bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metalens‐Assisted System for Underwater Imaging
Authors: Zhao Feng , Lu Rusi , Chen Xiangning , Jin Chunqi , Chen Sai , Shen Zicheng , Zhang Cheng , Yang Yuanmu
Published: June 2021

The ability to image under water is highly desirable for a variety of applications including biological monitoring and seafloor survey, yet the image quality is usually hampered by the presence of scattering medium in water. Polarization imaging has proven to be an effective method for image enhancement; however, conventional systems require mechanically rotating polarizers which compromises the system's footprint or a set of polarization filters which limits the system's efficiency. Here, a compact polarization imaging apparatus that leverages a multifunctional planar dielectric metalens to simultaneously capture two orthogonally polarized images of an underwater scene is presented. Using a metalens to image target objects through milky water in a single shot, large enhancement of image contrast and depth estimation of target objects in real‐time are demonstrated. This work shows the effectiveness of metalens for tackling challenging imaging tasks in complex environments.
UNPRECEDENTED TIMES CALL FOR GENDER‐BALANCED LEADERSHIP
Authors: Shambaugh Rebecca
Published: June 2021

The author calls for greater awareness and action on gender‐balanced leadership, “which harnesses the leadership talent of women as well as men, and allows organizations to double their potential leadership brain power and expertise.” The reasons are clear‐cut, according to the author, in that “the organization of the future will need to tap into a wide and diverse range of voices to address the unprecedented levels of change and disruption we’re collectively facing as a society.” She outlines steps to cultivate this new type of leadership, which in her words are (1) link to the business imperative—think holistic, (2) create accountability and measurements, (3) don’t assume—assess, (4) develop a learning strategy for leadership on gender balance and equity, (5) get past the blind spots—unpacking bias, and (6) engage men in caring about gender equity. Questions are outlined for an organization's priorities and current capacity for gender balance within the areas of leadership, human resources/HR systems, women's talent development, and engaging men. The author concludes that “these steps are a simple starting point, but together, if we all take the next right action, we will gradually create companies that are better places for everyone to thrive.”
LEADERSHIP FOR A NEW DAY
Authors: Bryant John Hope
Published: June 2021

The author begins by noting the importance of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's “New Deal” in lifting the United States out of the depression in the mid‐1930s. He characterizes it as “a leadership model for a new day, a reset for a country's morale and collective conscience hampered by depression, and a cornerstone on which they would build a new American society.” Bryant emphasizes the need for a fresh start after the “avalanche” of 2020. He discusses the crucial nature of mentorship and having role models and outlines the leadership attributes of SurveyMonkey chief executive officer Zander Lurie. He also remarks on the expectations of the younger Generation Z and millennial workforce, which are different from that of their predecessors. “Millennials”, he writes, “don’t necessarily desire a monetary increase but a spiritual and inspirational one in a world that continually keeps them motivated to bring their best selves to work every single day.” Regarding the need for leaders to be role models, he “wrote a New Marshall Plan, published by the Milken Institute, which outlines how this hands‐on, visible leadership can be practically adapted and applied by organizations of any size and level, including local municipalities and the federal government.”
STUDENT GOVERNMENT AS A VEHICLE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Authors: Nolen LaShyra
Published: June 2021

The author relates her leadership experiences centered around student government, beginning as a class president at the age of 10, in elementary school. These experiences defined her mission for the rest of her life, “a commitment to equity, community, and social justice,” and as a vehicle for change. She was later elected student body president at Loyola Marymount University and then made history at Harvard Medical School as the first Black woman elected student council president. At Loyola Marymount University, she was the first African American student body president elected in 30 years. At Harvard Medical School, she is a first‐generation medical student, who was raised by a single mother and the first in her family to obtain a bachelor of science degree. She discusses leading a successful effort to rename an academic society in honor of Dr. William Augustus Hinton, “a renowned public health expert and the first Black full professor at both Harvard College and Harvard Medical School.” In 2020, she was named a “Young Futurist” by The Root magazine. Her hope is that the next generation of these futurists “take each leadership opportunity as their own fresh canvas, and paint boldly, always in the name of justice.”
In Situ Self‐Organizing Materials for Local Stress‐Responsive Reconstruction of Skin Interstitium
Authors: Han Xinxiao , Hua Wenda , Liu Yuqi , Ao Zhuo , Han Dong
Published: June 2021

Remodeling of the fibrous network in the skin interstitium is a crucial step in the process of skin wound healing. In the present study, a hierarchically structured xanthan gum‐chitosan (XG‐CS) composite hydrogel is developed as a skin wound healing material that responds to stress at wound sites by in situ self‐organizing and self‐repairing the interstitial fibrous network. The composite gel adheres tightly to the injured fibers forming an intact interstitial pathway, and thereby promotes the physiological function of fibroblasts. A software‐based quantitative assessment is performed to evaluate the stress state at wound sites, which confirms that the composite gel adapted in vivo to wound stress and ultimately promotes fast wound healing. The results highlight the importance of interstitial reconstruction in tissue recovery, and will inspire novel strategies in regenerative medicine.
Application of Thermoresponsive Intrinsically Disordered Protein Polymers in Nanostructured and Microstructured Materials
Authors: Wang Bin , Patkar Sai S. , Kiick Kristi L.
Published: June 2021

Modulation of inter‐ and intramolecular interactions between bioinspired designer molecules can be harnessed for developing functional structures that mimic the complex hierarchical organization of multicomponent assemblies observed in nature. Furthermore, such multistimuli‐responsive molecules offer orthogonal tunability for generating versatile multifunctional platforms via independent biochemical and biophysical cues. In this review, the remarkable physicochemical and mechanical properties of genetically engineered protein polymers derived from intrinsically disordered proteins, specifically elastin and resilin, are discussed. This review highlights emerging technologies which use them as building blocks in the fabrication of highly programmable structured biomaterials for applications in delivery of biotherapeutic cargo and regenerative medicine.
Retracted: Development of a Highly Sensitive Wearable Tactile Sensor on Fabric by Using Conductive Inks Based on Electrical Contact Resistance (ECR) Change Mechanism
Authors: Chen Wei‐Lin , Karmakar Rajat Subhra , Liao Ying‐Chih , Lu Yen‐Wen
Published: June 2021

A wearable tactile device, based on the electrical contact resistance (ECR) between the two fabric substrates, is developed in this work for continuous health monitoring. Microscale pillar structures are formed over top and bottom fabric substrates by screen‐printing technique with conductive inks followed by the face‐to‐face assembly of top and bottom parts. The contact areas between the substrates increase after the application of an external force, resulting the increment of charge carrier conduction and reduction in ECR value. To enhance the sensitivity, the device is optimized with two different conductive inks (i.e., silver and graphene inks) to create pillar shaped microstructures resulting a higher sensitivity due to the variation in ECR. This wearable tactile sensor's practical applications also are investigated in monitoring human wrist pulses with wireless module and smartphone, showing its capability in faster response and high sensitivity for internet‐of‐thing and medical applications.
Seasonal Abundance and Size Structure of Sharks Taken in the Pelagic Longline Fishery off Northwestern Cuba
Authors: Ruiz-Abierno Alexei , Márquez-Farías J. Fernando , Rojas-Corzo Ariadna , Miller Valerie , Angulo-Valdés Jorge A. , Hueter Robert E.
Published: June 2021

The Straits of Florida comprise an important migratory route for apex predators moving among the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and Caribbean Sea. Off Cuba’s northwestern coast, various gear types are used by Cuban fishers, including small-scale pelagic longlines. We report here the results of a 2011–2019 monitoring program for the longline fleet based in Cojímar, Cuba. This fleet comprises 134 small vessels targeting mostly swordfish (family Xiphiidae), billfishes (family Istiophoridae), tunas (family Scombridae), and sharks (class Chondrichthyes) within 20 km of Cuba’s coast. Most operations are nocturnal with 11–12-h sets comprising an average of 56 hooks on 6,643 m of mainline. Five orders, eight families, and 18 species of sharks were documented in this fishery. Two carcharhinids (Silky Shark Carcharhinus falciformis and Oceanic Whitetip Shark C. longimanus) and two lamnids (Longfin Mako Isurus paucus and Shortfin Mako I. oxyrinchus) were the most abundant shark species caught, with shark CPUE averaging 1.98 sharks/trip (SD = 0.938). Catch abundance showed seasonal differences, with Silky Sharks and Longfin Makos more common in winter and Oceanic Whitetip Sharks more common in summer and autumn. Bimodal size structure in some species suggests multiple life stages utilizing the area, while the predominance of young sharks in species including the Oceanic Whitetip Shark suggests the importance of the area as juvenile habitat, possibly as a pupping and/or nursery ground. This characterization of the Cuban longline fishery is an important step forward for Cuba’s National Plan of Action for Sharks and demonstrates the potential impacts that small-scale fisheries can have on vulnerable sharks.
Landscape of IDH1/2 mutations in Chinese patients with solid tumors: A pan‐cancer analysis
Authors: Shen Dong , Zhang Junling , Yuan Kai , Zhao Jing , Zhao Zhengyi , Cui Longgang , Zhang Yuzi , Wang Guoqiang , Cai Shangli , Bai Yuezong , Li Wei , Huang Xiang
Published: June 2021

Background

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is an enzyme family involved in cell aerobic metabolism of tricarboxylic acid cycle. However, the landscape of IDH mutations in pan‐cancer has not been fully characterized.

Methods

Tissue or blood samples were subjected to next‐generation sequencing (NGS) for detection the IDH mutation.

Results

A total of 28.868 patients from more than 20 solid tumor species were analyzed. A total of 374 cases (1.30%) with IDH mutations were identified. Among all the IDH mutations cases, 80 (21.4%) were biliary tract cancer (BTC), 80 (21.4%) were lung cancer, 57 (15.2%) were liver cancer, and 42 (11.2%) were colorectal cancer. The most common IDH variant were IDH1 and IDH2 which were discovered in 0.81% cases and 0.47% cases, respectively. However, there were significant differences in IDH1 and IDH2 mutation frequency among different tumor species (p = 0.0003). Of the patients with IDH1 mutations, about 53.0% of these mutations occur in codons 132. Codons 172 (25.4%) was high‐frequency mutation subtypes in IDH2 mutation. TP53, PBRM1, and BAP1 were the most significantly mutated genes in BTC which were different from others cancer. Moreover, TMB were significantly higher in lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer than BTC (p = 0.0164, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0067, respectively) and BTC patients with IDH mutation had lower TMB compared with wild‐type IDH.

Conclusion

Somatic IDH mutation was found in multiple solid tumors and IDH would be a driver gene in BTC.
Numerical analysis of polio model: A mathematical approach to epidemiological model using derivative with Mittag–Leffler Kernel
Authors: Karaagac Berat , Owolabi Kolade M.
Published: June 2021

The goal of this study is to analyze and obtain a new numerical approach to an important mathematical model called polio, which is one of the highly infectious and dangerous diseases challenging many lives in most developing nations, most especially in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. A number of research outputs have proven beyond doubt that modeling with noninteger‐order derivative is much more accurate and reliable when compared with the integer‐order counterparts. In the present case, an extension is given to the polio model by replacing the classical time derivative with the newly defined operator known as the Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivative which has its formulation based on the noble Mittag–Leffler kernel. This derivative has been tested and applied in number of ways to model a range of physical phenomena in science and engineering. The Picard–Lindelöf theorem is applied to determine the condition under which the proposed model has a solution, also to show that the solution exists and unique. Local stability analysis of the disease‐free equilibrium and endemic state is also discussed. A novel approximation based on the Adams–Bashforth method is formulated to numerically approximate the fractional derivative operator. To justify the theoretical findings, some numerical results obtained for different instances of fractional order are presented.
Characterization and correction of cardiovascular motion artifacts in diffusion‐weighted imaging of the pancreas
Authors: Geng Ruiqi , Zhang Yuxin , Starekova Jitka , Rutkowski David R. , Estkowski Lloyd , Roldán‐Alzate Alejandro , Hernando Diego
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To assess the effects of cardiovascular‐induced motion on conventional DWI of the pancreas and to evaluate motion‐robust DWI methods in a motion phantom and healthy volunteers.

Methods

3T DWI was acquired using standard monopolar and motion‐compensated gradient waveforms, including in an anatomically accurate pancreas phantom with controllable compressive motion and healthy volunteers (n = 8, 10). In volunteers, highly controlled single‐slice DWI using breath‐holding and cardiac gating and whole‐pancreas respiratory‐triggered DWI were acquired. For each acquisition, the ADC variability across volunteers, as well as ADC differences across parts of the pancreas were evaluated.

Results

In motion phantom scans, conventional DWI led to biased ADC, whereas motion‐compensated waveforms produced consistent ADC. In the breath‐held, cardiac‐triggered study, conventional DWI led to heterogeneous DW signals and highly variable ADC across the pancreas, whereas motion‐compensated DWI avoided these artifacts. In the respiratory‐triggered study, conventional DWI produced heterogeneous ADC across the pancreas (head: 1756 ± 173 × 10−6 mm2/s; body: 1530 ± 338 × 10−6 mm2/s; tail: 1388 ± 267 × 10−6 mm2/s), with ADCs in the head significantly higher than in the tail (P < .05). Motion‐compensated ADC had lower variability across volunteers (head: 1277 ± 102 × 10−6 mm2/s; body: 1204 ± 169 × 10−6 mm2/s; tail: 1235 ± 178 × 10−6 mm2/s), with no significant difference (P ≥ .19) across the pancreas.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular motion introduces artifacts and ADC bias in pancreas DWI, which are addressed by motion‐robust DWI.
Three‐dimensional ridge collapse mechanism for narrow soil slopes
Authors: Michalowski Radoslaw L. , Park Dowon
Published: June 2021

Three‐dimensional analysis of stability is carried out for slopes with the failure mechanism confined to a narrow space. A curvilinear cone failure surface is modified by removing a slice from its central portion, to make the failure mechanism fit in the narrow space. The resulting surface is no longer smooth, and it is referred to as the ridge mechanism for a distinct ridge in the failure surface. The analysis of narrow slopes based on the ridge mechanism appears to yield lower stability factors than the mechanisms used in geotechnical engineering thus far. Kinematic limit analysis utilized in calculations provides an upper bound to the true stability factor solution, hence the newly proposed mechanism delivers a more accurate solution.
Clinical significance of interventional therapeutic bronchoscopy combined with bronchial arterial embolization in the treatment of hypervascular primary airway tumors in children
Authors: Yang Haiming , Yin Jie , Tang Xiaolei , Li Gan , Li Huimin , Zhao Shunying
Published: June 2021

Importance

Pediatric hypervascular primary airway tumors are progressive, fatal lesions with a low incidence, and the disease is often more serious than that in adults.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of interventional therapeutic bronchoscopy combined with conservative treatment and bronchial arterial embolization in children with primary airway tumors.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of four pediatric patients with hypervascular primary airway tumor between 2017 and 2019 at Beijing Children’s Hospital.

Results

Two patients were low‐grade bronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma, one patient was pleomorphic adenoma, and one was bronchial leiomyoma. Interventional therapeutic bronchoscopy combined with bronchial arterial embolization was used for treatment (all four patients received general anesthesia). The tumors were safely resected in all patients via interventional bronchoscopy. There were no severe complications related to the procedures. All patients were followed up for 5–12 months, and one low‐grade bronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma recurred.

Interpretation

Interventional therapeutic bronchoscopy combined with bronchial arterial embolization appears to be a safe and efficient therapeutic method associated with less trauma and fewer complications, including no serious adverse events, in children with hypervascular primary airway tumors without bronchus wall infiltration.
Clinical characteristics and post‐discharge follow‐up analyses of 10 infants with congenital tuberculosis: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Du Juan , Dong Shixiao , Jia Shengnan , Zhang Qiaoru , Hei Mingyan
Published: June 2021

Importance

Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is a rare, potentially fatal disease. There is currently a lack of detailed clinical information available regarding this disease.

Objective

This retrospective study investigated the clinical manifestations, treatment, and long‐term prognosis of congenital TB.

Methods

Patients were treated in Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University (Beijing, China) between 2009 and 2018. Their demographic data, maternal and family histories, symptoms and signs, treatment information, and follow‐up data were retrospectively collected using the hospital’s electronic information system.

Results

Ten infants with congenital TB were enrolled. The mean gestational age was 36.6 ± 2.2 weeks and mean birth weight was 2517 ± 487 g. All 10 patients exhibited fever, nine patients (90%) had anemia, and six patients (60%) had extrauterine growth retardation. On chest computed tomography scans, all 10 patients presented multiple pulmonary nodules and four patients (40%) had mediastinal adenopathy. Nine out of ten (90%) completed the T‐spot test, and eight of them (8/9, 89%) were positive. Anti‐TB treatment was initiated upon diagnostic confirmation. All patients (100%) received combined treatment with isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF). Eight of 10 patients (80%) received combined treatment with INH, RIF, and pyrazinamide. The survival rate was 100%. One patient was lost to follow‐up and four patients are currently continuing treatment. Three of nine patients (33%) achieved normal developmental milestones at 6 months of age.

Interpretation

Early diagnosis based on maternal history, typical imaging results, and timely treatment can improve outcomes in infants with congenital TB.
Association of vitamin A status with lung function in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Loukou Ioanna , Moustaki Maria , Sardeli Olympia , Plyta Marina , Katsagoni Christina N. , Douros Konstantinos
Published: June 2021

Importance

Vitamin A (or retinol) has considerable antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory attributes and it may have protective effects on the respiratory health of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This issue, however, remains controversial.

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between serum retinol levels (SRL) and force expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in patients with CF.

Methods

All patients with pancreatic insufficiency attending the CF Department of “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital in Athens, Greece, aged 6 to 19 years during the 2012–2016 period, who could perform spirometry effectively, were included in the study. The impact of SRL on FEV1 was examined longitudinally and analyzed with generalized estimating equations.

Results

The study included 231 patients and 851 SRL measurements were performed. In 25 (3.2%) cases the SRL were below the 5th percentile of reference distribution; none was above the 95th percentile. The analysis showed that SRL was positively correlated with the FEV1 (P < 0.001).

Interpretation

In this sample of children and adolescents with CF, vitamin A deficiency was rare. Our results suggest a positive relationship between SRL and FEV1.
DCX and CRABP2 are candidate genes for differential diagnosis between pre‐chemotherapy embryonic and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in pediatric patients
Authors: Sun Nian , Yang Yeran , Wang Shengcai , Zhang Jie , Gui Jingang , Tai Jun , He Lejian , Xu Jiatong , Li Yanzhen , Zhang Xuexi , Liu Qiaoyin , Liu Zhiyong , Guo Yongli , Ni Xin
Published: June 2021

Importance

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. More than 90% of cases are classified as embryonic RMS (ERMS) or alveolar RMS (ARMS). ERMS has a worse prognosis than ARMS. Early differential diagnosis is of paramount importance for optimization of treatment.

Objective

To identify genes that are differentially expressed between ARMS and ERMS, which can be used for accurate rhabdomyosarcoma classification.

Methods

Three Gene Expression Omnibus datasets composed of ARMS and ERMS samples were screened and 35 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and area under the curve analysis was performed for these 35 DEGs and seven candidate genes with the best differential expression scores between ARMS and ERMS were determined. The expression of these seven candidate genes was validated by immunohistochemical analysis of pre‐chemotherapy ARMS and ERMS specimens.

Results

The levels of DCX and CRABP2 were confirmed to be remarkably different between paraffin‐embedded ARMS and ERMS tissues, while EGFR abundance was only marginally different between these two RMS subtypes.

Interpretation

DCX and CRABP2 are potential biomarkers for distinguishing ARMS from ERMS in pre‐chemotherapy pediatric patients.
Plasma exchange therapy for acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood
Authors: Li Kechun , Zhang Tao , Liu Gang , Jin Ping , Wang Yeqing , Wang Lijie , Xu Meixian , Liu Chunyi , Liu Yingchao , Zhou Tao , Xu Yan , Yang Ying , Fang Boliang , Yang Xin , Liu Chunfeng , Qian Suyun
Published: June 2021

Importance

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare disease with high mortality. Plasma exchange (PLEX) has recently been reported to treat ANE of childhood (ANEC), but its efficacy is uncertain.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of PLEX on ANEC.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in four pediatric intensive care units from December 2014 to December 2020. All patients who were diagnosed with ANEC were included; however, these patients were excluded if their length of stay was less than 24 h. Participants were classified into PLEX and non‐PLEX groups.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients with ANEC were identified, 10 in the PLEX group and 19 in the non‐PLEX group. In the PLEX group, C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransaminase levels were significantly lower after 3 days of treatment than before treatment (13.1 vs. 8.0, P = 0.043; 9.8 vs. 1.5, P = 0.028; 133.4 vs. 31.9, P = 0.028; 282.4 vs. 50.5, P = 0.046, respectively). Nine patients (31.0%, 9/29) died at discharge, and a significantly difference was found between the PLEX group and non‐PLEX group [0 vs. 47.4% (9/19), P = 0.011]. The median follow‐up period was 27 months, and three patients were lost to follow‐up. Thirteen patients (50.0%, 13/26) died at the last follow‐up, comprising three (33.3%, 3/9) in the PLEX group and ten (58.8%, 10/17) in the non‐PLEX group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.411). Three patients (10.3%, 3/29) fully recovered.

Interpretation

PLEX may reduce serum C‐reactive protein and procalcitonin levels and improve liver function in the short term. PLEX may improve the prognosis of ANEC, and further studies are needed.
Distribution‐free double‐sampling precedence monitoring scheme to detect unknown shifts in the location parameter
Authors: Malela‐Majika Jean‐Claude , Shongwe Sandile Charles , Aslam Muhammad , Chong Zhi Lin , Rapoo Eeva Maria
Published: June 2021

In most applications, parametric monitoring schemes are used to monitor the majority of industrial and nonindustrial processes in order to improve the quality of the outputs or services. However, parametric monitoring schemes are known to underperform when the normality assumption is not met or when there is not enough information about the symmetry or asymmetry nature of the process underlying distribution. Hence, in this paper, a new nonparametric Phase II Shewhart‐type double‐sampling (DS) monitoring scheme based on the precedence statistic is proposed in order to efficiently monitor quality processes when the underlying process distribution departs from normality. The performance is investigated using the average run length (ARL), standard deviation of the run length (SDRL), expected ARL (EARL) and expected average number of observations to signal (EANOS), and the average sample sizes (ASS) metrics. The latter metrics are computed using Monte Carlo simulation and exact formulae. In general, it is shown that the new DS precedence scheme outperforms the existing basic Shewhart precedence scheme with and without supplementary runs rules in many situations. A real‐life illustrative example based on a filling process of milk bottles is provided to demonstrate the application and implementation of the new DS precedence monitoring scheme.
Study of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization of phthalates in air by ion mobility spectrometry/mass spectrometry
Authors: Moravský Ladislav , Michalczuk Bartosz , Fateh Borkhari Arian , Papp Peter , Sysoev Alexey A. , Matejčík Štefan
Published: June 2021

Rationale

Phthalates are widely used in consumer products in the chemical industries. Due to their abundance in the milieu, their potentially harmful effect on the environment, human and animal health there is a need for sensitive and fast methods for their detection.

Methods

Positive polarity Corona Discharge Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (CD‐APCI) in the air was applied for ionization of phthalates. The ionization method for the phthalates was studied by atmospheric pressure Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) and hybrid IMS/orthogonal acceleration Time‐of‐Flight Mass spectrometry (IMS‐oaTOF‐MS).

Results

CD‐APCI IMS and MS spectra of selected phthalates (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diethyl isophthalate, diethyl terephthalate, dipropyl phthalate, diisopropyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, and dibutyl terephthalate) were recorded. In the case of the ortho‐ and “iso”‐isomers exclusively the protonated molecular ions [M + H]+ were detected. In the case of the para‐ and meta‐isomers and regioisomers, APCI resulted in the appearance of hydrated protonated molecular ions [M + H]+·(H2O)0,1,2. The ion mobilities, collision cross‐sections of these ions in air, as well as the limits of detection (LODs) for the phthalate vapors, were determined. In the case of isomeric phthalates, we have demonstrated the potential of the IMS technique for their separation.

Conclusions

The results show that CD‐APCI in combination with IMS and IMS‐oaTOF‐MS is a suitable method for the fast and sensitive detection of phthalates with the potential to separate some isomers.
Voicing Derbarl Yerrigan as a feminist anti‐colonial methodology
Authors: Wintoneak Vanessa , Blaise Mindy
Published: June 2021

The paper voices Derbarl Yerrigan, a significant river in Western Australia, through three imperfect, non‐innocent, and necessary river‐child stories. These stories highlight the emergence of a feminist anti‐colonial methodology that is attentive to settler response‐abilities to Derbarl Yerrigan through situated, relational, active, and generative research methods. Voicing Derbarl Yerrigan influences the methodological practices used as part of an ongoing river‐child walking inquiry that is concerned with generating climate change pedagogies in response to the global climate crises and calls for new ways of thinking and producing knowledge. In particular, the authors found that voicing as a methodology includes listening and being responsive to Derbarl Yerrigan's invitations, paying attention to pastspresentsfutures, and forming attachments through naming. By telling lively settler river‐child stories, this paper shows how voicing Derbarl Yerrigan is vital to open new possibilities for education and has implications for settler‐colonial contexts, where the focus on learning shifts from learning about the world to learning to become with multispecies river worlds.
Using machine learning to revisit the diversification–performance relationship
Authors: Choi Jaeho , Menon Anoop , Tabakovic Haris
Published: June 2021

Research Summary

In this article, we examine the relationship between corporate diversification and firm performance using a machine learning technique called natural language processing (NLP). By applying a widely used NLP technique called topic modeling to unstructured text from annual reports, we create a new, multidimensional measure that captures the degree of diversification of both multisegment and single‐segment firms. Additionally, we introduce a novel method to incorporate human judgments into the interpretation of machine‐learned patterns, which allows us to measure diversification across multiple dimensions, such as products and geographies. Finally, we illustrate how these new measures can generate novel insights into the relationship between the degree and type of diversification and firm performance, furthering our understanding of the diversification–performance relationship.

Managerial Summary

At some point, most firms face dilemmas about whether to diversify their business activities across industries or geographic markets—an important decision that invariably affects firm performance. Albeit very important, the direction of a relationship between diversification and firm performance is not always clear. Inconsistent results of previous studies are partially driven by inherent difficulties in reliably measuring diversification. This study introduces a novel methodology to address that problem: a machine learning‐based technique to quantify diversification from unstructured corporate annual report texts. An analysis of firm performance based on these novel diversification measures suggests that diversification, in contrast to earlier studies that find a diversification discount, is associated with higher firm value—a premium particularly pronounced for firms diversifying within a single industry.
Biomass‐Derived Carbon Materials: Controllable Preparation and Versatile Applications
Authors: Wang Yiliang , Zhang Mingchao , Shen Xinyi , Wang Huimin , Wang Haomin , Xia Kailun , Yin Zhe , Zhang Yingying
Published: June 2021

Biomass‐derived carbon materials (BCMs) are encountering the most flourishing moment because of their versatile properties and wide potential applications. Numerous BCMs, including 0D carbon spheres and dots, 1D carbon fibers and tubes, 2D carbon sheets, 3D carbon aerogel, and hierarchical carbon materials have been prepared. At the same time, their structure–property relationship and applications have been widely studied. This paper aims to present a review on the recent advances in the controllable preparation and potential applications of BCMs, providing a reference for future work. First, the chemical compositions of typical biomass and their thermal degradation mechanisms are presented. Then, the typical preparation methods of BCMs are summarized and the relevant structural management rules are discussed. Besides, the strategies for improving the structural diversity of BCMs are also presented and discussed. Furthermore, the applications of BCMs in energy, sensing, environment, and other areas are reviewed. Finally, the remaining challenges and opportunities in the field of BCMs are discussed.
Tailoring Pore Structures of 3D Printed Cellular High‐Loading Cathodes for Advanced Rechargeable Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Hui , Tian Xiaocong , Wang Teng , Tang Kang , Liu Zixian , Hou Shuen , Jin Hongyun , Cao Guozhong
Published: June 2021

Developing high‐loading cathodes with superior electrochemical performance is desirable but challenging in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) for commercialization. Advanced 3D printing of cellular and hierarchical porous cathodes with high mass loading for superior ZIBs is explored here. To obtain a high‐performance 3D printable ink, a composite material of iron vanadate and reduced holey graphene oxide is synthesized as the ink component. A cellular cathode with hierarchical porous architecture for aqueous ZIBs is then designed and fabricated by 3D printing for the first time. The unique structures of 3D printed composite cathode provide interpenetrating transmission paths as well as channels for electrons and ions. 3D printed cathodes with high mass loading over 10 mg cm−2 exhibit a high specific capacity of 344.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and deliver outstanding cycling stability over 650 cycles at 2 A g−1. In addition, the printing strategy enables the ease increase in mass loading up to 24.4 mg cm−2, where a remarkably high areal capacity of 7.04 mAh cm−2 is reached. The superior electrochemical performance paves the new way to design the state‐of‐the‐art cathodes for ZIBs.
Metal Phenolic Network‐Integrated Multistage Nanosystem for Enhanced Drug Delivery to Solid Tumors
Authors: Gao Yuhao , Yang Si‐Cong , Zhu Mao‐Hua , Zhu Xin‐Di , Luan Xin , Liu Xue‐Liang , Lai Xing , Yuan Yihang , Lu Qin , Sun Peng , Lovell Jonathan F. , Chen Hong‐Zhuan , Fang Chao
Published: June 2021

Metal‐phenolic networks (MPNs) are an emerging class of supramolecular surface modifiers with potential use in various fields including drug delivery. Here, the development of a unique MPN‐integrated core‐satellite nanosystem (CS‐NS) is reported. The “core” component of CS‐NS comprises a liposome loaded with EDTA (a metal ion chelator) in the aqueous core and DiR (a near‐infrared photothermal transducer) in the bilayer. The “satellite” component comprises mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) encapsulating doxorubicin and is coated with a Cu2+‐tannic acid MPN. Liposomes and MSNs self‐assemble into the CS‐NS through adhesion mediated by the MPN. When irradiated with an 808 nm laser, CS‐NS liberated the entrapped EDTA, leading to Cu2+ chelation and subsequent disassembly of the core‐satellite nanostructure. Photo‐conversion from the large assembly to the small constituent particles proceeded within 5 min. Light‐triggered CS‐NS disassembly enhanced the carrier and cargo penetration and accumulation in tumor spheroids in vitro and in orthotopic murine mammary tumors in vivo. CS‐NS is long circulating in the blood and conferred improved survival outcomes to tumor‐bearing mice treated with light, compared to controls. These results demonstrate an MPN‐integrated multistage nanosystem for improved solid tumor treatment.
Point Defect Engineering: Co‐Doping Synergy Realizing Superior Performance in n‐Type Bi2Te3 Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Zhu Bin , Wang Wu , Cui Juan , He Jiaqing
Published: June 2021

Bi2Te3 has attracted great attention because of its excellent thermoelectric (TE) performance around room temperature. However, the TE property of the n‐type Bi2Te3 is still relatively low compared to the p‐type counterpart, which seriously hinders its commercial application with a combination of the n‐type and p‐type materials. Herein, an effective process of Cl and W co‐doping is employed into the n‐type Bi2Te3 materials to enhance its TE properties. The Bi1.996W0.004Te2.476Cl0.024Se0.5 sample achieves a peak and average ZT over 1.3 and 1.2, respectively, at temperature range of 300–575 K. A 24‐leg TE module of this n‐type material and a home‐made p‐type Bi2Te3 sample can produce a high efficiency over 6% at a temperature gradient of 235 K, which possesses a 71% improvement compared with a commercial Bi2Te3 module. This high performance is ascribed to the effect of the Cl and W doping. This co‐doping not only significantly increases the Grüneisen parameter but also successfully induces interstitial atoms in the van der Waals gap, which lead to a low lattice thermal conductivity (κl) of 0.31W m−1 K−1 and a boosted charge transport. This finding represents an important step to promote the development of the n‐type Bi2Te3 materials.
Aufbereitete Strukturspannungen für Wanddickensprung und Ringsteifenanschluss bei Rohrkonstruktionen
Authors: Unterweger Harald , Ecker Alexander
Published: June 2021

Für Rohrkonstruktionen im Stahlwasserbau und im Mastbau sind häufig Ermüdungsnachweise erforderlich. Für die sehr häufigen Konstruktionsdetails, i) Wanddickensprung an der Umfangsnaht mit variabler Fasenneigung und ii) Ringsteifenanschluss (außen liegend) bzw. Rohrflanschanschluss, werden nachfolgend aufbereitete Strukturspannungen zur Verfügung gestellt sowie die zutreffende Vorgehensweise beim Ermüdungsnachweis erläutert. Die aufbereiteten Strukturspannungen können auch für elastische Spannungsnachweise im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit dienen. Der Hintergrund zu den dargestellten Nomogrammen, die sowohl die Längskraftbeanspruchung Δnx als auch die Umfangsbeanspruchung Δσφ infolge Innendruckänderungen Δpi abdecken, wird erläutert. Zwei Anwendungsbeispiele verdeutlichen die Vorgehensweise mit den Nomogrammen in der Praxis und belegen die Treffsicherheit gegenüber den angeführten numerischen FE‐Berechnungen.
Redox and pH‐Responsive NCC/L‐Cysteine/CM‐β‐CD/FA Contains Disulfide Bond‐Bridged as Nanocarriers for Biosafety and Anti‐Tumor Efficacy System
Authors: Ehsanimehr Sedigheh , Moghadam Peyman Najafi , Dehaen Wim , Shafiei‐Irannejad Vahid
Published: June 2021

In the present research, a new nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery to tumor cells based on nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was synthesized. For this purpose, firstly, the NCC was prepared from microcrystalline cellulose by acidic hydrolysis and then it was modified by aminopropyl trimethoxy silane (APTMS) as a linker. The L‐cysteine was oxidized to form a disulfide bond and conjugated to modify NCC. Afterwards, the disulfide NCC was reacted with carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (CM‐β‐CD) and finally, folic acid (FA) as a targeting agent was embedded into the CD cavity via host‐guest interactions for the synthesis of the NCC targeted nanocarrier. Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into nanocarrier spheres and the total release of the NCC targeted nanocarrier is about 71% at pH = 5, and about 48% at pH = 7.4 in 45 hours at 37 °C. In the presence of 10 mM DTT, most of the disulfide bonds are broken and the complex nanocarrier is destroyed, thus drug release increases and reaches 83%. The effect of the drugloaded nanocarrier was investigated on breast cancer cells (MCF7 cells). Characterization was performed using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and Ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry (UV‐Vis) analyses.
Cross‐sectional behaviour and design of ferritic and duplex stainless steel EHS in compression
Authors: Mohammed Asif , Cashell Katherine A.
Published: June 2021

This paper describes an investigation into the cross‐sectional behaviour of elliptical hollow section (EHS) columns made from ferritic and duplex stainless steel. The EHS is a relatively new structural shape with a number of favourable attributes including aesthetic appeal, high strength‐to‐weight ratio, good torsional resistance and excellent flexural strength. In recent years there have been significant developments in the analysis and understanding of these shapes, although most studies have focused on carbon steel EHS. The work so far is taken a step further here by considering some of the newer grades of stainless steel that are used in structural applications. A numerical model is developed and validated against test data from the literature and is then employed to generate structural performance data. Subsequently, parametric studies are performed to investigate the influence of individual parameters such as the material properties, aspect ratio and local slenderness of cross‐sectional elements. The accuracy of existing design procedures is assessed by comparing the numerical data with the resistances obtained using Eurocode 3. It is shown that the cross‐sectional slenderness limits given in Eurocode 3 for EHS members made from carbon steel can also be safely used for sections made from ferritic and duplex stainless steel.
An Innovative (DIW-Based) Additive Manufacturing Process
Authors: Poudelet Louison , Castellví Anna , Calvo Laura
Published: June 2021

This chapter will describe the activity of Fenix project that consisted in developing the hardware, infrastructure and processes to make possible the re-use of the recycled metals through an Additive Manufacturing (AM) method called Direct Ink Writing (DIW). It will first explain what is DIW and why it is an interesting way to give added value to recycled materials specially metals. It will then focus on the working principles and the parts of a DIW machine and end with a conclusion of the adequacy of this technology to new circular business models for the recycling of Waste of Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
User Participation and Social Integration Through ICT Technologies
Authors: Spiliotis Aristotelis
Published: June 2021

User is one of the most important stakeholder cluster and its participation can link the end of life and early stages in the life cycle of each product when considering the adoption of a circular business model. This chapter presents the main elements of the customer engagement, as identified through a State-of-the-Art analysis carried out in the context of FENIX, as well as those electronic tools in which they will be integrated together with conventional tools for the conduction of commercial activities and the tools to facilitate the interaction with the other actors and activities of FENIX within a single access point digital platform (FENIX Marketplace). The SoA analysis identified the motivational factors that promote a greater customer engagement for the participation throughout all business routes (B2B, B2C but also C2C) applicable in the project. These strategies are improved and enhanced using benefits provided by the social media for the participation in the process. The customer involvement is directly linked to the motives provided within FENIX Marketplace.
Einleitende Überlegungen zu einer Politischen Bildung für die digitale Öffentlichkeit
Authors: Hubacher Manuel S. , Waldis Monika
Published: June 2021

Das Ziel, die Lernenden zu befähigen, als selbstbestimmte und -ermächtigte Bürger*innen am Politischen teilzuhaben, verlangt in einer Mediengesellschaft unter anderem danach, jene Systeme verstehen, kritisieren und gestalten zu können, die politische Information kreieren und verbreiten. Um der Komplexität und den Interdependenzen dieser Systeme gerecht zu werden, ist auf verschiedenste Fachbereiche und deren Zugänge zurückzugreifen. Diese bilden die Grundlage, um Lernende zu befähigen, sich selbstbestimmt und emanzipiert mit den gesellschaftspolitischen Fragen des 21. Jahrhunderts auseinanderzusetzen. Basierend auf den Beiträgen dieses Sammelbandes skizzieren wir grundlegende Aspekte einer Politischen Bildung für die digitale Öffentlichkeit.
Medienkompetenz als Schlüssel für Demokratiekompetenz
Authors: Schröder Michael
Published: June 2021

Der folgende Beitrag fordert eine digitale Souveränität, d. h. die Befähigung zur Kultivierung der digitalen Welten. Dafür müssen Medienbildung, Politische Bildung, Soziales Lernen und Werteerziehung zusammenfließen zu einer digitalen Demokratiekompetenz. Die ist nötig in einer umfassend und tief greifend mediatisierten und digitalisierten Gesellschaft. Sie fördern heißt, ethisch-kulturelles und politisches Wissen, Reflexionsvermögen sowie Motivation und Wille zum sozialen und politischen Handeln in der digitalisierten Welt zu vermitteln.
When freeze-out occurs due to a non-Boltzmann suppression: a study of degenerate dark sector
Authors: Biswas Anirban , Ganguly Sougata , Roy Sourov
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Exponential suppression or commonly known as the Boltzmann suppression in the number density of dark matter is the key ingredient for creating chemical imbalance prior to the usual thermal freeze-out. A degenerate/quasi-degenerate dark sector can experience a different exponential suppression in the number density analogous to the radioactive decay law leading to a delayed freeze-out mechanism of dark matter known as the co-decaying dark matter. In this work, we study the dynamics of a multicomponent dark matter from thermally decoupled degenerate dark sector in a hidden U(1)X extension of the Standard Model. We compute the relic density of dark matter frozen-out through the co-decaying mechanism by solving four coupled Boltzmann equations. We demonstrate how temperature T′ of the dark sector changes due to all types of 3 → 2 and 2 → 2 interactions along with the eternal expansion of the Universe. We find that 3 → 2 interactions enhance T′ by producing energetic particles in the dark sector while the excess heat is transferred by 2 → 2 interactions to the entire dark sector. As the direct detection is possible only through the feeble portal couplings, we investigate the neutrino and γ-ray signals from dark matter annihilation via one step cascade processes and compare our results with the measured fluxes of atmospheric neutrinos by Super-Kamiokande and diffuse γ-rays by Fermi-LAT, EGRET, INTEGRAL collaborations. We find that the present scenario easily evades all the existing bounds from atmospheric neutrino and diffuse γ-ray observations for degenerate dark sector. However, the constraints are significant for quasi degenerate scenario.