bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy-saving design and implementation in metro weak current systems: a case study of the Kunming metro system
Authors: Haili Chang
Published: December 2021

With the accelerated urbanization in China, along with the growing scale of the metro transportation network, the energy consumption of metro systems continues to increase. To face the tough challenge of climate change, China has put forward the goal of peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Energy consumption has become a serious burden for metro operation companies, since 10.2% of the total operational budgets is spent on electricity. Thus the development of methods to realize energy saving and emission reduction has become a major challenge for metros. In this study we conduct an in-depth research and analysis on metro energy load classification and energy management, focusing in particular on the design and usage of power supply systems for metro weak current electromechanical systems, including tunnel fans, station air conditioners, station escalators, automatic ticketing equipment, screen doors, drainage pumps, sewage pumps, platform doors, communication systems, signals, integrated monitoring systems, automatic ticketing and various lighting equipment and facilities. It is proposed that the five weak current systems, namely platform doors, communication systems, signals, integrated monitoring and automatic fare collection, should adopt a backup power supply. In order to ensure the reliable operation of all weak current systems in the station, the traditional decentralized power supply mode is changed to a centralized power supply and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (1 + 1) parallel double-bus system. At the same time, combined with the data on equipment quantity, station passenger flow and station building floorage, the Boruta algorithm is used to filter out the equipment related to station weak current energy consumption, and a principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm is used to further reduce the dimensions of the filtered features to reduce the algorithm overhead of the subsequent quota analysis model. The XGBoost algorithm is used to establish a prediction model for station weak current system energy consumption. Analysis shows that there is a strong correlation between the energy consumption quota and the equipment quantity as well as station building floorage. By setting different metering instruments for power supply circuits, the main energy consumption data are collected to meet the requirements for graded metering of metro energy consumption, and then the energy consumption quota for the station weak current system is reasonably predicted. By adding metering instruments to the power supply circuits of different areas and equipment, the energy consumption of the weak current system can be measured and monitored in different grades. The combination of the energy management platform and energy consumption quota provides the basis for energy management of each energy-consuming unit, and ultimately realizes energy saving and reduced consumption.
Project-based engineering learning in college: associations with self-efficacy, effort regulation, interest, skills, and performance
Authors: Wu Liang Li , Fischer Christian , Rodriguez Fernando , Washington Gregory N. , Warschauer Mark
Published: December 2021

This quantitative study examined student participation in an introductory project-based engineering course offered in fully face-to-face and hybrid course modes (N = 160). This course attempted to counteract trends of decreased student motivation and high attrition rates among engineering majors. Mixed-design analysis of variance examined differences in motivational constructs including student self-efficacy, effort regulation, and interest in engineering, as well as engineering skills throughout the course and across instructional modes. None of the motivational constructs were associated with significant decreases throughout the course nor with differences across instructional modes. However, students’ engineering skills increased throughout the course with no significant differences across course modalities. Furthermore, interest in engineering and effort regulation were positively associated with course performance. The instructional modality was not significantly associated with course performance. Overall, this study provides an example of a project-based introductory engineering course which may help maintain student motivation and foster student success in engineering.
Composition Dependence of Stratospheric Aerosol Shortwave Radiative Forcing in Northern Midlatitudes
Authors: Li Yaowei , Dykema John , Deshler Terry , Keutsch Frank
Published: December 2021

Both observations and recent model results reveal a significant organic component in stratospheric aerosols. However, intrinsic optical properties (i.e., complex refractive index) of this organic component and the mixing state of organic and ubiquitous sulfuric acid components are quite uncertain. We examine the effects of different complex refractive indices and particle mixing states on shortwave radiative forcing (RF) of stratospheric aerosols in northern midlatitudes. In the absence of large volcanic sulfur emissions, our calculations show that organic components may have substantial impacts on stratospheric aerosol optical depth (AOD). Compared to pure sulfuric acid/water aerosol, organic‐containing aerosols could cause ±100% change in shortwave RF (for low AOD conditions) depending on the refractive index and mixing state. The range found here of shortwave RF results, for different scenarios of organic complex refractive index and mixing state, call for better understandings of chemical and transport processes determining aerosol optical properties in the stratosphere.
Constraining Decadal Variability Yields Skillful Projections of Near‐Term Climate Change
Authors: Mahmood Rashed , Donat Markus G. , Ortega Pablo , Doblas‐Reyes Francisco J. , Ruprich‐Robert Yohan
Published: December 2021

Targeted adaptation to near‐term climate change requires accurate, reliable, and actionable climate information for the next few decades. Climate projections simulate the response to radiative forcing, but are subject to substantial uncertainties due to internal variability. Decadal climate predictions aim to reduce this uncertainty by initializing the simulations using observations, but are typically limited to the next 10 years. Here, we use decadal predictions to constrain climate projections beyond the next decade and demonstrate that accounting for climate variability improves regional projections of 20‐year average temperatures. Applying this constraint to climate projections of the near future until 2035, summer temperatures over land regions in Asia and Africa tend to show stronger changes within the warming range simulated by the larger, unconstrained, ensemble—consistent with a warm phase in North Atlantic variability. This improved regional climate information can enable tailored adaptation to climate changes in the coming decades.
Partitioning of Ambient Organic Gases to Inorganic Salt Solutions: Influence of Salt Identity, Ionic Strength, and pH
Authors: Pratap Vikram , Carlton Annmarie G. , Christiansen Amy E. , Hennigan Christopher J.
Published: December 2021

Inorganic salts present in the atmosphere may affect the composition and abundance of secondary organic aerosol. Here, we quantify the effects of salt identity, salt concentration (ionic strength), and solution pH on the partitioning of ambient water‐soluble organic gases (WSOCg) at a site in the eastern United States. The experimental pH (pH = 1–6) and ionic strengths (10−3–101 mol kg−1) span a wide range of conditions found in atmospheric particles, clouds, and fog droplets. Chloride salts (NaCl, NH4Cl, and KCl) exhibit a strong salting‐out effect at all ionic strengths >0.005 mol kg−1 and pH = 1.8–6. In contrast, sulfate salts (Na2SO4, (NH4)2SO4, and K2SO4) induce both salting‐in and salting‐out behaviors, depending on ionic strength and pH. These results suggest that monovalent cations have minimal effect, while ionic strength, pH, and anion identity exert strong effects on the partitioning of ambient organic gases in the atmosphere.
Scale Analysis of Infrared Water Vapor Brightness Temperatures for Tropical Cyclone All‐Sky Radiance Assimilation
Authors: Zhao Qingyun , Baker Nancy L. , Jin Yi , Nystrom Robert
Published: December 2021

We analyzed the scale features of satellite infrared (IR) water vapor (WV) brightness temperature observations of tropical cyclones (TCs). This is to characterize the storm information at dominate scales in all‐sky radiance assimilation for TC numerical weather prediction. This paper presents the results from the study of Hurricane Patricia (2015). Our study shows that IR WV brightness temperatures have the ability to observe multiscale structures of TCs, ranging from a size of above 1,000 km that covers the entire storm and its surrounding areas to a scale resolving individual convective clouds embedded in the TC. The atmospheric moisture for TC development is mainly represented by large scales covering the storm and surrounding areas while the storm structures are characterized basically by all scales. The large‐scale moisture and small‐scale convection demonstrate strong correlation and are closely related to the TC development, suggesting the need for all‐sky radiance assimilation at multiple scales.
How Many Types of Severe Hailstorm Environments Are There Globally?
Authors: Zhou Ziwei , Zhang Qinghong , Allen John T. , Ni Xiang , Ng Chan‐Pang
Published: December 2021

Understanding how severe hailstorms will respond to climate change remains challenging partially due to an incomplete understanding of how different environments produce hail. Leveraging a record of 14,297 global potential severe hailstorms detected by spaceborne precipitation radar, here for the first time, we explore global differences in the five distinct environmental types producing these storms. Two are found over tropical plains and hills with high convective instability, high‐moderate moisture, and low vertical wind shear (VWS). The third type are supercell environments characterized by strong VWS, with moderate instability and moisture, commonly occurring over mid‐latitude plains. Higher latitude plains and elevated terrain reflect the final two, with moderate VWS and low melting height, instability, and moisture. The variety of hailstorm environment types illustrates distinctions in the associated convective mode and embryo type, highlighting that multiple environment types pose challenges for modeling present frequency and anticipating the response of hail to climate change.
In‐Cloud Discharge of Positive Cloud‐To‐Ground Lightning and Its Influence on the Initiation of Tower‐Initiated Upward Lightning
Authors: Yuan Shanfeng , Qie Xiushu , Jiang Rubin , Wang Dongfang , Wang Yu , Wang Caixia , Srivastava Abhay , Tian Ye
Published: December 2021

We conducted a comprehensive observation of tower‐initiated upward lightning (UL) during the summer season from 2012 to 2020, using high‐speed video and the Beijing Broadband Lightning Network (BLNET). A total of 25 UL flashes were observed, and 21 of them were triggered by nearby positive cloud‐to‐ground (CG) lightning. It is interesting to note that eight (38%) of the parent +CG lightning flashes have more than one return stroke (RS). The distance between the UL and the grounding point of its parent +CG lightning was 4–38 km, where nine (43%) of the UL were triggered less than 2 ms after the positive RS, and 11 (52%) of them were triggered after a long time delay of 5–187 ms. Based on high‐speed video and mapping results, the short time delay was associated with the reactivation of the decayed established leader above the tower. The long time delay was associated with the negative leader extending to the region above the tower during the long continuing current. The positive E‐field change during RS or continuing current period favored the inception of an upward leader. Although both preliminary breakdown (PB) and RS in a +CG flash produced positive E‐field changes, an upward positive leader induced by PB aborted its sustained propagation after +RS.
Controlled Abstention Neural Networks for Identifying Skillful Predictions for Regression Problems
Authors: Barnes Elizabeth A. , Barnes Randal J.
Published: December 2021

The earth system is exceedingly complex and often chaotic in nature, making prediction incredibly challenging: we cannot expect to make perfect predictions all of the time. Instead, we look for specific states of the system that lead to more predictable behavior than others, often termed “forecasts of opportunity.” When these opportunities are not present, scientists need prediction systems that are capable of saying “I don't know.” We introduce a novel loss function, termed “abstention loss,” that allows neural networks to identify forecasts of opportunity for regression problems. The abstention loss works by incorporating uncertainty in the network's prediction to identify the more confident samples and abstain (say “I don't know”) on the less confident samples. The abstention loss is designed to determine the optimal abstention fraction, or abstain on a user‐defined fraction using a standard adaptive controller. Unlike many methods for attaching uncertainty to neural network predictions post‐training, the abstention loss is applied during training to preferentially learn from the more confident samples. The abstention loss is built upon nonlinear heteroscedastic regression, a standard computer science method. While nonlinear heteroscedastic regression is a simple yet powerful tool for incorporating uncertainty in regression problems, we demonstrate that the abstention loss outperforms it for the synthetic climate use cases explored here. The implementation of the proposed abstention loss is straightforward in most network architectures designed for regression, as it only requires modification of the output layer and loss function.
Association of low-frequency and rare coding variants with information processing speed
Authors: Bressler Jan , Davies Gail , Smith Albert V. , Saba Yasaman , Bis Joshua C. , Jian Xueqiu , Hayward Caroline , Yanek Lisa , Smith Jennifer A. , Mirza Saira S. , Wang Ruiqi , Adams Hieab H. H. , Becker Diane , Boerwinkle Eric , Campbell Archie , Cox Simon R. , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Fawns-Ritchie Chloe , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Grove Megan L. , Guo Xiuqing , Hofer Edith , Kardia Sharon L. R. , Knol Maria J. , Koini Marisa , Lopez Oscar L. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Nyquist Paul , Pattie Alison , Polasek Ozren , Porteous David J. , Rudan Igor , Satizabal Claudia L. , Schmidt Helena , Schmidt Reinhold , Sidney Stephen , Simino Jeannette , Smith Blair H. , Turner Stephen T. , van der Lee Sven J. , Ware Erin B. , Whitmer Rachel A. , Yaffe Kristine , Yang Qiong , Zhao Wei , Gudnason Vilmundur , Launer Lenore J. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Psaty Bruce M. , Fornage Myriam , Arfan Ikram M. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Seshadri Sudha , Mosley Thomas H. , Deary Ian J.
Published: December 2021

Measures of information processing speed vary between individuals and decline with age. Studies of aging twins suggest heritability may be as high as 67%. The Illumina HumanExome Bead Chip genotyping array was used to examine the association of rare coding variants with performance on the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) in community-dwelling adults participating in the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) Consortium. DSST scores were available for 30,576 individuals of European ancestry from nine cohorts and for 5758 individuals of African ancestry from four cohorts who were older than 45 years and free of dementia and clinical stroke. Linear regression models adjusted for age and gender were used for analysis of single genetic variants, and the T5, T1, and T01 burden tests that aggregate the number of rare alleles by gene were also applied. Secondary analyses included further adjustment for education. Meta-analyses to combine cohort-specific results were carried out separately for each ancestry group. Variants in RNF19A reached the threshold for statistical significance (p = 2.01 × 10−6) using the T01 test in individuals of European descent. RNF19A belongs to the class of E3 ubiquitin ligases that confer substrate specificity when proteins are ubiquitinated and targeted for degradation through the 26S proteasome. Variants in SLC22A7 and OR51A7 were suggestively associated with DSST scores after adjustment for education for African-American participants and in the European cohorts, respectively. Further functional characterization of its substrates will be required to confirm the role of RNF19A in cognitive function.
Differentiation therapy for myeloid malignancies: beyond cytotoxicity
Authors: Stubbins Ryan J. , Karsan Aly
Published: December 2021

Blocked cellular differentiation is a central pathologic feature of the myeloid malignancies, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Treatment regimens promoting differentiation have resulted in incredible cure rates in certain AML subtypes, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia. Over the past several years, we have seen many new therapies for MDS/AML enter clinical practice, including epigenetic therapies (e.g., 5-azacitidine), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) inhibitors, fms-like kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitors, and lenalidomide for deletion 5q (del5q) MDS. Despite not being developed with the intent of manipulating differentiation, induction of differentiation is a major mechanism by which several of these novel agents function. In this review, we examine the new therapeutic landscape for these diseases, focusing on the role of hematopoietic differentiation and the impact of inflammation and aging. We review how current therapies in MDS/AML promote differentiation as a part of their therapeutic effect, and the cellular mechanisms by which this occurs. We then outline potential novel avenues to achieve differentiation in the myeloid malignancies for therapeutic purposes. This emerging body of knowledge about the importance of relieving differentiation blockade with anti-neoplastic therapies is important to understand how current novel agents function and may open avenues to developing new treatments that explicitly target cellular differentiation. Moving beyond cytotoxic agents has the potential to open new and unexpected avenues in the treatment of myeloid malignancies, hopefully providing more efficacy with reduced toxicity.
Reduced prefrontal cortex and sympathetic nervous system activity correlate with fatigue after aHSCT
Authors: Boberg Erik , Iacobaeus Ellen , Greenfield Myrto Sklivanioti , Wang Yanlu , Msghina Mussie , Le Blanc Katarina
Published: December 2021

Long-term fatigue and cognitive dysfunction affects 35% of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) survivors, suggesting a dysfunctional prefrontal cortex. In this study, we assessed prefrontal cortex and sympathetic nervous system activity in aHSCT patients with fatigue (n = 12), non-fatigued patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 27). Measurement of near-infrared spectroscopy and electrodermal activity was carried out at rest and during cognitive performance (Stroop, verbal fluency and emotion regulation tasks). Prefrontal cortex and sympathetic nervous system activity were also analyzed in response to dopamine and noradrenaline increase after a single dose of methylphenidate. Baseline cognitive performance was similar in the two patient groups. However, after methylphenidate, only non-fatigued patients improved in Stroop accuracy and had better verbal fluency task performance compared to the fatigued group. Task-related activation of prefrontal cortex in fatigued patients was lower compared to non-fatigued patients during all cognitive tests, both before and after methylphenidate administration. During the Stroop task, reaction time, prefrontal cortex activation, and sympathetic nervous system activity were all lower in fatigued patients compared to healthy controls, but similar in non-fatigued patients and healthy controls.

Reduced prefrontal cortex activity and sympathetic arousal suggests novel treatment targets to improve fatigue after aHSCT.
Berberine alleviates liver fibrosis through inducing ferrous redox to activate ROS-mediated hepatic stellate cells ferroptosis
Authors: Yi Jiazhi , Wu Shuyun , Tan Siwei , Qin Yunfei , Wang Xing , Jiang Jie , Liu Huiling , Wu Bin
Published: December 2021

Berberine (BBR) has been explored as a potential anti-liver fibrosis agent, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of BBR against liver fibrogenesis in thioacetamide (TAA) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced mouse liver fibrosis. In addition to i.p. injection with TAA or CCl4, mice in the treatment group received BBR intragastrically. Concurrently, combined with TAA and BBR treatment, mice in the inhibitor group were injected i.p. with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were also used in the study. Our results showed that BBR obviously alleviated mouse liver fibrosis and restored mouse liver function; however, the pharmacological effects of BBR against liver fibrosis were significantly diminished by Fer-1 treatment. Mechanically, BBR impaired the autophagy–lysosome pathway (ALP) and increased cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HSCs. ROS accelerated the breakdown of the iron-storage protein ferritin and sped up iron release from ferritin, which resulted in redox-active iron accumulation in HSCs. Lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) depletion triggered by the Fenton reaction promoted ferroptosis and attenuated liver fibrosis. Furthermore, impaired autophagy enhanced BBR-mediated ferritin proteolysis to increase cellular ferrous overload via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPS) in HSCs and triggered HSC ferroptosis. Collectively, BBR alleviated liver fibrosis by inducing ferrous redox to activate ROS-mediated HSC ferroptosis. Our findings may be exploited clinically to provide a potential novel therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
Population-specific diversity of the immunoglobulin constant heavy G chain (IGHG) genes
Authors: Bashirova Arman A. , Zheng Wanjing , Akdag Marjan , Augusto Danillo G. , Vince Nicolas , Dong Krista L. , O’hUigin Colm , Carrington Mary
Published: December 2021

Human immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules, IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3, exhibit substantial inter-individual variation in their constant heavy chain regions, as discovered by serological methods. This polymorphism is encoded by theIGHG1,IGHG2, andIGHG3genes and may influence antibody function. We sequenced the coding fragments of these genes in 95 European Americans, 94 African Americans, and 94 Black South Africans. Striking differences were observed between the population groups, including extremely low amino acid sequence variation in IGHG1 among South Africans, and higher IGHG2 and IGHG3 diversity in individuals of African descent compared to individuals of European descent. Molecular definition of the loci illustrates a greater level of allelic polymorphism than previously described, including the presence of common IGHG2 and IGHG3 variants that were indistinguishable serologically. Comparison of our data with the 1000 Genome Project sequences indicates overall agreement between the datasets, although some inaccuracies in the 1000 Genomes Project are likely. These data represent the most comprehensive analysis of IGHG polymorphisms across major populations, which can now be applied to deciphering their functional impact.
Reconstruction of bimetal CoFe0.13-MOF to enhance the catalytic performance in the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Kexin , Jin Zeqi , Zhang Qicheng , Chen Qiming , Peng Wenchao , Li Yang , Zhang Fengbao , Xia Qing , Fan Xiaobin
Published: December 2021

A new solvothermal reconstruction method recovers the original morphology of the catalyst and the product presents extraordinary stability.
Direct and nitrite-sensitized indirect photolysis of effluent-derived phenolic contaminants under UV254irradiation
Authors: Li Yueyue , Wang Lixiao , Xu Haiyan , Lu Junhe , Chovelon Jean-Marc , Ji Yuefei
Published: December 2021

Nitrite at the WWTP effluent-relevant level sensitized the photolysis of effluent-derived phenolic contaminants during the UV254 disinfection process.
Lignin: a sustainable photothermal block for smart elastomers
Authors: Li Jinxing , Liu Weifeng , Qiu Xueqing , Zhao Xinpeng , Chen Zhijun , Yan Mengzhen , Fang Zhiqiang , Li Zhixian , Tu Zhikai , Huang Jinhao
Published: December 2021

Lignin was demonstrated to have excellent photothermal performance for smart applications in photo-controlled shape memory, self-healing, photothermal mechanical/electrical conversion, antibacterial materials, etc.
A photocatalytic radical relay reaction of 2-methylthiolated phenylalkynones and potassium metabisulfite
Authors: Liu Yuyan , Zhang Xinyi , Lv Jiajing , Zhang Chao , Chang Xiaotong , Ye Shengqing , Wu Jie
Published: December 2021

The generation of methylsufonyl-containing thioflavones through a radical relay reaction of methylthiolated phenylalkynones and potassium metabisulfite in the presence of sodium methylsulfinate under visible light irradiation is developed.
Universal co-existence of photovoltaics and ferroelectricity from a two-dimensional 3R bilayer BX (X = P, As, Sb)
Authors: Wang Qiang , Liang Yan , Yao Hui , Li Jianwei , Liu Tianwei , Frauenheim Thomas , Wang Bin , Wang Jian
Published: December 2021

Intertwined ferroelectricity and photovoltaics in two-dimensional (2D) materials will enable the favorable improvement and control of photovoltaic performances.
Green multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters containing phenoxazine units with highly efficient electroluminescence
Authors: Hu Jia-Jun , Luo Xu-Feng , Zhang Yi-Pin , Mao Meng-Xi , Ni Hua-Xiu , Liang Xiao , Zheng You-Xuan
Published: December 2021

Two phenoxazine fused MR-TADF materials based on a B/N framework show high PLQYs and small FWHMs in toluene solutions, while their OLEDs exhibit EQEs of up to 21.3% with small efficiency roll-offs and narrow EL emissions.
Research progress of SERS on uranyl ions and uranyl compounds: a review
Authors: Wang Shaofei , Jiang Jiaolai , He Xuan , Yang Shanli , Wu Haoxi , Qin Zhen , Chu Mingfu , Zhang Zhengjun , Liao Junsheng , Wang Xiaolin
Published: December 2021

The direct detection method possesses the ability of both content detection of uranyl ions and structural analysis of uranyl compounds in nmol level, while the indirect detection method can detect the uranyl ions as low as fmol level.
Water-induced ultrastrong green emission in Cs4PbBr6 quantum dot glass
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Xie Wenqing , Lu Yang , Wang Xunsi , Xu Shiqing , Zhang Junjie
Published: December 2021

The PLQY of emissive Cs4PbBr6 NCs increases greatly with the induction of water.
Parametric detector for subspace‐based distributed target detection in the presence of signal mismatch
Authors: Xu Kaiming , Deng Yunkai , Yu Zhongjun , Xu Zheng
Published: December 2021

In this letter, the authors investigate the problem of subspace‐based distributed target detection when signal mismatch arises. To solve the problem, a simple and effective detector is introduced, which is parameterised by a non‐negative scalar. By adjusting the scalar, the proposed detector can flexibly change its detection properties for mismatched signals. In particular, the proposed detector with a small scalar is robust to signal mismatch, while the detector with a large scalar is selective. Moreover, the proposed detector with an appropriate scalar can provide higher probability of detection than the existing detectors in the absence of signal mismatch. Both simulated and real data confirm the effectiveness of the proposed detector.
Bandwidth enhancement of antennas designed by band‐pass filter synthesis due to frequency pulling techniques
Authors: Koutinos Anastasios G. , Kyriacou George A. , Volakis John L. , Chryssomallis Michael T.
Published: December 2021

A novel antenna design technique is proposed, which offers bandwidth enhancement up to the limits defined by element radiation efficiency. The employed technique is referred as frequency pulling (FP) as it mimics the ‘insertion loss design methodology of band‐pass filters’. This is essentially a wideband matching approach pushing the antenna efficiency to the limits set up by radiation efficiency. There are three options towards this trend: (i) first to enhance a single element bandwidth (compact element) exploiting its possibly multiple symmetrical feeding points as distinct resonator ports, (ii) frequency pulled array as to design a small antenna array (less than about 10 elements) where each element acts as a resonator and (iii) second order frequency‐pulled array as to build a small array using compact elements of category (i). Similar to the band‐pass filter design, all antennas or distinct‐port circuits resonate at the same resonant frequency when isolated, cascading two or more of them; FP yields to multiple‐overlapping successive resonances in their overall response. Although the proposed technique is general within this first effort, it is applied to simple patch antenna elements exhibiting multiple symmetrical feeding points, namely two—for rectangular, four—for square and five—for pentagonal. The third option is applied to an array of three compact 4‐feeding point square elements offering triple bandwidth with respect to the already wideband single element. However, this is achieved at the expense of a significant beam squint. Thus, in general, these wideband compact elements should be used within a classical array design. Further bandwidth enhancement using FP to antenna elements with inherent multiple resonances as patches with slots or truncated edges constitutes our next task. Their inherent wider bandwidth in radiation efficiency is expected to allow multiply higher bandwidths when exploited with our FP technique.
Voltage control method based on three‐phase four‐wire sensitivity for hybrid AC/DC low‐voltage distribution networks with high‐penetration PVs
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhao Chunxue , Zhang Bo , Li Gen , Tang Wei
Published: December 2021

The increasing integration of distributed photovoltaics may further aggravate the over‐voltage and three‐phase unbalance issues of low‐voltage distribution networks with three‐phase four‐wire structures. The voltage control method based on the AC and DC side power flow control and the three‐phase power control capability of voltage source converter in hybrid AC/DC low‐voltage distribution networks is a solution for the improvement of the above power quality issues. In this paper, an accurately improved sensitivity matrix calculation method considering shunt admittance based on the ABCD parameters is proposed in hybrid AC/DC low‐voltage distribution networks with a three‐phase four‐wire structure. The presented ABCD parameters of the feeders consider the influence of the coupling effect among phases and the neutral line on sensitivity calculation, which makes the sensitivity calculation simple. Then, a power‐voltage control method for voltage source converters based on three‐phase four‐wire sensitivity matrices of the AC side is proposed considering the constraints from the voltage source converter and DC side power flow in hybrid AC/DC low‐voltage distribution networks, which can effectively address the over‐voltage and unbalanced issues. Simulations are performed to verify the proposed sensitivity calculation method and voltage control method.
Self-generated ultraviolet radiation in molecular shock waves
Authors: Lehmann A. , Godard B. , Pineau des Forêts G. , Vidal-García A. , Falgarone E.
Published: December 2021

Context. The energetics and physical conditions of the interstellar medium and feedback processes remain challenging to probe.

Aims. Shocks, modelled over a broad range of parameters, are used to construct a new tool to deduce the mechanical energy and physical conditions from observed atomic or molecular emission lines.

Methods. We compute magnetised, molecular shock models with velocities Vs = 5–80 km s−1, pre-shock proton densities nH = 102–106 cm−3, weak or moderate magnetic field strengths, and in the absence or presence of an external UV radiation field. These parameters represent the broadest published range of physical conditions for molecular shocks. As a key shock tracer, we focus on the production of CH+ and post-process the radiative transfer of its rovibrational lines. We develop a simple emission model of an ensemble of shocks for connecting any observed emission lines to the mechanical energy and physical conditions of the system.

Results. For this range of parameters, we find the full diversity (C-, C*-, CJ-, and J-type) of magnetohydrodynamic shocks. H2 and H are dominant coolants, with up to 30% of the shock kinetic flux escaping in Lyα photons. The reformation of molecules in the cooling tail means H2 is even a good tracer of dissociative shocks and shocks that were initially fully atomic. The known shock tracer CH+ can also be a significant coolant, reprocessing up to 1% of the kinetic flux. Its production and excitation is intimately linked to the presence of H2 and C+. For each shock model we provide integrated intensities of rovibrational lines of H2, CO, and CH+, and atomic H lines, and atomic fine-structure and metastable lines. We demonstrate how to use these shock models to deduce the mechanical energy and physical conditions of extragalactic environments. As a template example, we interpret the CH+(1−0) emission from the Eyelash starburst galaxy. A mechanical energy injection rate of at least 1011 L⊙ into molecular shocks is required to reproduce the observed line. We find that shocks with velocities as low as 5 km s−1 irradiated by a strong UV field are compatible with the available energy budget. The low-velocity, externally irradiated shocks are at least an order magnitude more efficient than the most efficient shocks with no external irradiation in terms of the total mechanical energy required. We predict differences of more than two orders of magnitude in the intensities of the pure rotational lines of CO, Lyα, and the metastable lines of O, S+, and N between representative models of low-velocity (Vs ~ 10 km s−1) externally irradiated shocks and higher-velocity shocks (Vs ≥ 50 km s−1) with no external irradiation.

Conclusions. Shock modelling over an extensive range of physical conditions allows for the interpretation of challenging observations of broad line emission from distant galaxies. Our new method opens up a promising avenue to quantitatively probe the physical conditions and mechanical energy of galaxy-scale gas flows.
Wie erleben Kinder und Jugendliche mit Adipositas und deren Eltern die Corona-Situation? Kick-COVID – eine prospektive, interdisziplinäre Längsschnittstudie
Authors: Warschburger Petra , Göldel Julia M. , Holl Reinhard , Minden Kirsten , Kamrath Clemens , Wiegand Susanna
Published: December 2021

Kinder und Jugendliche mit chronischen Erkrankungen wie Adipositas stehen im Zuge der COVID-19 Pandemie vor besonderen Herausforderungen. Ziel der multizentrischen Längsschnittstudie ist es, den Einfluss der COVID-19 Pandemie auf das physische und psychische Wohlbefinden der Betroffenen und ihrer Familien zu untersuchen. Die Untersuchung erfolgt im Rahmen der Standard-Erhebung im APV-Register und wird durch einen Kurzfragebogen für die Kinder und Jugendlichen und ihre Eltern zur Versorgungssituation, Risikowahrnehmung und zum Wohlbefinden ergänzt. Im zweiten Schritt werden alle Beteiligten gebeten, an einer weiterführenden online-Befragung zur psychosozialen Situation und vorhandenen Ressourcen teilzunehmen. Nach einem Jahr findet eine erneute Befragung statt.

Die gewonnenen Daten sollen Hinweise darauf geben, wie das Gesundheitssystem verbessert und die betroffenen Familien unterstützt werden können. Der Vergleich mit gleichzeitig stattfindenden Befragungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Rheuma und Diabetes trägt dazu bei, generische und krankheitsspezifische Belastungsprofile zu eruieren.
Bewegungs- und Ernährungsverhalten von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Adipositas und ihren Familien während der COVID-19-Pandemie: Eine Beobachtungsstudie im sozialpädiatrischen Kontext
Authors: Rücker Petra , Brauchmann Jana , Walch Steffi , Wiegand Susanna , Galler Angela
Published: December 2021

Ziel der Studie war, die Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie auf das Bewegungs- und Ernährungsverhalten von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Adipositas zu untersuchen. Im Rahmen der Adipositas-Ambulanz im SPZ der Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin wurden Familien von November 2020 bis Juli 2021 mit standardisierten Fragebögen befragt. Die Fragebögen für ein Elternteil und die Kinder und Jugendlichen mit Adipositas enthielten skalierte und offene Fragen zum Bewegungs- und Ernährungsverhalten während der COVID-19-Pandemie.

Ergebnisse Der mittlere BMI-SDS der Gesamtkohorte (n=278, Altersmedian 13,8 Jahre) lag zum Zeitpunkt der Befragung bei+2,73. Der Vergleich vor und während der Pandemie ergab eine leichte Steigerung des mittleren BMI-SDS von+2,66 auf+2,73. Im Rahmen der pandemiebedingt veränderten Alltagssituation berichteten ein Viertel der Eltern über mehr gemeinsame Mahlzeiten und mehr Gerichte mit frischen Zutaten, 43% der Eltern verwendeten weniger Fertiggerichte. Über 50% der Kinder und Jugendlichen mit Adipositas waren seltener draußen gewesen und über 60% der Kinder und Jugendlichen waren seltener sportlich aktiv. Zudem war eine starke Zunahme des Medienkonsums festzustellen: Über 60% der Kinder und Jugendlichen gaben an, mehr Zeit am Handy, Laptop, Tablet, Computer, Fernseher oder an der Spielkonsole verbracht zu haben.

Schlussfolgerung Die pandemiebedingten Einschränkungen (Kontaktbeschränkungen, Home-Schooling) wirken sich offensichtlich erheblich auf das Ernährungs- und Bewegungsverhalten sowie den Medienkonsum von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Adipositas aus.
Gewichtsmanagementprogramme für Kinder und Jugendliche während der Covid-19-Pandemie in Deutschland – Was wir daraus lernen können
Authors: Eisenburger Nina , Schmidt Nikola , Ortmann Sarah , Friesen David , Haas Fabiola , Wessely Stefanie , Joisten Christine
Published: December 2021

Ziel dieser Studie war es, zu analysieren, ob und wie Anbieter von Adipositaszentren ihre Programme während des ersten Covid-19-Locksdowns umsetzen oder anpassen konnten und wie dies von den teilnehmenden Familien angenommen wurde. Es wurde ein kombinierter quantitativer und qualitativer Ansatz verwendet. Im Mai 2020 füllten vierzehn von 29 Adipositaszentren in Deutschland Online-Fragebögen aus. Fünfundfünfzig teilnehmende Familien beantworteten einen Familien-Fragebogen. Alle Anbieter nahmen während der Pandemie digitale Anpassungen vor, darunter Beratung per Telefon, E-Mail und Videoanrufen. Trotz der Herausforderungen, insbesondere in Bezug auf die praktische Umsetzung, das Fehlen vertrauter Routinen und der Gruppendynamik, berichteten die Anbieter von positiven Ergebnissen im Hinblick auf die interne Organisation, die Teilnehmenden von positiven Aspekten hinsichtlich Erreichbarkeit und individueller Betreuung. Zwanzig Familien (30, 9%) beobachteten Gewichtsveränderungen bei den teilnehmenden Kindern, darunter 10 mit einer Gewichtszunahme (18,2%; M=5,0±4,0 kg).

Die digitale Anpassung von Gewichtsmanagementprogrammen infolge der Covid-19-Einschränkungen war umsetzbar und wurde insbesondere durch größere zeitliche Flexibilität und verbesserte Zugänglichkeit im Wesentlichen positiv aufgenommen. Trotzdem nahm das Gewicht der Kinder während des Lockdowns zu. Um die Wirksamkeit von Gewichtsmanagementprogrammen zu maximieren, empfiehlt sich langfristig eine Kombination aus herkömmlichen Strategien und der gezielten Nutzung digitaler Elemente, z. B. bei individuellen Beratungen.
Empfehlungen zur Diabetes-Behandlung mit automatischen Insulin-Dosierungssystemen
Authors: von dem Berge Thekla , Biester Sarah , Biester Torben , Buchmann Anne-Kathrin , Datz Nicolin , Grosser Ute , Kapitzke Kerstin , Klusmeier Britta , Remus Kerstin , Reschke Felix , Tiedemann Inken , Weiskorn Jantje , Würsig Martina , Thomas Andreas , Kordonouri Olga , Danne Thomas
Published: December 2021

Das Prinzip der automatischen Insulindosierung, kurz „AID“ genannt, zeigt in Zulassungsstudien und Real-World-Erfahrungen ausgezeichnete Behandlungsergebnisse. Beim AID wird eine Insulinpumpe mit einem System zur kontinuierlichen Glukosemessung zusammengeschaltet, während ein Rechenprogramm, der sogenannte Algorithmus, die Steuerung der Insulingabe nach Bedarf übernimmt. Idealerweise wäre das System ein geschlossener Kreis, bei dem die Menschen mit Diabetes keine Eingabe mehr machen müssten. Jedoch sind bei den heute verfügbaren Systemen verschiedene Grundeinstellungen und Eingaben erforderlich (insbesondere von Kohlenhydratmengen der Mahlzeiten oder körperlicher Aktivität), die sich von den bisherigen Empfehlungen der sensorunterstützten Pumpentherapie in einzelnen Aspekten unterscheiden. So werden die traditionellen Konzepte von „Basal“ und „Bolus“ mit AID weniger nützlich, da der Algorithmus beide Arten der Insulinabgabe verwendet, um die Glukosewerte dem eingestellten Zielwert zu nähern. Daher sollte bei diesen Systemen statt der Erfassung von „Basal“ und „Bolus“, zwischen einer „nutzerinitiierten“ und einer „automatischen“ Insulindosis unterschieden werden. Gemeinsame Therapieprinzipien der verschiedenen AID-Systeme umfassen die passgenaue Einstellung des Kohlenhydratverhältnisses, die Bedeutung des Timings der vom Anwender initiierten Insulinbolusgaben vor der Mahlzeit, den korrekten Umgang mit einem verzögerten oder versäumten Mahlzeitenbolus, neue Prinzipien im Umgang mit Sport oder Alkoholgenuss sowie den rechtzeitigen Umstieg von AID zu manuellem Modus bei Auftreten erhöhter Ketonwerte. Das Team vom Diabetes-Zentrum AUF DER BULT in Hannover hat aus eigenen Studienerfahrungen und der zugrunde liegenden internationalen Literatur praktische Empfehlungen zur Anwendung und Schulung der gegenwärtig und demnächst in Deutschland kommerziell erhältlichen Systeme zusammengestellt. Für den Erfolg der AID-Behandlung scheint das richtige Erwartungsmanagement sowohl beim Behandlungsteam und als auch beim Anwender von großer Bedeutung zu sein.
TCQA, A Natural Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivative Attenuates H2O2-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis by Suppressing Phosphorylation of MAPKs Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Yue , Ding Yufang , Gao Huan , Jiang Xiaowen , Zhao Qingchun
Published: December 2021

1,3,5-Tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid is a caffeoylquinic acid derivative isolated from the roots of Arctium lappa L. Our previous studies have revealed that the ethyl acetate extract of the roots of A. lappa L. and the caffeoylquinic acids contained in it possess antioxidant properties, especially 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and explore the underlying mechanism. We found that 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid prevented the decline of cell viability and excessive release of lactate dehydrogenase induced by hydrogen peroxide. In addition, Hoechst 33 342 staining and Annexin V-PI double staining showed that 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal cell apoptosis. 1,3,5-Tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid reduced the excessive production of intracellular reactive oxygen species, decreased the malondialdehyde content, and improved the activity of superoxide dismutase. Furthermore, 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid restored the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in SH-SY5Y cells induced by hydrogen peroxide. 1,3,5-Tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid downregulated the overexpression of proapoptotic proteins, including Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 as well as promoted the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Moreover, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases induced by hydrogen peroxide was inhibited by 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid. Pretreatment with 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid also promoted the activation of phosphorylated Akt. Taken together, these findings suggest that 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid exerts protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal apoptosis. In addition, inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and the activation of Akt are implicated in the antioxidant activity of 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid, giving new insight in searching for a compound with antioxidant activity for the treatment of oxidative stress-associated neurological diseases.
Trends in length of stay for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients who die before hospital discharge
Authors: Guttmann Katherine F. , Puoplo Nicholas , Richter Felix , Weintraub Andrea S.
Published: December 2021

Objective The objectives of this study were to establish days between birth and death for neonates over a 14-year period, determine if days between birth and death have changed over time across gestational age cohorts, and identify diagnoses which may put infants at high risk of prolonged hospitalization leading to death.

Study Design This was a single-site, retrospective chart review of inborn infants who died prior to hospital discharge.

Results Two hundred and thirty-nine patients born between 1/1/2006 and 12/31/2020 met inclusion criteria. Days until death ranged from 0 to 300 with a median of 6 days (interquartile range = 23). Median days until death increased over time, with a statistically significant increase between epoch 1 and epoch 2 (p = 0.016) but not between epoch 2 and epoch 3 (p = 0.618). Extremely premature infants died earlier than more mature infants (p < 0.001). In addition, infants with complex congenital heart disease or a gastrointestinal (GI) catastrophe died later (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) than newborns without cardiac or GI issues.

Conclusion Our findings demonstrate an increase in time to death for newborns who did not survive to hospital discharge over a 14-year period. This trend suggests that the dynamics informing Meadows' assertion that “doomed infants die early” may be shifting, with some seriously ill infants who die before hospital discharge surviving longer than previously described. More research is needed to understand how best to care for babies who will not survive to discharge and to explore when supports such as palliative care consultation may be beneficial.

Key Points

As per W. Meadow, “Doomed infants die early”
Long-term Follow-Up Results of Dynamic Cervical Implant in Patients with Cervical Disk Diseases: Compared with Arthroplasty
Authors: Zou Li , Liu Hao , Rong Xin , Liu Xijiao , Ding Chen , Song Yueming
Published: December 2021

Background Arthroplasty has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with cervical degenerative disk disease (DDD). Dynamic Cervical Implant (DCI) has emerged as a novel implantation device for cervical DDD. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of these procedures after 5 years of follow-up in the DCI and arthroplasty groups.

Methods This study retrospectively enrolled 79 consecutive cervical DDD patients with 41 DCI and 47 prostheses implanted. Radiographs were analyzed for intervertebral height and range of motion (ROM). Neural function of the patients was assessed using the Neck Disability Index score, visual analog scale, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and 36-Item Short Form Survey.

Results The DCI group had statistically lesser flexion/extension and bilateral bending ROM than the arthroplasty group at the operated level(s) (p < 0.05). The DCI group but not the orthoplast group showed improved lordotic alignment of C2–C7 and operated functional spinal unit (p < 0.05). No statistical difference was observed in the neural function of the two groups. Heterotopic ossification was found in 7 and 14 patients in the DCI and arthroplasty groups, respectively.

Conclusion The 5-year follow-up results were comparable between the two groups. We believe that DCI implantation is a safe and effective procedure and could possibly become an alternative treatment for cervical DDD.