bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Post‐Polymerization Modification of Poly(N‐(4‐Vinylphenyl)Sulfonamide)s
Authors: Molle Edgar , Mutlu Hatice , Theato Patrick 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHerein, a straightforward synthesis of a novel class of polymers, that is, poly(N‐(4‐vinylphenyl)sulfonamide)s, and their monomers is reported. A set of monomers with varying electron densities, fine‐tuned by different substituents on the aromatic sulfonamide moiety, is polymerized by free radical polymerization featuring low molar masses (2300 ≤ Mn ≤ 3200 g mol−1) and low dispersities (1.15 ≤ Đ ≤ 1.47). Further, the post‐polymerization modification of the obtained polymers via aza‐Michael addition with electron‐deficient alkenes is demonstrated using organic superbases as catalysts, paving the way toward the facile synthesis of novel polymeric protected β‐amino acid derivatives.
NIR–vis–UV Light‐Responsive High Stress‐Generating Polymer Actuators with a Reduced Creep Rate
Authors: Pan Xinglong , Verpaalen Rob C. P. , Zhang Huiyi , Debije Michael G. , Engels Tom A. P. , Bastiaansen Cees W. M. , Schenning Albert P. H. J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractUntethered, light‐responsive, high‐stress‐generating actuators based on widely‐used commercial polymers are appealing for applications in soft robotics. However, the construction of actuators that are stable and reversibly responsive to low‐intensity ultraviolet, visible, and infrared lights remains challenging. Here, transparent, stress‐generating actuators are reported based on ultradrawn, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene films. The composite films have different draw ratios (30, 70, and 100) and contain a small amount of graphene in combination with ultraviolet and near‐infrared‐absorbing dyes. The composite actuators respond rapidly (t0.9 < 0.8 s) to different wavelengths of light (i.e., 780, 455, and 365 nm). A maximum photoinduced stress of 35 MPa is achieved at a draw ratio of 70 under near‐infrared light irradiation. The photoinduced stress increases linearly with the light intensity, indicating the transfer of light into thermally induced mechanical contraction. Moreover, the addition of additives lead to a reduction in the plastic creep rate of the drawn films compared to their nonmodified counterparts.
Min cost improvement and max gain stability in multicriteria sorting methods on combinatorial domains
Authors: Benabbou Nawal , Martin Hugo , Perny Patrice 
Published: April 2021

AbstractVarious multicriteria sorting methods have been proposed in the literature to assign the feasible alternatives into predefined categories. We consider here problems involving a set of totally ordered categories representing different achievement levels in the satisfaction of criteria. As in many existing methods, the assignment rule of an alternative to a category is based on the comparison of its performance vector to reference profiles defining lower bounds of the categories. Within this standard setting we address a new problem that consists in finding how to modify a given solution, within a combinatorial set of alternatives, to upgrade it in the upper category (or higher) at minimum cost. We also consider the problem of identifying the sequence of solutions that minimize the total cost while satisfying some budget constraint at every step, and the problem of determining how to modify the current solution to save money while staying in the same category. We first propose a general approach based on mixed integer (linear or quadratic) programming to solve these problems. Then, we implement this approach on various multiobjective combinatorial problems, such as multi‐agent assignment problems and multiobjective knapsack problems. Numerical tests are provided to establish the feasibility of the approach on instances of different sizes.
Prenatal High‐Sucrose Diet Induced Vascular Dysfunction in Thoracic Artery of Fetal Offspring
Authors: Feng Xueqin , Yu Tiantian , Zhang Yumeng , Li Lijuan , Qu Miaomiao , Wang Jishui , Dong Fangxiang , Zhang Lihua , Wang Fengge , Zhang Fanyong , Zhou Xiuwen , Xu Zhice , Man Dongmei 
Published: May 2021

ScopeMaternal nutrition during pregnancy is related to intrauterine fetal development. The authors’ previous work reports that prenatal high sucrose (HS) diet impaired micro‐vascular functions in postnatal offspring. It is unclear whether/how prenatal HS causes vascular injury during fetal life.Methods and resultsPregnant rats are fed with normal drinking water or 20% high‐sucrose solution during the whole gestational period. Pregnant HS increases maternal weight before delivery. Fetal thoracic aorta is separated for experiments. Angiotensin II (AII)‐stimulated vascular contraction of fetal thoracic arteries in HS group is greater, which mainly results from the enhanced AT1 receptor (AT1R) function and the downstream signaling. Nifedipine significantly increases vascular tension in HS group, indicating that the L‐type calcium channels (LTCCs) function is strengthened. 2‐Aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2‐APB), inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) inhibitor, increases vascular tension induced by AII in HS group and ryanodine receptors‐sensitive vascular tone shows no difference in the two groups, which suggested that the activity of IP3Rs‐operated calcium channels is increased.ConclusionThese findings suggest that prenatal HS induces vascular dysfunction of thoracic arteries in fetal offspring by enhancing AT1R, LTCCs function and IP3Rs‐associated calcium channels, providing new information regarding the impact of prenatal HS on the functional development of fetal vascular systems.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Seeds Increase Intestinal Protein Uptake
Authors: Ballegaard Anne‐Sofie Ravn , Larsen Jeppe Madura , Rasmussen Peter Have , Untersmayr Eva , Pilegaard Kirsten , Bøgh Katrine Lindholm 
Published: May 2021

ScopeWithin the last decade, quinoa seeds have gained much popularity as a new food and have recently been proposed as an appropriate food for early introduction in infants. Quinoa contains high levels of saponins, which are known for their adjuvant activity and effect on the intestinal barrier function. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of quinoa on intestinal permeability and inflammation in comparison with the positive controls; cholera toxin (CT), and capsaicin.Methods and resultsThe effect of quinoa on intestinal barrier function and inflammation is investigated in vitro using a Caco‐2 cell line and in vivo using a Brown Norway rat model. Effects in vivo are analyzed by protein uptake, histology, gene expression, antibody levels, and flow cytometry. Quinoa and the positive controls all increased the intestinal permeability, but distinct patterns of absorbed protein are observed in the epithelium, Peyer's patches, lamina propria, and serum. The quinoa‐mediated effect on intestinal barrier function is found to be distinct from the effect of the two positive controls.ConclusionThe findings demonstrate the ability of quinoa to increase intestinal permeability and to promote compartment‐specific protein uptake via mechanisms that may differ from CT and capsaicin.
Performance of an enhanced afterloader with electromagnetic tracking capabilities for channel reconstruction and error detection
Authors: Tho Daline , Lavallée Marie‐Claude , Beaulieu Luc 
Published: May 2021

PurposeTo assess catheter reconstruction and error detection performance of an afterloader (Elekta Brachytherapy, Veenendaal, The Netherlands) equipped with electromagnetic (EM) tracking capabilities.Materials/MethodsThe Flexitron research unit used was equipped with a special check cable integrating an EM sensor (NDI Aurora V3) that enables tracking and reconstruction capability. The reconstructions of a 24‐cm long catheter were performed using two methods: continuous fixed‐speed check cable backward stepping (at 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cm/s) and stepping through each dwell position every 1 mm. The ability of the system to differentiate between two closely located (parallel) catheters was investigated by connecting catheters to the afterloader and moving it from its axis with an increment of 1 mm. A robotic arm (Meca500, Mecademic, Montreal) with an accuracy of 0.01 mm was used to move the catheter between each reconstruction. Reconstructions were obtained with a locally weighted scatterplot smoothing algorithm. To quantify the reconstruction accuracy, distances between two catheters were computed along the reconstruction track with a 5 mm step. The reconstructions of curve catheter paths were assessed through parallel and perpendicular phantom configuration to the EM field generator. Indexer length and lateral errors were simulated and a ROC analysis was made.ResultsUsing a 50 cm/s check cable speed does not allow for accurate reconstructions. A slower check cable speed results in better reconstruction performance and smaller standard deviations. At 1 cm/s, a catheter can be shifted laterally down to 1 mm and all paths can be uniquely identified. The optimum operating distance from the field generator (50 to 300 mm) resulted in a lower absolute mean deviation from the expected value (0.2 ± 0.1 mm) versus being positioned on the edge of the electromagnetic sensitive detection volume (0.6 ±0.3 mm). The reconstructions of curved catheters with a check cable speed under 5 cm/s gave a 0.8 mm ±0.3 mm error, or better. All indexer and lateral shifts of 1 mm were detected with a check cable speed of 2.5 cm/s or lower.ConclusionsThe EM‐equipped Flexitron afterloader is able to track and reconstruct catheters with high accuracy. A speed under 5 cm/s is recommended for straight and curved catheter reconstructions. It allows catheter identification down to 1 mm inter‐catheter distance shift. The check cable can also be used to detect common shift errors.
Thin and Light Dual‐Cell OLCDs: Bringing Ultrahigh Contrast Performance to TVs and Automotive Displays
Authors: Cain Paul 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe displays industry has no shortage of innovations to deliver ultrahigh contrast displays that are increasingly competitive with OLED and manufacturable in existing fabs. Dual‐cell OLCD is one approach that offers huge advantages in display performance and cost through simplification, thin structure, and true pixel‐level dimming.
Effect of Temperature on Survival of Lost River Suckers with a Natural Infection of Ichthyobodo spp.
Authors: Martin Barbara A. , Burdick Summer M. , Purcell Maureen K. , Powers Rachel L. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
To compensate for low natural survival of endangered Lost River Suckers Deltistes luxatus, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Klamath Tribes have initiated captive rearing programs. We conducted laboratory experiments intended to determine the temperature for optimum growth of juvenile Lost River Suckers; however, due to an unanticipated infection with Ichthyobodo spp., we instead estimated survival in conjunction with temperature and parasite loads. Ichthyobodo spp. are common parasites that infest fish skin and gills; they are known to be present in Upper Klamath Lake and have been found in fish at both the federal and tribal fish-rearing facilities. All fish held at mean temperatures of 16°C and 19°C survived the entire 65-d experiment, whereas the median time to death was 27 d at 22°C, 8 d at 24°C, and 7 d at 26°C. Gill samples from all Lost River Suckers tested positive for Ichthyobodo spp. DNA, with a trend toward higher copy numbers in suckers that were held at a mean temperature of 22°C or warmer compared to those held at 19°C or cooler. Fish kept at all temperatures grew slowly. These results suggest that survival of Lost River Suckers with a natural infection of Ichthyobodo spp. was significantly impacted by temperature.
Recent progress of Y‐series electron acceptors for organic solar cells
Authors: Lu Bing , Wang Jian , Zhang Zhecheng , Wang Jin , Yuan Xiaolei , Ding Yue , Wang Yang , Yao Yong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOrganic solar cells (OSCs) have entered the era of non‐fullerene electron acceptors. Nowadays with the rapid development of non‐fullerene electron acceptor materials, Organic photovoltaic show huge potential in challenging conventional photovoltaic technology. Among the emerging non‐fullerene electron acceptors, the Y‐series acceptors own superior performance. The single‐junction devices based Y‐series acceptors have achieved power conversion efficiencies of 17∼18%. This paper gives an overview of the recent advances of Y‐series electron acceptors. Through discussing the selected molecules, the perspective of molecular design on three parts of the molecules, including the central core, side chain and end group, are spotlighted, and the photoelectric properties, photovoltaic performance and film morphology of various Y‐series acceptors materials are also presented. Finally, some molecule design directions will be proposed to further promote the progress of OSCs.
Numerical solution of singular Lyapunov equations
Authors: Chu Eric K.‐W. , Szyld Daniel B. , Zhou Jieyong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe consider the numerical solution of large scale singular (continuous‐time) Lyapunov equations of the formAX + XA⊤ + BB⊤ = 0, whereAis semistable, that is, its spectrum is contained in the left half plane, with the exception of a few semisimple eigenvalues at zero. We also consider the case of a few semisimple eigenvalues on the imaginary axis. We assume that we know these few eigenvalues (zero or imaginary), and that we have or can compute the corresponding invariant subspaces. We use this information to build an appropriate newly proposed subspace on which to project the Lyapunov equations, and then compute a low‐rank approximation to the least squares solution. Selected illustrative numerical examples are provided.
Body image and hopelessness among early‐stage breast cancer survivors after surgery in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wu Qiong , Yin Yongtian , Wang Qing , Wang Shiyuan , Jia Xinjie 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo examine the body image and hopelessness status of early‐stage breast cancer survivors who received a one‐time dressing change after surgery and were ready to be discharged from a hospital in China.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsParticipants were 211 women with breast cancer who had received a one‐time dressing change postsurgery. Spearman's correlation and structural equation modelling were used for data analysis.ResultsParticipants in the 35–45 age group and those who underwent bilateral mastectomy presented higher scores for hopelessness. Married participants showed lower scores for the feelings about the future subscale compared to other subscales. Body image was significantly and positively associated with and had a positive effect on hopelessness. Women with a more positive appraisal of their body image tended to report lower levels of hopelessness. Healthcare providers should evaluate patients’ distress levels after a mastectomy to identify women who may require early psychosocial intervention.
The uses of domesticated animals at the Early Bronze Age City of Wangjinglou, China
Authors: You Yue , Wu Qian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractZooarchaeological research on the early Bronze Age in the Central Plain of North China has been focused mainly on two periods: the Erlitou culture (ca. 1900–1500 BC) and the late Shang Dynasty (ca. 1250–1046 BC). In this paper, our research on the animal bone assemblage from the Wangjinglou site, a walled city of the Erligang culture (ca. 1600–1400 BC), allows us to explore the use of animal resources and husbandry specializations during the time period between Erlitou and the late Shang. Domesticated animals, especially pigs and cattle, were dominant species in the faunal assemblage, while wild animals, mainly deer, were small in number. Moreover, the percentages of cattle and sheep were higher in prosperous phases at Wangjinglou and lower in the later phase during the site's decline. Analysis of the estimated death ages for various taxa suggests that pigs were raised for meat consumption, while sheep were used for secondary products. This research on Wangjinglou shows the varied nature of the animal economy at an early Bronze Age City in East Asia.
Designation Products: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for Head and Neck Carcinoma
Authors: Kanno Hitoshi , Nagata Hironori , Ishiguro Akihiro , Tsuzuranuki Satoshi , Nakano Shintaro , Nonaka Takahiro , Kiyohara Koushin , Kimura Toshinari , Sugawara Akihiko , Okazaki Yuzuru , Takae Shinichi , Nakabayashi Tetsuo , Arai Hiroyuki , Suzuki Hiroshi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare approved a drug called borofalan (10B), a treatment system, and a dose calculation program for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in March 2020. The application pertaining to the products submitted to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency was supported by a Japanese, open-label, uncontrolled trial (Study 002) in patients with unresectable, locally recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy, or in those with unresectable locally advanced or locally recurrent (LA/LR) head and neck nonsquamous cell carcinoma. The drug was administered as a single intravenous dose using infusion rates of 200 mg/kg per hour for the first 2 hours after the start of administration and 100 mg/kg per hour during irradiation. Neutron irradiation was performed using the devices at a single dose of 12 Gy-equivalent for oral, pharyngeal, or laryngeal mucosa for up to 60 minutes from 2 hours after the start of drug administration. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). The results of Study 002 showed that the ORR based on an assessment of the Independent Central Review Committee per RECIST version 1.1 was 71.4% (90% confidence interval [CI], 51.3%–86.8%). The lower limit of the 90% CI exceeded the prespecified threshold for ORR. When BNCT is applied to patients with unresectable LA/LR head and neck cancer, precautions should be taken, and patients should be monitored for possible onset of dysphagia, brain abscess, skin disorder, crystal urine, cataract, and/or carotid hemorrhage.

Implications for Practice
Borofalan (10B), a treatment system and a dose calculation program for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), demonstrated significant efficacy in an open-label, uncontrolled trial in which overall response rate was the primary endpoint for patients with unresectable locally advanced or locally recurrent head and neck cancer. Although no information about survival benefits was obtained, BNCT will become an effective treatment option that is expected to manage local lesions that are intractable with any standard therapy. In addition, BNCT is expected to maintain quality of life of the intended patient population, on account of its high tumor selectivity and low invasiveness.
Anthropometric measures are satisfactory substitutes for the DXA‐derived visceral adipose tissue in the association with cardiometabolic risk—The Tromsø Study 2015–2016
Authors: Lundblad Marie W. , Jacobsen Bjarne K. , Johansson Jonas , Grimsgaard Sameline , Andersen Lene F. , Hopstock Laila A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundBody mass index (BMI) increases while cardiometabolic risk factors decrease in individuals in high‐income countries. This paradoxical observation raises the question of whether current measures of overweight and obesity properly identify cardiometabolic risk.MethodsA total of 3675 participants (59% women) aged 40–84 years with whole‐body dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans from the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study were included to examine the association between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in grams and BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). Further, their association with single cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein), modified single components from the ATP Ⅲ criteria for metabolic syndrome (hypertension, diabetes, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol), and metabolic syndrome were examined.ResultsVAT mass was strongly correlated with BMI (r ≥ 0.77), WC (r ≥ 0.80), WHR (r ≥ 0.58), and WHtR (r ≥ 0.78). WC was the strongest predictor for VAT (area under the curve: 0.90). Compared to anthropometric measures, the associations between VAT and metabolic syndrome as well as single components of metabolic syndrome were statistically significantly stronger, but the clinical differences were likely minor.ConclusionAlthough VAT mass showed statistically stronger associations with cardiometabolic risk compared to traditional anthropometrics, the clinical importance was likely small. Simple, clinically available tools seem to satisfactory substitute for VAT to identify cardiometabolic risk.
A review on the applications of polyurea in the construction industry
Authors: Shojaei Behrouz , Najafi Mohammad , Yazdanbakhsh Amirhosein , Abtahi Mojtaba , Zhang Chunwei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPolyurea has drawn the attention of construction activists and engineers as a modern building material due to its unique structure, unique properties, and relatively easy application even in hard‐to‐reach places. A wide range of excellent properties such as durability and high resistance against the atmospheric, chemical, and biological factors have made this polymer a superb option for the construction industry. The ability to reinforce the building materials and structures coupled with excellent resistance against corrosion and abrasion has dramatically increased the popularity of polyurea as a protective coating in the construction industry. In these industries, sealing and insulating the different floors and surfaces have also been considered using the polyurea coating. Polyurea coating technology is a green technology without pollution and toxicity to the environment, which is an essential advantage over many competing technologies in the construction industry. The use of polyurea composite systems to optimize various properties such as mechanical and thermal properties in addition to reducing the costs and economic burden is increasing. In the present paper, multiple applications of polyurea‐based materials in the construction industry are discussed.