bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower bound of decay rate for higher order derivatives of solution to the compressible quantum magnetohydrodynamic model
Authors: Gao Jincheng , Lyu Zeyu , Yao Zheng‐an
Published: October 2020

The lower bounds of decay rates for global solution to the compressible viscous quantum magnetohydrodynamic model in three‐dimensional whole space under the H5 × H4 × H4 framework are investigated in this paper. We first show that the lower bound of decay rate for the solution converging to constant equilibrium state (1, 0, 0) in L2‐norm is
when the initial data satisfy some low‐frequency assumption. Moreover, we prove that the lower bound of decay rate of k(k ∈ [1, 3]) order spatial derivative for the solution converging to constant equilibrium state (1, 0, 0) in L2‐norm is
. Then, we show that the lower bound of decay rate for the time derivatives of density and velocity is
, but the lower bound of decay rate for the time derivative of magnetic field converging to zero in L2‐norm is
.
Evaluation of a compact multicontrast and multiresolution X‐ray phase contrast edge illumination system for small animal imaging
Authors: Massimi Lorenzo , Meganck Jeffrey A. , Towns Rebecca , Olivo Alessandro , Endrizzi Marco
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In this work the performance of a compact multiresolution and multicontrast x‐ray phase system based on edge illumination is investigated. It has been designed for small animal imaging and with a limited footprint for ease of deployment in laboratories.

Methods

The presented edge illumination system is based on a compact microfocus tungsten x‐ray source combined with a flat panel detector. The source has a maximum output of 10 W when the minimum spot size of about 15 μm is used. The system has an overall length of 70 cm. A new double sample mask design, obtained by arranging both skipped and nonskipped configurations on the same structure, provides dual resolution capability. To test the system, we carried out computed tomography (CT) scans of a plastic phantom with different source settings using both single‐image and multi‐image acquisition schemes at different spatial resolutions. In addition, CT scans of an ex‐vivo mouse specimen were acquired at the best identified working conditions to demonstrate the application of the presented system to small animal imaging.

Results

We found this system delivers good image quality, allowing for an efficient material separation and improving detail visibility in small animals thanks to the higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of phase contrast with respect to conventional attenuation contrast. The system offers high versatility in terms of spatial resolution thanks to the double sample mask design integrated into a single scanner. The availability of both multi‐ and single‐image acquisition schemes coupled with their dedicated retrieval algorithms, allows different working modes which can be selected based on user preference. Multi‐image acquisition provides quantitative separation of the real and imaginary part of the refractive index, however, it requires a long scanning time. On the other hand, the single image approach delivers the best material separation and image quality at all the investigated source settings with a shorter scanning time but at the cost of quantitativeness. Finally, we also observed that the single image approach combined with a high‐power x‐ray source may result in a fast acquisition protocol compatible with in‐vivo imaging.
Technical Note: A methodology for improved accuracy in stopping power estimation using MRI and CT
Authors: Scholey Jessica E. , Chandramohan Dharshan , Naren Tarun , Liu William , Larson Peder Eric Zufall , Sudhyadhom Atchar
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Proton therapy is becoming an increasingly popular cancer treatment modality due to the proton’s physical advantage in that it deposits the majority of its energy at the distal end of its track where the tumor is located. The proton range in a material is determined from the stopping power ratio (SPR) of the material. However, SPR is typically estimated based on a computed tomography (CT) scan which can lead to range estimation errors due to the difference in x‐ray and proton interactions in matter, which can preclude the ability to utilize protons to their full potential. Applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in radiotherapy have increased over the past decade and using MRI to calculate SPR directly could provide numerous advantages. The purpose of this study was to develop a practical implementation of a novel multimodal imaging method for estimating SPR and compare the results of this method to physical measurements in which values were computed directly using tissue substitute materials fabricated to mimic skin, muscle, adipose, and spongiosa bone.

Methods

For both the multimodal imaging method and physical measurements, SPR was calculated using the Bethe‐Bloch equation from values of relative electron density and mean ionization potential determined for each tissue. Parameters used to estimate SPR using the multimodal imaging method were extracted from Dixon water‐only and (1H) proton density‐weighted zero echo time MRI sequences and CT, with both kVCT and MVCT used separately to evaluate the performance of each. For comparison, SPR was also computed from kVCT using the stoichiometric method, the current clinical standard.

Results

Results showed that our multimodal imaging approach using MRI with either kVCT or MVCT was in close agreement to SPR calculated from physical measurements for the four tissue substitutes evaluated. Using MRI and MVCT, SPR values estimated using our method were within 1% of physical measurements and were more accurate than the stoichiometric method for the tissue types studied.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated the methodology for improved estimation of SPR using the proposed multimodal imaging framework.
Virtual assessments of knee and wrist joint range motion have comparable reliability with face‐to‐face assessments
Authors: Mehta Saurabh P. , Kendall Kaitlyn M. , Reasor Charlotte M.
Published: October 2020

Background

There has been increased usage of virtual telerehabilitation approach during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It is crucial to establish reliability of conducting virtual assessments for musculoskeletal conditions.

Objectives

This research determined the intra‐ and interrater reliability of measuring knee and wrist range of motion (ROM) assessed virtually and obtained face‐to‐face (F2F) using a goniometer (UG) for a student and an experienced examiner.

Method

Knee and wrist joint ROM for 54 healthy participants was assessed virtually and F2F by a student examiner and an experienced physical therapist. Intra‐ (virtual vs. UG assessment) and inter‐rater (virtual or UG assessment between examiners) reliabilities were examined for all ROM using Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The ICC values were considered good (>0.75) or excellent (>0.90). Bland and Altman plots determined the limits of agreement (LOA) in assessing joint ROM.

Results/findings

Student examiner had good reliability in virtually estimating knee extension (ICC = 0.79), wrist flexion (ICC = 0.82) and wrist extension (ICC = 0.78), whereas the experienced examiner had excellent reliability in virtually estimating all knee and wrist ROM (ICC > 0.90). The LOA in assessing knee and wrist ROM for the student examiner were wider indicating higher disagreement between virtual and UG‐obtained ROM in some cases.

Conclusions

Virtual estimation of knee and wrist ROM is a reliable technique, however experience level impacts the precision of measurement. It is suggested that the same examiner conducts all the ROM assessments throughout the clinical course of a patient receiving virtual interventions for knee or wrist pathologies.
Factors associated with loneliness in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kobos Ewa , Szewczyk Alicja , Kokoszka‐Paszkot Janina , Dziedzic Beata
Published: October 2020

Aim

To (a) explore the prevalence of loneliness in patients with diabetes mellitus and (b) identify loneliness‐related factors in the group of hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The study included 248 patients with diabetes mellitus who were staying in six Polish hospitals. A questionnaire including sociodemographic and clinical data, and the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (R‐UCLA), was used for research data collection. Data were collected from March 2019 to June 2019.

Results

Patients with diabetes generally experience moderate loneliness, with almost one‐fifth (16%) of patients experiencing intense loneliness. The patients scored a mean 9.94 out of a possible 20 in belongings and affiliation category and 20.14 out of a possible 40 in the intimate others category. Lower education, being single and the presence of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus were risk factors for increased loneliness.
Real world data to identify target population for new CAR‐T therapies
Authors: Belleudi Valeria , Trotta Francesco , Fortinguerra Filomena , Poggi Francesca R. , Olimpieri Odoardo , Santelli Enrica , Cozzi Ilaria , Michelozzi Paola , Addis Antonio
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma often refractory to currently available treatments (immuno‐chemotherapy/autologous‐stem‐cell‐transplantation‐ASCT). Recently, new cell therapies have been approved for patients failing two conventional treatments, CAR‐T (Chimeric‐Antigen‐Receptor‐T‐cell), committing payers in planning and implementing their use. We aim to define, using Real World Data (RWD), a reproducible procedure that allows identification of CAR‐T target population for DLBCL.

Methods

Through the linking of electronic healthcare datasets (EHD), we identified patients with non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), resident in Lazio region (2010–2015), aged ≥20 years. DLBCL patients were followed using pathological anatomy (PA) reports, up to 3 years. To be defined as relapsed after two treatment lines, patients must have had new chemotherapy and/or NHL hospitalization after ASCT or at the end of the second chemotherapy. The incident rate of second relapse (R2‐rate) was extended to the population without PA reports.

Result

NHL incident patients were 7384, 68% presented a PA report and, 29% of these had DLBCL codes. Patients who relapsed after two treatment lines were 47 (39%) in the subgroup of patients who received ASCT and 138 (41%) in that with second chemotherapy treatment. Patients in the two subgroups were very different in terms of age and comorbidity. The annual incident number of DLBCL was estimated to be 329 which multiplied by R2‐rate (13.7%) gives 45 patients per year eligible for CAR‐T.

Discussion

This study shows how RWD allows the identification of a target population with new advanced therapies. This approach is rigorous, transparent and verifiable over time.
Effectiveness of risk minimisation measures for valproate: A drug utilisation study in Europe
Authors: Toussi Massoud , Shlaen Margarita , Coste Florence , de Voogd Hanka , Dimos Vasilis , Kaplan Sigal
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the risk minimisation measures (RMMs) implemented in Europe in 2014 for valproate‐containing products to mitigate their risk during pregnancy and to characterise valproate prescribing patterns in women of childbearing potential (WCBP) before and after implementation of RMMs.

Methods

A multinational cohort study based on existing data sources using a pre‐/post‐ design was performed in five European countries (France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, UK) in an outpatient setting. Effectiveness of RMMs was assessed by comparing the proportion of valproate initiations as second (or subsequent) line therapy before and after implementation of RMMs (primary outcome) with an increase in this proportion indicating success of RMMs. Overall use of valproate and incidence of pregnancies in WCBP were also examined.

Results

The proportion of valproate initiations as second line therapy increased after implementation of RMMs in incident female users in Sweden (from 81.1%, 95% CI 79.9%‐82.3% to 84.5%, 95% CI 83.5%‐85.5%) and the UK (from 66.4%, 95% CI 64.5%‐68.3% to 72.4%, 95% CI 70.0%‐74.9%), it remained the same in Germany and Spain and decreased in France from 48.7% (95% CI 45.6%‐51.9%) to 40.6% (95% CI 37.6%‐43.7%). In Sweden and the UK, the incidence of pregnancies exposed to valproate decreased in the post‐implementation period: 8.0 vs 9.5 and 10.9 vs 16.9 per 1000 person‐years, respectively.

Conclusion

The results on primary outcome of this study suggest limited effectiveness of the RMMs. Additional RMMs were implemented in 2018.
Migration, precariousness, and the linked lives of newcomers in Hong Kong
Authors: Bailey Adrian J. , Ng Rainbow Wing Yan , Hankins Katherine , De Beer Stephan
Published: October 2020

We develop the concept of linked lives to deepen understanding of the relationship between migration and precarity. Linked lives and precariousness are mutually constitutive as they embed subjects in the social, spatial, and temporal relations of everyday life while referencing transitions, trajectories, and biographies that unfold through the life course. Studying linked lives draws attention to how cumulative social and cultural processes, including familyhood and belonging, contribute to the persistence of precarity. On the basis of 64 qualitative interviews with selected newcomer migrants in Hong Kong, we describe how precariousness was not just restricted to exploitative employment or limited rights but enveloped multiple domains of everyday life, including housing and social fields. Respondents associated precariousness with feelings of generalised pressure and disrupted spacetimes and connected it with their expectations for familyhood, employment, social life, and belonging. We argue that the mutual constitution of precariousness and linked lives has important implications for social policy and close with a call for the creation of resourceful spacetimes that support linked lives and, more widely, a more participatory process of formulating social policy for migrants.
Theoretical designing and understanding of the performances of BH bridged organocatalysts by π‐conjugated molecules in CO2 hydroboration
Authors: Sabet‐Sarvestani Hossein , Izadyar Mohammad , Eshghi Hossein
Published: October 2020

Designing and introducing a new class of organocatalysts in CO2 hydroboration are the main purposes of this study. Reduction is an essential reaction in the conversion of CO2 into value‐added materials. The first part of this research is focused on organocatalyst designing, which is performed by a reaction between some of the π‐conjugated molecules and borane. This step produces a bridged structure for the developed organocatalysts (BH bridged organocatalysts). π contributions of electron localized function (ELFπ) and nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICSπZZ) analyses are valuable for understanding and justifying the calculated ∆G≠ and ∆E≠ values of the organocatalysts formation step. In the second part of this research, CO2 reduction was investigated using designed BH bridged organocatalysts. The reduction reaction can proceed through two different barrier energies. The results revealed that, among 9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9‐BBN) and BH2 segments of the BH bridged organocatalysts, hydride transfer of 9‐BBN moiety is more favorable kinetically. Finally, kinetic studies of CO2 hydroboration using the energetic span model (ESM) showed that the barrier energy of CO2 reduction is the rate‐determining step of the reduction reaction.
Subfemtosecond charge dynamics in vertically stacked bilayer silicene
Authors: Mokkath Junais Habeeb
Published: October 2020

Ultrafast charge dynamics in two‐dimensional materials have attracted great interest from both fundamental and applied perspectives due to its significance in the next‐generation battery and solar cells. In this work, using the realistic quantum mechanical real‐time propagation time‐dependent density functional theory (rt‐TDDFT) simulations, we disclose the ultrafast charge dynamics in vertically stacked bilayer silicene subjected to an external bias. Among other insights, our study indicates that even modest changes in interlayer distance produce significant modulations in the ultrafast charge dynamics at the subfemtosecond time scale. The findings in this work may open new pathways for the use of bilayer silicene in novel optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.
Finite‐time boundedness of sliding mode control under periodic event‐triggered strategy
Authors: Li Jiarui , Niu Yugang , Song Jun
Published: October 2020

This article investigates the problem of sliding mode control (SMC) for continuous‐time systems under the requirement of finite‐time boundedness (FTB), in which the state signals are periodically sampled and transmitted to the controller according to the pre‐designed event‐triggering condition. A key issue is how to utilize the less available state information to achieve the FTB of the closed‐loop system. To this end, the continuous‐time SMC law is changed into an implementable form dependent on the available sampled state via event triggering transmission. It is shown that the state trajectory of the controlled system can be driven onto the specified sliding surface before the given finite time, and then, remain within a domain around this sliding surface. Due to the characteristic of the periodic event‐triggered scheme (ETS), the known partitioning strategy on the SMC with FTB is infeasible for this present case. Instead, we shall analyze the FTB of the closed‐loop system over the whole given time, meanwhile, a selection condition on the robust term is given via the given time parameter. Finally, the numerical simulation results are provided to illustrate the proposed periodical event‐triggered SMC scheme.
Scintillation due to atmospheric turbulence on optical GEO and MEO satellite links: Time series synthesizer for system level simulations
Authors: Lyras Nikolaos K. , Kourogiorgas Charilaos I. , Panagopoulos Athanasios D.
Published: October 2020

Optical satellite links have been proposed in order to cover the increasing capacity demand for satellite networks. The reliable design of the performance of optical satellite links is of utmost importance. In the present paper, an analytical methodology for the generation of time series of scintillation due to atmospheric turbulence of optical satellite links is proposed. Under cloud‐free line of sight, scintillation causes the degradation of link's quality. In order to design adaptive transmission techniques for scintillation compensation, an accurate channel model for time series synthesis is required. The proposed synthesizer is based on stochastic differential equations (SDEs) driven by fractional Brownian motion and generates log‐amplitude time series for plane and spherical waves affected by turbulence. The links are considered between Ground and Geostationary or Medium Earth Orbit satellites. The synthesizer is validated using the theoretical aspects of scintillation considering the first‐ and second‐order statistics. Additionally, the performance of the synthesizer for the case of Geostationary is validated with data from ARTEMIS optical satellite link experiment carried out by European Space Agency. The proposed synthesizer can be directly employed for the system performance of transmission techniques for optical satellite forward and reverse links taking into account the scintillation effects.
Multi‐Color Emitting Pyrene Derivatives: Synthesis, Optoelectronic and Electroluminescent Properties
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wang Sujuan , Wang Mengna , Tian Feng , Zhao Xiaohui , Tian Yuelan , Ba Xinwu
Published: October 2020

Given the high fluorescence quantum yield and modifiability of pyrene, we designed, synthesized and characterized three novel pyrene derivatives (1‐‐3) bearing electron donors and/or acceptors. All of them exhibited strong emission bands at 470 nm, 527 nm, 606 nm in toluene and slightly red‐shifted bands in the solid state due to intermolecular interactions in the densely packed state. In addition, these compounds exhibited high thermal stability with decomposition temperatures of up to 372 °C for 1, 462 °C for 2 and 429 °C for 3. Fabrication of organic light emitting diodes with 1–3 as active layers were conducted, and the devices gave multi‐color fluorescence, including cyan, chartreuse and orange light with the CIE coordinates of (0.14, 0.35), (0.38, 0.59) and (0.58, 0.41), respectively.
Facile One‐Pot Solvothermal Synthesis of Noble Metal‐Free NiS Modified In2S3‐Based Photocatalyst for Highly Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Cr6+ Removal
Authors: Wang Linjuan , Zan Ling
Published: October 2020

Rapidly electrons transferring of noble metal‐free electron mediator NiS modifying In2S3 photocatalysts were synthesized through a one‐pot hydrothermal method. Light with longer wavelength scope and stronger intensity can be absorbed and achieving more rapidly electrons transportation speed. PL and photocurrent spectra demonstrating that NiS‐In2S3 composites have higher charge carrier separation efficiency. HRTEM revealed that NiS and In2S3 were contacted in nano size and have intimate contact with each other. XPS further proved there has an influence of the banding energy between NiS and In2S3. 10 % content sample achieving complete removal of Cr6+ with a trace photocatalyst concertation (0.2 mg/mL) within 30 min which was 3 times higher than pure In2S3. The proper mechanism was proposed that In2S3 was excited by visible light to produce electron‐hole pairs, and NiS acted as a light absorbing intensifier and electron trapper conducting electrons from the In2S3 conduction band to the surface of composites and then reacting with the active species, thus improving the charge carrier separation efficiency and photocatalytic activity
Synthesis, Spectroscopic and Thermal Analysis and Investigation of Dyeing Properties of o‐Hydroxy Schiff Bases and Their Metal Complexes
Authors: Özkınalı Sevil , Yavuz Şenol , Tosun Tuğçe , Ali Köse Dursun , Gür Mahmut , Kocaokutgen Hasan
Published: October 2020

Two series of new Schiff base metal complexes (Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Zn(II)) were synthesized and used to study their fastness and thermal properties. All of the dyes were applied on cotton, polyester and cellulose acetate fabrics as reactive dyes by using temperature and 1 : 20 Flotte ratio. Washing, rubbing and light fastness was investigated by ISO 105‐C06 A2S, TS EN ISO 105‐X12 and ISO 105‐B02 methods, respectively and obtained very well to excellent results. Structures of the metal complex dyes were elucidated by IR, UV‐Vis, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, mass spectroscopic techniques, magnetic susceptibility measurements, elemental analysis, and thermal analysis. Spectroscopic results indicate that all of the complexes adopt octahedral geometry. Also the results indicate that the complexes are formed by the binding of a metal ion with two Schiff bases by using two >C=N‐ groups, two hydroxyl groups and two aqua ligands. In the present study, for the first time, fabrics were dyed with Schiff bases and metal complexes, and then, their fastness analyses were carried out and were obtained fine results.
Metal‐Free Multicomponent Construction of Tetrahydroisoquinoline‐Indole Derivatives via In Situ Generated ortho‐Quinonoid Intermediate
Authors: Kaur Pavneet , Gurjar Kamlesh K. , Kumar Vinod , Gohit Sonali , Gupta Vijay , Kumar Rakesh
Published: October 2020

A metal‐ and ligand‐free multicomponent coupling of tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ), ortho‐hydroxybenzaldehydes and indoles under solvent‐free conditions is described. The developed protocol provided a waste‐free and concise access to C(1)‐functionalized THIQ‐indole derivatives under green conditions. The reactant molar ratio and neutral conditions were found crucial for controlling the selectivity of desired THIQ‐indole product over competitive by‐products i. e. oxazine and bis(indolyl)methane. The experimental and DFT study revealed the involvement of ortho‐quinonoid species which reacts with indoles in situ to form THIQ‐indole derivatives.
Cooperative Acid‐Base Sites of Solid Ba‐Zr Mixed Oxide Catalyst for Efficient Isomerization of Glucose to Fructose in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Shaikh Samrin S. , Patil Chetana R. , Kondawar Sharda E. , Rode Chandrashekhar V.
Published: October 2020

Efficient and highly selective isomerization of glucose to fructose was achieved by using the inexpensive Ba−Zr mixed metal oxide catalyst. Catalyst was prepared by varying Ba−Zr ratios using co‐precipitation method. Various phases formed, planes exposed, morphology, elemental composition and particle size, basic site density and strength, oxidation state of elements were well studied by using various characterization techniques. The XRD analysis clearly indicates the presence of Ba+2 and Zr+4 in the form of BaO, ZrO2 and BaZrO3 phases. The SEM and HR‐TEM images indicate that, Ba−Zr (2 : 1) catalyst prepared showed uniform morphology with spherical and rod‐shaped particles ranging from 300 to 600 nm. Under the optimized reaction conditions Ba−Zr (2 : 1) catalyst exhibited excellent results in terms of 57 % of glucose conversion with 89 % selective formation of glucose. The presence of both acidic as well as basic sites play vital roles in activating the substrate molecules to selectively yield fructose. Ba−Zr (2 : 1) catalyst showed excellent recyclability performance up to four recycles.
Efficient and Chemoselective Procedure for Conversion of Rhodanine Derivatives into 1,3‐Thiazolidine‐2,4‐diones via 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction and Rearrangement Sequences
Authors: Roosta Atefeh , Alizadeh Abdolali , Rezaiyehraad Reze , Khanpour Mojtaba
Published: October 2020

Herein, we report a chemoselective 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction between 5‐alkylidene‐ or 5‐arylidene rhodanine derivatives and nitrile oxide generated in situ from dibromoformaldoxime to construct 1,3‐thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione scaffold under mild conditions. This strategy exhibits a distinguished manner to afford thiazolidine derivatives in a simple, rapid and practical route. The results proved that the reaction proceeds through an unpredictable rearrangement and no spirocyclic product is generated. The structures of the target molecules were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectra and unambiguously X‐ray crystal structure analysis.
Spatially and Temporally Resolved Two‐Dimensional Emission Images of Copper Atomic and Ionic Lines in Laser‐Induced Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Weng Julian , Kashiwakura Shunsuke , Wagatsuma Kazuaki
Published: October 2020

This study features a two‐dimensional spatially and temporally resolved imaging of laser‐induced plasma in copper emission lines, in order to clarify the fundamental mechanism for their excitation/de‐excitations in laser‐induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS). It was investigated how the plasma excitation was dependent on the type of copper emission lines, different atomic and ionic lines (Cu II 224.700 nm, Cu I 324.754 nm), with the aim to monitor their emission images. A large difference between these emission lines was found in the shape as well as the temporal variation of the emission profiles: while the profile of the Cu II line rapidly disappeared with an expansion of the plasma, that of the Cu I was still observed even at a final stage of the plasma expansion. This result can be explained by their excitation mechanisms. Namely, the excited level for the Cu II line having large excitation energy is mainly populated through a direct collision with an energetic particle, whereas step‐wise de‐excitations from high‐lying excited levels also contribute to the emission of the Cu I line. This result could prove to be useful in the understanding of the background of LIBS.
Preparation and Characterization of PANI@NiO Visible Light Photocatalyst for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Adnan Muhammad , Ali Saqib , Javed Sofia , Akram M. Aftab
Published: October 2020

Environmental problems caused by the influence of organic dyes have devoted researchers to build the system for the degradation of dyes. Photocatalysis has gained a remarkable interest to degrade organic dyes for wastewater treatments. In this work Polyaniline@NiO with different wt.% the composition was synthesized with rich catalytic sites by in‐situ polymerization to degrade the organic dye Rhodamine‐B from water. The synthesized materials were characterized by XRD, RAMAN spectroscopy, SEM, UV/Vis spectroscopy and Photocatalytic degradation. Polyaniline (PANI) showed a high absorption coefficient in visible light and NiO absorbs light in the ultraviolet range. The charge mobility was enhanced by making a composite of PANI and NiO. The photocatalytic performance of PANI in visible light was improved by making its composite with NiO, which provides the easing path to flow photoelectron from LUMO of PANI to the surface of the water and further dye degradation mechanism was performed
Hierarchical Lamellar‐Structured MnO2@graphene for High Performance Li, Na and K ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wenyang , Jin Huixin , Du Yiqun , Zhang Youjian , Wang Zihan , Zhang Jianxin
Published: October 2020

Finding suitable electrode materials for energy storage devices with large ions like Na+ and K+ is notoriously difficult. Herein, MnO2@graphene with hierarchical lamellar structure has be synthesized. The flower‐like lamellar‐structured MnO2 and nanosheets of graphene combine together to form the composite with vast space for large ions to transport and store, as well as huge surface area for reactions. Sandwiched between graphene nanosheets, electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of MnO2 are highly enhanced, enabling it to withstand large current shock and long time cycling. In Li, Na and K ion batteries, MnO2@graphene all shows excellent electrochemical performance. Also, when coupled with liquid K−Na anode, MnO2@graphene displays better performance than with solid K anode, indicating its great potential at dendrite‐free K ion battery. MnO2@graphene promotes the exploitation of more suitable electrode materials for alkali ion batteries, deepens understanding of their inner mechanisms, and boosts their commercialization.
Intelligent Fe–Mn Layered Double Hydroxides Nanosheets Anchored with Upconversion Nanoparticles for Oxygen‐Elevated Synergetic Therapy and Bioimaging
Authors: Jia Tao , Wang Zhao , Sun Qianqian , Dong Shuming , Xu Jiating , Zhang Fangmei , Feng Lili , He Fei , Yang Dan , Yang Piaoping , Lin Jun
Published: October 2020

Multimodal synergistic therapy based on photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has attracted increasing attention in cancer therapy. However, the scant therapeutic efficiency is always a barrier for further application. Herein, a smart tumor microenvironment (TME) responsive nanocatalysts are developed by adopting Fe–Mn layered double hydroxides (FeMn‐LDH) as an effective photothermal nanocarrier to load mesoporous silica and chlorin e6 (Ce6)‐covalently coated upconversion nanoparticles (UCSP) for multimodal imaging for directed therapy. Under acidic TME, FeMn‐LDH degrades into Fe3+ and Mn2+ ions to initiate a Fenton‐like reaction inducing CDT and enhancing magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, Fe3+ can decompose H2O2 to oxygen (O2), enhancing PDT guided by UCSP. As a representative noninvasive imaging probe, the upconversion luminescence will recover after decomposition of FeMn‐LDH, and provide high‐resolution upconversion luminescent imaging guidance for pinpointed PDT. Moreover, the photothermal properties of FeMn‐LDH can further enhance CDT effects. The synergistic therapy and multifunctional imaging can realize the integration of diagnosis and treatment.
Quantitative Assessment of Endosomal Escape of Various Endocytosed Polymer‐Encapsulated Molecular Cargos upon Photothermal Heating
Authors: Brkovic Nico , Zhang Li , Peters Jan N. , Kleine‐Doepke Stephan , Parak Wolfgang J. , Zhu Dingcheng
Published: October 2020

Encapsulated molecular cargos are efficiently endocytosed by cells. For cytosolic delivery, understanding the dynamic process of cargos release from the carrier vehicles used for encapsulation and the lysosomes where the carrier vehicles are trapped (which in general is the bottleneck), followed by diffusion in the cytosol is important for improving drug/gene delivery strategies. A methodology is reported to image this process on a millisecond scale and to quantitatively analyze the data. Polyelectrolyte capsules with embedded gold nanostars to encapsulate 43 fluorescent molecular cargos with diverse properties, ranging from small fluorophores to fluorescently labeled proteins, siRNA, etc., are used. By short laser irradiation intracellular release of the molecular cargos from endocytosed capsules into the cytosol is triggered, and their intracellular spreading is imaged. Most of the released molecular cargos evenly distribute inside the entire cell, while others are enriched in certain cell compartments. The time the different molecular cargos take to distribute within cells, i.e., the spreading time, is used as a quantifier. Quantitative analysis reveals that intracellular spread cannot be described by free diffusion, but is determined by interaction of the molecular cargo with intracellular components.
Prostate cancer‐secreted CCN3 uses the GSK3β and β‐catenin pathways to enhance osteogenic factor levels in osteoblasts
Authors: Chen Po‐Chun , Liu Shan‐Chi , Lin Tien‐Huang , Lin Liang‐Wei , Wu Hsi‐Chin , Tai Huai‐Ching , Wang Shih‐Wei , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: October 2020

Prostate cancer osteoblastic bone metastases are incurable and associated with chronic bone pain and a high mortality rate. Osteoclast‐targeting drugs intended to prevent skeletal‐related events associated with prostate cancer bone metastases do not prolong overall survival. Improved understanding of the bone‐derived factors that contribute to prostate cancer osteoblastic bone metastases is required to design treatments that will improve morbidities and overall survival. Activated osteoblasts stimulate prostate cancer growth in bone. In this study, we report that prostate cancer conditioned medium (CM) promoted bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2, ‐4 and ‐7 production and the expression of osteogenic transcription factors Runx2 and osterix in osteoblasts. Treating the prostate cancer CM with antibody against CCN3 (nephroblastoma‐overexpressed), a cysteine‐rich protein that belongs to the CCN family, reduced all of these increases. Incubation of osteoblasts with CCN3 facilitated phosphorylation of GSK3β and β‐catenin. GSK3β and β‐catenin inhibitors or siRNAs all abolished CCN3‐induced promotion of BMPs, Runx2 and osterix expression in osteoblasts. Our results indicate that prostate cancer‐secreted CCN3 enhances BMP, Runx2 and osterix expression in osteoblasts via the GSK3β and β‐catenin signaling pathways. This understanding of the role played by CCN3 in osteoblastic prostate bone metastasis may lead to more efficient targeted therapies.
Protection of melatonin against long‐term radon exposure‐caused lung injury
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Fang Lijun , Yang Youjing , Wang Aiqing , Chen Xiaoyu , Sun Jiaojiao , Wan Jianmei , Hong Chengjiao , Tong Jian , Tao Shasha , Tian Hailin
Published: October 2020

Radon is one of the major pathogenic factors worldwide. Recently, epidemiological studies have suggested that radon exposure plays an important role in lung injury, which could further cause cancer. However, the toxic effects and underlying mechanism on lung injury are still not clear. Here, we identified the detailed toxic effects of long‐term radon exposure. Specifically, the manifestations were inflammatory response and cell apoptosis in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. In detail, it caused the mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress as determined by the abnormal levels of mitochondrial DNA copy number, adenosine triphosphate, mitochondrial membrane potential, superoxide dismutase, and cycloxygenase‐2. Furthermore, we found that melatonin treatment ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction and attenuated the levels of oxidative stress caused by long‐term radon exposure, which could further inhibit the lung tissue apoptosis as determined by the decreased levels of cleaved caspase 3. Our study would provide potential therapeutic application of melatonin on lung tissue injury caused by long‐term radon exposure.
From Poor to Worse: Health Policy and Politics Scholars’ Assessment of the U.S. COVID‐19 Response and Its Implications
Authors: Haeder Simon F. , Gollust Sarah E.
Published: October 2020

By any standard, the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic has been abysmal, with countless unnecessary deaths and suffering. Although the human impact is most important, the pandemic has also had enormous consequences on the U.S. political system. Health policy and politics scholars, particularly from political science orientations, are ideally equipped to evaluate the pandemic response from a political perspective. In this study, we report on the results of a two‐wave survey of academic health policy researchers in April/May (N = 239) and September (N = 158) 2020. Respondents noted an outsized influence of public health, medicine, and economics, while noting limited public engagement of social scientists like sociologists and political scientists. The perceived expert influence declined over the two waves, while assessment of electoral consequences to favor Democrats grew. Respondents also offered a sober perspective on federal and state responses to the pandemic, forecasting lasting implications for health policy and political dynamics for years to come. Given their expertise, health policy and politics scholars appear uniquely qualified to enter the public and policy discourse going forward.
The Varying Challenge of Islamophobia for the EU: On Anti-Muslim Resentments and Its Dividend for Right-Wing Populists and Eurosceptics—Central and Eastern Europe in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Pickel Gert , Öztürk Cemal
Published: October 2020

The so-called refugee crisis and the fear of Islamist terror have turned out to be serendipitous for right-wing populist parties. They portray themselves as defenders of the ‘Christian Occident’ and campaign against an ‘invasion of Muslims’ that was allegedly orchestrated by cosmopolitan elites of the EU. Against this backdrop, this chapter explores the linkage between anti-Muslim sentiments and Eurosceptic attitudes. The study shows that (1) there is a pan-European nexus between Islamophobia and Euroscepticism, (2) there is a nexus that is primarily driven by voters of right-wing populist parties and (3) the magnitude of Islamophobic attitudes differ, however, between societies. An anti-Muslim social climate is particularly widespread in Eastern Europe, where hardly any Muslims live. The contribution addresses the resulting implications for the legitimacy of the EU.
Fermi gas approach to general rank theories and quantum curves
Authors: Kubo Naotaka
Published: October 2020

Abstract

It is known that matrix models computing the partition functions of three-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 superconformal Chern-Simons theories described by circular quiver diagrams can be written as the partition functions of ideal Fermi gases when all the nodes have equal ranks. We extend this approach to rank deformed theories. The resulting matrix models factorize into factors depending only on the relative ranks in addition to the Fermi gas factors. We find that this factorization plays a critical role in showing the equality of the partition functions of dual theories related by the Hanany-Witten transition. Furthermore, we show that the inverses of the density matrices of the ideal Fermi gases can be simplified and regarded as quantum curves as in the case without rank deformations. We also comment on four nodes theories using our results.
Resummed inclusive cross-section in ADD model at N3LL
Authors: Das Goutam , Kumar M. C. , Samanta Kajal
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We present three loop soft-plus-virtual (SV) corrections to the spin-2 production at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). For this calculation, we make use of the recently computed quark and gluon three loop form factors for the spin-2 production, the universal soft-collinear coefficients as well as the mass factorization kernels. The SV coefficients are presented up to next-to-next-to-next-to leading order (N3LOsv). We also use these coefficients at three loops to compute the resummed prediction for inclusive cross-section to next-to-next-to-next-to leading logarithmic accuracy (N3LL) matched to N3LOsv. We use the standard technique to derive the Mellin N-dependent coefficients and also the N-independent coefficients to achieve the resummation using the minimal prescription matching procedure. Considering the spin-2 propagator in the large extra dimensional (ADD) model, we also study the numerical impact of these three-loop SV corrections as well as the resummed predictions on the di-lepton invariant mass distribution at the 13 TeV LHC. We find that the conventional scale uncertainties in the N3LOsv +N3LL resummed results substantially get reduced to as low as 2% in the high invariant mass region. We also estimate the PDF uncertainties in our predictions that will be useful in the experimental searches for large extra dimensions.
Swampland constraints on no-boundary quantum cosmology
Authors: Matsui Hiroki , Terada Takahiro
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The Hartle-Hawking no-boundary proposal describes the quantum creation of the universe. To have a non-negligible probability to obtain a classical expanding universe, eternal inflation is required, which is severely constrained by Swampland conjectures such as the refined de Sitter conjecture and the distance conjecture. We discuss this issue in detail and demonstrate the incompatibility. We show that the dimensionless parameters in the refined de Sitter conjecture should be bounded from above by a positive power of the scalar potential to realize the classical expanding universe. In other words, the probability of the classical expanding universe is extremely small under the Swampland conjectures unless the parameters are much smaller than unity. If they are order unity, on the other hand, the saddle-point solution itself ceases to exist implying a genuinely quantum universe.
Increased and unjustified CT usage in paediatric C-spine clearance in a level 2 trauma centre
Authors: ten Brinke Joost G. , Slinger Geertruida , Slaar Annelie , Saltzherr Teun Peter , Hogervorst Mike , Goslings J. Carel
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Cervical spine injury after blunt trauma in children is rare but can have severe consequences. Clear protocols for diagnostic workup are, therefore, needed, but currently not available. As a step in developing such a protocol, we determined the incidence of cervical spine injury and the degree of protocol adherence at our level 2 trauma centre.

Methods

We analysed data from all patients aged < 16 years suspected of cervical spine injury after blunt trauma who had presented to our hospital during two periods: January 2010 to June 2012, and January 2017 to June 2019. In the intervening period, the imaging protocol for diagnostic workup was updated. Outcomes were the incidence of cervical spine injury and protocol adherence in terms of the indication for imaging and the type of imaging.

Results

We included 170 children in the first study period and 83 in the second. One patient was diagnosed with cervical spine injury. Protocol adherence regarding the indication for imaging was > 80% in both periods. Adherence regarding the imaging type decreased over time, with 45.8% of the patients receiving a primary CT scan in the second study period versus 2.9% in the first.

Conclusion

Radiographic imaging is frequently performed when clearing the paediatric cervical spine, although cervical spine injury is rare. Particularly CT scan usage has wrongly been emerging over time. Stricter adherence to current protocols could limit overuse of radiographic imaging, but ultimately there is a need for an accurate rule predicting which children really are at risk of injury.
An Eulerian thermomechanical elastic–viscoplastic model with isotropic and directional hardening applied to computational welding mechanics
Authors: Kroon Martin , Lindström Per , Rubin M. B.
Published: October 2020

An Eulerian thermomechanical elastic–viscoplastic model with isotropic and directional hardening is used to analyse the residual mechanical state resulting from the arc welding of a multi-pass weld. Details of the weld test plate, weld filler material, and numerical implementation of the model are provided, including integration algorithms and consistent tangent modulus. For the computational welding mechanics analyses, the austenitic ASME stainless steel grade 316L was considered so that no phase transformations of solid states needed to be considered. The maximum residual stresses were found to be about 500–600 MPa, which is of the order of the yield stress of the base material. Variations in the heat input and the resulting weld cooling time had a significant influence both on the residual stress state and on the resulting geometry of the weld. The predicted stress levels were compared to the experimental results. Overall, the proposed Eulerian framework seems to be a promising tool for analysing melting/solidification processes and residual mechanical states.
Superimposing interferogram method using a multi-slit array to enhance sensitivity and interference definition of spatial-phase-shift interferometers
Authors: Kawashima Natsumi , Kitazaki Tomoya , Nogo Kosuke , Nishiyama Akira , Wada Kenji , Ishimaru Ichiro
Published: October 2020

We propose a superimposing interferogram method to enhance the sensitivity and interference definition of spatial-phase-shift interferometers. The proposed method uses a multi-slit array as a redesigned field stop for the spatial-phase-shift interferometer. The widths of the apertural and blocked areas correspond to half the wavelength of the fringe pattern on the imaging plane and determine the wavelength that improves the interference definition while eliminating those wavelengths that worsen it, thus improving the interference definition of the interferogram. Additionally, to improve the interferometer’s sensitivity, several apertural areas were aligned to increase the amount of incident light. We performed spectroscopic measurements and confirmed improvements in both the sensitivity and the interference definition using a prototype of a bean-sized mid-infrared spectroscopic imager based on a one-shot Fourier spectroscope and a prototype multi-slit array. Although mid-infrared light is absorbed well by water and its intensity is thus weak for detection using the array sensors of cameras, mid-infrared spectroscopic imagers that incorporate our proposed method can be used for biomedical measurements of samples containing water.