bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabric phase sorptive extraction for the determination of 17 multiclass fungicides in environmental water by gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Celeiro Maria , Vazquez Lua , Nurerk Piyaluk , Kabir Abuzar , Furton Kenneth G. , Dagnac Thierry , Llompart Maria 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA rapid environmental pollution screening and monitoring workflow based on fabric phase sorptive extraction‐gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (FPSE‐GC‐MS/MS) is proposed for the first time for the analysis of 17 widespread used fungicides (metalaxyl, cyprodinil, tolylfluanid, procymidone, folpet, fludioxonil, myclobutanil, kresoxim methyl, iprovalicarb, benalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, fenhexamid, tebuconazole, iprodione, pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin and dimethomorph) in environmental waters. The most critical parameters affecting FPSE, such as sample volume, matrix pH, desorption solvent and time, and ionic strength were optimized by statistical design of experiment to obtain the highest extraction efficiency. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed FPSE‐GC‐MS/MS method was validated in terms of linearity, repeatability, reproducibility, accuracy and precision. To assess matrix effects, recovery studies were performed employing different water matrices including ultrapure, fountain, river, spring, and tap water at 4 different concentration levels (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5 µg/L). Recoveries were quantitative with values ranging between 70–115%, and relative standard deviation values lower than 14%. Limits of quantification were at the low ng/L for all the target fungicides. Finally, the validated FPSE‐GC‐MS/MS method was applied to real water samples, revealing the presence of 11 out of the 17 target fungicides.
High‐Molecular‐Weight Polyampholytes Synthesized via Daylight‐Induced, Initiator‐Free Radical Polymerization of Renewable Itaconic Acid
Authors: Mielczarek Kacper , Łabanowska Maria , Kurdziel Magdalena , Konefał Rafał , Beneš Hynek , Bujok Sonia , Kowalski Grzegorz , Bednarz Szczepan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHerein, it is reported for the first time that when mixed with choline chloride, itaconic acid (IA), normally a low‐reactive vinyl monomer, undergoes initiator‐free radical polymerization under normal daylight. Furthermore, the process results in the formation of abnormally high‐molecular‐weight poly(itaconic acid) derivatives with Mw greater than ≈800 000 g mol−1. Detailed 1D/2D NMR studies indicate that the polymers have two types of ionizable moieties, that is, anionic carboxylic and cationic choline ester groups in an average molar ratio of 12:1. Potentiometric titration shows polyampholyte behavior of the polymers. Tentative mechanistic studies reveal that the daylight‐induced polymerization is initiated by species generated via interactions of near UV light with IA. However, EPR findings show that choline also participates in secondary radical reactions. The obtained polyampholytes are useful bio‐based materials for fast and straightforward fabrication of polymer–clay nanocomposite hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties.
Identification of novel differentially expressed genes in retinas of STZ‐induced long‐term diabetic rats through RNA sequencing
Authors: Xing Xindan , Jiang Yan , Wang Hanying , Zhang Yuan , Niu Tian , Qu Yuan , Wang Chingyi , Wang Haiyan , Liu Kun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this research was to investigate the retinal transcriptome changes in long‐term streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced rats' retinas using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq), to explore the molecular mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and to identify novel targets for the treatment of DR by comparing the gene expression profile we obtained.MethodsIn this study, 6 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into wild‐type (WT) group and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced group, 3 rats each group. After 6 months, 3 normal retina samples and 3 DM retina samples (2 retinas from the same rat were considered as 1 sample) were tested and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were measured by RNA‐seq technology. Then, we did Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analysis and validated the results of RNA‐seq through qRT–PCR.ResultsA total of 118 DEGs were identified, of which 72 were up‐regulated and 46 were down‐regulated. The enriched GO terms showed that 3 most significant enrichment terms were binding (molecular function), cell part (cellular component), and biological regulation (biological process). The results of the KEGG pathway analysis revealed a significant enrichment in cell adhesion molecules, PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, and allograft rejection, etc.ConclusionOur research has identified specific DEGs and also speculated their potential functions, which will provide novel targets to explore the molecular mechanisms of DR.
A linearized power amplifier with nonlinear feedback architecture
Authors: Pan Wensheng , Li Chenxing , Quan Xin , Xu Qiang , Liu Ying , Shao Shihai , Tang Youxi , Kang Kai 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this letter, a linearized power amplifier (PA) with nonlinear feedback architecture is proposed to improve the linearity of a radio frequency (RF) PA, without efficiency degradation. In this proposed architecture, a linearization circuit is designed for linearity improvement, which consists of a signal cancellation loop and a signal adjustment circuit. The cancellation loop first extracts the distorted signal of the RF PA, while the adjustment circuit regulates the amplitude and the phase of the extracted nonlinear signal before feeding it into the PA with the linear source signal. Subsequently, the regulated nonlinear signal is redirected to the PA input port and combined with the PA input signal to cancel the PA nonlinear distortions. A testbed is designed to validate the performance of the proposed architecture by using the PA chip NPTB00004A at 2.6 GHz with 5‐MHz, 10‐MHz, and 20‐MHz long‐term evolution (LTE) signals. Experimental results show that the proposed architecture can improve the third order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) by more than 30 dB to achieve an adjacent channel power ratio of −45 dBc at an output power level of 33 dBm with drain efficiency over 30%.
Wideband bended CPS‐to‐microstrip transition for millimeter‐wave antenna‐detector module
Authors: Lee Gwan Hui , Kim Dong Hwi , Mohyuddin Wahab , Kumar Sachin , Choi Hyun Chul , Kim Kang Wook 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this article, the design of a new compact transition with two bended structures for millimeter‐wave (W/F‐band) antenna‐detector module is presented. The millimeter‐wave antenna is a dual dipole antenna fed by a coplanar stripline (CPS). Due to small size of the antenna‐detector, the CPS line impedance tends to be very high (~160 Ω). The down‐converted broadband microwave signal in the CPS is channeled to a 50 Ω microstrip line using a CPS‐to‐microstrip line transition (balun). If the start frequency of the transition is low, the conventional straight balun tends to be very long. In order to reduce transition length, the transition with bended parts while optimizing the impedance tapering based on the analytical formulas (conformal mapping) is chosen. In the proposed transition design, a transition with two bends in 120° is designed and implemented. The measured results show the maximum insertion loss of 1.5 dB in the frequency range of 1.8 to 17.8 GHz. Also, the return loss of the proposed transition is greater than 10 dB from 1.8 to 20 GHz.
Compact broadband slot‐based MIMO antenna array for vehicular environment
Authors: Bactavatchalame Partibane , Rajakani Kalidoss 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis article presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a broadband directional slot antenna and its application in a vehicular environment. The proposed antenna consists of a slot antenna fed by a simple microstrip line. Broadband impedance matching is achieved by replacing the conventional microstrip line with a modified microstrip line. The modified microstrip line consists of a microstrip line terminated with an impedance transformer and a square patch. The proposed antenna offers 76.9% bandwidth centered around 4.8 GHz covering most of the communication applications between 3 and 6.75 GHz. Furthermore, the antenna's radiation pattern is shaped to obtain the desired directional characteristics using a simple reflector and array of via holes. The typical gain enhancement is 2.45 dBi at 5 GHz. This gain enhanced slot antenna is further used to construct the four‐element MIMO antenna. The proposed MIMO antenna configuration offers omnidirectional coverage with realized antenna gain greater than 6 dBi making the antenna more suitable for the vehicular environment. The prototype antenna and the MIMO array are fabricated and measurement results are presented. The measurement results are in good agreement with the simulation results.
Synthesis and pharmacokinetic study of poly(ethylene oxide) triazole dendrimers decorated with aminosteroids as anticancer agent
Authors: Darveau Patrick , Maltais René , Roy Jenny , Poirier Donald , Morin Jean‐François 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTThe use of new aminosteroids has shown increased therapeutic efficiency on multiple cancer cell lines. Those molecules are, however, highly hydrophobic, leading to bad pharmacokinetic properties. Dendrimers are excellent candidates to improve PK, especially for absorption and distribution, since their structure can be designed to be water‐soluble. We have the capacity to tailor the particle's size to allow high‐loading capacity. In this article, we managed to enhance aqueous solubility of the aminosteroid AH‐38 by grafting on three generations of poly(ethylene oxide) triazole dendrimers to reach high drug loading values (w/w %). In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted and showed interesting results, such as increased plasma concentration of the free aminosteroid with G1 and G2 nanocarriers over the AH‐38 administrated as a free drug. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 654–661
An evoluted bio‐based 2,5‐furandicarboxylate copolyester fiber from poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Wang Peng , Huang Wei , Zhang Yajie , Lin Jinyou , Chen Peng 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTA series of bio‐based poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PEFT) fibers was prepared via the industrially feasible melt‐spinning and hot‐drawing process. The effect of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) content on the fibers properties was studied using differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, sound velocity, tensile, and boiling water shrinkage tests. It was found that the PEFT fibers showed comparable or superior tenacity to the PET fibers under the same conditions, especially the PEFT‐4 fibers exhibited the highest tenacity (2.3, 2.9 cN/dtex for the drawn PET and PEFT‐4 fibers prepared at the same take‐up speed of 2500 m/min and a fixed draw ratio of 1.6). Moreover, the boiling water shrinkage of the PEFT fibers was quite close to that of the PET fibers under the same conditions, showing that the PEFT fibers were comparable to the PET fibers in heat resistance. The results indicated that the bio‐based PEFT fibers would be a feasible alternative for the PET fibers, in terms of sustainability, processability, and mechanical properties. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 320–329
Dynamic Model Metallo‐Supramolecular Dual‐Network Hydrogels with Independently Tunable Network Crosslinks
Authors: Ahmadi Mostafa , Seiffert Sebastian 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTHybrid polymer networks emerge between chemical and physical crosslinking, where two different modes of chain connectivity control the material behavior. However, rational relations between their microstructural characteristics, supramolecular kinetics, and the resulting network mechanics and dynamics are not well developed. To address this shortcoming, this study introduces a material platform based on a model dual‐network hydrogel, comprising independently tunable chemical and physical crosslinks. The idea is realized by a click reaction between a tetra‐PEG and a linear‐PEG precursor, whereby the linear block also carries a terpyridine ligand at each end that can form additional physical crosslinks by metal ion–bis(terpyridine) complexation. We change the number of chemical crosslinks by varying the molar mass of the tetra‐PEG, and we independently tune the metallo‐supramolecular bonds by using different metal ions, Mn2+, Zn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+. Based on that modular approach, we study the rheological behavior and the diffusivity of fluorescent polymeric tracers. The dissociation of the metallo‐supramolecular bonds provides a relaxation step, whose timescale and intensity are quantified by a sticky Rouse model. These two characteristics differ not only depending on the metal ion but also according to the chemical network mesh size, which highlights an interplay between the chemical and physical crosslinks. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 330–342
Preparation of Liquid Crystal Film Capable of Shielding Visible Light Band by Two‐Phase Coexistence
Authors: Li Erli , Zhang Dongdong , Cao Hui , Chen Yinjie , Zhao Limin , Gan Ping , Yang Zhou , Wang Dong , He Wanli 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTA broadband reflective film covering the visible region is prepared by twice crosslinking polymerization of active monomer at different temperatures. The system is transformed from cholesteric phase to twist grain boundary A phase with the decrease of temperature. Based on the temperature dependence of pitch in two‐phase coexistence system, the polymer networks formed by free‐radical polymerization fix a part of small pitch when the system is in cholesteric phase at high temperatures, and then the large pitch is fixed by cationic polymerization when system is in twist grain boundary A phase at low temperatures. The non‐uniform distribution of pitch is formed in the system so that the reflection band of the film is broadened. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 599–606
Symptoms of prolonged grief and major depressive disorders: Distinctiveness and temporal relationship in the first 2 years of bereavement for family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Tsai Wei‐I , Wen Fur‐Hsing , Kuo Su‐Ching , Prigerson Holly G. , Chou Wen‐Chi , Shen Wen‐Chi , Tang Siew Tzuh 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveProlonged grief disorder (PGD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are common syndromes shaping bereaved caregivers' quality of life (QOL). However, distinctiveness of these syndromes warrants confirmation, and the temporal relationship of PGD and MDD symptoms has not been established. To fill these knowledge gaps, we conducted this longitudinal study.MethodsPGD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and psychological QOL were measured over 398 caregivers' first 2 years of bereavement using the Prolonged Grief‐13 (PG‐13) scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression (CES‐D) scale, and Short Form‐36 Health Survey mental health summary, respectively. To clarify the distinctiveness of PGD and MDD symptoms, we examined their associations with psychological QOL by incremental validity testing. Distinctiveness and temporal relationship of PGD and MDD symptoms were also examined using longitudinal, lower‐level mediation analysis with a lagged approach.ResultsAfter the variance in psychological QOL was explained by CES‐D scores (pseudo‐R2 = 44.19%, P < .001), PG‐13 scores significantly, incrementally increased the explained variance in psychological QOL (pseudo‐R2 = 0.21%, P < .001), confirming the distinctiveness of PGD and MDD symptoms. CES‐D scores mediated 40.7% of the time vs PG‐13 score relationship, whereas PG‐13 scores mediated 78.2% of the time vs CES‐D score relationship with a better model fit, indicating that PG‐13 scores assessed earlier mediated caregivers' current depressive status rather than vice versa.ConclusionsPGD and MDD are distinct constructs, and PGD precedes onset of MDD. Clinicians should distinguish between these two disorders and address bereaved caregivers' PGD to reduce PGD‐associated distress and morbidity and to prevent MDD onset, thereby improving their QOL.
Multivalent Sorbitol Probes for Near‐Infrared Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yoo Youngbum , Jo Gayoung , Jung Jin Seok , Yang Dae Hyeok , Hyun Hoon 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPhotothermal therapy (PTT) is a targeted and non‐invasive therapeutic strategy for effective cancer treatment. Image‐guided PTT based on bifunctional near‐infrared (NIR) fluorophores has received significant attention recently and the development of NIR fluorophores is advised for targeted imaging and precise cancer therapy. In this study, a multivalent sorbitol‐conjugated NIR fluorophore (4Sorbitol‐800) is used as a photothermal therapeutic agent for in vivo cancer imaging and therapy because of the high tumor‐targetability of the sorbitol moieties and excellent photothermal properties of the NIR heptamethine cyanine core. This NIR fluorophore demonstrates an excellent photothermal effect, which increases the temperature of the tumor by 57.4 °C upon NIR laser irradiation (1.1 W cm−2) for 5 min. The volumes of HT‐29 tumors targeted by 4Sorbitol‐800 significantly decrease over 7 days after photothermal treatment. The 4Sorbitol‐800 developed in this study exhibits good in vivo safety and a highly efficient antitumor capability. Therefore, 4Sorbitol‐800 in combination with NIR laser irradiation has promising potential for future clinical applications with targeted photothermal cancer therapy.
Clinical Trial Simulation To Optimize Trial Design for Fludarabine Dosing Strategies in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Langenhorst Jurgen B. , Dorlo Thomas P.C. , van Kesteren Charlotte , van Maarseveen Erik M. , Nierkens Stefan , de Witte Moniek A. , Boelens Jaap Jan , Huitema Alwin D.R. 
Published: January 2020

Optimal fludarabine exposure has been associated with improved treatment outcome in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, suggesting potential benefit of individualized dosing. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing alternative fludarabine dosing strategies to current practice may be warranted, but should be sufficiently powered for a relevant end point, while still feasible to enroll. To find the optimal design, we simulated RCTs comparing current practice (160 mg/m2) to either covariate‐based or therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)‐guided dosing with potential outcomes being nonrelapse mortality (NRM), graft failure, or relapse, and ultimately overall survival (covering all three aforementioned outcomes). The inclusion in each treatment arm (n) required to achieve 80% power was calculated for all combinations of end points and dosing comparisons. The trial requiring the lowest n for sufficient power compared TDM‐guided dosing to current practice with NRM as primary outcome (n = 70, NRM decreasing from 21% to 5.7%). We conclude that a superiority trial is feasible.
Exact two‐sided tolerance interval controlling tail proportions for sample variances
Authors: Guo Baocai , Zhu Naifan , Wang Wei , Song Yurong , Wang Hsiuying 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTolerance intervals (TIs) for variances are useful when we are interested in the precision of the quality characteristic. They can provide a deeper understanding of the process variability corresponding to process improvement and deterioration. In this paper, we consider the exact two‐sided TI for sample variances that simultaneously controls the proportions in each of the two tails of the distribution. The minimum number of subgroups required to achieve a specified level of precision is also computed. Moreover, we minimize the width of the TI through adjusting the tolerance factors, and the performance of the adjusted TI shows some improvement, especially when the amount of reference data is small. Finally, a real application is used to illustrate the construction and implementation of the proposed TIs.
Decentralized sliding mode control for a class of nonlinear interconnected systems by static state feedback
Authors: Feng Jiehua , Zhao Dongya , Yan Xing‐Gang , Spurgeon Sarah K. 
Published: January 2020

SummaryIn this paper, a class of interconnected systems is considered, where the nominal isolated systems are fully nonlinear. A robust decentralized sliding mode control based on static state feedback is developed. By local coordinate transformation and feedback linearization, the interconnected system is transformed to a new regular form. A composite sliding surface which is a function of the system state variables is proposed and the stability of the corresponding sliding mode dynamics is analyzed. A new reachability condition is proposed and a robust decentralized sliding mode control is then designed to drive the system states to the sliding surface in finite time and maintain a sliding motion thereafter. Both uncertainties and interconnections are allowed to be unmatched and are assumed to be bounded by nonlinear functions. The bounds on the uncertainties and interconnections have more general forms when compared with existing work. A MATLAB simulation example is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Unleashing the cure: Overcoming persistent obstacles in the translation and expanded use of hematopoietic stem cell-based therapies
Authors: Talib Sohel , Shepard Kelly A. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is broadly used for treating and curing hematological cancers and various disorders of the blood and immune system. However, its true therapeutic potential remains vastly constrained by significant scientific and technical hurdles that preclude expansion to new indications and limit the number of patients who could benefit from, gain access to, or financially afford the procedure. To define and overcome these challenges, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) held multiple workshops related to HSCT and has subsequently invested in a new generation of approaches to address the most compelling needs of the field, including new sources of healthy and immunologically compatible hematopoietic stem cells for transplant; safe and efficient genome modification technologies for correction of inherited genetic defects and other forms of gene therapy; safer and more tractable transplantation procedures such as nongenotoxic conditioning regimens, methods to accelerate immune reconstitution and recovery of immune function, and innovations to minimize the risk of immune rejection; and other life-threatening complications from transplant. This Perspective serves to highlight these needs through examples from the recent CIRM-funded and other notable investigations, presents rationale for comprehensive, systematic, and focused strategies to unleash the full potential of HSCT, thereby enabling cures for a greatly expanded number of disorders and making HSCT feasible, accessible, and affordable to all who could benefit.

Significance statement Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is commonly used to treat leukemias and severe disorders of the blood and immune system, but it has not been possible to extend HSCT to many patients in need of transplant, or into various new areas of disease that might benefit. This vast, untapped potential results from inadequate sources of healthy, immune-compatible stem cells for transplant, technological barriers to efficient engraftment, and the significant health risks associated with the HSCT procedure itself. This Perspective elaborates on current limitations of HSCT and describes novel strategies to overcome them, including key innovations developed with support from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Addressing these challenges could greatly expand the feasibility and accessibility of HSCT to all who might benefit, and enable HSCT to serve as a leading paradigm for developing new stem cell-based therapies in the future.