bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mask RCNN algorithm for nuclei detection on breast cancer histopathological images
Authors: Huang Hui , Feng Xi'an , Jiang Jionghui , Chen Peiyu , Zhou Suying
Published: July 2021

Nuclei detection is a key step in computer assisted pathology. Due to the variability of the size, shape, appearance, and texture of breast cancer nuclei in histopathological images, automated nuclei detection has always been a difficult aspect of computer‐aided pathology research. In this article, Mask RCNN is presented for the automatic detection of nuclei on high‐resolution histopathological images of breast cancer. Mask RCNN uses the ResNet network and effectively combines modules such as feature pyramid networks (FPN), ROIAlign, and fully convolutional networks (FCN). FPN can efficiently extract features of various dimensions in images. ROIAlign can improve the accuracy of the detection model in the detection task. FCN renders the prediction results more detailed. The experiment results show that the application of this algorithm is superior to other algorithms in terms of its intuitive vision, as well as in performance indicators such as accuracy, recall, and F‐Measure.
Intermetallic interphases in lithium metal and lithium ion batteries
Authors: Sun Ke , Peng Zhangquan
Published: July 2021

A robust electrode–electrolyte interface is the cornerstone for every battery system, as demonstrated in the meandering history of the development of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). In the thrust to replace the graphite anode with more energetic ones in LIBs, the effectual strategy for stabilizing the original graphite–electrolyte interface becomes obsolete and a new anode–electrolyte interface needs reconfiguration. Unfortunately, this interface has become the Achilles' heel for those anodes, such as Li‐metal anode (LMA) and Si‐based anode owing to their excessive reductivity, enormous volume change, and so forth. Encouragingly, in the last decade, impressive progress has been made on taming these extremely unstable interfaces and on the solid‐state batteries (SSBs) that are reported to be less susceptible to parasitic reactions. One of the distinguished strategies is the application of artificial Li‐alloying intermetallic interphases onto the surface of LMA, via the direct introduction of foreign metals to the Li anode or indirect hetero‐cations doping in the electrolyte, to regulate the Li deposition/stripping behavior, which has markedly improved the stability of the LMA–electrolyte interface. In parallel, the intermetallic interphases are also witnessed to profoundly enhance the anode–solid electrolyte contact and the corresponding charge transfer kinetics in various SSBs. This review will provide a panoramic overview of the application of the intermetallic interphases at the anode–electrolyte interfaces in the lithium metal batteries (LMBs), SSBs, and also derivative works in the conventional LIBs, which will focus on different concepts, methodologies, and understandings from the encircled studies.

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Biosafety and biodegradation studies of AZ31B magnesium alloy carotid artery stent in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Erişen Deniz Eren , Zhang Yuqi , Zhang Bingchun , Yang Ke , Chen Shanshan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: July 2021

Biosafety of AZ31B magnesium (Mg) alloy and the effect of its degradation products on tissues, organs, and whole systems are highly needed to be evaluated before clinical application. This study serves a wide variety of safety evaluations of biodegradable AZ31B alloy on nerve cells. As a result of this in vitro study, the maximum aluminum (Al) ion and Mg ion concentrations in the medium were estimated to be 22 μmol/L and 2.75 mmol/L, respectively, during degradation. In addition, the corresponding cell mortality was observed to be 36% and lower than 5% according to the resistance curves of the cell to Mg and Al ions. Furthermore, the maximum Al ion and Mg ion concentrations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid were detected to be 26.1 μmol/L and 1.2 mmol/L, respectively, for 5 months implantation. Combining the result of in vivo dialysis with the result of ion tolerance assay experiments, the actual death rate of nerve cells is estimated between 4 and 10% in vivo, which is lower than the result of in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation. Moreover, no psychomotor disability during clinical studies is observed. Consequently, stent made of AZ31B alloy with surface treatment is feasible for carotid artery stenosis, and it is safe in terms of cell viability on the nervous system.
Photophysical properties of heavy atom containing tetrasulfonyl phthalocyanines as possible photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy
Authors: De Simone Bruna Clara , Alberto Marta Erminia , Russo Nino , Toscano Marirosa
Published: July 2021

The excitation energies, singlet‐triplet energy gap and spin‐orbit coupling constants for Zn‐, GaCl‐, Pd‐, and Pt‐ tetrasulfonyl phthalocyanines complexes (ZnPc, GaClPc, PdPc, and PtPc) have been computed by using the density functional theory and employing the M06 exchange‐correlation functional. Results show that these systems possess interesting photophysical properties, which make them possible photosensitizers to be proposed in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Absorption energies of all the complexes examined have been found falling inside the so‐called therapeutic window (550–800 nm). Singlet‐triplet energy gap values are higher than those required for the production of cytotoxic molecular oxygen and the spin‐orbit coupling constants are such as to ensure an efficient spin orbit intersystem crossing. The obtained data are consistent with the experimental oxygen singlet quantum yields. The platinum complex appears to be the most effective candidate to propose for PDT.
Examining the multilevel associations between psychological wellbeing and social trust: A primary analysis of survey data
Authors: Kim Harris Hyun‐soo , Shin Areum
Published: July 2021

The present study examines the associations between multiple measures of social trust and two outcomes of psychological wellbeing (happiness and depression) among South Korean adults (n = 1549) living in residential communities, that is, administrative districts (n = 77) in and around the capital city of Seoul. Based on multilevel modeling, we find that familial trust positively predicts happiness at both individual and contextual levels; and it negatively predicts depression at the individual level only. In comparison, peer trust is negatively related only to depression at the individual level, albeit marginally. Lastly, general trust significantly predicts both outcomes at the community, but not individual, level. These mixed findings suggest that the trust‐wellbeing relationship depends critically on issues of definition (how the variables are conceptualized) and measurement (how they are operationalized according to different units of analysis). Our study offers implications for the literature on social determinants of mental health broadly and, more specifically, on the role of social trust.
Epigenetic reprogramming enhances the therapeutic efficacy of osteoblast‐derived extracellular vesicles to promote human bone marrow stem cell osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Man Kenny , Brunet Mathieu Y. , Fernandez‐Rhodes Maria , Williams Soraya , Heaney Liam M. , Gethings Lee A. , Federici Angelica , Davies Owen G. , Hoey David , Cox Sophie C.
Published: July 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging in tissue engineering as promising acellular tools, circumventing many of the limitations associated with cell‐based therapies. Epigenetic regulation through histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition has been shown to increase differentiation capacity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential of augmenting osteoblast epigenetic functionality using the HDAC inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA) to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of osteoblast‐derived EVs for bone regeneration. TSA was found to substantially alter osteoblast epigenetic function through reduced HDAC activity and increased histone acetylation. Treatment with TSA also significantly enhanced osteoblast alkaline phosphatase activity (1.35‐fold), collagen production (2.8‐fold) and calcium deposition (1.55‐fold) during osteogenic culture (P ≤ 0.001). EVs derived from TSA‐treated osteoblasts (TSA‐EVs) exhibited reduced particle size (1‐05‐fold) (P > 0.05), concentration (1.4‐fold) (P > 0.05) and protein content (1.16‐fold) (P ≤ 0.001) when compared to untreated EVs. TSA‐EVs significantly enhanced the proliferation (1.13‐fold) and migration (1.3‐fold) of human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs) when compared to untreated EVs (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, TSA‐EVs upregulated hBMSCs osteoblast‐related gene and protein expression (ALP, Col1a, BSP1 and OCN) when compared to cells cultured with untreated EVs. Importantly, TSA‐EVs elicited a time‐dose dependent increase in hBMSCs extracellular matrix mineralisation. MicroRNA profiling revealed a set of differentially expressed microRNAs from TSA‐EVs, which were osteogenic‐related. Target prediction demonstrated these microRNAs were involved in regulating pathways such as ‘endocytosis’ and ‘Wnt signalling pathway’. Moreover, proteomics analysis identified the enrichment of proteins involved in transcriptional regulation within TSA‐EVs. Taken together, our findings suggest that altering osteoblasts’ epigenome accelerates their mineralisation and promotes the osteoinductive potency of secreted EVs partly due to the delivery of pro‐osteogenic microRNAs and transcriptional regulating proteins. As such, for the first time we demonstrate the potential to harness epigenetic regulation as a novel engineering approach to enhance EVs therapeutic efficacy for bone repair.
Wind stilling‐reversal across Sweden: The impact of land‐use and large‐scale atmospheric circulation changes
Authors: Minola Lorenzo , Reese Heather , Lai Hui‐Wen , Azorin‐Molina Cesar , Guijarro Jose A. , Son Seok‐Woo , Chen Deliang
Published: July 2021

This study analyses for the first time the break in the stilling detected by previous research around 2010, with focus in Sweden using homogenized near‐surface mean and gust wind speed observations for 1997–2019. During the recent past two decades, both mean and gust wind magnitude and frequency (exceeding the 90th percentile) underwent nonlinear changes, driven by the dominant winter variability. In particular, consistent with previous studies, the significant (p < .05) stilling ceased in 2003, followed by no clear trend afterwards. The detected stilling‐reversal is linked to large‐scale atmospheric circulation changes, in particular to the North Atlantic Oscillation for both mean and gust wind changes, and the intensity changes of extratropical cyclones passing across Sweden especially for wind gusts. Furthermore, in different wind change phases, the observed wind distribution did not vary uniformly for the various wind speed ranges; instead, strong winds drove most of the changes. In the same way, increases in gust winds are greater compared to changes in mean wind speed conditions. The stilling‐reversal is also identified by the ERA5 reanalysis, where large‐scale atmospheric circulation changes are captured. But the background slowdown detected in most stations does not appear in the ERA5 data as the observed increase in forest cover is not considered in the reanalysis. This study reveals that, in addition to the large‐scale interannual variability, changes in surface roughness (e.g., changes in forest cover) contribute to the observed wind variability across Sweden.
The role of teleconnection patterns in the variability and trends of growing season indices across Europe
Authors: Craig Philip M. , Allan Richard P.
Published: July 2021

Teleconnection patterns affect the weather and climate on both interannual and decadal timescales which in turn affects various socio‐economic sectors such as agriculture. We use three climate indices based on E‐OBS data from the INDECIS dataset (growing season onset [ogs10], growing season rainfall [gsr] and growing season temperature [ta_o]) to assess the interannual variability and trends over 1950–2017 associated with four teleconnection patterns (North Atlantic Oscillation [NAO], East Atlantic pattern [EA], Scandinavian pattern [SCA] and East Atlantic/West Russia pattern [EAWR]) using linear regression to extract the signal of each teleconnection pattern and their contribution to interannual variability. Trends towards an earlier growing season onset are found across most of Europe in low‐lying regions. The NAO dominates interannual variability in northwest Europe where an NAO index of 1 is associated with earlier ogs10 of about 10 days and the EA dominates the continent with a trend towards the positive EA phase driving an earlier growing season onset of 1.1–1.7 days·decade−1 in five regions (Great Britain and Ireland, France, Italy, Poland and North Germany, Hungary, Balkans). The EA and SCA gsr signals have north/south splits of orientation: positive EA is linked to increased gsr in northern regions and reduced gsr in southern Europe, and vice versa for SCA. Correlations between gsr interannual variability and the teleconnection contributions are strongest in the Mediterranean regions and south Scandinavia with maxima of 0.41 and 0.46, respectively. Decreasing ta_o trends in Romania are explained by poor data coverage causing problems with the EOBS gridding algorithm when new stations are incorporated from 1961. The net effect is that Romanian ta_o is about 1.5°C cooler than expected compared to trends from surrounding countries. Improved spatial and temporal data coverage will benefit the EOBS dataset and prevent such erroneous trends.
Climatology of the heat low and the intertropical discontinuity in the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Fonseca Ricardo , Francis Diana , Nelli Narendra , Thota Mohan
Published: July 2021

In this article, the climatological state and the seasonal variability of the Arabian heat low (AHL) and the intertropical discontinuity (ITD) are investigated over the Arabian Peninsula using the 1979–2019 ERA‐5 reanalysis data. The AHL is a summertime feature, mostly at 15°–35°N and 40°–60°E, exhibiting a clear strengthening over the last four decades in line with the observed increase in surface temperature. However, no clear shift in its position is detected. The AHL, driven by both thermodynamic and dynamic forcing, is broader and stronger during daytime and exhibits considerable variability on day‐to‐day timescales, likely due to the convection associated with the Asian summer monsoon. The ITD is the boundary between the hot and dry desert air and the cooler and more moist air from the Arabian Sea. It lies along the Arabian Peninsula's southern coastline in the cold season but reaches up to 28°N between 50° and 60°E in the summer months. While in the former it has a rather small diurnal variability; in the latter it shows daily fluctuations of up to 10° in latitude. The presence of the Sarawat Mountains over southwestern Saudi Arabia precludes a northward migration of the ITD in this area. The ITD exhibited a weak northward migration in the 41‐year period, likely due to the increased sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea. On inter‐annual timescales, the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, the Indian Ocean Dipole, and solar‐geomagnetic effects play an important role in the AHL's and ITD's variability.
Impact of financial literacy models on the financial behavior of individuals: An empirical study on the Indian context
Authors: Bhandare Purushottam Vishnu , Guha Samapti , Chaudhury Rimita Hom , Ghosh Chandralekha
Published: July 2021

Different financial literacy models adopted by formal and semi‐formal institutes have dissimilar impacts on individuals' decision‐making and financial behavior. Individuals who participated in semi‐formal financial literacy training are more likely to borrow than those who participated in the formal financial literacy training program. Decomposition suggests that people who participated in the formal financial literacy program are more likely to subscribe to insurance services than people trained from semi‐formal financial literacy program. Individuals who participated in the semi‐formal financial literacy training program are more satisfied with their current financial situation than those who participated in the formal literacy training program.
How does the Fintech services delivery affect customer satisfaction: A scenario of Jordanian banking sector
Authors: Alkhazaleh Ayman Mansour Khalaf , Haddad Hossam
Published: July 2021

The availability of financial technology services, accessibility, ease of use and performance, transaction costs, and service security of Fintech have a positive and significant effect on banks' customer satisfaction. Effective financial technology services assist and preserve customers, who increase the revenues generated by the banks and economic growth.
Predictors of surgical complications in patients with sinonasal malignancy
Authors: Dodhia Sonam , Fitzgerald Conall W. R. , McLean Andrew T. , Yuan Avery , Valero Mayor Cristina , Adilbay Dauren , Mimica Ximena , Gupta Piyush , Cracchiolo Jennifer R. , Patel Snehal , Wong Richard J. , Shah Jatin , Ganly Ian , Cohen Marc A.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Sinonasal and skull base tumors are rare, making it difficult to identify trends in surgical outcome. This study examines complications in a large cohort of patients undergoing surgery for sinonasal malignancy.

Methods

Following IRB approval, an institutional database was reviewed to identify patients who underwent surgery for sinonasal or skull base malignancies from 1973 to 2016 at our institution. Charlson comorbidity index score and Clavien–Dindo grade were calculated. The main study endpoint was subgroup analysis of Clavien–Dindo Grade 0, Grades 1–2, and Grades 3–5 complications. An ordinal logistic regression model was constructed to assess the association between comorbidities, demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgical complications.

Results

In total, 448 patients met inclusion criteria. Perioperative mortality rate at 30 days was 1.6% (n = 7). The rate of severe complications (Clavien–Dindo 3 or higher) was 13.6% (n = 61). Multivariate analysis using an ordinal logistic regression model showed no association between Charlson comorbidity index score and Clavien–Dindo grade of postoperative complication. Advanced T‐stage was significantly associated with complications (p = 0.0014; odds ratio: 3.442 [95% confidence interval: 1.615, 7.338]).

Conclusion

Surgery for sinonasal and skull base tumors is safe with a low mortality rate. Advanced T‐stage is associated with postoperative complications. These findings have implications for preoperative risk stratification.

Key Points Surgery for sinonasal malignancy is safe with a 30 mortality of 1.6% and rate of severe complications of 12.8%.

There is no association between patient comorbidity and post operative complication.

On multivariate analysis, only advanced T stage was associated with increased rate of surgical complication.
Cell‐Free Human Papillomavirus‐DNA for Monitoring Treatment Response of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Campo Flaminia , Zocchi Jacopo , Moretto Silvia , Mazzola Francesco , Petruzzi Gerardo , Donà Maria G. , Benevolo Maria , Iocca Oreste , De Virgilio Armando , Pichi Barbara , Manciocco Valentina , Pellini Raul
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to assess the value of cell‐free human papillomavirus‐DNA (cfHPV‐DNA) as a diagnostic test for the post‐treatment surveillance of patients with HPV‐positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Study Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus) in January 2021. The population included patients with HPV‐positive HNSCC. The intervention was the use of the repeated liquid biopsy with circulating HPV‐DNA detection during follow‐up. The outcome was to establish the value of cfHPV‐DNA as a diagnostic test for the post‐treatment surveillance of patients with HPV‐positive HNSCC.

Results

Ten studies included in the meta‐analysis provided a total of 457 patients with HPV‐positive HNSCC. The meta‐analytic study estimated the diagnostic performance of cfHPV‐DNA as follows: pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–0.84) and 0.99 (99% CI: 0.96–0.99), respectively; positive and negative likelihood ratios of 62.5 (99% CI: 22.9–170.2) and 0.05 (99% CI: 0.013–0.24), respectively; and pooled diagnostic odds ratio of 371.66 (99% CI: 60.4–2286.7).

Conclusion

Currently, the follow‐up protocol for HNSCC patients includes routine clinical evaluation and radiological imaging. Biomarkers to monitor this disease are not established. Considering its high specificity, cfHPV‐DNA represents a potential confirmatory test in the case of positive positron emission tomography and computed tomography. In the near future, cfHPV‐DNA could be used as a biomarker for monitoring the treatment response during the clinical trials of de‐escalation therapy or immunotherapy. Larger sample sizes and the homologation of study protocols and methodology are needed to better establish its utility in the clinical practice. Laryngoscope, 132:560–568, 2022
In‐store service decisions under consumer disappointment aversion
Authors: Wang Junbin
Published: July 2021

This study investigates how retailers invest in‐store service by considering the possible service failure that occurs in a store, and consumers' disappointment concerns it causes. Specifically, we establish an analytical framework to examine several competitive scenarios. The results reveal that, first, the presence of disappointment concerns always decreases the in‐store service level in equilibrium, while ignoring it by retailers may result in their overinvestments in in‐store service. Although conventional wisdom may suggest offering more in‐store service to consumers helps the traditional retailer compete with online rivals, this may not be true in the presence of disappointment aversion.
Dynamics of exact soliton solutions in the double‐chain model of deoxyribonucleic acid
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Younas Usman , Ren Jingli
Published: July 2021

In this research, we study analytically the double‐chain model. The model consists of two long elastic homogeneous strands (or rods), which represent two polynucleotide chains of the deoxyribonucleic acid molecule, connected with each other by an elastic membrane (or some linear springs) representing the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs of the two chains. The new extended direct algebraic method and the generalized Kudryashov method are successfully utilized to discuss the exact soliton solutions to the double‐chain model of deoxyribonucleic acid that plays an important role in biology. The solutions obtained by these mechanisms can be divided into solitary, singular, kink, single wave, combine behavior as well as hyperbolic, plane wave, and trigonometric solutions with arbitrary parameters. Some solutions have been exemplified by graphics to understand the physical meaning of the DNA model. The accomplished solutions seem with all essential constraint conditions, which are obligatory for them to subsist. Hence, our techniques via fortification of symbolic computations provide an active and potent mathematical implement for solving diverse benevolent nonlinear wave problems. The results show that the system theoretically has extremely rich exact wave structures of biological relevance.
Rogue waves on the general periodic traveling wave background for an extended modified Korteweg–de Vries equation
Authors: Lou Yu , Zhang Yi , Ye Rusuo
Published: July 2021

Under consideration in this paper is rogue waves on the general periodic traveling wave background of an integrable extended modified Korteweg–de Vries equation. The general periodic traveling wave solutions are presented. By means of the Darboux transformation and the nonlinearization of the Lax pair, we present the first‐, second‐ and third‐order rogue waves on the general periodic traveling wave background. Furthermore, the dynamic behaviors of rogue periodic waves are elucidated from the viewpoint of three‐dimensional structures.
Associations between heteronormative information, parental support and stress among same‐sex mothers in Sweden—A web survey
Authors: Appelgren Engström Heléne , Borneskog Catrin , Loeb Carina , Häggström‐Nordin Elisabet , Almqvist Anna‐Lena
Published: July 2021

Aim

The aim was to investigate same‐sex mothers’ self‐assessed experiences of forming a family, and the association between heteronormative information, parental support and parenting stress.

Design

A quantitative, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

In a web survey conducted in Sweden in 2019, same‐sex mothers (N = 146) with a child aged 1–3 years answered questions about their experiences of forming a family through assisted reproduction and questions about parenting stress. Descriptive statistics describes the process of forming a family. Pearson's correlation analyses and independent sample t tests were used to test hypotheses about heteronormative information, parental support and parenting stress.

Results

Same‐sex mothers experienced going through assisted reproduction treatment as stressful, and parental groups as not being supportive. Heteronormative information correlated with both lower perceived parental support and higher perceived parenting stress. Non‐birth mothers experienced less acknowledgement and support than birthmothers.
Ultraconvergence of finite element method by Richardson extrapolation for elliptic problems with inhomogeneous boundary conditions
Authors: He Wen‐ming , Zhao Ren , Cao Yong
Published: July 2021

In this article, Richardson extrapolation technique is employed to investigate the local ultraconvergence properties of Lagrange finite element method using piecewise polynomials of degrees () for the second order elliptic problem with inhomogeneous boundary. A sequence of special graded partition are proposed and a new interpolation operator is introduced to achieve order local ultraconvergence for the displacement and derivative.
Align Municipal Procurement Practices With Asset Management and Sustainability Goals
Authors: Moore Randy , Stroebl T.J.
Published: July 2021

AWWA has led the water sector in educating and assisting municipalities and utilities with adopting asset management and sustainability best practices. However, many municipalities and utilities haven't updated their procurement practices to align with their stated goals around these important concepts.
Molybdenum disulphide—A traditional external lubricant that shows interesting interphase properties in pulp‐based composites
Authors: Hosseini Seyedehsan , Venkatesh Abhijit , Boldizar Antal , Westman Gunnar
Published: July 2021

Compression molded composites were prepared through a water‐assisted mixing of an aqueous suspension of poly(ethylene‐co‐acrylic acid), additive, and pulp fibers [thermomechanical pulp (TMP) or dissolving pulp (DP)]. The lubricating additives used were magnesium stearate (MgSt) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2). The composite materials had dry pulp contents ranging from 30 to 70 wt% and 5 wt% additive relative to the weight of the pulp. The adsorption of the additives onto the fibers was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. DMA showed that MgSt and MoS2 gave similar interphase properties for the TMP samples at all loading contents, but the combination of MgSt and MoS2 improved the overall properties of the DP‐based composites. The tensile modulus, at 70 wt% fiber content (TMP or DP), increased compared to the matrix by a factor of 6.3 and 8.1, without lubricants, and by a factor of 8 and 10.7, with lubricants, respectively. The increase in melt viscosity observed for the lubricated samples was greater for the TMP‐based samples containing MoS2. At a lubricant content of 5 wt%, in 30 wt% TMP, the MoS2 behaved as both a lubricant and compatibilizer.
High‐strain‐rate mechanical performance of particle‐ and fiber‐reinforced polymer composites measured with split Hopkinson bar: A review
Authors: Graziano Antimo , Titton Dias Otavio Augusto , Petel Oren
Published: July 2021

Reinforcing polymers with particles and fibers has been a common strategy for decades, in order to make them suitable for high‐demanding industrial applications. As composites often undergo dynamic loads, it is important to understand their behavior under such conditions. This review first classifies the types of polymer composites and then explains their failure behavior under tension and compression loading, followed by an overview of some of the experimental procedures used to characterize the polymer composites' dynamic mechanical performance. Afterward, the most significant findings in terms of the high‐strain‐rate compressive and tensile strength and modulus of polymer composites are thoroughly discussed. The results, available in the literature, on the mechanical properties of polymer composites under quasi‐static conditions are also presented and compared with the high‐strain‐rate data. The differences are explained by discussing the changes in the structural configurations of polymer matrices under quasi‐static and dynamic loads. Lastly, conclusions and future perspectives are given, with the intent of highlighting the most promising polymer composites that can be used for a wide variety of applications.
Theoretical prediction model of mean crushing force of CFRP‐Al hybrid circular tubes under axial compression
Authors: Bai Cuiping , Ma Qihua , Gan Xuehui , Zhou Tianjun
Published: July 2021

The CFRP‐Al hybrid thin‐walled structure combines the dual advantages of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and metal, which is one of the crucial methods for both lightweight and high strength. This study aimed to explore the theoretical prediction of the mean crushing force of the hybrid tubes with different winding angles subjected to axial compression. In order to construct the theoretical model of the hybrid structural energy absorption response, the failure modes, and deformative behavior of the hybrid tubes are analyzed and summarized based on the axial compression experiments. Considering the effects of winding angles on the energy dissipation and deformation characteristic of hybrid circular tubes, the expressions of membrane force and bending energy per unit length are obtained. Then, the analytical model is established to predict the mean crushing force of the CFRP‐Al hybrid circular tube. Furthermore, the results of the prediction model are compared according to different failure criteria of composite materials. The findings show that the predicted values of the maximum stress failure are more consistent with the experimental values, in which the discrepancy between analytically predicted and experimentally tested mean crushing forces of these hybrid tubes is no more than 10%. The results can provide a basis for the design of the composite‐metal hybrid thin‐walled tube.
Influence of Polysilicon Thickness on Properties of Screen‐Printed Silver Paste Metallized Silicon Oxide/Polysilicon Passivated Contacts
Authors: Chaudhary Aditya , Hoß Jan , Lossen Jan , Huster Frank , Kopecek Radovan , van Swaaij René , Zeman Miro
Published: July 2021

This work investigates how the thickness of the polysilicon layer and temperatures during contact sintering influence the properties of SiOx/polysilicon passivated contacts. The n+ polysilicon layers deposited by low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) on top of a thin wet chemically grown interface oxide layer providing chemical and field‐effect passivation on n‐type monocrystalline silicon wafers are investigated. Three different polysilicon layer thicknesses of 50, 100, and 150 nm are considered in this work. A high level of passivation with implied Voc values above 735 mV and J01 below 5 fA cm−2 is obtained for symmetric lifetime test samples. These samples are used to investigate the interaction of the silver paste with the polysilicon layer at different fast firing peak temperatures. Reduction in polysilicon layer thickness leads to an increase in contact resistivity as well as in J0met. Excellent J0met values of the order of J01 with contact resistivity values below 2 mΩ cm2 are obtained for samples with polysilicon layers of 100 and 150 nm thickness.
Lateral Charge Carrier Transport in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Studied by Time‐Resolved Photoluminescence Mapping
Authors: Ochoa Mario , Nishiwaki Shiro , Yang Shih-Chi , Tiwari Ayodhya N. , Carron Romain
Published: July 2021

Electronic transport in a semiconductor is key for the development of more efficient devices. In particular, the electronic transport parameters carrier lifetime and mobility are of paramount importance for the modeling, characterization, and development of new designs for solar cells and optoelectronic devices. Herein, time‐resolved photoluminescence mapping under low injection and wide‐field illumination conditions is used to measure the carrier lifetime and analyze the lateral charge carrier transport in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 absorbers grown at different temperatures, on different substrates, and subject to different postdeposition treatments (PDT) with light or heavy alkalis. To estimate the carrier mobility, numerical simulations of carrier diffusion transport to areas of increased recombination (defects) are used, similarly as observed experimentally. Mobilities are found in the range of 10–50 cm2 V−1 s−1, and effective minority carrier lifetime between 100 and 800 ns resulting in carrier diffusion lengths of 2–9 μm depending on the sample. Finally, the factors limiting carrier mobility and the implications of carrier diffusion on the measured carrier lifetimes are discussed.
Cordyceps sinensis aqueous extract regulates the adaptive immunity of mice subjected to 60Co γ irradiation
Authors: Wei Shanshan , Peng Weibiao , Zhang Chenxi , Su Li , Zhang Zhenzhen , Wang Jiachun , Huang Caiguo , Chu Zhiyong
Published: July 2021

Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is known for treating various diseases, and particularly for exerting therapeutic effects in immune disorders. The adaptive immunoregulatory effects of CS aqueous extract (CSAE) on γ‐irradiated mice have not been reported previously. The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of CSAE in mice immunosuppressed by irradiation. We observed that CSAE administration significantly increased body weight and spleen index, as well as the number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and platelets in peripheral blood, T and B lymphocytes in spleen tissue, and total serum immunoglobulins in irradiated mice, whereas total serum pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels were decreased. Collectively, CSAE maintained the structural integrity of spleen tissue and repaired its damage in irradiated mice as shown by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and decreased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling‐positive splenocytes. Mechanistically, CSAE upregulated Bcl‐2, and downregulated Bax and cleaved caspase‐3 in spleen of irradiated mice. However, there were no significant differences in red blood cells and neutrophils in different groups. The results revealed that CSAE had protective effects against irradiation‐induced immunosuppression, which was likely associated with an antiapoptotic effect and the regulation of adaptive immunity.
Interval state estimation‐based robust model predictive control for linear parameter varying systems
Authors: Ping Xubin , Yang Sen , Xiao Yingying , Ding Baocang , Li Zhiwu
Published: July 2021

For linear parameter varying (LPV) systems with unknown system states, this article investigates an interval state estimation‐based robust model predictive control algorithm. Two interval state estimation approaches, including interval observer systems and zonotope‐based box computations, are considered to estimate the upper and lower bounds of system states. The on‐line interval estimation error boxes are contained within the scaled and time‐varying ellipsoidal robust positively invariant sets. Then, the centers of the state constraint boxes are steered to a region near the origin. When the interval estimation error boxes and the centers of state constraint boxes simultaneously converge to the neighborhood of the origin, the controlled LPV systems are robust stable.
The protective role of resveratrol against sulfoxaflor‐induced toxicity in testis of adult male rats
Authors: Said Noha I. , Abd‐Elrazek Areeg M. , El‐dash Heba A.
Published: July 2021

This work was designed to explore the protective role of resveratrol (RES) against sulfoxaflor (Sulfx)‐induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. The animals were divided into six groups: Control group, Sulfx treated groups (79.5 and 205 mg/kg/day), RES treated group (20 mg/kg/day), RES + Sulfx treated groups (20 mg/kg Res + 79.5 or 205 mg/kg Sulfx) orally for 28 consecutive days. Testicular samples were collected from all groups at the end of the treatment period. Tissue supernatants were isolated for oxidative stress and cellular energy parameters; tissue samples were prepared for histopathological examination. In addition, caspase‐3 activity was calculated to assess spermatogenesis. Finally, DNA laddering assay was performed to detect DNA fragmentation as a hallmark of apoptosis. Our results showed that Sulfx treatment induced a significant increase in testicular levels of MDA, NOx, GSSG and reduced GSH level and cellular energy parameters in a dose‐dependent manner compared to the control group. The results were confirmed by histopathological study which showed pathological changes in Sulfx treated groups. A significant increase in caspase 3 and DNA fragmentation was also observed. However, concomitant administration of RES to Sulfx ‐treated rats showed significant modulation against Sulfx‐induced reproductive toxicity and attenuated the biochemical, apoptotic and histopathological changes. In conclusion, our results suggest that exposure to Sulfx at the two selected doses induces testicular toxicity and these effects can be ameliorated by supplementation of RES.
Effects of a new dietary supplement on behavioural responses of dogs exposed to mild stressors
Authors: Titeux Emmanuelle , Padilla Stephanie , Paragon Bernard‐Marie , Gilbert Caroline
Published: July 2021

Background & Objectives

The effectiveness of a new dietary supplement (derived from fish hydrolysate and melon juice concentrate rich in superoxide dismutase) in reducing fear and stress‐related behaviours in pet dogs was examined in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study.

Methods

39 dogs were recruited after the owners had filled out a fear susceptibility index questionnaire. Over a 30‐day period, one group of dogs received the supplement, and another group a placebo.

Twelve behavioural variables were recorded in a series of four subtests (ST1‐ST4) on days 0, 15 and 30. Saliva cortisol levels were measured before and after each set of STs.

Results

The dogs rated as more fearful displayed significantly higher cortisol values before the day 0 test session, were less active, spent less time playing with the experimenter, and approached the unfamiliar object less frequently. The owners did not correctly guess whether their dog had received the supplement or not. Behaviours of dogs were significantly different across the three sessions, with significant increases of stress‐related behaviours (time spent in the door zone, number of interactions with the door, of whining, and of lip‐licking). Conversely time spent with the experimenter increased, interactions and curiosity for the novel object and play with the experimenter decreased, presumably due to a habituation process. This suggests that the design of the four subtests session was relevant to test for mild stressors situations. Moreover, supplemented and placebo dogs responded differently to the three test sessions, indicating a supplement effect on dogs' behaviours and their adaptation to mild stressors situations.

Conclusion

The trial results suggested that the supplement facilitates activity and curiosity in a familiar environment, promotes dog‐human interactions with an increased human familiarity, and tends to reduce subtle stress behaviours. Our results suggest that the supplement was effective in the context of mild stressors and habituation.
Sero‐prevalence and risk factors of Brucella presence in farm bulk milk from open and zero grazing cattle production systems in Rwanda
Authors: Djangwani Juvenal , Abong’ George Ooko , Njue Lucy Gicuku , Kaindi Dasel Wambua Mulwa
Published: July 2021

Background

Animal and human brucelloses have been reported in Rwanda, human brucellosis being linked to drinking inadequately heat‐treated milk. However, information on Brucella detection and prevalence in milk produced in Rwanda is limited.

Objectives

To determine the sero‐prevalence and risk factors of Brucella in farm bulk milk from zero and open grazing cattle production systems in Rwanda.

Methods

A total of 330 farm bulk milk samples were collected from 198 zero grazing farms and 132 open grazing farms in a cross‐sectional study in Rwanda. Sero‐prevalence of Brucella in milk was analysed using indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. A questionnaire was administered to farmers to determine the risk factors of milk contamination with Brucella.

Results

Anti‐Brucella antibodies were prevalent in 19.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 15.5–24.4) of the 330 collected farm bulk milk. Sero‐prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in open grazing farms (37.9% [50/132]) than in zero grazing farms (7.6% [15/198]). Practising open grazing system (odds ratio, OR = 69.5; 95% CI = 1.6–3033.6), history of abortion (OR = 19.5; 95% CI = 8.1–46.8) and placenta retention (OR = 4.2; 95% CI = 1.7–10.3) were the significant risk factors for the presence of anti‐Brucella antibodies in milk.

Conclusion

Notably, more than a third of farm bulk milk from open grazing farms in Rwanda contains Brucella antibodies. Considering the zoonotic nature of Brucella, there is a need to reinforce brucellosis control programs in the country.
Deep Learning for Protein–Protein Interaction Site Prediction
Authors: Jamasb Arian R. , Day Ben , Cangea Cătălina , Liò Pietro , Blundell Tom L.
Published: July 2021

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are central to cellular functions. Experimental methods for predicting PPIs are well developed but are time and resource expensive and suffer from high false-positive error rates at scale. Computational prediction of PPIs is highly desirable for a mechanistic understanding of cellular processes and offers the potential to identify highly selective drug targets. In this chapter, details of developing a deep learning approach to predicting which residues in a protein are involved in forming a PPI—a task known as PPI site prediction—are outlined. The key decisions to be made in defining a supervised machine learning project in this domain are here highlighted. Alternative training regimes for deep learning models to address shortcomings in existing approaches and provide starting points for further research are discussed. This chapter is written to serve as a companion to developing deep learning approaches to protein–protein interaction site prediction, and an introduction to developing geometric deep learning projects operating on protein structure graphs.
Gapped boundaries and string-like excitations in (3+1)d gauge models of topological phases
Authors: Bullivant Alex , Delcamp Clement
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We study lattice Hamiltonian realisations of (3+1)d Dijkgraaf-Witten theory with gapped boundaries. In addition to the bulk loop-like excitations, the Hamiltonian yields bulk dyonic string-like excitations that terminate at gapped boundaries. Using a tube algebra approach, we classify such excitations and derive the corresponding representation theory. Via a dimensional reduction argument, we relate this tube algebra to that describing (2+1)d boundary point-like excitations at interfaces between two gapped boundaries. Such point-like excitations are well known to be encoded into a bicategory of module categories over the input fusion category. Exploiting this correspondence, we define a bicategory that encodes the string-like excitations ending at gapped boundaries, showing that it is a sub-bicategory of the centre of the input bicategory of group-graded 2-vector spaces. In the process, we explain how gapped boundaries in (3+1)d can be labelled by so-called pseudo-algebra objects over this input bicategory.
Symmetry-resolved entanglement in AdS3/CFT2 coupled to U(1) Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Zhao Suting , Northe Christian , Meyer René
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We consider symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy in AdS3/CFT2coupled to U(1) Chern-Simons theory. We identify the holographic dual of the charged moments in the two-dimensional conformal field theory as a charged Wilson line in the bulk of AdS3, namely the Ryu-Takayanagi geodesic minimally coupled to the U(1) Chern-Simons gauge field. We identify the holonomy around the Wilson line as the Aharonov-Bohm phases which, in the two-dimensional field theory, are generated by charged U(1) vertex operators inserted at the endpoints of the entangling interval. Furthermore, we devise a new method to calculate the symmetry resolved entanglement entropy by relating the generating function for the charged moments to the amount of charge in the entangling subregion. We calculate the subregion charge from the U(1) Chern-Simons gauge field sourced by the bulk Wilson line. We use our method to derive the symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy for Poincaré patch and global AdS3, as well as for the conical defect geometries. In all three cases, the symmetry resolved entanglement entropy is determined by the length of the Ryu-Takayanagi geodesic and the Chern-Simons levelk, and fulfills equipartition of entanglement. The asymptotic symmetry algebra of the bulk theory is of$$ \hat{\mathfrak{u}}{(1)}_k $$û1kKac-Moody type. Employing the$$ \hat{\mathfrak{u}}{(1)}_k $$û1kKac-Moody symmetry, we confirm our holographic results by a calculation in the dual conformal field theory.
Domain walls and CP violation with left right supersymmetry: implications for leptogenesis and electron EDM
Authors: Banerjee P. , Yajnik U. A.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Low scale leptogenesis scenarios are difficult to verify due to our inability to relate the parameters involved in the early universe processes with the low energy or collider observables. Here we show that one can in principle relate the parameters giving rise to the transient CP violating phase involved in leptogenesis with those that can be deduced from the observation of electric dipole moment (EDM) of the electron. We work out the details of this in the context of the left right symmetric supersymmetric model (LRSUSY) which provides a strong connection between such parameters. In particular, we show that baryon asymmetry requirements imply the scale MB−L of U(1)B−L symmetry breaking to be larger than 104.5 GeV. Moreover the scale MR of SU(2)R symmetry breaking is tightly constrained to lie in a narrow band significantly below $$ {M}_{B-L}^2/{M}_{EW} $$

M

B
−
L

2

/

M
EW

. These are the most stringent constraints on the parameter space of LRSUSY model being considered.
Mikrobiom und Stoffwechsel beim polyzystischen Ovarialsyndrom (PCOS)
Authors: Heizmann Wolfgang R. , Keck Christoph
Published: July 2021

Das Syndrom der polyzystischen Ovarien (PCOS) gehört zu den häufigen Hormonstörungen bei Frauen in der fertilen Lebensphase. Die Ätiologie ist bis heute nicht bekannt, allerdings konnte in den letzten Jahren das Verständnis der pathophysiologischen Zusammenhänge deutlich verbessert werden. Neben endokrinologischen und metabolischen Aspekten findet der Zusammenhang zwischen PCOS und Darmmikrobiom zunehmende Beachtung. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass das Darmmikrobiom von Frauen mit PCOS sich signifikant vom Mikrobiom nichtbetroffener Frauen unterscheidet. Daraus lassen sich therapeutische Konsequenzen ableiten, welche die Behandlung von PCOS-Patientinnen in Zukunft maßgeblich beeinflussen könnten.