bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Huangjinya Black Tea Alleviates Obesity and Insulin Resistance via Modulating Fecal Metabolome in High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Mice
Authors: Xu Jialin , Li Mingxi , Zhang Yi , Chu Suo , Huo Yan , Zhao Jie , Wan Chunpeng
Published: October 2020

Scope: Huangjinya is a light‐sensitive tea mutant containing low levels of tea polyphenols. Currently, most studies focused on characteristics formation, free amino acid metabolism and phytochemical purification. The biological activity of Huangjinya black tea (HJBT) on metabolic syndrome regarding fecal metabolome modulation is unavailable and is studied herein.

Methods and results: High‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice are treated with HJBT for 9 weeks, various metabolic biomarkers and fecal metabolites are determined. HJBT reduces adipogenic and lipogenic gene expression, enhances lipolytic gene expression, decreases adipocyte expansion, and prevents the development of obesity. HJBT reduces lipogenic gene expression, increases fatty acid oxidation‐related genes expression, which alleviates liver steatosis. HJBT enhances glucose/insulin tolerance, increases insulin/Akt signaling, attenuates hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia, prevents the onset of insulin resistance. HJBT modulates bile acid metabolism, promotes secondary/primary bile acid ratio; increases short‐chain fatty acids production, promotes saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids content; reduces carnitines and phosphocholines, but increases myo‐inositol content; decreases branched‐chain and aromatic amino acids content; increases the metabolite content related to pentose phosphate pathway.

Conclusion: This study reported the association between fecal metabolome modulation and metabolism improvement due to HJBT administration, proposes HJBT as a dietary intervention for preventing obesity and metabolic disorders.
Differentially fed dual‐band circularly polarized printed slot antenna with high common‐mode rejection
Authors: Lee Ching‐Her , Huang Jun‐Wei , Hsu Chung‐I G.
Published: October 2020

This letter proposes a newly designed differentially fed dual‐band circularly polarized (CP) printed slot antenna (PSA). The antenna consists of two oppositely fed halberd‐shaped strips and an S‐shaped slot. By configuring the antenna structure in rotationally symmetric fashion, the fields radiated by any two rotationally symmetric parts of the CP PSA will be constructive when excited differentially and destructive when in common‐mode (CM) operation. Thus, good differential‐mode (DM) performance and high CM rejection can be achieved. In particular, in both CP bands the radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are of the same CP sense, and the CP beams are wide and stable. Measurement shows the proposed differentially fed dual‐band CP PSA has a lower (higher) 10‐dB DM impedance band of 2.09 to 2.85 (5.06‐5.89) GHz and a 3‐dB DM axial‐ratio band of 2.32 to 2.59 (5.13‐5.86) GHz, corresponding to a CP fractional bandwidth of 10.9% (13.3%). Besides, in the displayed frequency region of 2‐6 GHz, the CM signals can be effectively suppressed, with the measured CM return loss smaller than 2.96 dB. The conversion of DM input signals into CM reflected signals is even smaller, with the measured DM‐to‐CM conversion less than −32 dB.
Patients' experiences with goal pursuit after discharge from rheumatology rehabilitation: A qualitative study
Authors: Hamnes Bente , Berdal Gunnhild , Bø Ingvild , Kjeken Ingvild
Published: October 2020

Purpose/objective

To explore rehabilitation goals and experiences with goal striving in patients with rheumatic diseases after rehabilitation discharge.

Method

Thirty‐three patients with rheumatic diseases participated in goal‐setting conversations with healthcare professionals during a 1‐week rehabilitation programme. After discharge, they received four follow‐up phone calls over a period of 5 months to support individual goal striving and self‐management. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted of the patients' rehabilitation goals, action plans and their statements about their experiences pursuing their goals at home after discharge.

Results

Analysis revealed that the experiences were related to five overarching themes: (1) things take time, (2) the importance of changing ways of thinking, (3) the pieces fall into place, (4) own health = own responsibility and (5) events outside of the plan.

Conclusion

At discharge, the participants had set between one and five long‐term goals, focussing mainly on having a healthier lifestyle and a better quality of life. The study showed that, to a large extent, the participants employed different self‐management strategies after discharge from rehabilitation. In addition, the findings demonstrated that they experienced certain challenges when pursuing their goals. These challenges were related to health problems and changes in routine, such as holidays. Health professionals should explain to participants who pursue their own rehabilitation goals after discharge that changes in habit require conscious decision‐making, priority setting and time, as well as the importance of having alternative plans for holidays and periods of disease exacerbations.
Fachwissenschaft und Didaktik bilden Lehrkräfte gemeinsam fort
Authors: Telser Viktoria , Pfitzner Arno
Published: October 2020

An der Universität Regensburg arbeiten Wissenschaftler aus anorganischer Chemie und Fachdidaktik zusammen, um Inhalte aus Photo‐ und Elektrochemie für den Chemieunterricht zu erschließen. Dabei geht es um Stoff, der bisher nicht auf dem Lehrplan stand. Versuche wurden entwickelt und Lehrer geschult. Eine Studie im Verlauf des Projekts zeigt: Diese Unterstützung ist hilfreich.
Temperatur mit Licht messen
Authors: Suta Markus , George Janine
Published: October 2020

Die Temperatur bestimmt maßgeblich, wie chemische, physikalische und biologische Prozesse verlaufen. Mit nano‐ oder mikrokristallinen Leuchtstoffen lassen sich inzwischen Temperaturen mit Ortsauflösungen im Mikrometerbereich und einer Genauigkeit unter 1 K messen – nötig sind dazu Lichtsignale.
Reifeprüfung für P‐Rückgewinnung
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: October 2020

In wenigen Jahren verlangt der Gesetzgeber von Anlagenbetreibern, aus Klärschlamm Phosphor zurückzugewinnen – höchste Zeit, ein Verfahren zu wählen. Mehrere Kandidaten treten an, um aus dem sonst oft verbrannten Abfall einen Wertstoff zu machen.
Knappe Kapazitäten
Authors: Donsbach Kai , Opatz Till , Psiorz Manfred
Published: October 2020

Wenn nicht genügend Medikamente in den Regalen stehen, fehlen nicht etwa nur die Wirkstoffe dafür, sondern auch die Hilfsstoffe und Vorprodukte. Was zu tun ist, damit Unternehmen nicht so stark von weltweit verstreuten Produktionen abhängen.
Salpetersäure zum Rauchen bringen
Authors: Täuscher Eric
Published: October 2020

Rauchende Salpetersäure ist im Handel nur hochrein zu kaufen und daher teuer – zu teuer für Hochschulpraktika. An der TU Ilmenau synthetisieren die Studierenden die HNO3 nun selbst als Praktikumsversuch und nutzen dafür historische Anleitungen.
Einmischen erwünscht: Ergebnisse der GDCh‐Mitgliederumfrage
Authors: Bräutigam Maximilian , Karger Gerhard
Published: October 2020

Fast 5000 Mitglieder nutzten die Gelegenheit, sich über die diesjährige Mitgliederumfrage zu Fragen der Positionierung der GDCh in einem vom Wandel geprägten Umfeld Gehör zu verschaffen. Leitbilder, Digitalisierung, Diversität und Image der GDCh standen auf dem Prüfstand.
CheMento goes digital
Authors: Gajda Alina
Published: October 2020

Mentoring während einer Pandemie meistern.
Health assessment and prognostics based on higher‐order hidden semi‐Markov models
Authors: Liao Ying , Xiang Yisha , Wang Min
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a new and flexible prognostics framework based on a higher‐order hidden semi‐Markov model (HOHSMM) for systems or components with unobservable health states and complex transition dynamics. The HOHSMM extends the basic hidden Markov model (HMM) by allowing the hidden state to depend on its more distant history and assuming generally distributed state duration. An effective Gibbs sampling algorithm is designed for statistical inference of the HOHSMM. We conduct a simulation study to evaluate the performance of the proposed HOHSMM sampler and examine the impacts of the distant‐history dependency. We design a decoding algorithm to estimate the hidden health states using the learned model. Remaining useful life is predicted using a simulation approach given the decoded hidden states. The practical utility of the proposed prognostics framework is demonstrated by a case study on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) turbofan engines. We further compare the RUL prediction performance between the proposed HOHSMM and a benchmark mixture of Gaussians HMM prognostics method. The results show that the HOHSMM‐based prognostics framework provides good hidden health‐state assessment and RUL estimation for complex systems.
ECLIPSE utilizing gradient‐modulated offset‐independent adiabaticity (GOIA) pulses for highly selective human brain proton MRSI
Authors: Kumaragamage Chathura , De Feyter Henk M. , Brown Peter , McIntyre Scott , Nixon Terence W. , de Graaf Robin A.
Published: October 2020

A multitude of extracranial lipid suppression methods exist for proton MRSI acquisitions. Popular and emerging lipid suppression methods each have their inherent set of advantages and disadvantages related to the achievable level of lipid suppression, RF power deposition, insensitivity to B1+ field and lipid T1 heterogeneity, brain coverage, spatial selectivity, chemical shift displacement (CSD) errors and the reliability of spectroscopic data spanning the observed 0.9‐4.7 ppm band. The utility of elliptical localization with pulsed second order fields (ECLIPSE) was previously demonstrated with a greater than 100‐fold in extracranial lipid suppression and low power requirements utilizing 3 kHz bandwidth AFP pulses. Like all gradient‐based localization methods, ECLIPSE is sensitive to CSD errors, resulting in a modified metabolic profile in edge‐of‐ROI voxels. In this work, ECLIPSE is extended with 15 kHz bandwidth second order gradient‐modulated RF pulses based on the gradient offset‐independent adiabaticity (GOIA) algorithm to greatly reduce CSD and improve spatial selectivity. An adiabatic double spin‐echo ECLIPSE inner volume selection (TE = 45 ms) MRSI method and an ECLIPSE outer volume suppression (TE = 3.2 ms) FID‐MRSI method were implemented. Both GOIA‐ECLIPSE MRSI sequences provided artifact‐free metabolite spectra in vivo, with a greater than 100‐fold in lipid suppression and less than 2.6 mm in‐plane CSD and less than 3.3 mm transition width for edge‐of‐ROI voxels, representing an ~5‐fold improvement compared with the parent, nongradient‐modulated method. Despite the 5‐fold larger bandwidth, GOIA‐ECLIPSE only required a 1.9‐fold increase in RF power. The highly robust lipid suppression combined with low CSD and sharp ROI edge transitions make GOIA‐ECLIPSE an attractive alternative to commonly employed lipid suppression methods. Furthermore, the low RF power deposition demonstrates that GOIA‐ECLIPSE is very well suited for high field (≥3 T) MRSI applications.
Women Who Are Young, Non-White, and with Lower Socioeconomic Status Report Higher Financial Toxicity up to 1 Year After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Mixed-Effects Regression Analysis
Authors: Politi Mary C. , Yen Renata W. , Elwyn Glyn , O'Malley A. James , Saunders Catherine H. , Schubbe Danielle , Forcino Rachel , Durand Marie-Anne
Published: October 2020

Purpose

We examined self-reported financial toxicity and out-of-pocket expenses among adult women with breast cancer.

Methods

Patients spoke English, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese, were aged 18+ years, had stage I–IIIA breast cancer, and were eligible for breast-conserving and mastectomy surgery. Participants completed surveys about out-of-pocket costs and financial toxicity at 1 week, 12 weeks, and 1 year postsurgery.

Results

Three hundred ninety-five of 448 eligible patients (88.2%) from the parent trial completed surveys. Excluding those reporting zero costs, crude mean ± SD out-of-pocket costs were $1,512 ± $2,074 at 1 week, $2,609 ± $6,369 at 12 weeks, and $3,308 ± $5,000 at 1 year postsurgery. Controlling for surgery, cancer stage, and demographics with surgeon and clinic as random effects, higher out-of-pocket costs were associated with higher financial toxicity 1 week and 12 weeks postsurgery (p < .001). Lower socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with lower out-of-pocket costs at each time point (p = .002–.013). One week postsurgery, participants with lower SES reported financial toxicity scores 1.02 points higher than participants with higher SES (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08–1.95). Black and non-White/non-Black participants reported financial toxicity scores 1.91 (95% CI, 0.46–3.37) and 2.55 (95% CI, 1.11–3.99) points higher than White participants. Older (65+ years) participants reported financial toxicity scores 2.58 points lower than younger (<65 years) participants (95% CI, −3.41, −1.74). Younger participants reported significantly higher financial toxicity at each time point.

Discussion

Younger age, non-White race, and lower SES were associated with higher financial toxicity regardless of costs. Out-of-pocket costs increased over time and were positively associated with financial toxicity. Future work should reduce the impact of cancer care costs among vulnerable groups.

Implications for Practice

This study was one of the first to examine out-of-pocket costs and financial toxicity up to 1 year after breast cancer surgery. Younger age, Black race, race other than Black or White, and lower socioeconomic status were associated with higher financial toxicity. Findings highlight the importance of addressing patients’ financial toxicity in several ways, particularly for groups vulnerable to its effects.
Compressive behavior of crump rubber reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Shahapurkar Kiran
Published: October 2020

In the present investigation, compressive behavior of crump rubber reinforced epoxy composites was studied. Crump rubber/epoxy composites were prepared with 0, 10, 20, and 30 vol% of crump rubber. Open mold casting was adopted for the fabrication of composites. Compressive stress‐strain curves depict brittle failure for neat epoxy samples whereas crump rubber reinforced composites reveal high‐energy absorption. Crump rubber reinforced composites undergo higher strain in comparison with neat epoxy sample. Compression modulus (43%‐61%) and strength values (53%‐55%) were lower than neat epoxy sample. Energy absorption of epoxy matrix reinforced with (10, 20, and 30 vol%) crump rubber particles depict enhancement of 34% to 73% in comparison with neat epoxy sample. Further, densification stress and strain of crump rubber composites also register higher values. Scanning electron micrographs of tested samples were used to study the structure property correlations. Property map reveals crump rubber composites possess moderate compression modulus and high‐energy absorption in comparison with the values extracted from literature.
Microarray analysis in fetuses with duodenal obstruction: It is not just trisomy 21
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Lei Tingying , Fu Fang , Deng Qiong , Li Ru , Wang Dan , Yang Xin , Li Dongzhi , Liao Can
Published: October 2020

Objective

To explore the copy number variants (CNVs) in case of fetal duodenal obstruction (DO) and assess the associated prenatal findings and postnatal outcomes.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study reviewed 51 fetuses with DO and the findings of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) used as a first‐tier test in our institution between January 2014 and May 2019.

Results

The frequency of pathogenic aberrations in fetuses with DO was 15.7% (8/51), including 9.8% (5/51) pathogenic CNVs. Three fetuses with isolated DO each had a deletion on chromosome 13q, one fetus had duplication at 1q43q44, and one had microduplication at 17q12. No significant differences in pathogenic CNVs were observed between isolated DO and DO plus additional anomalies (4/42, 9.5% vs 1/9, 11.1%, P = .89). Of the 51 fetuses with DO, 11 pregnancies were terminated, and eight fetuses had chromosomal abnormalities; one pregnancy ended with intrauterine death, and there were 39 live births. Neonatal outcomes were available for 31 fetuses, and no neonatal deaths occurred after surgery.

Conclusions

Our cohort study demonstrated the value of CMA in fetuses with DO, suggesting that CNVs may underly genetic etiologies that should be considered in the diagnostic evaluation of DO. We think CMA should be recommended in case of DO.
Mass production and effect of polyurethane/graphene coating on the durability and versatile protection of ultralight nylon fabrics
Authors: Zhang Yue , Li Ting‐Ting , Shiu Bing‐Chiuan , Sun Fei , Ren Hai‐Tao , Zhang Xue‐Fei , Lou Ching‐Wen , Lin Jia‐Horng
Published: October 2020

The demand for textiles equipped with multiple functionalities is high. This work aimed to develop ultralight versatile protective polyurethane/graphene fabrics with excellent water‐protective, antistatic, UV protection and crocking performance using pad knife coating technology. The prepared fabrics were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The effects of graphene and toluene concentrations on the morphological, water‐protective, electrical, UV protection and crocking properties were evaluated. Results showed that fabrics coated with 3 wt% graphene had better antistatic property (298.3 kV/1.23 s), good water repellency (80%), outstanding water resistance (153 kPa), relatively high water contact angle (103.2°) and modest crocking and mechanical performance (grade 3, 15.06/11.86 N). Furthermore, UV protection abilities increased from 35.71 to 2000, up to fivefold higher than those of previously reported graphene‐based coated fabrics. As a polar solvent, toluene exerted a positive effect on the promotion of molar polarization, improving the antistatic property. The facile coating technology is simple, can be used in versatile protective applications and is suitable for large‐scale production. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Synthesis and characterization of a wide‐bandgap polymer based on perfluorinated and alkylthiolated benzodithiophene with a deep highest occupied molecular orbital level for organic photovoltaics
Authors: Ham Hyobin , Kim Hee su , Hwang Do‐Hoon , Kang In‐Nam
Published: October 2020

A perfluorinated and alkylthiolated benzodithiophene (BDT)‐ttTPD‐based donor polymer (P2FS‐ttTPD) was synthesized via a Stille polymerization, and found to have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 13,000 g/mol (Đ = 2.3). P2FS‐ttTPD has a wide bandgap (1.96 eV) and a deep highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level (−5.70 eV). The perfluorination and alkylthiolation of the polymer backbone lower the polymer's HOMO level significantly. The hole and electron mobilities of P2FS‐ttTPD were determined to be 1.12 × 10−4 and 9.38 × 10−7 cm2/V s, respectively. Polymer solar cell devices prepared with a P2FS‐ttTPD:IT‐4F (1:1) blend as the active layer were found to exhibit power conversion efficiencies of 4.15%, a short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 10.29 mA/cm2, an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.97 V, and a fill factor of 41.6%. The (1:1) blend devices were found to exhibit high VOC and low Eloss values.
Mindfulness‐based arts interventions for cancer care: A systematic review of the effects on wellbeing and fatigue
Authors: Rieger Kendra L. , Lobchuk Michelle M. , Duff Miriam A. , Chernomas Wanda M. , Demczuk Lisa , Campbell‐Enns Heather J. , Zaborniak Amie‐Rae , Nweze Sochimaobi , West Christina H.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, life irrevocably changes and complex experiences of emotional distress often occur. There is a growing interest in mindfulness‐based arts interventions (MBAIs) to ameliorate the distress many patients experience. Our review objective was to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of MBAIs on psychological wellbeing and fatigue.

Method

Relevant quantitative articles were identified through a systematic search of the grey literature and online databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Art Full Text, ART bibliographies Modern, PsycINFO, Scopus, and EMBASE. Two independent reviewers screened titles/abstracts against predetermined inclusion criteria, read full‐text articles for eligibility, conducted quality appraisals of included articles, and extracted pertinent data with a standardized data extraction form. The heterogeneity of the included studies precluded a meta‐analysis and a narrative synthesis of study outcomes was conducted.

Results

Our systematic search retrieved 4241 titles/abstracts, and 13 studies met our inclusion criteria (eight randomized controlled trials and five quasi‐experiments). Most of the studies focused on patients with cancer (92.3%). There is a growing interest in MBAIs over time and significant heterogeneity in the types of interventions. A significant effect was found on several outcomes that are important in psychosocial oncology: quality of life, psychological state, spiritual wellbeing, and mindfulness. The effect on fatigue was equivocal.

Conclusions

This novel intervention demonstrates promise for the psychosocial care of patients with cancer. These findings are an essential antecedent to the continued implementation, development, and evaluation of MBAIs in oncology.
Mediating role of body image between sexual functioning and marital intimacy in Pakistani women with breast cancer
Authors: Tahir Khola , Khan Nashi
Published: October 2020

Objective

The current study aimed to explore the mediating role of body image (dissatisfaction) between sexual functioning (SF) and marital intimacy in Pakistani women with breast cancer.

Design/Participants

Correlation research design was used. One hundred and eighteen women suffering from breast cancer with age (M = 39.58, SD = 11.06) were taken from both Government and Private Hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. The participants were asked to fill out a set of questionnaires including a Demographic Form, Female Sexual Function Index, Body Image Scale, and Marital Intimacy Questionnaire (MIQ).

Findings

Correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between higher SF and positive determinants of marital intimacy (consensus, openness, affection, and commitment). Body image dissatisfaction had a negative relationship with positive determinants of marital intimacy and positive relationship with intimacy problems (dimension of MIQ). SPSS (Process) revealed that SF came out to be a positive predictor of marital intimacy while body image (dissatisfaction) came out to be a negative predictor of positive dimensions of marital intimacy. There was a mediational role of body image (dissatisfaction) between SF and all dimensions of marital Intimacy.

Conclusion

It was concluded that women who perceived their bodies positively had better marital intimacy, which lead to a healthy marital life.
Site‐selective atmospheric pressure plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition process for micrometric deposition of plasma‐polymerized methyl methacrylate
Authors: Acharya Kishor , Bulou Simon , Gaulain Thomas , Gérard Mathieu , Choquet Patrick
Published: October 2020

An atmospheric pressure plasma chemical vapor deposition process designed for the site‐selective deposition of organic functional materials with a sub‐millimetric lateral resolution is presented in this study. Injecting methyl methacrylate vapor in plasma post‐discharge allowed to synthesize plasma‐polymerized methyl methacrylate (ppMMA) coatings on metallic, dielectric, and polymer substrates at close to room temperature (40°C). A circular dot, as small as 400 µm in diameter, of ppMMA is deposited and characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Oligomeric species of poly‐MMA up to n = 18 have been detected, evidencing the particularly “soft” polymerization offered by the presented process.
Health‐related quality of life and developmental outcome of children on home mechanical ventilation in a developing country: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tan Lay Teng , Nathan Anna Marie , Jayanath Subhashini , Eg Kah Peng , Thavagnanam Surendran , Lum Lucy Chai See , Gan Chin Seng , de Bruyne Jessie Anne
Published: October 2020

Background

Provision of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) to children with chronic respiratory insufficiency enhances growth and quality of life. The hypothesis was that health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and the development of these children were poorer than in healthy children.

Objectives

To determine the HRQoL and developmental outcome of children on HMV.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used the TNO‐AZL Preschool children's Quality Of Life (TAPQOL; <5 years old) and Health Utilities Index (HUI) 2/3 (≥5 years old) to assess the quality of life and the Schedule of Growing Skills‐II to assess development. Instruments were used on children currently or previously on HMV (≥3 months) and compared with age and sex‐matched controls.

Results

Sixty‐five patients and 130 controls were recruited. Patients' median (interquartile range) age was 3.12 (1.65, 5.81) years. Patients had significantly lower TAPQOL scores in the domains of lung, liveliness, positive mood, social functioning, motor functioning, and communication, and lower HUI 2/3 scores in hearing, sensation, pain, speech, mobility, ambulatory, dexterity, and self‐care domains. The developmental outcome of patients was poorer in all domains. However, patients had fewer behavioral problems. Those with respiratory tract disease and without comorbidities had better HRQoL and developmental scores. Having a parent as the primary caregiver was associated with better speech and language skills.

Conclusions

HRQoL and the developmental outcome are lower in children on HMV compared to controls. Children with respiratory tract disease and without comorbidities have a better outcome. Parents play a crucial role in the acquisition of speech.
Bounding the Kreuzer‐Skarke Landscape
Authors: Demirtas Mehmet , McAllister Liam , Rios‐Tascon Andres
Published: October 2020

We study Calabi‐Yau threefolds with large Hodge numbers by constructing and counting triangulations of reflexive polytopes. By counting points in the associated secondary polytopes, we show that the number of fine, regular, star triangulations of polytopes in the Kreuzer‐Skarke list is bounded above by . Adapting a result of Anclin on triangulations of lattice polygons, we obtain a bound on the number of triangulations of each 2‐face of each polytope in the list. In this way we prove that the number of topologically inequivalent Calabi‐Yau hypersurfaces arising from the Kreuzer‐Skarke list is bounded above by 10428. We introduce efficient algorithms for constructing representative ensembles of Calabi‐Yau hypersurfaces, including the extremal case , and we study the distributions of topological and physical data therein. Finally, we demonstrate that neural networks can accurately predict these data once the triangulation is encoded in terms of the secondary polytope.
Control Issues of KKLT
Authors: Gao Xin , Hebecker Arthur , Junghans Daniel
Published: October 2020

We analyze to which extent the KKLT proposal for the construction of de Sitter vacua in string theory is quantitatively controlled. Our focus is on the quality of the 10d supergravity approximation. As our main finding, we uncover and quantify an issue which one may want to call the “singular‐bulk problem”. In particular, we show that, requiring the curvature to be small in the conifold region, one is generically forced into a regime where the warp factor becomes negative in a significant part of the Calabi‐Yau orientifold. This implies true singularities, independent of the familiar, string‐theoretically controlled singularities of this type in the vicinity of O‐planes. We also discuss possible escape routes as well as other control issues, related to the need for a large tadpole and hence for a complicated topology.
Investigation of deltamethrin resistance in salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) provides no evidence for roles of mutations in voltage‐gated sodium channels
Authors: Tschesche Claudia , Bekaert Michaël , Bassett David I , Mitchell Chris , North Ben , Boyd Sally , Carmona‐Antoñanzas Greta , Bron James E , Sturm Armin
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The pyrethroid deltamethrin is used to treat infestations of farmed salmon by parasitic salmon lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer). However, the efficacy of deltamethrin for salmon delousing is threatened by resistance development. In terrestrial arthropods, knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations of the voltage‐gated sodium channel (Nav), the molecular target for pyrethroids, can cause deltamethrin resistance. A putative kdr mutation of an L. salmonis sodium channel homologue (LsNav1.3 I936V) has been identified previously. At the same time, deltamethrin resistance of L. salmonis has been shown to be inherited maternally and to be associated with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. This study assessed potential roles of the above putative kdr mutation as a determinant of deltamethrin resistance in laboratory strains and field populations of L. salmonis.

RESULTS

The deltamethrin‐resistant L. salmonis strain IoA‐02 expresses the LsNav1.3 I936V mutation but was susceptible to the non‐ester pyrethroid etofenprox, a compound against which pyrethroid‐resistant arthropods are usually cross‐resistant if resistance is caused by Nav mutations. In a family derived from a cross between an IoA‐02 male and a drug‐susceptible female lacking the kdr mutation, deltamethrin resistance was not associated with the genotype at the LsNav1.3 locus (P > 0.05). Similarly, in Scottish field populations of L. salmonis, LsNav1.3 I936V showed no association with deltamethrin resistance. By contrast, genotypes at the mtDNA loci A14013G and A9030G were significantly associated with deltamethrin resistance (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In the studied L. salmonis isolates, deltamethrin resistance was unrelated to the LsNav1.3 I936V mutation, but showed close association with mtDNA mutations.
Comparison of Triethylgallium and Trimethylgallium Precursors for GaInP Nanowire Growth
Authors: Alcer David , Saxena Aditya P. , Hrachowina Lukas , Zou Xianshao , Yartsev Arkady , Borgström Magnus T.
Published: October 2020

Nanowire (NW) arrays containing a top segment of GaxIn1–xP are investigated, comparing NWs grown using two different Ga precursors, trimethylgallium (TMGa) and triethylgallium (TEGa). TMGa is the precursor commonly used for the particle‐assisted vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth of GaxIn1–xP NWs. However, it shows inefficient pyrolysis at typical NW growth conditions. The use of the alternative precursor TEGa is investigated by making a direct comparison between NWs grown using TEGa and TMGa at otherwise identical growth conditions. Growth rates, resulting NW materials composition, and time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) lifetimes are investigated. With increasing Ga content of the NWs, the TRPL lifetimes decrease, indicating trap states that are associated with GaP. Somewhat longer TRPL lifetimes for the samples grown using TEGa indicate a lower concentration of deep trap states. For doped NWs, it is found that the strong effect of the p‐type dopant diethylzinc (DEZn) on the NW composition, observed for GaxIn1–xP NWs grown using TMGa, is absent when using TEGa.
Protein ion yield enhancement in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry after sample and matrix low‐pressure glow discharge plasma irradiation
Authors: Hajiani Shahedeh , Ghassempour Alireza , Shokri Babak
Published: October 2020

Rationale

Plasma‐assisted ionization is widely used in mass spectrometry; in this study, a low‐pressure glow discharge is introduced as a new method to improve the detection of large proteins, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) is used as a protein model. The treatment of analyte, matrix, and the matrix/analyte mixture is evaluated under optimal conditions.

Methods

Low‐pressure radio‐frequency capacitively coupled plasma (RF‐CCP) treatment is utilized in the sample preparation step of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) to enhance the protein MALDI ion signal. Plasma treatment can be an effective tool for enhancing the non‐covalent binding of the analyte with the matrix, incorporation of the analyte into the matrix, production of matrix/analyte crystals, and analyte protonation through plasma activation, resulting in an improved MALDI ion signal.

Results

Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy allows us to distinguish between the functional groups of plasma‐treated and control samples. In addition, optical emission spectroscopy (OES) determines the plasma species, and zeta potential analysis characterizes the potential difference between plasma‐treated and control samples before MALDI‐TOF MS analysis. Plasma‐treated BSA can provide a five‐times enhancement of ion intensity. The combination of the plasma‐treated analyte with the plasma‐treated matrix leads to an increase in the ion intensity by a factor of 14.

Conclusions

Low‐pressure glow discharge plasma treatment greatly enhances MALDI ion signals, with a noticeable increase in incorporation, co‐crystallization, protonation, and the concentration of the sample functional groups.
A simple liquid chromatography/differential ion mobility spectrometry tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of trimethylamine‐N‐oxide in human serum: An application in dialysis patients
Authors: Yang Ping , Li Xiaona , Yang Wenling , He Lian , Yang Li , Zhang Xianhua
Published: October 2020

Rationale

Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) is a potential indicator of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disorders. It is important to monitor the TMAO level in plasma or serum of hemodialysis patients. A simple liquid chromatography/differential ion mobility spectrometry tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/DMS‐MS/MS) method was established and validated for the determination of TMAO in the serum of hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters Atlantis HILIC silica column (2.1 × 50 mm, 3 μm). The gradient mobile phase consisted of 10 mM ammonium formate buffer and acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid in both solvents. The serum sample was precipitated with acidic acetonitrile prior to HPLC/DMS‐MS/MS analysis and TMAO‐d9 was used as the internal standard. Data acquisition was performed in positive ion mode with a DMS system before the electrospray ionization source. The selected reaction monitoring transitions were m/z 76.0 → 58.0 and m/z 85.2 → 66.1 for TMAO and the internal standard, respectively.

Results

Excellent linearity was observed over the calibration range 0.05–20 μg/mL (r2 > 0.995). The method was validated for good specificity and sensitivity. The inter‐run and intra‐run precision and accuracy were less than 13.6% and 10.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

We established a novel and robust HPLC/DMS‐MS/MS method for the quantification of TMAO in human serum samples. The validated assay was simple, rapid, sensitive and reliable. The developed method could be applied to the assay of serum samples from patients with kidney disease who are undergoing hemodialysis.
Synthesis of New Siloxane‐Containing Polyamide Based on Limonene and Comparison of Their Properties with Non‐Siloxane Analog
Authors: Drozdov Fedor V. , Tarasenkov Alexander N. , Parshina Maria S. , Cherkaev Georgii V. , Buzin Mikhail I. , Muzafarov Aziz M.
Published: October 2020

For the first time, diacid derivative of limonene was obtained by thiol‐ene reaction with mercaptoacetic acid and it was further used as a monomer for the synthesis of polyamides. Commercially available hexamethylenediamine and its siloxane analogue, bis(aminopropyl) tetramethyl disiloxane, were used as diamines monomers. It was shown that the introduction of a siloxane unit into the structure of a polyamide chain increases the molecular weight and thermal stability of the polymer (more than 300 °C), and also affects its phase behavior at room temperature.
Role of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on Controlling the Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5) Nanoparticles
Authors: Neupane Ganga R. , Hari Parameswar
Published: October 2020

Different molar concentrations (0.05–0.2 M) of vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles were synthesized with and without polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) using hydrothermal method. The growth mechanism with different molar concentrations as well as the effect of PVP on the structural, optical, and electrical properties have been investigated. The size of the particles was measured from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). Optical properties were analyzed through photoluminescence and absorption measurement. The electrical transport properties were analyzed by impedance spectroscopy and Van der Pauw method. From impedance measurements, dominance of grain boundary resistance over grain resistance was observed. The resistivity also decreased with increasing molar concentrations of nanoparticles with and without PVP. The highest temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) value of −2.33 %/K with the lowest resistivity of 0.02 Ω. cm for V2O5 nanoparticle of 0.2 M concentration without using PVP was observed. Therefore, such V2O5 nanoparticles are a potential material for microbolometer applications.
Synthesis of Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquid on Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles for Application in One‐Pot Synthesis of Trisubstituted Imidazoles
Authors: Khalifeh Reza , Naseri Vafa , Rajabzadeh Maryam
Published: October 2020

The core‐shell of Fe3O4@SiO2 modified by epichlorohydrin and 1‐methyl‐imidazole (Fe3O4@SiO2‐EPIM), a new green recyclable nanocatalyst, was designed and prepared. This nanocatalyst was characterized using fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping technique, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), N2 adsorption‐desorption by Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The catalytic activity of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EPIM was assessed for synthesis of trisubstituted imidazoles via one‐pot condensation reactions of benzil, aldehyde and ammonium acetate under the optimal reaction condition (PEG 200, 100 °C, 0.02 g catalyst). This nanocatalyst displayed remarkable superiorities, such as environmental friendliness, shorter reaction time, excellent yields, reusability of the catalyst and simple workup procedure.
Design and Synthesis of New Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors Inspired from Combretastatin A‐4: An Anticancer Agent
Authors: Sharma Akanksha , Talimarada Doddabasappa , Yadav Umesh Prasad , Singh Nidhi , Reddy A. Sudharshan , Bag Debojyoti , Biswas Krishna , Baidya Amit , Borale Asha N , Shinde Dhananjay , Singh Sandeep , Holla Harish
Published: October 2020

A series of 30 small hybrid molecules are synthesized inspired from Combretastatin A‐4 (CA‐4), where ethylene‐bridge of CA‐4 is replaced with two five‐membered heterocyclic rings, viz. isoxazoline and 1, 2, 3‐triazole. These are joined by a methylene linker, with substitutions at A and B – ring position of CA‐4. The new molecular entities have shown significant cytotoxicity to cancer cell from the IC50 0.49 μM–3.17 μM with 1‐((4,5‐Dihydro‐3‐(2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)isoxazol‐5‐yl)methyl)‐4‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole displayed IC50 0.422±0.07 μM for A‐549 ‐lung cancer cell line and IC50 0.498±0.03 μM for MDA‐MB‐231‐breast cancer cell line. The western blot analysis, confocal staining and also by in vitro tubulin polymerization assay established the target specificity of the molecules as a tubulin polymerization inhibitor. Molecular docking & Molecular dynamics studies confirmed the binding interaction patterns of these molecules at the Colchicine binding site of tubulin and have correlated the observed experimental result with variation in structure satisfactorily.
Dense Niobium Oxide Coating on Carbon Black as a Support to Platinum Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Jasim Ahmed M. , Xu Gan , Al‐Salihi Sara , Xing Yangchuan
Published: October 2020

Carbon black (CB) is commonly used to support Pt as an electrocatalyst in fuel cells. However, it is easily corroded in electrochemical reactions, such as in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), leading to catalyst degradation. In this paper, we report results of protecting the CB using an ultrathin 5 nm film of niobium oxide conformally coated on the CB using a new coating technique. Electrochemical test in ORR shows only a 1.7 % activity loss after 5000 cycles, demonstrating an excellent durability of the electrocatalyst. Compared to the electrocatalyst without niobium oxide coating, it shows a 25 mV improvement in half‐wave potentials, indicative of a better kinetics. A positive shift in binding energy was found in Pt 4 f, implying electron delocalization has occurred when Pt is interfaced with the niobium oxide support. The activity enhancement is attributed to the electronic structure change in the electrocatalyst as a result of metal‐support interactions.
A Pregnane Steroid as the Chiral Auxiliary in 1,3‐Dipolar Azomethine Ylide's Cycloaddition: Asymmetric Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Novel Hybrid Compounds
Authors: Kudryavtsev Konstantin V. , Sokolov Mikhail N. , Varpetyan Eduard E. , Kirsanova Anna A. , Fedotcheva Nadezhda I. , Shimanovskii Nikolai L. , Fedotcheva Tatiana A.
Published: October 2020

Hybrid chiral molecules containing frameworks of a pregnane steroid and 5‐arylpyrrolidine‐2,4‐dicarboxylate have been synthesized for the first time in a diastereomerically pure form. Chiral pregnane‐based acrylate induced stereoselective formation of all‐cis trisubstituted pyrrolidine moiety under cycloaddition with stabilized N‐metalated azomethine ylides. β‐Dipeptidic fragment was built up at C‐3 pregnane position using consequent acryloylation and stereoselective cycloaddition with stabilized N‐metalated azomethine ylide. All novel hybrid molecules demonstrated micromolar cytotoxic activity against human cervical epithelioid cancer HeLa cell culture in native and estradiol‐stimulated forms and breast carcinoma MCF‐7 cell culture. The most of hybrid compounds are less toxic towards human skin fibroblasts HSF as compared with studied hormonal tumor cells.
Psychosocial stress, bicultural identity integration, and bicultural self‐efficacy among Hispanic emerging adults
Authors: Cano Miguel Ángel , Marsiglia Flavio F. , Meca Alan , De La Rosa Mario , Ramírez‐Ortiz Daisy , Sánchez Mariana , Colón Burgos José Félix , Alamilla Saul G. , Wuyke Gabriella , Parras Daniel , Ali Syed Zain , Forney Derrick J. , Varas‐Rodríguez Emil , Ruvalcaba Yanet , Contreras Andrea , Ahmed Shyfuddin , Vega‐Luna Beatriz , Ochoa Lucas G. , Cuadra Rebecca , Domínguez García Mario J.
Published: October 2020

Most studies on psychosocial stress among Hispanics have focused on risk factors. To better understand psychosocial stress among this population, this study aimed to examine components of bicultural identity integration and bicultural self‐efficacy, that may be associated with lower psychosocial stress among Hispanic emerging adults (ages 18–25). This aim was tested on a cross‐sectional sample of Hispanic emerging adults (Mage = 21.30, SD = 2.09) that included 200 participants (Arizona n = 99, Florida n = 101). The sample included men (n = 98) and women (n = 102). Most participants were US‐born (70%), college students (69.5%), and of Mexican heritage (44%). Standardized coefficients from a hierarchical multiple regression model indicate that higher levels of the bicultural harmony component of bicultural identity integration (β = −0.26, p < 0.001) and the social groundedness component of bicultural self‐efficacy (β = −0.23, p < 0.01) were associated with lower levels of psychosocial stress. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine components of bicultural identity integration and bicultural self‐efficacy and their respective associations with psychosocial stress among any racial/ethnic group. Thus, more studies are needed to replicate our findings to determine if bicultural identity integration and bicultural self‐efficacy should be considered in psychosocial stress interventions for Hispanics.
Effect of Temperature on Dephosphorization of Hot Metal in Double‐Slag Converter Steelmaking Process by High‐Temperature Laboratorial Experiments
Authors: Yang Wenkui , Yang Jian , Shi Yanqiu , Yang Zhijun , Gao Fubin , Zhang Runhao , Ye Gefan
Published: October 2020

The influence of temperature on the dephosphorization of hot metal at the low temperature range of 1300–1450 °C with the slag of the low basicity (CaO/SiO2) of about 1.8 is investigated using high‐temperature laboratorial experiments. The results show that with increasing temperature, the phosphorus contents in hot metal decrease first and then increase. The phosphorus can be removed from the initial content of 0.246% to the final content of 0.066% with the highest dephosphorization ratio of 73.2% at 1375 °C. The P2O5 content in slag increases first and then decreases. When the actual dephosphorization temperature is 1350–1375 °C being about 60 °C higher than the conversion temperature of decarbonization and dephosphorization, a very high LP of about 25 can be obtained. Moreover, the dephosphorization slag at the temperature from 1300 to 1400 °C is mainly comprised of three mineralogical phases: phosphorus‐rich, metal oxide (RO), and CaO–FeO–SiO2 phases. When the temperature is increased to 1425 and 1450 °C, the dephosphorization slag is mainly comprised of liquid slag containing Ca3(PO4)2 and RO phase.
Sub‐Weibull distributions: Generalizing sub‐Gaussian and sub‐Exponential properties to heavier tailed distributions
Authors: Vladimirova Mariia , Girard Stéphane , Nguyen Hien , Arbel Julyan
Published: October 2020

We propose the notion of sub‐Weibull distributions, which are characterized by tails lighter than (or equally light as) the right tail of a Weibull distribution. This novel class generalizes the sub‐Gaussian and sub‐Exponential families to potentially heavier tailed distributions. Sub‐Weibull distributions are parameterized by a positive tail index θ and reduce to sub‐Gaussian distributions for
and to sub‐Exponential distributions for
. A characterization of the sub‐Weibull property based on moments and on the moment generating function is provided and properties of the class are studied. An estimation procedure for the tail parameter is proposed and is applied to an example stemming from Bayesian deep learning.
Structural performance of ambient‐cured reinforced geopolymer concrete beams with steel fibres
Authors: Hassan Amer , Arif Mohammed , Shariq M.
Published: October 2020

In the present investigation, the structural behavior of reinforced geopolymer concrete (RGPC) beams containing steel fiber has been studied. Four‐point flexural loading condition was applied in this experimental study; for testing the RGPC beams. The deflections of the RGPC were gauged at the mid‐span of the specimens. The crack patterns and failure mode of RGPC beam specimens were measured during the testing process. From these measurements, it has been observed that the steel fibers control cracking due to plastic and drying shrinkages. The length and width of cracks generally improved with the increment of steel fiber content. The findings also indicate that the flexural strength and elastic modulus of RGPC are remarkably enhanced due to the incorporation of steel fibers. Furthermore, the failure mode of RGPC is almost similar to the failure mode of conventional concrete. However, the RGPC performed better than the conventional concrete in terms of flexural strength and other mechanical properties. It has also been noticed that the increase of a/d ratio results in shifting the flexural failure mode in the mid‐span regions towards the support points. The experimental results have been compared with the relevant published literature as well as with the different standard codes.