bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of operating a millimeter‐scale graphite calorimeter for absolute dosimetry of small‐field photon beams in the clinic
Authors: Côté Benjamin , Keszti Federico , Bancheri Julien , Sarfehnia Arman , Seuntjens Jan , Renaud James
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To characterize and build a cylindrically layered graphite calorimeter the size of a thimble ionization chamber for absolute dosimetry of small fields. This detector has been designed in a familiar probe format to facilitate integration into the clinical workflow. The feasibility of operating this absorbed dose calorimeter in quasi‐adiabatic mode is assessed for high‐energy accelerator‐based photon beams.

Methods

This detector, herein referred to as Aerrow MK7, is a miniaturized version of a previously validated aerogel‐insulated graphite calorimeter known as Aerrow. The new model was designed and developed using numerical methods. Medium conversion factors from graphite to water, small‐field output correction factors, and layer perturbation factors for this dosimeter were calculated using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code system. A range of commercially available aerogel densities were studied for the insulating layers, and an optimal density was selected by minimizing the small‐field output correction factors. Heat exchange within the detector was simulated using a five‐body compartmental heat transfer model.

In quasi‐adiabatic mode, the sensitive volume (a 3 mm diameter cylindrical graphite core) experiences a temperature rise during irradiation on the order of 1.3 mK·Gy−1. The absorbed dose is obtained by calculating the product of this temperature rise with the specific heat capacity of the graphite. The detector was irradiated with 6 MV ( = 63.5%) and 10 MV ( = 71.1%) flattening filter‐free (FFF) photon beams for two field sizes, characterized by dimensions of 2.16 and 11.0 cm. The dose readings were compared against a calibrated Exradin A1SL ionization chamber. All dose values are reported at in water.

Results

The field output correction factors for this dosimeter design were computed for field sizes ranging from  = 0.54 to 11.0 cm. For all aerogel densities studied, these correction factors did not exceed 1.5%. The relative dose difference between the two dosimeters ranged between 0.3% and 0.7% for all beams and field sizes. The smallest field size experimentally investigated,  = 2.16 cm, which was irradiated with the 10 MV FFF beam, produced readings of 84.4 cGy (±1.3%) in the calorimeter and 84.5 cGy (±1.3%) in the ionization chamber.

Conclusion

The median relative difference in absorbed dose values between a calibrated A1SL ionization chamber and the proposed novel graphite calorimeter was 0.6%. This preliminary experimental validation demonstrates that Aerrow MK7 is capable of accurate and reproducible absorbed dose measurements in quasi‐adiabatic mode.
Nonlinear dimensionality reduction for parametric problems: A kernel proper orthogonal decomposition
Authors: Díez Pedro , Muixí Alba , Zlotnik Sergio , García‐González Alberto
Published: September 2021

Reduced‐order models are essential tools to deal with parametric problems in the context of optimization, uncertainty quantification, or control and inverse problems. The set of parametric solutions lies in a low‐dimensional manifold (with dimension equal to the number of independent parameters) embedded in a large‐dimensional space (dimension equal to the number of degrees of freedom of the full‐order discrete model). A posteriori model reduction is based on constructing a basis from a family of snapshots (solutions of the full‐order model computed offline), and then use this new basis to solve the subsequent instances online. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) reduces the problem into a linear subspace of lower dimension, eliminating redundancies in the family of snapshots. The strategy proposed here is to use a nonlinear dimensionality reduction technique, namely, the kernel principal component analysis (kPCA), in order to find a nonlinear manifold, with an expected much lower dimension, and to solve the problem in this low‐dimensional manifold. Guided by this paradigm, the methodology devised here introduces different novel ideas, namely, 1) characterizing the nonlinear manifold using local tangent spaces, where the reduced‐order problem is linear and based on the neighboring snapshots, 2) the approximation space is enriched with the cross‐products of the snapshots, introducing a quadratic description, 3) the kernel for kPCA is defined ad hoc, based on physical considerations, and 4) the iterations in the reduced‐dimensional space are performed using an algorithm based on a Delaunay tessellation of the cloud of snapshots in the reduced space. The resulting computational strategy is performing outstandingly in the numerical tests, alleviating many of the problems associated with POD and improving the numerical accuracy.
A local dynamic extreme learning machine based iterative learning control of nonlinear batch process
Authors: Zhou Chengyu , Jia Li
Published: September 2021

This article deals with the optimal control issue of nonlinear batch process. First, in order to derive high efficiency and accuracy process model, a novel hierarchical searching mechanism local dynamic nonlinear model is constructed which is composed of just‐in‐time learning and extreme learning machine (JITL‐ELM). Then, based on the local dynamic JITL‐ELM model, an optimal quadratic‐criterion‐based iterative learning control (Q‐ILC) algorithm is presented, where the control input trajectory can be obtained by solving a quadratic programming problem. Moreover, on the basis of inverse model system, the initial batch control input trajectory of the Q‐ILC algorithm can be obtained by the use of JITL method. As a result, not only the issue of model‐plant mismatch and real‐time disturbance can be solved, but also obtain faster system convergence rate and smaller tracking error. Besides, the convergence properties of control input and tracking error are analyzed. Finally, a typical batch process is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and superiority.
Construction of crosslinking network structures by addingZnOandADRin intumescent flame retardantPLAcomposites
Authors: Chen Yajun , Wu Xingde , Li Mengqi , Qian Lijun , Zhou Hongfu
Published: September 2021

Different proportion of nano zinc oxide (nano ZnO) and chain extender (ADR) were combined with the intumescent flame retardant and then added into the PLA matrix. The thermal stability, flame retardant performance, and mechanical properties were studied. The gel content results showed that crosslinking structures were obtained after the addition of nano ZnO and ADR, which were generated by the catalytic chain scission effect of nano ZnO and chain extension effect of ADR. With addition of 1% nano ZnO and 1.6% ADR, the gel content of flame retardant PLA composite reached the highest value (14.2%). Meanwhile, the corresponding flame retardant PLA composite with 1% nano ZnO and 1.6% ADR, named FRPLA/ZnO/ADR‐1, exhibited an overall improved properties including the flame retardant properties and mechanical performance, which passed the UL94 V‐0 level with a limiting oxygen index value of 40.1%. Compared to FRPLA (flame retardant PLA without ZnO and ADR), the peak heat release rate and the total smoke production of FRPLA/ZnO/ADR‐1were reduced by 60% and 67% respectively, and the final mass improved from 12% to 38%. In addition, the tensile strength and elongation at break of FRPLA/ZnO/ADR‐1 increased by 25%, 14% compared with that of FRPLA. The impact strength was 15.1 kJ/m2, which is similar to the pure PLA (15.6 kJ/m2). It indicated that the addition of nano ZnO and ADR could balance the flame retardant performance and the mechanical properties of the flame retardant PLA.
KMT2A‐MAML2 rearrangement emerged and regressed during neuroblastoma therapy without leukemia after 12.8‐year follow‐up
Authors: Felix Carolyn A. , Slater Diana J. , Davenport James W. , Yu Xiang , Gregory Brian D. , Li Marilyn M. , Rappaport Eric F. , Cheung Nai‐Kong V.
Published: September 2021

Twelvepatients without therapy‐related leukemia were studied after completing TOP2 poison chemotherapy in a high‐risk neuroblastoma regimen. One patient harbored an inv(11) that was a KMT2A rearrangement. The KMT2A‐MAML2 transcript was expressed at low level. The patient was prospectively followed. The inv(11) was undetectable in ensuing samples. Leukemia never developed after a 12.8‐year follow‐up period. Enriched etoposide‐induced TOP2A cleavage in the relevant MAML2 genomic region supports a TOP2A DNA damage mechanism. After completing TOP2 poison chemotherapies, covert KMT2A‐R clones may occur in a small minority of patients; however, not all KMT2A rearrangements herald a therapy‐related leukemia diagnosis.
Analysis and modeling of the Z‐pin insertion in prepreg based on contact mechanism
Authors: Cheng Liang , Ji Guobiao , Fei Shaohua , Li Jiangxiong , Ke Yinglin
Published: September 2021

Z‐pinning is increasingly applied to improve the fracture toughness in fiber‐reinforced laminated composites. Force modeling during Z‐pin insertion into prepreg is crucial for the manufacturing technology of Z‐pinned laminates. In this paper, the effect of lay‐up sequence on the Z‐pin insertion force is investigated. Experimental testing reveals that the change of ply structure can result in two main force‐displacement relationships in the compression phase, namely linear growth and nonlinear growth. Through analyzing the contact mechanism, the force‐displacement relationship depends highly on the contact area between Z‐pin and prepreg, which is validated by insertion experiments with different conical tipped Z‐pins. Two models based on different contact modes of Z‐pin insertion are proposed: the analytical model for the unidirectional prepreg and the finite element model for the cross‐ply prepreg. The advantage of this approach is its ability to capture the contact behavior during the insertion process, thus predicting the insertion force more accurately. The analysis results are in good agreement with experiments.
Modeling flow and cell formation in foam sheet extrusion of polystyrene with CO2 and co‐blowing agents. Part I: Material model
Authors: Breuer Robert , Hendriks Sven , Reinhardt Nicolas , Facklam Martin , Hopmann Christian
Published: September 2021

In foam extrusion, process parameters, material properties, and the blowing agent have an influence on the resulting foam properties. For safety and environmental reasons, carbon dioxide (CO2) has gained importance as a physical blowing agent for the production of low‐density polystyrene foam sheets. The sole use of CO2 often leads to corrugation, open cell structures, or surface defects on the foam sheet. As an alternative, blowing agent mixtures based on CO2 and organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, or ethyl acetate can be used, changing solubility and flow behavior of the gas‐loaded melt. Modeling of the foaming process in the extrusion die could help to reduce experimental effort and accelerate the development of novel blowing agent mixtures. A model approach to describe the melt behavior of polystyrene loaded with various blowing agent mixtures in the extrusion die is developed. Part I of the article describes the modeling of material properties, that is, rheological behavior by a Carreau‐WLF approach with shift factors for temperature, pressure, and blowing agent effects on the glass transition temperature. Solubility behavior is modeled by a combined Henry solubility coefficient approach, showing good agreement with experimental data. Based on the material model, a process model is developed in Part II of this work.
Microscopic insight into the impact of the KF post‐deposition treatment on optoelectronic properties of (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Krause Maximilian , Márquez José A. , Levcenco Sergej , Unold Thomas , Donzel‐Gargand Olivier , Edoff Marika , Abou‐Ras Daniel
Published: September 2021

It is attractive to alloy Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar‐cell absorbers with Ag (ACIGSe), since they lead to similar device performances as the Ag‐free absorber layers, while they can be synthesized at much lower deposition temperatures. However, a KF post‐deposition treatment (PDT) of the ACIGSe absorber surface is necessary to achieve higher open‐circuit voltages (Voc). The present work provides microscopic insights to the effects of this KF PDT, employing correlative scanning‐electron microscope techniques on identical positions of cross‐sectional specimens of the cell stacks. We found that the increase in Voc after the KF PDT can be explained by the removal of Cu‐poor, Ag‐poor, and Ga‐rich regions near the ACIGSe/CdS interface. The KF PDT leads, when optimally doped, to a very thin K‐Ag‐Cu‐Ga‐In‐Se layer between ACIGSe and CdS. If the KF dose is too large, we find that Cu‐poor and K‐rich regions form near the ACIGSe/CdS interface with enhanced nonradiative recombination which explains a decrease in the Voc. This effect occurs in addition to the presence of a (K,Ag,Cu)InSe2 intermediate layer, that might be responsible for limiting the short‐current density of the solar cells due to a current blocking behavior.
Correlating conductivity and Seebeck coefficient to doping within crystalline and amorphous domains in poly(3‐(methoxyethoxyethoxy)thiophene)
Authors: Ma Tengzhou , Dong Ban Xuan , Onorato Jonathan W. , Niklas Jens , Poluektov Oleg , Luscombe Christine K. , Patel Shrayesh N.
Published: September 2021

Molecular doping of conjugated polymers (CPs) plays a vital role in optimizing organic electronic and energy applications. For the case of organic thermoelectrics, it is commonly believed that doping CPs with a strong dopant could result in higher conductivity (σ) and thus better power factor (PF). Herein, by investigating thermoelectric performance of a polar side‐chain bearing CP, poly(3‐(methoxyethoxyethoxy)thiophene) (P3MEET), vapor doped with fluorinated‐derivative of tetracyanoquinodimethane FnTCNQ (n = 1, 2, 4), we show that using strong dopants can in fact have detrimental effects on the thermoelectric performance of CPs. Despite possessing higher electron affinity, doping P3MEET with F4TCNQ only results in a σ (27.0 S/cm) comparable to samples doped with other two weaker dopants F2TCNQ and F1TCNQ (26.4 and 20.1 S/cm). Interestingly, F4TCNQ‐doped samples display a marked reduction in the Seebeck coefficient (α) compared to F1TCNQ‐ and F2TCNQ‐doped samples from 42 to 13 μV/K, leading to an undesirable suppression of the PF. Structural characterizations coupled with Kang‐Snyder modeling of the α–σ relation show that the reduction of α in F4TCNQ‐doped P3MEET samples originates from the generation of low mobility carrier within P3MEET's amorphous domain. Our results demonstrate that factors such as dopant distribution and doping efficiency within the crystalline and amorphous domains of CPs should play a crucial role in advancing rational design for organic thermoelectrics.
Effects of a partnership‐based, needs‐tailored self‐management support intervention for post‐treatment breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Soo Hyun , Choe Yu Hyeon , Cho Young Up , Park Seho , Lee Moon Hee
Published: September 2021

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of partnErship‐based, needs‐tailored self‐Management support Program fOr Women with breast cancER (EMPOWER), a partnership‐based, needs‐tailored, self‐management (SM) support intervention designed to empower post‐treatment breast cancer survivors (BCSs) and ultimately improve their health outcomes.

Methods

This multi‐center, two‐armed, randomized controlled trial comprised 94 female BCSs who had completed primary cancer treatment in South Korea. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention group or the wait‐list control group. The intervention group received a 7‐week EMPOWER intervention via telephone counseling. The primary outcome was empowerment. Secondary outcomes included self‐efficacy for post‐treatment SM behaviors, mental adjustment, anxiety, depression, and health‐related quality of life. Data were collected via a self‐reported questionnaire at baseline (T0) and at 8 (T1) and 20 weeks (T2) of follow‐up. Linear mixed models were used to assess group differences over time. Effective sizes were calculated using Cohen's d.

Results

Retention rates were excellent (95.7% at T1; 94.7% at T2). Linear mixed model analyses revealed that the EMPOWER group showed significantly improved empowerment (mean difference 2.24, 95% CI = 0.18 to 4.29; p = 0.016) and general health perception (mean difference 3.68, 95% CI = 0.67 to 6.72; p = 0.037) compared with the control group. Time point analysis showed that several secondary outcomes significantly improved at T1, but the effects were not sustained.

Conclusion

EMPOWER was effective in improving empowerment and general health perception among post‐treatment BCS. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of the EMPOWER intervention in other cancer populations.
Numerical study on interactions of atmospheric plasmas and vegetable oils by reactive molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Tian Shu‐Qi , Wang Xiao‐Long , Zhang Yuan‐Tao
Published: September 2021

Plasma medicine is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary field. Recently, experimental observations have shown that plasma‐activated oil (PAO) with high reactive activity can effectively promote wound healing. In this study, a reactive molecular dynamic (MD) simulation is performed to investigate the interactions of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as O, OH, and O3 produced in atmospheric plasmas, and fatty acids in vegetable oils with the ReaxFF field. The reaction processes of the chemical bond breaking and formation of fatty acids upon impact by the ROS are deeply explored. The simulation shows that the reactions typically start with the H abstraction from fatty acids, then often resulting in the formation of double C═C bonds or conjugated double bonds. The insertion of functional groups, such as aldehyde and alcohol groups, and the detachment of the carboxyl group are also observed from the simulation. Based on the computational data the final products in PAO upon impact of ROS are given. Moreover, the dose effects of ROS on the oxidation processes are explored by changing the number of ROS in the simulation box. Usually, by increasing the number of ROS in the simulation, more reactive groups are generated in PAO, which are consistent with the experimental observation. This study unveils the formation and breaking of chemical bonds and the production of new reactive groups, which enables us to deeply understand the mechanisms of plasma pharmacy and plasma medicine.
How regulatory issues surrounding new breeding technologies can impact smallholder farmer breeding: A case study from the Philippines
Authors: De Jonge Bram , Salazar Rene , Visser Bert
Published: September 2021

Societal Impact Statement

The widespread use of patents on plants and plant parts in low‐ and middle‐income countries demonstrates the increasing privatisation of crop genetic resources and potentially limits the use of these resources in farmer breeding, increasing the dependence of smallholder farmers on the private seed sector. Use of genetically modified traits in farmer breeding poses biosafety issues. Adaptation of patent legislation to the benefit of smallholder breeding and development of alternative seed sources from the public breeding sector could contain these negative impacts on farmer‐breeder efforts and ultimately on food and nutrition security.

This paper explores the potential impact of increased use of digital sequence information (DSI) through new breeding technologies (NBTs) and its associated patent and biosafety strategies and policies on smallholder agriculture and breeding in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

We performed a case study in the southern Philippines, involving multiple field visits and interviews, where smallholder farmers deliberately and successfully incorporated a genetically modified, patent‐protected trait into popular open‐pollinated varieties (OPVs) of both yellow and white maize, resulting in the wide‐spread dissemination of glyphosate‐tolerant open‐pollinated varieties (OPVs) called sige‐sige.

The particular case poses a suite of questions regarding farmer producer health, biosafety and access to plant genetic resources protected by patent rights. Considering current trends, it is predicted that the rise of NBTs such as gene editing will lead to more patents on breeding processes and on gene‐edited crop plants, including in low‐ and middle‐income countries and emerging economies. Since in many jurisdictions NBTs may be regulated as genetic engineering processes and products, biosafety regulations and related management requirements need to be considered as well.

By recognising and supporting the breeding efforts of farmers, governments can tap into the potential for creating a wider portfolio of varieties that are better adjusted to the needs of smallholder farmers. If the spread of GMOs in smallholder agriculture should be contained, alternative seed sources for farmer‐breeding from the public breeding sector will be highly needed.
Characteristics of α2,3‐sialyl N‐glycosylated PSA as a biomarker for clinically significant prostate cancer in men with elevated PSA level
Authors: Yoneyama Tohru , Yamamoto Hayato , Sutoh Yoneyama Mihoko , Tobisawa Yuki , Hatakeyama Shingo , Narita Takuma , Kodama Hirotake , Momota Masaki , Ito Hiroyuki , Narita Shintaro , Tsushima Fumiyasu , Mitsuzuka Koji , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Duivenvoorden Wilhelmina , Pinthus Jehonathan H. , Kakeda Shingo , Ito Akihiro , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Habuchi Tomonori , Ohyama Chikara
Published: September 2021

Background

The presence of glycosylated isoforms of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) in prostate cancer (PC) cells is a potential marker of their aggressiveness. We characterized the origin of α2,3‐sialylated prostate‐specific antigen (S23PSA) by tissue‐based sialylation‐related gene expression and studied the performance of S23PSA density (S23PSAD) alone and in combination with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer in men with elevated PSA.

Methods

Tissue‐based quantification of S23PSA and sialyltransferase and sialidase gene expression was evaluated in 71 radical prostatectomy specimens. The diagnostic performance of S23PSAD was studied in 1099 men retrospectively enrolled in a multicenter systematic biopsy (SBx) cohort. We correlated the S23PSAD with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) scores in 98 men prospectively enrolled in a single‐center MRI‐targeted biopsy (MRI–TBx) cohort. The primary outcome was the PC‐diagnostic performance of the S23PSAD, the secondary outcome was the avoidable biopsy rate of S23PSAD combined with DRE and total PSA (tPSA), and with or without PI‐RADS.

Results

S23PSA was significantly higher in Gleason pattern 4 and 5 compared with benign prostate tissue. In the retrospective cohort, the performance of S23PSAD for detecting PC was superior to tPSA or PSA density (PSAD) (AUC: 0.7758 vs. 0.6360 and 0.7509, respectively). In the prospective cohort, S23PSAD was superior to tPSA, PSAD, and PI‐RADS (AUC: 0.7725 vs. 0.5901, 0.7439 and 0.7305, respectively), and S23PSAD + PI‐RADS + DRE + tPSA was superior to DRE + tPSA+PI‐RADS with avoidance rate of MRI–TBx (13% vs. 1%) at 30% risk threshold.

Conclusions

The diagnostic performance of S23PSAD was superior to conventional strategies but comparable to mpMRI.
Challenges and limitations in the studies of glycoproteins: A computational chemist's perspective
Authors: Balli Oyku Irem , Uversky Vladimir N. , Durdagi Serdar , Coskuner‐Weber Orkid
Published: September 2021

Experimenters face challenges and limitations while analyzing glycoproteins due to their high flexibility, stereochemistry, anisotropic effects, and hydration phenomena. Computational studies complement experiments and have been used in characterization of the structural properties of glycoproteins. However, recent investigations revealed that computational studies face significant challenges as well. Here, we introduce and discuss some of these challenges and weaknesses in the investigations of glycoproteins. We also present requirements of future developments in computational biochemistry and computational biology areas that could be necessary for providing more accurate structural property analyses of glycoproteins using computational tools. Further theoretical strategies that need to be and can be developed are discussed herein.
Room Temperature Growth of Silica Nanowires on Top of Ultrathin Si Nanowires Synthesized with Sn‐Cu Bimetallic Seeds
Authors: Wang Weixi , Ngo Éric , Florea Ileana , Foldyna Martin , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere , Maurice Jean-Luc
Published: September 2021

Si nanowires (NWs) are grown by the vapor–liquid–solid method using Cu–Sn bimetallic catalysts in a plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) reactor. The microstructure of the NWs is analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. An amorphous SiO2 region, much larger than the native oxide, is present on top of each crystalline SiNW: in SiNWs with diameter below 10 nm, it takes the form of a silica NW of up to 50 nm in length. The new NW separates the initial catalyst particle into one that stays in contact with the SiNW and one or more that lies at the top of the new NW. The former is made of Cu and Cu3Si and contains no Sn, whereas the latter keeps amounts of both elements. The observed microstructure appears to be the result of a mechanism of Si oxidation catalyzed by Cu3Si. The deposit after SiNW growth, in the PECVD reactor, of a protecting 2 nm thick layer of hydrogenated amorphous Si, completely suppresses this mechanism. Reference for future applications based on Cu–Sn‐catalyzed quantum‐sized SiNWs is provided.
Time‐Resolved Grazing Incidence X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy for the In Situ Investigation of the Initial Stages of Sputter‐Deposited Copper Thin Films
Authors: Lützenkirchen-Hecht Dirk , Stötzel Jan , Just Justus , Müller Oliver , Bornmann Benjamin , Frahm Ronald
Published: September 2021

The sputter deposition and the growth of thin copper films on float glass substrates are in situ studied using grazing incidence, reflection mode X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy with subsecond time resolution. The experimental data are compared with model calculations, assuming the presence of crystalline, face‐centered cubic metallic Cu nanostructures. From a detailed analysis of the measured spectra, the film thickness as well as the surface roughness is determined, leading to a detailed understanding of the films growth as a function of the sputter deposition time. In particular, different stages of film growth can clearly be distinguished from the fits of the experimental data. The results suggest the formation of isolated, approximately nm‐sized copper clusters in the initial phase of the film deposition for the first few seconds, a coalescence phase with a nominal thickness of ≈1.5−2.8 nm, constant roughness of about 1.4 nm for the subsequent ≈5 s, and finally 3D growth of the Cu crystallites in the film for later stages of film growth. Further prospects of the methodology are given.
Compositional Studies of Metals with Complex Order by means of the Optical Floating‐Zone Technique
Authors: Bauer Andreas , Benka Georg , Neubauer Andreas , Regnat Alexander , Engelhardt Alexander , Resch Christoph , Wurmehl Sabine , Blum Christian G. F. , Adams Tim , Chacon Alfonso , Jungwirth Rainer , Georgii Robert , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Pedersen Björn , Meven Martin , Pfleiderer Christian
Published: September 2021

The availability of large high‐quality single crystals is an important prerequisite for many studies in solid‐state research. The optical floating‐zone technique is an elegant method to grow such crystals, offering potential to prepare samples that may be hardly accessible with other techniques. As elaborated in this report, examples include single crystals with intentional compositional gradients, deliberate off‐stoichiometry, or complex metallurgy. For the cubic chiral magnets Mn1–xFexSi and Fe1–xCoxSi, single crystals are prepared in which the composition is varied during growth from x = 0 to 0.15 and from x = 0.1 to 0.3, respectively. Such samples allow us to efficiently study the evolution of the magnetic properties as a function of composition, as demonstrated by means of neutron scattering. For the archetypical chiral magnet MnSi and the itinerant antiferromagnet CrB2, single crystals with varying initial manganese (0.99–1.04) and boron (1.95–2.1) content are grown. Measurements of the low‐temperature properties address the correlation between magnetic transition temperature and sample quality. Furthermore, single crystals of the diborides ErB2, MnB2, and VB2 are prepared. In addition to high vapor pressures, these materials suffer from peritectic formation, potential decomposition, and high melting temperature, respectively.
Rothia aeria pneumonia in an immunocompetent patient: A novel case study
Authors: Sonehara Kei , Araki Taisuke , Hanaoka Masayuki
Published: September 2021

An 80‐year‐old woman with no lung disease or autoimmune disease presented with a productive cough, lasting for 2 months. Chest computed tomography revealed a transbronchial dispersal shadow in the left upper lobe, and sputum culture showed Gram‐positive rods. The identified causative organism was Rothia aeria, and thus, she was treated with oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX). Eleven days after initiating TMP–SMX treatment, she returned with a complaint of dyspnoea. While the sputum culture revealed normal flora, the patient's condition was diagnosed as bronchitis during R. aeria pneumonia treatment; therefore, she was hospitalized. Five days after admission, her laboratory findings revealed agranulocytosis, caused by an adverse event of TMP–SMX. Her neutrophil count increased after discontinuing TMP–SMX treatment. Bronchitis was alleviated with intravenous antibiotic administration, and she was discharged on Day 8. We report a rare case of R. aeria pneumonia in an immunocompetent patient.
Defining river thermal sensitivity as a function of climate
Authors: Boyer Claudine , St‐Hilaire André , Bergeron Normand E.
Published: September 2021

Water temperature is increasingly acknowledged as a key variable for the sustainable management of lotic environments. Thermal variability in rivers dictates in large part the ecosystem functions of these water bodies. River thermal sensitivity (TS), defined in this work as the value of the regression slope between water and air temperature (Tair) measurements, is often used to determine how river temperature regime is expected to vary as climate evolves. This study proposes a method to contextualize climate conditions during the river temperature‐monitoring period in order to define a common basis to compare TS values calculated for different stations distributed across various climatic regions in the province of Québec (Canada). Nine climate classes were defined based on Tair and precipitation. Annual climate conditions were classified according to their anomalies compared to a reference period (1981–2010). For the reference climate class (“Normal–Normal” conditions), results indicate contrasted summer TS values between Québec rivers and within rivers. Furthermore, observed summer TS variations between climate classes underline the need to account for climate conditions when studying spatial variations in river thermal sensitivity. Climate contextualization also allows us to study the potential role of previous conditions. Rivers were grouped according to their drainage basins characteristics to examine spatial variability in TS for the chosen reference climate conditions. River slope, station elevation and geographic location partly explained TS spatial variability. Useful proxies are needed to describe the relative contribution of groundwater to river temperature and to potentially improve the group classification results.
Effects of porous activated carbon on TiO2 photo‐activity for high concentration 2,4‐DCP degradation as environmental remediation
Authors: Kholikov Bobur , Hayat Salman , Ali Aziz , Hussain Jamil , Zeng Hongjuan
Published: September 2021

To efficiently address environmental pollution, we synthesized AC‐coupled TiO2 nano‐photo‐catalysts and applied it to the degradation of high concentration 2,4‐dichlorophenols (2,4‐DCP). Herein, we have successfully coupled activated carbon (AC) to TiO2 by a sol gel method. The as‐prepared optimized‐amount TO/10AC nano‐composites delivered unprecedented photo‐catalytic activity as compared to the pristine TO nano‐particles and degraded 100% 2,4‐DCP in 2 h. According to the fluorescence spectrum, temperature‐programed desorption curve, and O2 electrochemical reduction curve related to the generated OH amounts, it is inferred that the photo‐catalytic activity is ascribed to the coupled AC for accepting electrons, promoting O2 adsorption and promoting reactant adsorption. More importantly, no obvious deactivation was observed even after running at least five cycles; this excellent stability makes them auspicious photo‐catalyst for the degradation of high concentration pollutants in practical applications. Besides, the scavenger experiments confirmed that super oxide radicals were the main active species that involve during the photo‐catalytic degradation of 2,4‐DCP. This work delivers a viable approach to develop the photo‐catalysis by coupling a proper amount of AC with the TO for the remediation of high concentration environmental pollutants.
Green Synthesis of Chromene Congeners via Multi‐Component Reaction and Their Antimicrobial Studies
Authors: Vanam Rateesh , Allam Vijaykumar , Nerella Srinivas , Gavaji Brahmeshwari
Published: September 2021

A facile metal catalyst free, multi‐component synthesis was established to afford tetrazolo dihydropyranochromenes and pyranochromeno pyridinediones in high yields starting from 7‐hydroxy‐4‐methyl coumarin, aromatic aldehydes and malononitrile based on Green chemistry principles. This protocol is applied to a wide range of aldehydes and demonstrates excellent functional group tolerance. Further, the synthesized compounds were screened in vitro against a panel of clinically relevant bacteria and fungi and found that these compounds possess moderate antimicrobial efficacy. The compounds 6 d & 7 d were exhibited very impressive antimicrobial activity against four strains of bacteria and two strains of fungi. To know more about, their mechanism of action the lead compounds were virtually screened against a key microbial enzyme, tyrosyl‐tRNA (TyrRS) synthetase and found that the compounds were bound with the enzyme through various interactions and thus able to inhibit the activity of the enzyme as evidenced by their binding energies. Further, the ADMET studies of the lead compounds were showed excellent favorable Druglikeness properties when they were tested with SwissADME programme.
Carbon Nanotubes and its Potential Application in Sensing
Authors: Kaur Billing Beant
Published: September 2021

This study provides overview of the different type of nanomaterials depending upon their size, and type, however focusing more on the Carbon Nanotubes. This review highlights the different synthesis and purification techniques and also the functionalization methods of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs). In particular, molecular recognition application of Carbon Nanotubes is explored in the present study. The majority of data was collected for optical and electrochemical studies of Carbon Nanotube based platform for the detection of metal ions, anions, nitroaromatics, biomolecules and gas molecules since last two decades. This review ends with an outlook of future perspectives that could be employed in nano sensor fabrication. I believe this review will act as a road map to guide the new researchers towards the concept of nanofabrication that can be employed to develop Carbon Nanotube based platform for sensing applications.
Synthesis, Applications, and Prospects of Graphene Quantum Dots: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ghaffarkhah Ahmadreza , Hosseini Ehsan , Kamkar Milad , Sehat Ali Akbari , Dordanihaghighi Sara , Allahbakhsh Ahmad , van der Kuur Colin , Arjmand Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Graphene quantum dot (GQD) is one of the youngest superstars of the carbon family. Since its emergence in 2008, GQD has attracted a great deal of attention due to its unique optoelectrical properties. Non‐zero bandgap, the ability to accommodate functional groups and dopants, excellent dispersibility, highly tunable properties, and biocompatibility are among the most important characteristics of GQDs. To date, GQDs have displayed significant momentum in numerous fields such as energy devices, catalysis, sensing, photodynamic and photothermal therapy, drug delivery, and bioimaging. As this field is rapidly evolving, there is a strong need to identify the emerging challenges of GQDs in recent advances, mainly because some novel applications and numerous innovations on the ease of synthesis of GQDs are not systematically reviewed in earlier studies. This feature article provides a comparative and balanced discussion of recent advances in synthesis, properties, and applications of GQDs. Besides, current challenges and future prospects of these emerging carbon‐based nanomaterials are also highlighted. The outlook provided in this review points out that the future of GQD research is boundless, particularly if upcoming studies focus on the ease of purification and eco‐friendly synthesis along with improving the photoluminescence quantum yield and production yield of GQDs.
Compressive Strain in N‐Doped Palladium/Amorphous‐Cobalt (II) Interface Facilitates Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Ling , Ji Yujin , Luo Xiaoling , Geng Shize , Fang Miaomiao , Pi Yecan , Li Youyong , Huang Xiaoqing , Shao Qi
Published: September 2021

The development of palladium‐based catalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is highly desired for renewable hydrogen energy systems, yet still challenging due to the strong palladium–hydrogen bond. Herein, the bottleneck is largely overcome by constructing a nitridation‐induced compressively strained‐interface N‐doped palladium/amorphous cobalt (II) interface (N‐Pd/A‐Co(II)), which dramatically boosts HER performance in alkaline condition. The optimized catalyst with the compressive strain of 2.7% exhibits the higher activity with an overpotential of only 58 mV to achieve the current density of 10 mA cm−2, much better than those of pure Pd (327 mV), and the state‐of‐art Pt/C (78 mV). Notably, it also shows excellent stability with negligible decline during a 30 h stability test. Detailed analyses reveal that the strong absorption of Hads on Pd can be efficiently reduced via the compressively strained N‐doped Pd. And the amorphous Co(II) component accelerates the water dissociation. Consequently, the cooperative effect between the compressed N‐doped Pd and amorphous Co(II) creates the impressive HER performance in alkaline condition, highlighting the importance of the functional interface to develop efficient electrocatalysts for HER and beyond.
Evolution of Nonmetallic Inclusions in GCr15 Bearing Steels During Continuous Casting Process
Authors: Zhang Yanhui , Cheng Gong , Wang Jujin , Yang Wen
Published: September 2021

Industrial trials and thermodynamic calculation are carried out to systematically investigate the variation of steel cleanliness and inclusions during the reoxidation of molten steel, steady and unsteady continuous casting process of GCr15 bearing steels. Comparing with inclusions in molten steel, the content of Al2O3, CaO, CaS, and MgO of inclusions in the steady bloom is increased by 2.17%, −18.47%, 14.01%, and 2.27%, respectively, due to the reoxidation of molten steel will inhibit the transformation of inclusions. As the casting length in the first bloom increases from 2 to 9 m, the total oxygen (T.O) content reduced from 12.9 to 7.2 ppm and the number density of inclusions decreases from 15.65 to 10.97 # mm−2 with a gradual decrease in Al2O3 content. Based on thermodynamic consideration, in molten steel, the lower content of T.O, the lower Al2O3 content of inclusions. For solid steel, with the increase in content of T.O, mainly the Al2O3 content of inclusions gradually increases and the CaS content gradually decreases when the T.O content is between 4 and 8 ppm. However, the Al2O3 and CaO content of inclusions gradually increases, then the MgO and CaS contents gradually decreases when the T.O content is between 8 and 25 ppm.
Utilizing I‐shaped shear links as dampers to improve the behavior of concentrically braced frames
Authors: Alshimmeri Ahmad Jabbar Hussain , Ghamari Ali , El Naggar Hany
Published: September 2021

During the past few decades, concentrically braced frames (CBFs) have become a commonly used load‐resistant bearing system in steel structures, to overcome the post‐earthquake performance issues frequently associated with conventional seismic‐resisting structural systems. CBF systems have high lateral stiffness and lateral strength; however, they have low ductility and a low seismic energy dissipating capacity. Under seismic loading, the diagonal members of a CBF system are susceptible to buckling, causing hysteresis in the compression zone and severely reducing energy absorption. Although the use of steel dampers to enhance the behavior of CBF systems can prevent the buckling of CBF members and improve the hysteretic behavior of braces, their use imposes additional costs on structures. Therefore, in this paper, an I‐shaped steel damper with a shear yield mechanism is introduced which is economical, has a simple construction, and can be easily replaced after an earthquake. The proposed damper is evaluated numerically and parametrically. The results indicate that the proposed damper acts as a ductile fuse that prevents buckling of the diagonal members of a CBF system. It was found that both the web and flange plates contribute to the shear resistance, with the flange carrying approximately 15% of the shear force, as expressed in the equations presented. The overstrength obtained for the damper was found to be greater than the value of 1.5 proposed by the AISC. Equations are presented for the design of the proposed damper and the brace elements connected to the damper.
Dual‐Language Books as a Red Herring: Exposing Language Use and Ideologies
Authors: Przymus Steve Daniel , Lindo Endia J.
Published: September 2021

Dual‐language books (DLBs) are often seen as positive resources for biliteracy development, but most contain implicit messages about the status of the languages used. Through a large content analysis of 100 dual‐language children’s books (DLCBs), across 10 publishing companies, the authors developed a linguistic typology of DLBs in order to expose messages of linguistic hierarchy. In this article, educators are provided a lens for understanding the hegemony of English in DLBs, provided with exemplars of community‐based biliteracy development via holistic language use and translanguaging in DLCBs, and invited into a discussion on the vulnerability and compassion that would be required for creating more equity and effectiveness in biliteracy development.
Preferential flow under high‐intensity short‐duration irrigation events in soil columns from a karst and nonkarst landscape
Authors: Katuwal Sheela , Ashworth Amanda J. , Owens Philip R.
Published: September 2021

Preferential flow through soil macropores is a major cause of rapid transport of contaminants through soils to drainages systems. Knowledge of the extent of macropore flow in different soil systems is crucial for the effective implementation of nutrient management plans. The objective of this study was to determine the differences in preferential flow in soil columns characterized by varying contents of coarse fragments with depth and obtained from a regional, pasture‐based karst and a nonkarst landscape. Intact soil columns (40 × 100 cm; two replicates per treatment) were subjected to two Brˉ leaching experiments (BL1 and BL2) which included a pulse application of Brˉ tracer solution (3.02 and 1.15 g L−1 during BL1 and BL2, respectively), each followed by five successive irrigation events (5.67 mm min−1 for 2 min in 30‐min intervals). Each soil column rested on a stainless‐steel grid (consisting of 100 cells, each measuring 3.81 cm × 3.81 cm), which facilitated partitioning of the soil bottom and collection of drainage from each grid. Significant differences in the drainage losses of water and Brˉ through the 1‐m‐deep soil profiles were observed with karst‐derived stony soils draining approximately five times greater water and Brˉ, compared with nonkarst‐derived soil. These results suggest that soils with high fraction of coarse fragments are more susceptible to leaching losses than soils with less coarse fragments. Further studies under different flow regimes and encompassing different soil units may be beneficial in understanding the potential leaching risk in these areas and for implementing best management practices for landscape‐based nutrient management.
Determinants of Support for Funding Options for Fish and Wildlife Conservation in Wisconsin
Authors: Nkansah Kofi , Ben Beardmore  , Holsman Robert H. , Collins Alan R.
Published: September 2021

Declining sales of hunting and angling licenses create budget challenges for state fish and wildlife management agencies. Using a mail survey, we obtained Wisconsin residents’ opinions regarding funding for fish and wildlife management including options to raise licenses fees or create new funding mechanisms. We used an adjacent category, ordered logit regression model to explain respondents’ support for the funding options contrasted against budget cuts. Our model revealed that respondents’ self‐interest and demographic variables influenced support for the revenue generating options. Most importantly, respondents’ perceived benefits of public lands and high interest in fish and wildlife consistently influenced their support for increased funding options relative to requiring the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to reduce its operating costs. Rural respondents, however, opposed all options associated with raising revenues to fund conservation efforts. We suggest that gaining the support of rural hunters and anglers for any of the funding options will be imperative for the long‐term sustainability of fish and wildlife conservation funding in Wisconsin. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Vibration Response-Based Damage Detection
Authors: Limongelli Maria Pina , Manoach Emil , Quqa Said , Giordano Pier Francesco , Bhowmik Basuraj , Pakrashi Vikram , Cigada Alfredo
Published: September 2021

This chapter aimed to present different data driven Vibration-Based Methods (VBMs) for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). This family of methods, widely used for engineering applications, present several advantages for damage identification applications. First, VBMs provide continuous information on the health state of the structure at a global level without the need to access the damaged elements and to know their location. Furthermore, damage can be identified using the dynamic response of the structure measured by sensors non-necessarily located in the proximity of damage and without any prior knowledge about the damage location. By principle, VBMs can identify damage related to changes in the dynamic properties of structures, such as stiffness variations due to modifications in the connections between structural elements, or changes in geometric and material properties. A classification of different VBMs was presented in this chapter. Furthermore, several case studies were presented to demonstrate the potential of these methods.