bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced reliability analysis method for multistate systems with epistemic uncertainty based on evidential network
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Chen Ziwei , Jiang Chao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEvidential network is considered to have superiority in conducting reliability analysis for complex engineering systems with epistemic uncertainty. However, existing methods tend to result in combinational explosion when multistate systems are involved in the reliability analysis, which means the reliability analysis cost increases exponentially with the number of components and that of functioning states. Therefore, an enhanced reliability analysis method is proposed in this paper for reliability analysis and performance evaluation of multistate systems with epistemic uncertainty, through which the combination explosion can be significantly alleviated. Firstly, the functioning states of each component are sequenced according to utility functions. Secondly, the basic belief assignment (BBA) of each component is reassigned in terms of commonality function, through which the BBA defined in the power set space is represented by two extreme BBA distributions defined in the frame of discernment. Thirdly, the reliability intervals of the system states are calculated through evidential network, and the system performance level is computed. Two multistate system numerical examples are investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.
A new exponentially weighted moving average chart with an adaptive control scheme for high yield processes—An application in injection molding process
Authors: Abubakar Sani Salihu , Khoo Michael B.C. , Saha Sajal , Lee Ming Ha 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAnalytical formulae for computing the average time to signal (ATS) value for the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) cumulative count of conforming (CCC) chart using the Markov chain procedure are derived, as the performance of this chart is currently studied using simulation in the literature. Additionally, the variable sampling interval (VSI) EWMA CCC chart for monitoring the cumulative counts of items inspected until a nonconforming item is obtained in a high yield process and is developed to increase the sensitivity of the basic EWMA CCC chart. By using the Markov chain procedure, optimal parameters of the VSI EWMA CCC chart in minimizing the ATS value are obtained and provided to facilitate the chart's implementation in practice. It is found that the VSI EWMA CCC chart shows an impressive improvement over the basic CCC, VSI CCC, and EWMA CCC charts. An example using real data from an injection molding process producing micro‐prism array of an optical element is given to demonstrate the implementation of the VSI EWMA CCC chart in practice. The originality of this manuscript lies in the derivation of new Markov chain‐based analytical formulae for computing the ATS of the EWMA CCC chart and the incorporation of the VSI technique into the EWMA CCC chart to boost the out‐of‐control detection speed of the latter.
Process‐capability‐qualified adjustable multiple‐dependent‐state sampling plan for a long‐term supplier–buyer relationship
Authors: Wang To‐Cheng , Wu Chien‐Wei , Hsu Bi‐Min , Shu Ming‐Hung 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAcceptance sampling plan is widely used for the inspections of incoming or outgoing products to provide the producer and the consumer a general benchmark for lot sentencing. To reduce the inspection cost, the multiple‐dependent‐state (MDS) plan that takes account of the preceding lots' quality history into the current lot disposition has been proposed. However, recent studies overlook the fact that the MDS plan's performance needed to reach target compliance decreases with an increase in the number of preceding lots considered. This unawareness makes the MDS plan fall into a conflictive situation. To overcome the drawback of the MDS plan, in this paper, we introduce a modified MDS plan to accommodate an adjustable mechanism, called adjustable MDS (AMDS) sampling plans. The presented AMDS plans are designed on the basis of the advanced process capability index, which is cognizant of both the process yield and the process loss. This established process‐capability‐qualified AMDS plan efficiently solves the conflictive situation of the MDS plan when encompassing more preceding lots in the lot‐disposition decision. Notably, its efficacy has been shown on high improvements in terms of the required sample size for the inspection, the discriminatory power, and the average run length for lot sentencing.
Quantum chemical study on the sensing properties of Pt‐decorated BC3 nanotube toward metronidazole drug
Authors: Ma Tianxiao , Jin Chao , Aslanzadeh Saeed Amir 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDespite the important role of metronidazole (MNO) in treating giardiasis and amoebiasis, its intake may cause mutagenic‐, genotoxic‐, and carcinogenic‐type side reactions, so proper sensors are essential for MNO detection. In this work, we studied, using the density functional theory (DFT) approach, MNO adsorption on a pristine and Pt‐decorated BC3 nanotube (Pt@BCN) in order to assess their potential as drug‐sensing material. We showed that the pristine tube weakly adsorbed the MNO drug and cannot detect it. Next, we examined the most stable complexes for Pt decoration on the BNC, finding a more favorable binding energy (BE) for a Pt‐η6 with B2C4 hexagon. Several complexes were considered for MNO adsorption on the Pt@BCN. In the most stable complex, the MNO interacts with the Pt atom through the NO2 group with a BE of −1.51 eV. The sensing response of BCN dramatically increased from 5.7 up to 415.2 by the Pt decoration. A short recovery time of 1.54 seconds was reached for the MNO desorption from the Pt@BCN surface. The water solvent reduces the BE of both MNO and sensing response of the Pt@BCN to −1.36 eV and 303.9, respectively. Our study proposes that a Pt@BCN could act as a promising sensor for MNO drug detection purposes.
Cooperative effects between triel and halogen bonds in complexes of pyridine derivatives: An opposite effect of the nitrogen oxidation on triel and halogen bonds
Authors: Wang Ruijng , Xiao Bo , Li Wenzuo , Li Qingzhong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAb initio calculations are performed for binary complexes of TrR3···4‐PyX/4‐OPyX and 4‐PyX/4‐OPyX···N‐base (Tr = B, Al; R = H, Cl, Br, I; X = Cl, Br, I; N‐base = HCN, NHCH2, NH3). The halogen bond (XB) is weak but becomes stronger in the HCN(sp) < NH3(sp3) < NHCH2(sp2) pattern. Nitrogen oxidation can enhance the XB a little. The triel bond (TrB) is very strong, with interaction energy ranging from −35 to −58 kcal/mol. The TrB is weaker for the heavier halogen atom in the AlR3complex, while no such dependence is found in the BR3complex. The oxygen atom of 4‐OPyX engages in a weaker TrB than the nitrogen atom of 4‐PyX, inconsistent with the negative molecular electrostatic potentials (MEPs) on both atoms. Both TrB and XB are strengthened in TrR3···4‐PyX/4‐PyOX···N‐base. The binding distance of the stronger TrB is shortened to less than that of the weaker XB, which is in contrast to that in BF3···NCH···NCH, where the stronger TrB has a larger shortening in the binding distance. The cooperativity is explained by MEP and charge transfer.
Can doping of transition metal oxide cathode materials increase achievable voltages with multivalent metals?
Authors: Koch Daniel , Manzhos Sergei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe use of substitutional p‐doping as a means to enhance the insertion energies of multivalent metals in transition metal oxides, and therefore the resulting voltages in an electrochemical cell, due to band structure modulation is investigated using first principles calculations. The investigations reveal the formation of n‐hole polarons (with n > 1) in the form of oxygen dimers in p‐doped charge‐transfer insulating transition metal oxides, caused by localized p holes on oxide ions in agreement with previous findings. It is found that the oxygen dimer formation has an adverse effect on adsorption energetics compared to the single‐hole case without dimerization. On the other hand, strained systems or Mott insulators with qualitatively different valence band composition do not exhibit oxygen dimerization with multihole doping. The results demonstrate the advantages and limitations of transition metal oxide electrode p‐doping and show a path to possible strategies to overcome detrimental effects.
Pseudoaneurysm after total arch replacement mimicking malignant lymphadenopathy
Authors: Chiba Yosuke , Yamasaki Kei , Ikegami Hiroaki , Yatera Kazuhiro 
Published: August 2020

Key messagePseudoaneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis when the computed tomography (CT) findings show a mediastinal mass in patients with a history of cardiovascular surgery even if such surgery occurred over two decades previously.
Comparing the accuracy of the da Vinci Xi and da Vinci Si for image guidance and automation
Authors: Ferguson James M. , Pitt Bryn , Kuntz Alan , Granna Josephine , Kavoussi Nicholas L. , Nimmagadda Naren , Barth Eric J. , Herrell Stanley Duke , Webster Robert J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundCurrent laparoscopic surgical robots are teleoperated, which requires high fidelity differential motions but does not require absolute accuracy. Emerging applications, including image guidance and automation, require absolute accuracy. The absolute accuracy of the da Vinci Xi robot has not yet been characterized or compared to the Si system, which is now being phased out. This study compares the accuracy of the two.MethodsWe measure robot tip positions and encoder values assessing accuracy with and without robot calibration.ResultsThe Si is accurate if the setup joints are not moved but loses accuracy otherwise. The Xi is always accurate.ConclusionThe Xi can achieve submillimetric average error. Calibration improves accuracy, but excellent baseline accuracy of the Xi means that calibration may not be needed for some applications. Importantly, the external tracking systems needed to account for setup joint error in the Si are no longer required with the Xi.
The association between dengue viremia kinetics and dengue severity: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Morsy Sara , Hashan Mohammad Rashidul , Hieu Truong Hong , Mohammed Abdelrahman Tarek , Elawady Sameh Samir , Ghosh Prithwish , Elgendy Manal A. , Le Huu‐Hoai , Hamad Walid Mohamed Attiah , Iqtadar Somia , Dumre Shyam Prakash , Hirayama Kenji , Huy Nguyen Tien 
Published: August 2020

SummaryIn this study, we aim to assess the association of dengue viremia with dengue severity. The study protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016039864). We searched nine databases to find potential papers. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included. We, based our analysis on three outcomes which are disease severity, dengue serotype and disease infection type. Thirty studies with 3316 patients were included. Our analysis revealed that viremia is significantly higher in dengue hemorrhagic fever patients than dengue fever in days 5 to 6. Regarding the serotype of dengue, the maximum viremia titre of serotype 1 was significantly higher than serotype 3 and the viremia in dengue serotype 2 was significantly higher than serotype 4 in days 2 to 4. However, comparison of the daily viremia level between the primary and secondary dengue infection revealed that secondary infection was significantly higher than the primary infection on seventh day and on the eighth day. Viremia is strongly associated with disease severity and type of infection which gave viremia a high indicative power to be used as a clinical predictor. Dengue serotype is also associated with viral load with higher viremia in DENV‐2/1.
Comparative analysis of the genome structure and organization of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) 2012 to 2019 revealing evidence for virus strain barcoding, zoonotic transmission, and selection pressure
Authors: Ba Abduallah Mohamed M. , Hemida Maged Gomaa 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) emerged in late 2012 in Saudi Arabia. For this study, we conducted a large‐scale comparative genome study of MERS‐CoV from both human and dromedary camels from 2012 to 2019 to map any genetic changes that emerged in the past 8 years. We downloaded 1309 submissions, including 308 full‐length genome sequences of MERS‐CoV available in GenBank from 2012 to 2019. We used bioinformatics tools to describe the genome structure and organization of the virus and to map the most important motifs within various regions/genes throughout the genome over the past 8 years. We also monitored variations/mutations among these sequences since its emergence. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the cluster within African camels is derived by S gene. We identified some prominent motifs within the ORF1ab, S gene and ORF‐5, which may be used for barcoding the African camel lineages of MERS‐CoV. Furthermore, we mapped some sequence patterns that support the zoonotic origin of the virus from dromedary camels. Other sequences identified selection pressures, particularly within the N gene and the 5′ UTR. Further studies are required for careful monitoring of the MERS‐CoV genome to identify any potential significant mutations in the future.
Vitamin D and Covid‐19: From potential therapeutic effects to unanswered questions
Authors: Teymoori‐Rad Majid , Marashi Sayed Mahdi 
Published: August 2020

SummaryEvidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation could potentially be effective either in treatment or prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19). Indeed, several studies and trials have begun to investigate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. In this review, we focus on the potential mechanisms of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of Covid‐19. We consider whether deficiency of vitamin D may be one of the underlying biological factors that could explain the excess mortality seen among non‐Caucasians. We also raise several important questions which need to be addressed to provide a clear picture of the extent to which vitamin D supplementation may benefit patients with Covid‐19, particularly those with underlying risk factors.
Stability analysis of positive switched impulsive systems with delay on time scales
Authors: Lu Xiaodong , Li Haitao , Wang Chuankui , Zhang Xianfu 
Published: August 2020

SummaryIn this paper, stability analysis of positive switched impulsive systems with delay on time scales is investigated. Firstly, a necessary and sufficient condition is provided for positivity of the considered systems. Secondly, by respectively considering the situations that the switching behavior and the impulsive phenomenon happen simultaneously and asynchronously, the uniformly asymptotical stability problems are addressed. Then, based on the linear copositive Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional technique, two less conservative stability criteria are proposed. It are shown that these two criteria allow the time‐scale derivative of related Lyapunov functionals to be non‐negative at some intervals. Moreover, these two criteria are effective for not only continuous cases and discrete cases, but also some other positive switched impulsive systems on general uniform or hybrid time domains. Finally, a non‐continuous and non‐discrete example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretic results.
Assessing the efficacy of group model building workshops in an applied setting through purposive text analysis
Authors: Valcourt Nicholas , Walters Jeffrey , Javernick‐Will Amy , Linden Karl 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGroup model building (GMB) approaches have been shown to improve participants' understanding of complexity by shifting and aligning individuals' mental models of the interconnections within complex systems. However, reviews of GMB literature have identified knowledge gaps for assessing the efficacy of GMB activities. To address these gaps, these studies recommend assessing multiple cases, shifting from controlled to applied settings, and reporting on objective measures. We address each of these items by comparing the outputs of multiple community‐based GMB workshops to participants' mental models elicited through pre‐workshop interviews. Using purposive text analysis, we developed causal loop diagrams for comparison to a group workshop model. Through a quantitative analysis, we find that individuals convened in GMB workshops have greater alignment on factors, causal links, and feedback. We believe these contributions can help other GMB practitioners better assess the efficacy of their activities with more rigor and detail.© 2020 System Dynamics Society
Encapsulation of Sulfur into N‐Doped Porous Carbon Cages by a Facile, Template‐Free Method for Stable Lithium‐Sulfur Cathode
Authors: Zeng Shuaibo , Arumugam Gowri Manohari , Liu Xianhu , Yang Yuzhao , Li Xin , Zhong Hai , Guo Fei , Mai Yaohua 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries with a high energy density and long lifespan are considered as promising candidates for next‐generation electrochemical energy‐storage devices. However, the sluggish redox kinetics of electrochemistry and high solubility of polysulfide during cycling render insufficient sulfur utilization and poor cycling stability. Herein, a facile, template‐free procedure based on controlled pyrolysis of polydopamine vesicles is described to prepare N‐doped porous carbon cages (NHSC) as a new sulfur host, which significantly improves both the sulfur utilization and cycling stability. As NHSC shows a high pore volume, continuous electron and ion transport paths, and good catalytic activity, encapsulation of S nanoparticles into NHSC endows the resulting S@NHSC electrode with a good energy storage capacity and exceptionally high electrochemical stability. Consequently, a Li‐S cell with the S@NHSC as the cathode achieves a high initial capacity of 1280.7 mAh g−1, and cycling stability over 500 cycles with the capacity decay as low as 0.0373% per cycle.
Zeolite Nanosheets Stabilize Catalyst Particles to Promote the Growth of Thermodynamically Unfavorable, Small‐Diameter Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Carpena‐Núñez Jennifer , Rao Rahul , Kim Donghun , Bets Ksenia V. , Zakharov Dmitri N. , Boscoboinik J. Anibal , Stach Eric A. , Yakobson Boris I. , Tsapatsis Michael , Stacchiola Dario , Maruyama Benji 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA challenge in the synthesis of single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is the lack of control over the formation and evolution of catalyst nanoparticles and the lack of control over their size or chirality. Here, zeolite MFI nanosheets (MFI‐Ns) are used to keep cobalt (Co) nanoparticles stable during prolonged annealing conditions. Environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM) shows that the MFI‐Ns can influence the size and shape of nanoparticles via particle/support registry, which leads to the preferential docking of nanoparticles to four or fewer pores and to the regulation of the SWCNT synthesis products. The resulting SWCNT population exhibits a narrow diameter distribution and SWCNTs of nearly all chiral angles, including sub‐nm zigzag (ZZ) and near‐ZZ tubes. Theoretical simulations reveal that the growth of these unfavorable tubes from unsupported catalysts leads to the rapid encapsulation of catalyst nanoparticles bearing them; their presence in the growth products suggests that the MFI‐Ns prevent nanoparticle encapsulation and prologue ZZ and near‐ZZ SWCNT growth. These results thus present a path forward for controlling nanoparticle formation and evolution, for achieving size‐ and shape‐selectivity at high temperature, and for controlling SWCNT synthesis.
Nanoparticles in the Biological Context: Surface Morphology and Protein Corona Formation
Authors: Richtering Walter , Alberg Irina , Zentel Rudolf 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA recent paper demonstrated that the formation of a protein corona is not a general property of all types of nanosized objects. In fact, it varies between a massive aggregation of plasma proteins onto the nanoparticle down to traces (e.g., a few proteins per 10 nanoparticles), which can only be determined by mass spectrometry in comparison to appropriate negative controls and background subtraction. Here, differences between various types of nanosized objects are discussed in order to determine general structure–property‐relations from a physico‐chemical viewpoint. It is highlighted that “not all nanoparticles are alike” and shown that their internal morphology, especially the difference between a strongly hydrated/swollen shell versus a sharp “hard” surface and its accessibility, is most relevant for biomedical applications.
Combined Tumor Environment Triggered Self‐Assembling Peptide Nanofibers and Inducible Multivalent Ligand Display for Cancer Cell Targeting with Enhanced Sensitivity and Specificity
Authors: Chen Weike , Li Shuxin , Lang John C. , Chang Yan , Pan Zui , Kroll Peter , Sun Xiankai , Tang Liping , Dong He 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMany new technologies, such as cancer microenvironment‐induced nanoparticle targeting and multivalent ligand approach for cell surface receptors, are developed for active targeting in cancer therapy. While the principle of each technology is well illustrated, most systems suffer from low targeting specificity and sensitivity. To fill the gap, this work demonstrates a successful attempt to combine both technologies to simultaneously improve cancer cell targeting sensitivity and specificity. Specifically, the main component is a targeting ligand conjugated self‐assembling monomer precursor (SAM‐P), which, at the tumor site, undergoes tumor‐triggered cleavage to release the active form of self‐assembling monomer capable of forming supramolecular nanostructures. Biophysical characterization confirms the chemical and physical transformation of SAM‐P from unimers or oligomers with low ligand valency to supramolecular assemblies with high ligand valency under a tumor‐mimicking reductive microenvironment. The in vitro fluorescence assay shows the importance of supramolecular morphology in mediating ligand–receptor interactions and targeting sensitivity. Enhanced targeting specificity and sensitivity can be achieved via tumor‐triggered supramolecular assembly and induces multivalent ligand presentation toward cell surface receptors, respectively. The results support this combined tumor microenvironment‐induced cell targeting and multivalent ligand display approach, and have great potential for use as cell‐specific molecular imaging and therapeutic agents with high sensitivity and specificity.