bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of carbon nanotube type and novel modification on dispersion, melt‐rheology and electrical conductivity of polypropylene/carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Banerjee Joyita , Kummara Sreenivas , Panwar Ajay S. , Mukhopadhyay Kingsuk , Saxena Arvind K. , Bhattacharyya Arup R.
Published: October 2020

Melt‐mixing was employed to prepare multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) based polypropylene (PP) composites, wherein MWCNTs vary in “agglomerate” size and also in terms of “agglomerate” structure. Morphological analysis revealed MWCNTs‐D type exhibits bigger “agglomerate” size with compact “agglomerate” structure with respect to MWCNTs‐N type, that show smaller “agglomerate” size with porous “agglomerate” structure in the corresponding PP/MWCNTs composites. Melt‐rheological analysis showed a rheological percolation threshold of 2 to 3 wt% in PP/MWCNTs‐N composites, whereas PP/MWCNTs‐D composites exhibited a rheological percolation of 3 to 4 wt% of MWCNTs. AC electrical conductivity measurements exhibited an electrical percolation threshold of 0.5 to 1 wt% of MWCNTs‐N, whereas MWCNTs‐D type depicts an electrical percolation threshold of 2 to 3 wt% of MWCNTs in the respective composites. Further, an unique dispersant; Li salt of 6‐aminohexanoic acid (Li‐AHA) was utilized to “deagglomerate” MWCNTs. Moreover, PP‐g‐MA was also utilized in combination with Li‐AHA encapsulated MWCNTs in the corresponding composites. An extensive morphological, rheological, and electrical conductivity measurements suggested the influence of Li‐AHA encapsulated MWCNTs and PP‐g‐MA on the transformation of MWCNTs “agglomerate” into “individualized” and smaller MWCNTs “agglomerate” in PP/MWCNTs composites.
Retrospective analysis of inpatient polysomnogram characteristics and discharge outcomes in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia requiring home oxygen therapy
Authors: Flores‐Fenlon Nicole , Wright Noah , Lew Cheryl , Stavroudis Theodora A. , Wee Choo Phei , Davidson Ward Sally L. , Bansal Manvi
Published: October 2020

Rationale

Little is known about the polysomnogram (PSG) characteristics in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), especially severe BPD, who do not need home ventilatory support but are at increased risk for chronic hypoxia and are vulnerable to its effects.

Objective

This study aims to assess PSG characteristics and change in discharge outcomes in premature infants with BPD who required oxygen therapy at discharge.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of premature infants with BPD who were admitted to a quaternary newborn and infant intensive care unit from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015 and who underwent polysomnography before discharge.

Measurements and Main Results

Data from 127 patients were analyzed. The median gestational age of our patients was 26 weeks and 1 day (interquartile range [IQR]: 24.71, 28.86). The majority of the patients had moderate‐to‐severe BPD. The median obstructive apnea−hypopnea index was 5.3 events/h (IQR: 2.2, 10.1). The median oxygen desaturation index was 15.7 events/h (IQR: 4.7, 35). Nadir oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter was 81% (IQR: 76−86) and the arousal/awakening index was 21.9 (IQR: 13.3−30.9). No statistically significant difference was noted between severe and nonsevere BPD groups for PSG characteristics. However, average end‐tidal CO2 was significantly higher in the severe BPD group (p = .0438). Infants in the severe BPD group were intubated longer than infants with nonsevere BPD (p = .0082). The corrected gestational age (CGA) at the time of discharge (CGA‐PSG) and PSG (CGA‐DC) was higher in severe BPD patients but not statistically different. The majority of premature infants who underwent a PSG were discharged home with oxygen, and 69% required a titration of their level of support based on results from the PSG.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the presence of abnormal PSG characteristics in BPD patients, as early as 43 weeks CGA. These findings have not been previously described in this patient population prior to initial discharge from the hospital. A severe BPD phenotype tends to be associated with higher respiratory morbidity compared with a nonsevere BPD phenotype for the comparable CGA. PSG, when available, may be helpful for individualizing and streamlining treatment in preparation for discharge home and mitigating the effects of intermittent hypoxic episodes.
A statement on the current status and future needs of the pediatric pulmonology workforce: Pipeline Workgroup
Authors: Nelson Benjamin A. , Boyer Debra , Lahiri Thomas , Oermann Christopher M. , Rama Jennifer A.
Published: October 2020

There is growing concern that current trends in pediatric pulmonology will lead to a workforce shortage resulting in patients having difficulty accessing subspecialty care. As part of the Pediatric Pulmonology Division Directors Association and Pediatric Pulmonary Training Directors Association Workforce Summit, we examined factors affecting the recruitment of learners into pediatric pulmonary fellowship training (PPFT) programs. The goal of our workgroup was to describe these issues and develop a plan to increase the pipeline of learners who ultimately pursue PPFT. Specifically, we summarize factors that impact decisions to undertake PPFT, describe existing initiatives to enhance recruitment, and propose future strategies to increase early career learner interest.
New Approach to Improve Ionic Conductivity at Low Temperature by the Decomposition of KHCO3 in the Nanocomposite Electrolyte @
Authors: Midouni Adnene , Chaouachi Anis , Ben Haj Othmen Walid , Hosni Faouzi , Yahya Mondher , Hichem Hamzaoui Ahmed
Published: October 2020

The current work principally treats the significant aspects of solid electrolytes based on cerium oxide in the absence and presence of potassium bicarbonate. The classic oxide electrolyte
(LCDC) and the bicarbonate nanocomposite electrolyte
@KHC
(LCDC@KHC) are synthesized separately via self‐combustion and co‐precipitation techniques. Structural, thermal, electro‐morphological and electrochemical properties of pure LCDC and nanocomposite material LCDC@KHC are carefully examined. In particular, the influence of the heavily coupling amongst LCDC oxide and KHCO3 bicarbonate on the microstructures and ionic conductivities of KHCO3‐coated nanocrystalline LCDC is studied by TG/DTA, Raman, FEGSEM and AC impedance spectroscopy. Thermal analyses show that the LCDC@KHC nacomposite is stable at a temperature below 122 °C. Beyond this temperature, the LCDC@KHC
nanocomposite is transformed into a LCDC@
nanocomposite. XRD data confirms that the LCDC phase and the various nanocomposite materials LCDC@KHC, sintering at different temperatures, adopt the fluorite structure. Lattice parameters and bond lengths are determined by Rietveld refinement. The ionic conductivity of bicarbonate nanocomposite electrolyte LCDC@KHC is 100 to 1000 times higher than that of the novel classic electrolyte LCDC. The remarkable enhancement of conductivity as a function of temperature rise is correlated to the presence of potassium in two forms: bicarbonate and carbonate in the LCDC@
nanocomposite electrolyte.
One‐pot Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐4H‐chromenes Derivatives in Aqueous Solution of Choline Hydroxide
Authors: Li Lingjun , Bai Lili , Li Jingjing , Feng Wanlu , Fan Dongshuang , Li Qixing , Zhu Anlian
Published: October 2020

2‐Amino‐4H‐chromenes have showed broad bioactivities and attracted great attention in synthetic chemistry. Here, the aqueous solution of choline hydroxide was found to be an efficient catalytic system for the one‐pot synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes under room temperature. Various aldehydes, malononitrile and phenols could be converted to the corresponding 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes smoothly with good to excellent isolated yields. This catalytic system had high chemo‐selectivity with biocompatible catalyst in green solvents, water. Its operation and work‐up procedures were very simple, and importantly, the target compounds could be obtained from simple centrifugation and washing procedures, no column purification was needed. In addition, the catalytic system involving choline hydroxide and water could be easily reused for at least five cycles with high activity. The above advantages made this catalytic system promising in the industrial production of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes.
Synthesis and Characterization of Phenylalanine Nanotubes as Green pH‐Responsive Drug Nanocarriers
Authors: Rohani Shirvan Anahita , Hemmatinejad Nahid , Bahrami Seyed Hajir , Bashari Azadeh
Published: October 2020

The present study is aiming to investigate the potential of phenylalanine amino acid nanotubes (PhNTs) synthesized by a self‐assembly process as an efficient and pH‐responsive green drug nanocarrier for the treatment of oral disease. Phenylalanine was used for the preparation of solutions with three different concentrations (0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 mg/ml). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that low and high concentrations of phenylalanine solution creates nanospheres and nanowires, respectively rather than tubular‐shaped nanostructures. In contrast, phenylalanine nanotubes were synthesized by medium concentration (0.5 mg/ml). The tubular shape and nanoscale diameter of the synthesized PhNTs were characterized by FESEM, Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). These characterization tests confirmed the synthesis of PhNTs with a tubular shape and nanoscale diameter. In the second stage, metronidazole was loaded into the phenylalanine‐based nanostructures as an effective drug for oral disorders. The results indicated that nanospheres and nanowires show drug loading efficiency of 49 % and 58 %, respectively, after 48 h of incubation time. Whereas, the drug loading efficiency for nanotubes was 91 %. The results from the FTIR analysis and UV‐vis spectroscopy verified the presence of metronidazole into the hollow structure of PhNT. While a burst drug release was observed for nanospheres and nanowires, PhNTs showed a well‐controlled release of metronidazole up to 95 % at oral pH, which is best fitted to the Weibull model. Subsequently, the cell viability of phenylalanine‐based nanostructures was assessed by MTT test on L929 fibroblast cell line.
Conversion of β‐Nitrostyrenes to Naphthofurans via a Cascade Reaction with α‐ and β‐Naphthols
Authors: Abtahi Bahareh , Tavakol Hossein
Published: October 2020

A safe and straightforward method has been developed for the synthesis of various naphthofurans derivatives from readily available α,β‐unsaturated nitroalkenes and naphthols in ChCl/ZnCl2 DES media via a cascade reaction. The employed methodology is solvent‐free, and ChCl/ZnCl2 DES is applied with the reaction media and catalyst dual roles. Via this reaction, 13 different naphthofuran derivatives, starting from both α‐ ad β‐naphthols have been prepared at 60 °C in 4 h with 86–94 % yields.
Supramolecular Assemblies Constructed from Cucurbit[8]uril and N‐Alkyl Carboxymethylbenzotriazole through Host‐Guest Interactions
Authors: Zhang Pan‐Qing , Wang Chuan‐Chuan , Liu Pei‐Pei , Xiao Xin , Ma Da , Li Zhan‐Ting , Yang Bo
Published: October 2020

Different supramolecular self‐assembly between 1‐dodecyl‐3‐carboxymethylbenzotriazole (Lc12), 1‐octyl‐3‐carboxymethylbenzotriazole (Lc8) and 1‐butyl‐3‐carboxymethylbenzotriazole (Lc4) in the solid state and in aqueous solution has been investigated. For Lc12@CB[8] system, 1 : 1 host‐guest complexes were formed in aqueous solution and 2 : 2 host‐guest complexes were formed in the solid state, and the dodecyl chains adopted contorted conformations when bound to CB[8] molecules. For Lc8@CB[8] system, 1 : 1 host‐guest complexes were formed both in aqueous solution and in solid state, and the alkyl chain and benzotriazole moiety of guest Lc8 were both squeezed into the cavity of the CB[8]. The Lc4@CB[8] system was similar to Lc8@CB[8], 1 : 1 host‐guest complexes were formed in aqueous solution, the alkyl chain and benzotriazole moiety of guest Lc4 were encapsulated into the cavity of the CB[8]. Isothermal titrations in water afforded high apparent association constants for complexes Lc12@CB[8], Lc8@CB[8]and Lc4@CB[8].
An Innovative Method for Large‐Scale Synthesis of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets by Liquid Phase Exfoliation
Authors: Mittal Neha , Kedawat Garima , Kanika  , Gupta Sarika , Kumar Gupta Bipin
Published: October 2020

Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h‐BNNSs), the geometry similar to that of two‐dimensional (2D) graphene has engrossed substantial attention due to its promising superior thermal, electrical, and dielectric properties for both fundamental studies as well as potential applications. Due to the strong covalent bond interactions in bulk hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), the high yield synthesis of large‐size h‐BNNSs is still a challenging task. In this report, a facile and innovative mixed solvent was carried out in the liquid phase exfoliation method via ultra‐sonication to obtain h‐BNNSs in large quality. The mixed solventconsisting of a mixture of Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and De‐ionized (DI) water (in 3 : 7 ratio) is used for the highly efficient and cost‐effective synthesis of h‐BNNSs. In an optimized condition, the production yield of h‐BNNSs is approximately 90 % with a concentration of 0.6mg/mL. Here, the Lewis acid‐base interaction mechanism is responsible for the exfoliation of h‐BN due to the electron deficient boron atoms. The exfoliated ultra‐thin h‐BNNSs show better results, which is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Hence, our study provides a simple, large scale and economical exfoliation approach for the preparation of h‐BNNSs in next generation potential applications.
Synthesis ofα‐Hydroxyphosphonates Containing Functionalized 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Lima Yanka R. , Da Costa Gabriel P. , Xavier Maurício C. D. F. , De Moraes Maiara C. , Barcellos Thiago , Alves Diego , Silva Márcio S.
Published: October 2020

Herein, we described a simple and efficient protocol for the synthesis ofα‐hydroxyphosphonates containing 1,2,3‐triazole moiety in their structures under mild conditions. This approach was performed by Abramov reaction in a solvent‐free system, using Na2CO3as catalyst at 70 °C, which provided the desired products from moderate to excellent yields. The substrate scope was effective for different organic functions, such as ester, ketone, and amide. The synthetic route is modulated by the presence of a bulky group at the hydrophosphoryl reagent, avoiding steric hindrance, since the Abramov reaction can be approached before the Click‐Chemistry protocol. The synthesis can also be carried out in aone‐potmethod, minimizing costs, and without side reactions. Additionally, the chiral discrimination of the synthesized products was easily accessed by1H and31P nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, using a chiral solvating agent.
New Insight into the Mechanism of Multivalent Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor: From the Effect of Potential Window Viewpoint
Authors: Liu Yupeng , Zhang Yaxiong , Sun Zhenheng , Cheng Situo , Cui Peng , Wu Yin , Zhang Junli , Fu Jiecai , Xie Erqing
Published: October 2020

Multivalent ion hybrid supercapacitors have been developed as the novel electrochemical energy storage systems due to their combined merits of high energy density and high power density. Nevertheless, there are still some challenges due to the limited understanding of the electrochemical behaviors of multivalent ions in the electrode materials, which greatly hinders the large scale applications of its based hybrid supercapacitors. Herein, the long‐term electrochemical behaviors of MnO2‐based electrode in the divalent Mg2+ ions electrolyte are systematically studied and linked with the morphological and electronic evolution of MnO2 by cycling at different potential windows (spanning to 1.2 V). It reveals that the different potential windows result in the different electrochemical behaviors, which can be divided into two ranges (below and above −0.2 V). And, the electrode cycled at a potential window of 0–1.2 V delivers the highest capacitance of 967 F g−1 at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1, in which the MnO2 is transformed into a uniformly distributed and nonagglomerated nanoflake morphology promoting the intercalation and deintercalation of Mg2+ ions. This study will enrich the understanding of the charge storage mechanism of multivalent ions and provide significant guidance on the performance improvement of the hybrid supercapacitors.
Inorganic Photonic Microspheres with Localized Concentric Ordering for Deep Pattern Encoding and Triple Sensory Microsensor
Authors: Niu Wenbin , Wang Xiao , Zheng Yu , Wu Shuwang , Hua Mutian , Wang Yunpeng , Zhang Xiaohe , Tok Alfred Iing Yoong , He Ximin , Zhang Shufen
Published: October 2020

Photonic microspheres offer building units with unique topological structures and specific optical functions for diverse applications. Here, a new class of inorganic photonic microspheres with superior robustness, optical and electrical properties is reported by introducing a unique localized concentric ordering architecture and chemical interaction, which further serve as building blocks for deep pattern encoding and multiple sensory optoelectronic devices. Benefiting from localized concentric ordering architecture, the resultant photonic microspheres demonstrate orientation‐ and angle‐independent structural colors. Notably, the formation of well‐combined lamellae inorganic layers by chemical interaction grants the microspheres superior mechanical robustness, excellent solvent resistance, thermal stability, and multiple optoelectronic properties simultaneously, rarely seen in previous reports. Owing to these merits, such microspheres are used to construct diverse encoded photonic patterns for anti‐counterfeiting applications. Interestingly, cross‐communication among neighboring microspheres creates complex photonic sub‐patterns, which provide “fingerprint information” with deep encryption security. Moreover, a single photonic microsphere‐based optoelectronic microsensor is demonstrated for the first time, which achieves appealing application for real‐time health monitoring and safety warning toward triple environmental stimuli. This work not only provides a new kind of robust, multifunctional photonic material, but also opens a new avenue for their uses as complexed pattern encoding and multi‐parametric sensing platforms.
Enhanced Spatial Light Confinement of All Inorganic Perovskite Photodetectors Based on Hybrid Plasmonic Nanostructures
Authors: Li Ming‐Yu , Shen Kai , Xu Hao , Ren Aobo , Lee Jihoon , Kunwar Sundar , Liu Sisi , Wu Jiang
Published: October 2020

3D incident light confinement by radical electromagnetic fields offers a facile and novel way to break through the performance limit of inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs). Herein, metallic nanoparticles decorated anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) hybrid plasmonic nanostructures with geometric control are first proposed for cyclic light utilization of perovskite photodetectors, enabled by spatially extended light confinement. The drastic multiple interference induced by plasmonic coupling within AAO matrixes are generated as a function of pore sizes, which can effectively collect the transmitted photons back to the surface. In addition, the self‐assembled metallic nanoparticles simultaneously concentrate the incident and reflected light beams into the CsPbBr3 QD layers. The light confinement inherently stems from the metallic nanoparticles due to the variation of the near surface electromagnetic fields. As a result, perovskite photodetectors based on Al nanoparticles/AAO hybrid plasmonic nanostructures with a pore size of 220 nm exhibit enhanced photoresponse behavior with remarkably increased photocurrent by ≈43× and maintain low dark current under 490 nm light illumination at 1 V.
Characterization and Biological Activities of Polysaccharides from Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Leaves
Authors: Wang Libo , Gao Jingyu , Li Lianyu , Huang Jing , Yang Yu , Xu Yaqin , Wang Yabin , Liu Yong
Published: October 2020

A dandelion leaf polysaccharide (DLP) with a sugar content of 46.53 ± 2.22% is isolated using ultrasonic‐assisted enzymatic extraction. The DLP contains two polysaccharide fractions with respective molecular weights (Mw) of 1900 and 22 800 g mol−1. Gas chromatography analysis reveals a composition of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, and glucose. DLP displays excellent water holding and oil holding capacities, along with a moderate emulsifying activity and stability. Following simulated digestion in vitro, DLP can exist stably in the digestive system (saliva, gastric, and small intestine) without degradation. Furthermore, DLP possesses prebiotic properties and could be utilized as a carbon source.
Pore water isotope fingerprints to understand the spatiotemporal groundwater recharge variability in ungauged watersheds
Authors: Mattei Alexandra , Barbecot Florent , Goblet Patrick , Guillon Sophie
Published: October 2020

Reliable groundwater recharge quantification at the regional scale (e.g., watershed or subwatershed) is fundamental to sustainable water resource management. Although modeling at the watershed scale is gaining wide support, the long‐term monitoring needed for model calibration is often not readily available, as many watersheds worldwide remain ungauged. In response to this situation, we propose a new approach to estimate groundwater recharge at the watershed scale. This approach is fast and accurate and takes into account the existing variability without requiring long‐term monitoring. Only a single field campaign to acquire soil water content and pore water isotopic composition depth profiles is needed. The principle is to extend a physically based, one‐dimensional unsaturated zone flow model from the local (i.e., profile) to the watershed scale, using an index method for distributed recharge based on a GIS. The methodology was validated in a gauged watershed, where previous studies have estimated recharge using a spatialized water balance model calibrated using long‐term discharge monitoring data. Scaling was investigated by comparing recharge values obtained using the local‐scale approach at 10 study sites within the watershed with coinciding values obtained at the watershed scale. Recharge values were similar in terms of both dynamics and quantity. Using the pore water isotopic fingerprint of ungauged watersheds is therefore confirmed to be a suitable approach for understanding spatiotemporal recharge variability.
Towards a Political Theory of Democratic Backsliding? Generalising the East Central European Experience
Authors: Karolewski Ireneusz Paweł
Published: October 2020

This chapter argues in favour of a general theory of democratic backsliding which should cover three dimensions: (1) the societal one (changing citizenry), (2) the institutional one (changing institutions of democratic government) and (3) the processual one (the nature of the democratic backsliding itself). Following these aspects, the chapter explores general developments of democratic backsliding, which also apply to East Central Europe. Regarding the societal dimension, it points to changes in the nature of citizenship towards spectatorship and plebiscitary understanding of democracy. Considering the institutional dimension, it focuses on two types of state capture: the party state capture and the corporate state capture. With regard to the processual dimension, the chapter argues that democratic backsliding does not imply fully fledged authoritarianism but rather represents a retrogression to semi-democracy—a potentially stable regime type, in which the dismantling of the rule of law goes hand in hand with cyclical elections preserving democratic standards.
Illiberal Trends and Anti-EU Politics in East Central Europe: Major Findings and Avenues for Future Research
Authors: Lorenz Astrid , Anders Lisa H.
Published: October 2020

This concluding chapter summarises central findings of the volume and discusses avenues for future research. It first presents the insights of the individual chapters and demonstrates for each part of the book how the chapters speak to each other. It then highlights selected key findings, discusses theoretical implications more generally and identifies questions and subject areas for future research.
Illiberal and Anti-EU Politics in the Name of the People? Euroscepticism in East Central Europe 2004–2019 in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Vogel Lars
Published: October 2020

This chapter describes patterns, trends and determinants of public Euroscepticism in East Central Europe (ECE). It investigates whether public opinion on European integration in this region is connected to the contestation of both the immigration policies and the constitutional principles of the EU by the respective national governments. By applying longitudinal and comparative analyses based on European Election Studies from 2004 to 2019, it shows public support for European integration in ECE as more closely linked to instrumental performance assessments than in the EU average and as structured by country-specific rather than region-specific patterns. Cultural issues, like immigration and conceptions of democracy, which dominate ECE governmental politics, are only related to public Euroscepticism in some of those countries. Based on these results, the chapter suggests that the connection between the illiberal and anti-EU politics of ECE national governments and public Euroscepticism is loose and conditional upon the national context.
Differential Illiberalism: Classifying Illiberal Trends in Central European Party Politics
Authors: Havlík Vratislav , Hloušek Vít
Published: October 2020

This chapter explores illiberal trends in the party systems of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. Focusing on ANO, SMER, Fidesz and PiS, it first provides a comparative analysis of the ideology these parties use to appeal to the voters. Secondly, it traces the parties in power and analyses how they are translating the illiberal political concepts into laws and policy-making practices. The overarching aim is to understand the relevance that rule of law and legal issues have for the self-positioning vis-à-vis the national public and EU. Based on comparison and the empirical findings, it provides a typology of Central European illiberalism based on the difference between pragmatic and ideological illiberalism.
Party Rhetoric and Action Compared: Examining Politicisation and Compliance in the Field of Asylum and Migration Policy in the Czech Republic and Hungary
Authors: Beger Paula
Published: October 2020

Since the European refugee crisis 2015, the rather bureaucratic asylum and migration policy has become a highly politicised issue in ECE countries. The politicisation process started while political parties were involved with the policy. However, many studies have ignored the practice of executives’ and administrations’ action in this domain and knowledge of whether this public anti-EU rhetoric really resulted in non-compliance, therefore, remains limited. This chapter interlinks politicisation and non-compliance research in a comparative case study of Hungary and the Czech Republic. While combining findings of expert interviews, data on party manifestos and infringement procedures, it concludes that the partial politicisation did not lead to broader non-compliance in the Czech case, whereas the governmental-led politicisation in Hungary resulted in non-compliance. This difference is explained by the fact that in Hungary, the asylum-related administration, like other bureaucratic fields, has become increasingly re-politicised during the last decade.
Same Same, but Different: Domestic Conditions of Illiberal Backlash Against Universal Rights in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Authors: Guasti Petra
Published: October 2020

In recent years, mobilisation along the cultural dimension intensified in East-Central Europe. Conservative groups, the Catholic Church and the radical right, as well as radicalised mainstream politicians, are increasingly adopting the populist socially conservative rhetoric, blocking pro-universal rights legislation and running electoral campaigns on the rollback of universal rights. These dynamics are an integral part of the illiberal backlash which centres around the notion of sovereignty. It rejects demands for universal rights as foreign-forced on the country by the EU or CoE. Using historical institutionalism to compare domestic processes around minority rights in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this chapter shows that the mechanics of the EU member states’ backlash against minority accommodation can be mainly attributed to the domestic actors. As a result of different domestic configurations, some European norms take root, while in other cases, domestic actors seek to prevent accommodation and rollback rights.
Quantum extremal islands made easy. Part I. Entanglement on the brane
Authors: Chen Hong Zhe , Myers Robert C. , Neuenfeld Dominik , Reyes Ignacio A. , Sandor Joshua
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Recent progress in our understanding of the black hole information paradox has lead to a new prescription for calculating entanglement entropies, which involves special subsystems in regions where gravity is dynamical, called quantum extremal islands. We present a simple holographic framework where the emergence of quantum extremal islands can be understood in terms of the standard Ryu-Takayanagi prescription, used for calculating entanglement entropies in the boundary theory. Our setup describes a d-dimensional boundary CFT coupled to a (d−1)-dimensional defect, which are dual to global AdSd+1 containing a codimension-one brane. Through the Randall-Sundrum mechanism, graviton modes become localized at the brane, and in a certain parameter regime, an effective description of the brane is given by Einstein gravity on an AdSd background coupled to two copies of the boundary CFT. Within this effective description, the standard RT formula implies the existence of quantum extremal islands in the gravitating region, whenever the RT surface crosses the brane. This indicates that islands are a universal feature of effective theories of gravity and need not be tied to the presence of black holes.
A field theoretical model for quarkyonic matter
Authors: Cao Gaoqing , Liao Jinfeng
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The possibility that nuclear matter at a density relevant to the interior of massive neutron stars may be a quarkynoic matter has attracted considerable recent interest. In this work, we construct a phenomenological model to describe the quarkyonic matter, that would allow quantitative calculations of its various properties within a well-defined field theoretical framework. This is implemented by synthesizing the Walecka model together with the quark-meson model, where both quark and nucleon degrees of freedom are present based on the quarkyonic scenario. With this model we compute at mean-field level the thermodynamic properties of the symmetric nuclear matter and calibrate model parameters through well-known nuclear physics measurements. We find this model gives a very good description of the symmetric nuclear matter from moderate to high baryon density and demonstrates a continuous transition from nucleon-dominance to quark-dominance for the system.
Dimension-8 operators in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory
Authors: Murphy Christopher W.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We present a complete basis of dimension-8 operators in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory. Attention is paid to operators that vanish in the absence of flavor structure. The 44,807 operators are encoded in 1,031 Lagrangian terms. We also briefly discuss a few aspects of phenomenology involving dimension-8 operators, including light-by-light scattering and electroweak precision data.
Improved opacity expansion at NNLO for medium induced gluon radiation
Authors: Barata João , Mehtar-Tani Yacine
Published: October 2020

Abstract

When an energetic parton propagates in a hot and dense QCD medium it loses energy by elastic scatterings or by medium-induced gluon radiation. The gluon radiation spectrum is suppressed at high frequency due to the LPM effect and encompasses two regimes that are known analytically: at high frequencies $$ \omega >{\omega}_c=\hat{q}{L}^2 $$
ω
>

ω
c

=

q
̂

L
2

, where $$ \hat{q} $$

q
̂

is the jet quenching transport coefficient and L the length of the medium, the spectrum is dominated by a single hard scattering, whereas the regime ω < ωc is dominated by multiple low momentum transfers. In this paper, we extend a recent approach (dubbed the Improved Opacity Expansion (IOE)), which allows an analytic (and systematic) treatment beyond the multiple soft scattering approximation, matching this result with the single hard emission spectrum. We calculate in particular the NNLO correction analytically and numerically and show that it is strongly suppressed compared to the NLO indicating a fast convergence of the IOE scheme and thus, we conclude that it is sufficient to truncate the series at NLO. We also propose a prescription to compare the GW and the HTL potentials and relate their parameters for future phenomenological works.
Einstein-Cartan gravity, matter, and scale-invariant generalization
Authors: Shaposhnikov M. , Shkerin A. , Timiryasov I. , Zell S.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We study gravity coupled to scalar and fermion fields in the Einstein-Cartan framework. We discuss the most general form of the action that contains terms of mass dimension not bigger than four, leaving out only contributions quadratic in curvature. By resolving the theory explicitly for torsion, we arrive at an equivalent metric theory containing additional six-dimensional operators. This lays the groundwork for cosmological studies of the theory. We also perform the same analysis for a no-scale scenario in which the Planck mass is eliminated at the cost of adding an extra scalar degree of freedom. Finally, we outline phenomenological implications of the resulting theories, in particular to inflation and dark matter production.
Unguis incarnatus – konservative oder operative Therapie? Ein praktischer Behandlungsalgorithmus
Authors: Moellhoff N. , Polzer H. , Baumbach S. F. , Kanz K. G. , Böcker W. , Bogner-Flatz V.
Published: October 2020

DerUnguis incarnatusist ein häufiges Krankheitsbild, mit dem sich Patienten in der Hausarztpraxis, der dermatologischen Klinik oder der chirurgischen Notaufnahme vorstellen. Häufig führt die inkonsequente konservative Therapie oder die falsch-indizierte operative Intervention zu langwierigen und komplikationsreichen Verläufen, inklusive Rezidiven. Die Patienten sollten über die Komplexität des Nagelorgans aufgeklärt werden, um der Banalisierung der Erkrankung vorzubeugen, und eine entsprechende Compliance in der Therapie zu erreichen. In diesem Manuskript wird die sachgerechte Versorgung desUnguis incarnatusim Sinne eines praktischen Behandlungsalgorithmus dargestellt. Die konsequente konservative Therapie ist bei akutemUnguis incarnatusmit milder Ausprägung die Therapie der ersten Wahl mit guten Behandlungsergebnissen. Nagelerhaltende operative Eingriffe kommen bei moderaten/schweren akuten Formen zum Einsatz. Der chronischeUnguis incarnatus, ohne floride Infektion, stellt eine elektive Operationsindikation dar. Sowohl bei den nagelerhaltenden Eingriffen als auch bei erweiterten operativen Maßnahmen ist eine chirurgische Operationsaufklärung obligat.
A surrogate-assisted optimization approach for multi-response end milling of aluminum alloy AA3105
Authors: Ghosh Tamal , Wang Yi , Martinsen Kristian , Wang Kesheng
Published: October 2020

Optimization of the end milling process is a combinatorial task due to the involvement of a large number of process variables and performance characteristics. Process-specific numerical models or mathematical functions are required for the evaluation of parametric combinations in order to improve the quality of the machined parts and machining time. This problem could be categorized as the offline data-driven optimization problem. For such problems, the surrogate or predictive models are useful, which could be employed to approximate the objective functions for the optimization algorithms. This paper presents a data-driven surrogate-assisted optimizer to model the end mill cutting of aluminum alloy on a desktop milling machine. To facilitate that, material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (Ra), and cutting forces are considered as the functions of tool diameter, spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. The principal methodology is developed using a Bayesian regularized neural network (surrogate) and a beetle antennae search algorithm (optimizer) to perform the process optimization. The relationships among the process responses are studied using Kohonen’s self-organizing map. The proposed methodology is successfully compared with three different optimization techniques and shown to outperform them with improvements of 40.98% for MRR and 10.56% for Ra. The proposed surrogate-assisted optimization method is prompt and efficient in handling the offline machining data. Finally, the validation has been done using the experimental end milling cutting carried out on aluminum alloy to measure the surface roughness, material removal rate, and cutting forces using dynamometer for the optimal cutting parameters on desktop milling center. From the estimated surface roughness value of 0.4651 μm, the optimal cutting parameters have given a maximum material removal rate of 44.027 mm3/s with less amplitude of cutting force on the workpiece. The obtained test results show that more optimal surface quality and material removal can be achieved with the optimal set of parameters.
Procedural recommendations of cardiac PET/CT imaging: standardization in inflammatory-, infective-, infiltrative-, and innervation (4Is)-related cardiovascular diseases: a joint collaboration of the EACVI and the EANM
Authors: Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , Gheysens Olivier , Lubberink Mark , Kero Tanja , Dweck Marc R. , Habib Gilbert , Gaemperli Oliver , Saraste Antti , Gimelli Alessia , Georgoulias Panagiotis , Verberne Hein J. , Bucerius Jan , Rischpler Christoph , Hyafil Fabien , Erba Paola A. ,   4Is Cardiovascular Imaging: a joint initiative of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI),   the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM)
Published: October 2020

With this document, we provide a standard for PET/(diagnostic) CT imaging procedures in cardiovascular diseases that are inflammatory, infective, infiltrative, or associated with dysfunctional innervation (4Is). This standard should be applied in clinical practice and integrated in clinical (multicenter) trials for optimal procedural standardization. A major focus is put on procedures using [18F]FDG, but 4Is PET radiopharmaceuticals beyond [18F]FDG are also described in this document. Whilst these novel tracers are currently mainly applied in early clinical trials, some multicenter trials are underway and we foresee in the near future their use in clinical care and inclusion in the clinical guidelines. Finally, PET/MR applications in 4Is cardiovascular diseases are also briefly described. Diagnosis and management of 4Is-related cardiovascular diseases are generally complex and often require a multidisciplinary approach by a team of experts. The new standards described herein should be applied when using PET/CT and PET/MR, within a multimodality imaging framework both in clinical practice and in clinical trials for 4Is cardiovascular indications.
The contribution of thymic tolerance to central nervous system autoimmunity
Authors: Alberti Piero , Handel Adam E
Published: October 2020

Autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with high levels of morbidity and economic cost. Research efforts have previously focused on the contribution of the peripheral adaptive and innate immune systems to CNS autoimmunity. However, a failure of thymic negative selection is a necessary step in CNS-reactive T cells escaping into the periphery. Even with defective thymic or peripheral tolerance, the development of CNS inflammation is rare. The reasons underlying this are currently poorly understood. In this review, we examine evidence implicating thymic selection in the pathogenesis of CNS autoimmunity. Animal models suggest that thymic negative selection is an important factor in determining susceptibility to and severity of CNS inflammation. There are indirect clinical data that suggest thymic function is also important in human CNS autoimmune diseases. Specifically, the association between thymoma and paraneoplastic encephalitis and changes in T cell receptor excision circles in multiple sclerosis implicate thymic tolerance in these diseases. We identify potential associations between CNS autoimmunity susceptibility factors and thymic tolerance. The therapeutic manipulation of thymopoiesis has the potential to open up new treatment modalities, but a better understanding of thymic tolerance in CNS autoimmunity is required before this can be realised.
What causes the spread of model projections of ocean dynamic sea-level change in response to greenhouse gas forcing?
Authors: Couldrey Matthew P. , Gregory Jonathan M. , Boeira Dias Fabio , Dobrohotoff Peter , Domingues Catia M. , Garuba Oluwayemi , Griffies Stephen M. , Haak Helmuth , Hu Aixue , Ishii Masayoshi , Jungclaus Johann , Köhl Armin , Marsland Simon J. , Ojha Sayantani , Saenko Oleg A. , Savita Abhishek , Shao Andrew , Stammer Detlef , Suzuki Tatsuo , Todd Alexander , Zanna Laure
Published: October 2020

Sea levels of different atmosphere–ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs) respond to climate change forcing in different ways, representing a crucial uncertainty in climate change research. We isolate the role of the ocean dynamics in setting the spatial pattern of dynamic sea-level (ζ) change by forcing several AOGCMs with prescribed identical heat, momentum (wind) and freshwater flux perturbations. This method produces a ζ projection spread comparable in magnitude to the spread that results from greenhouse gas forcing, indicating that the differences in ocean model formulation are the cause, rather than diversity in surface flux change. The heat flux change drives most of the global pattern of ζ change, while the momentum and water flux changes cause locally confined features. North Atlantic heat uptake causes large temperature and salinity driven density changes, altering local ocean transport and ζ. The spread between AOGCMs here is caused largely by differences in their regional transport adjustment, which redistributes heat that was already in the ocean prior to perturbation. The geographic details of the ζ change in the North Atlantic are diverse across models, but the underlying dynamic change is similar. In contrast, the heat absorbed by the Southern Ocean does not strongly alter the vertically coherent circulation. The Arctic ζ change is dissimilar across models, owing to differences in passive heat uptake and circulation change. Only the Arctic is strongly affected by nonlinear interactions between the three air-sea flux changes, and these are model specific.
The greedy strategy for optimizing the Perron eigenvalue
Authors: Cvetković Aleksandar , Protasov Vladimir Yu.
Published: October 2020

We address the problems of minimizing and of maximizing the spectral radius over a compact family of non-negative matrices. Those problems being hard in general can be efficiently solved for some special families. We consider the so-called product families, where each matrix is composed of rows chosen independently from given sets. A recently introduced greedy method works very fast. However, it is applicable mostly for strictly positive matrices. For sparse matrices, it often diverges and gives a wrong answer. We present the “selective greedy method” that works equally well for all non-negative product families, including sparse ones. For this method, we prove a quadratic rate of convergence and demonstrate its efficiency in numerical examples. The numerical examples are realised for two cases: finite uncertainty sets and polyhedral uncertainty sets given by systems of linear inequalities. In dimensions up to 2000, the matrices with minimal/maximal spectral radii in product families are found within a few iterations. Applications to dynamical systems and to the graph theory are considered.
Reading and spelling skills of prematurely born children in light of the underlying cognitive factors
Authors: Gráf Rózsa , Kalmár Magda , Harnos Andrea , Boross Gábor , Nagy Anett
Published: October 2020

Prematurity is a serious risk factor for learning difficulties. Within the academic skills reading has the greatest impact on the prospects of the students; therefore, studying the reading skills in the risk populations is very important. The aim of our study was to investigate reading and spelling skills of prematurely born children. Our target group consisted of 8–11-year-old children (n = 23) who were born preterm with very low birthweights (VLBW). For comparison 57 full-term children (27 good readers and 30 dyslexics) were included in the study sample. To assess the reading and spelling abilities the Hungarian version of the 3DM (Dyslexia Differential Diagnosis) was used. Cognitive abilities were tested using the Hungarian adaptation of the WISC-IV and the Rey Complex Figure Test. The data were analyzed with a novel statistical approach using the R program. In the cognitive measures the mean performances of all three groups fell within the normal range. In the WISC-IV Full-scale IQ as well as in some other cognitive measures the good readers significantly outperformed both the dyslexics and the preterms. The findings of the study did not confirm our expectation that VLBW prematurity should lead to developmental disadvantages in the acquisition of reading and spelling skills since in the reading and spelling performances of the good readers and the preterms did not differ, while both the good readers and the preterms scored higher than the dyslexics. The results suggest that the cognitive assets of the preterm children contributing to their reading and spelling performances were their good spatial–visual memory, working memory, and processing speed. The identification of the cognitive mechanisms underlying reading and spelling abilities is of crucial importance for designing intervention for children with deficits in these academic skills.
Enriched preference modeling and robustness analysis for the ELECTRE Tri-B method
Authors: Kadziński Miłosz , Martyn Magdalena
Published: October 2020

We consider multiple criteria sorting problems with preference-ordered classes delimited by a set of boundary profiles. While significantly extending the ELECTRE Tri-B method, we present an integrated framework for modeling indirect preference information and conducting robustness analysis. We allow the Decision Maker (DM) to provide the following three types of holistic judgments: assignment examples, assignment-based pairwise comparisons, and desired class cardinalities. A diversity of recommendation that can be obtained given the plurality of outranking-based sorting models compatible with the DM’s preferences is quantified by means of six types of results. These include possible assignments, class acceptability indices, necessary assignment-based preference relation, assignment-based outranking indices, extreme class cardinalities, and class cardinality indices. We discuss the impact of preference information on the derived outcomes, the interrelations between the exact results computed with mathematical programming and stochastic indices estimated with the Monte Carlo simulations, and new measures for quantifying the robustness of results. The practical usefulness of the approach is illustrated on data from the Financial Times concerning MBA programs.