Problem-driven scenario generation: an analytical approach for stochastic programs with tail risk measure

Mathematical Programming - Scenario generation is the construction of a discrete random vector to represent parameters of uncertain values in a stochastic program. Most approaches to scenario...     

A decision support method for designing vegetation layers with minimised irrigation need

Annals of Operations Research - Selecting a vegetation layer design goes along with determining its future irrigation need. Therefore, it is essential to take a design decision that is minimising...     

Topical application of zein-silk sericin nanoparticles loaded with curcumin for improved therapy of dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by leukocyte migration into the skin dermis and typically driven by excessive chemokine production at the site of inflammation. Conventional topical formulations such as gels, creams, and ointments are insufficient for this treatment because of low penetration of drug molecules into the targeted skin tissues. Herein, using a simple, green, sustainable strategy, we have developed novel primary zein nanoparticles embedded in curcumin (Cur) and coated with silk sericin (ZHSCs) for the topical delivery of Cur to penetrate into the dermis and exercise anti-dermatitis effects on the lesion with minimal side-effects. Transdermal delivery experiments and porcine skin fluorescence imaging indicated that ZHSCs facilitate the penetration of Cur across the epidermis layer of skin to reach deep-seated sites. Notably, ZHSCs = 1:0.25 (zein-to-silk sericin mass ratios of 1:0.25) markedly elevated the skin permeability and cumulative turnover of Cur transferred, which were provided a greater than a 3.8-fold increase relative to free Cur. The special nanoparticles of ZHS = 1:0.25 possessed the deepest localization depth and experience a transition of the particle structure and core-shell separation after penetrating into the dermis of skin. In a cell model of dermatitis induced by tumor necrosis factor α/interferon γ co-stimulation, compared with free Cur, Cur-loaded ZHS nanoparticles down-regulated the generation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in keratinocytes through suppression of the nuclear translocation of NF-κBp65 and hence exerted an anti-dermatitis effect. This strategy may provide new avenues and direction for the demanding issues of valid topical delivery systems.     

Inversion of Aromaticity of NH-Tautomers of Free-Base Corroles in the Lowest Triplet T1-State

Journal of Applied Spectroscopy - The aromaticity in the lowest triplet T1-state of NH-tautomers of corrole free bases with different peripheral substitution architecture was investigated using...     

Dendritic polyurethane-based prodrug as unimolecular micelles for precise ultrasound-activated localized drug delivery

Ultrasound has been recognized as an exciting tool to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in tumor chemotherapy owing to the triggered drug release, facilitated intracellular drug delivery, and improved spatial precision. Aiming for a precise localized drug delivery, novel dendritic polyurethane-based prodrug (DOX-DPU-PEG) was fabricated with a drug content of 18.9% here by conjugating DOX onto the end groups of the functionalized dendritic polyurethane via acid-labile imine bonds. It could easily form unimolecular micelles around 38 nm. Compared with the non-covalently drug-loaded unimolecular micelles (DOX@Ph-DPU-PEG), they showed excellent pH/ultrasound dual-triggered drug release performance, with drug leakage of only 4% at pH 7.4, but cumulative release of 14% and 88% at pH 5.0 without and with ultrasound, respectively. The ultrasound responsiveness was attributed to the unique strawberry-shaped topological structure of the DOX-DPU-PEG, in which DOX was embedded in the skin layer of the hydrophobic DPU cores. With ultrasound, the DOX-DPU-PEG unimolecular micelles possessed enhanced tumor growth inhibition than free DOX but showed no obvious cytotoxicity on the tumor cells without ultrasound. Such feature makes them promising potential for precise localized drug delivery.     

COMPENSATING ROLE OF SELF-EQUILIBRATED STRESS FIELDS IN CONSTRUCTING NON-SINGULAR SOLUTIONS USING A NON-EUCLIDEAN CONTINUUM MODEL FOR AN INCOMPRESSIBLE SPHERE

Journal of Applied Mechanics and Technical Physics - A self-equilibrated stress field for an incompressible sphere is constructed based on a non-Euclidean continuum model. The...     

Preparation and Properties of Sr3B2O6:Dy3+, Eu3+ White Phosphors Using the High-Temperature Solid-State Method

Journal of Applied Spectroscopy - Sr3B2O6:Dy3+, Eu3+ single-matrix white-light-emitting materials are prepared using the high-temperature solid-state method. The microstructure, emission spectrum,...     

Restricted testing conditions for the multilinear maximal operator

Restricted testing conditions were considered recently. For the maximal operator, Hytönen, Li and Sawyer [8] first obtained parental testing condition. Later, they [9] showed that it suffices to restrict testing to doubling cubes. Chen and Lacey [3] gave a similar restricted testing condition. In our paper, we discuss a version of the latter in the multilinear setting.

     

Characterizations of $$\sigma$$ -Solvable Finite Groups

Mathematical Notes - All the groups considered in this paper are finite, and $$G$$ always denotes a finite group; $$\sigma$$ is a partition of the set $$\mathbb{P}$$ of all primes, i.e.,...     

Extension/Compression-Controlled Complete Band Gaps in 2D Chiral Square-Lattice-Like Structures

Achieving tunable band gaps in a structure by external stimuli is of great importance in acoustic applications. This paper aims to investigate the tunability of band gaps in square-lattice-like elastic periodic structures that are usually not featured with notable band gaps.Endowed with chirality, the periodic structures here are able to undergo imperfection-insensitive large deformation under extension or compression. The influences of geometric parameters on band gaps are discussed via the nonlinear finite element method. It is shown that the band gaps in such structures with curved beams can be very rich and, more importantly, can be efficiently and robustly tuned by applying appropriate mechanical loadings without inducing buckling. As expected, geometry plays a more significant role than material nonlinearity does in the evolution of band gaps. The dynamic tunability of band gaps through mechanical loading is further studied. Results show that closing, opening, and shifting of band gaps can be realized by exerting real-time global extension or compression on the structure. The proposed periodic structure with well-designed chiral symmetry can be useful in the design of particular acoustic devices.