
Authors: Mokhtari Mozaffar , Archer Edward , Bloomfield Noel , Harkin‐Jones Eileen , McIlhagger Alistair
Published: January 2021

Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is a high‐performance thermoplastic with a distinctive combination of corrosion resistance, thermo‐oxidative stability and outstanding physical and mechanical properties at high temperatures. A pertinent step forward in the development of this thermoplastic has been the inclusion of electrically conductive fillers to expand its functionality. In this review an overview of the research on electrically conductive PEEK composites is provided. Conductive filler type, fabrication methods, characterization details and different properties are described. Carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets and other organic and inorganic conductive fillers such as expanded graphite and nickel have been incorporated into PEEK by techniques such as extrusion, injection moulding and cold and hot compression moulding and in some cases with pre‐processing steps including mechanochemical modifications in organic solvents. The influences of type, loading and compatibilization of fillers and processing conditions on the mechanical and electrical conductivity properties of the composites are analysed and compared. The incorporated fillers have been able to enhance the electrical conductivity of the PEEK composites to either the semiconducting or conductive regions. PEEK composites containing carbon nanotubes compatibilized by polysulfones and poly(ether imide) achieved electrical conductivity values in the semiconducting region at the lowest electrical percolation threshold of 0.1 wt%. Additionally, the inclusion of 10 wt% expanded graphite and 10 vol% inorganic macroparticles of nickel noticeably improved the electrical conductivity of PEEK into the conductive region. © 2021 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
An item analysis of gender differences on the SRSS‐IE in middle school
Authors: Moulton Sara E. , Young Ellie L.
Published: January 2021

This study examined gender differences in the psychometric properties of the Student Risk Screening Scale for Internalizing and Externalizing behaviors (SRSS‐IE) using item response theory methods among a sample of 2,122 middle school students. The SRSS‐IE is a screening instrument used to identify students who are potentially at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Differential item functioning and differential step functioning methods were used to examine differences in item and response option functioning according to student gender variables. Additionally, test information functions (TIFs) were used to indicate if current recommendations for moderate EBD risk and high EBD risk cut scores differ by gender. Results of this study indicated two items on the SRSS‐IE systematically favored males over females, and one item systematically favored females over males. Additionally, examination of TIFs demonstrated differing degrees of measurement precision at various levels of theta for males and females on both the externalizing and internalizing constructs. Implications of these results are discussed relative to the SRSS‐IE items, cut scores, and scale scoring procedures.
Aromatic nucleophilic substitution (snar) reactions of halo‐substituted dinitrobenzene in liposome reaction media: Effect of reaction medium and role of halogen leaving group
Authors: Dutta Jyoti , Tiwari Shraeddha
Published: January 2021

SNAr reactions constitute an important pathway for the synthesis of many crucial organic derivatives from polyhaloaromatic compounds. The sluggish nature of the reaction in many cases makes it a challenging pathway and limits its potential applications. In the present report, liposomes have been used as model membrane systems to study nucleophilic substitution reactions of halo‐substituted dinitrobenzene with morpholine. The results show an interesting dependence of the reactivity on the size and composition of liposomes. The extent of rate acceleration in liposomes is strongly dependent on the identity of the halogen which undergoes the substitution—for example, chloro‐substituted aromatic compounds show the most sensitivity to the presence of lipsomal reaction media. The observed behavior correlates with the reported reactivity of halobenzenes while revealing interesting details which may be critical in harnessing the reactivity of less reactive substrates. The results explore the viability of employing liposomes as promising alternatives for synthetic protocols.
Printed Dielectrophoretic Electrode‐Based Continuous Flow Microfluidic Systems for Particles 3D‐Trapping
Authors: Challier Lylian , Lemarchand Justin , Deanno Catherine , Jauzein Cecile , Mattana Giorgio , Mériguet Guillaume , Rotenberg Benjamin , Noël Vincent
Published: January 2021

Inkjet‐printing is used to fabricate dielectrophoretic electrodes able to trap polystyrene (PS) microparticles as well as model planktonic cells. The possibility of rapid prototyping offered by inkjet‐printing allows the rational design of microchannels with tailored electric field distributions experienced by the suspended particles, which in turn provides a handle to drive them towards target regions. Specifically, this goal is achieved using two facing substrates constituting the bottom and the top walls of the channel, with a pair of interdigitated electrodes previously patterned by inkjet‐printing on each side. Influence of electrode polarization (magnitude and frequency of the input signal) is investigated both theoretically, by modeling the electric field distribution inside the channel, and experimentally using confocal fluorescence microscopy. The printed device is able to sort circulating PS particles as a function of their size, with diameters ranging from 0.5 to 5 µm, as well as to separate planktonic species according to their composition (Alexandrium minutum versus Prorocentrum micans). This work paves the way for the development of large‐area, microstructured dielectrophoretic electrodes able to separate the constituents of samples at flow rates up to 150 µL mn−1.
Drug‐drug interactions with candidate medications used for COVID‐19 treatment: An overview
Authors: Rezaee Haleh , Pourkarim Fariba , Pourtaghi‐Anvarian Samira , Entezari‐Maleki Taher , Asvadi‐Kermani Touraj , Nouri‐Vaskeh Masoud
Published: January 2021

Drug‐drug interaction (DDI) is a common clinical problem that has occurred as a result of the concomitant use of multiple drugs. DDI may occur in patients under treatment with medications used for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19; i.e., chloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, ribavirin, tocilizumab, and remdesivir) and increase the risk of serious adverse reactions such as QT‐prolongation, retinopathy, increased risk of infection, and hepatotoxicity. This review focuses on summarizing DDIs for candidate medications used for COVID‐19 in order to minimize the adverse reactions.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting vascular endothelial growth factor and the risk of aortic dissection—A pharmacovigilance analysis
Authors: Dörks Michael , Jobski Kathrin , Herget‐Rosenthal Stefan , Hoffmann Falk , Douros Antonios
Published: January 2021

There are concerns by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding a potential link between tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF‐TKIs) and the risk of aortic dissection. Elevation of blood pressure induced by VEGF‐TKIs has been discussed as part of the pathomechanism. To address this important safety issue, we conducted a large pharmacovigilance study assessing the risk of aortic dissection reporting associated with the use of VEGF‐TKIs, thereby exploring the role of blood pressure. We queried the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System from 2004 to 2019 for reports including VEGF‐TKIs and aortic dissection and estimated reporting odds ratios (RORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of aortic dissection associated with the use of VEGF‐TKIs. Secondary analyses stratified by the strength of blood pressure elevation (≥10 mmHg vs. <10 mmHg increased systolic or diastolic bloods pressure) and pre‐existing arterial hypertension. There were 81 reports of aortic dissection related to VEGF‐TKIs during the study period. VEGF‐TKIs were associated with an increased risk of aortic dissection reporting (ROR, 4.31; 95% CI, 3.43 to 5.42). The risk was higher among compounds strongly increasing blood pressure (ROR, 5.33; 95% CI, 3.88 to 7.32) than among compounds moderately increasing blood pressure (ROR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.83 to 4.27). Pre‐existing arterial hypertension did not modify the association. Overall, our study showed an increased risk of aortic dissection reporting associated with the use of VEGF‐TKIs. Blood pressure elevation seems to play a role in the pathophysiology of this adverse effect.
Investigation of clomazone‐tolerance mechanism in a long‐grain cultivar of rice
Authors: Guo Feng , Endo Masaki , Yamaguchi Takuya , Uchino Akira , Sunohara Yukari , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Iwakami Satoshi
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Clomazone is a potent herbicide for controlling weeds that have evolved resistance to other herbicides due to its unique mode of action. Clomazone is used in rice cultivation, but is limited to long‐grain cultivars because other cultivars are highly sensitive to it. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of clomazone tolerance in a long‐grain cultivar.

RESULTS

The long‐grain cultivar Kasalath tolerated approximately five‐fold higher doses of clomazone compared to two short‐grain cultivars, Nipponbare and Koshihikari. While Arabidopsis thaliana transformed with a rice cytochrome P450, CYP81A6, showed resistance to clomazone, the cyp81a6 knockout Kasalath was unchanged in its clomazone sensitivity. The inheritance of clomazone sensitivity in the F1 and F2 of Kasalath and Nipponbare indicated the involvement of multiple loci for clomazone tolerance. Four chromosome segment substitution lines of Nipponbare/Kasalath and Koshihikari/Kasalath exhibited partial tolerance to clomazone. The overlapping DNA region among the four lines is on chromosome 5 within 11.5 Mb.

CONCLUSION

Multiple loci are involved in clomazone tolerance in Kasalath, one of which is located on chromosome 5. This information will help develop short‐grain cultivars tolerant to clomazone. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Socio‐economic groups moving apart: An analysis of recent trends in residential segregation in Australia's main capital cities
Authors: Azpitarte Francisco , Alonso‐Villar Olga , Hugo‐Rojas Felipe
Published: January 2021

We study changes in the spatial distribution and segregation of socio‐economic groups in Australia using a new data set with harmonised census data for 1991 and 2011. We find a general increase in residential segregation by education and occupation groups across the major capital cities in Australia. Importantly, these trends cannot be explained in general by changes in the demographic structure of groups and areas but rather by the rise in the over and underrepresentation of groups across areas. In particular, our analysis reveals clear diverging trends in the spatial configuration of high and low socio‐economic groups as measured by their occupation and education. Whereas high‐skilled groups became more concentrated in the inner parts of cities, the low‐educated and those working in low‐status occupations became increasingly overrepresented in outer areas. This pattern is observed in all five major capital cities, but it is especially marked in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Triple‐Site Dopant–Defect Complexes in Mg–H‐Codoped GaN: First‐Principles Identification
Authors: Huang Menglin , Li He , Chen Shiyou
Published: January 2021

There are dozens of double‐site and triple‐site dopant–defect complexes in Mg–H‐codoped GaN that can compensate the MgGa acceptor and thus limit p‐type conductivity; however, their properties have not been systematically studied. Using first‐principles calculations, herein, it is found that the well‐known double‐site complexes MgGa–VN and MgGa–HN can still act as donors, although they are already donor–acceptor‐compensated complexes. Therefore, they can compensate another MgGa acceptor and form the triple‐site complexes MgGa–MgGa–VN and MgGa–MgGa–HN, which have never been reported. The formation energies of the two triple‐site complexes can be low, especially in Ga‐rich and n‐type GaN, so they have non‐negligible concentration and thus play an important role in limiting the p‐type conductivity. The MgGa–MgGa–VN complex produces a defect level that can not only induce nonradiative electron–hole recombination, but also give rise to a red and broad photoluminescence band at 1.76 eV, providing another explanation for the red band observed in heavily Mg‐doped GaN. These triple‐site dopant–defect complexes should be taken into account in future study of defects in GaN and related semiconductors.
Capacitive Field‐Effect Biosensor Applied for the Detection of Acetoin in Alcoholic Beverages and Fermentation Broths
Authors: Jablonski Melanie , Münstermann Felix , Nork Jasmina , Molinnus Denise , Muschallik Lukas , Bongaerts Johannes , Wagner Torsten , Keusgen Michael , Siegert Petra , Schöning Michael J.
Published: January 2021

An acetoin biosensor based on a capacitive electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor (EIS) structure modified with the enzyme acetoin reductase, also known as butane‐2,3‐diol dehydrogenase (Bacillus clausii DSM 8716T), is applied for acetoin detection in beer, red wine, and fermentation broth samples for the first time. The EIS sensor consists of an Al/p‐Si/SiO2/Ta2O5 layer structure with immobilized acetoin reductase on top of the Ta2O5 transducer layer by means of crosslinking via glutaraldehyde. The unmodified and enzyme‐modified sensors are electrochemically characterized by means of leakage current, capacitance–voltage, and constant capacitance methods, respectively.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised control trials
Authors: Zeleke Eden Dagnachew , Assefa Dawit Getachew , Joseph Michele , Bekele Delayehu , Tesfahunei Hanna Amanuel , Getachew Emnet , Manyazewal Tsegahun
Published: January 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection caused by mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) continues to pose challenges to global health. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for preventing HBV MTCT. PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched through August 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were selected that evaluated the efficacy and safety of TDF for preventing MTCT of HBV compared with the standard of care, placebo or other HBV therapies. The primary outcomes were HBV MTCT rate and maternal HBV DNA level. Secondary outcomes were infant and maternal safety outcomes. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Guidelines, and prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020186275). Of 240 citations, three RCTs that involved 651 participants were included. The pooled result showed that TDF can reduce the risk of HBV MTCT after 6 months postpartum by 80% (risk ratio [RR] 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.06–0.7], n = 584) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). TDF demonstrated HBV DNA suppression at delivery, though there was heterogeneity among individual studies (RR 0.13, 95% CI [0.08–0.20] and (RR 0.36, 95% CI [0.27–0.49]). Maternal and infant safety outcomes were comparable among treated and untreated mothers and infants born to them. The quality of evidence varied from high to very low. There is evidence that TDF effectively interrupted MTCT of HBV and suppressed HBV DNA level. Available studies on safety are very limited and heterogeneous, emphasising the need for additional RCTs with complete safety indicators.
Tobit Kalman filtering for fractional‐order systems with stochastic nonlinearities under Round‐Robin protocol
Authors: Geng Hang , Wang Zidong , Yi Xiaojian , Alsaadi Fuad E. , Cheng Yuhua
Published: January 2021

In this article, the Tobit Kalman filtering problem is investigated for a class of discrete time‐varying fractional‐order systems in the presence of measurement censoring and stochastic nonlinearities under the Round‐Robin protocol (RRP). The fractional‐order dynamic model is described by the Grunwald–Letnikov difference equation, and the statistical means are utilized to characterize the stochastic nonlinearities that include state‐dependent stochastic disturbances as a special case. The RRP is employed to decide the transmission sequence of sensors so as to alleviate undesirable data collisions. Under the RRP scheduling, only one sensor is permitted to transmit its measurement over the network at each time instant. In light of the renowned orthogonality projection principle, a protocol‐based fractional Tobit Kalman filter is devised with the fractional dynamics and stochastic nonlinearities elaborately addressed. In the pursuit of the filter design, a couple of new terms appear which are in relation to the RRP, fractional dynamics and stochastic nonlinearities arise, and these terms are adequately handled recursively or off‐line. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method.
Synthetic Routes to Bioactive Bipyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Dawood Kamal M. , Abbas Ashraf A.
Published: January 2021

The synthetic routes to six differently connected bipyrazole systems 1,1′‐, 1,3′‐ and 1,4′‐, 3,3′‐, 3,4′‐ and 4,4′‐bipyrazoles are thoroughly reported. Two main synthetic platforms are outlined; i) cyclocondensation reactions of tetraketones or pyrazoles having difunctional moieties with hydrazines, or pyrazolyl‐hydrazines with difunctional substrates, ii) 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of nitrilimines with bis‐olefines, or bis‐nitrilimines with activated alkenes and alkynes. Many of the reported bipyrazoles have potent applications; in pharmaceutical and material science areas.
Direct Z‐scheme N‐doped TiO2/MoS2 Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Photodegradation of Methylene Blue under Simulated Sunlight
Authors: Li Song‐jie , Li Yuan‐yuan , Shao Li‐xiang , Wang Cheng‐duo
Published: January 2021

The N‐doped TiO2/MoS2 heterojunction with direct Z‐scheme was prepared by growing MoS2 flowers on the surface of N‐doped TiO2 (N‐TiO2) spheres. The results show that the N‐TiO2 sphere is composed of nanoparticles with the diameter of about 10 nm. The MoS2 flowers with the diameter of 500 nm could grow homogeneously on the surface of N‐TiO2 spheres, and the latter could prevent the accumulation of MoS2 nanopetals. The N‐TiO2/MoS2 heterojunction has a narrow band gap of 2.05 eV and high activity for degrading methylene blue (MB). The degradation rate of MB by N‐TiO2/MoS2 can reach 97.9 % under simulated sunlight, which is much higher than those of TiO2, MoS2 and N‐TiO2. Moreover, the N‐TiO2/MoS2 heterojunction shows a good stability and the degradation rate of MB keeps up to 85.9 % after being subjected to five cycles.
Preparation and Property Studies of Polyaniline Film for Flexible Counter Electrode of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells by Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Jiao Shouzheng , Wen Jinyue , Zhou Yang , Sun Zhicheng , Liu Yuanyuan , Liu Ruping
Published: January 2021

In this work, a polyaniline film was synthesized on the surface of ITO (indium tin oxide)–PET (polyethylene terephtalate) plastic substrate by cyclic voltammetry electrochemical method to prepare a transparent flexible counter electrode. Then, the surface growth mechanism of polyaniline film was analyzed, and the AC impedance and cyclic voltammetry curves were tested. The dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) device was assembled for photocurrent density‐voltage curves (J‐V) test, and the photoelectric performance of the flexible polyaniline counter electrode was further discussed. All of the above tests were compared to electrochemically deposited Pt electrodes. The results show that the polyaniline has a larger specific surface area for the electrode, which is more conductive to the catalytic reduction of the iodide on the electrode. Moreover, its porous structure is more conductive to the diffusion and reaction of
redox couples. Under the influence of dense layer and porous structure of polyaniline film, the cell performance of 25‐sweep‐segment polyaniline counter electrode is the best. Comparing with the conventional Pt electrode, the flexible counter electrode prepared by electrochemical synthesis not only has the same performance, but also reduces the cost by about 40 %, which is of great significance for promoting the application of DSSC.
Advanced High‐Performance Potassium–Chalcogen (S, Se, Te) Batteries
Authors: Huang Xianglong , Sun Jiachen , Wang Liping , Tong Xin , Dou Shi Xue , Wang Zhiming M.
Published: January 2021

Current great progress on potassium‐chalcogen (S, Se, Te) batteries within much potential to become promising energy storage systems opens a new avenue for the rapid development of potassium batteries as a complementary option to lithium ion batteries. The discussion mainly concentrates on recent research advances of potassium–chalcogen (S, Se, Te) batteries and their corresponding cathode materials in this review. Initially, the development of cathode materials for four types of batteries is introduced, including: potassium–sulfur (K–S), potassium–selenium (K–Se), potassium–selenium sulfide (K–SexSy), and potassium–tellurium (K–Te) batteries. Next, critical challenges for chalcogen‐based electrodes in devices operation are summarized. In addition, some pragmatic strategies are proposed as well to relieve the low electronic conductivity, large volumetric expansion, shuttle effect, and potassium dendrite growth. At last, the perspectives on designing advanced cathode materials for potassium–chalcogen batteries are provided with the goal of developing high‐performance potassium storage devices.
Image‐Based Elastography of Heterochromatin and Euchromatin Domains in the Deforming Cell Nucleus
Authors: Ghosh Soham , Cuevas Victor Crespo , Seelbinder Benjamin , Neu Corey P.
Published: January 2021

Chromatin of the eukaryotic cell nucleus comprises microscopically dense heterochromatin and loose euchromatin domains, each with distinct transcriptional ability and roles in cellular mechanotransduction. While recent methods are developed to characterize the mechanics of nucleus, measurement of intranuclear mechanics remains largely unknown. Here, the development of “nuclear elastography,” which combines microscopic imaging and computational modeling to quantify the relative elasticity of the heterochromatin and euchromatin domains, is described. Using contracting murine embryonic cardiomyocytes, nuclear elastography reveals that the heterochromatin is almost four times stiffer than the euchromatin at peak deformation. The relative elasticity between the two domains changes rapidly during the active deformation of the cardiomyocyte in the normal physiological condition but progresses more slowly in cells cultured in a mechanically stiff environment, although the relative stiffness at peak deformation does not change. Further, it is found that the disruption of the Klarsicht, ANC‐1, Syne Homology domain of the Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton complex compromises the intranuclear elasticity distribution resulting in elastically similar heterochromatin and euchromatin. These results provide insight into the elastography dynamics of heterochromatin and euchromatin domains and provide a noninvasive framework to further investigate the mechanobiological function of subcellular and subnuclear domains limited only by the spatiotemporal resolution of the acquired images.
Linearly Polarized Electroluminescence from MoS2 Monolayers Deposited on Metal Nanoparticles: Toward Tunable Room‐Temperature Single‐Photon Sources
Authors: Puchert Robin P. , Hofmann Felix J. , Angerer Hermann S. , Vogelsang Jan , Bange Sebastian , Lupton John M.
Published: January 2021

Break junctions in noble‐metal films can exhibit electroluminescence (EL) through inelastic electron tunneling. The EL spectrum can be tuned by depositing a single‐layer crystal of a transition‐metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) on top. Whereas the emission from the gaps between silver or gold nanoparticles formed in the break junction is spectrally broad, the hybrid metal/TMDC structure shows distinct luminescence from the TMDC material. The EL from individual hotspots is found to be linearly polarized, with a polarization axis apparently oriented randomly. Surprisingly, the degree of polarization is retained in the EL from the TMDC monolayer at room temperature. In analogy to polarized photoluminescence experiments, such polarized EL can be interpreted as a signature of valley‐selective transitions, suggesting that spin‐flip transitions and dephasing for excitons in the K valleys are of limited importance. However, polarized EL may also originate from the metal nanoparticles formed under electromigration which constitute optical antenna structures. Such antennae can apparently change over time since jumps in the polarization are observed in bare silver‐nanoparticle films. Remarkably, photon‐correlation spectroscopy reveals that gold‐nanoparticle films exhibit signatures of deterministic single‐photon emission in the EL, suggesting a route to designing room‐temperature polarized single‐photon sources with tunable photon energy through the choice of TMDC overlayer.
A new burnetiid from the middle Permian of Zambia and a reanalysis of burnetiamorph relationships
Authors: Kammerer Christian F. , Sidor Christian A.
Published: January 2021

A new taxon of burnetiamorph therapsid, Mobaceras zambeziense gen. et sp. nov., is described on the basis of a partial skull recovered from the lower Madumabisa Mudstone Formation (Guadalupian) of Zambia. This taxon can be distinguished from all previously known burnetiamorphs by its unique cranial boss morphology, including a bulbous nasal boss on a ‘stalk’ and highly discretized, exaggerated anterior and posterior supraorbital bosses. Burnetiamorph phylogeny has recently become contentious; here, support for conflicting phylogenetic topologies is evaluated on a character‐by‐character basis and a revised phylogenetic analysis is presented. The clades Burnetiamorpha and Burnetiidae are supported with their traditional composition, including genera (viz. Bullacephalus and Pachydectes) recently assigned to a separate family (Bullacephalidae, here considered synonymous with Burnetiidae). The traditional dichotomy within Burnetiidae into Burnetiinae and Proburnetiinae is upheld, with Mobaceras recovered as a burnetiine, along with Bullacephalus, Burnetia, Niuksenitia, and Pachydectes.
A unique hybodontiform skeleton provides novel insights into Mesozoic chondrichthyan life
Authors: Stumpf Sebastian , López‐Romero Faviel A. , Kindlimann René , Lacombat Frederic , Pohl Burkhard , Kriwet Jürgen
Published: January 2021

Asteracanthuswas one of the most common Mesozoic hybodontiform chondrichthyans, given that remains traditionally referred to this genus have been reported almost worldwide from Middle Triassic to Late Cretaceous strata so far.Asteracanthuswas erected by Louis Agassiz for Late Jurassic fin spines with stellate tubercles. Later, Arthur Smith Woodward synonymizedStrophodus, originally introduced by Agassiz for distinctive crushing teeth of Triassic–Cretaceous age, withAsteracanthusbased on associated teeth and spines from the English Middle Jurassic. This taxonomic scheme has been accepted for more than 130 years until now, although articulated material has never been found. Here, we present a unique hybodontiform skeleton from the German Late Jurassic, displaying a striking combination of characters: tuberculate dorsal fin spines reminiscent ofAsteracanthus, and multicuspid teeth that markedly differ from the crushing teeth previously referred to this genus. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, we compared its fin spines with those that were found in association with Agassiz'sStrophodusteeth, providing evidence thatAsteracanthusandStrophodusin fact represent two valid genera distinct from all other hybodontiforms. Morphological features that distinguish fin spines ofStrophodusfrom those of all other hybodontiforms include a straight anterior border and distally distributed posterior denticles. These observations led us to present an emended diagnosis forAsteracanthus. Dentally,Asteracanthusshows strong resemblance toHybodus, but it otherwise lacks a palatobasal process on the palatoquadrate. Therefore, and in the absence of any reliable phylogenetic framework, we recommend treatingAsteracanthusasincertae familiaeuntil hybodontiform interrelationships are resolved.
Identifikation alter Stahlsorten: Überarbeitung der Werkstoffabschnitte in der Richtlinie 805 der Deutschen Bahn AG
Authors: Kühn Bertram , Hoyer Natalie
Published: January 2021

Der Schwerpunkt im Bausektor hat sich in den letzten Jahren zunehmend auf den Bereich des Bauens im Bestand konzentriert. Während für die Planung und Konstruktion neuer Bauwerke die erforderlichen Eigenschaften von Baustählen den gültigen Lieferbedingungen entnommen werden können, dienen zur Orientierung bei der Bewertung alter Baukonstruktionen vornehmlich vorhandene Bauwerksunterlagen. Für zahlreiche Brückenbauwerke, die um das Jahr 1900 herum errichtet wurden, liegen jedoch z. T. keine oder unvollständige Bestandsunterlagen vor, weswegen die zum Bau verwendete Stahlsorte oftmals unbekannt ist. Erschwerend kommt hinzu, dass im Laufe der Zeit verschiedene Änderungen an Tragwerken vorgenommen wurden, welche z. T. nicht in den Bestandsunterlagen dokumentiert sind. Im Bahnsektor finden sich deshalb in der Modulfamilie 805 neben wichtigen Hinweisen zur „Tragsicherheit bestehender Eisenbahnbrücken“ auch Angaben zur Materialidentifikation. Kürzlich wurde von der DB Netz AG eine grundhafte Überarbeitung der Richtlinie beschlossen. Ein Teil dieser Überarbeitung befasst sich mit dem Fall, dass auch ohne Bestandsunterlagen eine Zuordnung des vorliegenden Materials vorgenommen werden kann. Hierzu wurden die in der Richtlinie gegebenen Materialkennwerte von Altstahl validiert und angepasst sowie ein Vorschlag erarbeitet, unter welchen Bedingungen und Vorgaben wie genau solche Untersuchungen durchgeführt werden sollen. Der vorliegende Aufsatz beschreibt die wesentlichen Neuerungen.
Directed induction of alveolar type I cells derived from pluripotent stem cells via Wnt signaling inhibition
Authors: Kanagaki Shuhei , Ikeo Satoshi , Suezawa Takahiro , Yamamoto Yuki , Seki Masahide , Hirai Toyohiro , Hagiwara Masatoshi , Suzuki Yutaka , Gotoh Shimpei
Published: January 2021

Alveologenesis is a developmental step involving the expansion of the lung surface area which is essential for gas exchange. The gas exchange process is mediated by alveolar type I (AT1) cells, which are known to be differentiated from alveolar type II (AT2) or bipotent cells. Due to the difficulty of isolating and culturing primary AT1 cells, the mechanism underlying their differentiation is not completely understood. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of fibroblast-dependent alveolar organoids (FD-AOs), including human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived epithelial cells and fetal lung fibroblasts, and identified hiPSC-derived AT1 (iAT1) cells. A comparison of the FD-AOs and fibroblast-free alveolar organoids showed that iAT1 cells were mainly present in the FD-AOs. Importantly, the transcriptomes of iAT1 cells were remarkably similar to those of primary AT1 cells. Additionally, XAV-939, a tankyrase inhibitor, increased iAT1 cells in passaged FD-AOs, suggesting that these cells were differentiated from hiPSC-derived AT2 (iAT2) cells through the inhibition of canonical Wnt signaling. Consequently, our scRNA-seq data allowed us to define iAT1 cells and identify FD-AOs as a useful model for investigating the mechanism underlying human AT1 cell differentiation from AT2 cells in vitro.
Influence of different drilling methods on the behavior of post‐installed mechanical fasteners in uncracked and cracked concrete
Authors: Schwenn Michael , Zeman Oliver , Schorn Josef , Bergmeister Konrad
Published: January 2021

Innovative drilling methods gain importance in the field of post‐installed fasteners. For this reason, users, customers and manufacturers demand methods other than the standard drilling procedure of hammer drilling, as they are hollow drilling with included cleaning and diamond drilling without emitting drill dust. One open question regarding these drilling methods is the equivalence of the behavior under the conditions of cracked concrete over the entire lifetime. These conditions are typically tested in the crack movement test, which simulates the real behavior of a fastener in cracked concrete over a designed lifetime of 50 years. In this contribution, the example of a post‐installed mechanical bolt anchor is used to explain how a difference in the behavior is a consequence of different drilling methods in noncracked concrete, in cracked concrete and in cracked concrete in which the crack is cycled. Additionally, it is observed that the behavior in the crack cycling test is significantly influenced by the drilling method.
Life‐cycle cost optimization of wind‐excited tall buildings using surrogate models
Authors: Micheli Laura , Alipour Alice , Laflamme Simon
Published: January 2021

As buildings become taller and slender, they become more sensitive to wind‐induced vibrations. Commonly used solutions to mitigate wind‐induced vibrations are structural system modifications and integration of supplemental damping devices. This paper presents a procedure to optimize the structural system and the damping device configuration with the goal of reducing wind‐induced vibrations. The performance of the building is expressed in terms of life‐cycle cost (LCC), allowing to consider not only the initial costs associated with the integration of wind‐induced vibration mitigation system but also the lifetime savings due to vibration suppression. The proposed procedure employs a set of Kriging surrogate models to analyze a large number of different structural properties/damping device characteristics. The combination that minimizes the LCC is taken as the optimal configuration. The procedure is demonstrated on a wind‐sensitive 39‐story building equipped with passive dampers. Results demonstrated that the accuracy of the Kriging surrogate models depends on the number of input variables considered, with an average root mean square error of 2.5% for the floors without dampers and 5% for the floors equipped with damping devices, respectively. It was also demonstrated that optimal stiffness–damping device configuration and LCC depend on the assumed cost of the structural system modifications.