bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution attributes for geophysical inversion models: Depth of investigation and novel measures
Authors: Christensen* Niels B.
Published: November 2021

Assessing the reliability of inversion models derived from geophysical measurements is crucial for a reliable interpretation. An interpretation depends critically on the interpreter being able to discern between the characteristics of the inversion model that can be trusted as more or less well resolved and the ones that are more dubious. This paper analyses the resolution measure ‘depth of investigation’ from a conceptual and a computational viewpoint and proposes two definitions that incorporate all aspects of the inversion and that are free of a user‐defined ad hoc parameter. Two more resolution attributes are introduced: a qualified depth of investigation and the depth of required structure . The first one answers the question: What is the minimum depth to a homogeneous halfspace with an interpreter‐defined conductivity that will not increase the data residual more than a certain amount? The second one is an ‘unqualified’ depth of investigation that addresses the question: What is the minimum depth to a homogeneous halfspace with any conductivity that will not increase the data residual more than a certain amount? This latter measure indicates the depth below which no structure is needed to fit the data. Finally, measures are defined that will provide estimates of the vertical resolution width as a function of depth. All of the resolution measures presented in this paper are based on the posterior model resolution matrix.
HybridBOA‐GWO‐PSOalgorithm for mitigation of congestion by optimal reactive power management
Authors: Badi Manjulata , Mahapatra Sheila , Raj Saurav
Published: November 2021

The generation of power with load optimization, particularly in the current deregulated electricity market conditions, is a very important process for improved planning and operation of the grid. In addition, it is very important for the system not to experience problems due to congestion, have tensile stability, and protection to increase the share of electricity from renewable sources with the current supply system. This article presents load balancing with the butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA) in a hybridized form to minimize and maximize loads when used in pool and hybrid markets. The methods have been designed to prevent the drawbacks of BOA and generate a better trade‐off between exploration and exploitation abilities by hybridizing it with particle swarm optimization (PSO) and gray wolf optimizer (GWO). Empirical research on other algorithms shows that proposed hybrid BOA‐GWO‐PSO algorithm performs better and shows potential in diverse problems. These studies give it a significant advantage over BOA in general, and when it is employed to solve complex optimization problems validated on benchmark IEEE 30 bus system. A comparative analysis has been conducted to validate the potency of the hybrid BOA‐GWO‐PSO approach with some conventional meta‐heuristic algorithms. Analysis of results by mathematical validation on 23 benchmark functions and application in congestion management by optimal reactive power management (RPM) reveal that the proposed technique has the potent to solve real world optimization problems and is competitive with recent methods reported in state‐of‐ art literature.
Recent advances in therapies utilizing superabsorbent hydrogel technology for weight management: A review
Authors: Aronne Louis J. , Anderson John E. , Sannino Alessandro , Chiquette Elaine
Published: November 2021

Long‐term therapeutic benefit of treatments for weight management in patients with overweight (also termed preobesity) or obesity may be limited by variable safety, tolerability, and efficacy profiles, and patient adherence to treatment regimens. There is a medical need for nonsystemic treatments that promote weight loss in patients with overweight or early obesity. This report reviews four different approaches of utilizing superabsorbent hydrogel technology for weight management at varying stages of preclinical and clinical development. The first is a nonsystemic, oral superabsorbent hydrogel created from naturally derived building blocks used in foods (cellulose‐based), designed to mix homogenously with and change the properties of the ingested meal throughout the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and small intestine). This is the first‐in‐class to be cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to aid in weight‐management for adults with BMI of 25–40 kg/m2 in conjunction with diet and exercise. In contrast, the other three approaches in development utilize superabsorbent hydrogel technologies to support an intragastric balloon‐like structure, solely occupying space in the stomach and displacing the meal: (1) a pufferfish‐inspired device; (2) Epitomee, a pH‐sensitive self‐expanding hydrogel device; and (3) a light‐degradable hydrogel used to control balloon deflation. These new approaches that utilize superabsorbent hydrogel technology offer a wide range of clinical applicability and have the potential to broaden the weight management treatment landscape. Over time, increasing the number of patients treated with superabsorbent hydrogel technologies will provide important information on long‐term efficacy and safety.
Simulation of β‐dextranase from raw natural rubber to investigate structure and properties of natural rubber/halloysite composites
Authors: Xu Tiwen , Xin Yuanni , Wang Yueqiong , Liao Lusheng , Li Haifeng , Ban Jianfeng , Yang Ying
Published: November 2021

The effects of crude β‐dextranase in raw natural rubber (NR) on the structure and properties of NR/halloysite nanotube (HNT) composites are investigated by introducing external biological β‐dextranase. Results of curing tests as well as mechanical and dynamic mechanical analyses show that the curing time of the composite increases with β‐dextranase concentration and then plateaus at 6 wt%, at which the maximum values of the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and crosslink density are achieved and the lowest hysteresis loss factor at 0–80°C is observed. Morphological investigations show that the addition of β‐dextranase improves the dispersion of HNTs and enhances interfacial adhesion in the composites owing to hydrogen bonds between β‐dextranase and HNTs, as revealed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. We envision the use of β‐dextranase in NR as a novel interfacial modifier in NR composites.
Validity of a model using routinely collected data for identifying infections following gastric, colon, and liver cancer surgeries
Authors: Yamana Hayato , Tsuchiya Asuka , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Morita Shigeki , Kuroki Tamotsu , Nakai Kunio , Nishimura Hideo , Jo Taisuke , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Validating outcome measures is a prerequisite for using administrative databases for comparative effectiveness research. Although the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database is widely used in surgical studies, the outcome measure for postsurgical infection has not been validated. We developed a model to identify postsurgical infections using the routinely collected Diagnosis Procedure Combination data.

Methods

We retrospectively identified inpatients who underwent surgery for gastric, colon, or liver cancer between April 2016 and March 2018 at four hospitals. Chart reviews were conducted to identify postsurgical infections. We used bootstrap analysis with backwards variable elimination to select independent variables from routinely collected diagnosis and procedure data. Selected variables were used to create a score predicting the chart review‐identified infections, and the performance of the score was tested.

Results

Among the 746 eligible patients, 96 patients (13%) had postoperative infections. Three variables were identified as predictors: diagnosis of infectious disease recorded as a complication arising after admission, addition of an intravenous antibiotic, and bacterial microscopy or culture. The prediction model had a C‐statistic of 0.885 and pseudo‐R2 of 0.358. A cut‐off of one point of the score showed a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 72%, and a cut‐off of two points showed a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 91%.

Conclusions

Our model using routinely collected administrative data accurately identified postoperative infections. Further external validation would lead to the application of the model for research using administrative databases.
The role of reduced graphene oxide as a “2D flexible crosslinking point” in composite hydrogels
Authors: Xia Shuang , Feng Shi , Deng Zejiang , Liang Qiuyu , Xiang Xu , Xie Hongyan
Published: November 2021

The composite hydrogels are widely used in various research directions. How to improve the mechanical properties is one of the concerns of researchers. In this work, the mechanical properties of composite hydrogels with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), kaolin (KL), montmorillonite (MMT), and attapulgite (APT) as additives were compared. The morphology of polyacrylamide (PAM) composite hydrogel was observed by electron microscope, and the hydrogen bonding between inorganic additives and PAM chain in the hydrated samples were detected by IR. The rheological data (G′, G", and tan δ) confirmed the beneficial effect of rGO as a two‐dimension (2D) material on the mechanical properties of hydrogels. In the tensile‐fracture experiments, the maximum tensile strain of PAM‐rGO was 568% and the maximum tensile force was 1.18 N, both of which were larger than that of the clay‐based composite hydrogel with the same mass concentration. Based on these experimental data, the response behavior of rGO in the process of hydrogel deformation was elucidated by the concept of “2D flexible crosslinking point,” and the reason why PAM‐rGO composite hydrogel had better mechanical strength was explained in detail.
Cathepsin B and thermal dual‐stimuli responsive linear‐dendritic block copolymer micelles for anticancer drug delivery
Authors: Song Wenjie , Wei Junwu , Li Lindong , Qian Yangyang , Wang Yujia , Bi Yunmei
Published: November 2021

In this study, two linear poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam)s (PNVCLs) with different molecular weights were first synthesized as polymeric supporters by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and then were used to prepare cathepsin B and thermal dual‐stimuli responsive amphiphilic linear–dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) PNVCLn‐b‐d(Phe‐Lys)1–3 (n = 66, 100) with linear PNVCL and dendritic phenylalanyl‐lysine (Phe‐Lys) dipeptides via stepwise peptide chemistry. The copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR spectra and gel permeation chromatography and exhibited a controlled molecular weight and a narrow molecular weight distribution (polydispersity index ≤ 1.27). They self‐assemble into stable micelles at relatively low critical micelle concentrations (0.007–0.019 mg mL−1) in aqueous solution. These micelles are capable of dissociating to release the encapsulated anticancer drug doxorubicin upon cathepsin B treatment. The doxorubicin release rates from PNVCLn‐b‐d(Phe‐Lys)1–3 micelles decreased with increasing generation of Phe‐Lys dipeptide dendrons and decreasing molecular weight of PNVCL. In addition, the lower critical solution temperatures of the copolymers increased with an extension of the enzyme incubation time. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity and cell uptake experiments showed that LDBCs show no cytotoxicity even at a high LDBC concentration of 0.4 mg mL−1 and the drug‐loaded micelles can be enriched in tumor cells. Such smart copolymers could be efficiently used in targeted therapy systems. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
A prostate cancer tissue specific spectral library for targeted proteomic analysis
Authors: Sun Rui , Lyu Mengge , Liang Shuang , Ge Weigang , Wang Yingrui , Ding Xuan , Zhang Cheng , Zhou Yan , Chen Shanjun , Chen Lirong , Guo Tiannan
Published: November 2021

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males worldwide. Mass spectrometry‐based targeted proteomics has demonstrated great potential in quantifying proteins from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) and (fresh) frozen biopsy tissues. Here we provide a comprehensive tissue‐specific spectral library for targeted proteomic analysis of prostate tissue samples. Benign and malignant FFPE prostate tissue samples were processed into peptide samples by pressure cycling technology (PCT)‐assisted sample preparation, and fractionated with high‐pH reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). Based on data‐dependent acquisition (DDA) MS analysis using a TripleTOF 6600, we built a library containing 108,533 precursors, 84,198 peptides and 9384 unique proteins (1% FDR). The applicability of the library was demonstrated in prostate specimens.
Controlling thermomechanical behavior of semicrystalline hydrogenated polynorbornene through the cis‐ to trans‐cyclopentylene ratio
Authors: Klein Jared P. , Gdowski Zachary M. , Register Richard A.
Published: November 2021

Though polynorbornene synthesized by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization has an intrinsically all‐cis configuration of the cyclopentylene backbone rings, a fraction of these rings can be epimerized to the trans configuration during hydrogenation over suitable catalysts. By varying the method of hydrogenation, semicrystalline hydrogenated polynorbornenes (hPNs) with trans levels between 0 and 36% were obtained. With increasing trans content, the glass transition temperature, melting point, and enthalpy of melting decrease modestly. By contrast, the temperature at which the hPN crystal transitions into a rotationally disordered polymorph varies strongly with trans content, ranging from 126 °C (all‐cis) to 71 °C at 27% trans; at trans contents of 34% and above, no rotationally‐ordered phase is observed at any temperature. The room‐temperature Young's modulus shows no dependence on trans content, while the yield stress drops by 20% at 1% trans content and slowly decreases further with additional epimerization. The temperature dependence of the Young's modulus differs for trans‐containing versus all‐cis polymers, while the temperature dependence of the yield stress is set by the polymorph type (rotationally ordered vs. disordered).
Synthesis of novel N‐(2‐phenyl‐3‐pyridyl) thiadiazole/isothiazole carboxamide analogs as potent plant elicitors
Authors: Yang Dongyan , Qi Xin , Kalinina Tatiana A , Glukhareva Tatiana V , Tang Liangfu , Li Zhengming , Fan Zhijin
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Plant elicitors are a class of plant protection agents that can stimulate plant immunity against phytopathogen without a potential resistance problem. In searching for novel plant elicitor candidates, a series of novel N‐(2‐phenyl‐3‐pyridyl) thiadiazole/isothiazole carboxamide analogs were designed and synthesized.

RESULTS

In vitro bioassay showed that all new compounds exhibited weak direct fungicidal activity. However, compounds 3b, 3g, 3n and 3o showed broad spectrum of in vivo activity against four plant fungi tested. In particularly, 3g showed 80% activity against Rhizoctonia solani in a glasshouse at a concentration of 1 μg mL–1. For induction activity of tobacco against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), compounds 3c and 3v showed 67% and 68% inhibitory activity, respectively, which were superior to the positive controls ribavirin and ningnanmycin. Compound 3g showed moderate induction activity (41%). Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) analysis found that, 3g could up‐regulate expression of genes that are related to reactive oxygen species (ROS), pathogenesis‐related protein (PRP) and salicylic acid (SA) signalling.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that 3g as an elicitor candidate might act on the SA signalling pathway. According to our findings, N‐(2‐phenyl‐3‐pyridyl) thiadiazole/isothiazole carboxamide analogs might be promising lead scaffolds as a novel plant elicitor for further investigation.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling of tadalafil to inform pediatric dose selection in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Rehmel Jessica , Ferguson‐Sells Lisa , Morse Bridget L. , Li Baohui , Dickinson Gemma L.
Published: November 2021

Tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, is being investigated as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in children aged 6 months to less than 18 years. Tadalafil pharmacokinetic (PK) data in children less than 2 years old are unavailable, therefore a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to enable estimation of tadalafil doses in children less than 2 years old. The model was verified in adults and extended for use in children by modifying CYP3A‐mediated intrinsic clearance to include CYP3A7. To account for co‐dosing of the commonly prescribed moderate CYP3A4 inducer bosentan, predicted exposures were increased by a factor of 1.54 based on changes in exposure in adults with PAH. This factor was predictable using a bosentan PBPK model. The tadalafil model was verified in children aged greater than or equal to 2 years by comparing predicted and observed exposures. Tadalafil doses for children less than 2 years old were calculated as target area under the concentration curve from zero to 24 h (AUC0–24)/predicted AUC0–24, with target AUC0–24 of 10,000 ng*h/ml based on adult 40 mg single dose exposures determined in patients without bosentan background treatment. These doses were 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg, respectively, for children aged birth to less than 1 month, 1 month to less than 6 months, 6 months to less than 1 year, and 1 to less than 2 years. Due to uncertainties in CYP maturation, a nonmechanistic steady‐state volume scalar, and lack of PK data in children less than 2 years old, accumulation of tadalafil to steady‐state in children less than 2 years was not verifiable. Safety of proposed doses is supported by postmarketing research and investigator‐led trials.
Anharmonicity in compliance formalism: Potential constants and interaction coordinates
Authors: Manogaran Dhivya , Manogaran Sadasivam
Published: November 2021

At the harmonic level, compliance constants are the inverse force constant matrix elements. In the present work, conversion of anharmonic force constants to compliance constants has been revisited and several new variants of the existing equations have been suggested. The reverse conversion of anharmonic compliance constants to force constants is addressed. The change in the internal coordinate (Ri) for constrained optimization is written as a monotonic polynomial function of the change in another chosen constrained internal coordinate (Rk) and the expansion coefficients extracted “directly” are the interaction coordinates (ICs). New expressions for computing the cubic and quartic anharmonic ICs using compliance constants are presented and the obtained numerical values are compared with the ICs extracted by the “direct” method. The work also highlights an effective way of extracting the diagonal harmonic and anharmonic compliance and force/relaxed force constants characterizing the bond in diatomic molecules and pseudo diatomic fragments in a molecule. The ability to compute the mentioned numerical values is likely to open up new possibilities for useful chemical applications.
Integrated Quantum Nanophotonics with Solution‐Processed Materials
Authors: Chen Yueyang , Sharp David , Saxena Abhi , Nguyen Hao , Cossairt Brandi M. , Majumdar Arka
Published: November 2021

A key obstacle for all quantum information science and engineering platforms is their lack of scalability. The discovery of emergent quantum phenomena and their applications in active photonic quantum technologies have been dominated by work with single atoms, self‐assembled quantum dots, or single solid‐state defects. Unfortunately, scaling these systems to many quantum nodes remains a significant challenge. Solution‐processed quantum materials are uniquely positioned to address this challenge, but the quantum properties of these materials have remained generally inferior to those of solid‐state emitters or atoms. Additionally, systematic integration of solution‐processed materials with dielectric nanophotonic structures has been rare compared to other solid‐state systems. Recent progress in synthesis processes and nanophotonic engineering, however, has demonstrated promising results, including long coherence times of emitted single photons and deterministic integration of emitters with dielectric nano‐cavities. In this review article, these recent experiments using solution‐processed quantum materials and dielectric nanophotonic structures are discussed. The progress in non‐classical light state generation, exciton‐polaritonics for quantum simulation, and spin‐physics in these materials is discussed and an outlook for this emerging research field is provided.
Racial discrimination and core executive functions
Authors: Keating Luke , Kaur Amandeep , Mendieta Miguel , Gleason Colleen , Basello Gina , Roth Alan , Brondolo Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

Researchers have theorized that exposure to racial discrimination may impair executive functioning. The limited existing data broadly support this notion and suggest that discrimination may exert acute and persistent effects on executive functioning, potentially because of the cognitive demands associated with responding to discrimination. However, it is unclear if discrimination is differentially associated with different core executive functions. Further, the effects may vary depending on the timing of exposure, as recent or acute exposure to discrimination may operate on executive functioning through different mechanisms than exposure across the lifetime. The current study evaluates the relations of both recent and lifetime exposure to racial discrimination to three core executive functions (i.e., cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and working memory) using a racially and ethnically diverse sample (n = 319). In fully adjusted models, recent discrimination was negatively associated with cognitive flexibility and working memory but not with inhibitory control. These data are consistent with the broader literature on acute stress effects on core executive functions and may have implications for understanding the effects of discrimination on health. Further research is warranted to understand the course and mechanisms of effects of lifetime and recent discrimination on core executive functions.
The 50th anniversary of May 4, 1970 is associated with elevations of distress but no increase in mental health symptoms
Authors: Rabinowitz Emily P. , Sayer MacKenzie A. , Samii Marielle R. , Straub Elizabeth L. , Kutash Lindsay A. , Delahanty Douglas L.
Published: November 2021

Anniversaries of traumatic events are associated with increased symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, especially in individuals with prior mental health symptoms. However, research has largely focussed on 1‐year anniversaries, and it is unclear whether symptom exacerbation persists for more distal, or milestone, anniversaries. Symptoms typically decrease over time after traumatic events, but major anniversaries may be associated with increases in mental health symptoms. During and 3 months after the 50th anniversary of the political protest violence at Kent State University on May 4, 1970, 115 individuals completed measures of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and anniversary‐related stress. Participants reported greater stress (t(97) = 4.04 p ≤ .001) during the 50th anniversary compared to 3 months later, but there were no differences in total PTSD (t(114) = .65, p = .52) or depression/anxiety symptoms (all p's > .05). Even in higher‐risk individuals (those who previously received mental health services), symptoms did not differ during versus after the anniversary. In general, long‐term anniversaries may contribute to transient increases in distress but do not induce major changes in mental health symptoms.
Bandgap Shrinkage and Charge Transfer in 2D Layered SnS2 Doped with V for Photocatalytic Efficiency Improvement
Authors: Shelke Abhijeet R. , Wang Hsiao‐Tsu , Chiou Jau‐Wern , Shown Indrajit , Sabbah Amr , Chen Kuang‐Hung , Teng Shu‐Ang , Lin I‐An , Lee Chi‐Cheng , Hsueh Hung‐Chung , Liang Yu‐Hui , Du Chao‐Hung , Yadav Priyanka L. , Ray Sekhar C. , Hsieh Shang‐Hsien , Pao Chih‐Wen , Tsai Huang‐Ming , Chen Chia‐Hao , Chen Kuei‐Hsien , Chen Li‐Chyong , Pong Way‐Faung
Published: November 2021

Effects of electronic and atomic structures of V‐doped 2D layered SnS2 are studied using X‐ray spectroscopy for the development of photocatalytic/photovoltaic applications. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure measurements at V K‐edge reveal the presence of VO and VS bonds which form the intercalation of tetrahedral OVS sites in the van der Waals (vdW) gap of SnS2 layers. X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) reveals not only valence state of V dopant in SnS2 is ≈4+ but also the charge transfer (CT) from V to ligands, supported by V Lα,β resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering. These results suggest V doping produces extra interlayer covalent interactions and additional conducting channels, which increase the electronic conductivity and CT. This gives rapid transport of photo‐excited electrons and effective carrier separation in layered SnS2. Additionally, valence‐band photoemission spectra and S K‐edge XANES indicate that the density of states near/at valence‐band maximum is shifted to lower binding energy in V‐doped SnS2 compare to pristine SnS2 and exhibits band gap shrinkage. These findings support first‐principles density functional theory calculations of the interstitially tetrahedral OVS site intercalated in the vdW gap, highlighting the CT from V to ligands in V‐doped SnS2.
Effect of Molecular Symmetry on Fused‐Ring Electron Acceptors
Authors: Wang Zemin , Cai Guilong , Wang Jiayu , Li Mengyang , Jia Boyu , Xue Peiyao , Lu Xinhui , Tang Zheng , Wang Guojie , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: November 2021

Two isomeric fused‐ring electron acceptors F7TC‐1 and F7TC‐2 with different molecular symmetry are designed and synthesized, and the effect of molecular symmetry is studied. All side chains are located on the same side of the fused‐ring core in axisymmetric F7TC‐1, whereas they are evenly located on both sides of the fused‐ring core in centrosymmetric F7TC‐2. The molecular symmetry shows slight effects on the absorption spectra, energy levels, and bandgaps of the two molecules, but notable effects on crystallinity, molecular packing, film morphology, and device performance. F7TC‐1‐ and F7TC‐2‐based organic solar cells show power conversion efficiencies of 1.08% and 11.14%, respectively. Different molecular packing and film morphology lead to a big difference in device performance.
Ultrathin Wide‐Bandgap a‐Si:H‐Based Solar Cells for Transparent Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Lopez-Garcia Alex J. , Blazquez Oriol , Voz Cristobal , Puigdollers Joaquim , Izquierdo-Roca Víctor , Pérez-Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: November 2021

Herein, the fabrication of UV‐blue selective transparent solar cells based on ultrathin (<30 nm) intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon films (a‐Si:H) as absorber and using a fully inorganic architecture is reported, using metal‐oxide thin films as carrier selective contacts and as transparent electrical contacts. These transparent ultrathin devices present a photovoltaic effect and high average visible transmittance (AVT), showing their potential as candidates for implementation as a transparent energy harvester. Potential applications range from Building‐Integrated PV to agrophotovoltaics, and can also be of interest as a ubiquitous and inexpensive power source integrated in functional devices such as low‐power devices, Internet of Things devices, and other sensors. Glass/FTO/ZnO/a‐Si:H/MoO3/ITO device prototypes are produced. These devices present an AVT ranging from 50% to 69%, present a photovoltaic effect with a power conversion efficiency up to 0.5% calculated for an AM1.5G spectrum and have light utilization efficiency (LUE) values of 0.25%, confirming the potential of the proposed device architectures for the development of highly transparent devices with improved LUE.
Temperature‐Responsive 4D Liquid Crystal Microactuators Fabricated by Direct Laser Writing by Two‐Photon Polymerization
Authors: del Pozo Marc , Delaney Colm , Pilz da Cunha Marina , Debije Michael G. , Florea Larisa , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: November 2021

Over the past decade, progress in direct laser writing by two‐photon polymerization (DLW‐TPP) of stimuli‐responsive materials has made considerable inroads into the realization of microactuators. With the focus on performing complex tasks such as walking, grasping, or delivering drugs, these actuators require a controlled preprogrammed actuation. Liquid crystalline microactuators enable such programmed movement when the mesogenic alignment can be successfully controlled. To date, this has necessitated low crosslink density networks, which are not readily conducive to the fabrication of 3D geometries. Herein, a liquid crystalline photoresist is reported, which results in a highly crosslinked network, that permits fabrication of 4D microactuators having a highly crosslinked network in which the molecular alignment is determined by the alignment layers in the cell construct. In addition to controllable deformation of the microactuators, they also display a characteristic and unique polarization color that can be used for both identification and reporting in real time, enabling their integration into sensing and anti‐anticounterfeiting microdevices.
Modeling correction activities in the context of verification strategies
Authors: Xu Peng , Salado Alejandro
Published: November 2021

Correction activities (CAs), which can take the form of redesign, rework, or repair, are essential to system development. Whereas verification activities (VAs) provide information about the state of the system, CAs modify the state of the system to facilitate its correct operation. However, existing approaches to modeling and optimizing verification strategies take a simplistic approach to CAs. Specifically, CAs are modeled as an expected cost to achieve a desired confidence level after a VA has failed and are inherent to such VAs. In this paper, we present a modeling paradigm based on Bayesian networks (BNs) that captures the effects of different types of CAs. This modeling paradigm allows for the integration of verification and correction decisions (CDs) under a common framework. The modeling paradigm is illustrated in the notional case of a communication system.
Broadscale Population Structure and Hatchery Introgression of Midwestern Brook Trout
Authors: Erdman Bradley , Mitro Matthew G. , Griffin Joanna D. T. , Rowe David , Kazyak David C. , Turnquist Keith , Siepker Michael , Miller Loren , Stott Wendylee , Hughes Michael , Sloss Brian , Kinnison Michael T. , Wilson Chris C. , Larson Wes
Published: November 2021

Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis have faced significant declines throughout their native range and have been stocked in Midwestern waters since the late 1800s to offset such losses. Several studies have investigated the genetic effects of these stockings, but these efforts have been confined to relatively small spatial scales. In this study, we compiled 8,454 Brook Trout microsatellite genotypes from 188 wild Midwestern populations and 26 hatchery strains to provide novel insights of broadscale population structure, regional patterns of genetic diversity, and estimates of hatchery introgression for inland Wisconsin populations. Our results indicate high levels of differentiation among our study populations, a lack of hydrological population structuring, lower estimates of genetic diversity in the Driftless Area, and that hatchery introgression has been largely confined to regions of inland Wisconsin that have been heavily affected by anthropogenic disturbances (i.e., the Driftless Area). We also provide evidence that populations may be able to purge hatchery‐derived alleles, discuss possible mechanisms behind this phenomenon, and consider their relevance to accurate estimation of hatchery introgression. Collectively, these results summarize the genetic effects of over a century of anthropogenic disturbance on native Brook Trout populations and emphasize the importance of integrating historical data into contemporary genetic research of intensively managed species.
Prevalence of camel babesiosis in southeast of Iran
Authors: Mirahmadi Hadi , Ghaderi Ali , Barani Shaghik , Alijani Ebrahim , Mehravaran Ahmad , Shafiei Reza
Published: November 2021

Babesiosis is a globally distributed zoonotic parasitic disease in a broad range of vertebrates with great importance in the veterinary field. The standard diagnostic test for Babesiosis in animals is microscopic identification of the parasite in a venous blood smear stained with Giemsa combined with assessment of clinical manifestations throughout the acute phase of the disease. The present study was planned to determine the presence of Babesia species in camels from the southeastern regions of Iran. A total of 140 blood samples of camels were randomly collected in four selected cities including Qaen, Nehbandan, Iranshahr, and Zahedan from March to August 2019. Blood smears of each case were also examined by the Giemsa staining method and extracted DNA samples were subjected to internal transcribed spacers (ITS1) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The prevalence rates using microscopically and molecular examinations were 10% and 19.28%, respectively. The prevalence rates significantly vary between the selected regions (p = 0.003). PCR technique showed higher sensitivity than microscopy. We found that all infected camels were positive for Babesia caballi. The rate of infection with Babesia among the camel in Zahedan is remarkable. Early diagnosis and early treatment can prevent further spread of the disease in this area.
Computation of gravitational particle production using adiabatic invariants
Authors: Basso Edward E. , Chung Daniel J. H.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Analytic and numerical techniques are presented for computing gravitational production of scalar particles in the limit that the inflaton mass is much larger than the Hubble expansion rate at the end of inflation. These techniques rely upon adiabatic invariants and time modeling of a typical inflaton field which has slow and fast time variation components. A faster computation time for numerical integration is achieved via subtraction of slowly varying components that are ultimately exponentially suppressed. The fast oscillatory remnant results in production of scalar particles with a mass larger than the inflationary Hubble expansion rate through a mechanism analogous to perturbative particle scattering. An improved effective Boltzmann collision equation description of this particle production mechanism is developed. This model allows computation of the spectrum using only adiabatic invariants, avoiding the need to explicitly solve the inflaton equations of motion.
Aspects of high scale leptogenesis with low-energy leptonic CP violation
Authors: Granelli A. , Moffat K. , Petcov S. T.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Using the density matrix equations (DME) for high scale leptogenesis based on the type I seesaw mechanism, in which the CP violation (CPV) is provided by the low-energy Dirac or/and Majorana phases of the neutrino mixing (PMNS) matrix, we investigate the 1-to-2 and the 2-to-3 flavour regime transitions, where the 1, 2 and 3 leptogenesis flavour regimes in the generation of the baryon asymmetry of the Universe ηB are described by the Boltzmann equations. Concentrating on the 1-to-2 flavour transition we determine the general conditions under which ηB goes through zero and changes sign in the transition. Analysing in detail the behaviour of ηB in the transition in the case of two heavy Majorana neutrinos N1,2 with hierarchical masses, M1 ≪ M2, we find, in particular, that i) the Boltzmann equations in many cases fail to describe correctly the generation of ηB in the 1, 2 and 3 flavour regimes, ii) the 2-flavour regime can persist above (below) ∼ 1012 GeV (∼ 109 GeV), iii) the flavour effects in leptogenesis persist beyond the typically considered maximal for these effects leptogenesis scale of 1012 GeV. We further determine the minimal scale M1min at which we can have successful leptogenesis when the CPV is provided only by the Dirac or Majorana phases of the PMNS matrix as well as the ranges of scales and values of the phases for having successful leptogenesis. We show, in particular, that when the CPV is due to the Dirac phase δ, there is a direct relation between the sign of sin δ and the sign of ηB in the regions of viable leptogenesis in the case of normal hierarchical light neutrino mass spectrum; for the inverted hierarchical spectrum the same result holds for M1 ≲ 1013 GeV. The considered different scenarios of leptogenesis are testable and falsifiable in low-energy neutrino experiments.
Deformations of JT gravity via topological gravity and applications
Authors: Förste Stefan , Jockers Hans , Kames-King Joshua , Kanargias Alexandros
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We study the duality between JT gravity and the double-scaled matrix model including their respective deformations. For these deformed theories we relate the thermal partition function to the generating function of topological gravity correlators that are determined as solutions to the KdV hierarchy. We specialise to those deformations of JT gravity coupled to a gas of defects, which conforms with known results in the literature. We express the (asymptotic) thermal partition functions in a low temperature limit, in which non-perturbative corrections are suppressed and the thermal partition function becomes exact. In this limit we demonstrate that there is a Hawking-Page phase transition between connected and disconnected surfaces for this instance of JT gravity with a transition temperature affected by the presence of defects. Furthermore, the calculated spectral form factors show the qualitative behaviour expected for a Hawking-Page phase transition. The considered deformations cause the ramp to be shifted along the real time axis. Finally, we comment on recent results related to conical Weil-Petersson volumes and the analytic continuation to two-dimensional de Sitter space.
Null boundary phase space: slicings, news & memory
Authors: Adami H. , Grumiller D. , Sheikh-Jabbari M. M. , Taghiloo V. , Yavartanoo H. , Zwikel C.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We construct the boundary phase space in D-dimensional Einstein gravity with a generic given co-dimension one null surface $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
as the boundary. The associated boundary symmetry algebra is a semi-direct sum of diffeomorphisms of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
and Weyl rescalings. It is generated by D towers of surface charges that are generic functions over $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
. These surface charges can be rendered integrable for appropriate slicings of the phase space, provided there is no graviton flux through $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
. In one particular slicing of this type, the charge algebra is the direct sum of the Heisenberg algebra and diffeomorphisms of the transverse space, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
v for any fixed value of the advanced time v. Finally, we introduce null surface expansion- and spin-memories, and discuss associated memory effects that encode the passage of gravitational waves through $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
, imprinted in a change of the surface charges.
Circulating tumor cells in colorectal cancer in the era of precision medicine
Authors: Hu Mingchao , Wang Zhili , Wu Zeen , Ding Pi , Pei Renjun , Wang Qiang , Xing Chungen
Published: November 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the main causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality across the globe. Although serum biomarkers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA-199) have been prevalently used as biomarkers in various cancers, they are neither very sensitive nor highly specific. Repeated tissue biopsies at different times of the disease can be uncomfortable for cancer patients. Additionally, the existence of tumor heterogeneity and the results of local biopsy provide limited information about the overall tumor biology. Against this backdrop, it is necessary to look for reliable and noninvasive biomarkers of CRC. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which depart from a primary tumor, enter the bloodstream, and imitate metastasis, have a great potential for precision medicine in patients with CRC. Various efficient CTC isolation platforms have been developed to capture and identify CTCs. The count of CTCs, as well as their biological characteristics and genomic heterogeneity, can be used for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response in CRC. This study reviewed the existing CTC isolation techniques and their applications in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CRC. The study also presented their limitations and provided future research directions.
An in vitro-based hazard assessment of liquid smoke food flavourings
Authors: Selin Erica , Mandava Geeta , Vilcu Alexandra-Livia , Oskarsson Agneta , Lundqvist Johan
Published: November 2021

Liquid smoke products are widely used as a food additive to create a desired smoke flavour. These products may contain hazardous chemicals generated during the wood-burning process. However, the toxic effects of these types of hazardous chemicals constituting in the commercially available products are largely unknown. Therefore, a test battery of cell-based in vitro methods, covering different modes of actions of high relevance to human health, was applied to study liquid smoke products. Ten liquid smoke flavourings were tested as non-extracted and extracted. To assess the potential drivers of toxicity, we used two different solvents. The battery of in vitro methods covered estrogenicity, androgenicity, oxidative stress, aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity and genotoxicity. The non-extracted samples were tested at concentrations 0.002 to 1 μL liquid smoke flavouring/mL culture medium, while extracted samples were tested from 0.003 to 200 μL/mL. Genotoxicity was observed for nearly all non-extracted and all hexane-extracted samples, in which the former had higher potency. No genotoxicity was observed for ethyl acetate-extracted samples. Oxidative stress was activated by almost all extracted and non-extracted samples, while approximately half of the samples had aryl hydrocarbon receptor and estrogen receptor activities. This study used effect-based methods to evaluate the complex mixtures of liquid smoke flavourings. The increased bioactivities seen upon extractions indicate that non-polar chemicals are driving the genotoxicity, while polar substances are increasing oxidative stress and cytotoxic responses. The differences in responses indicate that non-extracted products contain chemicals that are able to antagonize toxic effects, and upon extraction, the protective substances are lost.
A new proposal for secondary surveillance following potentially curative therapy of HCC: alternating MRI and CEUS
Authors: Bansal Sanjay , Lu Fangshi , Frehlich Levi , Wong Jason K. , Burak Kelly W. , Wilson Stephanie R.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

A high recurrence rate following ablative therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) necessitates routine follow-up imaging (secondary surveillance) to facilitate early re-treatment. We evaluate our unique secondary surveillance algorithm (with use of alternating MRI and CEUS) by assessment of the relative diagnostic accuracy of MRI and CEUS in detection of residual/recurrent tumor. Potential benefits of alternating surveillance are compared to the use of MRI alone.

Materials and methods

This prospective observational IRB approved study included 231 patients with 354 treated tumors between January 2017 and June 2020. Treated lesions underwent secondary surveillance for a minimum of 7 months and up to 3 years, median follow-up 14 months. Secondary surveillance involved MRI performed at 1 month after treatment, followed by CEUS and MRI at alternate 3-month intervals (i.e., CEUS at month 4, MRI at month 7, etc.), for a total of 2 years. An equivocal finding on one imaging modality triggered expeditious evaluation with the alternate modality. Arterial phase hyperenhancement and washout comprise the classic features of recurrent tumor on both modalities.

Results

A total of 746 MRI and 712 CEUS examinations were performed, and a total of 184 tumor recurrences detected, MRI (n = 82) and CEUS (n = 102) (p = 0.19). There was no difference in the sensitivity (71.0–85.0% and 80.9–92.0%), specificity (97.4–99.2% and 98.5–99.9%), and area under the ROC curve (0.85–0.92 and 0.91–0.96) between MRI and CEUS, respectively. 23 of 82 recurrent tumors identified on MRI were equivocal and confirmed with expedited CEUS. 9 equivocal cases on MRI were disproved by expedited CEUS. On CEUS, 1 of the 102 recurrent tumors was equivocal and confirmed on MRI, and 2 equivocal CEUS cases were disproved by MRI.

Conclusion

MRI and CEUS performed similarly in our secondary surveillance algorithm for HCC in their ability to detect tumor recurrence, and showed no significant difference in their relative diagnostic test accuracy measures. Of greater interest, equivocal results on MRI (typically due to difficulty in distinguishing tumor recurrence from post-treatment change/shunting) were either confirmed or disproven by CEUS in all cases. Secondary surveillance of treated HCC with alternating MRI and CEUS shows equivalent performance of each modality. CEUS resolves equivocal MRI and optimally demonstrates APHE and washout in tumor recurrence.

Graphic abstract
Anatomical variants of the medioplantar oblique ligament and inferoplantar longitudinal ligament: an MRI study
Authors: Szaro Paweł , Ghali Gataa Khaldun , Ciszek Bogdan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The spring ligament complex (SL) is the chief static stabilizer of the medial longitudinal foot arch. The occurrence of normal anatomical variants may influence radiological diagnostics and surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate anatomical variants of the part of SL located inferior to the talar head (i-SL), medioplantar oblique ligament (MPO) and inferoplantar longitudinal ligament (IPL).

Methods

We included 220 MRI examinations of the ankle performed on a 3.0 T engine. Only patients with a normal SL were included. Two musculoskeletal radiologists assessed the examinations and Cohen’s kappa was used to assess agreement. Differences between groups were assessed using the chi-squared test; p < 0.05 was considered as significant. The final decision was made by consensus.

Results

Most commonly, i-SL was composed of the two ligaments IPL and MPO n = 167 (75.9%); in this group, bifid ligaments occurred in 19.2%, most commonly in the MPO. A branch to the os cuboideum was seen in n = 17 (10.2%). Three ligaments were seen in n = 52 (23.6%). In this group, bifid ligaments occurred in 13.5%; most commonly, the IPL was bifid and a branch to the os cuboideum was noted in n = 6 (11.5%). In one case, n = 1 (0.04%), we identified MPO, IPL and two accessory ligaments. No significant relationship was noted between the number of ligaments, the presence of bifid ligaments and side or gender (p > 0.05). Conclusion. More than two aligaments were seen in 24.1% of examined cases, the most common variant was the presence of MPO, IPL and one accessory ligament.