bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Stretchable Silicone Elastomer Applied in Soft Actuators
Authors: Hu Pengpeng , Albuquerque Fabio Beco , Madsen Jeppe , Skov Anne Ladegaard 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this work, a highly stretchable silicone elastomer is incorporated into dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) in order to decrease operation voltages by applying high prestretches. Results show that the fabricated DEAs (5 mm diameter circle active region) can be actuated to a lateral strain of 30% at 4.3 kV for a 122 µm thick prestretched film, and to a lateral strain of 2.5% at only 250 V for a 6.9 µm thick prestretched film. Due to the significant viscous component of the silicone elastomer, the DEAs respond more slowly (2–14 s to reach 90% of full strain) and show greater strain changes over time compared to conventional silicone‐based DEAs. While this inherent viscosity is not universally favorable, it can be advantageous in applications where actuator damping is desirable. The studied DEAs’ mean lifetimes under DC actuation range significantly—from 0.9 h to more than 123.0 h—depending mainly on initial electrical fields (17.8–36.3 V µm−1). For instance, DEAs with a 150 µm initial thickness and a prestretch ratio of 3 show 1.4–2.6% lateral strains for the mean lifetime (123.0 h) at only 300 V. Given the strains achieved at low voltage, such DEAs show promise for applications that do not require fast response speeds.
Versatile Route for Multifunctional Aerogels Including Flaxseed Mucilage and Nanocrystals
Authors: Abdelmonem Abuelmagd M. , Zámbó Dániel , Rusch Pascal , Schlosser Anja , Klepzig Lars F. , Bigall Nadja C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPreparation of low density monolithic and free‐standing organic‐inorganic hybrid aerogels of various properties is demonstrated using green chemistry from a biosafe natural source (flaxseed mucilage) and freeze‐casting and subsequent freeze drying. Bio‐aerogels, luminescent aerogels, and magneto‐responsive aerogels are obtained by combination of the flaxseed mucilage with different types of nanoparticles. Moreover, the aerogels are investigated as possible drug release systems using curcumin as a model. Various characterization techniques like thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen physisorption, electron microscopy, UV/Vis absorption, and emission spectroscopy, bulk density, and mechanical measurements, as well as in vitro release profile measurements, are employed to investigate the obtained materials. The flaxseed‐inspired organic‐inorganic hybrid aerogels exhibit ultra‐low densities as low as 5.6 mg cm−3 for 0.5% (w/v) the mucilage polymer, a specific surface area of 4 to 20 m2 g−1, high oil absorption capacity (23 g g−1), and prominent compressibility. The natural biopolymer technique leads to low cost and biocompatible functional lightweight materials with tunable properties (physicochemical and mechanical) and significant potential for applications as supporting or stimuli responsive materials, carriers, reactors, microwave‐ and electromagnetic radiation protective (absorbing)‐materials, as well as in drug delivery and oil absorption.
Tailored magnetic resonance fingerprinting for simultaneous non‐synthetic and quantitative imaging: A repeatability study
Authors: Qian Enlin , Poojar Pavan , Vaughan John Thomas , Jin Zhezhen , Geethanath Sairam 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe goals of this study include: (a) generating tailored magnetic resonance fingerprinting (TMRF) based non‐synthetic imaging; (b) assessing the repeatability of TMRF and deep learning‐based mapping of in vitro ISMRM/NIST phantom and in vivo brain data of healthy human subjects.MethodsWe have acquired qualitative images obtained from the vendor‐supplied gold standard (GS), MRF (synthetic), and TMRF (non‐synthetic) on one representative healthy human brain. We also acquired 30 datasets on the ISMRM/NIST phantom for the in vitro repeatability study on a GE Discovery 3T MR750w scanner using the TMRF sequence. We compared T1 and T2 maps generated from 30 ISMRM/NIST phantom datasets to the spin‐echo (SE) based GS method as part of the in vitro repeatability study. R‐squared coefficient of determination in a simple linear regression and Bland–Altman analysis were computed for 30 datasets of ISMRM/NIST phantom to assess the accuracy of in vitro quantitative TMRF data. The repeatability of T1 and T2 estimates by TMRF was evaluated by calculating the standard deviation (SD) divided by the average of 30 datasets for each sphere, respectively.We acquired 10 volunteers for the in vivo repeatability study on the same scanner using the same TMRF sequence. These volunteers were imaged five times with two runs per repetition, resulting in 100 in vivo datasets. Five contrasts, T1 and T2 maps of 10 human volunteers acquired over five repetitions, were evaluated in the in vivo repeatability study. We computed the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), signal intensities, T1 and T2 relaxation times in white matter (WM), and gray matter (GM).ResultsThe synthetic images generated from MRF show partial volume and flow artifacts compared to non‐synthetic images obtained from TMRF images and the GS. In vitro studies show that TMRF estimates have less than 5% variations except sphere 14 in the T2 array (6.36%). TMRF and SE relaxometry measurements were strongly correlated; R2 values were 0.9958 and 0.9789 for T1 and T2 estimates, respectively. Based on the ICC values, SNR, mean intensity values, and relaxation times of WM and GM for the in vivo studies were consistent. T1 and T2 values of WM and GM were similar to previously published values. The mean ± SD of T1 and T2 for WM for ten subjects and five repeats are 992 ± 41 ms and 99 ± 6 ms, while the corresponding values for T1 and T2 for GM are 1598 ± 73 ms and 152 ± 14 ms.ConclusionTMRF and deep learning‐based reconstruction produce repeatable, non‐synthetic multi‐contrast images, and parametric maps simultaneously.
A fully convolutional network (FCN) based automated ischemic stroke segment method using chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging
Authors: Zhao Yingcheng , Chen Yibing , Chen Yanrong , Zhang Lihong , Wang Xiaoli , He Xiaowei 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundChemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI is a promising imaging modality in ischemic stroke detection due to its sensitivity in sensing postischemic pH alteration. However, the accurate segmentation of pH‐altered regions remains difficult due to the complicated sources in water signal changes of CEST MRI. Meanwhile, manual localization and quantification of stroke lesions are laborious and time‐consuming, which cannot meet the urgent need for timely therapeutic interventions.PurposeThe goal of this study was to develop an automatic lesion segmentation approach of the ischemic region based on CEST MR images. A novel segmentation framework based on the fully convolutional neural network was investigated in our task.MethodsZ‐spectra from 10 rats were manually labeled as ground truth and split into two datasets, where the training dataset including 3 rats was used to generate a segmentation model, and the remaining rats were used as test datasets to evaluate the model's performance. Then a 1D fully convolutional neural network equipped with bottleneck structures was set up, and a Grad‐CAM approach was used to produce a coarse localization map, which can reflect the relevancy to the “ischemia” class of each pixel.ResultsAs compared with the ground truth, the proposed network model achieved satisfying segmentation results with high values of evaluation metrics including specificity (SPE), sensitivity (SEN), accuracy (ACC), and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), especially in some intractable situations where conventional MRI modalities and CEST quantitative method failed to distinguish between ischemic and normal tissues; also the model with augmentation was robust to input perturbations. The Grad‐CAM maps performed clear tissue change distributions and interpreted the segmentations, showed a strong correlation with the quantitative method, and gave extended thinking to the function of networks.ConclusionsThe proposed method can segment ischemia region from CEST images, with the Grad‐CAM maps giving access to interpretative information about the segmentations, which demonstrates great potential in clinical routines.
Childhood focal compressive mononeuropathies during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Brand Patricio , Cejas Claudia P. , Rivero Alberto D. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsFocal peripheral neuropathies are infrequently seen in pediatric patients. The COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted normal life for many people, including complete lockdowns and school closing for long periods of time in many countries, which prompted children to stay at home. Our aim is to assess whether there has been an increased incidence of focal compressive peripheral neuropathies in the pediatric population during COVID‐19–associated lockdown.MethodsClinical, electrophysiological, and imaging characteristics were reviewed for patients referred to the electrodiagnostic (EDx) laboratory with suspicion of a focal neuropathy. The incidence of focal compressive peripheral neuropathies seen during the period of March to September 2020 was compared with the same time period in 2019.ResultsAn increased incidence of focal neuropathies was seen in 2020 (31%) compared with 2019 (6.8%). During 2020, 7 fibular (peroneal) mononeuropathies and 2 ulnar neuropathies were diagnosed. Most patients with focal neuropathies were underweight and acknowledged prolonged screen time periods. Electrophysiological findings consisted of mostly demyelinating lesions with an overall good clinical outcome.DiscussionIn this study we raise awareness about a possible increased incidence of focal compressive peripheral neuropathies in children during COVID‐19–associated lockdown, which may be prevented with changing positions during sedentary activities.
Exploring Helical Folding in Oligomers of Cyclopentane‐Based ϵ‐Amino Acids: A Computational Study
Authors: Park Hae Sook , Kang Young Kee 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe conformational preferences of oligopeptides of an ϵ‐amino acid (2‐((1R,3S)‐3‐(aminomethyl)cyclopentyl)acetic acid, Amc5a) with a cyclopentane substituent in the Cβ−Cγ−Cδ sequence of the backbone were investigated using DFT methods in chloroform and water. The most preferred conformation of Amc5a oligomers (dimer to hexamer) was the H16 helical structure both in chloroform and water. Four residues were found to be sufficient to induce a substantial H16 helix population in solution. The Amc5a hexamer adopted a stable left‐handed (M)‐2.316 helical conformation with a rise of 4.8 Å per turn. The hexamer of Ampa (an analogue of Amc5a with replacing cyclopentane by pyrrolidine) adopted the right‐handed mixed (P)‐2.918/16 helical conformation in chloroform and the (M)‐2.416 helical conformation in water. Therefore, hexamers of ϵ‐amino acid residues exhibited different preferences of helical structures depending on the substituents in peptide backbone and the solvent polarity as well as the chain length.
Durability of basalt fibers, glass fibers, and their reinforced polymer composites in artificial seawater
Authors: Lu Zhongyu , Jiang Mingchao , Pan Yunfeng , Xian Guijun , Yang Miaomiao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study focused on the durability of basalt fibers, glass fibers, basalt‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars, and glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars in an artificial seawater. The specimens were immersed in the artificial seawater at 20, 40, and 60°C; the specimen immersed in distilled water at a temperature of 60°C was also used as a reference. The tensile strength of the monofilament basalt fibers and glass fibers immersed in the seawater for 90 days at a temperature of 60°C decreases by 61% and 59% respectively, showing the most significant degradation; the brittleness of the fibers also increases due to the decomposition of their sizing agent. The chloride ions in the seawater are beneficial to enhancing the resistance of the composites to moisture absorption. In addition, the tensile strength retention of the fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) bars is higher than that of the fibers due to the protection by the epoxy resin. The mechanical properties of the FRP bars immersed in the seawater improve after removing their moisture. The mechanical performance of the BFRP bars is inferior to that of the GFRP bars due to their higher water absorption and weak bonding between the basalt fibers and the polymer matrix.
Management of epilepsy in Lebanon: Medication reviews and drug‐related problems
Authors: Mroueh Lara , Al‐Hajje Amal , Salameh Pascale , Preux Pierre‐Marie , Boumediene Farid , Ratsimbazafy Voa , Jost Jeremy 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe goal of epilepsy treatment is to control seizures without drug related problems (DRPs). The evaluation of anti‐seizure drugs (ASD) strategies and identification of DRPs are rarely studied. This study aimed primarily to evaluate the choice of ASD according to international guidelines and secondarily to identify and describe anti‐seizure drug‐related problems.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted during 1 year among Lebanese adults with epilepsy attending neurology clinics. The choice of ASD was compared to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. Drug–drug interactions were evaluated by the Lexicomp database, and the DRP classification was performed using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe classification.ResultsA total of 404 patients with epilepsy were included. The prescription for an ASD was in accordance with the indication set in guidelines in 75.0% of population, and 1078 DRPs were identified. The main DRPs detected were adverse drug reactions (51.0%), inappropriate combinations of drugs (50.0%), and suboptimal drug regimens (46.3%). Single and divorced patients, who living in Mount Lebanon, and who took the old with the new generation had a less risk to have an inadequate prescription to guidelines. However, female gender, controlled epilepsy, multiple ASDs, and living in a rural region increased DRPs.ConclusionsThis study showed that quarter of the population used ASDs contraindicated according to international guidelines. Since DRPs were related to the number and type of ASD prescribed, it is important to assess the case of each patient by a clinical pharmacist to prevent drug–drug interactions and iatrogenic issues.
Pressure‐dependent heat transfer coefficient measurement for thermoplastic melts
Authors: Zink Béla , Kovács József Gábor 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA common calculation error of thermal processes in injection molding simulation programs is caused by the inadequate description of the heat transfer between the polymer melt and the wall of the mold. No correct description of the effect of pressure on the heat transfer coefficient is available for the numerical calculations of injection molding yet. During the injection molding cycle, the pressure of the melt can vary from atmospheric pressure to thousands of bars. When such a high pressure is applied, the heat transfer coefficient can change several orders of magnitude. To calculate heat removal accurately, we developed a novel measuring method and based on the measurement data, we created a model that describes the heat transfer coefficient as a function of pressure and temperature. Calculated maximal heat transfer coefficients vary between 250 and 800 W/(mK) at the pressure of 500 bar. The pressure dependence of the heat transfer coefficient can be described with a sigmoid function. The heat transfer coefficient increases as the temperature difference between mold and melt increases and as pressure increases. We determined measurement error and found it to be less than 5%.
Progress in three‐terminal heterojunction bipolar transistor solar cells
Authors: Antolín Elisa , Zehender Marius H. , Svatek Simon A. , Steiner Myles A. , Martínez Mario , García Iván , García‐Linares Pablo , Warren Emily L. , Tamboli Adele C. , Martí Antonio 
Published: January 2022

AbstractConventional solar cells, including multijunction solar cells, are based on pn junctions as building blocks. In contrast, the three‐terminal heterojunction bipolar transistor solar cell (3T‐HBTSC) explores the use of a bipolar transistor structure to build a solar cell. The limiting efficiency of this transistor structure equals that of a double‐junction solar cell. However, since the 3T‐HBTSC does not require tunnel junctions, its minimal structure has only three semiconductor layers, while the minimal structure of a double junction solar cell has six. This work reviews the operation principles of this solar cell and the steps carried out towards its practical implementation. Experimental results on a GaInP/GaAs HBTSC prototype with bottom interdigitated contacts are presented.
O‐GlcNAcylation promotes fatty acid synthase activity under nutritional stress as a pro‐survival mechanism in cancer cells
Authors: Wong Yin‐Kwan , Wang Jigang , Lim Teck Kwang , Lin Qingsong , Yap Celestial T. , Shen Han‐Ming 
Published: January 2022

AbstractProtein O‐GlcNAcylation is a specific form of protein glycosylation that targets a wide range of proteins with important functions. O‐GlcNAcylation is known to be deregulated in cancer and has been linked to multiple aspects of cancer pathology. Despite its ubiquity and importance, the current understanding of the role of O‐GlcNAcylation in the stress response remains limited. In this study, we performed a quantitative chemical proteomics‐based open study of the O‐GlcNAcome in HeLa cells, and identified 163 differentially‐glycosylated proteins under starvation, involving multiple metabolic pathways. Among them, fatty acid metabolism was found to be targeted and subsequent analysis confirmed that fatty acid synthase (FASN) is O‐GlcNAcylated. O‐GlcNAcylation led to enhanced de novo fatty acid synthesis (FAS) activity, and fatty acids contributed to the cytoprotective effects of O‐GlcNAcylation under starvation. Moreover, dual inhibition of O‐GlcNAcylation and FASN displayed a strong synergistic effect in vitro in inducing cell death in cancer cells. Together, the results from this study provide novel insights into the role of O‐GlcNAcylation in the nutritional stress response and suggest the potential of combining inhibition of O‐GlcNAcylation and FAS in cancer therapy.
Is the EORTC QLQ‐C30 emotional functioning scale appropriate as an initial screening measure to identify brain tumour patients who may possibly have a mood disorder?
Authors: Oort Quirien , Zwinkels Hanneke , Koekkoek Johan A. F. , Vos Maaike J. , Reijneveld Jaap C. , Taphoorn Martin J. B. , Dirven Linda 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundScreening glioma patients regularly for possible mood disorders may facilitate early identification and referral of patients at risk. This study evaluated if the EORTC QLQ‐C30 Emotional Functioning (EF) scale could be used as an initial screening measure to identify patients possibly having a mood disorder.MethodsEORTC QLQ‐C30 EF and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores were collected as part of a study assessing the impact of timing of patient‐reported outcome assessments on actual health‐related quality of life outcomes (N = 99). Spearman correlations and Mann‐Whitney U tests were used to determine the association between the EF and HADS (sub)scales. Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses were performed to determine optimal cut‐off EF scores to identify patients possibly having a mood disorder (i.e. HADS subscale score ≥8 points).ResultsEF and HADS (sub)scales correlated moderately (HADS‐A: r = −0.65; HADS‐D: r = −0.52). Significant EF score differences were found between patients with HADS ≥8 versus <8 points (HADS‐A: mean difference (MD) = 32 and HADS‐D: MD = 23). The EF scale had excellent (HADS‐A; AUC = 0.88) and borderline excellent (HADS‐D; AUC = 0.78) distinguishing capabilities. A statistically optimal (EF score <80) and a most inclusive (sensitivity of 100%, corresponding to an EF score <97) EF cut‐off score correctly identified 88.0% and 96.0% of patients with a possible mood disorder, respectively.ConclusionEORTC QLQ‐C30 EF scale seems to be an appropriate screening measure to identify glioma patients possibly having a mood disorder in need of further assessment.
Improved Preparation of 3‐Oximinooxetane – An Important Precursor to Energetic Oxetanes
Authors: Born Max , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Klapötke Thomas M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOximes represent an extremely versatile building block in energetic materials chemistry. While oxidation with peroxy acids affords the corresponding mononitro compounds, tandem oxidation‐nitration reactions such as the Scholl reaction lead to geminal dinitro compounds. Furthermore, the corresponding amines can be obtained by reduction of the oxime group. Accordingly, 3‐oximinooxetane represents a suitable precursor for 3‐nitro‐ and 3,3‐dinitrooxetane as well as 3‐aminooxetane. 3‐Oximinooxetane, which is poorly described in the literature, has now been extensively characterized by vibrational‐, mass‐ and NMR spectroscopy, as well as elemental and thermal analysis. In addition, its synthesis has been significantly improved compared to literature. The molecular structure was elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Since 3‐oximinooxetane is energetic by itself, its performance was calculated using the EXPLO5 V6.04 thermochemical code, and its sensitivity towards external stimuli such as impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge was determined by BAM standard procedures.