bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controlling and Phase‐Locking a THz Quantum Cascade Laser Frequency Comb by Small Optical Frequency Tuning
Authors: Consolino Luigi , Campa Annamaria , De Regis Michele , Cappelli Francesco , Scalari Giacomo , Faist Jérôme , Beck Mattias , Rösch Markus , Bartalini Saverio , De Natale Paolo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFull phase control of terahertz (THz)‐emitting quantum cascade laser (QCL) combs has recently been demonstrated, opening new perspectives for even the most demanding applications. In this framework, simplifying the set‐ups for control of these devices will help to accelerate their spreading in many fields. This study reports a new way to control the emission frequencies of a THz QCL comb by small optical frequency tuning (SOFT), using a very simple experimental setup, exploiting the incoherent emission of an ordinary white light‐emitting diode. The slightly perturbative regime accessible in these conditions allows tweaking the complex refractive index of the semiconductor without destabilizing the broadband laser gain. The SOFT actuator is characterized and compared to another actuator, the QCL driving current. The suitability of this additional degree of freedom for frequency and phase stabilization of a THz QCL comb is shown and perspectives are discussed.
Three solutions to mixed boundary value problem driven by p(z)‐Laplace operator
Authors: Vetro Calogero , Vetro Francesca 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe prove the existence of at least three weak solutions to a mixed Dirichlet–Neumann boundary value problem for equations driven by the ‐Laplace operator in the principal part. Our approach is variational and use three critical points theorems.
Cylindrical Super‐Lattice Structures with Three‐Contrasts from Pentablock Binary Blends Studied by Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Suzuki Jiro , Suzuki Makoto , Takano Atsushi , Matsushita Yushu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe cylindrical super‐lattice structures with three‐contrasts from binary blends of four‐component pentablock quadpolymers, AB0CB1D and CB0AB1D, is studied, where B0 and B1 are the same polymer component. The difference in the architecture between two quadpolymers consists merely in the order of A and C block chains. The volume fractions of the first‐, third‐, and fifth‐components are denoted as φ1, φ3, and φ5, respectively, and γ is the volume fraction ratio of two B‐chains, γ = φB0/φB1. To form cylindrical domains with three‐contrasts in B‐matrix phase, φ1, φ3, and φ5 are fixed as φ1 = φ5 = 0.125 and φ3 = 0.156. At the large γ region, the (2+2) and (3+3) tiling super‐lattice structures appear, where each D‐domain is surrounded with two or three A‐ and C‐cylinders each and their basic tilings are of squares and regular hexagons. At the smaller γ region, untraditional (4+4) and (5+5)(3) cylindrical super‐lattice structures are observed, where each D‐domain is surrounded with four or five A‐ and C‐cylinders each as satellites. Since square and regular hexagon can give Euclidean regular tilings, traditional (2+2) and (3+3) structures can be easily formed, while (4+4) and (5+5)(3) untraditional cylindrical super‐lattice structures are exhibited simply because regular octagons and decagons cannot fill out 2D surface.
Trends in targeted delivery of nanomaterials in colon cancer diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Khan Firdos A. , Albalawi Reem , Pottoo Faheem H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractColon cancer is an adenocarcinoma, which subsequently develops into malignant tumors, if not treated properly. The current colon cancer therapy mainly revolves around chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, but the search continues for more effective interventions. With the advancement of nanoparticles (NPs), it is now possible to diagnose and treat colon cancers with different types, shapes, and sizes of NPs. Nanoformulations such as quantum dots, iron oxide, polymeric NPs, dendrimers, polypeptides, gold NPs, silver NPs, platinum NPs, and cerium oxide have been either extensively used alone or in combination with other nanomaterials or drugs in colon cancer diagnosis, and treatments. These nanoformulations possess high biocompatibility and bioavailability, which makes them the most suitable candidates for cancer treatment. The size and shape of NPs are critical to achieving an effective drug delivery in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Most NPs currently are under different testing phases (in vitro, preclinical, and clinical), whereas some of them have been approved for therapeutic applications. We have comprehensively reviewed the recent advances in the applications of NPs‐based formulations in colon cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Visual Isocenter Position Enhanced Review (VIPER): a Cherenkov imaging‐based solution for MR‐linac daily QA
Authors: Alexander Daniel A. , Bruza Petr , Rassias Aris G. , Andreozzi Jacqueline M. , Pogue Brian W. , Zhang Rongxiao , Gladstone David J. 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis study demonstrates a robust Cherenkov imaging‐based solution to MR‐Linac daily QA, including mechanical‐imaging‐radiation isocenter coincidence verification.MethodsA fully enclosed acrylic cylindrical phantom was designed to be mountable to the existing jig, indexable to the treatment couch. An ABS plastic conical structure was fixed inside the phantom, held in place with 3D‐printed spacers, and filled with water allowing for high edge contrast on MR imaging scans. Both a star shot plan and a four‐angle sheet beam plan were delivered to the phantom; the former allowed for radiation isocenter localization in the x–z plane (A/P and L/R directions) relative to physical landmarks on the phantom, and the latter allowed for the longitudinal position of the sheet beam to be encoded as a ring of Cherenkov radiation emitted from the phantom, allowing for isocenter localization on the y‐axis (S/I directions). A custom software application was developed to perform near‐real‐time analysis of the data by any clinical user.ResultsCalibration procedures show that linearity between longitudinal position and optical ring diameter is high (R2 > 0.99), and that RMSE is low (0.184 mm). The star shot analysis showed a minimum circle radius of 0.34 mm. The final isocenter coincidence measurements in the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions were −0.61 mm, 0.55 mm, and −0.14 mm, respectively, and the total 3D distance coincidence was 0.83 mm, with each of these being below 2 mm tolerance.ConclusionThis novel system provided an efficient, MR safe, all‐in‐one method for acquisition and near‐real‐time analysis of isocenter coincidence data. This represents a direct measurement of the 3D isocentricity. The combination of this phantom and the custom analysis application makes this solution readily clinically deployable after the longitudinal analysis of performance consistency.
Screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia in adult patients with neuromuscular diseases using the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire
Authors: Audag Nicolas , Liistro Giuseppe , Goubau Christophe , Vandervelde Laure , Poncin William , Toussaint Michel , Van den Bergh Peter , Reychler Gregory 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsOropharyngeal dysphagia is common in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). Its early recognition is vital for proper management. We tested a large cohort of adult NMD patients for oropharyngeal dysphagia using the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ). We also looked for possible differences in characteristics of oropharyngeal dysphagia in various NMD groups and diseases. Finally, we compared results of this screening with those from their corresponding medical records for eventual “clinical history” of dysphagia.MethodsWe asked patients to fill in the SSQ during follow‐up outpatient visits at our neuromuscular reference center. A total score above the cutoff score of 118.5 out of 1700 was indicative of oropharyngeal dysphagia.ResultsOf the 304 adult patients assessed for eligibility, 201 NMD patients (96 women and 105 men, aged 49.0 ± 16.2 years) were included and tested in this study. Oropharyngeal dysphagia was detected in 45% of all the NMD patients when using the SSQ, whereas only 12% had a positive medical record for dysphagia. The median SSQ scores for patients with myotonic syndromes (including myotonic dystrophy type 1), with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy were above the cutoff score. The SSQ scores obtained revealed distinct oropharyngeal dysphagia characteristics in the different NMD groups and diseases.DiscussionThe SSQ tests positively for oropharyngeal dysphagia in a higher proportion of NMD patients compared with their medical records. The distinct oropharyngeal dysphagia characteristics we revealed in different NMD groups and diseases may help to elaborate adapted clinical approaches in the management of oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Successful Restoration of a Native Fish Assemblage in the Blue River, Arizona
Authors: Hickerson Brian T. , Grube Elizabeth R. , Mosher Kent R. , Robinson Anthony T. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Translocation is one of the most commonly proposed management actions for securing and recovering native fish species. However, the success of native fish translocations has varied widely due to several limiting factors, including the presence of nonnative fishes. The Blue River Native Fish Restoration Project involved construction of a fish passage barrier, removal of nonnative fish, translocation of three native fish species (Spikedace Meda fulgida, Loach Minnow Rhinichthys cobitis, and Roundtail Chub Gila robusta), and monitoring to determine the success of these actions. After construction of a physical fish passage barrier, the three focal species were stocked several times upstream of the barrier. Nonnative fish were removed annually using multiple gear types, including spearfishing, backpack electrofishing, and trapping. Monitoring data demonstrated a significant shift in the fish assemblage from one with a substantial component of nonnative fishes to one that was exclusively native fishes. Persistence, reproduction, increased abundance, and dispersal were documented for all three focal species within the study area, meeting criteria for establishment success. All nonnative fishes, including the primary targets of removal efforts—Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus and Green Sunfish Lepomis cyanellus—were successfully suppressed, if not eradicated entirely, during the study period. Our results illustrate the importance of long-term monitoring to track and successfully achieve native fish recovery goals. In addition, our results demonstrate that nonnative fish can be mechanically removed from warmwater streams if initial abundance is low, distribution is restricted, and fish passage barriers are in place. Results from this study may be informative for managers hoping to improve the conservation status of warmwater stream fishes through creation of a fish passage barrier, nonnative species removal, and native fish translocation efforts.
Musculoskeletal impairments in children receiving intensive therapy for acute leukemia or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Thompson Joel , Fisher Brian , Sung Lillian , Dvorak Christopher , Dang Ha , Lo Tammy , Alexander Sarah 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundChildren receiving intensive chemotherapy for leukemia or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) for solid tumors or leukemia are at risk for musculoskeletal (MSK) impairment from their underlying disease and from treatment. Data are limited on the incidence and nature of these disorders during intensive therapy. This study's objective was to provide a cross‐sectional description of MSK impairments in this population.ProcedureChildren with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (rALL), or undergoing HSCT were systematically assessed for MSK impairments as part of Children's Oncology Group study ACCL0934. Assessments occurred at study entry, at 2 months, and at 12 months and included evaluation for signs or symptoms of MSK impairment and the type, site, and diagnosis.ResultsSix hundred three patients were included. MSK signs or symptoms were present in 48 (8.0%) children at study entry, 64 (13.5%) children at 2 months, and 40 (11.6%) children at 12 months. Arthralgia and/or gait abnormalities were the most common impairments; the knee was the most common site. Arthritis and tendonitis were both rare. Vincristine neuropathy, MSK impacts from central nervous system pathology, and bone or joint pain from underlying cancer were the most common diagnoses. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that having rALL (odds ratio [OR] 2.00, 95% CI 1.07–3.76, p = .03) or obesity (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.12–3.95, p = .02) were risk factors for MSK impairment at study entry.ConclusionsMSK impairments are common in this intensively treated patient population, especially in those with rALL and those who are obese.
A Tandem Mass Tags (TMTs) labeling approach highlights differences between the shoot proteome of two Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes, Col‐0 and Ws
Authors: Leschevin Maïté , Marcelo Paulo , Ismael Marwa , San‐Clemente Hélène , Jamet Elisabeth , Rayon Catherine , Pageau Karine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractArabidopsis has become a powerful model to study morphogenesis, plant growth, development but also plant response to environmental conditions. Over 1000 Arabidopsis genomes are available and show natural genetic variations. Among them, the main reference accessions Wassilewskija (Ws) and Columbia (Col‐0), originally growing at contrasted altitudes and temperatures, are widely studied, but data contributing to their molecular phenotyping are still scarce. A global quantitative proteomics approach using isobaric stable isotope labeling (Tandem Mass Tags, TMT) was performed on Ws and Col‐0. Plants have been hydroponically grown at 16 h/8 h (light/dark cycle) at 23°C day/19°C night for three weeks. A TMT labeling of the proteins extracted from their shoots has been performed and showed a differential pattern of protein abundance between them. These results have allowed identifying several proteins families possibly involved in the differential responses observed for Ws and Col‐0 during plant development and upon environmental changes. In particular, Ws and Col‐0 mainly differ in photosynthesis, cell wall‐related proteins, plant defense/stress, ROS scavenging enzymes/redox homeostasis and DNA/RNA binding/transcription/translation/protein folding.
Enhanced photodegradation of TiO2‐containing poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid) blends
Authors: Davis Brad J. , Thapa Kundu , Hartline Matthew C. , Fuchs Witold K. , Blanton Michael D. , Wiggins Jeffrey S. , Simon Yoan C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe calamitous accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, especially single‐use disposables, calls for new approaches to materials design. One method to address the persistence of plastics beyond their intended use is to impart them with functionalities that will either allow for their recyclability or their degradation to basic natural components. This work focuses on the fabrication of photodegradable polyester blends and investigates the impact of compatibilization on photodegradation rates. Specifically, we blended poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymers by (reactive) extrusion in the presence or absence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP), a radical generator, and titanium dioxide (TiO2), an inorganic photocatalyst. We examined the effects of DCP and TiO2 loadings as well as copolymer composition on the thermomechanical properties, photodegradability, and morphology. We found that the inclusion of TiO2 dramatically increased flexural moduli and photodegradation rates in both dry and wet conditions, while reactive compatibilization had little effect of the tested properties. This simple and scalable approach is promising to fabricate materials that can readily photodegrade.
Investigation of the Effective Parameters on the Preparation of Ammonium Perchlorate Particles Using a Cooling Crystallization Process
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Ghorban , Nouri Meysam , Bahri Mohammad Mahdi , Bazrafshan Esmaiel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAmmonium perchlorate is one of the most important and applicable oxidizers used in solid propellants. Also, the morphology of ammonium perchlorate particles is an effective parameter in the production of propellants. In the current research, the preparation of ammonium perchlorate using the cooling crystallization method was studied. Four parameters including the rate of cooling, mixing patterns, agitator speed, and surfactant were considered in cooling crystallization of ammonium perchlorate. Nine tests were carried out based on the Taguchi experimental design method. The morphology of the obtained crystals was analyzed by optical microscope and MIP 4 student software. The size distribution of the particles was modeled using the Rosin‐Rammler method. Obtained results illustrated that the surfactant had the most effect with the value of 70.7 % and the agitator speed, flow pattern, and cooling rate had fewer effects on the morphology with the values of 25.8 %, 2.9 %, and 0.2 %, respectively. The optimal amount of sphericity obtained by the Taguchi method was 0.77 which was verified by the experimental result of 0.76. The roundness and aspect ratio values for the optimal crystal were 0.79 and 1.40 respectively. Applying the Rosin‐Rammler model showed that the homogeneity factor of size distribution was 2.22 for the optimal crystals.
Review on the Synthesis and Performance for 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole‐Based Energetic Materials
Authors: Du Yao , Qu Zhongkai , Wang Huanchun , Cui Hu , Wang Xuanjun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEnergetic materials have been widely used in both military and civilian fields. The development of new high‐energy materials with improved performance and enhanced stability is critical for promoting future military and space applications. Recently, researchers in the field of energetic materials have paid significant attention to oxadiazole‐based energetic compounds, among which 1,3,4‐oxadiazole demonstrates moderate energy levels and better stability, owing to the absence of readily cleaved N−O bonds compared with other oxadiazole isomers, such as 1,2,4‐oxadiazole and 1,2,5‐oxadiazole. Therefore, 1,3,4‐oxadiazole is an exceptional explosophoric motif with an efficient compromise between energy and stability, and several outstanding energetic materials have been achieved based on the combination of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole units with various functional groups or rings, such as polynitrobenzene, furazan, pyrazole, and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole itself. This review provides an overview of the development of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐based energetic materials during the past few years, outlines their synthesis and energetic performance, and contrasts them with other conventional energetic materials. Owing to the convenience of the synthetic routes and their excellent energetic properties, energetic materials based on the 1,3,4‐oxadiazole skeleton may be considered as the next‐generation of high‐performance energetic materials specifically as heat‐resistant explosives or insensitive explosives.
The overexpression of insect endogenous microRNA in transgenic rice inhibits the pupation of Chilo suppressalis and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis
Authors: Wen Ning , Chen Junjie , Chen Geng , Du Lixiao , Chen Hao , Li Yunhe , Peng Yufa , Yang Xiaowei , Han Lanzhi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDChilo suppressalis and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis are destructive rice pests co‐occurring in major rice‐growing areas in China. RNA interference (RNAi)‐based insect‐resistant genetically engineered (IRGE) crops provide a promising approach for pest management by suppressing gene expression or translation. A microRNA (miRNA)‐mediated IRGE rice line expressing endogenous Chilo suppressalis miRNA Csu‐novel‐260, showing significant resistance against Chilo suppressalis, provides an attractive control strategy for Chilo suppressalis by suppressing the expression of the disembodied (dib) gene expression. However, whether this transgenic line also shows the resistance against Cnaphalocrocis medinalis remains unknown.RESULTSA spatiotemporal expression analysis of Csu‐novel‐260 in the transgenic rice line was performed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to determine the paddy field pest exposure dose. In diet feeding assays, a chemically synthesized Csu‐novel‐260 agomir at 200 fmol g–1 significantly inhibited Chilo suppressalis pupation. However, larval development, survival and pupal weight were not significantly affected. Additionally, the transgenic line significantly affected Cnaphalocrocis medinalis pupation but not larval survival. The qRT‐PCR showed that Csdib and Cmdib expression levels were significantly suppressed when the two pests fed on the transgenic line. Additionally, the transgenic line significantly decreased Cry1C‐resistant and Cry1C‐susceptible Chilo suppressalis larval survival in detached rice tissue feeding assays, indicating that Cry1C‐resistant Chilo suppressalis was not cross‐resistant to Csu‐novel‐260 expressed in miRNA‐mediated IRGE rice.CONCLUSIONOur study demonstrated that miRNA‐mediated IRGE rice significantly inhibited Chilo suppressalis and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis pupation. The results provide a new viewpoint for the application of RNAi‐based plants and the inspiration for environmental risk assessment.
Preparation of Poly(acrylic acid) ‐Boron Nitride Composite as a Highly Efficient Adsorbent for Adsorptive Removal of Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Lu Mang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe poly(acrylic acid)‐boron nitride composite was prepared by radical initiated polymerization in situ with N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA) as a crosslinker and potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator and the structure of poly(acrylic acid)‐boron nitride were characterized by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM). The ability of poly(acrylic acid)‐boron nitride as adsorbent for adsorptive removal of heavy metal ion from aqueous solutions was investigated. The effects of poly(acrylic acid)‐boron nitride dosage, pH, adsorption time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature on adsorption efficiency were also studied. Kinetics data followed best by pseudo‐second‐order model with the correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.997. The equilibrium adsorption data was well fitted to Langmuir isotherm models for Cu(II). The adsorption capacities (qmax) of poly(acrylic acid)‐boron nitride composite for Cu(II) was 46.72 mg/g. The results of thermodynamic equilibrium constant and the Gibbs free energy indicated the spontaneous nature of the adsorption process.