The objective of this study was to evaluate the interfacial fracture toughness (IFT) of composite cement with dispersed filler (DF) versus polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) computer-aided ...design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) composite blocks after 2 different surface pretreatments using the notchless triangular prism (NTP) test. Two DFs (Cerasmart CRT and Lava Ultimate LVA), 2 PICNs (Enamic ENA and experimental PICN EXP), and e.max CAD lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (EMX, control) prism samples were bonded to their counterparts with Variolink Esthetic DC composite cement after either hydrofluoric acid etching (HF) or gritblasting (GR). Both procedures were followed by silanization. All samples (n = 30 per group) were thermocycled (10,000 cycles) and tested for their IFT in a water bath at 36°C. Moreover, representative samples from each group were subjected to a developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) measurement by profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization. EXP-HF gave the highest IFT (1.85 ± 0.39 MPa·m1/2), followed by EMX-HF and ENA-HF, while CRT-HF gave the lowest (0.15 ± 0.22 MPa·m1/2). PICNs gave significantly better results with HF, and DF showed better results with GR. A 2-way analysis of variance indicated that there were significantly higher IFT and Sdr for PICNs than for DF. A positive correlation (r² = 0.872) was found between IFT and Sdr. SEM characterization showed the specific microstructure of the surface of etched PICNs, indicating the presence of a retentive polymer-based honeycomb structure. Etching of the typical double-network microstructure of PICNs causes an important increase in the Sdr and IFT, while DF should be gritblasted. DF exhibited significantly lower Sdr and IFT values than PICNs. The present results show the important influence of the material class and surface texture, and consequently the micromechanical bond, on the adhesive interface performance of CAD-CAM composites.
Full text
Available for:
CMK, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
We study the possibility of producing x-gamma rays with orbital angular momentum by means of the inverse Compton backscattering between a high brightness electron beam and a twisted laser pulse. We ...use the classical electrodynamics retarded fields for evaluating the orbital angular momentum of the radiation and connecting it to that of the primary laser pulse. We then propose the dimensioning of a linearly polarized x-ray source with orbital angular momentum, starting from the parameters of operating Thomson setups.
Full text
Available for:
CMK, CTK, FMFMET, IJS, NUK, PNG, UM
Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) can be used to constrain seawater intrusion models because of its high sensitivity to total dissolved solid contents (TDS) in groundwater and its relatively ...high lateral coverage. However, the spatial variability of resolution in electrical imaging may prevent the correct recovery of the desired hydrochemical properties such as salt mass fraction. This paper presents a sequential approach to evaluate the feasibility of identifying hydraulic conductivity and dispersivity in density‐dependent flow and transport models from surface ERT‐derived mass fraction. In the course of this study, geophysical inversion was performed by using a smoothness constraint Tikhonov approach, whereas the hydrological inversion was performed using a gradient‐based Levenberg‐Marquardt algorithm. Two synthetic benchmarks were tested. They represent a pumping experiment in a homogeneous and heterogeneous coastal aquifer, respectively. These simulations demonstrated that only the lower salt mass fraction of the seawater‐freshwater transition zone can be recovered for different times. This ability has here been quantified in terms of cumulative sensitivity and our study has further demonstrated that the mismatch between the targeted and the recovered salt mass fraction occurs from a certain threshold. We were additionally able to explore the capability of sensitivity‐filtered ERT images using ground surface data only to recover (in both synthetic cases) the hydraulic conductivity while the dispersivity is more difficult to estimate. We attribute the latter mainly to the lack of ERT‐derived data at depth (where resolution is poorer) as well as to the smoothing effect of the ERT inversion.
Key Points
Inversion of nonlinear groundwater model
To perform quantitative hydrogeophysics
To develop a methodology to characterize seawater intrusion
Full text
Available for:
BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Visualization system designers must decide whether and how to aggregate data by default. Aggregating distributional information in a single summary mark like a mean or sum simplifies interpretation, ...but may lead untrained users to overlook distributional features. We ask, How are the conclusions drawn by untrained visualization users affected by aggregation strategy? We present two controlled experiments comparing generalizations of a population that untrained users made from visualizations that summarized either a 1000 record or 50 record sample with either single mean summary mark, a disaggregated view with one mark per observation or a view overlaying a mean summary mark atop a disaggregated view. While we observe no reliable effect of aggregation strategy on generalization accuracy at either sample size, users of purely disaggregated views were slightly less confident in their generalizations on average than users whose views show a single mean summary mark, and less likely to engage in dichotomous thinking about effects as either present or absent. Comparing results from 1000 record to 50 record data set, we see a considerably larger decrease in the number of generalizations produced and reported confidence in generalizations among viewers who saw disaggregated data relative to those who saw only mean summary marks.
Visualization system designers must decide whether and how to aggregate data by default. Aggregating distributional information in a single summary mark like a mean or sum simplifies interpretation, but may lead untrained users to overlook distributional features. We ask, How are the conclusions drawn by untrained visualization users affected by aggregation strategy? We present two controlled experiments comparing generalizations of a population that untrained users made from visualizations that summarized either a 1000 record or 50 record sample with either single mean summary mark, a disaggregated view with one mark per observation or a view overlaying a mean summary mark atop a disaggregated view. While we observe no reliable effect of aggregation strategy on generalization accuracy at either sample size, users of purely disaggregated views were slightly less confident in their generalizations on average than users whose views show a single mean summary mark, and less likely to engage in dichotomous thinking about effects as either present or absent. Comparing results from 1000 record to 50 record data set, we see a considerably larger decrease in the number of generalizations produced and reported confidence in generalizations among viewers who saw disaggregated data relative to those who saw only mean summary marks.
Full text
Available for:
BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The TATA-box binding protein (TBP) is the sole transcription factor common in the initiation complexes of the three major eukaryotic RNA Polymerases (Pol I, II and III). Although TBP is central to ...transcription by the three RNA Pols in various species, the emergence of TBP paralogs throughout evolution has expanded the complexity in transcription initiation. Furthermore, recent studies have emerged that questioned the centrality of TBP in mammalian cells, particularly in Pol II transcription, but the role of TBP and its paralogs in Pol I transcription remains to be re-evaluated. In this report, we show that in murine embryonic stem cells TBP localizes onto Pol I promoters, whereas the TBP paralog TRF2 only weakly associates to the Spacer Promoter of rDNA, suggesting that it may not be able to replace TBP for Pol I transcription. Importantly, acute TBP depletion does not fully disrupt Pol I occupancy or activity on ribosomal RNA genes, but TBP binding in mitosis leads to efficient Pol I reactivation following cell division. These findings provide a more nuanced role for TBP in Pol I transcription in murine embryonic stem cells.The TATA-box binding protein (TBP) is the sole transcription factor common in the initiation complexes of the three major eukaryotic RNA Polymerases (Pol I, II and III). Although TBP is central to transcription by the three RNA Pols in various species, the emergence of TBP paralogs throughout evolution has expanded the complexity in transcription initiation. Furthermore, recent studies have emerged that questioned the centrality of TBP in mammalian cells, particularly in Pol II transcription, but the role of TBP and its paralogs in Pol I transcription remains to be re-evaluated. In this report, we show that in murine embryonic stem cells TBP localizes onto Pol I promoters, whereas the TBP paralog TRF2 only weakly associates to the Spacer Promoter of rDNA, suggesting that it may not be able to replace TBP for Pol I transcription. Importantly, acute TBP depletion does not fully disrupt Pol I occupancy or activity on ribosomal RNA genes, but TBP binding in mitosis leads to efficient Pol I reactivation following cell division. These findings provide a more nuanced role for TBP in Pol I transcription in murine embryonic stem cells.
Full text
Available for:
BFBNIB, GIS, IJS, KISLJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM, UPUK
We present the first experimental realization of a widely frequency tunable, nondegenerate three-wave mixing device for quantum signals at gigahertz frequency. It is based on a new superconducting ...building block consisting of a ring of four Josephson junctions shunted by a cross of four linear inductances. The phase configuration of the ring remains unique over a wide range of magnetic fluxes threading the loop. It is thus possible to vary the inductance of the ring with flux while retaining a strong, dissipation-free, and noiseless nonlinearity. The device has been operated in amplifier mode, and its noise performance has been evaluated by using the noise spectrum emitted by a voltage-biased tunnel junction at finite frequency as a test signal. The unprecedented accuracy with which the crossover between zero-point fluctuations and shot noise has been measured provides an upper bound for the noise and dissipation intrinsic to the device.
Full text
Available for:
CMK, CTK, FMFMET, IJS, NUK, PNG, UM
Selective inhibition of BCL-2 is expected to enhance therapeutic vulnerability in luminal estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers. We show here that the BCL-2 dependency of luminal tumor cells is ...nevertheless mitigated by breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (bCAFs) in a manner that defines MCL-1 as another critical therapeutic target. bCAFs favor MCL-1 expression and apoptotic resistance in luminal cancer cells in a IL-6 dependent manner while their own, robust, survival also relies on MCL-1. Studies based on ex vivo cultures of human luminal breast cancer tissues further argue that the contribution of stroma-derived signals to MCL-1 expression shapes BCL-2 dependency. Thus, MCL-1 inhibitors are beneficial for targeted apoptosis of breast tumor ecosystems, even in a subtype where MCL-1 dependency is not intrinsically driven by oncogenic pathways.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
An open-label, multicenter, single-arm phase II trial was conducted to investigate the clinical activity of dacomitinib in recurrent/metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck ...(RM-SCCHN).
Eligible patients were administered dacomitinib at 45 mg orally daily, in 21-day cycles. Primary end point was objective response rate.
Sixty-nine patients were enrolled with a median age of 62 years. Among response-evaluable patients, 8 12.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.6% to 23.5% achieved a partial response and 36 (57.1%) had stable disease, lasting ≥24 weeks in 9 patients (14.3%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.1 weeks and the median overall survival (OS) was 34.6 weeks. Most adverse events (AEs) were tolerable. The most common grade 3 or higher treatment-related AEs were diarrhea (15.9%), acneiform dermatitis (8.7%), and fatigue (8.7%). Treatment-related AEs led to at least one dose interruption in 28 (40.6%) patients and dose reductions in 26 (37.7%). Permanent treatment discontinuation occurred in 8 (11.6%) patients due to treatment-related AEs.
Dacomitinib demonstrated clinical activity in RM-SCCHN, and the primary end point of this study was met. The toxicity profile of this agent was generally manageable with dose interruptions and adjustments.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The possibility to accelerate electron beams to ultra-relativistic velocities over short distances by using plasma-based technology holds the potential for a revolution in the field of particle ...accelerators
. The compact nature of plasma-based accelerators would allow the realization of table-top machines capable of driving a free-electron laser (FEL)
, a formidable tool to investigate matter at the sub-atomic level by generating coherent light pulses with sub-ångström wavelengths and sub-femtosecond durations
. So far, however, the high-energy electron beams required to operate FELs had to be obtained through the use of conventional large-size radio-frequency (RF) accelerators, bound to a sizeable footprint as a result of their limited accelerating fields. Here we report the experimental evidence of FEL lasing by a compact (3-cm) particle-beam-driven plasma accelerator. The accelerated beams are completely characterized in the six-dimensional phase space and have high quality, comparable with state-of-the-art accelerators
. This allowed the observation of narrow-band amplified radiation in the infrared range with typical exponential growth of its intensity over six consecutive undulators. This proof-of-principle experiment represents a fundamental milestone in the use of plasma-based accelerators, contributing to the development of next-generation compact facilities for user-oriented applications
.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Karyotype complexity has major prognostic value in many malignancies. There is no consensus on the definition of a complex karyotype, and the prognostic impact of karyotype complexity differs from ...one disease to another. Due to the importance of the complex karyotype in the prognosis and treatment of several hematological diseases, the Francophone Group of Hematological Cytogenetics (Groupe Francophone de Cytogénétique Hématologique, GFCH) has developed an up-to-date, practical document for helping cytogeneticists to assess complex karyotypes in these hematological disorders. The evaluation of karyotype complexity is challenging, and it would be useful to have a consensus method for counting the number of chromosomal abnormalities (CAs). Although it is not possible to establish a single prognostic threshold for the number of CAs in all malignancies, a specific consensus prognostic cut-off must be defined for each individual disease. In order to standardize current cytogenetic practices and apply a single denomination, we suggest defining a low complex karyotype as having 3 CAs, an intermediate complex karyotype as having 4 CAs, and a highly complex karyotype as having 5 or more CAs.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
PDF
