bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable phenolic thermosets coatings derived from urushiol
Authors: Xia Jianrong , Xue Hanyu , Gao Renjin , Zhang Yuchi , Lin Qi
Published: November 2020

The over‐exploitation of finite fossil resources and/or the increased environmental and sustainable awareness inspire scientists and technologists to search for inexpensive alternatives from renewable chemicals. Phenol formaldehyde (PF) resins, the oldest type of synthetic polymers with good mechanical properties and heat resistance, are widely used in the production of coatings, laminates, molding compositions, and glues. Here, biobased urushiol‐derived PF resins were synthesized from the alkali‐catalyzed reaction between urushiol and formaldehyde. The chemical compositions and molecular structures of resole resins were characterized by carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and their curing behaviors were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The as‐prepared urushiol‐derived resole resins had methylol (Ph−CH2OH), ortho‐ and para‐hemiformal groups (Ph−CH2OCH2OH), and the para−para/ortho−para/ortho−ortho links of methylene groups (Ph−CH2−Ph), whereas the resole resins had low curing temperatures at about 100–113°C. Additionally, given the long side alkyl group moiety on the aromatic rings of urushiol, the films of cured urushiol‐derived resole resins had low glass transition temperatures of 132 ± 2°C. Furthermore, the as‐prepared urushiol‐derived coatings exhibited excellent physical and mechanical properties.
Is the twig bent as the tree is inclined? Children and parents interacting with school‐distributed literacy assignments
Authors: Akkermans‐Rutgers Marlot , Doornenbal Jeannette , Kassenberg Annelies , Bosker Roel , Doolaard Simone
Published: November 2020

In this study, we analyze in‐depth interviews conducted with 26 Dutch third‐graders as well as interviews with one of each child's parents. The children attended one of six schools, each with a relatively large population of families with a low socioeconomic status, where home‐based literacy assignments aimed at increasing children's enjoyment of reading were distributed for a duration of 3 years. The aim of this study is to gain knowledge of distinctive interaction characteristics of child‐parent dyads regarding at‐home literacy, to learn how these characteristics can help educational professionals and researchers answer to the needs of children and parents when designing and distributing at‐home reading assignments. Based on the attitudes towards reading and the skillset of child and parent(s), we distinguished three reader‐profiles: (1) Autonomously motivated readers, (2) Incompatible readers, and (3) Generational non‐readers. The practical implications of our research are that, to be appealing, at‐home reading assignments should be differentiated, nonrepetitive, and concrete, complete, and structured. Prerequisite implications are that both children and parents value regular positive feedback on their at‐home literacy activities and that, in approaching parents, it appears to be advisable to take them for what they are: parents, not substitute teachers.
Profile analysis of the Personality Assessment Inventory‐Adolescent (PAI‐A) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hooks Elizabeth , Dale Brittany A. , Hernandez Finch Maria E.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the present study was to determine if individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display a unique pattern of responses on the Personality Assessment Inventory‐Adolescent (PAI‐A). Twenty adolescents between ages 12 and 18 completed the PAI‐A, and their scores were compared to matched community and clinical samples from the standardization sample of the PAI‐A. Results of a profile analysis indicated the ASD group displayed unique scale elevations, which may help clarify the interpretive quality of the PAI‐A with individuals with autism. Clinicians and school psychologists should be aware of this research when selecting tools to evaluate adolescents with ASD.
A DFT study on the mechanism of the formation of 1,4,2,3‐dithiadiazinanes by head‐to‐head [3 + 3] cyclodimerization of thiocarbonylS‐imides
Authors: Buddensiek Dirk , Mlostoń Grzegorz , Matczak Piotr , Voss Jürgen
Published: November 2020

The possible minimum energy paths (MEP) for the [3 + 3] cyclodimerization (33CD) of thiophosgeneS‐imides under formation of tetrachlorodithiadiazinanes are determined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Application of the natural bond orbital (NBO) method in combination with electron localization function (ELF) analysis corroborates the experimental observation of the unexpected head‐to‐head 33CD of thiophosgeneS‐(N‐arylimides) to form the corresponding 2,3‐diaryl‐5,5,6,6‐tetrachloro‐1,4,2,3‐dithiadiazinanes instead of the isomeric 2,5‐diaryl‐3,3,6,6‐tetrachloro‐1,4,2,5‐dithiadiazinanes. Based on complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) results, delocalized diradicals are postulated as intermediates for the stepwise pseudoradical type formation of the obtained 2,3‐diaryl‐5,5,6,6‐tetrachloro‐1,4,2,3‐dithiadiazinanes, whereby non‐covalent interactions play an important role.
Effect of network connectivity on the mechanical and transport properties of block copolymer gels
Authors: Rankin Lucas A. , Lee Byeongdu , Mineart Kenneth P.
Published: November 2020

Establishing the independent tunability of transport and mechanical properties in polymer gels would significantly contribute to their implementation as transdermal drug delivery media, among other things. The work conducted herein uses facile changes in the formulation of physically crosslinked styrenic ABA/AB block copolymer organogels to alter their mechanical properties independently from the mass transport of an internally‐loaded nanocarrier. Such independent tunability is made possible by altering the relative amounts of ABA triblock and AB diblock copolymers while holding total copolymer concentration fixed. Specifically, three series of gels each with a fixed total copolymer concentration (10, 20, or 30 wt%) comprised of varying triblock copolymer concentration are studied. Small angle x‐ray scattering confirms that, at the nanoscale, only gel network connectivity changes within each series, while mechanical and release experiments show that increasing network connectivity leads to significant growth of gel moduli, but little change in nanocarrier release rate.
The unmet needs of childhood cancer survivors in long‐term follow‐up care: A qualitative study
Authors: Hendriks Manya Jerina , Harju Erika , Michel Gisela
Published: November 2020

Objective

Evidence suggests benefits of long‐term follow‐up care attendance for childhood cancer survivors, but studies show poor inclusion of survivorship issues and needs. While information needs of childhood cancer survivors have been addressed previously, few studies specifically investigated the supportive care needs of survivors beyond the domain of information and communication. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to assess the unmet needs of childhood cancer survivors with regards to their long‐term survivorship.

Methods

Childhood Cancer Switzerland invited survivors of childhood cancer to participate in our study. We used semistructured interviews to assess survivors' experiences regarding the impact of their disease and the (un)met needs during their survivorship. Data analysis followed the principles of qualitative content analysis.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 28 childhood cancer survivors (mean age 31 years, age at diagnosis 9 years, time since end of treatment 19 years). Key themes in relation to unmet needs of survivors were (1) lacking psychosocial support, (2) lacking collaboration and decentralization of care, (3) starting from zero, and (4) need for centralized, specialized, and individualized services.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed a demand for integrating psychosocial support in long‐term follow‐up care and a strong need for personalized, centralized, and interdisciplinary long‐term follow‐up care. Current established interdisciplinary clinics should be further extended to provide centralized, personalized, and evidence‐based long‐term follow‐up care including adequate psychosocial support for all childhood cancer survivors.
Major depressive disorders in outpatients with cancers at the Nigerian National Hospital
Authors: Aruah Simeon Chinedu , Eze Christian Nweke
Published: November 2020

Objective

Frequently, little attention is paid by clinicians on the psychiatric disorders that may be associated with cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of major depressive disorders in outpatients with cancers at the Radiology Oncology Centre of the National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria. It also sought to determine the socio‐demographic and clinical factors associated with the disorder.

Method

A sample of 177 randomly selected outpatients with cancers was interviewed with socio‐demographic questionnaire and the major depressive episode section of the Mini International NeuroPsychiatric Interview at the hospital.

Results

The mean age (SD) of the participants was 48.9 (13.8) years, with females accounting for 61.6% of them. The prevalence of current major depressive disorder, past depressive episode and recurrent depressive disorder were 25.1%, 24.3% and 7.5%, respectively. The current depressive disorder was found to be significantly associated with the presence of disturbing pain and the stage of the disease.

Conclusion

The occurrence of depressive disorders in patients with cancers at the hospital was high. Their assessment and treatment should be prioritized to ensure complete management of the patients with cancer conditions.
Co‐morbid anxiety and depression in childhood asthma and its effect on symptom control: A cross sectional study
Authors: Saragondlu Lakshminarasappa Darshith , Chandrasekaran Venkatesh , Kandasamy Preeti
Published: November 2020

Background

Anxiety and depression are co‐morbidities that affect symptom control in children with asthma and are often overlooked in busy practice.

Objectives

To find out the proportion of children with asthma who have co‐morbid anxiety and depression, to study the association of co‐morbid anxiety and depression on symptom control and to study the clinic‐sociodemographic factors associated with anxiety and depression in children with asthma.

Methods

Assuming 13% prevalence of anxiety and depression, with 95% confidence level and 5% absolute precision, a total of 176 children with asthma aged 6 years and above were enrolled from the asthma clinic. Clinical and sociodemographic details were collected for all. Symptom control was assessed using asthma control test questionnaire. Center for epidemiological studies–depression scale for children and screen for child anxiety related emotional disorders was used to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. Association of independent variables with outcome variables was assessed using χ2. Statistical tests were done using SPSS version 26.

Results

Out of the 176 children enrolled, 13.1%, 8%, and 16.5% had anxiety, depression, and combined anxiety and depression, respectively. A higher proportion of children with uncontrolled asthma had depression and combined anxiety and depression than children with controlled asthma.

Conclusion

Combined anxiety and depression was more common than either anxiety or depression alone and along with depression, was significantly associated with uncontrolled symptoms.
Quantitative Assessment of Levonorgestrel Binding Partner Interplay and Drug‐Drug Interactions Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Cicali Brian , Lingineni Karthik , Cristofoletti Rodrigo , Wendl Thomas , Hoechel Joachim , Wiesinger Herbert , Chaturvedula Ayyappa , Vozmediano Valvanera , Schmidt Stephan
Published: November 2020

Levonorgestrel (LNG) is the active moiety in many hormonal contraceptive formulations. It is typically coformulated with ethinyl estradiol (EE) to decrease intermenstrual bleeding. Due to its widespread use and CYP3A4‐mediated metabolism, there is concern regarding drug‐drug interactions (DDIs), particularly a suboptimal LNG exposure when co‐administered with CYP3A4 inducers, potentially leading to unintended pregnancies. The goal of this analysis was to determine the impact of DDIs on the systemic exposure of LNG. To this end, we developed and verified a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for LNG in PK‐Sim (version 8.0) accounting for the impact of EE and body mass index (BMI) on LNG’s binding to sex‐hormone binding globulin. Model parameters were optimized following intravenous and oral administration of 0.09 mg LNG. The combined LNG‐EE PBPK model was verified regarding CYP3A4‐mediated interaction by comparing to published clinical DDI study data with carbamazepine, rifampicin, and efavirenz (CYP3A4 inducers). Once verified, the model was applied to predict systemic LNG exposure in normal BMI and obese women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) with and without co‐administration of itraconazole (competitive CYP3A4 inhibitor) and clarithromycin (mechanism‐based CYP3A4 inhibitor). Total and free LNG exposures, when co‐administered with EE, decreased 2‐fold in the presence of rifampin, whereas they increased 1.5‐fold in the presence of itraconazole. Although changes in total and unbound exposure were decreased in obese women compared with normal BMI women, the relative impact of DDIs on LNG exposure was similar between both groups.
Energy Storage Properties of Mn and Y Codoped Ba0.67Sr0.33TiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Qiang Hua , Fu Shiwen , Xu Zunping
Published: November 2020

Ba0.67‐xYxSr0.33Ti0.995Mn0.005O3 (BSTM‐xY, x = 0, 0.003, 0.006, and 0.012) ceramics are synthesized by citrate sol–gel methods and the effect of Y contents on the energy storage properties of BSTM‐xY ceramics is investigated. Dense microstructures with fine grain are observed as Mn and Y codoping. The introduction of Y enhances the dielectric properties and leakage current density of BSTM‐xY ceramics. Mn and Y codoped BST ceramics show enhanced energy storage properties due to the improved microstructure and “slimmer” hysteresis loops with high polarization. The energy efficiency presents good thermal stability and electric field stability as Y doping. The energy density of BSTM‐0.012Y ceramic is about 4 times larger than BSTM ceramic. The energy efficiency of BSTM‐0.012Y ceramic maintains at about 91% at the field range of 30–150 kV cm−1 and at the temperature range of 20–50 °C.
Inhibitory effect of flavonoid xanthomicrol on triple‐negative breast tumor via regulation of cancer‐associated microRNAs
Authors: Attari Farnoosh , Keighobadi Faezeh , Abdollahi Mohammad , Arefian Ehsan , Lotfizadeh Reza , Sepehri Houri , Moridi Farimani Mahdi
Published: November 2020

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Due to the side effects of current chemo‐reagents on healthy tissues, it is essential to search for alternative compounds with less toxicity and better efficacy. In the present study, we have investigated the anticancer effects of flavonoid xanthomicrol on the mice breast cancer model using MTT assay, cell cycle and Annexin/PI analysis, colony formation assay, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and miRNA analysis. Our results demonstrated that xanthomicrol decreased the cell viability and clonogenic capability, induced G1‐arrest and apoptosis in the breast cancer cells in vitro, and caused a significant reduction in the volume and weight of mice tumors in vivo. In addition, xanthomicrol reduced the expression of TNFα, VEGF, MMP9, and Ki67, while upregulating the expression of apoptotic markers such as Bax, caspase3, and caspase9. Finally, the expression of miR21, miR27, and miR125, known as oncomirs, decreased significantly after xanthomicrol administration, while the expression of miR29 and miR34, functioning as tumor suppressors, increased significantly (p < .001). Our data demonstrated that xanthomicrol can induce apoptosis and suppress angiogenesis in breast cancer cells due to its inhibitory effect on oncomirs and its stimulatory effect on tumor suppressor miRNAs.
Statistical inference on accelerated life testing with dependent competing failure model under progressively type‐II censored data based on copula theory
Authors: Wang Ying , Yan Zaizai
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we discuss the statistical analysis of a constant‐stress accelerated dependent competing failure model under progressively type‐II censoring based on a copula function. The dependence structure of lifetimes is constructed when the copula is a bivariate Clayton copula. The maximum likelihood estimations (MLEs) of the model parameters are derived. We also get the coverage probability of the 95% confidence intervals of the parameters based on MLEs and bootstrap confidence intervals. Finally, a real data set of some insulation system for electric motors was demonstrated for illustrative purpose.
Reliability modeling and analysis for CNC machine tool based on meta‐action
Authors: Li Yulong , Zhang Xiaogang , Ran Yan , Zhang Genbao
Published: November 2020

Traditional machine tool reliability modeling methods take static parts as the research object, ignoring the characteristic that the function and performance of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool are ultimately driven by its most basic actions, and the traditional reliability modeling methods do not fully consider the randomness of machine tool failure. In view of this, this paper gave an improved four‐parameter nonhomogeneous Poisson process reliability modeling method based on meta‐action (MA), and a comprehensive method of system reliability was presented. A CNC machine tool made in China was taken as an example, and the reliability model of MA and the whole machine were built by the proposed method. The proposed method was compared with other methods by Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion, and the method proposed in this paper was proved to be better. The reliability indexes of the system were simulated, and then the general trend of system reliability indexes was obtained by least squares support vector machines. The results verify the applicability and validity of this method, and lay a foundation for further research on the machine tool reliability based on metamotion.
Partitioning of the interaction‐induced polarizability of molecules in helium environments
Authors: Chołuj Marta , Błasiak Bartosz , Bartkowiak Wojciech
Published: November 2020

In this study, we analyze the correspondence between the spatial confinement represented by the real chemical environment in the form of helium clusters and by the repulsive analytical potential. In doing so, we perform a decomposition of the interaction‐induced polarizability of the LiH and HF molecules in various helium environments into electrostatic, exchange, repulsion and polarization contributions. The obtained results show that in the low and medium orbital compression region the behavior of the repulsion contribution to the interaction‐induced polarizability of LiH and HF embedded in helium environments is in line with the behavior of the total polarizability of molecules entrapped within the repulsive confining potential.
Designing working standards for stable H, C, and O isotope measurements in CO2 and H2O
Authors: Hélie Jean‐François , Hillaire‐Marcel Claude
Published: November 2020

Rationale

We address here the selection, preparation, calibration, storage, and use of carbonate and water working standards (WSs) for stable H, C, and O isotope measurements requiring the best possible precision and accuracy vs international reference materials (iRMs). This may be of interest for laboratories working intensively in the domains of the carbon and water cycles and of paleoclimate.

Methods

Defining a WS for stable C and O isotope studies requires combining mineralogical, physical, chemical (low Mg‐ and trace‐carbonate), and isotopic measurements to select a carbonate fit for purpose; for water, two distinct deionized or distilled waters, with high and low δ2H and δ18O values, respectively, are normally used. In both cases, a strict protocol must be followed to properly qualify the WS vs the current international isotopic scales, and much attention must be paid to calculating rigorous estimates of final uncertainties on these scales.

Results

Two specific protocols for the selection of carbonate and water WSs are detailed. Equations for a proper estimate of uncertainties are proposed.

Conclusions

The selection of WSs involves a preselection of potentially suitable materials based on initial estimates of their mineralogical, chemical, and isotopic properties and long‐term stability, based on literature or previous measurements. Their precise characterization vs international isotopic scales requires a thorough analytical work in a correct sequence. When properly carried out, the proposed protocols should permit WSs to be obtained, defined vs the VSMOW and VPDB scales, with uncertainties comparable with those achieved for the characterization of iRMs.
Characterization of the analytical performance of δ15N and δ18O measurements by the silver nitrate method in the framework of nitrate source apportioning
Authors: Marzaioli Fabio , Di Rienzo Brunella , Stellato Luisa , Di Fusco Egidio , Rubino Mauro , D'Onofrio Antonio , Terrasi Filippo
Published: November 2020

Rationale

Nitrate pollution represents one of the most important issues for ground and surface water quality and source identification is essential for developing effective mitigation practices. Nitrate isotopic fingerprinting can be utilized to identify the sources of nitrate pollution in aquifers. However, it is crucial to assess the performances (precision and accuracy) of the analytical procedure applied to measure the δ15N and δ18O values of nitrates from field samples to correctly apply this tool.

Methods

Nitrates were extracted from a large number of KNO3 samples using the AgNO3 method, and the δ15N and δ18O values of these nitrate extracts were measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The availability of this dataset, comprising 693 unprocessed quality control (QC) KNO3 samples and 618 processed samples, allowed us to rigorously quantify the performance of the procedures employed. A salt doping experiment was also performed from which the effects of contaminants on the performance of the method could be ascertained.

Results

The overall instrumental reproducibility for the analysis of unprocessed QC samples was 0.5‰ and 2‰ for δ15N and δ18O values, respectively, and a strict dependence on signal amplitude was observed. No isotope fractionation was reported for reference samples that were processed according to the “identical treatment” principle (ITP) but normalized by unprocessed reference materials. A significant increase in the standard deviation (SD) was, however, observed compared with that for unprocessed samples. The SD of the processed QC samples allowed us to quantify the reproducibility of the entire procedure as 0.6‰ and 1.0‰ for δ15N and δ18O values, respectively. This was comparable with the system reproducibility when normalization using processed reference materials was applied according to the ITP.

Conclusions

Normalization with processed standards is essential to achieve high‐precision measurements of the δ15N and δ18O values of nitrates extracted from unknown samples. This procedure allowed good accuracy to be guaranteed, and precision levels comparable with the observed instrumental performance to be achieved. A salt doping experiment showed a significant influence of the SO42− content on the δ15N values.
Rhinovirus and asthma: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Ortega Hector , Nickle David , Carter Laura
Published: November 2020

Human rhinoviruses (RVs) are the primary aetiological agent of the common cold. Generally, the associated infection is mild and self‐limiting, but may also be associated with bronchiolitis in infants, pneumonia in the immunocompromised and exacerbation in patients with pulmonary conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Viral infection accounts for as many as two thirds of asthma exacerbations in children and more than half in adults. Allergy and asthma are major risk factors for more frequent and severe RV‐related illnesses. The prevalence of RV‐induced wheezing will likely continue to increase given that asthma affects a significant proportion of the population, with allergic asthma accounting for the majority. Several new respiratory viruses and their subgroups have been discovered, with various degrees of relevance. This review will focus on RV infection in the context of the epidemiologic evidence, genetic variability, pathobiology, clinical studies in the context of asthma, differences with other viruses including COVID‐19 and current treatment interventions.
Monitoring spring phenology of individual tree crowns using drone‐acquired NDVI data
Authors: Fawcett Dominic , Bennie Jonathan , Anderson Karen
Published: November 2020

Quantifying the timing of vegetation phenology is critical for monitoring and modelling ecosystem responses to environmental change. Phenological processes have been studied from landscape to global scales using Earth observing satellite data, and at local scale by in situ surveys of individual plants. Now, data acquired from multi‐spectral sensors on drone platforms provide flexible opportunities for monitoring phenology from individual plants to small ecosystem scales efficiently, allowing community and species level information to be derived. We captured a time‐series of drone‐acquired normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data with a multi‐spectral sensor (Parrot Sequoia, (Parrot, France)) over a highly heterogeneous ecosystem in Cornwall, UK, during a period of spring green‐up. We monitored NDVI trajectories at the individual crown and species’ level. For deciduous crowns, we derived metrics representative of spring phenological stages: Start‐of‐spring (SOS), middle‐of‐spring green‐up (MOG) and start‐of‐peak greenness (SOP) using a logistic function. While the exact timing of SOS, MOG and SOP appeared susceptible to understorey effects and saturation of the NDVI, relative timing of green‐up for a subset of species was plausible in relation to phenological observations from an extended geographic region and in situ plant area index (PAI) measurements. In evergreen vegetation (Pinus spp.) subtle changes were also detected through the growing season. The impact of illumination differences was analysed for image pairs during leaf‐off and leaf‐on conditions. While significant, these effects were small (mean absolute NDVI deviation of up to 0.034 for leaf‐off, 0.013 for leaf‐on conditions), meaning that data captured under both constant direct and diffuse irradiance conditions can be used together and that cloudy conditions should not lead to data gaps. We conclude that the capability of drone‐mounted multi‐spectral instruments for spatio‐temporal characterization of crown‐level phenology shows great promise for improving the understanding of intra‐ and inter‐species differences in strategy, and offers an efficient means of doing so over areas of a few hectares.
SuRF: A new method for sparse variable selection, with application in microbiome data analysis
Authors: Liu Lihui , Gu Hong , Van Limbergen Johan , Kenney Toby
Published: November 2020

In this article, we present a new variable selection method for regression and classification purposes, particularly for microbiome analysis. Our method, called subsampling ranking forward selection (SuRF), is based on LASSO penalized regression, subsampling and forward‐selection methods. SuRF offers major advantages over existing variable selection methods in terms of both sparsity of selected models and model inference. We provide anRpackage that can implement our method for generalized linear models. We apply our method to classification problems from microbiome data, using a novel agglomeration approach to deal with the special tree‐like correlation structure of the variables. Existing methods arbitrarily choose a taxonomic level a priori before performing the analysis, whereas by combining SuRF with these aggregated variables, we are able to identify the key biomarkers at the appropriate taxonomic level, as suggested by the data. We present simulations in multiple sparse settings to demonstrate that our approach performs better than several other popularly used existing approaches in recovering the true variables. We apply SuRF to two microbiome datasets: one about prediction of pouchitis and another for identifying samples from two healthy individuals. We find that SuRF can provide a better or comparable prediction with other methods while controlling the false positive rate of variable selection.
NIR‐Light‐Activated Ratiometric Fluorescent Hybrid Micelles for High Spatiotemporally Controlled Biological Imaging and Chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Yu , Ma Teng , Liu Pei , Ren Jingli , Li Yuce , Jiang Hao , Zhang Lianbin , Zhu Jintao
Published: November 2020

Intelligent‐responsive imaging‐therapy strategy has shown great significance for biomedicine. However, it is still a challenge to construct spatiotemporally controlled imaging‐therapy systems triggered by near infrared (NIR) light. In this work, NIR‐light‐activated ratiometric fluorescent hybrid micelles (RFHM) are prepared via the co‐assembly of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), doxorubicin (DOX), and UV‐light‐responsive amphiphilic block copolymer for the spatiotemporally controlled imaging and chemotherapy. Upon NIR light irradiation, UCNPs can convert NIR light to UV light. The emitted UV light induces the photoreaction of copolymer to further trigger ratiometric fluorescence imaging and degradation of hybrid micelles, resulting in rapid DOX release from hybrid micelles for antitumor therapy. The animal experiments reveal that NIR light can not only remotely regulate the ratiometric fluorescence imaging of RFHM in tumor tissue, but also trigger DOX release from RFHM to inhibit tumor growth. Therefore, this study provides a new strategy to achieve high spatial‐temporal‐controlled biological imaging and chemotherapy.
Ultrathin Silicon Nanolayer Implanted NixSi/Ni Nanoparticles as Superlong‐Cycle Lithium‐Ion Anode Material
Authors: Tamirat Andebet Gedamu , Lui Yao , Dong Xiaoli , Wang Congxiao , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: November 2020

It has been claimed that the mechanical properties of electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries have a huge impact on their electrochemical performance. This is especially critical for Si‐based electrodes, which suffer from pulverization and formation of an unstable solid–electrolyte interphase during cycling. Herein, thin silicon‐coated nickel silicide nanoparticles grown on a nickel inner core support (designated as Si@NixSi/Ni) as anode material for a Li‐ion battery are reported. The ultrathin nano silicon layer contributes to achieve reasonably high energy density and allows fast Li‐ion diffusion due to its high specific capacity and shortened Li‐ion diffusion length. While the gradiently distributed NixSi layer enables the attainment of superior cycling stability and further enhances the specific capacity, the Ni inner core provides mechanical support to maintain the structural integrity of the nanoparticles during the extended lithiation/delithiation process. The Si@NixSi/Ni core–shell electrode exhibits a charge‐specific capacity of 706.1 mAh g−1 at a current density of 500 mA g−1. This structure also shows a high first‐cycle Coulombic efficiency of 81.5%. Interestingly, the Si@NixSi/Ni core–shell electrode demonstrates a cycle life of over 5000 cycles with capacity retention of 74% at a current density of 500 mA g−1.
Transperineal ultrasound assessment of fetal head elevation by maneuvers used for managing umbilical cord prolapse
Authors: Kwan A. H. W. , Chaemsaithong P. , Wong L. , Tse W. T. , Hui A. S. Y. , Poon L. C. , Leung T. Y.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To assess objectively the degree of fetal head elevation achieved by different maneuvers commonly used for managing umbilical cord prolapse.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of pregnant women at term before elective Cesarean delivery. A baseline assessment of fetal head station was performed with the woman in the supine position, using transperineal ultrasound for measuring the parasagittal angle of progression (psAOP), head–symphysis distance (HSD) and head–perineum distance (HPD). The ultrasonographic measurements of fetal head station were repeated during different maneuvers, including elevation of the maternal buttocks using a wedge, knee‐chest position, Trendelenburg position with a 15° tilt and filling the maternal urinary bladder with 100 mL, 300 mL and 500 mL of normal saline. The measurements obtained during the maneuvers were compared with the baseline measurements.

Results

Twenty pregnant women scheduled for elective Cesarean section at term were included in the study. When compared with baseline (median psAOP, 103.6°), the knee‐chest position gave the strongest elevation effect, with the greatest reduction in psAOP (psAOP, 80.7°; P < 0.001), followed by filling the bladder with 500 mL (psAOP, 89.9°; P < 0.001) and 300 mL (psAOP, 94.4°; P < 0.001) of normal saline. Filling the maternal bladder with 100 mL of normal saline (psAOP, 96.1°; P = 0.001), the Trendelenburg position (psAOP, 96.8°; P = 0.014) and elevating the maternal buttocks (psAOP, 98.3°; P = 0.033) gave modest elevation effects. Similar findings were reported for HSD and HPD. The fetal head elevation effects of the knee‐chest position, Trendelenburg position and elevation of the maternal buttocks were independent of the initial fetal head station, but that of bladder filling was greater when the initial head station was low.

Conclusions

To elevate the fetal presenting part, the knee‐chest position provides the best effect, followed by filling the maternal urinary bladder with 500 mL then 300 mL of fluid, respectively. Filling the bladder with 100 mL of fluid, the Trendelenburg position and elevation of the maternal buttocks have modest effects. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
A conjugated polymer‐liposome complex: A contiguous water‐stable, electronic, and optical interface
Authors: Jephcott Lilli , Eslami Minoo , Travaglini Lorenzo , Lauto Antonio , Mawad Damia
Published: November 2020

The electronic and optical properties of conjugated polymers and conjugated polyelectrolytes have attracted considerable research interest across a broad range of applications. Interfacing them with the lipid bilayer enables the engineering of interfaces with unique characteristics, facilitated by accessing the properties of each constituent material. Research done on these interfaces tap into a broad range of applications. Fundamental studies have been conducted to gain insight into the polymer interaction with a lipid membrane that mimics the biological cell. Bioimaging and biosensing devices have been developed, exploiting optical and superquenching properties of the polymer. Delivery systems based on these complexes were applied in photothermal therapy using the polymer high thermal conversion efficiency. This minireview presents a summary of this research, highlighting that while the field remains in its early development, conjugated polymer/polyelectrolyte interfaces hold huge potential for biomedical applications.
Advances in statistical modeling of spatial extremes
Authors: Huser Raphaël , Wadsworth Jennifer L.
Published: November 2020

The classical modeling of spatial extremes relies on asymptotic models (i.e., max‐stable orr‐Pareto processes) for block maxima or peaks over high thresholds, respectively. However, at finite levels, empirical evidence often suggests that such asymptotic models are too rigidly constrained, and that they do not adequately capture the frequent situation where more severe events tend to be spatially more localized. In other words, these asymptotic models have a strong tail dependence that persists at increasingly high levels, while data usually suggest that it should weaken instead. Another well‐known limitation of classical spatial extremes models is that they are either computationally prohibitive to fit in high dimensions, or they need to be fitted using less efficient techniques. In this review paper, we describe recent progress in the modeling and inference for spatial extremes, focusing on new models that have more flexible tail structures that can bridge asymptotic dependence classes, and that are more easily amenable to likelihood‐based inference for large datasets. In particular, we discuss various types of random scale constructions, as well as the conditional spatial extremes model, which have recently been getting increasing attention within the statistics of extremes community. We illustrate some of these new spatial models on two different environmental applications.

This article is categorized under:

Data: Types and Structure > Image and Spatial Data

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods
Phosphorescence Afterglow and Thermal Properties of [ScCl3(ptpy)] (ptpy: 4'‐phenyl‐2,2',6',2''‐terpyridine)
Authors: Sedykh Alexander E. , Kurth Dirk G. , Müller‐Buschbaum Klaus
Published: November 2020

A trivalent scandium complex with 4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine [ScCl3(ptpy)] has been synthesized and characterized. At low temperatures, [ScCl3(ptpy)] shows a luminescence afterglow of green color in the crystalline form and of cyan color in a glass matrix, caused by phosphorescence of long triplet state emission lifetime (1.63(2) s in a glass matrix, 0.56(3) s in the crystalline form). In addition, the complex is thermally remarkably stable up to 495 °C, especially in comparison with previously reported similar lanthanide and group 3 metal chloride complexes containing ptpy.
A note on the exact closed form solution for coupled Hill equations
Authors: Watanabe Kazumi
Published: November 2020

An exact closed form solution for coupled (simultaneous) Hill equations is found. The Hill equations are derived from the displacement equations for the 2D orthotropic elastic solid by introducing polar coordinate variables to the Cartesian components of the displacement, and a solution method for a little bit generalized form of the Hill equations is presented.
Piloting the TEFCE Community Engagement Toolbox at the University of Twente
Authors: Farnell Thomas , Veidemane Anete , Westerheijden Don
Published: November 2020

A new community engagement review tool is being developed in an European context, in the TEFCE project (Towards a European Framework for Community Engagement in Higher Education). This chapter details the design principles of its methodology, in comparison to previous tools such as the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Community Engagement, and it illustrates its use on one of the four pilot reviews undertaken to date, at the University of Twente (the Netherlands). The seven dimensions of the TEFCE tool proved to be effective to analyze all aspects of community engagement, focusing on narratives of initiatives. The narrative approach’s flexibility proved effective to allow attention to unique elements in community engagement initiatives. The chapter ends in lessons drawn for further development of the tool and for those interested in using TEFCE or similar approaches.
Probing exotic charged Higgs decays in the Type-II 2HDM through top rich signal at a future 100 TeV pp collider
Authors: Li Shuailong , Song Huayang , Su Shufang
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The exotic decay modes of non-Standard Model Higgs bosons are efficient in probing the hierarchical Two Higgs Doublet Models (2HDM). In particular, the decay mode H±→HW± serves as a powerful channel in searching for charged Higgses. In this paper, we analyze the reach for H±→HW±→$$ t\overline{t}W $$
t

t
¯

W
at a 100 TeV pp collider, and show that it extends the reach of the previously studied ττW final states once above the top threshold. Top tagging technique is used, in combination with a boosted decision tree classifier. At the low tan β region, almost the entire hierarchical Type-II 2HDM parameter space can be probed via the combination of all exotic decay channels.
NLO QCD and EW corrections to vector-boson scattering into ZZ at the LHC
Authors: Denner Ansgar , Franken Robert , Pellen Mathieu , Schmidt Timo
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We present the first calculation of the full next-to-leading-order electroweak and QCD corrections for vector-boson scattering (VBS) into a pair of Z bosons at the LHC. We consider specifically the process pp → e+e−μ+μ−jj + X at orders $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(α7) and $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(αsα6) and take all off-shell and interference contributions into account. Owing to the presence of enhanced Sudakov logarithms, the electroweak corrections amount to −16% of the leading-order electroweak fiducial cross section and induce significant shape distortions of differential distributions. The QCD corrections on the other hand are larger (+24%) than typical QCD corrections in VBS. This originates from considering the full computation including tri-boson contributions in a rather inclusive phase space. We also provide a leading-order analysis of all contributions to the cross section for pp → e+e−μ+μ−jj + X in a realistic setup.
Soft displaced leptons at the LHC
Authors: Blekman Freya , Desai Nishita , Filimonova Anastasiia , Sahasransu Abanti Ranadhir , Westhoff Susanne
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Soft displaced leptons are representative collider signatures of compressed dark sectors with feeble couplings to the standard model. Prime targets are dark matter scenarios where co-scattering or co-annihilation sets the relic abundance upon freeze-out. At the LHC, searches for soft displaced leptons are challenged by a large background from hadron or tau lepton decays. In this article, we present an analysis tailored for displaced leptons with a low transverse momentum threshold at 20 GeV. Using a neural network, we perform a comprehensive analysis of the event kinematics, including a study of the expected detection efficiencies and backgrounds at small momenta. Our results show that weak-scale particles decaying into soft leptons with decay lengths between 1 mm and 1 m can be probed with LHC Run 2 data. This motivates the need for dedicated triggers that maximize the sensitivity to displaced soft leptons.
Systematics of type IIA moduli stabilisation
Authors: Marchesano Fernando , Prieto David , Quirant Joan , Shukla Pramod
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We analyse the flux-induced scalar potential for type IIA orientifolds in the presence ofp-form, geometric and non-geometric fluxes. Just like in the Calabi-Yau case, the potential presents a bilinear structure, with a factorised dependence on axions and saxions. This feature allows one to perform a systematic search for vacua, which we implement for the case of geometric backgrounds. Guided by stability criteria, we consider configurations with a particular on-shell F-term pattern, and show that no de Sitter extrema are allowed for them. We classify branches of supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric vacua, and argue that the latter are perturbatively stable for a large subset of them. Our solutions reproduce and generalise previous results in the literature, obtained either from the 4d or 10d viewpoint.
Trigonometric Real Form of the Spin RS Model of Krichever and Zabrodin
Authors: Fairon M. , Fehér L. , Marshall I.
Published: November 2020

We investigate the trigonometric real form of the spin Ruijsenaars–Schneider system introduced, at the level of equations of motion, by Krichever and Zabrodin in 1995. This pioneering work and all earlier studies of the Hamiltonian interpretation of the system were performed in complex holomorphic settings; understanding the real forms is a non-trivial problem. We explain that the trigonometric real form emerges from Hamiltonian reduction of an obviously integrable ‘free’ system carried by a spin extension of the Heisenberg double of the$${\mathrm{U}}(n)$$U(n)Poisson–Lie group. The Poisson structure on the unreduced real phase space$${\mathrm{GL}}(n,{\mathbb {C}})\times {\mathbb {C}}^{nd}$$GL(n,C)×Cndis the direct product of that of the Heisenberg double and$$d\ge 2$$d≥2copies of a$${\mathrm{U}}(n)$$U(n)covariant Poisson structure on$${\mathbb {C}}^n \simeq {\mathbb {R}}^{2n}$$Cn≃R2nfound by Zakrzewski, also in 1995. We reduce by fixing a group valued moment map to a multiple of the identity and analyze the resulting reduced system in detail. In particular, we derive on the reduced phase space the Hamiltonian structure of the trigonometric spin Ruijsenaars–Schneider system and we prove its degenerate integrability.
Response optimization of underactuated vibration generators through dynamic structural modification and shaping of the excitation forces
Authors: Belotti Roberto , Richiedei Dario , Tamellin Iacopo , Trevisani Alberto
Published: November 2020

Resonant vibration generators, such as vibratory feeders or ultrasonic sonotrodes, are often employed in manufacturing to generate harmonic vibrations with suitable amplitude, spatial shape, and frequency, in order to meet the process requirements. These underactuated systems are usually excited in open loop by few actuators, and therefore, it is not ensured that the desired response is correctly achieved, since the feasible motions should belong to the subset of the allowable motions. To achieve the closest approximation of the desired vibrations, some new solutions are here proposed. The first strategy is the optimal shaping of the harmonic forces exerted by the actuators, by solving an inverse dynamic problem through a coordinate transformation and the projection of the desired response onto the subspace of the allowable motion. By exploiting the formulation of such a subspace, a second approach that involves concurrently both the force shaping and the modification of the inertial and elastic system parameters is proposed. The idea of this approach is to exploit the modification of the elastic and inertial parameters to properly shape the allowable subspace in such a way that it spans the desired response. A solution method is developed, and analytical sensitivity analysis is proposed to choose the design variables. Validation is proposed through a linear vibratory feeder with a long flexible tray, taken from the literature. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed strategies that lead to a very precise approximation of the desired response.
On a sharp lemma of Cassels and Montgomery on manifolds
Authors: Brandolini Luca , Gariboldi Bianca , Gigante Giacomo
Published: November 2020

Let$$( \mathcal {M},g ) $$(M,g)be ad-dimensional compact connected Riemannian manifold and let$$\{ \varphi _{m}\} _{m=0}^{+\infty }$${φm}m=0+∞be a complete sequence of orthonormal eigenfunctions of the Laplace–Beltrami operator on$$\mathcal {M}$$M. We show that there exists a positive constantCsuch that for all integersNandXand for all finite sequences ofNpoints in$$\mathcal {M}$$M,$$\{x( j)\} _{j=1}^{N}$${x(j)}j=1N, and positive weights$$\{ a_{j}\} _{j=1}^{N}$${aj}j=1Nwe have$$\begin{aligned} \sum _{m=0}^{X}\left| \sum _{j=1}^{N}a_{j}\varphi _{m}( x( j)) \right| ^{2}\ge \max \left\{ CX\sum _{j=1}^{N}a_{j} ^{2},\left( \sum _{j=1}^{N}a_{j}\right) ^{2}\right\} . \end{aligned}$$∑m=0X∑j=1Najφm(x(j))2≥maxCX∑j=1Naj2,∑j=1Naj2.