bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic–inorganic hybrid polytriazoles; synthesis and shape memory properties
Authors: Ragin Ramdas Meppadiyath , Santhosh Kumar Kalamblayil Sankaranarayanan
Published: February 2021

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are “intelligent” visco‐elastic materials, which exhibit recovery of original shape upon exposure to external stimuli like temperature, light, and solvents. In this work, organic–inorganic hybrid polytriazoles (OIPs) were synthesized via copper‐ catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. Toward this, triglycidyl isobutyl POSS azide (Az‐POSS, inorganic core), trisphenyl azide (TA, organic core), and propargylated phloroglucinol (PPG) were click cross‐linked at respective cross‐linking temperature. For pure inorganic core‐based polytriazole, no shape memory property was observed. However, film derived from 100% organic core exhibits good shape memory properties with a Tg of 35°C. For OIPs, the Tg was reduced and turned into hydrophobic with increase in Az‐POSS content. The shape retention and recovery of these hybrid polymers are >95% and they are thermally stable up to 300°C.
Contact stress prediction model of double‐layer elastomer with functionally graded and composite structure
Authors: Jin Mingsheng , Zhu Dongjie , Wang Liming , Ye Senbin , Li Zhixin , Dong Xiaoxing , Wen Donghui
Published: February 2021

As hard and brittle materials are widely used in the modern industry, it is essential to effectively achieve uniform material removal. In the present study, a contact stress prediction model for double‐layer elastomer under uniform displacement load was proposed. It aims to predict the contact stress distribution based on the structure size and material parameters of the double‐layer elastomer and optimize the relevant parameters to improve the uniformity of material removal. The functionally graded and composite structured lapping and polishing plate (FG/CS‐LPP) was developed by mixing abrasive particles and rubber with different mass ratios to get different Young's moduli. Through optical microscope, the surface morphology was observed, and the mechanism of Young's modulus gradient change was demonstrated. After numerical simulation analysis, the effect of Young's modulus fluctuation on contact stress distribution trend was evaluated. As for the contact stress prediction model, an equivalent Young's modulus model and compensation function H(z) was introduced to simplify the analytical process. Further, the obtained equivalent equation was verified by simulations and experiments with an average percentage deviation of ~2% and ~6%, respectively. By fitting calculated and simulated values with a deviation of less than 5%, the compensation function H(z) was established. Finally, the contact stress prediction model was obtained and validated by simulations and experiments, the percentage deviation is less than 13%. Accordingly, the contact stress prediction model can provide a theoretical basis for FG/CS‐LPP to achieve uniform material removal.
Reinforced mechanical properties and heat resistance of recycled acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene/anhydrous zinc chloride coordination composites
Authors: Wang Yingqing , Liu Pengying , Li Qiuying , Wu Chifei
Published: February 2021

In this work, the recycled acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (rABS)/anhydrous zinc chloride (ZnCl2) composites were prepared and the reinforcing effects of the rABS/ZnCl2 composites were investigated using various characterization techniques. During heat pressing at 190°C, a strong coordination interaction occurred between Zn2+ of ZnCl2 particles and CN groups of rABS matrix, which resulting in an enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties in comparison with the neat rABS. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dissolution experiments, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were applied to prove the coordination reaction. Scanning electron microscopy showed ZnCl2 particles were homogeneously dispersed in the rABS matrix. Tensile test analysis showed that the flexural strength and tensile strength of rABS/ZnCl2 composites increased by around 12.07% and 18.17%, respectively, when adding 7 phr of ZnCl2 into the rABS resin. Furthermore, heat deflection temperature analysis, thermogravimetric analysis as well as dynamic mechanical analysis proved that the coordination reaction dramatically improved the heat resistance of rABS matrix. Besides, the recycling ability of the composites had also been proved.
How love of nature promotes green consumer behaviors: The mediating role of biospheric values, ecological worldview, and personal norms
Authors: Wu Lingqiong , Zhu Yan
Published: February 2021

Previous studies have pointed out the importance of emotional affiliation with nature in fostering environmentalism, but the mechanisms through which such emotional motives influence pro‐environmental behaviors are still unclear. To address this issue, this study introduced love of nature into the value–belief–norm model as an emotional basis. The model was examined in predicting high‐cost and low‐cost green consumer behaviors (GCBs) in selected undergraduate student populations in eastern China. Using data from an online survey (N = 291), this study found personal norms positively predicted both high‐cost and low‐cost GCBs. Ecological worldview positively predicted low‐cost GCBs and its effect was larger than that of personal norms. Love of nature had positive effects on biospheric values and personal norms. The relationships between love of nature and the two types of GCBs were mediated mainly by personal norms, ecological worldview, and biospheric values. The results supported the argument that emotional affiliation to nature offers an essential basis for a moral concern that guides GCBs. The findings also suggest moral concerns may be more salient for difficult and inconvenient GCBs.
Schizophrenia patients with poor clinical insight report less subjective memory problems
Authors: Ye Jun‐yan , Yang Tian‐xiao , Lui Simon S.Y. , Cui Ji‐fang , Qin Xiao‐jing , Jia Lu‐xia , Cheung Eric F.C. , Gan Ming‐yuan , Tan Shu‐ping , Wang Ya , Chan Raymond C.K.
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to explore the relationships among clinical insight, subjective memory complaints, and objective memory performance in patients with schizophrenia. We recruited 205 patients with schizophrenia and 221 healthy controls in this study. The participants were administered a subjective‐report scale on memory (the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire), and several objective memory tasks measuring verbal memory, visual memory, and working memory. Clinical insight was measured with an item in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. We found that when patients with schizophrenia were divided into subgroups with good and poor insight, both subgroups showed impairment in memory performance compared with controls. The schizophrenia patients with good insight reported similar memory complaints as controls whereas patients with poor insight reported less memory complaints than did the controls. These findings suggest that clinical insight may be related to subjective memory complaints, but not objective memory performance.
Association of baloxavir marboxil prescription with subsequent medical resource utilization among school‐aged children with influenza
Authors: Takeuchi Masato , Kawakami Koji
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Baloxavir marboxil is a novel antiviral agent for influenza, introduced into clinical practice in 2018. A concern remains about the variant virus with reduced susceptibility after baloxavir exposure and its clinical consequences such as healthcare‐seeking behavior.

Methods

Using a healthcare database in Japan, we compared the medical resource use following baloxavir and neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) treatment among children aged 7–15 years. The study period was from December 2018 to March 2019. The primary endpoint was the composite of hospitalization, laboratory and radiological tests, and antibiotic use over 1–9 days of antiviral treatment. As exploratory analyses, secondary outcomes being each single component of the primary composite were assessed and subgroup analyses comparing baloxavir with each NAI were done.

Results

Data from 115 867 prescriptions in 115 238 children were analyzed (median age: 10 years; severe influenza risk in 26%; baloxavir accounting for 43%). Overall, baloxavir use did not increase subsequent medical resource utilization in the composite endpoint (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99–1.09; P = 0.14), as were likelihoods of other secondary outcomes. In the subgroup analysis, baloxavir use was associated with higher medical resource use than oseltamivir (aOR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13–1.31; P < 0.001) and lower resource use than zanamivir (aOR: 0.93; 95% CI 0.86–1.00; P = 0.040).

Conclusions

Based on a single‐year experience in Japan, prescribing baloxavir rather than NAIs did not increase medical resource utilization within 9 days of treatment, except in one exploratory comparison with oseltamivir.
Physical comorbidities as a marker for high risk of psychological distress in cancer patients
Authors: Petrova Dafina , Redondo‐Sánchez Daniel , Rodríguez‐Barranco Miguel , Romero Ruiz Antonio , Catena Andrés , Garcia‐Retamero Rocio , Sánchez María‐José
Published: February 2021

Aims

Physical and psychiatric comorbidities are common in cancer patients and could impact their treatment and prognosis. However, the evidence base regarding the influence of comorbidities in the management and health service use of patients is still scant. In this research we investigated how physical comorbidities are related to the mental health and help‐seeking of cancer patients.

Methods

Data were obtained from the representative National Health Survey of Spain (2017). Participants were respondents who reported a cancer diagnosis (n = 484). These were also matched with controls without cancer history (n = 484) based on age, gender, and region. Four alternative physical comorbidities indices were created based on information regarding 28 chronic conditions. Outcomes of interest were psychological distress and having consulted a mental healthcare professional in the year before the survey.

Results

Thirty percent of cancer patients reported significant psychological distress but only 10% had consulted a professional. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, among cancer patients each additional comorbidity was associated with 9% higher odds of reporting high psychological distress (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.16) and 21% higher odds of having consulted a mental healthcare professional (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09–1.34). The effects of comorbidities depended on the type of index and were different in controls without cancer history.

Conclusion

Physical comorbidities in cancer patients are associated with higher risk of psychological distress and higher demand for mental health services. We encourage further research on this issue as it could improve mental health screening and management in oncologic care.
Benefit of a more extended pelvic lymph node dissection among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer: A causal mediation analysis
Authors: Wettstein Marian S. , David Luke A. , Pazhepurackel Clinsy , Qureshi Aatif A. , Zisman Alex , Nesbitt Michael , Saba Karim , Herrera‐Caceres Jaime O. , Fankhauser Christian D. , Ahmad Ardalan , Hamilton Robert J. , Eberli Daniel , Zlotta Alexandre R. , Sulser Tullio , Fleshner Neil E. , Poyet Cédric , Finelli Antonio , Hermanns Thomas , Kulkarni Girish S.
Published: February 2021

Background

The therapeutic role of extended (ePLND) versus nonextended pelvic lymph node dissection (nePLND) to remove occult micrometastases in men undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer (PC) is conflicting. Therefore, our aim was to quantify the direct effect of ePLND versus nePLND (removal of occult micrometastases), which is not mediated through the detection of nodal disease and potential adjuvant therapy (indirect effect).

Methods

Retrospective, bi‐center cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and PLND for PC (January 2006 and December 2016). Patients were followed until April 2018 for the occurrence of either biochemical recurrence or secondary therapy (composite outcome). ePLND was compared to nePLND by unweighted and weighted survival analysis (total effect) as well as by causal mediation analysis (direct and indirect effect).

Results

Positive nodal disease was detected in 71 (7%) out of 1008 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and PLND for PC (ePLND: 368 [36.5%]; nePLND: 640 [63.5%]). Survival analysis demonstrated results in favor of ePLND (unweighted hazard ratio: 0.77 [95% confidence interval: 0.59–1.01], p = .056; weighted hazard ratio: 0.75 [0.56–0.99], p = .044). The causal mediation analysis confirmed the total effect of 0.77 (0.71–0.82). After disentangling this total effect into an indirect effect (via detection of nodal disease and potential adjuvant therapy) and a direct effect (via removal of occult micrometastases), we identified an even more protective direct effect of 0.69 (0.63–0.75).

Conclusions

Our results not only indicate the utility of ePLND but also that its impact is not restricted to a staging benefit and probably involves a therapeutic benefit mediated through the removal of occult micrometastases.
MicroRNAs in toxic acute kidney injury: Systematic scoping review of the current status
Authors: Shihana Fathima , Barron Melissa L. , Mohamed Fahim , Seth Devanshi , Buckley Nicholas A.
Published: February 2021

Acute kidney injury induced by nephrotoxic agents is common, increasing in incidence and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in developing countries. MicroRNAs are stable biomarkers that can be detected in extracellular fluids. This systematic scoping review aims to describe published research on urinary and circulating microRNAs in toxic acute kidney injury in both animal and human studies. We conducted a literature search, using EMBASE and Medline, for articles on urinary and circulating microRNA in nephrotoxic injuries to February 2020. A total of 21 publications studied acute kidney injury from 12 different toxic agents. Cisplatin was the most common nephrotoxic agent (n = 10), followed by antibiotics (n = 4). There were no randomized controlled trials. An increase in urinary miR‐218 predicted acute kidney injury in six different studies, suggesting it is a promising biomarker for nephrotoxin‐induced acute kidney injury. There were many factors that prevented a more comprehensive synthesis of microRNA performance including highly variable models, no consistent protocols for RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis and PCR amplification, and variability in normalization methods using reference controls. In conclusion, while microRNAs are promising biomarkers to study nephrotoxic acute kidney injury, the replication of most positive findings is not assessable due to deficient reporting of negative outcomes. A very narrow range of poisons have been studied, and more human data are required. In particular, further studies are needed on the most important causes of nephrotoxic injury, such as pesticides, chemicals, snake envenoming, and medicines other than aminoglycosides and cisplatin.
The first non‐helical Aib‐containing hexapeptide: The crystal structure of Z‐Gly‐Aib‐Gly‐Aib‐Gly‐Aib‐OtBu
Authors: Gessmann Renate , Brückner Hans , Petratos Kyriacos
Published: February 2021

The synthetic peptide Z‐Gly‐Aib‐Gly‐Aib‐Gly‐Aib‐OtBu was crystallized from a mixture of ethyl acetate and n‐hexane. The crystals belong to the centrosymmetric space group Pbca. There are three molecules in the asymmetric unit. The three molecules differ mainly in the Z‐group conformation. The first Gly residue adopts a fully extended conformation, residues 2 and 3 lie in the left‐handed helical region, residues 4 and 5 in the right‐handed helical region, and residue 6 again in the left‐handed helical region of the Ramachandran plot. There are only two of four possible intramolecular hydrogen bonds formed, namely, between Aib4 and Gly1 forming a β‐turn of type III′ and between Aib6 and Gly3 forming a β‐turn of type I. The inverted molecules (by space group symmetry) lie in the regions with opposite handedness and form β‐turns of type III and I′. In contrast to all known long synthetic and naturally occurring Aib‐containing peptides that fold as 310‐ or α‐helix, Z‐(Gly‐Aib)3‐OtBu folds in a quite flat structure from which only the protecting groups bulge out.
Fabrication of n‐Type Doped V‐Shaped Structures on (100) Diamond
Authors: Schreyvogel Christoph , Temgoua Solange , Giese Christian , Cimalla Volker , Barjon Julien , Nebel Christoph. E.
Published: February 2021

Herein, a technological process for the fabrication of n‐type doped V‐shaped structures on (100) single‐crystalline diamond substrates, designed to overcome the limitations of n‐type doping on (100) surfaces, is presented. This doping enhancement process can be applied to realize electronic power devices such as a junction barrier Schottky diode or junction field effect transistors with low on‐resistance. Herein, a catalytic etching process is performed by using square‐shaped nickel masks on the diamond surface and annealing in a hydrogen atmosphere, resulting in the formation of inverted pyramidal structures with flat {111} sidewalls. The resulting V‐shaped structures are subsequently overgrown with phosphorus‐doped diamond to achieve n‐type doped facets with higher doping concentrations. Cathodoluminescence studies reveal the predominant incorporation of phosphorus donors on the {111} sidewalls of V‐shaped structures.
The thermal decomposition behavior of the TNT‐RDX‐Al explosive by molecular kinetic simulation
Authors: Meng Jingwei , Wang Chenglong , Cheng Minghua , Zhang Shuhai , Gou Ruijun , Chen Yahong , Li Yang
Published: February 2021

The TNT‐RDX‐Al Explosive is an aluminum‐containing mixed explosive often used in civil and military equipment, but the decomposition mechanism has not been theoretically studied. In this paper, the reaction force field containing C/H/O/N/Al parameters was used to simulate the thermal decomposition of the TNT‐RDX‐Al Explosive by reaction kinetics simulation. And the results were compared with the thermal decomposition behaviors of the binary systems TNT/AlO RDX/AlO and TNT/RDX. The partially passivated nano‐aluminum particles were constructed and then mixed with TNT supercell, RDX supercell, and the constructed TNT/RDX supercell. The obtained mixed systems were then heated to a high temperature, where the explosive was completely decomposed. The decomposition process of the TNT‐RDX‐Al Explosive can be divided into several stages: the adsorption of aluminum atoms on TNT molecules and RDX molecules, the diffusion of O atoms into nano aluminum particles, the decomposition of TNT molecules and RDX molecules, the diffusion of C, H, N atoms into the nano aluminum particles, the Al atoms in the center of the aluminum sphere diffuse outward, and the final stage is the formation of the final product. The results show that the aluminum nanoparticles in the ternary system are easier to diffuse and spreads more widely. The addition of RDX molecules advances the time to complete decomposition of TNT molecules, and promotes the time when TNT molecules is completely decomposed to be closer to the time when RDX molecules is completely decomposed.
Label‐Free Phase Change Detection of Lipid Bilayers Using Nanoscale Diamond Magnetometry
Authors: Ishiwata Hitoshi , Watanabe Hiroshi C. , Hanashima Shinya , Iwasaki Takayuki , Hatano Mutsuko
Published: February 2021

The nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) center in diamond is a quantum sensor with exceptional quality for highly sensitive nanoscale analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and thermometry. In this study, nanoscale phase change detection of lipid bilayers is investigated utilizing ensemble‐averaged nuclear spin detection from small volume ≈(6 nm)3, which is determined by the depth of the NV center. Analysis of nanoscale NMR signal confirms thickness of lipid bilayer to be 6.2 nm ± 3.4 nm with proton density of 65 protons per nm3 on top of diamond sample. The result of the correlation spectroscopy from nanoscale volume is compared with the 2D molecular diffusion model constructed by Monte Carlo simulation combined with results from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. There is a change in diffusion constant from 1.5 ± 0.25 nm2 µs−1 to 3.0 ± 0.5 nm2 µs−1 when the temperature changes from 26.5 to 36.0 °C. The results demonstrate that the multi‐parameter detection of changes in translational diffusion and temperature is possible in label‐free measurements using nanoscale diamond magnetometry. The method paves the way for label‐free imaging of cell membranes for understanding their phase composition and dynamics.
M2‐Like TAMs Function Reversal Contributes to Breast Cancer Eradication by Combination Dual Immune Checkpoint Blockade and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Zhao Wenrong , Hu Xiaochun , Li Wenhui , Li Ruihao , Chen Jinjin , Zhou Lulu , Qiang Sufeng , Wu Wenjing , Shi Shuo , Dong Chunyan
Published: February 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is considered to be a revolutionary anti‐tumor strategy that may surpass other traditional therapies. Breast cancer is particularly suitable for it theoretically due to upregulation of programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) / programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) immune checkpoint pathway which exhausts the adaptive immune response mediated by T lymphocytes. However, its blockades exhibit very little effect in breast cancer, owing to the lack of T lymphocytes pre‐infiltration and co‐existing of intricate immune negative microenvironment including the macrophage‐suppressed “Don't eat me” CD47 signal overexpression. Herein, a stimuli‐responsive multifunctional nanoplatform (ZIF‐PQ‐PDA‐AUN) is built. Its photothermal therapy can promote the infiltration of T lymphocytes in addition to ablating tumor cells and AUNP‐12 and PQ912 further boost both the innate and adaptive immune reactions by cutting off PD‐L1 and CD47 signals, respectively. In contrast to earlier single immunotherapy, the nanocomposites exhibit a stronger anti‐tumor immune effect without obvious autoimmune side effects, promoting infiltration of T lymphocyte into the tumor site and strengthening phagocytosis of macrophages, even more exciting, significantly reversing pro‐tumor M2‐like tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) to anti‐tumor M1‐like TAMs. The research may provide a promising strategy to develop high‐efficient and low‐toxic immunotherapy based on nanotechnology.
Enhanced Efficiency and Mechanical Robustness of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells by Using HPbI3 Additive
Authors: Jiang Nai-Rong , Wang Yi-Fan , Dong Qing-Feng , Ge Cheng-Da , Yang Zi-Qi , Yin Da , Liu Yue-Feng , Bi Yan-Gang , Feng Jing , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: February 2021

High efficiency and mechanical stability are in great demand for commercial applications of the flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in portable and wearable electronics. Herein, power conversion efficiency (PCE) and mechanical robustness of the methylammonium (MA)‐free flexible PSCs are simultaneously enhanced by incorporating a HPbI3 additive with optimal content in the perovskite precursor solution. The HPbI3 additive facilitates an improved morphology and crystallinity, as well as a decreased work function of the perovskite films, leading to improved device performance. As a result, PCEs of 20.1% and 18.74% are obtained for the rigid and flexible PSCs, respectively, which are among the best results for inverted MA‐free PSCs. The flexible PSCs maintain 95% and 70% of the initial PCE value after 1000 and 5000 bending cycles, respectively, at a bending radius of 4 mm. The current result reveals that using the HPbI3 additive is a universal strategy to enhance performance of the flexible PSCs effectively and promote the development of the perovskite‐based photovoltaics.
Classification of individual managers' systems thinking skills based on different organizational ownership structures
Authors: Nagahi Morteza , Hossain Niamat Ullah Ibne , Jaradat Raed , Dayarathna Vidanelage , Keating Chuck , Goerger Simon , Hamilton Michael
Published: February 2021

The current body of literature lacks studies related to organizational managers' classification of systems thinking (ST) skills based on both their overall systemic tendency and the organizational ownership structure. The purpose of this study is to assess and classify the ST skills of senior managers who currently work in a complex business environment. Initially, we clustered managers' overall systemic thinking (OST) using the Bayesian latent class analysis (BLCA) method into two distinct clusters: managers with upper OST (holistic thinker) and managers with lower OST (reductionist thinker). Further, we classified managers' ST skills into two predefined classes to understand the characteristics of each group better. A total of 51 senior managers from two different organizational structures participated in this study. Results show that the ST skills of managers in public are more towards the upper OST/holistic cluster, whereas managers from the private sector have an inclination towards lower OST/reductionist cluster.
Hardening of Steel Through High‐Voltage Low‐Current Energy Input
Authors: Mallick Mousumi , Mitra Swapan Kumar , Basak Debasish , Roy Nirmal Kumar , Maity Joydeep
Published: February 2021

A novel approach of high‐voltage low‐current energy input is applied for hardening of plain carbon eutectoid steel. Initial fine lamellar pearlitic structure disintegrates into four characteristic regions: lamellar pearlite often containing nucleated cementite spheroids (Region‐I), fragmented cementite lamella in α‐ferrite matrix (Region‐II), submicroscopic cementite particles/clusters dispersed in α‐ferrite matrix (Region‐III), and supersaturated α‐ferrite (Region‐IV). At a particular applied voltage, structural refinement and matrix supersaturation (evolving martensite) progress concomitantly up to 5 min, followed by a reverse trend of coarsening and degeneration of martensite. The refinement effect and martensite‐peak‐broadening effect are augmented with increasing voltage up to 75 kV at which the highest hardness (429 HV) of the steel is achieved with treatment duration of 5 min. While primary hardening effect arises from the martensite region of stratified plate morphology (Region‐IV), a secondary effect of hardening is resulted from the region containing dispersed submicroscopic cementite particles/clusters in α‐ferrite matrix (Region‐III). In addition, in the specimen exhibiting maximum hardening effect (at 75 kV, 5 min), as a unique feature, nanosized cementite particles also appear in Region‐IV being dispersed in martensite matrix so as to provide further effect of dispersion hardening along with martensitic hardening.
Experimental study of axial compression of reinforced concrete columns made by environment‐friendly post‐filling coarse aggregate process
Authors: Cao Qi , Jia Jinqing , Zhang Lihua , Ye Hao , Lv Xianrui
Published: February 2021

The increase of coarse aggregate content decreases the shrinkage of concrete, decreases the cost of concrete production as well as reduces the carbon dioxide emission to the environment. In this study, the mixture proportions of PFCC (post‐filling coarse aggregate concrete) for C40, C50, and C60 were designed and the comprehensive performances of workability, compressive strength and elastic modulus were conducted experimentally. Then, 15 reinforced concrete columns made by PFCC with different concrete grades and post filling rates (PFR) were designed and tested. The failure mode, load‐deflection curve, load‐strain curve and load bearing capacity were analyzed and elaborated. Results showed that, compared with the conventional concrete, the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the post filling coarse aggregate concrete were improved, which reached the highest when the post filling rate is 20%. At the same time, the load bearing capacity of column specimen increased first and then decreased as the post filling rate increased, with the transition point being at 10% post filling rate. This study provides reference and research data for technical regulations and design specifications of structural members made of post filling coarse aggregate concrete.
Functionalized Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Hg(II) and Cd(II) Capture: Progresses and Challenges
Authors: Yang Changyin , Tian Jiayue , Jiang Feilong , Chen Qihui , Hong Maochun
Published: February 2021

Mercury and cadmium are deemed to be the most harmful heavy metal ions for elimination due to their persistent bio‐accumulative and bio‐expanding toxic effects. Although many technologies have been developed for capturing Hg(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution, developing efficient and practical capature technology remains a big challenge. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been considered as the most promising adsorbents for Hg(II) and Cd(II) removal due to their high porosity and easy functionalization, and various of MOF‐based adsorbents based on different synthetic strategies have been prepared and studied. In this article, the progresses of MOF‐based absorbents for Hg(II) and Cd(II) capture are described according to the synthetic strategies and the types of functional groups, and the comparison and practical analysis of various adsorbents are also presented.
Role of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with isolated anomalies of corpus callosum: multinational study
Authors:   The ENSO Working Group
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess the performance of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting associated anomalies in fetuses diagnosed with isolated corpus callosal (CC) anomaly on multiplanar ultrasound evaluation of the fetal brain (neurosonography).

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study involving 14 fetal medicine centers in Italy, UK, Portugal, Canada, Austria and Spain. Inclusion criteria were fetuses with an apparently isolated CC anomaly, defined as an anomaly of the CC and no other additional central nervous system (CNS) or extra‐CNS abnormality detected on expert ultrasound, including multiplanar neurosonography; normal karyotype; maternal age ≥ 18 years; and gestational age at diagnosis ≥ 18 weeks. The primary outcome was the rate of additional CNS abnormalities detected exclusively on fetal MRI within 2 weeks following neurosonography. The secondary outcomes were the rate of additional abnormalities according to the type of CC abnormality (complete (cACC) or partial (pACC) agenesis of the CC) and the rate of additional anomalies detected only on postnatal imaging or at postmortem examination.

Results

A total of 269 fetuses with a sonographic prenatal diagnosis of apparently isolated CC anomalies (207 with cACC and 62 with pACC) were included in the analysis. Additional structural anomalies of the CNS were detected exclusively on prenatal MRI in 11.2% (30/269) of cases, with malformations of cortical development representing the most common type of anomaly. When stratifying the analysis according to the type of CC anomaly, the rate of associated anomalies detected exclusively on MRI was 11.6% (24/207) in cACC cases and 9.7% (6/62) in pACC cases. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only maternal body mass index was associated independently with the likelihood of detecting associated anomalies on MRI (odds ratio, 1.07 (95% CI, 1.01–1.14); P = 0.03). Associated anomalies were detected exclusively after delivery and were missed on both types of prenatal imaging in 3.9% (8/205) of fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of isolated anomaly of the CC.

Conclusion

In fetuses with isolated anomaly of the CC diagnosed on antenatal neurosonography, MRI can identify a small proportion of additional anomalies, mainly malformations of cortical development, which are not detected on ultrasound. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
UV‐Lasertechnologie in der PLD
Authors: Delmdahl Ralph
Published: February 2021

Das Erfolgsrezept für jede Vakuum‐Dünnschichttechnologie in der Produktion ist das Meistern des Spagats zwischen präzisem Abscheiden der dünnen Funktionsschicht und gleichzeitigem Erreichen industriell relevanter Abscheideraten. Die Methode der gepulsten Laserabscheidung (Pulsed Laser Deposition) ist nicht zuletzt durch Fortschritte in der Vakuumsystemtechnik sowie durch die Erhöhung von Ausgangsleistung und Stabilität der eingesetzten UV‐Excimer‐Laser ihren Kinderschuhen entwachsen und hat sich als eine bewährte Methode zur Dünnschichterzeugung im Industriemaßstab durchgesetzt.
Mit Nichts in die Kälte
Authors: Lausberg Stefan , Brando Manuel , Lühmann Thomas
Published: February 2021

Verdünnungskryostate werden für unterschiedliche Anwendungen eingesetzt, so zum Beispiel im großen Stil bei der Entwicklung von Quantencomputern, oder aber auch für die Grundlagenforschung in der Festkörperphysik. Vakuumtechnik spielt bei der Erzeugung der tiefen Temperaturen eine zentrale Rolle. Dieser Artikel beleuchtet die notwendigen Eigenschaften von Vakuumpumpen, die die sogenannte 3He/4He‐Mischung zirkulieren. Neben der Ergebnisse eines Feldtests mit einer mehrstufigen Wälzkolbenpumpe wird der Einsatz von Pumpsystemen diskutiert.
Writing a Quality Management Plan
Authors: Magri Mara
Published: February 2021

Quality management systems (QMS) are central to FACT-JACIE accreditation standards for haematopoietic cell therapy (HCT) programmes. The quality management plan (QMP) defines the acceptable level of quality of the activities performed or of the products released by the HCT programme and describes how this level of quality in its deliverables and work processes will be ensured. An integrated HCT programme may have a single or several QMPs that addresses all aspects of the clinical, collection, and processing facilities, whilst separate organizations providing the components of an HCT programme may have distinct QMPs joined via service-level agreements (SLAs) and other arrangements. The QMP or QMPs must detail all key elements that affect the quality of recipient and donor care and cellular therapy products. The specific SOPs to be followed for each of these elements should be referenced within QMPs, and linked to the appropriate document where the details are described. The thoroughness in preparation of a QMP and its implementation reflect how quality is perceived within the HCT programme and by external inspectors in the accreditation process.
Calabi-Yau products: graded quivers for general toric Calabi-Yaus
Authors: Franco Sebastián , Hasan Azeem
Published: February 2021

Abstract

The open string sector of the topological B-model on CY (m + 2)-folds is described by m-graded quivers with superpotentials. This correspondence generalizes the connection between CY (m + 2)-folds and gauge theories on the worldvolume of D(5 − 2m)-branes for m = 0, . . . , 3 to arbitrary m. In this paper we introduce the Calabi-Yau product, a new algorithm that starting from the known quiver theories for a pair of toric CYm+2 and CYn+2 produces the quiver theory for a related CYm+n+3. This method significantly supersedes existing ones, enabling the simple determination of quiver theories for geometries that were previously out of practical reach.
The association of polypharmacy and high-risk drug classes with adverse health outcomes in the Scottish population with type 1 diabetes
Authors:   on behalf of the Scottish Diabetes Research Network (SDRN) Epidemiology Group, Höhn Andreas , Jeyam Anita , Caparrotta Thomas M. , McGurnaghan Stuart J. , O’Reilly Joseph E. , Blackbourn Luke A. K. , McCrimmon Rory J. , Leese Graham P. , McKnight John A. , Kennon Brian , Lindsay Robert S. , Sattar Naveed , Wild Sarah H. , McKeigue Paul M. , Colhoun Helen M.
Published: February 2021

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this work was to map the number of prescribed drugs over age, sex and area-based socioeconomic deprivation, and to examine the association between the number of drugs and particular high-risk drug classes with adverse health outcomes among a national cohort of individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Utilising linked healthcare records from the population-based diabetes register of Scotland, we identified 28,245 individuals with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes on 1 January 2017. For this population, we obtained information on health status, predominantly reflecting diabetes-related complications, and information on the total number of drugs and particular high-risk drug classes prescribed. We then studied the association of these baseline-level features with hospital admissions for falls, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and hypoglycaemia or death within the subsequent year using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Not considering insulin and treatment for hypoglycaemia, the mean number of prescribed drugs was 4.00 (SD 4.35). The proportion of individuals being prescribed five or more drugs at baseline consistently increased with age (proportion [95% CI]: 0–19 years 2.04% [1.60, 2.49]; 40–49 years 28.50% [27.08, 29.93]; 80+ years 76.04% [67.73, 84.84]). Controlling for age, sex, area-based socioeconomic deprivation and health status, each additional drug at baseline was associated with an increase in the hazard for hospitalisation for falls, hypoglycaemia and death but not for DKA admissions (HR [95% CI]: falls 1.03 [1.01, 1.06]; DKA 1.01 [1.00, 1.03]; hypoglycaemia 1.05 [1.02, 1.07]; death 1.04 [1.02, 1.06]). We found a number of drug classes to be associated with an increased hazard of one or more of these adverse health outcomes, including antithrombotic/anticoagulant agents, corticosteroids, opioids, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, hypnotics and sedatives, and antidepressants.

Conclusions

Polypharmacy is common among the Scottish population with type 1 diabetes and is strongly patterned by sociodemographic factors. The number of prescribed drugs and the prescription of particular high-risk drug classes are strong markers of an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including acute complications of diabetes.

Graphical abstract
The ethics of algorithms: key problems and solutions
Authors: Tsamados Andreas , Aggarwal Nikita , Cowls Josh , Morley Jessica , Roberts Huw , Taddeo Mariarosaria , Floridi Luciano
Published: February 2021

Research on the ethics of algorithms has grown substantially over the past decade. Alongside the exponential development and application of machine learning algorithms, new ethical problems and solutions relating to their ubiquitous use in society have been proposed. This article builds on a review of the ethics of algorithms published in 2016 (Mittelstadt et al. Big Data Soc 3(2), 2016). The goals are to contribute to the debate on the identification and analysis of the ethical implications of algorithms, to provide an updated analysis of epistemic and normative concerns, and to offer actionable guidance for the governance of the design, development and deployment of algorithms.
Baer sums for a natural class of monoid extensions
Authors: Faul Peter F.
Published: February 2021

It is well known that the set of isomorphism classes of extensions of groups with abelian kernel is characterized by the second cohomology group. In this paper we generalise this characterization of extensions to a natural class of extensions of monoids, the cosetal extensions. An extension "Equation missing" is cosetal if for all $$g,g' \in G$$

g
,

g
′

∈
G

in which $$e(g) = e(g')$$

e

(
g
)

=
e

(

g
′

)

, there exists a (not necessarily unique) $$n \in N$$

n
∈
N

such that $$g = k(n)g'$$

g
=
k

(
n
)

g
′

. These extensions generalise the notion of special Schreier extensions, which are themselves examples of Schreier extensions. Just as in the group case where a semidirect product could be associated to each extension with abelian kernel, we show that to each cosetal extension (with abelian group kernel), we can uniquely associate a weakly Schreier split extension. The characterization of weakly Schreier split extensions is combined with a suitable notion of a factor set to provide a cohomology group granting a full characterization of cosetal extensions, as well as supplying a Baer sum.
Weakly supervised deep learning for determining the prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type
Authors: Guo Rui , Hu Xiaobin , Song Haoming , Xu Pengpeng , Xu Haoping , Rominger Axel , Lin Xiaozhu , Menze Bjoern , Li Biao , Shi Kuangyu
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To develop a weakly supervised deep learning (WSDL) method that could utilize incomplete/missing survival data to predict the prognosis of extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) based on pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT results.

Methods

One hundred and sixty-seven patients with ENKTL who underwent pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively collected. Eighty-four patients were followed up for at least 2 years (training set = 64, test set = 20). A WSDL method was developed to enable the integration of the remaining 83 patients with incomplete/missing follow-up information in the training set. To test generalization, these data were derived from three types of scanners. Prediction similarity index (PSI) was derived from deep learning features of images. Its discriminative ability was calculated and compared with that of a conventional deep learning (CDL) method. Univariate and multivariate analyses helped explore the significance of PSI and clinical features.

Results

PSI achieved area under the curve scores of 0.9858 and 0.9946 (training set) and 0.8750 and 0.7344 (test set) in the prediction of progression-free survival (PFS) with the WSDL and CDL methods, respectively. PSI threshold of 1.0 could significantly differentiate the prognosis. In the test set, WSDL and CDL achieved prediction sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 87.50% and 62.50%, 83.33% and 83.33%, and 85.00% and 75.00%, respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed PSI to be an independent significant predictor of PFS in both the methods.

Conclusion

The WSDL-based framework was more effective for extracting 18F-FDG PET/CT features and predicting the prognosis of ENKTL than the CDL method.
Geometric Analysis to Determine Kinking and Shortening of Bridging Stents After Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Finotello Alice , Spinella Giovanni , Notini Giulia , Palombo Domenico , Pratesi Giovanni , Mambrini Simone , Auricchio Ferdinando , Conti Michele , Pane Bianca
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To evaluate bridging stent geometry in patients who underwent branched endovascular aortic repair (B-EVAR) and to correlate the outcomes with intrinsic bridging stent characteristics aiming to identify the stent(s) that guarantees the best performance.

Methods

Pre-operative and post-operative computed tomography images of all patients undergoing B-EVAR between September 2016 and April 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Following geometrical features were measured: target vessel take-off angle (TOA); longitudinal stent shortening; shape index (SI), intended as ratio between minimum and maximum diameter of the lumen cross sections, averaged on three segments: zone 1 (proximal stented zone), zone 2 (intermediate), and zone 3 (distal).

Results

Thirty-eight branches (8 right (RRA) and 8 left renal arteries (LRA), 11 superior mesenteric arteries (SMA), 11 celiac trunks (CTR)) were treated. Fluency (Bard Peripheral Vascular), COVERA (Bard Peripheral Vascular), and VBX (WLGore&Assoc) stent-grafts were implanted in 10, 12, and 16 branches, respectively. Pre-operative TOA was more acute in RRA and LRA when compared to CTR and SMA, and straightened in post-operative configuration (109.86 ± 28.65° to 150.27 ± 21.0°; P < 0.001). Comparable values of SI among the stent types were found in zone 1 (P = 0.08), whereas higher SI in VBX group was detected in zones 2 (P < 0.001) and 3 (P < 0.001). The VBX group was also the most affected by stent shortening (11.12 ± 5.65%; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our early experience showed that the VBX stent offers greater stent circularity than the other devices even if a greater shortening has been observed drawing attention with regards to the decision of the nominal stent length.
The effect of vitamin D supplementation and nutritional intake on skeletal maturity and bone health in socio-economically deprived children
Authors: Uday Suma , Manaseki-Holland Semira , Bowie Jessica , Mughal Mohamed Zulf , Crowe Francesca , Högler Wolfgang
Published: February 2021

Purpose

1. To determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on bone age (BA), a marker of skeletal maturity, and Bone Health Index (BHI), a surrogate marker of bone density. 2. To characterise the differences in nutritional intake and anthropometry between children with advanced vs. delayed BA.

Methods

The current study is a post hoc analysis of radiographs obtained as part of a randomised controlled trial. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, deprived Afghan children (n = 3046) aged 1–11 months were randomised to receive six doses of oral placebo or vitamin D3 (100,000 IU) every 3 months for 18 months. Dietary intake was assessed through semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires at two time points. Anthropometric measurements were undertaken at baseline and 18 months. Serum 25OHD was measured at five time points on a random subset of 632 children. Knee and wrist radiographs were obtained from a random subset (n = 641), of which 565 wrist radiographs were digitised for post-hoc analysis of BA and BHI using BoneXpert version 3.1.

Results

Nearly 93% (522, male = 291) of the images were analysable. The placebo (n = 258) and vitamin D (n = 264) groups were comparable at baseline. The mean (± SD) age of the cohort was 2 (± 0.3) years. At study completion, there was no difference in mean 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations [47 (95% CI 41, 56) vs. 55 (95% CI 45, 57) nmol/L, p = 0.2], mean (± SD) BA SDS [− 1.04 (1.36) vs. − 1.14 (1.26) years, p = 0.3] or mean (± SD) BHI SDS [− 0.30 (0.86) vs. − 0.31 (0.80), p = 0.8] between the placebo and vitamin D groups, respectively. Children with advanced skeletal maturity (BA SDS ≥ 0) when compared to children with delayed skeletal maturity (BA SDS < 0), had consumed more calories [mean (± SD) calories 805 (± 346) vs 723 (± 327) kcal/day, respectively, p < 0.05], were significantly less stunted (height SDS − 1.43 vs. − 2.32, p < 0.001) and underweight (weight SDS − 0.82 vs. − 1.45, p < 0.001), with greater growth velocity (11.57 vs 10.47 cm/ year, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Deprived children have significant delay in skeletal maturation but no substantial impairment in bone health as assessed by BHI. BA delay was influenced by total calorie intake, but not bolus vitamin D supplementation.