bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Ultra‐Long‐Lived Triplet Excited State in Water at Room Temperature: Insights on the Molecular Design of Tridecafullerenes
Authors: Ramos‐Soriano Javier , Pérez‐Sánchez Alfonso , Ramírez‐Barroso Sergio , Illescas Beatriz M. , Azmani Khalid , Rodríguez‐Fortea Antonio , Poblet Josep M. , Hally Cormac , Nonell Santi , García‐Fresnadillo David , Rojo Javier , Martín Nazario 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSuitably engineered molecular systems exhibiting triplet excited states with very long lifetimes are important for high‐end applications in nonlinear optics, photocatalysis, or biomedicine. We report the finding of an ultra‐long‐lived triplet state with a mean lifetime of 93 ms in an aqueous phase at room temperature, measured for a globular tridecafullerene with a highly compact glycodendrimeric structure. A series of three tridecafullerenes bearing different glycodendrons and spacers to the C60 units have been synthesized and characterized. UV/Vis spectra and DLS experiments confirm their aggregation in water. Steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence experiments suggest a different degree of inner solvation of the multifullerenes depending on their molecular design. Efficient quenching of the triplet states by O2 but not by waterborne azide anions has been observed. Molecular modelling reveals dissimilar access of the aqueous phase to the internal structure of the tridecafullerenes, differently shielded by the glycodendrimeric shell.
All‐Inorganic Quantum‐Dot LEDs Based on a Phase‐Stabilized α‐CsPbI3 Perovskite
Authors: Wang Ya‐Kun , Yuan Fanglong , Dong Yitong , Li Jiao‐Yang , Johnston Andrew , Chen Bin , Saidaminov Makhsud I. , Zhou Chun , Zheng Xiaopeng , Hou Yi , Bertens Koen , Ebe Hinako , Ma Dongxin , Deng Zhengtao , Yuan Shuai , Chen Rui , Sagar Laxmi Kishore , Liu Jiakai , Fan James , Li Peicheng , Li Xiyan , Gao Yuan , Fung Man‐Keung , Lu Zheng‐Hong , Bakr Osman M. , Liao Liang‐Sheng , Sargent Edward H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe all‐inorganic nature of CsPbI3 perovskites allows to enhance stability in perovskite devices. Research efforts have led to improved stability of the black phase in CsPbI3 films; however, these strategies—including strain and doping—are based on organic‐ligand‐capped perovskites, which prevent perovskites from forming the close‐packed quantum dot (QD) solids necessary to achieve high charge and thermal transport. We developed an inorganic ligand exchange that leads to CsPbI3 QD films with superior phase stability and increased thermal transport. The atomic‐ligand‐exchanged QD films, once mechanically coupled, exhibit improved phase stability, and we link this to distributing strain across the film. Operando measurements of the temperature of the LEDs indicate that KI‐exchanged QD films exhibit increased thermal transport compared to controls that rely on organic ligands. The LEDs exhibit a maximum EQE of 23 % with an electroluminescence emission centered at 640 nm (FWHM: ≈31 nm). These red LEDs provide an operating half‐lifetime of 10 h (luminance of 200 cd m−2) and an operating stability that is 6× higher than that of control devices.
The First High‐Temperature Supramolecular Radical Ferroics
Authors: Huang Chao‐Ran , Li Yibao , Xie Yongfa , Du Ye , Peng Hang , Zeng Yu‐Ling , Liu Jun‐Chao , Xiong Ren‐Gen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOrganic radical ferroics such as TEMPO have attracted widespread interest. However, the relatively low Curie temperature of 287 K and melting point of 311 K severely hinder its application potential. Despite extensive interest, high‐temperature radical ferroics have not yet been found. Here, taking advantage of chemical design and supramolecular radical chemistry, we designed two high‐temperature organic supramolecular radical ferroics [(NH3‐TEMPO)([18]crown‐6)](ReO4) (1) and [(NH3‐TEMPO)([18]crown‐6)](ClO4) (2), which can retain ferroelectricity up to 413 K and 450 K, respectively. To our knowledge, they are both the first supramolecular radical ferroics and unprecedented high‐temperature radical ferroics, where the supramolecular component is vital for the stabilization of the radical and extending the working temperature window. Both also have paramagnetism, non‐interacting spin moments, and excellent piezoelectric and electrostrictive behaviors comparable to that of LiNbO3.
Leakage‐Proof Electrolyte Chemistry for a High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Ju Jiangwei , Dong Shanmu , Cui Yanyan , Zhang Yanfen , Tang Ben , Jiang Feng , Cui Zili , Zhang Huanrui , Du Xiaofan , Lu Tao , Huang Lang , Cui Guanglei , Chen Liquan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractElectrolyte leakage is a severe safety concern in lithium batteries. With highly volatile 1,2‐dimethoxyethane as solvent, the leakage related hazards are more pronounced in lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. To address this concern, a leakage‐proof electrolyte is delicately designed through functionalizing the commercial electrolyte by Li6PS5Cl‐grafted poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate), which can interact readily with the aluminum‐plastic packing through hydrogen bond to immobilize the electrolyte. The moisture from ambient can also catalyze a further polymerization of the macromolecules to seal the leaking points and thereby to solve the leakage issue, endowing Li‐S batteries superior safety even in an artificial cut pouch cell. With a bare S loading of 4.9 mg cm−2, the battery can deliver good endurance owing to the suppressed polysulfide shuttle by its polar groups. This work enlightens the design of leakage‐proof electrolyte and makes a milestone for high performance Li‐S batteries.
Herausforderungen der Zukunft: Strategien zur Verstärkung von Betonbrücken im Bestand
Authors: Novák Balthasar , Boros Vazul , Reinhard Jochen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn Deutschland nähert sich die Brückengeneration der Nachkriegszeit dem Ende ihrer geplanten Lebensdauer. Daher haben die Bundesregierung und die Straßenbauämter der Länder umfangreiche Infrastrukturprojekte in die Wege geleitet, um den Brückenbestand zu beurteilen und anschließend, falls erforderlich, Verstärkungen oder Ersatzneubauten vorzunehmen. Häufig muss dabei die Nutzungsdauer von maroden Brücken bis zum Zeitpunkt der Inbetriebnahme eines Ersatzneubaus ausgedehnt werden. Am Beispiel von drei Talbrücken werden wirksame Maßnahmen zur Verstärkung und Verlängerung der Nutzungsdauer von Bestandsbrücken präsentiert. Das erste Beispiel zeigt, wie mittels externer Vorspannung die Ermüdungstragfähigkeit einer 50 Jahre alten Spannbetonbrücke gesteigert werden konnte. Eine zweite Talbrücke mit Defiziten im Bereich der Querkrafttragfähigkeit wurde durch geneigte Stahlstreben an den Pfeilern verstärkt, die durch verbleibende Hydraulikpressen aktiviert werden. Der Einfluss von Zwangsbeanspruchungen durch das unterschiedliche Werkstoffverhalten wird durch Federelemente reduziert. Kritische Stegbereiche wurden durch zusätzliche Bügel verstärkt und mit Aufbeton geschützt. Beim dritten Bauwerk traten Ermüdungserscheinungen an den Koppelfugen auf. Durch die Unterstützung der kritischen Koppelfugen konnte jedoch die Nutzungsdauer verlängert werden. Eine Waagebalkenkonstruktion mit Gegengewichten, die auf einem Stahlturm angebracht ist, gewährleistet hierbei eine konstante Kraft.
Simulating longitudinal data from marginal structural models using the additive hazard model
Authors: Keogh Ruth H. , Seaman Shaun R. , Gran Jon Michael , Vansteelandt Stijn 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObservational longitudinal data on treatments and covariates are increasingly used to investigate treatment effects, but are often subject to time‐dependent confounding. Marginal structural models (MSMs), estimated using inverse probability of treatment weighting or the g‐formula, are popular for handling this problem. With increasing development of advanced causal inference methods, it is important to be able to assess their performance in different scenarios to guide their application. Simulation studies are a key tool for this, but their use to evaluate causal inference methods has been limited. This paper focuses on the use of simulations for evaluations involving MSMs in studies with a time‐to‐event outcome. In a simulation, it is important to be able to generate the data in such a way that the correct forms of any models to be fitted to those data are known. However, this is not straightforward in the longitudinal setting because it is natural for data to be generated in a sequential conditional manner, whereas MSMs involve fitting marginal rather than conditional hazard models. We provide general results that enable the form of the correctly specified MSM to be derived based on a conditional data generating procedure, and show how the results can be applied when the conditional hazard model is an Aalen additive hazard or Cox model. Using conditional additive hazard models is advantageous because they imply additive MSMs that can be fitted using standard software. We describe and illustrate a simulation algorithm. Our results will help researchers to effectively evaluate causal inference methods via simulation.
Multi‐institutional, prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase IIb trial of the tumor lysate, particle‐loaded, dendritic cell (TLPLDC) vaccine to prevent recurrence in high‐risk melanoma patients: A subgroup analysis
Authors: Chick Robert C. , Faries Mark B. , Hale Diane F. , Kemp Bohan Phillip M , Hickerson Annelies T. , Vreeland Timothy J. , Myers John W. , Cindass Jessica L. , Brown Tommy A. , Hyngstrom John , Berger Adam C. , Jakub James W. , Sussman Jeffrey J. , Shaheen Montaser , Clifton Guy T. , Park Hyohyun , Sloan Amanda J. , Wagner Thomas , Peoples George E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundCheckpoint inhibitors (CPI) in combination with cell‐based vaccines may produce synergistic antitumor immunity. The primary analysis of the randomized and blinded phase IIb trial in resected stage III/IV melanoma demonstrated TLPLDC is safe and improved 24‐month disease‐free survival (DFS) in the per treatment (PT) analysis. Here, we examine efficacy within pre‐specified and exploratory subgroups.MethodsStage III/IV patients rendered disease‐free by surgery were randomized 2:1 to TLPLDC vaccine versus placebo. The pre‐specified PT analysis included only patients completing the primary vaccine/placebo series at 6 months. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare 24‐month DFS among subgroups.ResultsThere were no clinicopathologic differences between subgroups except stage IV patients were more likely to receive CPI. In stage IV patients, 24‐month DFS was 43% for vaccine versus 0% for placebo (p = 0.098) in the ITT analysis and 73% versus 0% (p = 0.002) in the PT analysis. There was no significant difference in 24‐month DFS when stratified by use of immunotherapy or CPI. For patients with resected recurrent disease, 24‐month DFS was 88.9% versus 33.3% (p = 0.013) in the PT analysis. All benefit from vaccination was in the PT analysis; no benefit was found in patients receiving up to three doses.ConclusionThe TLPLDC vaccine improved DFS in patients completing the primary vaccine series, particularly in the resected stage IV patients. The efficacy of the TLPLDC vaccine will be confirmed in a phase III study evaluating adjuvant TLPLDC + CPI versus Placebo + CPI in resected stage IV melanoma patients.
Application of Polycarboxylic Acid Brushes on Polystyrene–Divinylbenzene Microbeads for the Removal of Lead from Water
Authors: Erdem Yayayürük Aslı , Yayayürük Onur , Tukenmez Ece , Karagoz Bunyamin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractContamination of the environment with lead (Pb) is of great concern because it is harmful to living organisms even at low concentrations. This work describes a reliable strategy for the effective removal of lead ions using polycarboxylic acid brushes on polystyrene–divinyl benzene (PS–DVB) microbeads. The synthesized material is demonstrated to be a viable sorbent for lead ion adsorption. The following parameters are examined to obtain the optimal sorption conditions: pH of 5, sorbent amount of 10 mg, contact time of 120 min, and sorption temperature of 25 °C. Under these conditions, the maximum removal efficiency and experimental adsorption capability are found to be >93% and 134 mg g−1, respectively. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second order kinetic models best represent the adsorption process. It is evaluated that an exothermic and spontaneous adsorption mechanism occurs. The method's applicability is demonstrated with spike recovery experiments using real water samples. Overall, the results show that the synthesized material has high removal efficiency (>93%) against lead ions in a variety of water matrixes.
Maximizing cancer prevention through genetic navigation for Lynch syndrome detection in women with newly diagnosed endometrial and nonserous/nonmucinous epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Kim Soyoun Rachel , Tone Alicia , Kim Raymond H. , Cesari Matthew , Clarke Blaise A. , Eiriksson Lua , Hart Tae L. , Aronson Melyssa , Holter Spring , Lytwyn Alice , Maganti Manjula , Oldfield Leslie , Gallinger Steven , Bernardini Marcus Q. , Oza Amit M. , Djordjevic Bojana , Lerner‐Ellis Jordan , Van de Laar Emily , Vicus Danielle , Pugh Trevor J. , Pollett Aaron , Ferguson Sarah E. 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundDespite recommendations for reflex immunohistochemistry (IHC) for mismatch repair (MMR) proteins to identify Lynch syndrome (LS), the uptake of genetic assessment by those who meet referral criteria is low. The authors implemented a comprehensive genetic navigation program to increase the uptake of genetic testing for LS in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) or nonserous/nonmucinous ovarian cancer (OC).MethodsParticipants with newly diagnosed EC or OC were prospectively recruited from 3 cancer centers in Ontario, Canada. Family history questionnaires were used to assess LS‐specific family history. Reflex IHC for MMR proteins was performed with the inclusion of clinical directives in pathology reports. A trained genetic navigator initiated a genetic referral on behalf of the treating physician and facilitated genetic referrals to the closest genetics center.ResultsA total of 841 participants (642 with EC, 172 with OC, and 27 with synchronous EC/OC) consented to the study; 194 (23%) were MMR‐deficient by IHC. Overall, 170 women (20%) were eligible for a genetic assessment for LS: 35 on the basis of their family history alone, 24 on the basis of their family history and IHC, 82 on the basis of IHC alone, and 29 on the basis of clinical discretion. After adjustments for participants who died (n = 6), 149 of 164 patients (91%) completed a genetic assessment, and 111 were offered and completed genetic testing. Thirty‐four women (4.0% of the total cohort and 30.6% of those with genetic testing) were diagnosed with LS: 5 with mutL homolog 1 (MLH1), 9 with mutS homolog 2 (MSH2), 15 with mutS homolog 6 (MSH6), and 5 with PMS2.ConclusionsThe introduction of a navigated genetic program resulted in a high rate of genetic assessment (>90%) in patients with gynecologic cancer at risk for LS.
Spatially Inhomogeneous Evolutionary Games
Authors: Ambrosio Luigi , Fornasier Massimo , Morandotti Marco , Savaré Giuseppe 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe introduce and study a mean‐field model for a system of spatially distributed players interacting through an evolutionary game driven by a replicator dynamics. Strategies evolve by a replicator dynamics influenced by the position and the interaction between different players and return a feedback on the velocity field guiding their motion.One of the main novelties of our approach concerns the description of the whole system, which can be represent‐dimensional state space (pairs (x, σ) of position and distribution of strategies). We provide a Lagrangian and a Eulerian description of the evolution, and we prove their equivalence, together with existence, uniqueness, and stability of the solution. As a byproduct of the stability result, we also obtain convergence of the finite agents model to our mean‐field formulation, when the number N of the players goes to infinity, and the initial discrete distribution of positions and strategies converge.To this aim we develop some basic functional analytic tools to deal with interaction dynamics and continuity equations in Banach spaces that could be of independent interest. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Energy‐efficient radio resource allocation for dual‐hop relay‐assisted orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems with quality of service provisioning
Authors: Saraiva Juno Vitorino , Lima Francisco Rafael Marques , Pessoa Alexandre Matos , Maciel Tarcisio Ferreira , Freitas Junior Walter da Cruz , Cavalcanti Francisco Rodrigo Porto 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBesides the conventional spectral efficiency metric, energy efficiency (EE) has been adopted as one of the new mandatory performance metrics for green future mobile networks. In this sense, in this article we study energy‐efficient radio resource allocation for dual‐hop orthogonal frequency division multiple access relay networks considering multiple relays and users. Resource allocation in our scenario is comprised of relay selection, subcarrier pairing, subcarrier assignment, and transmit power allocation. Particularly, in the context of EE with quality of service constraints, three different problems, namely, power consumption minimization, global EE maximization, and minimum individual EE maximization are addressed. For tackling them, first, we demonstrate a property that exploits the use of the decode and forward protocol employed in the relays and we show how it can be applied to simplify the investigated problems. Although some of these problems are nonconvex due to the fractional objective functions and integer optimization domain, optimal solutions are provided using generalized fractional programming theory to transform the fractional objective functions to the subtractive forms. Then, by employing Dinkelbach or bisection methods, we propose iterative algorithms where a parametric problem is solved in each iteration until reaching convergence. By introducing a penalty function to handle integer variables and applying majorization‐minimization approach, we make the parametric problem convex and we propose suboptimal iterative solutions with reduced computational cost. Regarding obtained simulation results, we discuss the performance of the involved solutions in terms of global EE and fairness with respect to different parameters of the system.
“I always walked out with an empty purse.” Older adults’ engagement with electronic gambling machines in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Pitt Hannah , Thomas Samantha L. , Cowlishaw Sean , Randle Melanie , Balandin Susan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIssue addressedOlder adults are at an increased risk of experiencing gambling harm, which may be due to their use of high‐intensity gambling products such as electronic gambling machines (EGMs). However, little research has explored the motivations behind older adults’ engagement with EGMs, their understanding of the structural characteristics of EGMs, or their perceptions of risk associated with EGM gambling. This paper aims to address this gap in the literature.MethodsFocus groups were conducted in Melbourne, Australia with n = 126 adults aged 55+, who had attended a club or pub in the last 12 months. Topics included EGM attitudes and behaviours, structural characteristics of EGMs, and the potential risks associated with EGM gambling. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.ResultsFor most participants, EGM gambling was secondary to their participation in other activities available within venues. Participants identified structural characteristics of EGMs; however, there were some misconceptions about how EGMs operated, including how or why machines paid out. Most participants perceived that they were not at risk of gambling harm because they engaged in “responsible” gambling practices such as setting limits.ConclusionsOlder adults often engaged in EGM gambling because of its availability in community‐based venues. Older adults’ perception that they are implementing responsible gambling practices may be increasing their susceptibility to harm.So what?There is a need to reduce the availability and accessibility of EGMs in community settings and develop public education programs that are tailored to the needs of older adults.
Automatic brain tumor segmentation for acomputer‐aideddiagnosis system
Authors: Abdelaziz Mohammed , Cherfa Yazid , Cherfa Assia , Alim‐Ferhat Fatiha 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBrain structure segmentation, including tumors, in medical imaging has become a necessity to help neurologists correctly diagnose patients' conditions. The complexity of these structures requires the implementation of automatic segmentation methods, often developed by magnetic resonance imaging. This study aims to design and implement an automatic system for detecting and localizing tumor regions by combining three different methods. Firstly, the region of interest, that is, the pixels belonging to the tumor, is detected using Random Forest's algorithm, while the rest of the pixels of the image are considered to belong to the background. Thus, the tumor and background seeds are obtained, automatically, for segmentation using the Graph Cut method. This segmentation allows to obtain the initial contour, for the level set (LVS) segmentation, which refine the previous segmentation. The proposed method was validated on the Multimodal Brain Tumor Segmentation Challenge (BRATS) database (http://braintumorsegmentation.org; 2015).
Degradation‐triggered release from biodegradable metallic surfaces
Authors: Md Yusop Abdul Hakim , Alsakkaf Ahmed , Noordin Muhammad Azfar , Idris Hasbullah , Nur Hadi , Szali Januddi Fatihhi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis work is dedicated to the investigation of drug‐release control by a direct effect of degradation from biodegradable metallic surfaces. Degradation behaviors characterized by surface morphology, immersion, and electrochemical techniques demonstrated that curcumin‐coated zinc (c‐Zn) had a higher degradation rate compared to curcumin‐coated Fe (c‐Fe). High anodic dissolution rate due to the higher degradation rate and widely extended groove‐like degradation structure of c‐Zn propelled a higher curcumin release. On the other hand, a slower curcumin release rate shown by c‐Fe scaffolds is ascribed to its lower anodic dissolution and to its pitting degradation regime with relatively smaller pits. These findings illuminate the remarkable advantage of different degradation behaviors of degradable metallic surfaces in directly controlling the drug release without the need for external electrical stimulus.
Gene‐disruption of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana incubated with dsRNA
Authors: Shin Tae Young , Lee Mi Rong , Lee Se Jin , Kim Jong Cheol , Kim Sihyeon , Park So Eun , Kim Woo Jin , Kim Jae Su 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe species of Beauveria bassiana is widely used for the management of agricultural insect pests. In this study, we integrated egfp‐double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) to a previously generated egfp‐expressing B. bassiana transformant (Bb‐egfp#3) using a protoplast integration method. The Bb‐egfp#3 protoplast was mixed with the dsRNA under PEG/CaCl2 conditions and liquid‐cultured in Sabouraud dextrose broth for 5 days. A control culture followed the same procedure without dsRNA. Bb‐egfp#3/egfp‐dsRNA cultures showed very low fungal growth (OD630 = 0.2) compared to the control culture, Bb‐egfp#3 only (OD630 = 1.1). Screening of possible transformants on Sabouraud dextrose agar revealed a transformant T3, without egfp signal. T3 was confirmed as B. bassiana through sequencing of conserved genes and insect bioassays. Interestingly, the genomic egfp fragment of T3 was disrupted, and the egfp signal was not detected over four subcultures, which was also confirmed by RNA‐seq of Bb‐egfp#3 and T3. This study provides an interesting observation that protoplast integration with dsRNA could possibly generate significantly reduced gene expression in B. bassiana and it is stable across several generations.