bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toughening Wet‐Spun Silk Fibers by Silk Nanofiber Templating
Authors: Yao Ya , Allardyce Benjamin J. , Rajkhowa Rangam , Hegh Dylan , Qin Si , Usman Ken Aldren S. , Mota‐Santiago Pablo , Zhang Jizhen , Lynch Peter , Wang Xungai , Kaplan David L. , Razal Joselito M.
Published: December 2021

Regenerated silk fibers typically fall short of silkworm cocoon fibers in mechanical properties due to reduced fiber crystal structure and alignment. One approach to address this has been to employ inorganic materials as reinforcing agents. The present study avoids the need for synthetic additives, demonstrating the first use of exfoliated silk nanofibers to control silk solution crystallization, resulting in all‐silk pseudocomposite fibers with remarkable mechanical properties. Incorporating only 0.06 wt% silk nanofibers led to a ≈44% increase in tensile strength (over 600 MPa) and ≈33% increase in toughness (over 200 kJ kg−1) compared with fibers without silk nanofibers. These remarkable properties can be attributed to nanofiber crystal seeding in conjunction with fiber draw. The crystallinity nearly doubled from ≈17% for fiber spun from pure silk solution to ≈30% for the silk nanofiber reinforced sample. The latter fiber also shows a high degree of crystal orientation with a Herman's orientation factor of 0.93, a value which approaches that of natural degummed B. mori silk cocoon fiber (0.96). This study provides a strong foundation to guide the development of simple, eco‐friendly methods to spin regenerated silk with excellent properties and a hierarchical structure that mimics natural silk.
Estimation of Dipole Moments of New Coumarin Dye by Experimental and Theoretical Methods
Authors: Patil Omnath , P.K. Ingalagondi , Hanagodimath S. M.
Published: December 2021

The absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of coumarin dye, 4‐((4‐methoxyphenoxy) methyl)‐6‐methoxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (4‐MPMMC) in different polarity solvents are recorded. The effects of solvent polarity on the spectral properties are discussed. It is found that, spectrum peak shifts toward higher wavelength, as the solvent polarity changes. The ground (µg) and excited state (µe) dipole moments are estimated using Lippert's, Bakshiev's, and Kawski‐Chamma‐Viallet's equations. The µe values are found to be higher than µg values for all solvents. This suggests that the dye is more polar in excited state than in ground state. Computational studies are done using Time Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD‐DFT), DFT, and Zindo methods with the help of Gaussian16W; Integral Equation Formalism Polarizable Continuum Model (IEFPCM). Further, the excited state dipole moments are estimated in different solvents and are compared with the experimental results. The reactive centers like electrophilic and nucleophilic sites are identified along with contour action using electrostatic potential (ESP) 3D map using DFT analysis.
Synthesis and Nonlinear Optical Absorption of L‐Valine Capped Zn‐Doped MgO Nanoparticles
Authors: Tamgadge Yuoraj S. , Muley Gajanan G. , Thakre Narendra B. , Khangar Sugandha V. , Ganorkar Rajesh P. , Bakale Reena Y.
Published: December 2021

In this study, synthesis, structural, linear, and nonlinear optical properties of L‐valine capped Zn doped MgO nanoparticles (NPs) are reported. L‐valine capped (15 mol%) MgO NPs doped with Zn (1, 2, and 5 wt%) are obtained by chemical co‐precipitation method and are calcined at 500°C for 2 h. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows major reflections at 2θ = 42.91°, 62.11°, and 78.34° corresponding to (200), (220), and (222) planes of MgO with a face‐centered cubic structure, respectively, and the average particle size is found to be 13 nm. Surface morphology is studied using HR‐TEM and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) attests the purity of prepared samples. Utraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopic studies of both uncalcined and calcined samples attest the formation of NPs and strong blue shift in the excitonic absorption has been observed. Samples have been characterized for third‐order nonlinear absorption using open aperture z‐scan technique under continuous wave (CW) He‐Ne laser and are found to exhibit strong nonlinear absorption coefficient due to thermal effect.
Influence of Eucalyptus Leaves Extract on Antibacterial Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Rajoba Swapnil J. , Tate Dipali S. , Tate Sandeep S. , Kale Rajendra D.
Published: December 2021

In the current research work, zinc oxide nano particles are synthesized by simple precipitation method and studied its antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity can be successfully enhanced for some kind of bacterium after the addition of eucalyptus leaves extract. The structural, morphological, and elemental properties of synthesized material and the effect of eucalyptus leaves extract on these properties are studied by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning electron Microscopy (FESEM), and elemental analysis (EDAX). Enhanced crystalline size and porosity is observed after the addition of eucalyptus leaves extract while synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO). In addition, eucalyptus leaves extract assists to avoid agglomeration of ZnO nano particles. Role of eucalyptus leaves extract in the antibacterial activity of synthesized ZnO nano particles are studied against gram positive bacterium (Bacillus) and gram negative bacterium (Escherichia coli). It reveals that after addition of eucalyptus leaves extract, antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria (Bacillus) is enhanced. However, it does not show any antibacterial activity on a gram negative bacterium (E. coli). The eucalyptus leaves extract may be responsible for the resistance against E. coli.
Structural, Morphological, and Vibrational Properties of Porous α‐Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Prepared by Combustion method
Authors: Rajoba Swapnil J. , Badabade A. R. , Pingale P. C. , Kale Rajendra D.
Published: December 2021

Iron oxide (α‐Fe2O3) nano particles are synthesized by solution combustion technique where glycine is used as a fuel. The current work describes role of fuel in the formation of α‐Fe2O3phase.Citric acid and glycine is used as a fuel to study the role of fuel in the phase formation and its impact on structural properties. X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy is used to study its structural properties. As revealed in XRD, single phase α‐Fe2O3 is obtained in glycine‐assisted combustion. Further, as prepared α‐Fe2O3 is calcined at different temperature, it is observed that crystallanity of α‐Fe2O3is enhanced with the calcination temperature. Raman spectroscopy is employed to study vibrational modes of molecule. Morphology of calcined material is studied by using FESEM. These results reveal that, fuel plays a key role in the phase formation of α‐Fe2O3 and gases released during combustion are responsible for the morphology.
Synthesis of Calcium Ferrite by Inherent Source for Ethanol Sensor
Authors: Pakhare Keshav S. , Sargar Balasaheb M. , Patil Pravin R. , Manakapure Rakshanda R.
Published: December 2021

In this work, CaFe2O4 is successfully synthesized with a natural source of precursors by the milling method. The X‐ray diffraction confirms the orthorhombic CaFe2O4 compound. Scanning electron microscopy shows agglomerated porous crystalline type morphology. Photoluminescence spectra show that CaFe2O4 absorbs visible regain at wavelength 584 nm. The synthesized CaFe2O4 compound shows p‐type gas sensing behavior and high gas response towards ethanol 38.4% at 225˚C operating temperature at a concentration of 120 ppm ethanol gas.
Effect of Nitrogen Doping on Structural and Optical Properties of TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Deshmukh Sandip B. , Deshmukh Kalyani H. , Mane Maheshkumar L. , Mane Dhananjay V.
Published: December 2021

TiO2 has materialized as an excellent heterogeneous photocatalyst for environmental and energy fields, including air and water splitting. It has 3.2 eV band gap with the absorption edge at near‐UV light. Tuning of the band gap of TiO2 into visible region is achieved by the doping of nitrogen. The optimum compositions of N doped TiO2 NPs are prepared by sol‐gel method at room temperature. The structural phase formation of materials is analyzed by XRD studies, which shows anatase phase. The crystallite size is calculated from XRD data, which is in nanometer range. FTIR spectra are studied to confirm the O‐Ti‐O, O‐Ti‐N bonding in N‐doped TiO2 and formation of ‐OH groups on the surface, which can extensively affect the TiO2 band structure and surface of catalyst. The morphology of samples is investigated by FESEM and HR‐TEM. The compositional stoichiometry is confirmed by EDAX analysis. An optical study is confirmed by UV‐Visible spectrophotometer.
Surface Functionalized Superparamagnetic Zn‐Mg Ferrite Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia Application Towards Noninvasive Cancer Treatment
Authors: Somvanshi Sandeep B. , Kharat Prashant B. , Jadhav K. M.
Published: December 2021

Surface‐functionalized superparamagnetic Zn‐Mg ferrite (Zn0.4Mg0.6Fe2O4) nanoparticles are prepared by sol‐gel self‐combustion route. The surface‐modified Zn‐Mg Ferrite nanoparticles are characterized by standard techniques. XRD pattern of the prepared sample ensures the nanocrystalline single phasic cubic spinel structure. FT‐IR spectra reveals the presence of vibrational frequency‐modes belonging to spinel structure and successful coating of oleic acid (OA) over Zn‐Mg Ferrite. The nano‐size spherical grains with some agglomeration and OA coating over Zn‐Mg Ferrite are visualized in FE‐SEM images. The hydrophilic surface of Zn‐Mg Ferrite is confirmed by water contact‐angle measurements. The BET surface‐area is evaluated by recording N2‐isotherms. The M‐H plots confirm the superparamagnetic nature of the prepared sample. The colloidal stability and distribution of particle sizes are estimated by Zeta potential and DLS measurements. Magnetic hyperthermia studies are carried out for different concentrations (2, 4, and 6 mg mL–1) of the prepared sample. The biocompatible nature for the prepared sample is studied by cell‐viability studies. All these results ensure the implementation of OA‐coated Zn‐Mg Ferrite nanoparticles with minimum dose rate (6 mg mL–1) in magnetic hyperthermia therapies for noninvasive cancer treatment.
Structural, Morphological, and Optical Properties of Cobalt Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Pawar Charudatta S. , Yadav A. T. , Salunkhe S. P.
Published: December 2021

Cobalt oxide thin films are successfully synthesized by sol‐gel spin coating method. The XRD study shows that the cobalt oxide thin films annealed at 400°C exhibit cubic polycrystalline structure. SEM images show a well adherent and uniform formation of cobalt oxide thin films with nanosized grains‐like morphology. From the optical study, the direct optical band gap values of as‐deposited and annealed cobalt oxide films are found to lie between 1.42–2.05  and 1.36–1.94 eV. The absorption coefficient of the cobalt oxide is found to be in the order of 104 cm−1. High refractive index of cobalt oxide indicates that it can be used as one of the layers in multilayer antireflection coatings.
Murraya koenigii Assisted Synthesis of Bioactive Silver Nanomaterial
Authors: Pawar Chandrakant A. , Sharma Ashok K. , Prasad Neeraj R. , Suryawanshi Suresh S. , Yewale Manesh A.
Published: December 2021

Herein, an attempt has been made to synthesize silver nanoparticles from Murraya koenigii leaf extract at room temperature. The synthesized materials are stable for several months. The UV‐vis spectrophotometric analysis is carried out to ensure the formation of silver nanomaterials. XRD pattern confirms the formation of polycrystalline silver nanomaterials with the cubic crystal structure. Irregularly shaped particles are observed under field emission scanning electron microscopic observations. Elemental studies show the presence of Ag and O elements. The synthesized nanomaterial is multi‐applicative and shows potential efficacy against pathogenic microorganisms like Pseudomonas aeruginasa and Staphylococcus aureus. The results show that the leaf extract of M. koenigii is an efficient bio‐reductant for the synthesis of silver nanomaterials. The synthesized nanoparticles show potent anti‐microbial activities against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria under study.
Green synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) using Acacia concinna fruit extract and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Mane‐Gavade Shubhangi , Malgave Arihant , Nikam Gurunath , Koli Amruta , Supale Amit , Sabale Sandip
Published: December 2021

This paper describes green, simple, and efficient method for the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) using Acacia concinna fruit extract for the first time. A. concinna fruit extract is used as reducing and stabilizing agent. Reduction of Fe3+ ions by A. concinna fruit extract is examined by UV‐visible absorption spectra (UV‐Vis‐NIR). To recognize the functional group responsible for Fe3O4, the NPs are characterized by Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR). The structural analysis of Fe3O4 NPs is done by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) which confirms cubic spinel structure and the average crystallite size of obtained NPs is found to be 28 nm. The morphological studies of Fe3O4 NPs are done by scanning electron microscope (SEM) which depicts the quasi‐spherical morphology. The green synthesized Fe3O4 NPs shows distinctive antibacterial activities against gram‐negative E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganism which confirms its potential in biomedical applications.
Low‐cost Fabrication of Zn‐doped MnFe2O4 (Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) Film for H2S Gas Sensing Applications
Authors: Kharat Prashant B. , Somvanshi Sandeep B. , Somwanshi Saurabh B. , Mopari Anuja M.
Published: December 2021

Multicomponent spinel ferrites are essential to be used in high‐performance gas‐sensing materials. In the present work, Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 spinel ferrite thin film is prepared via spray printing technique. The prepared film can be easily retrieved and utilized for multiple cycles due to its magnetic properties. The morphology, composition, and crystal structure of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 spinel ferrite thin film are examined using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The produced films are in the range of around 20 nm and manifest spinel cubic structure. The prepared film is tested for its sensitivity to NO2, NH3, H2, and H2S gases, and the Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 spinel ferrite thin film is found the most sensitive and selective to H2S gas. The prepared Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 spinel ferrite thin film shows enhanced sensing performance functional at low temperatures, and consequently, they need low operational power. They are also simple to fabricate at the appropriate cost.
Size Dependent Chemical Synthesis of Defective In2O3 Microcubes as NO2 Sensor
Authors: More Suraj M. , Pawar Krishna K. , Salokhe Balaji S. , Bobhate Pradip A. , Gonugade Madhuri D. , Dhawale Rushikesh D. , Sharma Kiran Kumar K. , Patil Pramod S. , Gurav Kishor V.
Published: December 2021

Indium oxide microcubes (IMCs) have been systematically synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The size of IMCs is systematically controlled by varying urea concentration (0.05–0.25 M) in the bath. The phase pure cubic indium oxide (In2O3) with preferred orientation along (222) direction is observed. The size of IMCs changes from 0.4 to 1.2 μm by varying urea concentrations. The urea concentration dependent plausible growth mechanism of IMCs is proposed. The defective IMCs have effectively used as NO2 sensors and have shown a gas response of 180 under the exposure of 80 ppm NO2 gas at low‐operating temperature (100 °C). However, IMCs exhibited shorter response (Rs = 4 s) and recovery time (Rc = 100 s) for 80 ppm NO2 gas. IMCs have shown selective to NO2 than NH3, CO2, and acetone.
Study of Acoustical Properties of Lead Oxide Nanoparticle in Different Solvent Mixtures at 305 K by Using Nanofluid Interferometer
Authors: Ramteke Avinash A. , Chougule Pradnya K. , Prasad Neeraj , Vyawahare Yogesh K. , Kulal Shivaji R. , Yaul Amit R.
Published: December 2021

In the present paper, study the acoustical properties of lead oxide nanoparticles through the measurement of ultrasonic velocity and density of lead oxide nanoparticles as a ligand in 70% dioxane + water, 70% methanol + water, and 70% ethanol + water mixtures‐based solutions has been carried out, this measurement is important for understanding the particle–particle, particle–solvent, and molecular interaction. The reported nanoparticles of lead oxide by using biological method such as using plant extract, but their acoustical properties of lead oxide nanoparticles are attracted the attentions of many researchers. Hence, the present investigation is focused on the study of acoustical parameters of lead oxide nanoparticles like adiabatic compressibility (β), acoustic impedance (Z), free length, and relative association by using the nanofluid interferometer. These measurements are carried out at frequency 2 MHz and temperature 305 K (at room temperature). The obtained results are helped to observe the behavior of ultrasonic velocity and acoustic properties at different concentrations range of ligand (i.e., lead oxide nanoparticle) such as 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 mol dm−3 reveal the presence of interaction between particle–particle, particle and solvent.
Structural, Morphological, and Optical Investigation of Ag‐Doped TiO2/rGO Nanocomposite Synthesized by Ex Situ Route
Authors: Kumbhar Deepak A. , Kumbhar Sarita S. , Killedar Vilas V. , Nalawade Rekha A. , Nalawade Avinash M. , Salunke Govind D. , Rangar Krishna K.
Published: December 2021

In the present paper, the modified properties of widely used TiO2 material by forming its Ag‐doped TiO2/rGO nanocomposite are studied. The structural investigation by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the formation of single anatase phase that do not altere even in composite with a decrement in crystallite size from 12 to 8 nm. The SEM micrographs confirm nanosheets formation of rGO while uniform grain shapes of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) remarkably deduce the specific bands to support individual characteristics. However, UV‐vis spectroscopy exposes absorption shift toward the visible side by the effect of silver doping and rGO nanocomposite formation. Similarly, the energy band gap calculation by Tauc plots reveals a reduction in band gap from 3.26 to 3.18 eV. So, these successfully tuned properties of TiO2 open the new path to utilize it in various forthcoming optoelectronic devices.
General decay results for viscoelastic systems with memory and time‐varying delay
Authors: Li Chan , Jin Kun‐Peng
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we consider a wave equation with memory term and time‐varying delayed velocity term. By some subtle analysis techniques, assuming memory kernel function with a minimal and general condition, we establish a general uniform energy decay result for the system. The condition here substantially weakens the conditions in earlier literature. From the result, we can give the explicit energy decay rates directly if the memory kernel is expressed explicitly. The result is new even for the case that memory kernel decays polynomially.
Learning‐based optimization of acquisition schedule for magnetization transfer contrast MR fingerprinting
Authors: Kang Beomgu , Kim Byungjai , Park HyunWook , Heo Hye‐Young
Published: December 2021

Magnetization transfer contrast MR fingerprinting (MTC‐MRF) is a novel quantitative imaging method that simultaneously quantifies free bulk water and semisolid macromolecule parameters using pseudo‐randomized scan parameters. To improve acquisition efficiency and reconstruction accuracy, the optimization of MRF sequence design has been of recent interest in the MRF field, but has been challenging due to the large number of degrees of freedom to be optimized in the sequence. Herein, we propose a framework for learning‐based optimization of the acquisition schedule (LOAS), which optimizes RF saturation‐encoded MRF acquisitions with a minimal number of scan parameters for tissue parameter determination. In a supervised learning framework, scan parameters were subsequently updated to minimize a predefined loss function that can directly represent tissue quantification errors. We evaluated the performance of the proposed approach with a numerical phantom and in in vivo experiments. For validation, MRF images were synthesized using the tissue parameters estimated from a fully connected neural network framework and compared with references. Our results showed that LOAS outperformed existing indirect optimization methods with regard to quantification accuracy and acquisition efficiency. The proposed LOAS method could be a powerful optimization tool in the design of MRF pulse sequences.
Therapy‐related myeloid neoplasms resembling juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Wintering Astrid , Smith Stephen , Fuh Beng , Rangaswami Arun , Dahl Gary , Chien May , Gruber Tanja A. , Dang Jinjun , Li Loretta S. , Lenzen Alicia , Savelli Stephanie , Dvorak Christopher C. , Agrawal Anurag K. , Stieglitz Elliot
Published: December 2021

Therapy‐related myeloid neoplasms (t‐MN) are a distinct subgroup of myeloid malignancies with a poor prognosis that include cases of therapy‐related myelodysplastic syndrome (t‐MDS), therapy‐related myeloproliferative neoplasms (t‐MPN) and therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia (t‐AML). Here, we report a series of patients with clinical features consistent with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), an overlap syndrome of MDS and myeloproliferative neoplasms that developed after treatment for another malignancy.
AMMI and GGE biplot analysis of genotype by environment interaction and yield stability in early maturing cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp] landraces in Ethiopia
Authors: Kindie Yirga , Tesso Bulti , Amsalu Berhanu
Published: December 2021

Cowpea is one of the most important grain legumes for human consumption and animal feeding. Despite this importance, its production is hampered by biotic and abiotic constraints. Genotype by environment interaction study was performed to identify the most stable cowpea genotype(s) and the desirable environment(s) for cowpea research in Ethiopia. Twenty‐four cowpea landraces and one standard check were evaluated for grain yield and yield‐related traits at six locations (Sekota, Kobo, Sirinka, Melkassa, Mieso, and Babile) using 5 × 5 triple lattice during 2019. Combined analysis of variance showed that grain yield was significantly affected by environments, genotypes, and GE interactions. AMMI analysis revealed the contribution of environment, genotype, and GEI for 29.79%, 15.6%, and 42.06% of variation on grain yield. The first two principal components explained 57.97% of the total GEI variance. AMMI model selected G24 as 1st and 2nd best genotype at five environments. The polygon view of the GGE biplot identified three mega‐environments (ME1, ME2, and ME3) with winning genotypes: G24, G3, and G16, respectively. The highest productive (2528.8 kg ha−1) environment, miesso has been identified as the most; discriminating and representative testing environment whereas the lowest productive (1676.1 kg ha−1) Sirinka was the least discriminating and representative. The highest yielder G24 (2632 kg ha−1) was identified as the “ideal” and the most stable genotype followed by G16 (2290 kg ha−1) while the least stable and low yielder was G11. Therefore, genotypes G24 and G16 were recommended for verification and commercial production in most cowpea growing areas of Ethiopia.
A novel two‐dimensional atmospheric pressure plasma jet device
Authors: Zhong Nanya , Fu Gang , Li Junjun , Lian Chen , Chen Wenqi , Huang Kama
Published: December 2021

A novel two‐dimensional atmospheric pressure plasma jet device is proposed for large‐area processing. A finite element algorithm is adopted to obtain the optimized dimensions of the designed device based on microwave power reflection coefficient |S11| and electric field intensity. The plasma parameters of electron density and electron temperature within 0.1 ms after microwave power input were analyzed. When plasma is fully excited, is close to 3.5 × 1018 m−3, and is calculated to be 2 eV. Besides, an experimental system is established, and microwave power of 70 W can process 30 L of argon per minute, which shows a high energy efficiency. Two plasma jets with a width of 10 mm and a length of 5 mm are successfully excited. In addition, reflected power measured by the power meter is only 9.5% of incident power, which is in good agreement with simulation results.
Whatever you want, whatever you like: How incumbents respond to changes in market information regimes
Authors: Zanella Paola , Cillo Paola , Verona Gianmario
Published: December 2021

Research Summary

How do incumbents respond to a market information regime change? We employ literatures on product portfolio strategies and capability adaptation to analyze the information regime change induced by the advent of streaming in the U.S. music industry. Our findings highlight that an information change impacts the strategy of organizations. We observe that the inclusion of streaming reveals increasing demand for novelty and variety. Finally, we identify breadth of experience as a driver of the type of innovation adopted. Incumbents with broader experience proliferate across‐niches. Incumbents with focused experience increase the novelty of their offerings. Overall, incumbents with higher breadth of experience perform better. We discuss the implications of these results in literatures of environmental changes, capability adaptation, product proliferation, and democratization induced by new technologies.

Managerial Summary

In several industries, rankings influence firms' decisions. Recently, many of these rankings have experienced changes to account for new demand behavior induced by digitization. We study the introduction of streaming into the Hot 100 Billboard music chart in the U.S. We find that the inclusion of streaming reveals more demand for novelty and variety. Also, we show that firms respond differently to this information change and their response depends on their experience breadth, that is the capability to address different market segments at the same time. Music labels with broader experience are capable of addressing the new demand, while those with limited experience bet on novelty as a way to defend their niche. Overall, the music labels with higher breadth of experience are the ones that perform better.
Message piece dissemination approach for opportunistic underwater sensor network invaded by underwater spy‐robots
Authors: Liu Linfeng , Zhang Houqian , Wu Jiagao , Xu Jia
Published: December 2021

Opportunistic underwater sensor network (OUSN) is deployed for various underwater applications, such as underwater creatures tracking and tactical surveillance. Particularly, the OUSN in military applications may be invaded by some underwater spy‐robots termed eavesdroppers. The eavesdroppers could move around some OUSN nodes and eavesdrop on their communication channels silently, and these eavesdropping actions are difficult to be perceived by OUSN nodes. To reduce the theft ratio of data messages and guarantee the required delivery ratio of data messages, we conceive the idea that each data message is encoded into several message pieces, and then the message pieces are disseminated to sink node individually. Besides, a lightweight encryption method is adopted to encrypt the message pieces before the dissemination. Such mechanism can protect the data messages from being stolen by eavesdroppers effectively. In this article, we propose a message piece dissemination approach (MPDA) for the OUSN invaded by some underwater spy‐robots. In MPDA, OUSN nodes disseminate the held message pieces to some selected neighboring nodes at each time slot, and a data message is considered to be delivered when all pieces of this data message have been delivered to the sink node. Extensive simulations and comparisons demonstrate the preferable performance of MPDA, that is, MPDA can reduce the theft ratio of data messages and guarantee the required delivery ratio of data messages.
A cosmologically consistent millicharged dark matter solution to the EDGES anomaly of possible string theory origin
Authors: Aboubrahim Amin , Nath Pran , Wang Zhu-Yao
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Analysis of EDGES data shows an absorption signal of the redshifted 21-cm line of atomic hydrogen atz∼ 17 which is stronger than expected from the standard ΛCDM model. The absorption signal interpreted as brightness temperatureT21of the 21-cm line gives an amplitude of$$ -{500}_{-500}^{+200} $$−500−500+200mK at 99% C.L. which is a 3.8σdeviation from what the standard ΛCDM cosmology gives. We present a particle physics model for the baryon cooling where a fraction of the dark matter resides in the hidden sector with a U(1) gauge symmetry and a Stueckelberg mechanism operates mixing the visible and the hidden sectors with the hidden sector consisting of dark Dirac fermions and dark photons. The Stueckelberg mass mixing mechanism automatically generates a millicharge for the hidden sector dark fermions providing a theoretical basis for using millicharged dark matter to produce the desired cooling of baryons seen by EDGES by scattering from millicharged dark matter. We compute the relic density of the millicharged dark matter by solving a set of coupled equations for the dark fermion and dark photon yields and for the temperature ratio of the hidden sector and the visible sector heat baths. For the analysis of baryon cooling, we analyze the evolution equations for the temperatures of baryons and millicharged dark matter as a function of the redshift. We exhibit regions of the parameter space which allow consistency with the EDGES data. We note that the Stueckelberg mechanism arises naturally in strings and the existence of a millicharge would point to its string origin.
Analytic multi-Baryonic solutions in the SU(N)-Skyrme model at finite density
Authors: Cacciatori Sergio L. , Canfora Fabrizio , Lagos Marcela , Muscolino Federica , Vera Aldo
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We construct explicit analytic solutions of the SU(N)-Skyrme model (for generic N) suitable to describe different phases of nuclear pasta at finite volume in (3 + 1) dimensions. The first type are crystals of Baryonic tubes (nuclear spaghetti) while the second type are smooth Baryonic layers (nuclear lasagna). Both, the ansatz for the spaghetti and the ansatz for the lasagna phases, reduce the complete set of Skyrme field equations to just one integrable equation for the profile within sectors of arbitrary high topological charge. We compute explicitly the total energy of both configurations in terms of the flavor number, the density and the Baryonic charge. Remarkably, our analytic results allow to compare explicitly the physical properties of nuclear spaghetti and lasagna phases. Our construction shows explicitly that, at lower densities, configurations with N = 2 light flavors are favored while, at higher densities, configurations with N = 3 are favored. Our construction also proves that in the high density regime (but still well within the range of validity of the Skyrme model) the lasagna configurations are favored while at low density the spaghetti configurations are favored. Moreover, the integrability property of the present configurations is not spoiled by the inclusion of the subleading corrections to the Skyrme model arising in the ’t Hooft expansion. Finally, we briefly discuss the large N limit of our configurations.
Exact ground states and domain walls in one dimensional chiral magnets
Authors: Ross Calum , Sakai Norisuke , Nitta Muneto
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We determine exactly the phase structure of a chiral magnet in one spatial dimension with the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction and a potential that is a function of the third component of the magnetization vector,n3, with a Zeeman (linear with the coefficientB) term and an anisotropy (quadratic with the coefficientA) term, constrained so that 2A ≤ |B|. For large values of potential parametersAandB, the system is in one of the ferromagnetic phases, whereas it is in the spiral phase for small values. In the spiral phase we find a continuum of spiral solutions, which are one-dimensionally modulated solutions with various periods. The ground state is determined as the spiral solution with the lowest average energy density. As the phase boundary approaches, the period of the lowest energy spiral solution diverges, and the spiral solutions become domain wall solutions with zero energy at the boundary. The energy of the domain wall solutions is positive in the homogeneous phase region, but is negative in the spiral phase region, signaling the instability of the homogeneous (ferromagnetic) state. The order of the phase transition between spiral and homogeneous phases and between polarized (n3=±1) and canted (n3≠±1) ferromagnetic phases is found to be second order.
Verknüpfung von Abrechnungsdaten gesetzlicher Krankenkassen mit Daten epidemiologischer Krebsregister: länderspezifische Möglichkeiten und Limitationen
Authors: Pigeot Iris , Bongaerts Brenda , Eberle Andrea , Katalinic Alexander , Kieschke Joachim , Luttmann Sabine , Meyer Martin , Nennecke Alice , Rathmann Wolfgang , Stabenow Roland , Wilsdorf-Köhler Heide , Kollhorst Bianca , Reinders Tammo
Published: December 2021

Hintergrund

In den letzten Jahren wird verstärkt gefordert, Forschungsdaten gemäß den sog. FAIR-Prinzipien für eine Nachnutzung aufzubereiten. Dadurch könnten zukünftige Projekte auf einer breiteren Datengrundlage durchgeführt sowie durch Verknüpfung verschiedener Datenquellen neue Fragestellungen untersucht werden.

Fragestellung

Eruiert werden soll, inwieweit Abrechnungsdaten gesetzlicher Krankenversicherungen mit den Daten der Landeskrebsregister (LKR) überregional verknüpft werden können, um die in den Abrechnungsdaten fehlenden Informationen zu Krebserkrankungen ergänzen und die Validität der dortigen Angaben zur Tumordiagnose beurteilen zu können. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der Beschreibung der länderspezifischen Anforderungen für einen solchen Datenabgleich.

Material und Methoden

Als Datenquellen wurden die Pharmakoepidemiologische Forschungsdatenbank GePaRD des Leibniz-Instituts für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie – BIPS und sechs Krebsregister herangezogen. Zur Verknüpfung wurden vergleichend das logistisch aufwendige direkte Linkage- und ein weniger aufwendiges indirektes Linkage-Verfahren angewandt. Dazu mussten für GePaRD und für jedes LKR die Genehmigungen der jeweils zuständigen Behörde eingeholt werden.

Ergebnisse

Hinsichtlich der Verknüpfung von LKR-Daten mit GePaRD zeigten sich gravierende Unterschiede in der Datenbereitstellung (vollständige Ablehnung bis hin zu einer unkomplizierten Umsetzung).

Diskussion

In Deutschland müssen einheitliche Rahmenbedingungen geschaffen werden, um eine angemessene Nachnutzung und eine Verknüpfung von personenbezogenen Gesundheitsdaten zu Forschungszwecken im Sinne der FAIR-Prinzipien zu ermöglichen. Bezüglich der Verknüpfung von LKR-Daten mit anderen Datenquellen könnte das neue Gesetz zur Zusammenführung von Krebsregisterdaten Abhilfe schaffen.
Isolation and probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria from swine feces for feed additive composition
Authors: Marchwińska Katarzyna , Gwiazdowska Daniela
Published: December 2021

Animal microbiota is becoming an object of interest as a source of beneficial bacteria for commercial use. Moreover, the escalating problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is threatening animals and humans; therefore, in the last decade intensive search for alternative antimicrobials has been observed. In this study, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from suckling and weaned pigs feces (376) and characterized to determine their functional properties and usability as pigs additives. Selection of the most promising LAB was made after each stage of research. Isolates were tested for their antimicrobial activity (376) and susceptibility to antibiotics (71). Selected LAB isolates (41) were tested for the production of organic acids, enzymatic activity, cell surface hydrophobicity and survival in gastrointestinal tract. Isolates selected for feed additive (5) were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and partial sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene, represented by Lentilactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus (both previously classified as Lactobacillus) and Pediococcus genus. Feed additive prototype demonstrated high viability after lyophilization and during storage at 4 °C and − 20 °C for 30 days. Finally, feed additive was tested for survival in simulated alimentary tract of pigs, showing viability at the sufficient level to colonize the host. Studies are focused on obtaining beneficial strains of LAB with probiotic properties for pigs feed additive.
Immune-related adverse events of COVID-19 vaccination in skin cancer patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitor treatment
Authors: Strobel Sophia B. , Machiraju Devayani , Kälber Katharina A. , Hassel Jessica C.
Published: December 2021

To date, few data are available regarding Adverse events (AEs) in cancer patients who are vaccinated for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) while being actively treated with Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We aimed to assess the safety of COVID-19 vaccines approved in Germany. Specifically, we investigated the frequency of general side effects and immune-related AEs of COVID-19 vaccination. A triage survey was used to collect the following information for patients with metastatic skin cancer: vaccine type, date of receipt of each dose of vaccine, and self-reported side effects. Clinical data were retrieved from the patients’ medical records. Of 130 patients with metastatic skin cancer, 89 patients were on immunotherapy and received COVID-19 vaccination. Of these 89 patients (median age: 64 years; 57 [64%] men), 89% had melanoma, and 71% received ICI therapy with a PD-1 antibody. Eighty-eight percent received an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. The median follow-up time was 125 days after the first vaccination, and 84 days after the second. The most common observed side effects were mild to moderate pain at the injection site (40%), followed by fatigue (24%). Grade 3 irAEs were reported in eight patients, seven of whom were on nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination treatment. Of the 19 patients vaccinated within 72 h before/after ICI, five developed irAEs within 17 days (1–17 days). This small cohort study suggests that approved COVID-19 vaccinations are safe for use in cancer patients receiving ICIs. However, some precautions should be taken, especially regarding the timing of vaccination and ICI treatment.
Evaluation of a single-breath-hold radial turbo-spin-echo sequence for T2 mapping of the liver at 3T
Authors: Bencikova Diana , Han Fei , Kannengieser Stephan , Raudner Marcus , Poetter-Lang Sarah , Bastati Nina , Reiter Gert , Ambros Raphael , Ba-Ssalamah Ahmed , Trattnig Siegfried , Krššák Martin
Published: December 2021

Objectives

T2 mapping of the liver is a potential diagnostic tool, but conventional techniques are difficult to perform in clinical practice due to long scan time. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a prototype radial turbo-spin-echo (rTSE) sequence, optimized for multi-slice T2 mapping in the abdomen during one breath-hold at 3 T.

Methods

A multi-sample (fat: 0–35%) agarose phantom doped with MnCl2 and 80 subjects (73 patients undergoing abdomen MR examination and 7 healthy volunteers) were investigated. A radial turbo-spin-echo (rTSE) sequence with and without fat suppression, a Cartesian turbo-spin-echo (Cart-TSE) sequence, and a single-voxel multi-echo STEAM spectroscopy (HISTO) were performed in phantom, and fat-suppressed rTSE and HISTO sequences were performed in in vivo measurements. Two approaches were used to sample T2 values: manually selected circular ROIs and whole liver analysis with Gaussian mixture models (GMM).

Results

The rTSE-T2s values exhibited a strong correlation with Cart-TSE-T2s (R2 = 0.988) and with HISTO-T2s of water (R2 = 0.972) in phantom with an offset between rTSE and Cart-TSE maps (mean difference = 3.17 ± 1.18 ms). The application of fat suppression decreased T2 values, and the effect was directly proportional to the amount of fat. Measurements in patients yielded a linear relationship between rTSE- and HISTO-T2s (R2 = 0.546 and R2 = 0.580 for ROI and GMM, respectively).

Conclusion

The fat-suppressed rTSE sequence allows for fast and accurate determination of T2 values of the liver, and appears to be suitable for further large cohort studies.

Key Points

•Radial turbo-spin-echo T2 mapping performs comparably to Cartesian TSE-T2 mapping, but an offset in values is observed in phantom measurements.

•Fat-suppressed radial turbo-spin-echo T2 mapping is consistent with T2 of water as assessed by MRS in phantom measurements.

•Fat-suppressed radial turbo-spin-echo sequence allows fast T2 mapping of the liver in a single breath-hold and is correlated with MRS-based T2 of water.
Tomographic X-ray particle tracking velocimetry
Authors: Mäkiharju Simo A. , Dewanckele Jan , Boone Marijn , Wagner Christian , Griesser Andreas
Published: December 2021

We investigate the feasibility of in-laboratory tomographic X-ray particle tracking velocimetry (TXPTV) and consider creeping flows with nearly density matched flow tracers. Specifically, in these proof-of-concept experiments we examined a Poiseuille flow, flow through porous media and a multiphase flow with a Taylor bubble. For a full 360$$^\circ$$

∘

computed tomography (CT) scan we show that the specially selected 60 micron tracer particles could be imaged in less than 3 seconds with a signal-to-noise ratio between the tracers and the fluid of 2.5, sufficient to achieve proper volumetric segmentation at each time step. In the pipe flow, continuous Lagrangian particle trajectories were obtained, after which all the standard techniques used for PTV or PIV (taken at visible wave lengths) could also be employed for TXPTV data. And, with TXPTV we can examine flows inaccessible with visible wave lengths due to opaque media or numerous refractive interfaces. In the case of opaque porous media we were able to observe material accumulation and pore clogging, and for flow with Taylor bubble we can trace the particles and hence obtain velocities in the liquid film between the wall and bubble, with thickness of liquid film itself also simultaneously obtained from the volumetric reconstruction after segmentation. While improvements in scan speed are anticipated due to continuing improvements in CT system components, we show that for the flows examined even the presently available CT systems could yield quantitative flow data with the primary limitation being the quality of available flow tracers.

Graphic abstract
Outlier detection for PIV statistics based on turbulence transport
Authors: Saredi E. , Sciacchitano A. , Scarano F.
Published: December 2021

The occurrence of data outliers in PIV measurements remains nowadays a problematic issue; their effective detection is relevant to the reliability of PIV experiments. This study proposes a novel approach to outliers detection from time-averaged three-dimensional PIV data. The principle is based on the agreement of the measured data to the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) transport equation. The ratio between the local advection and production terms of the TKE along the streamline determines the admissibility of the inquired datapoint. Planar and 3D PIV experimental datasets are used to demonstrate that in the presence of outliers, the turbulent transport (TT) criterion yields a large separation between correct and erroneous vectors. The comparison between the TT criterion and the state-of-the-art universal outlier detection from Westerweel and Scarano (Exp Fluids 39:1096–1100, 2005) shows that the proposed criterion yields a larger percentage of detected outliers along with a lower fraction of false positives for a wider range of possible values chosen for the threshold.

Graphical abstract
Comparative analysis of Bricker versus Wallace ureteroenteric anastomosis and identification of predictors for postoperative ureteroenteric stricture
Authors: Krafft U , Mahmoud O , Hess J , Radtke J.P , Panic A , Püllen L , Darr C , Kesch C , Szarvas T , Rehme C , Hadaschik B.A , Tschirdewahn S
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Ureteroenteric anastomosis after cystectomy is usually performed using the Bricker or Wallace technique. Deterioration of renal function is the most common long-term complication of urinary diversion (UD).

To improve surgical care and optimize long-term renal function, we compared the Bricker and Wallace anastomotic techniques and identified risk factors for ureteroenteric strictures (UES) in patients after cystectomy.

Material and methods

Retrospective, monocentric analysis of 135 patients who underwent cystectomy with urinary diversion at the University Hospital Essen between January 2015 and June 2019. Pre- and postoperative renal function, relevant comorbidities, prior chemo- or radiotherapy, pathological findings, urinary diversion, postoperative complications, and ureteroenteric strictures (UES) were analyzed.

Results

Of all 135 patients, 69 (51.1%) underwent Bricker anastomosis and 66 (48.9%) Wallace anastomosis. Bricker and Wallace groups included 134 and 132 renal units, respectively. At a median follow-up of 14 (6–58) months, 21 (15.5%) patients and 30 (11.27%) renal units developed UES. We observed 22 (16.6%) affected renal units in Wallace versus 8 (5.9%) in Bricker group (p < 0.001). A bilateral stricture was most common in Wallace group (69.2%) (p < 0.001). Previous chemotherapy and 90-day Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complications were independently associated with stricture formation, respectively (OR 9.74, 95% CI 2–46.2, p = 0.004; OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.36–11.82, p = 0.013).

Conclusion

The results of this study show no significant difference in ureteroenteric anastomotic techniques with respect to UES development regarding individual patients but suggest a higher risk of bilateral UES formation in patients undergoing Wallace anastomosis. This is reflected in the increased UES rate under consideration of the individual renal units.
Vom Bauchgefühl zum viszeralen Schmerz
Authors: Aulenkamp Jana , Steinmüller Kathrin , Icenhour Adriane , Elsenbruch Sigrid
Published: December 2021

Störungen der Darm-Gehirn-Achse sind durch komplexe Dysfunktionen auf peripherer und zentralnervöser Ebene gekennzeichnet, die zu viszeraler Hypervigilanz und Hyperalgesie beitragen können und viszeralen Schmerz prägen. An der viszeralen Schmerzmodulation sind zahlreiche kognitive, emotionale und psychoneurobiologische Faktoren beteiligt, die im psychosozialen Therapiekontext das viszerale Schmerzerleben sowohl positiv als auch negativ beeinflussen können. Durch negative Erwartungen vermittelte Noceboeffekte sind bei akuten, aber insbesondere auch bei chronischen viszeralen Schmerzen von hoher klinischer Relevanz; die ihnen zugrunde liegenden Mechanismen sind jedoch bislang unzureichend verstanden. Zur Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung negativer Erwartungseffekte tragen insbesondere verbale Instruktionen, Vorerfahrungen und Lernprozesse sowie emotionale Faktoren wie Angst und Stress bei. Gezielte Kommunikationsstrategien, ein sensibler Umgang in der Aufklärung und positive Umgebungsbedingungen können in der klinischen Praxis dazu beitragen, ein adäquates Erwartungsmanagement zu etablieren und negative Erwartungseffekte zu minimieren. Zugleich sind translationale Forschungsansätze erforderlich, um tiefere Erkenntnisse bezüglich der Mediatoren und Moderatoren negativer Erwartungseffekte zu erlangen und diese in die Klinik zu übertragen. So kann die Versorgung von Patienten mit Störungen der Darm-Gehirn-Kommunikation verbessert werden.