bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distributed Encoding and Decoding of Quantum Information over Networks
Authors: Yamasaki Hayata , Murao Mio 
Published: December 2018

AbstractEncoding and decoding quantum information in a multipartite quantum system are indispensable for quantum error correction and also play crucial roles in multiparty tasks in distributed quantum information processing such as quantum secret sharing. To quantitatively characterize nonlocal properties of multipartite quantum transformations for encoding and decoding, we analyze the entanglement costs of encoding and decoding quantum information in a multipartite quantum system distributed among spatially separated parties connected by a network. This analysis generalizes previous studies of entanglement costs for preparing bipartite and multipartite quantum states and implementing bipartite quantum transformations by entanglement‐assisted local operations and classical communication (LOCC). We identify conditions for the parties being able to encode or decode quantum information in the distributed quantum system deterministically and exactly, when inter‐party quantum communication is restricted to a tree‐topology network. In our analysis, we reduce the multiparty tasks of implementing the encoding and decoding to sequential applications of one‐shot zero‐error quantum state splitting and merging for two parties. While encoding and decoding are inverse tasks of each other, our results suggest that a quantitative difference in entanglement cost between encoding and decoding arises due to the difference between quantum state merging and splitting.
Probabilistic‐constrained filtering for a class of nonlinear systems with improved static event‐triggered communication
Authors: Tian Engang , Wang Zidong , Zou Lei , Yue Dong 
Published: December 2018

SummaryThis paper is concerned with the probabilistic‐constrained filtering problem for a class of time‐varying systems with stochastic nonlinearities and state constraints. An improved static event‐triggering scheme is used to reduce unnecessary signal transmissions on the communication channel, where a time‐varying triggering parameter is designed according to engineering practice. The aim of the problem addressed is to design a time‐varying filter such that (1) the prescribed probabilistic constraints on the estimation error are satisfied (ie, the probability for the estimation error to be confined to the given ellipsoidal set is larger than a prescribed value) and (2) the ellipsoid is minimized at each time instant in the sense of the matrix norm. First, the probabilistic constraints are handled by means of the multidimensional Chebyshev bounds. By using recursive matrix inequalities, stochastic analysis is conducted to establish sufficient conditions for the existence of the desired probabilistic‐constrained filter. Then, a recursive optimization algorithm is proposed to design the filter gain matrices. Finally, a simulation example is proposed to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method.
A full Bayesian model to handle structural ones and missingness in economic evaluations from individual‐level data
Authors: Gabrio Andrea , Mason Alexina J. , Baio Gianluca 
Published: December 2018

Economic evaluations from individual‐level data are an important component of the process of technology appraisal, with a view to informing resource allocation decisions. A critical problem in these analyses is that both effectiveness and cost data typically present some complexity (eg, nonnormality, spikes, and missingness) that should be addressed using appropriate methods. However, in routine analyses, standardised approaches are typically used, possibly leading to biassed inferences. We present a general Bayesian framework that can handle the complexity. We show the benefits of using our approach with a motivating example, the MenSS trial, for which there are spikes at one in the effectiveness and missingness in both outcomes. We contrast a set of increasingly complex models and perform sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the conclusions to a range of plausible missingness assumptions. We demonstrate the flexibility of our approach with a second example, the PBS trial, and extend the framework to accommodate the characteristics of the data in this study. This paper highlights the importance of adopting a comprehensive modelling approach to economic evaluations and the strategic advantages of building these complex models within a Bayesian framework.
2D MoS2‐Based Nanomaterials for Therapeutic, Bioimaging, and Biosensing Applications
Authors: Yadav Varnika , Roy Shounak , Singh Prem , Khan Ziyauddin , Jaiswal Amit 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMolybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a typical layered 2D transition metal dichalcogenide, has received colossal interest in the past few years due to its unique structural, physicochemical, optical, and biological properties. While MoS2 is mostly applied in traditional industries such as dry lubricants, intercalation agents, and negative electrode material in lithium‐ion batteries, its 2D and 0D forms have led to diverse applications in sensing, catalysis, therapy, and imaging. Herein, a systematic overview of the progress that is made in the field of MoS2 research with an emphasis on its different biomedical applications is presented. This article provides a general discussion on the basic structure and property of MoS2 and gives a detailed description of its different morphologies that are synthesized so far, namely, nanosheets, nanotubes, and quantum dots along with synthesis strategies. The biomedical applications of MoS2‐based nanocomposites are also described in detail and categorically, such as in varied therapeutic and diagnostic modalities like drug delivery, gene delivery, phototherapy, combined therapy, bioimaging, theranostics, and biosensing. Finally, a brief commentary on the current challenges and limitations being faced is provided, along with a discussion of some future perspectives for the overall improvement of MoS2‐based nanocomposites as a potential nanomedicine.
Inkjet‐Printed High‐Q Nanocrystalline Diamond Resonators
Authors: Sartori André F. , Belardinelli Pierpaolo , Dolleman Robin J. , Steeneken Peter G. , Ghatkesar Murali K. , Buijnsters Josephus G. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDiamond is a highly desirable material for state‐of‐the‐art micro‐electromechanical (MEMS) devices, radio‐frequency filters and mass sensors, due to its extreme properties and robustness. However, the fabrication/integration of diamond structures into Si‐based components remain costly and complex. In this work, a lithography‐free, low‐cost method is introduced to fabricate diamond‐based micro‐resonators: a modified home/office desktop inkjet printer is used to locally deposit nanodiamond ink as ∅50–60 µm spots, which are grown into ≈1 µm thick nanocrystalline diamond film disks by chemical vapor deposition, and suspended by reactive ion etching. The frequency response of the fabricated structures is analyzed by laser interferometry, showing resonance frequencies in the range of ≈9–30 MHz, with Q‐factors exceeding 104, and (f0 × Q) figure of merit up to ≈2.5 × 1011 Hz in vacuum. Analysis in controlled atmospheres shows a clear dependence of the Q‐factors on gas pressure up until 1 atm, with Q ∝ 1/P. When applied as mass sensors, the inkjet‐printed diamond resonators yield mass responsivities up to 981 Hz fg−1 after Au deposition, and ultrahigh mass resolution up to 278 ± 48 zg, thus outperforming many similar devices produced by traditional top‐down, lithography‐based techniques. In summary, this work demonstrates the fabrication of functional high‐performance diamond‐based micro‐sensors by direct inkjet printing.
Hybrid Nanomedicine Fabricated from Photosensitizer‐Terminated Metal–Organic Framework Nanoparticles for Photodynamic Therapy and Hypoxia‐Activated Cascade Chemotherapy
Authors: He Zhimei , Dai Yunlu , Li Xiangli , Guo Dan , Liu Yijing , Huang Xiaolin , Jiang Jingjing , Wang Sheng , Zhu Guizhi , Zhang Fuwu , Lin Lisen , Zhu Jun‐Jie , Yu Guocan , Chen Xiaoyuan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDuring photodynamic therapy (PDT), severe hypoxia often occurs as an undesirable limitation of PDT owing to the O2‐consuming photodynamic process, compromising the effectiveness of PDT. To overcome this problem, several strategies aiming to improve tumor oxygenation are developed. Unlike these traditional approaches, an opposite method combining hypoxia‐activated prodrug and PDT may provide a promising strategy for cancer synergistic therapy. In light of this, azido‐/photosensitizer‐terminated UiO‐66 nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (UiO‐66‐H/N3 NMOFs) which serve as nanocarriers for the bioreductive prodrug banoxantrone (AQ4N) are engineered. Owing to the effective shielding of the nanoparticles, the stability of AQ4N is well preserved, highlighting the vital function of the nanocarriers. By virtue of strain‐promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition, the nanocarriers are further decorated with a dense PEG layer to enhance their dispersion in the physiological environment and improve their therapeutic performance. Both in vitro and in vivo studies reveal that the O2‐depleting PDT process indeed aggravates intracellular/tumor hypoxia that activates the cytotoxicity of AQ4N through a cascade process, consequently achieving PDT‐induced and hypoxia‐activated synergistic therapy. Benefiting from the localized therapeutic effect of PDT and hypoxia‐activated cytotoxicity of AQ4N, this hybrid nanomedicine exhibits enhanced therapeutic efficacy with negligible systemic toxicity, making it a promising candidate for cancer therapy.
Regulation of Kit Expression in Early Mouse Embryos and ES Cells
Authors: Todaro Federica , Campolo Federica , Barrios Florencia , Pellegrini Manuela , Di Cesare Silvia , Tessarollo Lino , Rossi Pellegrino , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Dolci Susanna 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Kit is a growth factor receptor that regulates proliferation and/or survival of many embryonic and postnatal stem cell types. When mutated, it can induce malignant transformation of the host cells. To dissect the Kit role in the control of ESC pluripotency, we studied its expression during early mouse embryogenesis and during the process of ESC derivation from inner cell mass (ICM) cells. We followed the in vitro development of early mouse embryos obtained from transgenic mice carrying Kit promoter regions fused to EGFP (Kit-EGFP) and found that they initiate EGFP expression at morula stage. EGFP expression is then maintained in the blastocyst, within the ICM, and its levels increase when cultured in the presence of MAPK and GSK3β inhibitors (2i) plus LIF compared with the LIF-only condition. Kit-EGFP ESCs showed nonhomogeneous EGFP expression pattern when cultured in LIF condition, but they upregulated EGFP expression, as well as that of Sox2, Nanog, Prdm14, when shifted to 2i-LIF culture. Similarly, primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the process of embryonic germ cell (EGC) conversion showed enhanced EGFP expression in 2i-LIF. Kit expression was affected by manipulating Sox2 levels in ESCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that Sox2 binds Kit regulatory regions containing Sox2 consensus sequences. Finally, Kit constitutive activation induced by the D814Y mutation increased ESC proliferation and cloning efficiency in vitro and in teratoma assays in vivo. Our results identify Kit as a pluripotency-responsive gene and suggest a role for Kit in the regulation of ESC proliferation. Stem Cells 2019;37:332–344
Influence of maternal characteristics and gestational age on hemodynamic indices: NICOM device‐specific reference ranges
Authors: Perry H. , Stirrup O. , Gutierrez J. , Vinayagam D. , Thilaganathan B. , Khalil A. 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo construct reference ranges for stroke volume, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in normal pregnancy for the NICOM® device, and to explore associations between maternal characteristics and these hemodynamic variables.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of healthy singleton pregnancies between 10 and 40 weeks' gestation attending a tertiary referral hospital between September 2012 and May 2018. Measurements of stroke volume, cardiac output and SVR were obtained throughout pregnancy using NICOM, a non‐invasive device based on bioreactance technology. NICOM device‐specific reference ranges were created with respect to gestational age and maternal characteristics. Once the distribution of the data had been determined with respect to the gestational age, patient characteristics were added to the model to test whether they provided a significant improvement in prediction of the median value. The effect was assessed of maternal weight, height, smoking status, conception using assisted reproductive technology, nulliparity and ethnicity.ResultsWe included 411 women in this study. The relationships between cardiac variables and gestational age observed in the NICOM‐specific reference ranges are consistent with previous findings, with increasing cardiac output values until around 35 weeks and a decrease thereafter until term, and decreasing SVR until around 36 weeks, followed by an increase towards 40 weeks. Stroke volume showed a small linear increase across gestation with lower variability in observations close to term. Maternal weight, height and age were associated with cardiac output (all P < 0.05) and SVR (all P < 0.01), whilst maternal weight and height were associated with stroke volume (both P < 0.001). Ethnicity was significantly associated with stroke volume (P = 0.001) but not with cardiac output or SVR.ConclusionsThis study presents device‐specific reference ranges for stroke volume, cardiac output and SVR for the NICOM device in healthy pregnancy and describes the maternal characteristics that are associated with the values of these hemodynamic measurements. Studies using NICOM in pregnancy can use these ranges in order to evaluate observations relative to those expected in uncomplicated pregnancy conditional on maternal characteristics. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A pilot‐scale deep bed denitrification filter for secondary effluent treatment using sodium acetate as external carbon
Authors: Zheng Xiaowei , Zhang Shenyao , Huang Deying , Zhang Liu , Zhang Jibiao 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA pilot‐scale quartz sand deep bed denitrification filter (DBDF) using sodium acetate as the additional carbon source was implemented to treat secondary effluent, with a high nitrate nitrogen (NO3‐N) concentration and low C/N ratio, from an urban municipal water resource recovery facility. By the 18th day, results showed that the removal efficiency of NO3‐N and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) were stable at above 85% and 70%, respectively. When the filter layer depth was set to 1,600 mm and the concentration of additional sodium acetate was maintained at 51 mg/L, the total nitrogen and COD concentrations of the DBDF effluent were stabilized below 5 and 30 mg/L, respectively. The quartz sand DBDF had a good effect on the removal of dissolved organic matter, especially for aromatic protein‐like and tryptophan protein‐like substances. Bacteria with denitrification function, such as Cloacibacterium and Zoogloea, became increasingly dominant with increasing filling layer depth.Practitioner points

The denitrification filter had a good effect on the removal of aromatic protein‐like and tryptophan protein‐like substances.

Cloacibacterium and Zoogloea became increasingly dominant with increasing filling layer depth.
Inflow and infiltration in coastal wastewater collection systems: effects of rainfall, temperature, and sea level
Authors: Cahoon Lawrence B. , Hanke Marc H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWastewater collection and treatment systems are vital to public health, economic growth, and environmental quality, but do not receive as much consideration for upgrades and improvements as other forms of public infrastructure. Extraneous inputs to a wastewater collection system are caused by rainfall and submergence (“Inflow and infiltration,” I&I) and other factors, such as variation in sea level in coastal settings. These factors all pose risks for system degradation, sanitary system overflows (SSOs), and water quality impairment, but remain poorly quantified. Multiple regression analyses of total flows through 19 wastewater collection systems in coastal North Carolina, all using gravity collection systems, over a 2‐year period (2010–2011) demonstrated statistically significant effects of rainfall, temperature, and sea level as drivers of extraneous flows. Rainfall effects were significant for 18/19 (95%) of these systems. Temperature effects were also significant for 18/19 (95%) of these systems. Sea level effects, primarily driven by spring‐neap tidal oscillations, were significant for 11/19 (58%). Further, single factor regression analyses of the effects of temperature and sea level on system flows demonstrated significant effects for 16/19 (84%) and 18/19 (95%) systems, respectively. These collective results demonstrate the potential vulnerability of coastal wastewater collection and treatment systems to breaches in system integrity that allow extraneous flows, primarily through groundwater elevation, to drive further infrastructure degradation and environmental pollution.Practitioner points

Heavy rainfalls drive statistically significant inflow and infiltration (I&I) in over 90% of central wastewater systems in coastal North Carolina.

Temperature, most likely as effects of seasonal variation in groundwater levels, also had a significant effect on I&I in over 90% of these systems.

Sea level, expressed as daily high‐high tide, drove significant effects on flow through over 90% of these systems.
Optimized adsorption onto biosolids‐based activated carbon for tartrazine removal from wastewater
Authors: Madeira Carla Suély P. , Zavarize Danilo G. , Vieira Gláucia Eliza G. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis study investigates optimized tartrazine uptake by activated carbon prepared from biosolids (BBAC). Different tartrazine concentrations (10–20 mg/L), adsorbent dosages (1.0–2.0 g), pH (2.0–4.0), and contact times (60–120 min) were tested. These independent variables formed a 24 full factorial experiment arranged as central composite rotative design (CCRD). Response surface methodology (RSM) analyzed the responses of 50 experimental runs. Tartrazine removal efficiency fluctuated between 76.2% and 99.9%. The experimental data were best fitted by a quadratic model (R2 > 0.95, p > 0.0001). All variables exerted statistically significant (p < 0.05) effects on the tartrazine uptake (initial concentration, p = 0.0011; BBAC dosage, p = 0.0004; pH, p < 0.0001; contact time, p < 0.0001). Optimized tartrazine uptake efficiency of 97.4% can happen when variables mutually correlate at 10.1 mg/L of tartrazine concentration, 1.07 g of adsorbent dosage, 2.13 of pH, and 116.9 min of contact time.Practitioner points

Production of biosolids‐based activated carbon (BBAC) is presented.

Adsorptive affinity to tartrazine in aqueous solution was experimented.

Experimental conditions optimized by Response Surface Methodology.
Origin and formation mechanism of salty water in Zuli River catchment of the Yellow River
Authors: Liu Zihao , Tan Hongbing , Shi Dongping , Xu Peng , Elenga Hartman I. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe Zuli River is one of the branches of the upper Yellow River, as an inland catchment with semiarid climate in northwestern China, and the formation, evolution, and development of brackish water at such a large scale have remained unclear. This study aims to find clues about the origin and formation mechanism of salty water through multiple methods of hydrochemistry and isotope hydrology. The results show that groundwater is dominantly recharged by precipitation, and the river water was mainly recharged by groundwater discharge. The relatively high tritium content of groundwater (>5.0 TU) clearly suggests the occurrence of a modern recharge and rapid circulation. The dissolution of evaporate minerals, followed by incongruent dissolution of carbonate minerals (dolomite), constituted the main processes controlling groundwater salinization. In addition, the intense evaporation and unreasonable use of fertilizers further increase the TDS of the river, which should be the primary external mechanism of water salinization.Practitioner points

The authors aimed to find clues about the formation mechanism of salty water in an inland catchment of the Yellow River.

The results of this research shows that the dissolution of dissolved minerals constituted the main processes controlling groundwater salinization. In addition, the intense evaporation and unreasonable use of fertilizers, which should be the primary external mechanism of water salinization.

This work would provide a theoretical basis for government to develop rational utilization of brackish water resources in the study area, which is also significant for understanding the mechanism of water salinization in an inland mountain watershed and even in similar inland watersheds around the world
Wildlife damage to crops: Perceptions of agricultural and wildlife leaders in 1957, 1987, and 2017
Authors: Conover Michael R. , Butikofer Erin , Decker Daniel J. 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTA national survey of wildlife agency directors was conducted during 1957 to determine their perceptions of wildlife damage to agriculture. This study was repeated in 1987, expanding the sample to include chief executive officers of state Farm Bureaus and state Wildlife Extension Specialists as well as wildlife agency leaders. During 2017, we replicated these studies to determine how perceptions of leaders had changed over the past 30 and 60 years. In the 2017 survey, 21 different wildlife species were reported by ≥1 respondent as causing the most damage in their state. Despite the numerous species causing damage, deer (Odocoileus spp.) were listed by most respondents as producing the most agricultural damage in their state. State Farm Bureaus and Wildlife Extension Specialists overestimated the amount of governmental services and products that were available to help farmers in their state. Most respondents believed that wildlife damage to agriculture was a serious problem in their state and had increased during the past 30 years. When survey results were compared, feral hog (Sus scrofa), goose (Anatidae), and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) were listed more frequently in 2017 than in 1987, suggesting that problems caused by these species have increased in severity during the past 30 years. Use of special shooting and trapping permits issued to farmers had increased over the decades. Governmental agencies were more likely to provide fencing material and noisemakers and plant diversionary crops in 2017 and 1987 than they were in 1957. Modern wildlife management has been remarkably successful in increasing wildlife populations, to the point that some species occur in sufficient numbers in some places to cause remarkable levels of damage to crops and livestock. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.