bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of 4‐Vinylimidazolium/Styrene‐Cografted Anion‐Conducting Electrolyte Membranes
Authors: Hamada Takashi , Yoshimura Kimio , Takeuchi Kota , Watanabe Shun , Zhao Yue , Hiroki Akihiro , Hagiwara Tokio , Shishitani Hideyuki , Yamaguchi Susumu , Tanaka Hirohisa , Radulescu Aurel , Ohwada Kenji , Maekawa Yasunari 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe β‐hydrogen‐free imidazole monomer, 2‐methyl‐N‐methyl‐4(5)‐vinylimidazole (2M4VIm), is synthesized to prepare anion exchange membranes (AEMs). The radiation‐induced graft polymerization of 2M4VIm and styrene is performed in poly(ethylene‐co‐tetrafluoroethylene), followed by N‐alkylation and ion exchange reactions to prepare 4‐vinylimidazolium‐containing AEM (2M4VIm/St‐AEM). AEMs that have a 6/4 2M4VIm/St molar ratio and 1.7 mmol g−1 ion exchange capacity (IEC) result in 75 mS cm−1 conductivity and 60% water uptake at room temperature in water, demonstrating enhanced values compared to previously reported 2‐methyl‐N‐vinylimidazolium‐containing AEMs (2MNVIm/St‐AEM) that have a similar comonomer ratio and IEC. The small‐angle neutron scattering measurements of dry and swollen 2M4VIm/St‐AEM reveal hydrophilic/hydrophobic two‐phase separation, as observed for 2MNVIm/St‐AEM with a similar Im/St composition. 2M4VIm/St‐AEMs exhibit higher alkaline stability in 1 m KOH at 80 °C at an early stage owing to the suppression of imidazolium β‐elimination but lower long‐term stability than that of 2MNVIm/St‐AEM due to the ring‐opening reaction of the imidazolium group due to its outward orientation from the graft main chain.
Photoinduced Exfoliation of a Polymeric N‐Benzylideneaniline Liquid‐Crystalline Composite Based on a Photoisomerization‐Triggered Phase Transition
Authors: Kondo Mizuho , Kojima Daijoro , Ootsuki Naoya , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHydrogen‐bonded liquid crystalline polymer composites containing N‐benzylideneaniline (NBA) as a photoresponsive mesogenic unit are prepared. The mesomorphic properties of the composite decrease upon exposure to UV light because of trans‐to‐cis photoisomerization, which affects the adhesive properties and allows facile exfoliation. In addition, the destabilized phase spontaneously reverts to the initial state when UV light irradiation stops. After exfoliation, the composite can be rebonded to a glass substrate by heating above its melting point. This is the first observation of the phase transition of an NBA liquid crystalline polymer.
Application of Multivariate and Spectroscopic Techniques for Investigation of the Interactions between Polyelectrolyte Layers in Layer‐by‐Layer Assembled pH‐Sensitive Nanocapsules
Authors: Mashoofnia Anita , Mohamadnia Zahra , Kompany‐Zareh Mohsen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHere, ultraviolet–visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy, zeta potential, and chemometrics approaches are used to study the interactions between alginate (Alg) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), respectively as polyanion and polycation. The optimum conditions are obtained at Alg/BSA mixing ratio of 1:4 and pH 4 due to the appropriate complexation between Alg and BSA polyelectrolytes. The layer‐by‐layer (LBL) assembled (Alg/BSA)7@SiO2 nanocapsules are prepared by repeated deposition of Alg and BSA polyelectrolytes on the surface of SiO2‐NH2 nanoparticles. The dried (Alg/BSA)7@SiO2 nanocapsules are dispersed in NH4F/HF buffer solution to remove the silica core and (Alg/BSA)7 hollow capsules are achieved. (Alg/BSA)7 hollow capsules are characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x‐ray analysis (EDX), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and zeta potential analyses. The sensitivity of the hollow capsules to pH is investigated utilizing UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Evaluation of cytotoxicity analysis for (Alg/BSA)7@SiO2 nanocapsules using the MTT assays on Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 (MCF‐7) cells shows no toxicity effect. The (Alg/BSA)7 hollow capsules have suitable potential as carriers for drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and bioavailability. Betamethasone disodium phosphate (BSP) is loaded on the (Alg/BSA)7 hollow capsules due to biocompatibility and shows a controlled releases profile at pH 7.4.
Predicting origins of coherent air mass trajectories using a neural network—the case of dry intrusions
Authors: Silverman Vered , Nahum Stav , Raveh‐Rubin Shira 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMid‐latitude cyclones are complex weather systems that are tightly related to surface weather impacts. Coherent air streams are known to be associated with such systems, in particular dry intrusions (DIs) in which dry air masses descend slantwise from the vicinity of the tropopause equatorward towards the surface. Often, DIs are associated with severe surface winds, heavy precipitation and frontogenesis. Currently, DIs can only be identified in hindsight by costly Lagrangian calculations using high resolution wind field data. Here, we use a novel method aiming to simplify the detection procedure of DI origins to allow their future identification in climate datasets, previously inaccessible for such diagnostic studies. A novel adaptation of a segmentation‐oriented neural network model is hereby presented as a successful tool to identify DI origins based solely on three ERA‐Interim reanalysis geopotential height fields, representing the state of the atmosphere. The model prediction skill is tested by calculating both the grid‐point and DI object based Matthews correlation coefficient. We find the model highly skilful in both reconstructing accurately the climatological distribution and predicting the vast majority of the individual DI origin objects. The skill decreases for relatively small objects and for objects occurring at locations where such cases are relatively less frequent. This indicates that geopotential height variability is related to the dynamic mechanisms involved in DI initiations. The results serve as a proof of concept for predicting DIs and other coherent air mass trajectories even when high resolution wind field data are not available, such as for model output for future climate projections.
Estimation of patient skin dose in fluoroscopy: summary of a joint report by AAPM TG357 and EFOMP
Authors: Andersson Jonas , Bednarek Daniel R. , Bolch Wesley , Boltz Thomas , Bosmans Hilde , Gislason‐Lee Amber J. , Granberg Christoffer , Hellstrom Max , Kanal Kalpana , McDonagh Ed , Paden Robert , Pavlicek William , Khodadadegan Yasaman , Torresin Alberto , Trianni Annalisa , Zamora David 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundPhysicians use fixed C‐arm fluoroscopy equipment with many interventional radiological and cardiological procedures. The associated effective dose to a patient is generally considered low risk, as the benefit‐risk ratio is almost certainly highly favorable. However, X‐ray‐induced skin injuries may occur due to high absorbed patient skin doses from complex fluoroscopically guided interventions (FGI). Suitable action levels for patient‐specific follow‐up could improve the clinical practice.There is a need for a refined metric regarding follow‐up of X‐ray‐induced patient injuries and the knowledge gap regarding skin dose‐related patient information from fluoroscopy devices must be filled. The most useful metric to indicate a risk of erythema, epilation or greater skin injury that also includes actionable information is the peak skin dose, that is, the largest dose to a region of skin.Materials and MethodsThe report is based on a comprehensive review of best practices and methods to estimate peak skin dose found in the scientific literature and situates the importance of the Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) standard detailing pertinent information contained in the Radiation Dose Structured Report (RDSR) and DICOM image headers for FGI devices. Furthermore, the expertise of the task group members and consultants have been used to bridge and discuss different methods and associated available DICOM information for peak skin dose estimation.ResultsThe report contributes an extensive summary and discussion of the current state of the art in estimating peak skin dose with FGI procedures with regard to methodology and DICOM information. Improvements in skin dose estimation efforts with more refined DICOM information are suggested and discussed.ConclusionsThe endeavor of skin dose estimation is greatly aided by the continuing efforts of the scientific medical physics community, the numerous technology enhancements, the dose‐controlling features provided by the FGI device manufacturers, and the emergence and greater availability of the DICOM RDSR. Refined and new dosimetry systems continue to evolve and form the infrastructure for further improvements in accuracy. Dose‐related content and information systems capable of handling big data are emerging for patient dose monitoring and quality assurance tools for large‐scale multihospital enterprises.
The aug‐cc‐pVTZ‐J basis set for the p‐block fourth‐row elements Ga, Ge, As, Se, and Br
Authors: Steinmann Casper , Sauer Stephan P. A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aug‐cc‐pVTZ‐J basis set family is extended to include the fourth‐row p‐block elements Ga, Ge, As, Se, and Br. We use the established approach outlined by Sauer and coworkers (J. Chem. Phys. 115, 1324 [2001], J. Chem. Phys. 133, 054308 [2010], J. Chem. Theory Comput. 7, 4070 [2011], and J. Chem. Theory Comput. 7, 4077 [2011]) where the completely uncontracted aug‐cc‐pVTZ basis set is saturated with tight s‐, p‐, d‐, and f‐functions to form the aug‐cc‐pVTZ‐Juc basis set for the tested elements. The saturation is carried out on the simplest hydrides possible for the tested elements GaH, GeH4, AsH3, H2Se, and HBr until an improvement is less than 0.01% for all s‐, p‐, and d‐functions added. f‐Functions are added to an improvement less than or equal to 1.0% due to the computational expense these functions add. The saturated aug‐cc‐pVTZ‐Juc (26s16p12d5f) is then recontracted using the molecular orbital coefficients from self‐consistent field calculations on the simple hydrides to improve computational efficiency. During contraction of the basis set, we observe that the linear hydrogen bromide molecule has a slower convergence than the other tested molecules which sets a limit on the accuracy obtained. All calculations with the contracted aug‐cc‐pVTZ‐J [17s10p7d5f] gives results that are within 1.0% of the uncontracted results at considerable computational savings.
Single‐shot RARE with Dixon: Application to robust abdominal imaging with uniform fat and water separation at 3T
Authors: Wang Xinzeng , Udayakumar Durga , Xi Yin , Rofsky Neil M. , Pedrosa Ivan , Madhuranthakam Ananth J. 
Published: April 2021

PurposeTo develop a true single shot turbo spin echo (SShTSE) acquisition with Dixon for robust T2‐weighted abdominal imaging with uniform fat and water separation at 3T.MethodsThe in‐phase (IP) and out‐of‐phase (OP) echoes for Dixon processing were acquired in the same repetition time of a SShTSE using partial echoes. A phase‐preserved bi‐directional homodyne reconstruction was developed to compensate the partial echo and the partial phase encoding of SShTSE. With IRB approval, the SShTSE‐Dixon was compared against standard SShTSE, without and with fat suppression using spectral adiabatic inversion recovery (SPAIR) in 5 healthy volunteers and 5 patients. The SNR and contrast ratio (CR) of spleen to liver were compared among different acquisitions.ResultsThe bi‐directional homodyne reconstruction successfully minimized ringing artifacts because of partial acquisitions. SShTSE‐Dixon achieved uniform fat suppression compared to SShTSE‐SPAIR with fat suppression failures of 1/10 versus 10/10 in the axial plane and 0/5 versus 5/5 in the coronal plane, respectively. The SNRs of the liver (12.2 ± 4.9 vs. 11.7 ± 5.2; P = .76) and spleen (25.9 ± 11.6 vs. 23.7 ± 9.7; P = .14) were equivalent between fat‐suppressed images (SShTSE‐Dixon water‐only and SShTSE‐SPAIR). The SNRs of liver (14.4 ± 5.7 vs. 13.4 ± 5.0; P = .60) and spleen (26.5 ± 10.1 vs. 25.7 ± 8.5; P = .56) were equivalent between non‐fat‐suppressed images (SShTSE‐Dixon IP and SShTSE). The CRs of spleen to liver were also similar between fat‐suppressed images (2.6 ± 0.4 vs. 2.5 ± 0.5; P =.92) and non‐fat‐suppressed images (2.3 ± 0.6 vs. 2.2 ± 0.4; P =.84).ConclusionSShTSE‐Dixon generates robust abdominal T2‐weighted images at 3T with and without uniform fat suppression, along with perfectly co‐registered fat‐only images in a single acquisition.
Learning parameters of a system of variable order fractional differential equations
Authors: Singh Abhishek Kumar , Mehra Mani , Gulyani Samarth 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe introduce a machine learning framework that uses the differential evolution algorithm in combination with Adam–Bashforth–Moulton method to learn the parameters in a system of variable order fractional differential equations. In this work, we present out developments with regards to taking care of a class of problem: data‐driven discovery of system of variable order fractional differential equations. The main advantage of the proposed framework is that it works even if data corresponding to only one of the variables in the system of equations is given. We illustrate the working of our framework on several Examples including modeling the 2014–15 Ebola outbreak in Africa via fractional SEIR (susceptible, exposed, infected, removed) model.
Robust, floatable, steam generator based on the graded porous polyimide film for efficient solar desalination
Authors: Zhang Wenya , Lv Jingchun , Wang Bijia , Zhang Linping , Zhong Yi , Sui Xiaofeng , Xu Hong , Mao Zhiping 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSolar‐driven seawater desalination is an environmental friendly technology that could relieve global water shortage. However, the practical applications of solar steam generating devices have been limited by the high energy consumption in the manufacturing process, low durability, and difficulties in large‐scale production had limited. Herein, we designed and prepared a polyimide film coated with polypyrrole with graded porous structures (PPy@PI).The photothermal PPy@PI has excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability and requires no nondegradable supporting polymer foam to float in water, making it ideal for desalination applications. Importantly, PPy@PI‐S prepared by single‐sided deposition of polypyrrole on the surface of the polyimide film has high light absorption capacity (93.57%) and low thermal conductivity under wet conditions (0.3641 W m−1 k−1). Under the irradiation of 1 sun (1 kW m−2), the evaporation rate was up to 1.23 kg m−2 h−1 corresponding to a solar energy conversion rate of 84%.The simple preparation process enables large‐scale preparation of PPy@PI.
Parental bonding, depressive experiences, and symptomology: An investigation among college students in Malaysia
Authors: Yen Jodie , Tam Cai L. , Lee Soon L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study examined the perceptions of parental bonding, depressive experiences of self‐criticism and dependency, and the current level of depressive symptomology among 212 college students from Sabah, Malaysia. The participants completed the brief version of the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Reconstructed Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire. The results showed significant direct effects of maternal care, maternal overprotection, paternal care, self‐criticism, and dependency on depressive symptomology. In contrast, the indirect effects of self‐criticism and dependency on the relationship between parental bonding and depressive symptomology were not significant. These findings were in line with previous studies that have highlighted the significance of parent–child bonding, self‐criticism, and dependency in the development of depressive symptomology. However, they contradicted previous results on the significant indirect effects of self‐criticism and dependency. This study highlights the importance of parental care and overprotection, as they can predict the manifestation of depressive symptomology at a later stage in life.
Liquid–liquid phase separation of tau: From molecular biophysics to physiology and disease
Authors: Rai Sandeep K. , Savastano Adriana , Singh Priyanka , Mukhopadhyay Samrat , Zweckstetter Markus 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBiomolecular condensation via liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of intrinsically disordered proteins/regions (IDPs/IDRs), with and without nucleic acids, has drawn widespread interest due to the rapidly unfolding role of phase‐separated condensates in a diverse range of cellular functions and human diseases. Biomolecular condensates form via transient and multivalent intermolecular forces that sequester proteins and nucleic acids into liquid‐like membrane‐less compartments. However, aberrant phase transitions into gel‐like or solid‐like aggregates might play an important role in neurodegenerative and other diseases. Tau, a microtubule‐associated neuronal IDP, is involved in microtubule stabilization, regulates axonal outgrowth and transport in neurons. A growing body of evidence indicates that tau can accomplish some of its cellular activities via LLPS. However, liquid‐to‐solid transition resulting in the abnormal aggregation of tau is associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The physical chemistry of tau is crucial for governing its propensity for biomolecular condensation which is governed by various intermolecular and intramolecular interactions leading to simple one‐component and complex multi‐component condensates. In this review, we aim at capturing the current scientific state in unveiling the intriguing molecular mechanism of phase separation of tau. We particularly focus on the amalgamation of existing and emerging biophysical tools that offer unique spatiotemporal resolutions on a wide range of length‐ and time‐scales. We also discuss the link between quantitative biophysical measurements and novel biological insights into biomolecular condensation of tau. We believe that this account will provide a broad and multidisciplinary view of phase separation of tau and its association with physiology and disease.
The 5‐HT2C receptor as a therapeutic target for alcohol and methamphetamine use disorders: A pilot study in treatment‐seeking individuals
Authors: Campbell Erin J. , Bonomo Yvonne , Pastor Adam , Collins Lisa , Norman Amanda , Galettis Peter , Johnstone Janice , Lawrence Andrew J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlcohol use disorder (AUD) and methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) are prevalent and have high adverse impacts on both the individual and society. Current treatment strategies for these disorders are ineffective at a population level. Lorcaserin, a 5‐HT2C receptor agonist, has shown potential at reducing the symptoms of substance use disorder. This pilot study (initiated prior to market withdrawal) examined feasibility and safety of lorcaserin treatment in people undergoing residential detoxification and treatment for AUD and MUD. This was an open label pilot study of lorcaserin where participants (n = 10 AUD; n = 8 MUD) received 10‐mg lorcaserin daily for 4 days then twice daily for 1 month. Primary outcome measures included recruitment and retention rate, incidence of treatment‐emergent events, incidence of methamphetamine or alcohol withdrawal‐related events, heart rate, and blood pressure. Secondary measures included pharmacokinetic data and self‐reported alcohol or methamphetamine use, craving, and psychological distress. AUD participants were recruited faster and had a greater retention rate compared with MUD participants. Lorcaserin did not alter vital signs, was well tolerated, and had a similar pharmacokinetic profile to individuals with obesity. Lorcaserin reduced self‐reported alcohol and amphetamine‐type substance use and craving in AUD and MUD participants, respectively. Self‐reported psychological health also improved over the treatment period for all participants. Despite the pilot nature of this study, our data support the notion of 5‐HT2C receptors as a therapeutic target for drug and alcohol abuse.
Reliability analysis of Weibull multicomponent system with stress‐dependent parameters from accelerated life data
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Chunfang , Tripathi Yogesh Mani , Dey Sanku , Wu Shuo‐Jye 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper, reliability estimation of multicomponent system under a multilevel accelerated life testing. When the lifetime of components follows Weibull distribution, the problem of point and interval estimates are discussed from different perspectives. Under a general life‐stress assumption that there are multiple nonconstant and stress‐dependent scale and shape parameters, the maximum likelihood estimates of unknown parameters along with associated existence and uniqueness are established. Approximate confidence intervals are constructed correspondingly via expected Fisher information matrix. Furthermore, some pivotal quantities are constructed and alternative generalized point and interval estimates are also proposed for comparison. In addition, predictive intervals for the lifetime of the multicomponent system are discussed under classical and generalized pivotal approaches, respectively. The results show that the proposed generalized estimates are superior to the conventional likelihood approach in terms of the accuracy. A real data example is carried out to illustrate the implementations of the proposed methods.
GC‐MS analysis of Amaryllidaceae and Sceletium‐type alkaloids in bioactive fractions from Narcissus cv. Hawera
Authors: Berkov Strahil , Pechlivanova Daniela , Denev Rumen , Nikolova Milena , Georgieva Liliya , Sidjimova Borjana , Bakalov Dimitar , Tafradjiiska Radka , Stoynev Alexander , Momekov Georgi , Bastida Jaume 
Published: April 2021

RationaleNarcissus cv. Hawera has been found to biosynthesize some Sceletium‐type alkaloids with antidepressant and anxiolytic activities. This ornamental plant has been poorly studied as a source of bioactive alkaloids including some contraversive reports on in vitro and intact plants. In this study, a detailed GC‐MS characterization of its alkaloid fractions is presented.MethodsGC‐MS was used for the identification of compounds in the alkaloid fractions. Both underivatized and silylated samples were analyzed simultaneously. Elevated plus maze and tail suspension tests were used to assay the anxiolytic and antidepressant activities. Ellman’s and MTT‐dye reduction assays were used to evaluate the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory and cytotoxicity activities, respectively.ResultsOf the 29 alkaloids, 13 of Sceletium‐type were detected. Two new alkaloids were identified as 2‐oxo‐mesembrine and 2‐oxo‐epi‐mesembrenol. Lycorine was found as a major compound (43.5%) in the crude silylated methanol extract. After the elimination of lycorine by pre‐crystallization, the major alkaloids were 40.8% 6‐epi‐mesembranol, 16.2% 6‐epi‐mesembrenol, and 13.8% sanguinine. This fraction showed anxiolytic and antidepressant‐like activities as well as potent AChE inhibitory and antineoplastic activities.ConclusionsSilylation of the alkaloid fractions from Narcissus cv. Hawera provides better separation, structural information, and improved sensitivity for compounds with two and more hydroxyl groups. The lycorine‐free alkaloid fraction shows a great potential for further pharmacological studies.