bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel approach based on probability theory for material selection
Authors: Zheng M. , Wang Y. , Teng H. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA novel approach for material selection is developed on basis of probability theory. The novel concept of favorable probability is formed to express the favorable degree of a candidate material in the selection. It assumes that all utility indexes of material performance indicators can be attributed to beneficial or unbeneficial type, and each utility index of material performance indicator devotes to one partial favorable probability in the selection; a partial favorable probability is linearly correlative to the corresponding utility index of material performance indicator in positive or negative manners upon its nature of whether beneficial or unbeneficial type; the product of all the partial favorable probabilities forge the overall / global favorable probability of a candidate material. Finally, all the candidate materials can be ranked according to their overall favorable probability comparatively in the material selection. As application examples, the quantitative material selections of cylindrical shaft, stamping of titanium bipolar plates for fuel cell and tribological coatings are given; furthermore, the novel approach is combined with the orthogonal and uniform experiment designs to conduct their optimizations under multi‐object conditions.
Highly accelerated EPI with wave encoding and multi‐shot simultaneous multislice imaging
Authors: Cho Jaejin , Liao Congyu , Tian Qiyuan , Zhang Zijing , Xu Jinmin , Lo Wei‐Ching , Poser Benedikt A. , Stenger V. Andrew , Stockmann Jason , Setsompop Kawin , Bilgic Berkin 
Published: June 2022

PurposeTo introduce wave‐encoded acquisition and reconstruction techniques for highly accelerated EPI with reduced g‐factor penalty and image artifacts.Theory and MethodsWave‐EPI involves application of sinusoidal gradients during the EPI readout, which spreads the aliasing in all spatial directions, thereby taking better advantage of 3D coil sensitivity profiles. The amount of voxel spreading that can be achieved by the wave gradients during the short EPI readout period is constrained by the slew rate of the gradient coils and peripheral nerve stimulation monitor. We propose to use a “half‐cycle” sinusoidal gradient to increase the amount of voxel spreading that can be achieved while respecting the slew and stimulation constraints. Extending wave‐EPI to multi‐shot acquisition minimizes geometric distortion and voxel blurring at high in‐plane resolutions, while structured low‐rank regularization mitigates shot‐to‐shot phase variations. To address gradient imperfections, we propose to use different point spread functions for the k‐space lines with positive and negative polarities, which are calibrated with a FLEET‐based reference scan.ResultsWave‐EPI enabled whole‐brain single‐shot gradient‐echo (GE) and multi‐shot spin‐echo (SE) EPI acquisitions at high acceleration factors at 3T and was combined with g‐Slider encoding to boost the SNR level in 1 mm isotropic diffusion imaging. Relative to blipped‐CAIPI, wave‐EPI reduced average and maximum g‐factors by up to 1.21‐ and 1.37‐fold at Rin × Rsms = 3 × 3, respectively.ConclusionWave‐EPI allows highly accelerated single‐ and multi‐shot EPI with reduced g‐factor and artifacts and may facilitate clinical and neuroscientific applications of EPI by improving the spatial and temporal resolution in functional and diffusion imaging.
Activity and footwear characteristics in people with and without plantar heel pain: A matched cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Landorf Karl B. , Kaminski Michelle R. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Zammit Gerard V. , Menz Hylton B. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundActivity and footwear may be associated with plantar heel pain (PHP), however both factors have rarely been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate activity and footwear characteristics in PHP while controlling for important confounders.MethodThis cross‐sectional observational study compared 50 participants with PHP to 25 participants without PHP who were matched for age, sex and body mass index. Activity was measured using the Stanford Activity Questionnaire, as well as the number of hours per day participants stood for, and whether they stood on hard floors. Footwear characteristics were measured using the footwear domain of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), as well as the style of shoe, heel height, and the Shore A hardness value of the heel of the shoe most used.ResultsParticipants with PHP stood for more than twice as long as participants without PHP (mean difference 3.4 hours, p < 0.001, large effect size). Participants with PHP also reported greater difficulty accessing suitable footwear (FHSQ footwear domain mean difference (MD) 22 points, p = 0.002, large effect size (ES), and they wore harder‐heeled shoes (Shore A MD 6.9 units, p = 0.019, medium ES). There were no significant differences for physical activity, whether they stood on hard floors, the style of shoe they wore, or heel height.ConclusionsCompared to people without PHP, people with PHP stand for more than twice the amount of time each day, have substantial difficulties accessing suitable footwear, and the primary shoes they wear are harder under the heel.
Quick and green toward conductive thermally‐stable biobasedstar‐shapedoligomers
Authors: Shahkarami Fatemeh , Kabiri Kourosh , Piri Farideh , Moini Nasrin , Jahandideh Arash 
Published: June 2022

AbstractToday every single step toward green chemistry is a high priority to avoid global warming and environmental contaminations. In this regard, conductive, asymmetric star‐shaped, bio‐based structures, comprising tetramers of aniline (SSB‐TA) was synthesized from bio‐sourced resin using microwave irradiation. The hydroxyl‐functional SSB‐TA was characterized by FT‐IR,1H‐NMR,13C‐NMR, and the thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of oligomer and its hybrid with poly (hydroxyethyl methacrylate), (HEMA) were measured by TGA, DMTA and four probe conductometer. Results show that SSB‐TA is highly thermal‐stable conductive biobased oligomer (T50% = 452°C [higher than tetraniline] andσ = 8.9 × 10−4 S cm−1) and 2.5% SSB‐TA is the optimum content to improve thermal properties up to 62% and enhance the level of electrical conductivity of poly (HEMA) 12 times. This functional structure can be considered as a suitable candidate to be employed in tissue engineering and biobased adhesives contributing into the self‐assembly process, post treatment reactions as well as additive in not only HEMA but also star‐shaped lactic acid–based systems.
A phase 2 pharmacodynamic dose‐finding, safety, and efficacy study of dalteparin for pediatric venous thromboembolism treatment in children with and without cancer
Authors: Hartman Lisa R. , Nurmeev Ildar , Svirin Pavel , Wolter Kevin D. , Yan Jean Li , Jani Darshana , Goldenberg Neil A. , Sherman Nancy 
Published: June 2022

AbstractData from registrational trials of pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment are sparse, especially among cancer patients. We conducted a prospective, multicenter, open‐label trial (NCT00952380) on dose‐finding, safety, and efficacy (measured by 90‐day risks of clinically relevant bleeding [CRB] and symptomatic recurrent VTE [srVTE]) of twice‐daily subcutaneous dalteparin for acute VTE treatment in patients ≤18 years old. Among 38 patients (cancer,n = 26; noncancer,n = 12), median dalteparin dose requirements per kilogram varied with age but not cancer status. Risks of CRB and srVTE were <4% in cancer and noncancer subgroups. Dalteparin is an important FDA‐approved treatment for pediatric VTE, particularly with cancer.
Evaluation of morphological, rheological, mechanical, and dielectric properties of aluminum dross filled polyoxymethylene (POM) composites
Authors: Yurtbasi Zuhal , Kuyumcu Mustafa , Kurt Gökçe , Kasgoz Alper 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this study, different amounts of aluminum dross (Al‐dross) powders were incorporated into polyoxymethylene (POM) by the melt‐mixing method, and morphological, thermal, rheological, mechanical and dielectric properties of the obtained composite samples were investigated. So, it was aimed to develop value‐added products and create an alternative utilization method for industrial waste that poses environmental risk and does not have a useful application area. The morphological analyses performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the Al‐dross contained various inorganic components with different particle sizes such as Al2O3, NaCl. Moreover, no significant structural incompatibility between the POM and Al‐dross was observed. In contrast, the SEM analyses showed non‐coated filler particle surfaces, which were probably due to the breaking of NaCl particles during the extrusion process. In the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, it was found that the effect of Al‐dross addition on the crystallization temperature, amount of crystalline structure in the polymer phase or crystallization rate was limited. The rheological analyses showed that the Al‐dross particles formed rheological percolated structures at an Al‐dross ratio of 20% wt. In the dynamic mechanic analysis (DMA), it was observed that the modulus of elasticity (E') increased by approximately 40% and creep strain decreased by approximately 50% by the addition of Al‐dross into the POM phase at the 40% in %wt. Finally, in the dielectric analyses carried out in the frequency range of 1–14 GHz by a vector network analyzer, it was concluded that incorporating Al‐dross at 40% caused an increase of 1.5 and 3 times in real and imaginary part of the complex permittivity.
Suitability assessment of raw‐alkalizedZiziphus nummulariabark fibers and its polymeric composites for lightweight applications
Authors: SV Gurupranes , I Rajendran , N Shanmuga Sundaram 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe global trend of environmental protection has led to replacing synthetic fibers in every feasible application with natural fibers. An alteration of the fiber's surface is essential for the natural fiber to be more suitable for use. In this study, the mercerization processes including 5% (wt/vol) sodium hydroxide solution at five different soaking times (15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min), were used in this study to enhance various features ofZiziphus nummulariafibers isolated fromZiziphus nummulariaplant stems. Results showed that 60 min alkalizedZiziphus nummulariafibers had cellulose content of 65.72%, which seems to be higher, and it was termed as optimally alkalizedZiziphus nummulariafibers. The thermal studies showed that optimally alkalizedZiziphus nummulariafibers had a degradation temperature of 360°C. The optimally alkalizedZiziphus nummulariafibers showed a crystalline index of 50.6% and crystal size of 3.52 nm. Epoxy composites were manufactured with various loading percentages of optimally alkalized and rawZiziphus nummulariafibers to prove the application suitability. It was shown that 20 wt% of optimally alkalizedZiziphus nummulariafibers‐based epoxy composites showed a higher ultimate tensile strength of 40.31 MPa than all other composites. Scanning Electron microscope studies elucidated the fiber's surface behavior and other characteristics of fibers and tested epoxy composites.
Are talented people more virtuous in the eyes of others? Positive effects of competence on perceived morality
Authors: Chen Feifei , Guo Tieyuan , Bi Chongzeng 
Published: June 2022

AbstractExisting research on competence and morality focuses on their role in impression formation, overlooking their impact on each other. In five studies, we explored whether a target person's competence influences perceived morality of the target through interpersonal attraction. The results showed that perceived competence of a target individual was positively correlated with interpersonal attraction, which in turn positively correlated with morality (Study 1). Using an experimental design, we further found that competent individuals were considered more attractive, making them being perceived more moral than incompetent ones (Studies 2–4). In addition, an initially immoral individual was perceived as being moral when he was described as highly competent (Study 3) whereas an initially moral individual was perceived as being immoral when he was described as having low competence (Study 4). These findings were not completely accounted for by the halo effect (Study 5). The results supported that competence information promotes perceptions of morality in person perception.
Surface tailored graphite–polymer composite electrodes through cold plasma for electrochemical applications
Authors: Luhar Sunil , Rane Ramkrishna , Srivastava Divesh N. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractComposite electrodes are gradually gaining interest due to their versatile applications. plastic chip electrode (PCE) comprising of graphite and Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is one such composite that can be fabricated by simple solution‐phase mixing followed by solvent evaporation. In this study, we report more than two times enhancement in the bulk conductance of PCE by removing the passivating superficial polymer layer above the filler, through the treatment of cold plasma. Comparative characterization of the pre‐ and posttreated electrode has been performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spreading resistance imaging (SRI), contact angle, and current–voltage characteristics as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Improved electroactivity of PCE has been demonstrated through cyclic voltammetry (CV).
Metallic Sodium Anodes for Advanced Sodium Metal Batteries: Progress, Challenges and Perspective
Authors: Shi Huan , Zhang Yamin , Liu Yang , Yuan Changzhou 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSodium (Na)‐based batteries, as the ideal choice of large‐scale and low‐cost energy storage, have attracted much attention. Na metal anodes with high theoretical specific capacity and low potential are considered to be one of the most promising anodes for next‐generation Na‐based batteries. However, the high reactivity of Na metal anodes makes the electrode/electrolyte phase unstable, resulting in formation of Na dendrites, short cycle life and safety problems. Herein, the contribution outlines the latest development of Na metal anodes for Na metal batteries. The design strategies for high efficiency utilization of Na metal anodes are elucidated, including sophisticated electrode construction, liquid electrolyte optimization, electrode/electrolyte interface stabilization, and solid electrolyte adaptation. Finally, the future research direction and existing problems are proposed.
Wildland fires ignited by avian electrocutions
Authors: Barnes Taylor A. , Dwyer James F. , Mojica Elizabeth K. , Petersen Paul A. , Harness Richard E. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUncontrolled wildfires are occurring with increasing frequency across western North America due to a combination of wildfire suppression, climate change, impacts from mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae), alterations in range composition by nonnative grasses, and human population growth in fire‐prone landscapes. A poorly studied mechanism of wildland fire ignitions occurs when a bird perched on an overhead power line is electrocuted, its plumage ignites, and the burning bird falls into and ignites dry vegetation. Avian‐caused ignitions have been occasionally documented, but not spatially analyzed in the contiguous United States. We hypothesized that spatial analyses could demonstrate specific regions where ignitions from avian electrocutions occur most frequently. To test our hypothesis, we compared public reports of wildland fires ignited by bird electrocutions to Environmental Protection Agency ecoregions. We found reports of 44 wildland fires ignited by avian electrocutions in the contiguous U.S. from January 2014 to December 2018. The Mediterranean California ecoregion had the highest density of avian‐caused fires. It would be prudent for electric utilities in the Mediterranean California ecoregion in the U.S., and in fire‐prone landscapes globally, to develop fire mitigation plans that include modifying power poles to reduce risk of avian electrocutions and resulting wildfires.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression, anxiety, loneliness, and satisfaction in the German general population: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Hettich Nora , Entringer Theresa M. , Kroeger Hannes , Schmidt Peter , Tibubos Ana N. , Braehler Elmar , Beutel Manfred E. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPurposeCross-sectional studies found high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, and loneliness during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reported increases were lower in longitudinal population-based findings. Studies including positive outcomes are rare. This study analyzed changes in mental health symptoms, loneliness, and satisfaction.MethodsRespondents of the German Socio-Economic Panel (N = 6038) were surveyed pre-pandemic (2017/2019) and during the first (June 2020) and second wave (January and February 2021) of the pandemic. Self-report screeners assessed depression and anxiety symptoms, loneliness, life and health satisfaction. Difference scores were analysed using ANCOVAs focusing on time, gender, age groups.ResultsDepression and anxiety symptoms and health satisfaction increased from pre-pandemic to the first wave, but declined in the second pandemic wave. Loneliness increased and life satisfaction decreased during the first and the second wave of the pandemic. Young adults and women reported more distress and loneliness, even after controlling for pre-pandemic scores, education, and income. All effects remained stable when controlling for self-reported previous diagnosis of depression or region of residence.ConclusionIncreases and decreases in mental health symptoms and health satisfaction showed little variation. Of concern are the strong increases of loneliness and decreased life satisfaction being important targets for interventions. Main risk factors are young age and female gender.
Bayesian flexible beta regression model with functional covariate
Authors: Di Brisco Agnese Maria , Bongiorno Enea Giuseppe , Goia Aldo , Migliorati Sonia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractStandard parametric regression models are unsuitable when the aim is to predict a bounded continuous response, such as a proportion/percentage or a rate. A possible solution is the flexible beta regression model which is based on a special mixture of betas designed to cope with (though not limited to) bimodality, heavy tails, and outlying observations. This work introduces such a model in the case of a functional covariate, motivated by a spectrometric analysis on milk specimens. Estimation issues are dealt with through a combination of standard basis expansion and Markov chains Monte Carlo techniques. Specifically, the selection of the most significant coefficients of the expansion is done through Bayesian variable selection methods that take advantage of shrinkage priors. The effectiveness of the proposal is illustrated with simulation studies and the application on spectrometric data.
How to avoid misinterpretation of dual reporter gene assay data affected by cell damage
Authors: Nilles Julie , Weiss Johanna , Haefeli Walter E. , Ruez Stephanie , Theile Dirk 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe activity of nuclear receptors (e.g., pregnane x receptor, PXR) can be assessed by luminescence-based dual reporter gene assays. Under most conditions, receptor-activated firefly luminescence is normalized to Renilla luminescence, which is triggered by a constitutively active promoter. Simultaneous damage to the cells can however disrupt these signals and thus impair the interpretation of the data. Consequently, this study addressed three important aspects: First, idealized models were described, each highlighting crucial characteristics and important pitfalls of dual PXR reporter gene assays used to evaluate PXR activation or inhibition. Second, these models were supported by experimental data obtained with a strong PXR activator (rifampicin) with low cytotoxicity, a PXR activator with high cytotoxicity (dovitinib), a proposed PXR inhibitor that reportedly has no toxic effects (triptolide), and a cytotoxic control (oxaliplatin). Data were evaluated for relative PXR activity data, individual firefly or Renilla luminescence, and anti-proliferative effects of the compounds (assessed by crystal violet staining). Finally, a step-by-step guide is proposed to avoid misleading set-up of the assay or misinterpretation of the data obtained. Key considerations here include (1) omission of drug concentrations beyond 10–20% proliferation inhibition; (2) observation of Renilla luminescence, because this tends to indicate ‘false PXR activation’ when it inexplicably decreases; (3) parallel decrease of relative PXR activity and proliferation below baseline levels in conjunction with a sharp decrease in Renilla luminescence indicates ‘false PXR antagonism’; (4) non-sigmoidal relationships suggest the absence of concentration dependency.
‘Holey’ niche! finding holes in niche hypervolumes using persistence homology
Authors: Conceição Pedro , Morimoto Juliano 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLiving organisms are limited in the range of values of ecological factors they can explore. This defines where animals exist (or could exist) and forms an ecological fingerprint that explains species’ distribution at global scales. Species’ ecological fingerprints can be represented as a n-dimensional hypervolume – known as Hutchinson’s niche hypervolume. This concept has enabled significant progress in our understanding of species’ ecological needs and distributions across environmental gradients. Nevertheless, the properties of Hutchinson’s n-dimensional hypervolumes can be challenging to calculate and several methods have been proposed to extract meaningful measurements of hypervolumes’ properties. One key property of hypervolumes are holes, which provide important information about the ecological occupancy of species. However, to date, current methods rely on volume estimates and set operations to identify holes in hypervolumes. Yet, this approach can be problematic because in high-dimensions, the volume of region enclosing a hole tends to zero. We propose the use of persistence homology (PH) to identify holes in hypervolumes and in ecological datasets more generally. PH allows for the estimates of topological properties in n-dimensional niche hypervolumes independent of the volume estimates of the hypervolume. We demonstrate the application of PH to canonical datasets and to the identification of holes in the hypervolumes of five vertebrate species with diverse niches, highlighting the potential benefits of this approach to gain further insights into animal ecology. Overall, our approach enables the study of a yet unexplored property of Hutchinson’s hypervolumes, and thus, have important implications to our understanding of animal ecology.