bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A retrospective study of the safety and efficacy of low molecular weight iron dextran for children with iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Boucher Alexander A. , Bedel Ashley , Jones Sommer , Lenahan Stephanie F. , Geer Rebecca , McGann Patrick T.
Published: March 2021

Background

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects millions of children worldwide. Oral iron replacement is effective but often poorly tolerated. Intravenous iron has been demonstrated to have utility in all ages, but pediatric use remains limited. Low molecular weight iron dextran (LMWID) has a dosing range capable of replacing iron deficits in a single infusion and has been evaluated in small pediatric cohorts, but additional safety and efficacy data are limited. Here, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of LMWID in association with an electronic medical record (EMR)‐based effort to optimize dosing.

Procedure

A retrospective IRB‐approved investigation of LMWID utilization at a tertiary pediatric hospital between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2020 was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and frequency/severity of infusion‐related adverse event (AE) in children and adolescents receiving LMWID. Patient demographics and LMWID dosing characteristics were collected, and primary outcome measures included laboratory response and the incidence/severity of any infusion‐related events. The utilization of an EMR‐based nomogram for LMWID dosing was also evaluated.

Results

A total of 254 infusions for 191 patients were included (ages 0.7–20.9 years), most with IDA. LMWID replaced at least 75% of the estimated iron deficit in a single infusion for 76% of patients. The mean hemoglobin and ferritin increases were 2.1 g/dl and >100 ng/ml, respectively. Infusion‐related AEs were rare, occurring in only 12/254 (4.7%) of infusions and 67% during the test dose; each rapidly resolved without long‐term sequelae. No AEs occurred in those <10 years of age. Premedication use markedly decreased with nomogram use without a change in AE rate.

Conclusions

In a large institutional cohort, LMWID was well tolerated in children and adolescents, with most patients having their total iron deficits relieved in a single infusion. These data support expanded use of LMWID in the management of pediatric iron deficiency.
Quantitative evaluation of nanoparticle dispersion based on modeling methods and image analysis: A case study on nano‐Sb2O3 filled Poly (butylene terephthalate) composites
Authors: Kang Chenghu , Xu Jianlin , Niu Lei , Li Chengsi , Fan Jiliang
Published: March 2021

The dispersion state of filler in polymer‐matrix composites plays a significant role in determining the performance of nanocomposites. Thus, the quantification of dispersion analysis for inclusions in polymer composites is crucial. In this paper, the robust methods for the quantitative assessment of dispersion are developed. The methods are based on the modeling evaluation and direct analysis of scanning electron microscopy micrographs using binary image technology. The dispersion degree in polymer nanocomposites reinforced with inorganic nanoparticles is calculated by modeling method. In addition, the effect of dispersion on the tensile modulus of nanocomposites is analyzed by modeling method. To further quantify the dispersion of nanoparticles, the mean distance value between nanoparticles is measured. The dispersion index D is defined as the probability of inclusion particles free‐path spacing, according to the frequency distribution of particle spacing data. The dispersion states of different samples are compared to examine the availability of the analysis methods to various dispersion conditions such as the effect of aggregation, agglomeration, cluster distribution, and surface treatment of nanoparticles. Besides, another modeling methodology is established based on inter‐particle distance of the nanocomposites. In this model, the dispersion of the nanoparticles is assessed by comparing the inter‐particle distance with the theoretical value assuming a perfect dispersion. In the case of nano‐Sb2O3 filled Poly (butylene terephthalate) composites, the composites with different dispersion and distribution characteristics were prepared. And the microstructures of these composites are also employed to access the applicability and functionality of the analysis methods.
International collaboration framework for the calculation of performance loss rates: Data quality, benchmarks, and trends (towards a uniform methodology)
Authors: Lindig Sascha , Moser David , Curran Alan J. , Rath Kunal , Khalilnejad Arash , French Roger H. , Herz Magnus , Müller Björn , Makrides George , Georghiou George , Livera Andreas , Richter Mauricio , Ascencio‐Vásquez Julián , van Iseghem Mike , Meftah Mohammed , Jordan Dirk , Deline Chris , van Sark Wilfried , Stein Joshua S. , Theristis Marios , Meyers Bennet , Baumgartner Franz , Luo Wei
Published: March 2021

The IEA PVPS Task 13 group, experts who focus on photovoltaic performance, operation, and reliability from several leading R&D centers, universities, and industrial companies, is developing a framework for the calculation of performance loss rates of a large number of commercial and research photovoltaic (PV) power plants and their related weather data coming across various climatic zones. The general steps to calculate the performance loss rate are (i) input data cleaning and grading; (ii) data filtering; (iii) performance metric selection, corrections, and aggregation; and finally, (iv) application of a statistical modeling method to determine the performance loss rate value. In this study, several high‐quality power and irradiance datasets have been shared, and the participants of the study were asked to calculate the performance loss rate of each individual system using their preferred methodologies. The data are used for benchmarking activities and to define capabilities and uncertainties of all the various methods. The combination of data filtering, metrics (performance ratio or power based), and statistical modeling methods are benchmarked in terms of (i) their deviation from the average value and (ii) their uncertainty, standard error, and confidence intervals. It was observed that careful data filtering is an essential foundation for reliable performance loss rate calculations. Furthermore, the selection of the calculation steps filter/metric/statistical method is highly dependent on one another, and the steps should not be assessed individually.
Enhanced Disconnectivity Graphs of the ±1 and ±1, ±2 Spin Glasses
Authors: Biswas Katja
Published: March 2021

The energy landscapes of the ±1 and ±1, ±2 small‐spin glasses are studied in the form of enhanced disconnectivity graphs. This new way of displaying disconnectivity graphs incorporates the merging of minima energy states of equal energy which are connected via zero‐energy spin flips. These states form connected structures on the energy landscape, which we distinguish into four basic types. The types are indicated in the disconnectivity graph by different colors and their respective sizes via a bar chart at the corresponding energy levels. This allows for an easy intuitive access to highly degenerate energy landscapes without losing the main features. Further, these connected minima structures are analyzed in terms of their occurrences, sizes, and distributions for the two models of spin glasses. This gives a deep insight into the energy structure of these systems. Further, the use of the classification of minima reduces the description of ±1 spin models by 93%, and that of ±1, ±2 models by 71% without losing the core information about these systems.
Strain‐Engineered Formation, Migration, and Electronic Properties of Polaronic Defects in CeO2
Authors: Zhang Ling , Sun Lu , Meng Qingling , Wu Jinge , Hao Xiamin , Zhai Shuwei , Dou Wenzhen , Jia Yizhen , Zhou Miao
Published: March 2021

First‐principles investigations on the strain‐engineered formation, electronic structures, and migration properties of polaronic defects in ceria (CeO2), including single polarons, oxygen vacancies (Vo2+), and polaron–vacancy complexes [(Vo2+–1polaron)1+, (Vo2+–2polaron)0], are reported. Results show that the formation energy of oxygen vacancy increases with both tensile and compressive biaxial strain, whereas the formation energies of polarons and polaron–vacancy complexes reduce (increase) with tensile (compressive) strain, so that their defect concentrations behave drastically different with strain and temperature. Interestingly, due to the distinct deformation potentials, the polaronic defect states can shift toward band edges with strain, beneficial for enhanced electrical conductivity. The migration of polarons in CeO2 is further explored, and a tendency of strain‐induced directional migration is revealed. These findings not only shed light on the fundamental properties of polaronic defects in CeO2 but also provide an attractive approach of combining defect engineering with strain engineering for oxide‐based functional microelectronics, batteries, and catalysts.
The Structure of GaSbSe Glasses by High‐Resolution X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Golovchak Roman , Calvez Laurent , Lecomte Alicia , Kovalskiy Andriy , Luftman Henry , Jain Himanshu
Published: March 2021

To understand the unique physical properties of GaSbSe glasses, high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies are performed on representative compositions within the glass‐forming region. The observed peaks in the valence band as well as in Ga, Sb, and Se core‐level XPS spectra are related to the main structural building blocks of the covalent network. On the basis of disproportionality equations and quantitative XPS analysis, the SeSeSe fragments are shown to exist in the glasses with 65 and 68 at% of Se, whereas the samples with lower Se content are shown to contain a significant concentration of SeSe bonds instead. Although the majority of Ga atoms are deemed to form fourfold coordinated units, the existence of Ga atoms in threefold coordination, those bonded to other metal, and forming Ga clusters of undissolved Ga are also plausible on the basis of Ga 3d XPS spectrum analysis. Partial or full destruction of antimony selenide pyramids is found in glasses with low Se content.
An Overview of Ferroelectric Hafnia and Epitaxial Growth
Authors: Cao Jing , Shi Shu , Zhu Yao , Chen Jingsheng
Published: March 2021

Hafnia thin films have been under intensive research during the past few years due to its robust ferroelectricity under very thin limit and good compatibility with silicon. The polar crystal structure critical to ferroelectricity in hafnia thin films is metastable, and is generally obtained in polycrystalline thin films, coexisting with other nonpolar phases. Recently, much attention has been focused on epitaxial ferroelectric hafnia thin films to get rid of the nonpolar phases, to investigate the more intrinsic factors to ferroelectricity, and its potential applications. Herein, recent progress on the growth of epitaxial hafnia thin films is reviewed. The epitaxial growth mechanism is explored, in particular, the interface matching, phase stability under temperature and oxygen pressure, followed by discussions on thickness dependency of ferroelectricity, and wake‐up effect in hafnia. Finally, an outlook on ferroelectric hafnia both on fundamental studies and future applications is discussed.
In Situ Detection of Local Structure Transformation of 2D SnSe Nanosheets through Nanothermomechanical Behavior
Authors: Liu Zhibin , Xu Kunqi , Zeng Huarong , Liu Zhifu , Zhao Kunyu , Zhang Faqiang , Wang Dong , Li Yongxiang
Published: March 2021

2D tin selenide (SnSe) is a promising semiconductive material and its thermal stability is one of the most significant evaluating indicators. However, few works are involved in the temperature‐dependent structure stability of 2D SnSe nanosheets. Herein, local structure transformation of a 2D SnSe nanosheet into SnSe2 under high temperature is characterized by a novel atomic force microscope (AFM)‐based nanoscale thermomechanical method. Based on an AFM platform, the temperature‐dependent nanomechanical properties are investigated. A softness process is found to occur upon the surface of 2D SnSe, accompanying the structure transformation under high temperature. It means that the generation of SnSe2 is due to the structure collapse of SnSe, stemming from the evaporation of Sn atoms under about 90 °C. The transformation mechanism is further verified by a real‐time nanothermomechanical method. A deeper understanding of the thermal stability and thermal decomposition mechanism of 2D SnSe is promoted. The improved in situ nanomechanical method offers a highly sensitive method to probing the nanomechanical properties of 2D materials.
The use of fast initial response features on the homogeneously weighted moving average chart with estimated parameters under the effect of measurement errors
Authors: Thanwane Maonatlala , Abbasi Saddam Akber , Malela‐Majika Jean‐Claude , Aslam Muhammad , Shongwe Sandile Charles
Published: March 2021

Fast initial response (FIR) features are generally used to improve the sensitivity of memory‐type control charts by shrinking time‐varying control limits in the earlier stage of the monitoring regime. This paper incorporates FIR features to increase the sensitivity of the homogeneously weighted moving average (HWMA) monitoring schemes with and without measurement errors under constant as well as linearly increasing variance scenarios. The robustness and the performance of the HWMA monitoring schemes are investigated in terms of numerous run‐length properties assuming that the underlying process parameters are known and unknown. It is found that the FIR features improves the performance of the HWMA monitoring scheme as compared to the standard no FIR feature HWMA scheme, and at the same time, it is observed that the simultaneous use of a recently proposed FIR feature and multiple measurements significantly reduces the negative effect of measurement errors. An illustrative example on the volume of milk in bottles is used to demonstrate a real‐life application.
Switching event‐triggering mechanisms for integral input‐to‐state stable nonlinear systems
Authors: Yu Hao , Chen Xia , Hao Fei
Published: March 2021

This article studies the event‐triggered control problem for nonlinear systems that are merely integral input‐to‐state stable (iISS) with respect to measurement errors and external inputs. By using the iISS Lyapunov function, which comes from a necessary and sufficient condition on iISS, an integral‐based event‐triggering mechanism is introduced to compensate the effects of measurement errors. Under some assumptions on the gains of the iISS Lyapunov function, both the closed‐loop iISS and Zeno‐freeness are proved when the external inputs are measurable. In the presence of unknown disturbances, a novel switching event‐triggering mechanism is designed based on the relationship between the transmitted state and some threshold constant. Subsequently, the corresponding lower bound of inter‐event times is given explicitly to ensure Zeno‐freeness. It is shown that the proposed switching mechanism can be applicable to the nonlinear systems where some existing event‐triggering mechanisms are invalid in avoiding Zeno behavior. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the efficiency and feasibility of the obtained results.
Meta‐analysis methods for multiple related markers: Applications to microbiome studies with the results on multiple α‐diversity indices
Authors: Koh Hyunwook , Tuddenham Susan , Sears Cynthia L , Zhao Ni
Published: March 2021

Meta‐analysis is a practical and powerful analytic tool that enables a unified statistical inference across the results from multiple studies. Notably, researchers often report the results on multiple related markers in each study (eg, various α‐diversity indices in microbiome studies). However, univariate meta‐analyses are limited to combining the results on a single common marker at a time, whereas existing multivariate meta‐analyses are limited to the situations where marker‐by‐marker correlations are given in each study. Thus, here we introduce two meta‐analysis methods, multi‐marker meta‐analysis (mMeta) and adaptive multi‐marker meta‐analysis (aMeta), to combine multiple studies throughout multiple related markers with no priori results on marker‐by‐marker correlations. mMeta is a statistical estimator for a pooled estimate and its SE across all the studies and markers, whereas aMeta is a statistical test based on the test statistic of the minimum P‐value among marker‐specific meta‐analyses. mMeta conducts both effect estimation and hypothesis testing based on a weighted average of marker‐specific pooled estimates while estimating marker‐by‐marker correlations non‐parametrically via permutations, yet its power is only moderate. In contrast, aMeta closely approaches the highest power among marker‐specific meta‐analyses, yet it is limited to hypothesis testing. While their applications can be broader, we illustrate the use of mMeta and aMeta to combine microbiome studies throughout multiple α‐diversity indices. We evaluate mMeta and aMeta in silico and apply them to real microbiome studies on the disparity in α‐diversity by the status of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The R package for mMeta and aMeta is freely available at
https://github.com/hk1785/mMeta.
Fluorescent Enhancement of CaF2: Nd3+ Nanoparticles through a Concentration‐Gradient Core/Shell Hybrid Structure
Authors: Wang Tan , Wang Bo , He Qingguo , Cheng Jiangong
Published: March 2021

In this contribution, we provided an efficient core/shell structure for CaF2 : Nd3+ based core/shell NPs, which has several traits below: hybrid core; homogeneous or heterogeneous core‐host and shell‐host; concentration‐gradient distribution of both doping ions and activator from inner to outer shell layer. Finally, A successive layer‐by‐layer doping method was utilized to synthesize various core‐based and concentration‐gradient hybrid Ce3+, Li+ and activator (Nd3+) shell layer core/shell(C/S) NPs, which could enhance the fluorescence of the CaF2 : 6Nd(mol %) C/S NPs up to 21.4 times than that of core‐only NPs by doping much denser hybrid Ce3+ and activator Nd3+ in per unit volume and overcoming surface quenching.
Investigation of Anion Structural Effects on Solute‐Solvent Interactions of Ionic Liquids with DMF by Volumetric, Acoustic, Viscometric Properties and COSMO‐RS Calculations
Authors: Losetty Venkatramana , Hazarathaiah Yadav C. , Devi Wilfred Cecilia , Gardas Ramesh L.
Published: March 2021

This study reveals that the effect of anion structures on solvent‐solute interactions by analysis of sophisticated thermophysical properties of ionic liquids (ILs) with molecular solvent. Three imidazolium based ILs (1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) [Omim][NTf2], [Omim][PF6] and [Omim][SCN] were synthesized, characterized and measured the thermophysical properties such as density (ρ) sound speed (u) and viscosity (η) of all ILs with DMF as solvent for binary mixture at various conditions. Furthermore, various derived thermophysical properties
, κs,Φ,
and ηr, were calculated from experimental data. The type of interactions such as IL‐IL or IL‐solvent or solvent‐solvent are occurred among the component molecules were estimated from the empirical parameters and COSMO−Rs computational study. The obtained results show that the size of anion is governing the volumetric, acoustic and viscometric properties of the studied ILs with DMF.
Cyanide‐Ion‐Induced J‐Aggregation of Merocyanine Dye for Paper‐Based Colorimetric Detection in Water
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Satish
Published: March 2021

A probe based on merocyanine dye was synthesized as a salt of p‐toluenesulfonate. Owing to the high solubility of merocyanine dye in water and H‐bonding ability, it was investigated for anion‐induced aggregation properties in the buffered medium [CH3CN: water (1 : 1/v: v)]. The probe recognized the existence of cyanide ion by forming an H‐bond and displacing the p‐toluenesulfonate group. The probe displayed a bluish‐purple color in response to cyanide ion addition, which was initially light pink. The complex formation and aggregation properties of the probe were investigated using techniques like naked eye detection, digital colorimetry, UV‐Visible, 1H‐NMR, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Paper and solution‐based techniques aided by a smartphone were also used successfully in the determination process. An excellent limit of detection value (LOD) was witnessed in all the techniques exploited for sensing cyanide ions. Methods based on density functional theory (DFT) were also used to investigate the complex formation and observed a good correlation in experimental and theoretical results.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Multi‐Functional Bisimidazolyl Phenol Zinc (II) Complex: Application in OLED, Anti‐Counterfeiting and Latent Finger Print Detection
Authors: Kempegowda Ravindra M. , Malavalli Mahadevan K. , Malimath G. H. , Naik Lohit , Manjappa Kiran B.
Published: March 2021

+An aggregation‐induced emission‐based, luminescent Zinc (II) coordination complex of bisimidazolyl phenol (Zn‐BDI) is prepared. The thermal stability of the complex Zn‐BDI is attributed to the twisted conformation, and the rigid molecular structure of the ligand BDI resulted from the incorporation of the Zn‐metal atom. The maximum emission of the Zn‐BDI appears to be at 475 nm and emits strong cyan fluorescence. The light emission performance of the prepared zinc complex in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) indicates fairly good electroluminescence properties (max. brightness 13500 cd/m2, max. EQE=3.8 %). Moreover, these Zn‐BDI can emit strong cyan‐blue luminescence with a high quantum efficiency (0.83), and hence, latent fingerprint (LFPs) investigation exhibited permanent, immutable, and unique pores that are distributed on the ridges. Collectively, the prepared Zn complex offers a new avenue for the OLED and LFP applications.
Synthesis, Characterization and Luminescence Behavior of a Cd‐terephthalate Coordination Polymer
Authors: Liu Fujie , Jia Qiangqiang , Wang Guoxi
Published: March 2021

A novel coordination polymer {[CdBr(TA)](C2H7N)}n was synthesized based on CdBr2 and terephthalic acid (TA) via solvothermal method, which belongs to orthorhombic system with Fddd space group, and it displays three‐dimension and 3‐fold interspersed. The compound was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, thermal stability, fluorescence and ultraviolet absorption characterization to prove the phase purity and properties. Fluorescence test was proved that the compound has a strong fluorescence emission at 460 nm. When detecting metal ions, Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions have a complete quenching effect on their fluorescence, and Co2+ ions could change its fluorescence emission wavelength.
Tragverhalten von Fachwerkmasten aus Winkelprofilen
Authors: Vlachakis Konstantinos , Beyer André , Vayas Ioannis
Published: March 2021

Es werden vier Großversuche an freistehenden Fachwerkmasten aus Winkelprofilen vorgestellt, die im Rahmen des RFCS‐ (Research Fund for Coal and Steel) Forschungsprojekts ANGELHY durchgeführt wurden. Die Maste werden durch eine horizontale Kraft am Mastkopf belastet. Die Belastung erfolgt entweder parallel zu den Seiten oder über Eck. Je nach Ausbildung und Querschnittsauswahl versagen die Stiele oder die Verbandsdiagonalen. In diesem Beitrag werden zunächst die Versuche vorgestellt. Darauf folgend werden die Versuche mittels numerischer Analysen und Nachweise der Tragelemente nach gültigen Normenbestimmungen nachgerechnet. Es wird gezeigt, dass die Rechenmodelle die Versagensformen richtig erfassen. Allerdings zeigt sich auch, dass die Nachweisregeln des Eurocode 3 konservativ und änderungsbedürftig sind. Es wurde dann ein zweites Berechnungsmodell getestet, bei dem sowohl die numerische Berechnung als auch die Tragfähigkeitsnachweise auf detaillierteren Annahmen beruhen. Die Anwendung dieses Rechenmodells führt zu genaueren Ergebnissen bezogen auf die Laborversuche und zu einer Tragfähigkeitserhöhung von ungefähr 10–30 % im Vergleich zum vereinfachten Eurocode‐3‐Rechenmodell.
Application of Acrolein Imines to Organic Synthesis, Biofunctional Studies, and Clinical Practice
Authors: Pradipta Ambara R. , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: March 2021

N‐alkyl unsaturated imines derived from acrolein, a toxin produced during oxidative stress, and biogenic alkyl amines occur naturally and are considered biologically relevant compounds. However, despite the recent conceptual and technological advances in organic synthesis, research on the new reactivity of these compounds is lacking. This personal account discusses research on the reactivity that has been overlooked in acrolein imines, including the discovery of new methods to synthesize biologically active compounds, the determination of new functions of relevant imines and their precursors, i. e., aldehydes and amines, and the application of these methods for clinical diagnosis.
Synthetic Semiconductor Photoelectrochemistry
Authors: Okada Yohei
Published: March 2021

In the field of synthetic organic chemistry, photochemical and electrochemical approaches are often considered to be competing technologies that induce single electron transfer (SET). Recently, their fusion, i. e., the “photoelectrochemical” approach, has become the focus of attention. In this approach, both solar and electrical energy are used in creative combinations. Historically, the term “photoelectrochemistry” has been used in more inorganic fields, where a photovoltaic effect exhibited by semiconducting materials is employed. Semiconductors have also been studied intensively as photocatalysts; however, they recently have taken a back seat to molecular photocatalysts. In this account, we would like to revisit semiconductor photocatalysts in the field of synthetic organic chemistry to demonstrate that semiconductor “photoelectrochemical” approaches are more than mere alternatives to molecular photochemical and/or electrochemical approaches.
Immunological validation of the pharmacological and anti‐allergic action of glycyrrhetinic acid from Glycyrrhizae Radix
Authors: Hisaka Shinsuke , Murase Sachiko , Kishi Hayato , Nose Mitsuhiko
Published: March 2021

Aim

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is an important and active metabolite derived from glycyrrhizin (GL) in Glycyrrhizae Radix (GR) that induces anti‐allergic, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, anti‐viral, and anti‐microbial effects in vivo. To validate these beneficial actions of GA as an active compound of GR in vivo, we prepared a monoclonal antibody against GA.

Methods

The monoclonal antibody, mAb6D6, was prepared and evaluated for cross‐reactivity with GA and its analogs using competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Subsequently, mAb6D6 was used to validate the anti‐allergic action of GA, which was orally administered as GL or hot water extracts of GR, in the IgE‐mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model for immediate hypersensitivity and contact hypersensitivity model.

Results

MAb6D6 specifically identified GA and had no reactivity against other oleanane‐type compounds and endogenous steroids. This antibody could neutralise the anti‐allergic action of GA in both models in which mice were orally treated with GL or extracts of GR after intravenous injection of the antibody.

Conclusion

MAb6D6 neutralised the activity of GA in vivo. Therefore, it is essential to analyse the role of GA from GR in Kampo medicine and elucidate its mechanism of action.
Internal inertia gradient effect on two mode magneto‐elastic wave propagation
Authors: Güven Uğur
Published: March 2021

In this study, two‐mode harmonic wave propagation for thick rods subjected to a transverse magnetic field is addressed. The analysis is based on the Mindlin‐Herrmann rod theory and the unified strain/inertia gradient model. The effects of the strain and inertial gradient parameters on lower and upper modes under different magnetic field intensities are presented in detail and discussed. This study also includes the single‐mode wave propagation analysis based on the Rayleigh‐Bishop rod theory, as a special case. An overview of the analysis results shows that the wave propagations in the lower and the upper modes are affected by the strain and inertial gradient parameters, as expected. However, some significant differences are observed in the effects of the internal inertial gradient parameter on these modes. In addition, this analysis reveals the relationship between the inertial gradient and cut‐off frequency.
New aspects of Argyres-Douglas theories and their dimensional reduction
Authors: Giacomelli Simone , Mekareeya Noppadol , Sacchi Matteo
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Argyres-Douglas (AD) theories constitute an infinite class of superconformal field theories in four dimensions with a number of interesting properties. We study several new aspects of AD theories engineered in A-type class $$ \mathcal{S} $$
S
with one irregular puncture of Type I or Type II and also a regular puncture. These include conformal manifolds, structures of the Higgs branch, as well as the three dimensional gauge theories coming from the reduction on a circle. We find that the latter admits a description in terms of a linear quiver with unitary and special unitary gauge groups, along with a number of twisted hypermultiplets. The origin of these twisted hypermultiplets is explained from the four dimensional perspective. We also propose the three dimensional mirror theories for such linear quivers. These provide explicit descriptions of the magnetic quivers of all the AD theories in question in terms of quiver diagrams with unitary gauge groups, together with a collection of free hypermultiplets. A number of quiver gauge theories presented in this paper are new and have not been studied elsewhere in the literature.
Radiative process of two entangled uniformly accelerated atoms in a thermal bath: a possible case of anti-Unruh event
Authors: Barman Subhajit , Majhi Bibhas Ranjan
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We study the radiative process of two entangled two-level atoms uniformly accelerated in a thermal bath, coupled to a massless scalar field. First, by using the positive frequency Wightman function from the Minkowski modes with a Rindler transformation we provide the transition probabilities for the transitions from maximally entangled symmetric and anti-symmetric Bell states to the collective excited or ground state in (1 + 1) and (1 + 3) dimensions. We observe a possible case of anti-Unruh-like event in these transition probabilities, though the (1+1) and (1+3) dimensional results are not completely equivalent. We infer that thermal bath plays a major role in the occurrence of the anti-Unruh-like effect, as it is also present in the transition probabilities corresponding to a single detector in this case. Second, we have considered the Green’s functions in terms of the Rindler modes with the vacuum of Unruh modes for estimating the same. Here the anti-Unruh effect appears only for the transition from the anti-symmetric state to the collective excited or ground state. It is noticed that here the (1 + 1) and (1 + 3) dimensional results are equivalent, and for a single detector, we do not observe any anti-Unruh effect. This suggests that the entanglement between the states of the atoms is the main cause for the observed anti-Unruh effect in this case. In going through the investigation, we find that the transition probability for a single detector case is symmetric under the interchange between the thermal bath’s temperature and the Unruh temperature for Rindler mode analysis; whereas this is not the case for Minkowski mode. We further comment on whether this observation may shed light on the analogy between an accelerated observer and a real thermal bath. An elaborate investigation for the classifications of our observed anti-Unruh effects, i.e., either weak or strong anti-Unruh effect, is also thoroughly demonstrated.
Quantitative mass spectrometry imaging of drugs and metabolites: a multiplatform comparison
Authors: Lamont Lieke , Hadavi Darya , Viehmann Brent , Flinders Bryn , Heeren Ron M. A. , Vreeken Rob J. , Porta Siegel Tiffany
Published: March 2021

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) provides insight into the molecular distribution of a broad range of compounds and, therefore, is frequently applied in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies deploy MSI to localize potential drugs and their metabolites in biological tissues but currently require other analytical tools to quantify these pharmaceutical compounds in the same tissues. Quantitative mass spectrometry imaging (Q-MSI) is a field with challenges due to the high biological variability in samples combined with the limited sample cleanup and separation strategies available prior to MSI. In consequence, more selectivity in MSI instruments is required. This can be provided by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) which uses specific precursor ion-product ion transitions. This targeted approach is in particular suitable for pharmaceutical compounds because their molecular identity is known prior to analysis. In this work, we compared different analytical platforms to assess the performance of MRM detection compared to other MS instruments/MS modes used in a Q-MSI workflow for two drug candidates (A and B). Limit of detection (LOD), linearity, and precision and accuracy of high and low quality control (QC) samples were compared between MS instruments/modes. MRM mode on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (QqQ) provided the best overall performance with the following results for compounds A and B: LOD 35.5 and 2.5 μg/g tissue, R2 0.97 and 0.98 linearity, relative standard deviation QC <13.6%, and 97–112% accuracy. Other MS modes resulted in LOD 6.7–569.4 and 2.6–119.1 μg/g tissue, R2 0.86–0.98 and 0.86–0.98 linearity, relative standard deviation QC < 19.4 and < 37.5%, and 70–356% and 64–398% accuracy for drug candidates A and B, respectively. In addition, we propose an optimized 3D printed mimetic tissue model to increase the overall analytical throughput of our approach for large animal studies. The MRM imaging platform was applied as proof-of-principle for quantitative detection of drug candidates A and B in four dog livers and compared to LC-MS. The Q-MSI concentrations differed <3.5 times with the concentrations observed by LC-MS. Our presented MRM-based Q-MSI approach provides a more selective and high-throughput analytical platform due to MRM specificity combined with an optimized 3D printed mimetic tissue model.

Graphical abstract
Impact of exogenous maltogenic α-amylase and maltotetraogenic amylase on sugar release in wheat bread
Authors: Rebholz Gerold Felix , Sebald Karin , Dirndorfer Sebastian , Dawid Corinna , Hofmann Thomas , Scherf Katharina Anne
Published: March 2021

The use of exogenous maltogenic α-amylases or maltotetraogenic amylases of bacterial origin is common in wheat bread production, mainly as antistaling agents to retard crumb firming. To study the impact of maltogenic α-amylase and maltotetraogenic amylase on straight dough wheat bread, we performed a discovery-driven proteomics approach with commercial enzyme preparations and identified the maltotetraogenic amylase P22963 from Pelomonas saccharophila and the maltogenic α-amylase P19531 from Geobacillus stearothermophilus, respectively, as being responsible for the amylolytic activity. Quantitation of mono-, di- and oligosaccharides and residual amylase activity in bread crumb during storage for up to 96 h clarified the different effects of residual amylase activity on the sugar composition. Compared to the control, the application of maltogenic α-amylase led to an increased content of maltose and especially higher maltooligosaccharides during storage. Residual amylase activity was detectable in the breads containing maltogenic α-amylase, whereas maltotetraogenic amylase only had a very low residual activity. Despite the residual amylase activities and changes in sugar composition detected in bread crumb, our results do not allow a definite evaluation of a potential technological function in the final product. Rather, our study contributes to a fundamental understanding of the relation between the specific amylases applied, their residual activity and the resulting changes in the saccharide composition of wheat bread during storage.
Complete integrability of the Benjamin–Ono equation on the multi-soliton manifolds
Authors: Sun Ruoci
Published: March 2021

This paper is dedicated to proving the complete integrability of the Benjamin–Ono (BO) equation on the line when restricted to everyN-soliton manifold, denoted by$$\mathcal {U}_N$$UN. We construct generalized action–angle coordinates which establish a real analytic symplectomorphism from$$\mathcal {U}_N$$UNonto some open convex subset of$${\mathbb {R}}^{2N}$$R2Nand allow to solve the equation by quadrature for any such initial datum. As a consequence,$$\mathcal {U}_N$$UNis the universal covering of the manifold ofN-gap potentials for the BO equation on the torus as described by Gérard–Kappeler (Commun Pure Appl Math, 2020.10.1002/cpa.21896.arXiv:1905.01849). The global well-posedness of the BO equation on$$\mathcal {U}_N$$UNis given by a polynomial characterization and a spectral characterization of the manifold$$\mathcal {U}_N$$UN. Besides the spectral analysis of the Lax operator of the BO equation and the shift semigroup acting on some Hardy spaces, the construction of such coordinates also relies on the use of a generating functional, which encodes the entire BO hierarchy. The inverse spectral formula of anN-soliton provides a spectral connection between the Lax operator and the infinitesimal generator of the very shift semigroup.
A quantitative approach for measuring laterality in clinical fMRI for preoperative language mapping
Authors: Olaru Maria , Nillo Ryan M. , Mukherjee Pratik , Sugrue Leo P.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

fMRI is increasingly used for presurgical language mapping, but lack of standard methodology has made it difficult to combine/compare data across institutions or determine the relative efficacy of different approaches. Here, we describe a quantitative analytic framework for determining language laterality in clinical fMRI that addresses these concerns.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed fMRI data from 59 patients who underwent presurgical language mapping at our institution with identical imaging and behavioral protocols. First, we compared the efficacy of different regional masks in capturing language activations. Then, we systematically explored how laterality indices (LIs) computed from these masks vary as a function of task and activation threshold. Finally, we determined the percentile threshold that maximized the correlation between the results of our LI approach and the laterality assessments from the original clinical radiology reports.

Results

First, we found that a regional mask derived from a meta-analysis of the fMRI literature better captured language task activations than masks based on anatomically defined language areas. Then, we showed that an LI approach based on this functional mask and percentile thresholding of subject activation can quantify the relative ability of different language tasks to lateralize language function at the population level. Finally, we determined that the 92nd percentile of subject-level activation provides the optimal LI threshold with which to reproduce the original clinical reports.

Conclusion

A quantitative framework for determining language laterality that uses a functionally-derived language mask and percentile thresholding of subject activation can combine/compare results across tasks and patients and reproduce clinical assessments of language laterality.
Are Surgeons Working Smarter or Harder? A Systematic Review Comparing the Physical and Mental Demands of Robotic and Laparoscopic or Open Surgery
Authors: Park Laura Seohyun , Pan Feiyang , Steffens Daniel , Young Jane , Hong Jonathan
Published: March 2021

Background

Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as robotic surgical platforms have provided favourable outcomes for patients, but the impact on surgeons is not well described. This systematic review aims to synthesize and evaluate the physical and mental impact of robotic surgery on surgeons compared to standard laparoscopic or open surgery.

Methods

A search strategy was developed to identify peer‐reviewed English articles published from inception to end of December 2019 on the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase. The articles were assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa tool.

Results

Of the 6563 papers identified, 30 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis of this review. Most of the included studies presented a high risk of bias. A total of 13 and 21 different physical and mental tools, respectively, were used to examine the impact on surgeons. The most common tool used to measure physical and mental demand were surface electromyography (N = 9) and the NASA Task Load Index (NASA‐TLX; N = 8), respectively. Majority of studies showed mixed results for physical (N = 10) and mental impact (N = 7). This was followed by eight and six studies favouring RS over other surgical modalities for physical and mental impact, respectively.

Conclusion

Most studies showed mixed physical and mental outcomes between the three surgical modalities. There was a high risk of bias and methodological heterogeneity. Future studies need to correlate mental and physical stress with long‐term impact on the surgeons.
Application of Real‐Time Augmented Reality Laparoscopic Navigation in Splenectomy for Massive Splenomegaly
Authors: Tao Hai‐Su , Lin Jin‐Yu , Luo Wang , Chen Rui , Zhu Wen , Fang Chi‐Hua , Yang Jian
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical impact and technical feasibility of augmented reality laparoscopic navigation (ARLN) system in laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly.

Methods

The clinical data of 17 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy using ARLN (ARLN group) and 26 patients without ARLN guidance (Non‐ARLN group) between January 2018 and April 2020 were enrolled. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed between the patients with and without ARLN guidance at a ratio of 1:1.

Results

Mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the ARLN‐group than in the Non‐ARLN group (306.6 ml vs. 462.6 ml, p = 0.047). All the patients in the ARLN‐group achieved successful splenic artery dissection, while surgical success was achieved in 12 patients in the Non‐ARLN group (p = 0.044). Postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the Non‐ARLN group (3.8 days vs. 4.5 days, p = 0.040).

Conclusions

ARLN can provide feasible and accurate intraoperative image guidance, and it could be helpful in the performance of laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly.
Cytokines as therapeutic targets for cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Liberale Luca , Ministrini Stefano , Carbone Federico , Camici Giovanni G. , Montecucco Fabrizio
Published: March 2021

Despite major advances in prevention and treatment, cardiac and cerebral atherothrombotic complications still account for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this context, inflammation is involved in the chronic process leading atherosclerotic plaque formation and its complications, as well as in the maladaptive response to acute ischemic events. For this reason, modulation of inflammation is nowadays seen as a promising therapeutic strategy to counteract the burden of cardio- and cerebrovascular disease. Being produced and recognized by both inflammatory and vascular cells, the complex network of cytokines holds key functions in the crosstalk of these two systems and orchestrates the progression of atherothrombosis. By binding to membrane receptors, these soluble mediators trigger specific intracellular signaling pathways eventually leading to the activation of transcription factors and a deep modulation of cell function. Both stimulatory and inhibitory cytokines have been described and progressively reported as markers of disease or interesting therapeutic targets in the cardiovascular field. Nevertheless, cytokine inhibition is burdened by harmful side effects that will most likely prevent its chronic use in favor of acute administrations in well-selected subjects at high risk. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the modulatory role of cytokines on atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Then, we discuss evidence from clinical trials specifically targeting cytokines and the potential implication of these advances into daily clinical practice.
Early germline differentiation in bivalves: TDRD7 as a candidate investigational unit for Ruditapes philippinarum germ granule assembly
Authors: Filanti Beatrice , Piccinini Giovanni , Bettini Simone , Lazzari Maurizio , Franceschini Valeria , Maurizii Maria Gabriella , Milani Liliana
Published: March 2021

The germline is a key feature of sexual animals and the ways in which it separates from the soma differ widely across Metazoa. However, at least at some point during germline differentiation, some cytoplasmic supramolecular structures (collectively called germ plasm-related structures) are present and involved in its specification and/or differentiation. The factors involved in the assembly of these granular structures are various and non-ubiquitous among animals, even if some functional patterns and the presence of certain domains appear to be shared among some. For instance, the LOTUS domain is shared by Oskar, the Holometabola germ plasm master regulator, and some Tudor-family proteins assessed as being involved in the proper assembly of germ granules of different animals. Here, we looked for the presence of LOTUS-containing proteins in the transcriptome of Ruditapes philippinarum (Bivalvia). Such species is of particular interest because it displays annual renewal of gonads, sided by the renewal of germline differentiation pathways. Moreover, previous works have identified in its early germ cells cytoplasmic granules containing germline determinants. We selected the orthologue of TDRD7 as a candidate involved in the early steps of germline differentiation through bioinformatic predictions and immunohistological patterning (immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence). We observed the expression of the protein in putative precursors of germline cells, upstream to the germline marker Vasa. This, added to the fact that orthologues of this protein are involved in the assembly of germ granules in mouse, zebrafish, and fly, makes it a worthy study unit for investigations on the formation of such structures in bivalves.