bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Beneficial Effects of Red Sun‐Dried Capsicum annuum L. Cv Senise Extract with Antioxidant Properties in Experimental Obesity are Associated with Modulation of the Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Sinisgalli Chiara , Vezza Teresa , Diez‐Echave Patricia , Ostuni Angela , Faraone Immacolata , Hidalgo‐Garcia Laura , Russo Daniela , Armentano Maria Francesca , Garrido‐Mesa José , Rodriguez‐Cabezas Maria Elena , Rodríguez‐Nogales Alba , Milella Luigi , Galvez Julio
Published: December 2020

Scope

Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise is a sweet pepper containing health promoting compounds that can be modified by ripening and drying. This study focuses on finding the peppers with the best antioxidant properties, which are evaluated on an experimental model of obesity.

Methods and Results

Phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity are evaluated on several peppers obtained from the same cultivar at different ripening stages. Red sweet peppers show the highest content in polyphenols, β‐carotene, lycopene, and capsinoids, and demonstrate the best antioxidant activity in vitro. Mice fed a high fat diet are orally treated with an extract from these peppers (Capsicum annuum extract [CAE]) (1, 10, and 25 mg/kg/day). It promotes weight loss and improves plasma markers related to glucose and lipid metabolisms. CAE also ameliorates obesity‐associated systemic inflammation reducing the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in adipose and hepatic tissues and improving the expression of different markers involved in the gut epithelial barrier function. These effects are associated with a modulation of the intestinal microbiome, which appears altered.

Conclusions

The extract can be considered a new potential approach for the treatment of obesity, complementary to dietary restrictions.
IAEA‐AAPM TRS‐483‐based reference dosimetry of the new RefleXion biology‐guided radiotherapy (BgRT) machine
Authors: Mirzakhanian Lalageh , Bassalow Rostem , Zaks Daniel , Huntzinger Calvin , Seuntjens Jan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide data for the calibration of the recent biology‐guided radiotherapy (BgRT) machine (Hayward, CA, USA) following the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) TRS‐483 code of practice (COP) (Palmans et al. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 2017) and (Mirzakhanian et al. Med Phys, 2020).

Methods

In RefleXion BgRT machine, reference dosimetry was performed using two methodologies described in TRS‐483 and (Mirzakhanian et al. Med Phys, 2020) In the first approach (Approach 1), the generic beam quality correction factor was calculated using an accurate Monte Carlo (MC) model of the beam and of six ionization chamber types. The is a beam quality factor that corrects (absorbed dose to water calibration coefficient in a calibration beam quality ) for the differences between the response of the chamber in the conventional reference calibration field with beam quality at the standards laboratory and the response of the chamber in the user’s A field with beam quality . Field A represents the reference calibration field that does not fulfill msr conditions. In the second approach (Approach 2), a square equivalent field size was determined for field A of and . Knowing the equivalent field size, the beam quality specifier for the hypothetical field size was derived. This was used to calculate the beam quality correction factor analytically for the six chamber types using the TRS‐398. (Andreo et al. Int Atom Energy Agency 420, 2001) Here, TRS‐398 was used instead of TRS‐483 since the beam quality correction values for the chambers used in this study are not tabulated in TRS‐483. The accuracy of Approach 2 is studied in comparison to Approach 1.

Results

Among the chambers, the PTW 31010 had the largest correction due to the volume averaging effect. The smallest‐volume chamber (IBA CC01) had the smallest correction followed by the other microchambers Exradin‐A14 and ‐A14SL. The equivalent square fields sizes were found to be 3.6 cm and 4.8 cm for the and field sizes, respectively. The beam quality correction factors calculated using the two approaches were within 0.27% for all chambers except IBA CC01. The latter chamber has an electrode made of steel and the differences between the correction calculated using the two approaches was the largest, that is, 0.5%.

Conclusions

In this study, we provided the values as a function of the beam quality specifier at the RefleXion BgRT setup ( and ) for six chamber types. We suggest using the first approach for calibration of the RefleXion BgRT machine. However, if the MC correction is not available for a user’s detector, the user can use the second approach for estimating the beam quality correction factor to sufficient accuracy (0.3%) provided the chamber electrode is not made of high Z material.
Automated segmentation of retinal nonperfusion area in fluorescein angiography in retinal vein occlusion using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Tang Ziqi , Zhang Ximei , Yang Guangqian , Zhang Guanghua , Gong Yubin , Zhao Ke , Xie Juan , Hou Junjun , Hou Jia , Sun Bin , Wang Zhao
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common cause of vision loss after diabetic retinopathy due to retinal vascular disease. Retinal nonperfusion (RNP), identified on fluorescein angiograms (FA) and appearing as hypofluorescence regions, is one of the most significant characteristics of RVO. Quantification of RNP is crucial for assessing the severity and progression of RVO. However, in current clinical practice, it is mostly conducted manually, which is time‐consuming, subjective, and error‐prone. The purpose of this study is to develop fully automated methods for segmentation of RNP using convolutional neural networks (CNNs).

Methods

FA images from 161 patients were analyzed, and RNP areas were annotated by three independent physicians. The optimal method to use multi‐physicians’ labeled data to train the CNNs was evaluated. An adaptive histogram‐based data augmentation method was utilized to boost the CNN performance. CNN methods based on context encoder module were developed for automated segmentation of RNP and compared with existing state‐of‐the‐art methods.

Results

The proposed methods achieved excellent agreements with physicians for segmentation of RNP in FA images. The CNN performance can be improved significantly by the proposed adaptive histogram‐based data augmentation method. Using the averaged labels from physicians to train the CNNs achieved the best consensus with all physicians, with a mean accuracy of 0.883±0.166 with fivefold cross‐validation.

Conclusions

We reported CNN methods to segment RNP in RVO in FA images. Our work can help improve clinical workflow, and can be useful for further investigating the association between RNP and retinal disease progression, as well as for evaluating the optimal treatments for the management of RVO.
Are Classic Bedside Exam Findings Required to Initiate Enteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Patients: Emphasis on Bowel Sounds and Abdominal Distension
Authors: Deane Adam M. , Ali Abdelhamid Yasmine , Plummer Mark P. , Fetterplace Kate , Moore Cara , Reintam Blaser Annika
Published: December 2020

The general physical examination of a patient is an axiom of critical care medicine, but evidence to support this practice remains sparse. Given the lack of evidence for a comprehensive physical examination of the entire patient on admission to the intensive care unit, which most clinicians consider an essential part of care, should clinicians continue the practice of a specialized gastrointestinal system physical examination when commencing enteral nutrition in critically ill patients? In this review of literature related to gastrointestinal system examination in critically ill patients, the focus is on gastrointestinal sounds and abdominal distension. There is a summary of what these physical features represent, an evaluation of the evidence regarding use of these physical features in patients after abdominal surgery, exploration of the rationale for and against using the physical findings in routine practice, and detail regarding what is known about each feature in critically ill patients. Based on the available evidence, it is recommended that an isolated symptom, sign, or bedside test does not provide meaningful information. However, it is submitted that a comprehensive physical assessment of the gastrointestinal system still has a role when initiating or administering enteral nutrition: specifically, when multiple features are present, clinicians should consider further investigation or intervention.
Culturally tailored interventions for ethnic minorities: A scoping review
Authors: Joo Jee Young , Liu Megan F.
Published: December 2020

Aim

This scoping review identifies strengths and weakness of culturally tailored interventions for ethnic minorities’ care in the United States. It reviews recently published studies to improve understanding of these interventions for future research and practice.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

By searching five electronic databases—CINAHL, PubMed, Ovid, Scopus and Web of Science, this review located 58 empirical studies published between 2015–2019. This review was guided by the PRISMA statements.

Results

The review identified four weaknesses and five strengths of culturally tailored interventions. Weaknesses included unclear guidelines, low attention and retention rates, failure to measure processes and inadequate training for healthcare providers. The intervention strengths were culturally respectful and patient‐centred care, healthy lifestyle promotion, increased family and community supports, technology use for efficient and timely care and increased knowledge of disease by participants.
Insights into student participation in a soil physics course during COVID‐19 emergency online learning
Authors: Wyatt Briana
Published: December 2020

The recent novel coronavirus pandemic led to global changes in higher education as universities transitioned to online learning to slow the spread of the virus. In the United States, this transition occurred during the spring of 2020, and the compulsory shift to online learning led to frustrations from students and instructors alike. I studied student participation during the online portion of a university‐level soil physics course taught in Spring 2020. Participation was quantified using the number of student posts in weekly discussion boards, the number of student views of asynchronous videos, and the number of video views during each week of online instruction. Relationships between video length and number of student views and between student participation and final exam grades were also examined. My findings show that student views of mini‐lecture videos were low and decreased throughout the online learning period. Conversely, views of example problem videos and the number of posts on graded discussion boards were high and remained high throughout the online learning period, suggesting that students were more engaged with online material that affected their grades. I also found that the level of student engagement in online material was positively correlated with higher final exam scores. The findings presented here may be used to improve the development and delivery of online coursework in natural science disciplines, both during current and future emergencies.
Phase I Study of Afatinib and Selumetinib in Patients with KRAS-Mutated Colorectal, Non-Small Cell Lung, and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Brummelen Emilie M.J. , Huijberts Sanne , Herpen Carla , Desar Ingrid , Opdam Frans , Geel Robin , Marchetti Serena , Steeghs Neeltje , Monkhorst Kim , Thijssen Bas , Rosing Hilde , Huitema Alwin , Beijnen Jos , Bernards Rene , Schellens Jan
Published: December 2020

Lessons Learned

Afatinib and selumetinib can be combined in continuous and intermittent dosing schedules, albeit at lower doses than approved for monotherapy. Maximum tolerated dose for continuous and intermittent schedules is afatinib 20 mg once daily and selumetinib 25 mg b.i.d. Because the anticancer activity was limited, further development of this combination is not recommended until better biomarkers for response and resistance are defined.

Background

Antitumor effects of MEK inhibitors are limited in KRAS-mutated tumors because of feedback activation of upstream epidermal growth factor receptors, which reactivates the MAPK and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase–AKT pathway. Therefore, this phase I trial was initiated with the pan-HER inhibitor afatinib plus the MEK inhibitor selumetinib in patients with KRAS mutant, PIK3CA wild-type tumors.

Methods

Afatinib and selumetinib were administered according to a 3+3 design in continuous and intermittent schedules. The primary objective was safety, and the secondary objective was clinical efficacy.

Results

Twenty-six patients were enrolled with colorectal cancer (n = 19), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (n = 6), and pancreatic cancer (n = 1). Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in six patients, including grade 3 diarrhea, dehydration, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and mucositis. The recommended phase II dose (RP2D) was 20 mg afatinib once daily (QD) and 25 mg selumetinib b.i.d. (21 days on/7 days off) for continuous afatinib dosing and for intermittent dosing with both drugs 5 days on/2 days off. Efficacy was limited with disease stabilization for 221 days in a patient with NSCLC as best response.

Conclusion

Afatinib and selumetinib can be combined in continuous and intermittent schedules in patients with KRAS mutant tumors. Although target engagement was observed, the clinical efficacy was limited.
Effectiveness of hypertonic saline nebulization in airway clearance in children with non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A randomized control trial
Authors: Anuradha Kodippilikande W. D. A. , Gunathilaka Paththini K Ganganath , Wickramasinghe Vithanage P.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Failure to expectorate mucus resulting in progressive airway damage is the hallmark of bronchiectasis. Therefore effective airway clearance techniques (ACT) is the key step in its management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 3% hypertonic saline (HS) pre‐medication in ACT in children with non cystic fibrosis (non‐CF) bronchiectasis.

Methods

In this randomized crossover control trial five to 15 year old children, diagnosed with non‐CF bronchiectasis were randomized either to receive 200 µg of inhaled salbutamol followed by HS nebulization (test) or only 200 µg of inhaled salbutamol, before chest physiotherapy which is the conventional ACT (controls) for 8 weeks. Inhaled salbutamol was administered via a pressurized metered dosed inhaler with a valved holding chamber. After completion of first phase both groups went through one month washout period, before being crossed over to the opposite arms in the second phase. Spirometric parameters and number of exacerbations were recorded at the end of phase I, washout period and phase II.

Results

Fifty two out of 63 enrolled completed the study. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. A significantly higher mean improvement was seen in predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s in the HS arm during phase 1 (HS = 14.15 ± 5.50 vs. conventional = 5.04 ± 5.55, p = .001) and phase II (HS = 10.81 ± 5.51 vs. conventional = 3.54 ± 5.13, p = .001) compared to conventional ACT arm. HS group showed a significantly higher mean improvement in predicted forced vital capacity in phase I (HS = 13.77 ± 5.73 vs. conventional = 7.54 ± 4.90, p = .001) and phase II, (HS = 9.42 ± 7.00 vs. conventional = 4.42 ± 4.00, p = .003).

Mean number of exacerbations experienced by a single child during phase I (2 months) were significantly less (p = .001) in HS arm (0.42 ± 0.64) compared to that of conventional arm (1.30 ± 1.05) butthis difference was not significant in phase II (HS = 0.65 ± 0.74 and conventional = 1.03 ± 0.77, p = .074).

Conclusion

Incorporating HS nebulization into ACT is an effective strategy to improve dynamic lung volumes and morbidity in children with non‐CF bronchiectasis.
Innovating and adapting in pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine during the COVID‐19 pandemic: ATS pediatric assembly web committee consensus statement for initial COVID‐19 virtual response
Authors: Taylor Jane B. , Oermann Christopher M. , Deterding Robin R. , Redding Gregory , Davis Stephanie D. , Piccione Joseph , Moore Paul E. , Kupfer Oren , Santiago Maria Teresa , Rosenfeld Margaret , Ingram David G. , Ross Kristie , DeBoer Emily M.
Published: December 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been an unprecedented and continuously evolving healthcare crisis. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spread rapidly and initially little was known about the virus or the clinical course for infected children. In the United States of America, the medical response has been regionalized, based on variation in community transmission of the virus and localized outbreaks. Pediatric pulmonary and sleep divisions evolved in response to administrative and clinical challenges. As the workforce transitioned to working remotely, video conferencing technology and multicenter collaborative efforts were implemented to create clinical protocols. The COVID‐19 pandemic challenges the framework of current medical practice but also highlights the dynamic and cooperative nature of pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine. Our response to this pandemic has laid the groundwork for future challenges.
Review: evolutionary drivers of agricultural adaptation in Lolium spp.
Authors: Matzrafi Maor , Preston Christopher , Brunharo Caio Augusto
Published: December 2020

The genus Lolium comprises many species, of which L. perenne ssp. multiflorum, L. perenne ssp. perenne, and L. rigidum are of worldwide agricultural importance as both pasture crops and as weeds. These three species are inter‐fertile, obligate out‐crossers with a self‐incompatible reproduction system. This combination contributes to high genetic diversity that supplies new variants during expansion to new natural areas and agricultural environments. Human dispersal, de‐domestication and crop‐weed hybridization events between Lolium spp., or with others such as Festuca spp., are likely associated with their distinct weediness abilities. Furthermore, new introductions followed by introgression may hasten adaptation to new environments. Most Lolium‐related weed science studies have focused on adaptation leading to herbicide resistance, but other forms of adaptation may also occur. In this review, we explore how the wide genetic variation among Lolium species and hybridization with other species may contribute to range expansion, and adaptation to both new agricultural practices and future predicted climate change scenarios. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Is aromatherapy effective in obstetrics? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Di Vito Maura , Cacaci Margherita , Martini Cecilia , Barbanti Lorenzo , Mondello Francesca , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Mattarelli Paola , Bugli Francesca
Published: December 2020

The aim of this systematic review is to collect clinical trials conducted using essential oils (EOs) in obstetric symptoms by evaluating if and in which context the aromatherapy practice is effective in obstetrics. The research was conducted by using the databases of EMBASE, Medline, Biosis and Toxcenter, PubMed, and Google Scholar search engine, selecting articles from January 2004 to July 2020. This study was performed according to the MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. Only the randomized clinical trials were considered, and in cases of multiple publications, it was considered the most up to date information. Biases were highlighted. In the presence of homogeneous data, pooling statistics and meta‐analysis were applied. The research led to 71 articles, 17 of which were eligible. Among the trials selected, eight investigated the effectiveness of EOs on anxiety, depression, and stress. Two concerned the treatment of nausea and vomiting, six evaluated the application of EOs on labor for pain treatment, and two showed the effectiveness in the treatment of episiotomy. The heterogeneity of works carried out so far has made it possible to develop a meta‐analysis only in the field of pain treatment during childbirth, identifying the effectiveness of the EOs Lavandula spp. and Rosa damascena.
Navigating high‐speed unmanned surface vehicles: System approach and validations
Authors: Zhuang Jiayuan , Zhang Lei , Wang Bo , Su Yumin , Sun Hanbing , Liu Yuanchang , Bucknall Richard
Published: December 2020

With an increasing interest in the deployment of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to support complex ocean operations, high‐speed USVs (≥40 knots) have become an important option, especially in accomplishing demanding tasks such as coastal guarding. At present, there is a vast amount of studies focusing on the development of USVs' autonomous navigation systems, and the results of most of them have only been verified by simulations or demonstrations on low‐speed experimental USVs (≤20 knots). It remains unclear how high‐speed USVs would perform in real applications. In particular, when USVs are navigating at high‐speed, reliable obstacle detections and robust motion control become increasingly difficult to achieve than in normal conditions. This paper therefore presents a new autonomous navigation system for high‐speed USVs with the system software and hardware been designed on the basis for ensuring a safe and reliable operation. Within such a system, a collision avoidance algorithm based on velocity obstacle able to adjust the USV's heading and speed in real‐time has been integrated. A local environment modelling method and a heading maintain method by considering Coast Guard International Regulations for Avoiding Collision at Sea are proposed to improve the reliability and stability of the system. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed system has been verified and validated by hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation tests and sea trials on a high‐speed USV (“Tianxing No. 1”) in practical maritime environments. Results show that the autonomous navigation system adapts to the characteristics of high‐speed USVs and can guide high‐speed USVs (≥40 knots) in realising a safe autonomous navigation, which significantly improves the USV's autonomy level.
Longitudinal multivariate normative comparisons
Authors: Wang Zheng , Cheng Yu , Seaberg Eric C. , Rubin Leah H. , Levine Andrew J. , Becker James T. ,   Neuropsychology Working Group of the MACS
Published: December 2020

Motivated by the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), we develop classification procedures for cognitive impairment based on longitudinal measures. To control family‐wise error, we adapt the cross‐sectional multivariate normative comparisons (MNC) method to the longitudinal setting. The cross‐sectional MNC was proposed to control family‐wise error by measuring the distance between multiple domain scores of a participant and the norms of healthy controls and specifically accounting for intercorrelations among all domain scores. However, in a longitudinal setting where domain scores are recorded multiple times, applying the cross‐sectional MNC at each visit will still have inflated family‐wise error rate due to multiple testing over repeated visits. Thus, we propose longitudinal MNC procedures that are constructed based on multivariate mixed effects models. A test procedure is adapted from the cross‐sectional MNC to classify impairment on longitudinal multivariate normal data. Meanwhile, a permutation procedure is proposed to handle skewed data. Through simulations we show that our methods can effectively control family‐wise error at a predetermined level. A dataset from a neuropsychological substudy of the MACS is used to illustrate the applications of our proposed classification procedures.
Glucose‐Derived N‐Doped Graphitic Carbon: Facile One‐Pot Graphitic Structure‐Controlled Chemical Synthesis with Comprehensive Insight into the Controlling Mechanisms
Authors: Mohamed Marwa A. A. , Carrasco‐Marín Francisco , Elessawy Noha A. , Hamad Hesham A. F.
Published: December 2020

Modification of graphitic structure chemistry and physics affords the N‐doped graphitic carbonaceous materials (NGCMs) superior and novel functional properties, which is essential for substantial development of applications based on such materials. The present research provides novel simple structure‐controlled chemical synthesis of NGCM. NGCM is grown from cyclic polymerization of glucose molecules upon hydrothermal treatment, employing Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and ammonia as structure‐directing agents. Hydrothermal temperature and CTAB dose were manipulated and the produced graphitic structure has been explored in terms of oxidation state, N‐doping, surface functionalization with CTAB and morphology. NGC derivatives of various structural features are obtained. Products range from oxidized graphitic carbon of mixed micro‐sized sphere/sheet morphology to highly‐reduced graphene‐like nanosheets; the C/O atomic ratio increases from 8.2‐12.4 and sheet thickness downs from 30 μm‐ ∼1 nm. Also, N‐doping configurations and graphitic surface functionalization by CTAB are greatly influenced. CTAB plays the key role in setting the graphitic structure characteristics. Additionally, ammonia has a modest effect. Understanding of the controlling mechanisms is focused. The effective and ease control of graphitic structure via this facile, economic and ecofriendly synthesis approach, can benefit the design of NGCM with tuned functional properties for specific applications in technological industries.
Novel Triazole‐Tethered Derivatives of Nor‐codeine: Synthesis, Radioligand Binding Assay, Docking Study and Evaluation of Their Analgesic Properties
Authors: Gharehnaghadeh Saman , Salehi Peyman , Bararjanian Morteza , Pecio Łukasz , Babanezhad‐Harikandei Kosar , Khoramjouy Mona , Shahhosseini Soraya , Faizi Mehrdad
Published: December 2020

A series of novel 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives of nor‐codeine were synthesized by N‐demethylation of codeine by a new procedure followed by propargylation of nitrogen and alkyne‐azide cycloaddition reaction. Affinities of all compounds to Mu opioid receptors were evaluated by in vitro radioligand binding assay method. Seven compounds out of all eighteen novel products were selected for in vivo analgesic tail flick test. Most of the synthesized compounds showed promising results in which 3‐((1‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐phenoxypropyl)‐1H‐1,2,3,–triazol‐4‐yl)methyl)‐9‐methoxy‐2,3,4,4a,7,7a hexahydro‐1H‐4,12‐methanobenzofuro[3,2‐e]isoquinolin‐7‐ol (16 e) with an ED50 of 8.68 mg/kg revealed considerable analgesic activity even better than codeine (9.55 mg/kg) as a commercial drug. Also, docking studies were made on Mu opioid receptor (BU72) which showed good agreement with experimental data. The mentioned compound had the highest docking scores of −10.84 and −9.90 kcal/mol for R and S diastereomers, respectively.
Facile Synthesis of MnO2/Ti3C2Tx/CC as Positive Electrode of All‐Solid‐State Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Chen Xiuhang , Liu Yong , Zhou Qiang , Su Fenghua
Published: December 2020

The pseudo‐capacitance material Manganese dioxide (MnO2) is widely used as electrode materials for supercapacitors; however, its poor electrical conductivity hinders the realization of high specific capacitance. Herein, the MnO2 and Ti3C2Tx (MXene) were deposited on carbon cloth (CC) by a facile two‐step electrodeposition method for synthesizing free‐binder MnO2/Ti3C2Tx/CC composite electrode. Benefiting from the excellent conductivity of Ti3C2Tx and the excellent pseudo‐capacitance performance of MnO2, the as‐obtained composite electrode exhibited a higher specific capacitance (411.5 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1). In addition, all‐solid‐state flexible asymmetric supercapacitors were successfully assembled from the positive electrode of MnO2/Ti3C2Tx/CC and the negative electrode of Ti3C2Tx/CC. The as‐assembled supercapacitor presented a large operating voltage of 1.7 V, a high energy density of 24.3 Wh Kg−1 at a power density of 850 W Kg−1. This work provides a simple and efficient approach to prepare composite electrodes and fabricate all‐solid‐state asymmetric supercapacitors with high electrochemical performances.
Platform governance and the rural–urban divide: Sellers' responses to design change
Authors: Koo Wesley W. , Eesley Charles E.
Published: December 2020

Research Summary

Platform companies use design changes to govern their participants. The success of a design change depends on participants' responses, which are influenced by their local environments. Our study focuses on an important aspect of the local environment—rural versus urban. Using data from a leading e‐commerce platform, we find that relative to urban sellers, rural sellers were particularly poor at adjusting to a major design change, resulting in a persistent performance gap. We attribute these misaligned responses to rural sellers' lack of local access to rich information. This study shows that sellers' local heterogeneity generates equivocal responses and carries unintended consequences for platform governance. It also enriches our understanding of digital inequality and algorithmic design by highlighting the importance of the “offline interface.”

Managerial Summary

Digital platforms frequently change their design rules (e.g., ranking algorithms) to guide the behavior of participants. However, participants are inherently heterogeneous, and their abilities to understand and follow a design change also vary across populations. This study examines a major design change on a leading e‐commerce platform. We find that, compared to urban sellers, rural sellers developed responses that detracted from the platform's design goals and resulted in lower sales. This study highlights the need for digital platforms to understand how participants' offline environments affect their online behavior. This study also shapes the conversation on digital inequality: despite being connected online, entrepreneurs in traditionally disadvantaged regions may still suffer from a lack of accessible local information channels.
Blind competition on the numerical simulation of steel‐fiber‐reinforced concrete beams failing in shear
Authors: Barros Joaquim , Sanz Beatriz , Kabele Petr , Yu Rena C. , Meschke Günther , Planas Jaime , Cunha Vitor , Caggiano Antonio , Ozyurt Nilüfer , Gouveia Ventura , van den Bos Ab , Poveda Elisa , Gal Erez , Cervenka Jan , Neu Gerrit E. , Rossi Pierre , Dias‐da‐Costa Daniel , Juhasz Peter K. , Cendon David , Ruiz Gonzalo , Valente Tiago
Published: December 2020

Experimental research has shown the extraordinary potential of the addition of short fibers to cement‐based materials by improving significantly the behavior of concrete structures for serviceability and ultimate limit states. Software based on the finite element method has been used for the simulation of the material nonlinear behavior of fiber‐reinforced concrete (FRC) structures. The applicability of the existing approaches has often been assessed by simulating experimental tests with structural elements, in general of a small scale, where the parameter values of the material constitutive laws are adjusted for the aimed predicting level, which constitutes an inverse technique of arguable utility for structural design practice. For assessing the predictive performance of these approaches, a blind simulation competition was organized. Two twin T‐cross section steel FRC beams, flexurally reinforced with steel bars and without conventional shear reinforcement in the critical shear span, were experimentally tested up to failure. Despite the experimental data provided for the definition of the relevant model parameters, inaccuracies on the load capacity, deflection, and strain at peak load attained 40, 113, and 600%, respectively. Inadequate failure modes and highly different results were estimated with the same commercial software, indicating the need for deeper analysis and understanding of the models and influence of their parameters on their predictive performance.
Optimization of alongwind and crosswind force coefficients on a tall building with horizontal limbs using surrogate modeling
Authors: Paul Rajdip , Dalui Sujit Kumar
Published: December 2020

For tall buildings, values of wind force coefficients can be obtained from wind tunnel tests or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This paper is concentrated to analyze a set of CFD data and propose parametric equations for determining force coefficients in the alongwind and crosswind direction (Cfx and Cfy) of tall buildings with horizontal limbs. Initially, a parametric study is performed with CFD analysis considering RANS k − ε turbulence models keeping a constant plan area 22,500 mm2. The length and velocity scales are taken as 1:300 and 1:5, respectively. The required design parameters are obtained and used for fitting parametric equations. The CFD data are further utilized for training artificial neural networks of Cfx and Cfy. The results of CFD, ANN, and parametric equations are compared. The parametric equations are validated by employing a wind tunnel study. Finally, three optimization studies are carried out using a genetic algorithm (GA), of which the first two aim to present the maximum and minimum force coefficients considering single objectives. The third optimization is a multi‐objective optimization problem, carried out to simultaneously minimize and maximize the two orthogonal force coefficients. Pareto‐optimal design results are presented.
Hypoosmolality impedes cytoophidium integrity during nitrogen starvation
Authors: Li Yi‐Lan , Liu Ji‐Long
Published: December 2020

CTP synthase (CTPS) cytoophidia have been found in many species over domains of life in the past 10 years, implying the evolutionary conservation of these structures. However, there are differences in cytoophidia between species. The difference in CTPS cytoophidium properties between budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) inspires this research. We study the effects of culture environment on cytoophidia in S. cerevisiae by switching to the optimal medium for S. pombe. S. cerevisiae CTPS cytoophidium fragmentation and pseudohyphae formation are observed after treatment with S. pombe medium YES instead of S. cerevisiae medium YPD. By modifying the level of each ingredient of the media, we find that hypoosmolality impedes cytoophidium integrity during nitrogen starvation. Our study demonstrates the relationship between cytoophidium integrity and environmental stress, supporting the role of cytoophidia in stress resistance.
The glueball spectrum of SU(3) gauge theory in 3 + 1 dimensions
Authors: Athenodorou Andreas , Teper Michael
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We calculate the low-lying glueball spectrum of the SU(3) lattice gauge theory in 3 + 1 dimensions for the range β ≤ 6.50 using the standard plaquette action. We do so for states in all the representations R of the cubic rotation group, and for both values of parity P and charge conjugation C . We extrapolate these results to the continuum limit of the theory using the confining string tension σ as our energy scale. We also present our results in units of the r0 scale and, from that, in terms of physical ‘GeV’ units. For a number of these states we are able to identify their continuum spins J with very little ambiguity. We also calculate the topological charge Q of the lattice gauge fields so as to show that we have sufficient ergodicity throughout our range of β, and we calculate the multiplicative renormalisation of Q as a function of β. We also obtain the continuum limit of the SU(3) topological susceptibility.
5d SCFTs from (En, Em) conformal matter
Authors: Hübner Max
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We determine 5d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFTs originating from 6d (En, Em) conformal matter theories with n ≠ m by circle reduction and mass deformations. The marginal geometries are constructed and we derive their combined fiber diagrams (CFDs). The CFDs allow for an enumeration of descendant SCFTs obtained by decoupling matter hypermultiplets and a description of candidate weakly coupled quivers.
Multicomponent dark matter in noncommutative B − L gauge theory
Authors: Nam Cao H. , Van Loi Duong , Thuy Le Xuan , Van Dong Phung
Published: December 2020

Abstract

It is shown that for a higher weak isospin symmetry, SU(P)L with P ≥ 3, the baryon minus lepton charge B − L neither commutes nor closes algebraically with SU(P)L similar to the electric charge Q, which all lead to a SU(3)C ⊗ SU(P)L ⊗ U(1)X ⊗ U(1)N gauge completion, where X and N determine Q and B − L, respectively. As a direct result, the neutrinos obtain appropriate masses via a canonical seesaw. While the version with P = 3 supplies the schemes of single-component dark matter well established in the literature, we prove in this work that the models with P ≥ 4 provide the novel scenarios of multicomponent dark matter, which contain simultaneously at least P−2 stable candidates, respectively. In this setup, the multicomponet dark matter is nontrivially unified with normal matter by gauge multiplets, and their stability is ensured by a residual gauge symmetry which is a remnant of the gauge symmetry after spontaneous symmetry breaking. The three versions with P = 4 according to the new lepton electric charges are detailedly investigated. The mass spectrum of the scalar sector is diagonalized when the scale of the U(1)N breaking is much higher than that of the usual 3-4-1 symmetry breaking. All the interactions of gauge bosons with fermions and scalars are obtained. We figure out viable parameter regimes given that the multicomponent dark matter satisfies the Planck and (in)direct detection experiments.
Bottom-flavored mono-tau tails at the LHC
Authors: Marzocca David , Min Ui , Son Minho
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We study the effective field theory sensitivity of an LHC analysis for the τν final state with an associated b-jet. To illustrate the improvement due to the b-tagging, we first recast the recent CMS analysis in the τν channel, using an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1 at $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 13 TeV, and provide limits on all the dimension-six effective operators which contribute to the process. The expected limits from the b-tagged analysis are then derived and compared. We find an improvement of approximately ∼ 30% in the bounds for operators with a b quark. We also discuss in detail possible angular observables to be used as a discriminator between dimension-six operators with different Lorentz structure. Finally, we study the impact of these limits on some simplified scenarios aimed at addressing the observed deviations from the Standard Model in lepton flavor universality ratios of semileptonic B-meson decays. In particular, we compare the collider limits on those scenarios set by our analysis either with or without the b-tagging, assuming an integrated luminosity of 300 fb−1, with relevant low-energy flavor measurements.
Dual description of η-deformed OSP sigma models
Authors: Alfimov Mikhail , Feigin Boris , Hoare Ben , Litvinov Alexey
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We study the dual description of the η-deformed OSP(N|2m) sigma model in the asymptotically free regime (N > 2m + 2). Compared to the case of classical Lie groups, for supergroups there are inequivalent η-deformations corresponding to different choices of simple roots. For a class of such deformations we propose the system of screening charges depending on a continuous parameter b, which defines the η-deformed OSP(N|2m) sigma model in the limit b → ∞ and a certain Toda QFT as b → 0. In the sigma model regime we show that the leading UV asymptotic of the η-deformed model coincides with a perturbed Gaussian theory. In the perturbative regime b → 0 we show that the tree-level two-particle scattering matrix matches the expansion of the trigonometric OSP(N|2m) S-matrix.
Erratum to: NNLO QCD corrections to jet production in deep inelastic scattering
Authors: Currie James , Gehrmann Thomas , Huss Alexander , Niehues Jan
Published: December 2020

We correct an error in the implementation of specific integrated initial-final antenna functions that impact the numerical predictions for the DIS process.
WIMP cogenesis for asymmetric dark matter and the baryon asymmetry
Authors: Cui Yanou , Shamma Michael
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We propose a new mechanism where asymmetric dark matter (ADM) and the baryon asymmetry are both generated in the same decay chain of a metastable weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) after its thermal freezeout. Dark matter and baryons are connected by a generalized baryon number that is conserved, while the DM asymmetry and baryon asymmetry compensate each other. This unified framework addresses the DM-baryon coincidence while inheriting the merit of the conventional WIMP miracle in predicting relic abundances of matter. Examples of renormalizable models realizing this scenario are presented. These models generically predict ADM with sub-GeV to GeV-scale mass that interacts with Standard Model quarks or leptons, thus rendering potential signatures at direct detection experiments sensitive to low mass DM. Other interesting phenomenological predictions are also discussed, including: LHC signatures of new intermediate particles with color or electroweak charge and DM induced nucleon decay; the long-lived WIMP may be within reach of future high energy collider experiments.
Renormalized entanglement entropy and curvature invariants
Authors: Taylor Marika , Too Linus
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Renormalized entanglement entropy can be defined using the replica trick for any choice of renormalization scheme; renormalized entanglement entropy in holographic settings is expressed in terms of renormalized areas of extremal surfaces. In this paper we show how holographic renormalized entanglement entropy can be expressed in terms of the Euler invariant of the surface and renormalized curvature invariants. For a spherical entangling region in an odd-dimensional CFT, the renormalized entanglement entropy is proportional to the Euler invariant of the holographic entangling surface, with the coefficient of proportionality capturing the (renormalized) F quantity. Variations of the entanglement entropy can be expressed elegantly in terms of renormalized curvature invariants, facilitating general proofs of the first law of entanglement.
Operator expansions, layer susceptibility and two-point functions in BCFT
Authors: Dey Parijat , Hansen Tobias , Shpot Mykola
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We show that in boundary CFTs, there exists a one-to-one correspondence between the boundary operator expansion of the two-point correlation function and a power series expansion of the layer susceptibility. This general property allows the direct identification of the boundary spectrum and expansion coefficients from the layer susceptibility and opens a new way for efficient calculations of two-point correlators in BCFTs. To show how it works we derive an explicit expression for the correlation function 〈ϕiϕi〉 of the O(N) model at the extraordinary transition in 4 − ϵ dimensional semi-infinite space to order O(ϵ). The bulk operator product expansion of the two-point function gives access to the spectrum of the bulk CFT. In our example, we obtain the averaged anomalous dimensions of scalar composite operators of the O(N) model to order O(ϵ2). These agree with the known results both in ϵ and large-N expansions.
Causal hierarchy in modified gravity
Authors: Carballo-Rubio Raúl , Di Filippo Francesco , Liberati Stefano , Visser Matt
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We investigate the causal hierarchy in various modified theories of gravity. In general relativity the standard causal hierarchy, (key elements of which are chronology, causality, strong causality, stable causality, and global hyperbolicity), is well-established. In modified theories of gravity there is typically considerable extra structure, (such as: multiple metrics, aether fields, modified dispersion relations, Hořava-like gravity, parabolic propagation,etcetera), requiring a reassessment and rephrasing of the usual causal hierarchy. We shall show that in this extended framework suitable causal hierarchies can indeed be established, and discuss the implications for the interplay between “superluminal” propagation and causality. The key distinguishing feature is whether the signal velocity is finite or infinite. Preserving even minimal notions of causality in the presence of infinite signal velocity requires the aether field to be both unique and hypersurface orthogonal, leading us to introduce the notion ofglobal parabolicity.
Observable signatures of scotogenic Dirac model
Authors: Guo Shu-Yuan , Han Zhi-Long
Published: December 2020

Abstract

In this work, we make a detailed discussion on the phenomenology of the scotogenic Dirac model, which could accommodate the Dirac neutrino mass and dark matter. We have studied the lepton-flavor-violating (LFV) processes in this model, which are mediated by the charged scalar ϕ± and heavy Dirac fermions Ni. The experimental bounds, especially given by decays μ → eγ and μ → 3e, have put severe constraints on the Yukawa couplings yΦ and masses mN1, mϕ. We select the heavy Dirac fermion N1 as dark matter candidate and find the correct relic density will be reached basically by annihilating through another Yukawa coupling yχ. After satisfying LFV and dark matter relic density constraints, we consider the indirect detections of dark matter annihilating into leptons. But the constraints are relatively loose, only the τ+τ− channel can impose a mild excluding capability. Then we make a detailed discussion on the dark matter direct detections. Although two Yukawa couplings can both contribute to the direct detection processes, more attention has been paid on the yΦ-related processes as the yχ-related process is bounded loosely. The current and future direct detection experiments have been used to set constraints on the Yukawa couplings and masses. The current direct detections bounds are relatively loose and can barely exclude more parameter region beyond the LFV. For the future direct detection experiments, the excluding capacities can be improved due to larger exposures. The detecting capabilities in the large mass region have not been weakened as the existence of mass enhancement from the magnetic dipole operator $$ {\mathcal{O}}_{\mathrm{mag}.} $$

O

mag
.

. At last, we have briefly discussed the collider signal searching in this model, the most promising signature is pair produced ϕ+ϕ− and decay into the signal of ℓ+ℓ− + ɆT. The exclusion limits from collider on mN1 and mϕ have provided a complementary detecting capability compared to the LFV and dark matter detections.
Parameter identification for a point-supported cross laminated timber slab based on experimental and numerical modal analysis
Authors: Kawrza Michael , Furtmüller Thomas , Adam Christoph , Maderebner Roland
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the dynamic properties of a point-supported cross-laminated timber slab are studied in order to determine the elastic material parameters on this basis. A detailed experimental modal analysis of the slab with dimensions 16.0 m x 11.0 m is performed, and seven modes including the natural frequencies, damping ratios and mode shape components at 651 sensor positions are identified. The found mode shapes are complex due to environmental influences that occurred during the two-day measurement campaign. This error is corrected by eliminating these influences. A finite element model of the slab is presented, whose parameters in terms of material properties and boundary conditions are determined by a model updating procedure. Based on the modal properties of the seven experimentally identified modes, an accurate and robust parameter set is obtained, which can be used in further numerical studies of the considered CLT to check serviceability limit criteria.