bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of chemical and morphological changes in radicular dentin after different final surface treatments
Authors: Lopes Fabiane Carneiro , Roperto Renato , Akkus Anna , Silva Sousa Yara Teresinha Corrêa , Sousa‐Neto Manoel D.
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical and morphological effects of different lasers as a final surface treatment for endodontic therapy through energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. Twenty‐five maxillary canines were selected and instrumented with K3 system. Roots were randomly distributed into five groups (n = 5) according to the surface treatment: GI (distilled water), GII (NaOCl + EDTA), GIII (NaOCl + EDTA + 980 nm diode laser), GIV (NaOCl + EDTA+ 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser), and GV (NaOCl + EDTA+ 2,780 nm Er, Cr:YSGG laser). Lasers were applied for 20 s and samples were bisected, exposing the treated surface and then subjected to elements quantification by EDS and morphological evaluation by scanning electron microscope (SEM). EDS data were submitted to ANOVA‐two way, and SEM scores were submitted to two‐way Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests. The EDS analysis showed no difference for the chemical elements and Ca/P ratio between groups (p > .05). Statistical analysis showed more intense results for GV and less intense results for GI (p < .05). The GIII showed an amorphous organic matrix surface, while GV provided greater removal of intertubular dentin forming craters, and GIV promoted dentin fusion. The EDS method used in this study was not able to verify any chemical changes in root canal dentin; Nd:YAG, Er, Cr:YSGG, and 980 nm diode laser were capable of modifying the dentin morphology, correlating characteristics features for each one, which are essential clinical knowledge to establish the correct indication for each case.

Research Highlights

EDS was not able to verify any chemical changes in root canal dentin after 980 nm diode, Nd:YAG and Er;Cr:YSGG laser treatments

Nd:YAG, Er, Cr:YSGG, and 980 nm diode laser modified dentin morphology, correlating characteristics features for each one.
Quantification of crystallinity using zero‐loss filtered electron diffraction
Authors: An Byeong‐Seon , Kwon Yena , Cha Hyun‐Woo , Kang Min‐Chul , Oh Jin‐Su , Yang Cheol‐Woong
Published: October 2018

The quantity of the crystalline phases present in a nanomaterial is an important parameter that governs the correlation between its properties and microstructure. However, quantification of crystallinity in nanoscale‐level applications by conventional methods (Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction) is difficult because of the spatial limitations of sampling. Therefore, we propose a technique that involves using energy‐filtered electron diffraction in transmission electron microscopy which offers improved spatial resolution. The degree of crystallinity (DOC) was calculated by separating the crystalline and amorphous intensities from the total intensity histogram acquired by the azimuthal averaging of the zero‐loss filtered signals from electron diffraction. In order to validate the method, it was demonstrated that the DOC calculated by zero‐loss filtered electron diffraction was consistent with the DOC measured by the area ratio using an amorphous silicon on crystalline silicon standard sample. In addition, the results obtained from zero‐loss filtered and conventional electron diffractions were compared. The zero‐loss filtered electron diffraction successfully provided the reliable results of the crystallinity quantification. In contrast, the DOC measured using conventional electron diffraction yielded extremely variable results. Therefore, our results provide a crystallinity quantification technique that can extract quantitative information about crystallinity of nanoscale devices by using zero‐loss filtered electron diffraction with better reliability than conventional electron diffraction.

Research highlights

The degree of crystallinity can be measured by separating the crystalline and amorphous intensities from the total intensity histogram acquired by the azimuthal averaging of the zero‐loss filtered signals from selected area electron diffraction.
Enamel sample preparation for AFM: Influence on roughness and morphology
Authors: Sorozini Marianna , dos Reis Perez Cesar , Rocha Gustavo Miranda
Published: October 2018

Human dental enamel is organized by prisms that are structured between 3 and 6 µm in diameter. Determining the relationships between different treatments on the surface of enamel using ultrastructural analysis is the purpose of many in vitro experiments. Different sample pretreatments have been reported in the literature. Grinding and polishing are common procedures for enamel preparation. They provide a flat and standardized surface, which is imperative for the use of some techniques such as ATR‐FTIR. However, for morphological analysis, SEM and AFM represent easier methods to measure and reduce the biological sample variation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to establish how different forms of enamel preparation can influence the advent of artifacts during ultrastructural observation, especially by AFM analysis. Four groups (n = 10) were tested: (a) without preparation; (b) polishing with a diamond paste; (c) grinding with decreasing granulations of silicon carbide papers; (d) grinding with polishing. Images were obtained using the Peak‐Force Tapping mode. After the first images were obtained, all fragments were acid etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 30 seconds, rinsed for 60 seconds, and dried intensively. Upon grinding and polishing, the exposure of the inner enamel surfaces provided a less mineralized layer that was marked by scratches and a higher susceptibility to treatments. Moreover, using native enamel provided more valuable information on the surface and the roughness changes for clinical applications. In addition, phosphoric acid is an option for observing the prismatic arrangement after grinding and/or polishing changes the morphology.

Research Highlights

The use of native enamel samples to investigate the effects of different treatments on surface should be preferred in research, when the technique allows it.
Penetrability of a new endodontic sealer: A confocal laser scanning microscopy evaluation
Authors: Piai Gabriela Gonçalez , Duarte Marco Antônio Húngaro , Nascimento Angela Longo do , Rosa Ricardo Abreu da , Só Marcus Vinícius Reis , Vivan Rodrigo Ricci
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the penetration of a new endodontic sealer into the dentinal tubules. Twenty single‐rooted teeth were selected. The crown was sectioned, and the canals were instrumented with a reciprocating system. Irrigation was performed with 2 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite between each file change. After instrumentation, the root canals were irrigated with 2 mL of17% EDTA for 3 min followed by saline solution. The specimens were randomized into two groups (n =10) according to the endodontic sealer: AH Plus (AP) or Sealer Plus (SP). All specimens were filled using the lateral compaction technique. Rhodamine B dye (red) was incorporated to the sealers to provide the fluorescence which will enable confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) assessment. The roots were sectioned 2, 4, and 6 mm from the apex and assessed by CLSM. The root canal level affected the penetration of the sealer, but no statistical significant differences were found between the two experimental groups (p > .05). SP presented similar dentinal penetration and perimeter integrity to the gold standard (AP).

Research Highlights

Sealer Plus presents dentinal penetrability and perimeter integrity similar to the gold standard sealer (AH Plus), demonstrating excellent ability of filling areas of difficult access.
Seed surface ultrastructure as an efficient tool for species delimitation in the Allium ampeloprasum L. alliance (Amaryllidaceae, Allioideae)
Authors: Veiskarami Gholamhasan , Khodayari Hamed , Heubl Günther , Zarre Shahin
Published: October 2018

Seed surface ultrastructure shows a wide variation among different species of the genus Allium that could potentially provide valuable characters in inferring the relationships. In order to evaluate inter‐ and intraspecific variation of testa microsculpturing in the leek alliance, 33 seed samples of Allium representing its two subgenera, six sections, and 23 species were studied. Seed testa surface was analyzed using both SEM and Stereomicroscopy. Minor differences in testa cell arrangement were observed between members of sect. Allium and sect. Avulsea (both of subg. Allium), but major contrasts were discerned between them and members of subg. Cepa. Significant similarity was distinguished in anticlinal walls of the members of sect. Allium and sect. Avulsea: they were variously undulated (U‐, to ±Ω‐like). Testa cells in members of subg. Cepa, and some of subg. Allium (sect. Caerulea, sect. Codonoprasum, and sect. Longivaginata) showed ribbed anticlinal walls suggesting a close relationship between them. The periclinal walls were concave, flat to convex with testa cells densely granulose at margins in sect. Caerulea; flat to convex, irregularly granulose‐verrucose in sect. Codonoprasum; concave, densely granulose at margins and center in sect. Longivaginata; and convex, densely irregularly granulose, sometimes centrally verrucose in subg. Cepa. Irregularly polygonal cells were present in most species, but elongated polygonal cells in two species, A. iranicum and A. wendelboi (sect. Allium). We found significant micromorphological similarity in seed surface features between A. abbasii and A. fuscoviolaceum; A. esfandiarii and A. atroviolaceum; and A. longipapillatum and A. rotundum, corroborating close relationships.
Thematic Analysis of Counselor Trainees’ Perceptions of Cultural Display Rules
Authors: Hutchison Ashley N. , Gerstein Lawrence H. , Millner Ashley , Reding Eliah M. , Forbes Antonia , Figuerres Katherine , Grey Stephen
Published: October 2018

The authors investigated counselor trainees’ knowledge and perceptions of cultural display rules (CDRs). CDRs are social norms that modify people's emotional expression. Forty‐one master's‐level counselor trainees from multiple universities completed an online questionnaire about CDRs and counseling experiences. Using thematic analysis (Boyatzis, 1998), the authors identified themes representing trainees’ understanding of CDRs and their impact on counseling, observations of types of CDRs (e.g., restriction, amplification), interpretations of CDRs, and training in CDRs.

Los autores investigaron el conocimiento y percepciones de consejeros en formación sobre las reglas de expresión cultural (CDR, por sus siglas en inglés). Las CDR son normas sociales que modifican la expresión emocional de la gente. Cuarenta y un consejeros en programas de maestría en múltiples universidades completaron un cuestionario en línea sobre las CDR y sus experiencias en consejería. Usando el análisis temático (Boyatzis, 1998), los autores identificaron temas indicativos de la comprensión de los consejeros sobre las CDR y su impacto en la consejería, observaciones sobre tipos de CDR (p. ej., restricción, amplificación), interpretaciones de CDR y capacitación en CDR.
African American Historical Trauma: Creating an Inclusive Measure
Authors: Williams‐Washington Kristin N. , Mills Chmaika P.
Published: October 2018

Research indicates that race‐based discrimination is detrimental to the mental and physical health of African Americans. The authors sought preliminary evidence of internal consistency and factorial validity of an African American Historical Trauma questionnaire administered to 400 participants. Reliability and exploratory factor analyses resulted in 30 items with Cronbach's α = .91. Correlations between factors ranged from .32 to .52. These findings provide a step toward an empirical understanding of African American historical trauma.

La investigación indica que la discriminación por motivos de raza es perjudicial para la salud mental y física de las personas afroamericanas. Los autores buscaron pruebas preliminares de consistencia interna y validez factorial de un cuestionario sobre Trauma Histórico Afroamericano administrado a 400 participantes. El análisis de fiabilidad y el análisis factorial exploratorio dieron como resultado 30 ítems con un coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach = .91. Las correlaciones entre los factores variaron de .32 a .52. Estos hallazgos proporcionan un paso adelante hacia la comprensión empírica del trauma histórico de las personas afroamericanas.
Rapid compositional mapping of knee cartilage with compressed sensing MRI
Authors: Zibetti Marcelo V. W. , Baboli Rahman , Chang Gregory , Otazo Ricardo , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: October 2018

More than a decade after the introduction of compressed sensing (CS) in MRI, researchers are still working on ways to translate it into different research and clinical applications. The greatest advantage of CS in MRI is the reduced amount of k‐space data needed to reconstruct images, which can be exploited to reduce scan time or to improve spatial resolution and volumetric coverage. Efficient data acquisition using CS is extremely important for compositional mapping of the musculoskeletal system in general and knee cartilage mapping techniques in particular. High‐resolution quantitative information about tissue biochemical composition could be obtained in just a few minutes using CS MRI. However, in order to make this goal a reality, some issues still need to be addressed. In this article we review the current state of the art of CS methods for rapid compositional mapping of knee cartilage. Specifically, data acquisition strategies, image reconstruction algorithms, and data fitting models are discussed. Different CS studies for T2 and T1ρ mapping of knee cartilage are reviewed, with illustrative results. Future directions, opportunities, and challenges of rapid compositional mapping techniques are also discussed.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 6

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1185–1198.
Tropical rainfall predictions from multiple seasonal forecast systems
Authors: Scaife Adam A. , Ferranti Laura , Alves Oscar , Athanasiadis Panos , Baehr Johanna , Dequé Michel , Dippe Tina , Dunstone Nick , Fereday David , Gudgel Richard G. , Greatbatch Richard J. , Hermanson Leon , Imada Yukiko , Jain Shipra , Kumar Arun , MacLachlan Craig , Merryfield William , Müller Wolfgang A. , Ren Hong‐Li , Smith Doug , Takaya Yuhei , Vecchi Gabriel , Yang Xiaosong
Published: October 2018

We quantify seasonal prediction skill of tropical winter rainfall in 14 climate forecast systems. High levels of seasonal prediction skill exist for year‐to‐year rainfall variability in all tropical ocean basins. The tropical East Pacific is the most skilful region, with very high correlation scores, and the tropical West Pacific is also highly skilful. Predictions of tropical Atlantic and Indian Ocean rainfall show lower but statistically significant scores.

We compare prediction skill (measured against observed variability) with model predictability (using single forecasts as surrogate observations). Model predictability matches prediction skill in some regions but it is generally greater, especially over the Indian Ocean. We also find significant inter‐basin connections in both observed and predicted rainfall. Teleconnections between basins due to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) appear to be reproduced in multi‐model predictions and are responsible for much of the prediction skill. They also explain the relative magnitude of inter‐annual variability, the relative magnitude of predictable rainfall signals and the ranking of prediction skill across different basins.

These seasonal tropical rainfall predictions exhibit a severe wet bias, often in excess of 20% of mean rainfall. However, we find little direct relationship between bias and prediction skill. Our results suggest that future prediction systems would be best improved through better model representation of inter‐basin rainfall connections as these are strongly related to prediction skill, particularly in the Indian and West Pacific regions. Finally, we show that predictions of tropical rainfall alone can generate highly skilful forecasts of the main modes of extratropical circulation via linear relationships that might provide a useful tool to interpret real‐time forecasts.
A Comparative Analysis of Three Screening Methods for Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury in College Students
Authors: Lund Emily M. , Thomas Katie B. , Nadorff Danielle R. , Bouchard Lauren M. , Galbraith Kate , Bradley April R.
Published: October 2018

This study compared college students’ (N = 260) responses on a simple dichotomous screening measure and 2 behavior checklists. Seventy‐nine participants (30.4%) screened positive (i.e., endorsed nonsuicidal self‐injury [NSSI] behavior) on at least 1 measure, and 37 (46.8%) screened positive on the simple screen. Participants who screened positive on the simple screen reported more forms and instances of NSSI than did those who screened positive only on the checklist measures. They also reported significantly greater psychological distress compared with all other participant groups.
Contemporary College Student Anxiety: The Role of Academic Distress, Financial Stress, and Support
Authors: Jones Payton J. , Park So Yeon , Lefevor G. Tyler
Published: October 2018

Mental health concerns, especially anxiety, are increasingly prevalent among college students. The authors analyzed data from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health 2013–2014 database to provide insight about student anxiety as reported by students and their counselors. Analyses showed that academic distress accounted for the largest amount of variance in anxiety, followed by financial stress, family support, and peer support. Sociodemographic variables had small effects, indicating a universality of anxiety across various types of students.
Effects of the Student Success Skills Program With Exceptional Students: Influences and Outcomes
Authors: Bowers Hannah , Whitford Denise K. , Maines Natalie
Published: October 2018

Counselor‐led interventions rarely target special education students. Conducting exploratory action research, the authors evaluated the influence of the Student Success Skills program on 6 students receiving special education services. Strong positive effects were observed in social and emotional learning, executive functioning, and academic competence. The authors suggest future practices for better meeting the needs of exceptional students.
Giant deer (Megaloceros giganteus) diet from Mid‐Weichselian deposits under the present North Sea inferred from molar‐embedded botanical remains
Authors: van Geel B. , Sevink J. , Mol D. , Langeveld B. W. , van der Ham R. W. J. M. , van der Kraan C. J. M. , van der Plicht J. , Haile J. S. , Rey‐Iglesia A. , Lorenzen E. D.
Published: October 2018

The molar of a giant deer, Megaloceros giganteus (Blumenbach, 1799), was discovered in sandy deposits of the North Sea, about 10 km west of the present shoreline of the Netherlands. Compacted masticated plant remains were preserved in the molar's deep folds. A palaeoecological analysis of these plant remains shows the complete dominance of pollen from Artemisia (sage) and other Asteraceae Tubuliflorae (Compositae), indicating that the animal foraged in a steppe environment, and may have preferred to eat Artemisia, which contain a high level of nutrients such as calcium and phosphorous components, which are important for antler building. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the plant remains are of mid‐Weichselian age [38 570 (+300, −290) 14C a BP, Greenland Interstadial‐11]. This is the first study of the food choice of M. giganteus based on palaeoecological evidence. We hypothesize about links between the extirpation of M. giganteus at the onset of the Holocene in North‐West Europe and the transition from a landscape with highly dynamic geomorphological processes and consequently prevalence of immature and nutrient‐rich soils, to a less dynamic landscape with stable, leached and acidifying soils, and the decline of Artemisia and other calciphilous plants.
A method for quantitative 2‐dimensional sonographic analysis of the fetal conus medullaris position
Authors: Zhai Jing , Cai Ailu , Wei Qiuju , Xie Limei , Jing Chunli
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study explored the use of 2‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound scans for the quantitative assessment of the fetal conus medullaris (CM) position and its correlation with gestational age (GA).

Methods

This was a prospective study. We identified the first sacral vertebra (S1) by intersection of 2 lines in 2D scans, then counted upward from S1 to determine the CM level and recorded the number of ossified sacral vertebral bodies. A quantitative assessment of the CM position was performed by measuring the distance between the CM and the midpoint of the S1 (CM–S1). The correlation between the CM‐S1 distance and GA was evaluated.

Results

We determined the CM level by identifying S1 first in 521 fetuses (GA, 20–38 weeks). The CM position in 70% of cases was at the L2 and L2–3 level, and at the L2 level or above after 37 weeks. The number of ossified sacral veterbral bodies was not consistent. CM–S1 measurements were easy to perform. A significant positive correlation between CM–S1 distance and GA was observed (R2 = .89, P < .05). The best‐fit formula was: CM–S1 distance = 1.57 × GA – 16.43. The normal reference range was established and the fifth percentile was calculated for each GA.

Conclusions

S1 was easily identified, and the CM position relative to S1 was useful. There was a substantial correlation between CM–S1 and GA. Below the fifth percentile it was suggested that tethered cord may exist.
Transthoracic Echocardiographic Evaluation of Pulmonary Valve Anomalies in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Wang Shu‐shui , Xu Ming‐guo , Zhuang Jian , Li Wei‐bin , Zhang Zhi‐wei , Xu Gang
Published: October 2018

The pulmonary valve normally consists of 3 leaflets supported in a semilunar fashion within the sinuses of the pulmonary trunk. Pulmonary leaflet malformations, such as congenital single pulmonary cusp absence, bicuspid pulmonary valve, and quadricuspid pulmonary valve anomalies, as well as pulmonary valve commissural fusion, are seldom identified preoperatively on echocardiography. In this study, we report on 5 children with different types of pulmonary valve malformations diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography.
Stimuli‐Responsive Supramolecular Hydrogels and Their Applications in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Hoque Jiaul , Sangaj Nivedita , Varghese Shyni
Published: October 2018

Supramolecular hydrogels are a class of self‐assembled network structures formed via non‐covalent interactions of the hydrogelators. These hydrogels capable of responding to external stimuli are considered to be smart materials due to their ability to undergo sol–gel and/or gel–sol transition upon subtle changes in their surroundings. Such stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are intriguing biomaterials with applications in tissue engineering, delivery of cells and drugs, modulating tissue environment to promote innate tissue repair, and imaging for medical diagnostics among others. This review summarizes the recent developments in stimuli‐responsive supramolecular hydrogels and their potential applications in regenerative medicine. Specifically, various structural aspects of supramolecular hydrogelators involved in self‐assembly, the role of external stimuli in tuning/controlling their phase transitions, and how these functions could be harnessed to advance applications in regenerative medicine are focused on. Finally, the key challenges and future prospects for these versatile materials are briefly described.
Study of the Foaming Kinetics in Epoxidized Natural Rubber Foams Crosslinked by Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Salmazo Leandra Oliveira , Lopéz‐Gil Alberto , Ariff Zulkifli Mohamad , Rodriguez‐Mendez Maria Luz , Job Aldo Eloizo , Rodriguez‐Perez Miguel Angel
Published: October 2018

This work focuses on studying natural rubber (NR) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) foams crosslinked at different absorbed doses and foamed using a chemical blowing agent. The aim is to study if the existence of epoxide groups within the natural rubber molecular structure influences the expansion capacity and the cellular structure morphology of these types of foam. This is accomplished by studying the foaming kinetics, that is, by quantifying the evolution of density and cellular structure parameters, such as cell size and cell density, as a function of foaming time. The results show that ENR foams exhibit higher cell nucleation rates and less intense cell degeneration than NR ones, which is because the presence of epoxide groups allows the polymer to reach higher crosslinking levels. Consequently, ENR foams present more homogeneous cellular structures and lower cell sizes.
Network‐based integration of mRNA and miRNA profiles reveals new target genes involved in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lin Jie , Wu Yan‐Jun , Liang Xing , Ji Meng , Ying Hui‐Min , Wang Xin‐Yu , Sun Xia , Shao Cheng‐Hao , Zhan Li‐Xing , Zhang Yan
Published: October 2018

Pancreatic cancer is regarded as the most fatal and aggressive malignancy cancer due to its low 5‐year survival rate and poor prognosis. The approaches of early diagnosis and treatment are limited, which makes it urgent to identify the complex mechanism of pancreatic oncogenesis. In this study, we used RNA‐seq to investigate the transcriptomic (mRNA and miRNA) profiles of pancreatic cancer in paired tumor and normal pancreatic samples from ten patients. More than 1000 differentially expressed genes were identified, nearly half of which were also found to be differentially expressed in the majority of examined patients. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were significantly enriched in multicellular organismal and metabolic process, secretion, mineral transport, and intercellular communication. In addition, only 24 differentially expressed miRNAs were found, all of which have been reported to be associated with pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, an integrated miRNA‐mRNA interaction network was generated using multiple resources. Based on the calculation of disease correlation scores developed here, several genes present in the largest connected subnetwork, such as albumin, ATPase H+/K+ exchanging alpha polypeptide and carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1, were considered as novel genes that play important roles in the development of pancreatic cancer. Overall, our data provide new insights into further understanding of key molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic tumorigenesis.
Progression of the vibratory analysis technique by improving the piezoelectric sensor measurement accuracy
Authors: Ghemari Zine
Published: October 2018

The piezoelectric sensor is the best choice for large industrial installations for instantaneous monitoring and premature fault diagnosis of electromechanical systems. In this work, we made a study on the piezoelectric detection and the piezoelectric sensor then a model of the physical behavior of this sensor extracted. The developed model of measurement accuracy as a function of the relative vibration movement is validated by experimental tests and simulation. The good choice of the damping rate allowed to improve the parameters of the sensor on the one hand and to advance the technique of vibratory analysis on the other hand.
Feasibility of photon beam profile deconvolution using a neural network
Authors: Liu Han , Li Feifei , Park Jiyeon , Lebron Sharon , Wu Jian , Lu Bo , Li Jonathan G. , Liu Chihray , Yan Guanghua
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Ionization chambers are the detectors of choice for photon beam profile scanning. However, they introduce significant volume averaging effect (VAE) that can artificially broaden the penumbra width by 2–3 mm. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of photon beam profile deconvolution (the elimination of VAE from ionization chamber‐measured beam profiles) using a three‐layer feedforward neural network.

Methods

Transverse beam profiles of photon fields between 2 × 2 and 10 × 10 cm2 were collected with both a CC13 ionization chamber and an EDGE diode detector on an Elekta Versa HD accelerator. These profiles were divided into three datasets (training, validation and test) to train and test a three‐layer feedforward neural network. A sliding window was used to extract input data from the CC13‐measured profiles. The neural network produced the deconvolved value at the center of the sliding window. The full deconvolved profile was obtained after the sliding window was moved over the measured profile from end to end. The EDGE‐measured beam profiles were used as reference for the training, validation, and test. The number of input neurons, which equals the sliding window width, and the number of hidden neurons were optimized with a parametric sweeping method. A total of 135 neural networks were fully trained with the Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation algorithm. The one with the best overall performance on the training and validation dataset was selected to test its generalization ability on the test dataset. The agreement between the neural network‐deconvolved profiles and the EDGE‐measured profiles was evaluated with two metrics: mean squared error (MSE) and penumbra width difference (PWD).

Results

Based on the two‐dimensional MSE plots, the optimal combination of sliding window width of 15 and 5 hidden neurons was selected for the final neural network. Excellent agreement was achieved between the neural network‐deconvolved profiles and the reference profiles in all three datasets. After deconvolution, the mean PWD reduced from 2.43 ± 0.26, 2.44 ± 0.36, and 2.46 ± 0.29 mm to 0.15 ± 0.15, 0.04 ± 0.03, and 0.14 ± 0.09 mm for the training, validation, and test dataset, respectively.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the feasibility of photon beam profile deconvolution with a feedforward neural network in this work. The beam profiles deconvolved with a three‐layer neural network had excellent agreement with diode‐measured profiles.
How we approach: Severe congenital neutropenia and myelofibrosis due to mutations in VPS45
Authors: Shadur Bella , Asherie Nathalie , Newburger Peter E. , Stepensky Polina
Published: October 2018

Mutations in the VPS45 gene lead to a severe primary immune deficiency characterized by severe congenital neutropenia and primary myelofibrosis, leading to overwhelming infection and early death. This condition is exceedingly rare with only 16 patients previously reported, including four with successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We review the pathophysiology underlying this condition and detail our approach to treatment, particularly vis‐à‐vis bone marrow transplantation and the challenges of transplanting into a diseased bone marrow niche. We provide an update on the progress of our three previously reported patients, and two additional patients transplanted at our center.
Lysyl oxidase‐like protein secreted from an acidophilic red alga, Cyanidium caldarium
Authors: Tomo Tatsuya , Okumura Akinori , Suzuki Takehiro , Okuhara Mirai , Katayama Ruriko , Isayama Noboru , Nagao Ryo , Iwai Masako , Dohmae Naoshi , Enami Isao
Published: October 2018

Cyanidium caldarium is a primitive acidophilic red alga which grown optimally at pH 1–3. When the alga was cultured at pH 6, which is the upper limit of acidity for its survival, most of the algal cells became large cells with four endospores which did not split into daughter cells. This suggests that the alga survives in the endospore state at pH 6 to protect against nutrient uptake deficiency due to low pH gradient across the cell membranes. The alga was also found to secrete an extracellular protein specifically at pH 6. The protein was identified to be lysyl oxidase‐like protein, which had been reported to be widely distributed in the animal kingdom but not yet found in the plant kingdom. In the plant kingdom, only two primitive acidophilic algae, C. caldarium and Cyanidioschyzon merolae, possess a gene encoding this protein.
Production of p‐Type Si/n‐Type β‐FeSi2 Heterojunctions Using Facing‐Targets Direct‐Current Sputtering and Evaluation of Their Resistance and Interface State Density
Authors: Chaleawpong Rawiwan , Promros Nathaporn , Charoenyuenyao Peerasil , Nopparuchikun Adison , Sittimart Phongsaphak , Nogami Tomohiro , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2018

Without a post‐annealing procedure, the β‐FeSi2 thin films are epitaxially grown on Si(111) wafer substrates via facing‐targets direct‐current sputtering. During epitaxial growth, the temperature for heating of substrates is maintained at 600 °C. The resultant p‐type Si/n‐type β‐FeSi2 heterojunctions are produced. At room temperature, a large leakage current under an applied reverse bias voltage together with a small photo‐detective performance is observed from the measured dark and irradiated current density–voltage curves of the created heterojunctions. Both of the conductance–voltage (G/ω–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements at different frequencies (f) in the range of 5 kHz–1 MHz are performed in the dark at room temperature. The interface state density (Nss) and series resistance (Rs) in the created p‐type Si/n‐type β‐FeSi2 heterojunctions are computed and analyzed from the measured C–V–f and G/ω–V–f curves. Nss is found to be 3.48 × 1012 eV−1 cm−2 at 5 kHz and decreased to 4.68 × 1011 eV−1 cm−2 at 1 MHz. Moreover, the values of Rs at zero bias are 2.21 kΩ at 5 kHz and 13.66 Ω at 1 MHz. These results review the presence of Nss and Rs in the created heterojunctions, and they can be the cause to degrade the heterojunction performance.
Tracking control for systems with slope‐restricted hysteresis nonlinearities
Authors: Dey Arnab , Patra Sourav , Sen Siddhartha
Published: October 2018

This paper addresses the reference tracking problem for plants that can primarily be modeled as a linear time‐invariant (LTI) system preceded by a slope‐restricted hysteresis nonlinearity. This structure is particularly interesting due to its wide use in modeling smart actuator dynamics such as shape‐memory alloy and piezoelectric. The hysteresis nonlinearity is considered to be slope restricted; however, no specific modeling framework is exploited. Based on the slope bounds of the nonlinearity, conditions for asymptotic tracking are proposed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) when constant reference is considered. By solving the LMIs, the controller parameters can be obtained, which eventually ensures asymptotic convergence of tracking error to zero. The proposed model‐free design technique is further reformulated considering parametric uncertainties in the LTI part. The resulting conditions in LMI framework facilitate solving the robust tracking problem for hysteretic systems. The results are applicable for multiple‐input–multiple‐output systems as well, with decoupled hysteresis nonlinearity. Additionally, with only integral control, the proposed results are specialized for the case of stable LTI part having positive definite symmetric part of the DC gain matrix. It is shown that there always exists such a tracking controller for the hysteretic system. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Robust output‐feedback control of 3D directional drilling systems
Authors: Villarreal Magaña O.A. , Monsieurs F.H.A. , Detournay E. , van de Wouw N.
Published: October 2018

This paper introduces a robust observer‐based output feedback control strategy that enables the generation of complex three‐dimensional borehole trajectories created by directional drilling systems, while avoiding undesired transient behavior. The model‐based controller relies on a set of nonlinear delay differential equations describing the borehole evolution. Herein, only local orientation measurements of the bottom hole assembly of the drilling system are employed. Controller and observer gains are synthesized by optimizing the location of the rightmost pole of the closed‐loop dynamics, using a spectral approach for delay differential equations. Moreover, the strategy is extended to cope with the uncertainty of key system parameters in the directional drilling process. The effectiveness of the designed controller is tested in an illustrative benchmark study.
Hydrophobic TiO2‐SiO2 Aerogel Composites for Fast Removal of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Xu Haixun , Jia Jiajia , Zhao Shanyu , Chen Peixin , Xia Qun , Wu Junyong , Zhu Pinghua
Published: October 2018

SiO2‐TiO2 aerogel composites were synthesized by co‐gelation of a titanium tetrachloride in an aqueous silicic acid solution. As‐prepared hydrogels were hydrophobized by trimethylchlorosilane and then dried at 150 °C and ambient pressure condition. The resulting gel composites are typical ‘pearl‐necklace’ aggregate silica structure which is intertwined at the nanometer level with titania, yielding a three‐dimensional hydrophobic SiO2‐TiO2 interpenetrating network with an improved pore structure, BET surface area, and photocatalytic performance when compared to their calcined hydrophilic gels. A hydrophobic aerogel composite which is optimized in an L9(34) orthogonal array features a fast removal (<30 mins) of organic compounds (> 89% removal of methyl orange and humic acid) in a 10 mg/L solution under UV light exposure, in which ethanol‐water was used as co‐solvent. In comparison, the calcined hydrophilic xerogel shows 10‐fold longer degradation time (∼ 300 mins) to remove the same concentration waste from the water streams.
The Impact of Nano‐ and Microstructure on the Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Phung Nga , Abate Antonio
Published: October 2018

Halide perovskites have emerged recently as a promising candidate for the next generation of photovoltaics. Power conversion efficiencies for laboratory‐scale devices surpass those of established technologies, such as multicrystalline silicon. However, perovskite solar cells lose their initial efficiency rapidly due to the convolution of several degradation factors, which hinder the process of industrialization. In this review, the important role of the nano‐ and microstructure of the perovskite layer in the performance and stability of the device are discussed. The defects located predominantly at the grain boundaries within the perovskite film and at the interface of the perovskite with the other materials can compromise the devices' stability. Thus, lowering the surface and interface concentration of defects is a key approach toward long‐term stable perovskite solar cells.
Enhancement of Tumor Homing by Chemotherapy‐Loaded Nanoparticles
Authors: Ponzoni Mirco , Curnis Flavio , Brignole Chiara , Bruno Silvia , Guarnieri Daniela , Sitia Leopoldo , Marotta Roberto , Sacchi Angelina , Bauckneht Matteo , Buschiazzo Ambra , Rossi Andrea , Di Paolo Daniela , Perri Patrizia , Gori Alessandro , Sementa Angela R. , Emionite Laura , Cilli Michele , Tamma Roberto , Ribatti Domenico , Pompa Pier Paolo , Marini Cecilia , Sambuceti Gianmario , Corti Angelo , Pastorino Fabio
Published: October 2018

Targeted delivery of anticancer drugs with nanocarriers can reduce side effects and ameliorate therapeutic efficacy. However, poorly perfused and dysfunctional tumor vessels limit the transport of the payload into solid tumors. The use of tumor‐penetrating nanocarriers might enhance tumor uptake and antitumor effects. A peptide containing a tissue‐penetrating (TP) consensus motif, capable of recognizing neuropilin‐1, is here fused to a neuroblastoma‐targeting peptide (pep) previously developed. Neuroblastoma cell lines and cells derived from both xenografts and high‐risk neuroblastoma patients show overexpression of neuropilin‐1. In vitro studies reveal that TP–pep binds cell lines and cells derived from neuroblastoma patients more efficiently than pep. TP–pep, after coupling to doxorubicin‐containing stealth liposomes (TP–pep–SL[doxorubicin]), enhances their uptake by cells and cytotoxic effects in vitro, while increasing tumor‐binding capability and homing in vivo. TP–pep–SL[doxorubicin] treatment enhances the Evans Blue dye accumulation in tumors but not in nontumor tissues, pointing to selective increase of vascular permeability in tumor tissues. Compared to pep–SL[doxorubicin], TP–pep–SL[doxorubicin] shows an increased antineuroblastoma activity in three neuroblastoma animal models mimicking the growth of neuroblastoma in humans. The enhancement of drug penetration in tumors by TP–pep‐targeted nanoparticles may represent an innovative strategy for neuroblastoma.
Magnetic Shape Memory Turns to Nano: Microstructure Controlled Actuation of Free‐Standing Nanodisks
Authors: Campanini Marco , Nasi Lucia , Fabbrici Simone , Casoli Francesca , Celegato Federica , Barrera Gabriele , Chiesi Valentina , Bedogni Elena , Magén César , Grillo Vincenzo , Bertoni Giovanni , Righi Lara , Tiberto Paola , Albertini Franca
Published: October 2018

Magnetic shape memory materials hold a great promise for next‐generation actuation devices and systems for energy conversion, thanks to the intimate coupling between structure and magnetism in their martensitic phase. Here novel magnetic shape memory free‐standing nanodisks are proposed, proving that the lack of the substrate constrains enables the exploitation of new microstructure‐controlled actuation mechanisms by the combined application of different stimuli–i.e., temperature and magnetic field. The results show that a reversible areal strain (up to 5.5%) can be achieved and tuned in intensity and sign (i.e., areal contraction or expansion) by the application of a magnetic field. The mechanisms at the basis of the actuation are investigated by experiments performed at different length scales and directly visualized by several electron microscopy techniques, including electron holography, showing that thermo/magnetomechanical properties can be optimized by engineering the martensitic microstructure through epitaxial growth and lateral confinement. These findings represent a step forward toward the development of a new class of temperature‐field controlled nanoactuators and smart nanomaterials.
Photothermal Convection Lithography for Rapid and Direct Assembly of Colloidal Plasmonic Nanoparticles on Generic Substrates
Authors: Jin Chang Min , Lee Wooju , Kim Dongchoul , Kang Taewook , Choi Inhee
Published: October 2018

Controlled assembly of colloidal nanoparticles onto solid substrates generally needs to overcome their thermal diffusion in water. For this purpose, several techniques that are based on chemical bonding, capillary interactions with substrate patterning, optical force, and optofluidic heating of light‐absorbing substrates are proposed. However, the direct assembly of colloidal nanoparticles on generic substrates without chemical linkers and substrate patterning still remains challenging. Here, photothermal convection lithography is proposed, which allows the rapid placement of colloidal nanoparticles onto the surface of diverse solid substrates. It is based on local photothermal heating of colloidal nanoparticles by resonant light focusing without substrate heating, which induces convective flow. The convective flow, then, forces the colloidal nanoparticles to assemble at the illumination point of light. The size of the assembly is increased by either increasing the light intensity or illumination time. It is shown that three types of colloidal gold nanoparticles with different shapes (rod, star, and sphere) can be uniformly assembled by the proposed method. Each assembly with a diameter of tens of micrometers can be completed within a minute and its patterned arrays can also be achieved rapidly.
Support vector regression‐based imputation in analogy‐based software development effort estimation
Authors: Idri Ali , Abnane Ibtissam , Abran Alain
Published: October 2018

Missing data (MD) is a widespread problem that can affect the ability to use data to construct effective software development effort estimation (SDEE) techniques. To deal with this challenge, several imputation techniques have been investigated in SDEE and k‐nearest neighbors (KNN)‐based imputation is still the most frequently used. To the best of our knowledge, no study has used support vector regression (SVR)‐based imputation to construct accurate estimation techniques, in particular those based on analogy. This paper introduces a new imputation technique based on SVR for handling MD in two analogy‐based SDEE techniques: classical analogy and fuzzy analogy. More specifically, we investigate whether the use of SVR instead of KNN in imputing MD improves the predictive performance of these two analogy‐based techniques. A total of 1134 experiments were conducted involving seven datasets, SVR/KNN MD imputation techniques (KNN with Euclidean and Manhattan distances), three missingness mechanisms (missing completely at random, missing at random, non‐ignorable missing), and MD percentages from 10% to 90%. The results suggest that the use of SVR imputation, rather than KNN imputation, may improve the prediction performance of both analogy‐based techniques. Furthermore, we found that the impact of MD percentage upon effort prediction performance is reduced when using SVR rather than KNN. Moreover, fuzzy analogy generates better estimates in terms of the standardized accuracy measure than classical analogy regardless of the MD technique, the dataset used, the missingness mechanism, or the MD percentage.
Green Atmospheric Aqueous Solution Deposition for High Performance Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Tian Qingwen , Lu Haiyang , Du Yachao , Fu Junjie , Zhao Xiangyun , Wu Sixin , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: October 2018

Environment‐friendly process, low production cost, and simple operation are regarded as key factors for scalable kesterite photovoltaic applications. Herein a green ammonium thioglycolate (TGAm)‐based aqueous solution route has been developed to deposit Cu2ZnSnS4 films. It is found that sinstering in ambient air is as good as in argon, making the production process more affordable and reproducible. TGAm is more active than other alkylthiols with longer alkyl chains and has a strong coordination capability toward metal ions, which is a key factor in the dissolution of a series of metal oxides. Meanwhile, TGAm is widely used in biopharmaceuticals and hairspray, demonstrating good biological compatibility. Moreover, a low level of Ag doping can be successfully incorporated into the host lattice of the CZTSSe to form a homogeneous (Cu1−x,Agx)2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CAZTSSe) alloy material by this aqueous process. Benefiting from the effect of Ag doping, the initial power conversion efficiency is successfully enhanced from 5.86% (x = 0) to 7.38% (x = 2%).
Synthesis and Characterization of Li‐containing Boron Carbide r‐Li~1B13C2
Authors: Hillebrecht Harald , Vojteer Natascha , Sagawe Vanessa , Hofmann Kathrin , Albert Barbara
Published: October 2018

Transparent and nearly colorless single crystals of r‐LiB13C2 were obtained by reaction of boron with Li2CO3 in a Cu melt at 1250–1300 °C. The structure analysis [R3m, a = 5.6535(1), c = 12.5320(2) Å, 421 independent reflections, 22 parameters, R1 = 0.034, wR2 = 0.093] revealed a crystal structure that can be described as a filling variant of rhombohedral B13C2. Li+ is located in a void above or below the linear CBC unit. The site occupation is close to 50 % resulting in an electron‐precise composition according to Wade's rules if a positive charge is given to the CBC entity: Li+(B12)2–(CBC)+. The displacement parameters of the CBC unit indicate disorder in the [001] direction, that relates to the short Li–C distance and the partial occupation of the Li+ site. The composition is confirmed by EELS measurements of single crystals. Band gap calculations give a value of 2.94 eV, which is in agreement to the crystals being colorless. The evaluation of the electron density by application of the QTAIM formalism as proposed by Bader modifies the assignment pictured above according to Wade's rules. In agreement to the electronegativities the carbon atoms carry a negative charge (–2.31/–2.42) and the effective charges are: Li+0.81(B12)+2.02(CBC)–2.83.