bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimension towers of SICS: II. Some constructions
Authors: Bengtsson Ingemar , Srivastava Basudha 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A SIC is a maximal equiangular tight frame in a finite dimensional Hilbert space. Given a SIC in dimension d, there is good evidence that there always exists an aligned SIC in dimension d(d − 2), having predictable symmetries and smaller equiangular tight frames embedded in them. We provide a recipe for how to calculate sets of vectors in dimension d(d − 2) that share these properties. They consist of maximally entangled vectors in certain subspaces defined by the numbers entering the d dimensional SIC. However, the construction contains free parameters and we have not proven that they can always be chosen so that one of these sets of vectors is a SIC. We give some worked examples that, we hope, may suggest to the reader how our construction can be improved. For simplicity we restrict ourselves to the case of odd dimensions.
Gamma-Ray Interaction of Selected Inorganic Scintillators Used in HEP Experiments
Authors: Dhillon Jasjot Singh , Vermani Yogesh K. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We attempted to study gamma-ray attenuation and sensing properties of conventional and modern inorganic scintillators being employed in the high energy physics (HEP) experiments. The mass attenuation coefficient (μm
), effective atomic number (Zeff
) and mean free path (mfp)were theoretically evaluated for the conventional scintillators materials such as CsI and NaI (Tl) and compared with advanced scintillator materials: PWO, PbF2, and BGO along with rare earth elements based scintillators such as LYSO:Ce, LuAG:Ce, BaF2:Y which have been proposed for applications in the future HEP experiments. Thegamma-ray attenuation parameters are analyzed within the framework of online software toolkit ‘py-MULBF’ over wide photon energy range from 0.015 MeV to 15 MeV.Variationof μm
(and, Zeff
) with photon energy follows a trend similar for most of the inorganic scintillator materialsinvestigated here.CsI, however, maintained almost same effective atomic number value with respect to photon energy which signifies that CsI may be suitable for specific gamma-ray detection and sensing applications. Lead-based scintillator materials such as PbF2, PWO along with high-Z BGO are observed to exhibit better radiation attenuation capabilities.
The Structural and Electrical Studies on Cu-Co Ferrites
Authors: Venkateshwarlu Ch , Ramesh M , Vinod G , Suresh Reddy Y , Rajashekhar K , Naresh B , Ramesh P , Dasharatha U , Venkatesh B , Laxman Naik J 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The system Cobalt substituted copperferritesampleswere synthesized by a conventional double sintering ceramic method.A series of doped Copper ferrites withcomposithion Cu1-xCoxFe2O4 (x = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 ) are synthesized. The X-raydiffraction pattern at room temperature show that the sample exists in single phase with a spinel structure.Copper-Cobalt ferrites seriesaretakenand their electrical conductivityproperty are studied with a variation of composition and temperature. Log (σT) vs 103/T is almost linear with a variation close to the temperature of Curie.In general, the paramagnetic region activation energy is greater than that of the ferromagnetic region’s.
Influence of substrate temperature and laser wavelength on the structural, optical and electrical properties of laser ablated tin oxide thin films
Authors: K Harisha Kumar , Kumar Prasad , Dharmaprakash S M 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of tin oxide thin films on glass substrates has been achieved by ablating tin oxide (SnO2) pellet with Nd-YAG laser. The effects of laser wavelength (532nm, 1064nm) on the deposition as well as substrate temperature (room temperature, 250°C, 450°C) were investigated. The XRD studies were carried out and observed the growth of tetragonal rutile structure of SnO2 films. The FESEM micrographs show changes in surface morphology as a function of laser wavelength as well as the deposition temperature. The optical property investigations using UV-Vis spectra reveal an increase in the band gap with increasing temperature. The investigation of electrical properties using four-point probe method revealed the lower electrical resistivity of the SnO2 films. Thus, the as grown optimized SnO2 conducting thin film electrodes find its potential application in supercapacitor devices.
Physico-Chemical Key Parameters, Freundlich and Langmuir Isotherm, Rate Constant Studies on the Removal of Divalent Nickel using Delonix regia Fruit Pod as Low Cost Bioadsorbent
Authors: Mendiretta M M , Mudliar S L , Bharati A V 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The exploitation of Delonix regia fruit pod (DRFP) as the low-cost biodsorbents is verified as an alternative for current pricey techniques for elimination of nickel ions from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption studies is conducted to examine the effects of physico-chemical key parameters such as the initial metal ion concentration, pH, agitation time, stirring rate and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption from Delonix regia fruit pod (DRFP). The % adsorption, Langmuir constants, Freundlich constant for [Ni(II)] were determined for the adsorption system as a function of sorbate concentration. Equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms whereas the adsorption kinetics data is also evaluated.
Fabrication of Janus Liquid marbles With Tunable Particle Coverage by Controlling the Surface Tension of the Core Liquid
Authors: Lekshmi Bindhu Sunil Kumar , Varanakkottu Subramanyan Namboodiri 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Janus Liquid marbles (JLMs) are next-generation liquid marbles enwrapped with multi-particles of different sizes, hydrophobicity, and/or chemical properties. The functionally distinct surface of Janus Liquid marble enables the selective and precise manipulation of liquidmarble in a controllable manner. Here, we present an efficient method to tune the particle coverage of Janus Liquid marble by controlling the surface tension of the core liquid. The impact-based fabrication strategy is used for the continuous productionof JLMs of different volumes. The tunability in particle coverage is achieved for JLMs of volumein the range 5-10 μL. A simple energy balance analysis is employed for the theoretical estimation of the maximum spread parameter (βm) and found to be in reasonableagreement with the experimentally measured value.
Optically Controlled Liquid Marble Transport Platform
Authors: Ragisha Chetteente Meethal , Varanakkottu Subramanyan Namboodiri 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Transport of liquid marbles is gaining significant attention owing to its application in various fields, including digital micro fluidics and drug delivery. Though various strategies exist for the transport of liquid marbles over the liquid substrates, on-demand transport over solid substrate remains an unexplored challenge. Most of the existing transport strategies rely on the properties of the droplet, limiting their applicability for specific liquids. Herein, we demonstrate an on-demand liquid marble transport platform based on local surface deformation of a polymer layer controlled by the thermal expansion of the confined air cavity. The platform is made of acrylic with a 5 mm hole, and a thin super hydrophobic polymer layer over it. To obtain maximum surface deformation, we have optimized the parameters such as hole diameter and thickness of the polymer layer. The hydrophobicity of the polymer layer is enhanced by coating the surface with Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) nanoparticles for efficient liquid marble transport. We demonstrate the transport of liquid marble of volume 3 µL with a laser source (450 nm). A localized temperature rise of about 0.6 °C at the surface is sufficient to realize the transport of liquid marbles. The demonstrated strategy is simple and could be used for the on-demand transport of liquid marble, irrespective of the properties of the liquid.
Coulomb drag rate in a coupled electron-electron quantum wire system
Authors: Verma Vishal , Puttar Devi , Garg Vinayak , Moudgil R. K. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we calculate the Coulomb drag rate in a coupled electron-electron (e-e) quantum wire system over a wide range of temperature T, and some selected values of electron number densityandinter-wire spacing. The intra- and inter-wire exchange-correlations are treated within the self-consistent mean-field approximation of Singwi et al (the so called STLS theory) suitably generalized to the coupled system at finite-T. At a fixed T, the drag rate is found to increase with decrease in inter-wire separation and/or electron number density due to increased intra- and inter-wire coupling among electrons. Further, we note that the magnitude of drag rate is more in the STLS theory as compared to the random-phase approximation (RPA), and the difference consistently increases with decrease in inter-wire spacing.
In-situ STS studies and first principles calculations on bare and Sn adsorbed UHV exfoliated WS2 layers
Authors: Mohan Manu , Kumar Singh Vipin , Ranjan Sahoo Mihir , S Reshmi , Roy Barman Sudipta , Bhattacharjee Kuntala 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Abstarct. Two dimensional (2D) derivatives of tin (Sn) have obtained special deliberations recently due to practical realization of planar, as well as, buckled hexagonal lattice of Sn called stanene. However, it has been observed that proper choice of substrate is very important for growth of stanene like films owing to large core size of Sn that prefers sp
3 hybridization over sp
2. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) like MoS2 or WS2 with honey comb lattice structure seem to be promising substrate candidates for 2D growth of Sn. In the present work, we report mechanical exfoliation of few layers of WS2 under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions and investigations of growth and local electronic structure by in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) studies. Flat WS2 surface with honeycomb lattice structure in the atomic scale with a lattice constant of 0.34 nm is evident in the STM investigations, whereas, STS measurements reveal local density of states (LDOS) of WS2 with a bandgap of approximately 1.34 eV. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations performed by considering bulk WS2 reveal conduction and valence band states comprised of S p and W d at both sides of the Fermi energy (EF) and an indirect bandgap of 1.38 eV. Experimental observations upon Sn adsorption, reveal commensurate growth of Sn atoms on the sulfur `S’ sites with a buckling height of 40 ±10 pm. STS measurements exhibit local electronic structure of the Sn adsorbed surface with clear evidence of in-gap states. DFT calculations quantify the experimental results demonstrating `S’ sites as the most stable sites for the atomic adsorption of Sn with a buckling height of around 80 pm and reveal signature of in-gap hybridized states comprised of Sn p and W d orbitals.
Antibacterial Performance of Synthesised Superparamagnetic Fe3O4@TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Kulkarni Sachin A , Sawadh P S , Chabukswar Anuruddha R. , Jagdale Swati 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Co-precipitation method is used to prepare Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and its surface was coated with titania by sonication of ammonium sulphate. These nanoparticles were analyzed using SEM, UV-Vis, FTIR and antibacterial activity. The mono dispersion and increment in size with TiO2 concentration confirmed through SEM and good antibacterial activity is observed against gram positive and negative bacteria.
Quantitative analysis of rare earth elements in Mg–Zn–RE(Ce, Y, Gd)–Zr alloy
Authors: Li Yuguang , Guo Feng , Wang Yiwei , Cai Huisheng , Liu Liang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The solid solution amount of rare earth elements and the mass fraction of compounds were measured by low-temperature phase separation technology, the existing forms of rare earth elements in ZK-RE(Ce, Y, Gd) alloy were quantitatively studied, and the difference of solid solution ability of rare earth elements and the factors affecting the number of rare earth compounds were analyzed. The experimental results show that the solid solution amount of rare earth elements mainly depends on their addition amount, Zn and RE inhibit each other’s solid solution amount, and the order of solid solution amount (wt%) of rare earth elements with the same addition amount is GD > Y > Ce. Rare earth elements are mostly distributed in Mg–Zn–RE compounds, and the increase of rare earth content is helpful to form more Mg–Zn–RE compounds. With the same content of elements, the order of mass fraction of Mg–Zn–RE compounds is ZK-Ce system > ZK-Y system > ZK-Gd system. The order of solid solution ability of rare earth elements is Gd > Y > Ce, and the amount of solid solution directly affects the initial element content of compound precipitation in the remaining melt. The influence of Zn/Ce ratio in the residual melt of ZK-Ce alloy is shown in the number of rare earth compounds, while the Zn/Y(Gd) ratio in the residual melt of ZK-RE(Y, Gd) alloy determines the type and number of rare earth compounds.
Decreased isavuconazole trough concentrations in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in an adult patient receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support
Authors: Miller Michelle , Kludjian Geena , Mohrien Kerry , Morita Kazumi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Purpose
We present the case of a 56-year-old man with stage IV sarcoidosis on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) support for the management of respiratory failure receiving treatment with isavuconazole for invasive aspergillosis.

Summary
VV-ECMO is an increasingly utilized life support therapy for patients with cardiac and/or respiratory failure, but its impact on medication dosing is poorly understood. In our patient with invasive Aspergillus infection receiving VV-ECMO, because of difficulty achieving therapeutic serum concentrations of voriconazole, we administered isavuconazole 372 mg intravenously (IV) every 8 hours for 6 doses followed by 372 mg IV once daily. Isavuconazole has a favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profile compared to other azole antifungal agents, but its high protein binding and lipophilicity raise concerns about drug sequestration in the VV-ECMO circuit. To optimize the efficacy and safety of this treatment, the isavuconazole trough concentration was measured at days 5 and 17, at which time it was 1.7 and 0.7 μg/mL, respectively. The dose was subsequently increased to 744 mg IV once daily, and serum trough concentrations were measured 5 and 8 days after dose adjustment, corresponding to 3.7 and 2.9 μg/mL, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the third report to describe inadequate isavuconazole trough concentrations during VV-ECMO support when utilizing standard doses.

Conclusion
In the case described here, standard-dose isavuconazole (372 mg every 8 hours for 6 doses followed by 372 mg daily) did not achieve target trough concentrations in a patient receiving concomitant ECMO support.
A Comprehensive Strategy Based on UPLC-Q/TOF-MS for the Identification of Compounds in a Chinese Patent Medicine, Xiao’er Chiqiao Qingre Granules
Authors: Tian Gang , Gao Mengting , Li Chao , Shen Fei , Zhu Feng , Li Xin , Wang Yifei , Bao Beihua , Zhang Li , Huo Zongli , Yao Weifeng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish a comprehensive strategy based on liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to potently identify as many compounds of Chinese patent medicine as possible. Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) was used to qualitatively analyze the Chinese patent medicine Xiao’er Chiqiao Qingre Granules (XCQG), which is recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. A novel strategy, including targeted, semi-targeted and non-targeted identification, was built to explore the compounds based on accurate mass, characteristic fragments, retention time of standard substances, databases or literature. Based on the integrated identification, 250 compounds were identified in total, including 7 alcohols, 3 aldehydes, 17 alkaloids, 9 amino acids, 10 coumarins, 30 flavonoids, 29 glycosides, 12 ketones, 7 lignans, 20 organic acids, 12 phenols, 11 phenylpropanoids, 9 quinones, 3 steroids, 26 terpenes, 14 volatile oils and 31 other compounds. A novel strategy for the identification of compounds in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was developed with Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS). It is also the first systematic study of compounds in XCQG, laying a foundation for further mechanism research of XCQG. More importantly, the strategy shows good application prospect in identifying compounds of TCM.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Bedaquiline in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Positive and Negative Older Children and Adolescents With Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Hughes Jennifer A , Solans Belén P , Draper Heather R , Schaaf H Simon , Winckler Jana L , van der Laan Louvina , Radtke Kendra K , Fourie Barend , Wiesner Lubbe , Hesseling Anneke C , Savic Radojka M , Garcia-Prats Anthony J 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Pharmacokinetic data for bedaquiline in children are limited. We described the pharmacokinetics and safety of bedaquiline in South African children and adolescents receiving treatment for multidrug/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) in routine care.

Methods
In this observational cohort study, children aged 6–17 years receiving bedaquiline at recommended doses as part of MDR/RR-TB treatment underwent semi-intensive pharmacokinetic sampling. Bedaquiline and the M2 metabolite plasma concentrations were quantified, and nonlinear mixed-effects modeling performed. Pediatric data were described using a pre-established model of bedaquiline pharmacokinetics in adults. The exposure reference was 187 µg ⋅ h/mL, the median weekly area under the curve (AUC) of adults at week 24 of treatment with bedaquiline. Safety was assessed through monthly clinical, blood and electrocardiogram monitoring, and treatment outcomes described.

Results
Fifteen children (3 human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-positive) with median age 13.3 years (range 6.5–16.3) were included. A bedaquiline pharmacokinetic model was adapted to be allometrically scaled in clearance and volume, centered in the median child population weight. Bedaquiline bioavailability was 57% of that in adults. Overall bedaquiline exposures were below target, and AUC reference attainment was achieved in only 3 (20%) children. Ten children experienced 27 adverse events at least possibly related to bedaquiline; no adverse events led to bedaquiline withdrawal. Two adverse events (arthritis and arthralgia) were considered severe, and 2 children had mild QT interval corrected for heart rate using Fridericia’s formula (QT) prolongation.

Conclusions
The evaluated doses of bedaquiline in children ≥ 6 years of age were safe but achieved slightly lower plasma concentrations compared to adults receiving the recommended dose, possibly due to delayed food intake relative to bedaquiline administration.
A Novel, Reverse Transcription, Droplet Digital PCR Assay for the Combined, Sensitive Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 with Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus
Authors: Zhang Zhou , Wang Na , Liu Xiaofei , Lv Jizhou , Jing Hongli , Yuan Xiangfen , Chen Dongjie , Lin Xiangmei , Wu Shaoqiang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread over the world since its emergence. Although the dominant route of SARS-CoV-2 infection is respiratory, a number of studies revealed infection risk from contaminated surfaces and products, including porcine-derived food and other products. The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has been severely threatening public health, and disrupting porcine products trade and the pig industry. Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), which was responsible for large-scale, fatal disease in piglets, emerged in 2017 and has caused enormous economic losses in the pig industry. Currently, reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-rPCR) is the gold standard method for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and is most commonly used for SADS-CoV detection. However, inaccurate detection of the SARS-CoV-2 infection obtained by RT-rPCR is increasingly reported, especially in specimens with low viral load.

Objective
This study aimed to develop an accurate reverse transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and SADS-CoV simultaneously.

Methods
Two pairs of primers and one double-quenched probe targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) region of the open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) gene of SARS-CoV-2 and the corresponding ORF1ab region of SADS-CoV were designed to develop the RT-ddPCR assay. The sensitivity, specificity, repeatability, and reproducibility were tested using complementary RNAs (cRNAs) and clinical specimens.

Results
The detection limits of RT-ddPCR were 1.48 ± 0.18 and 1.38 ± 0.17 copies in a 20 μL reaction for SARS-CoV-2 and SADS-CoV cRNAs, respectively (n = 8), showing approximately 4- and 10-fold greater sensitivity than the RT-rPCR assay. This assay also exhibited good specificity, repeatability, and reproducibility.

Conclusion
The established RT-ddPCR assay was shown to be a highly effective, accurate, and reliable method for the sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 and SADS-CoV.

Highlights
This RT-ddPCR assay could be used to detect both SARS-CoV-2 and SADS-CoV in a sample with one double-quenched probe, and is also the first reported RT-ddPCR assay for SADS-CoV detection.
Stochastic sharing calculus for reasoning about social networks
Authors: Aman Bogdan , Ciobanu Gabriel 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We study the dynamics of information sharing in web-based social networks and analyse in a stochastic manner some aspects of this phenomenon. We define the stochastic sharing calculus by considering probabilistic factors and stochastic evolutions that could be analysed statistically. A rate-based operational semantics allows specific observations and results regarding sharing in web-based social networks. To reason about the dynamics of the social networks, we verify statistically various aspects of information sharing expressed in CTL by employing an existing statistical model checker (after a translation of our processes into stochastic automata). Some queries related to the stochastic behaviours in social networks are illustrated by a running example.