bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cluster‐based data transmission scheme in wireless sensor networks using black hole and ant colony algorithms
Authors: Sefati Seyedsalar , Abdi Mehrdad , Ghaffari Ali
Published: March 2021

Since sensor nodes use limited battery power, sensor nodes power is considered to be a challenge and fundamental issue in wireless networks. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have recently used clustering‐based methods and different routing protocols in clusters which are full of sensor nodes. In this way, cluster heads (CHs), which are regarded as the selected nodes among other nodes within a given cluster, accumulate the information transmitted from their own cluster and send it to the sink. In this method, they try to control power consumption in a balanced way. In clustering method and routing among network nodes, network lifetime is enhanced which leads to achieving the best efficiency and productivity. In this paper, the optimized black hole algorithm is employed to select an optimal CH from sensor nodes. The CH selection is optimized by the free buffer of nodes, residual energy, and distance. The path between source CH and sink is identified by using ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm. The combination of black hole algorithm and ant colony algorithm, with respect to clustering and routing, leads to the optimization of the proposed method in terms of operational criteria such as power consumption and eventually lifetime enhancement. The results obtained from simulating the proposed method in Matlab environment indicated that it has better results in comparison with other methods. The outputs of the obtained results from the proposed method indicated that it outperformed the other four comparative methods in terms of packet delivery rate and the number of transmitted packets to the CH and to the sink.
Alternative reproductive tactics in male freshwater fish influence the accuracy of species recognition
Authors: Fujimoto Shingo , Tsurui‐Sato Kaori , Katsube Naotaka , Tatsuta Haruki , Tsuji Kazuki
Published: March 2021

Sexual conflict can result in coercive mating. Because males bear low costs of heterospecific mating, coercive males may engage in misdirected mating attempts toward heterospecific females. In contrast, sexual selection through consensual mate choice can cause mate recognition cues among species to diverge, leading to more accurate species recognition. Some species show both coercive mating and mate choice‐associated courtship behaviors as male alternative reproductive tactics. We hypothesized that if the selection pressures on each tactic differ, then the accuracy of species recognition would also change depending on the mating tactic adopted. We tested this hypothesis in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) by a series of choice experiments. Poecilia reticulata and G. affinis males both showed imperfect species recognition and directed all components of mating behavior toward heterospecific females. They tended to direct courtship displays more frequently toward conspecific than heterospecific females. With male P. reticulata, however, accurate species recognition disappeared when they attempted coercive copulation: they directed coercions more frequently toward heterospecific females. We also found that heterospecific sexual interaction had little effect on the fecundity of gravid females, which suggests that prepregnancy interactions likely underpin the exclusion of G. affinis by P. reticulata in our region.
Doping Kinetics and Structural Studies for Lithium‐rich Mn‐based Lithium Ion Cathode Materials
Authors: Zhang Ying , Song Qi , Zhao Qinfu , Zhang Ronglan , Zhao Jianshe
Published: March 2021

The doping kinetics and effects on the structures and electrochemical properties for xLi2MnO3·(1 − x)LiMO2 (M = Ti, Zr, and Sn) cathode materials are fully studied by theoretical calculation combined with experimental facts. The results indicate that the dissociation energy of doped atoms and intrinsic oxygen in the Li2MnO3 layer affect the stability of the structure. Meanwhile, the path and direction of lithium ion migration become major factors affecting the cycle performance of the materials. Simultaneously, the results recommend that the change of the lowest energy barrier of the lithium ion migration path after doping may lead to a change of the optimum direction of lithium ion migration. Ti‐doped materials with the lowest lithium ion migration barrier have better electrochemical performance. Due to the larger Zr–O binding energy for Zr‐doped materials, which restrains structural deoxidation, the materials have a relatively high first Coulomb efficiency. This discovery provides a new research idea for the modification of xLi2MnO3·(1−x)LiMO2 cathode materials in the future.
Influence of Layer Thickness on the Drying of Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrodes—Simulation and Experimental Validation
Authors: Kumberg Jana , Baunach Michael , Eser Jochen C. , Altvater Andreas , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: March 2021

In this work, a detailed study of the drying of battery electrodes of different thicknesses is presented. A mathematical model to calculate the solvent loading and film temperature over the drying time is experimentally validated. The model is based on a first study presenting a simulation model to predict the drying course when linear drying kinetics prevail and no resistance exists for solvent transport within the film. To shed some light on the drying behavior of electrode films with different thicknesses, the start of capillary pore emptying is observed using a digital microscope. In the experiments, an onset of capillary transport even before the end of film shrinkage is observed for the electrode films with thicknesses above state‐of‐the‐art‐thickness. A clusterwise drying behavior becomes more distinct for thicker electrodes, with large areas of dry and wet capillaries next to each other, compared to a more homogenous drying of the thin electrodes. Based on these findings, the linear model is extended to consider transport limitations within the porous electrode film in the form of a moving drying front. The experiments show an increasing deviation from the linear model with increasing electrode thickness and the extended simulation, which considers transport resistances within the film, shows good agreement.
A High‐Performance Symmetric Supercapacitor from Porous Activated Carbon under Compression
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhang Yulin , Yang Fuqian
Published: March 2021

The realization of biomass‐derived supercapacitors of high performance is of practical importance for the manufacturing of supercapacitors from green and renewable sources. Herein, the feasibility of constructing high‐performance supercapacitors from potato‐derived activated carbon (AC) is demonstrated. The potato‐derived AC is produced from potato mash through hydrothermal treatment and high‐temperature activation with KOH as agent. The supercapacitors with aqueous electrolyte of 6 m KOH and a mass loading of 5 mg per electrode achieve a specific gravimetric capacitance of 333.7 F g−1 per electrode and a specific energy of 11.75 W h g−1 at a specific power of 197.6 W kg−1 at a current density of 0.4 A g−1 under a nominal compressive stress of 7.96 MPa. The supercapacitors with a mass loading of 10 mg per electrode achieve the maximum specific gravimetric capacitance of 340.6 F g−1 and a specific energy of 11.75 W h g−1 at a specific power of 194.2 W kg−1 at a current density of 0.4 A g−1 under a nominal compressive stress of 7.96 MPa. Increasing the compaction of electrode materials under compressive stress has the potential to increase the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors.
A detailed mangrove map of China for 2019 derived from Sentinel‐1 and ‐2 images and Google Earth images
Authors: Zhao Chuan‐Peng , Qin Cheng‐Zhi
Published: March 2021

Mangroves straddle terrestrial and marine ecosystems, thus are relevant to many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), especially to SDG‐13 and SDG‐14, as they are linked to blue carbon strategies and fisheries. To better achieve SDGs, China has been restoring mangroves for their ecological and societal values through strict protection and afforestation, even in areas beyond their natural northern limits. However, small fragmented mangrove patches, especially those in marginal climates, have been historically neglected by existing mangrove maps, which, because they were derived from 30‐m‐resolution Landsat data, are too coarse to resolve them. To overcome this problem, we applied a classification to 10‐m‐resolution Sentinel‐1 and ‐2 images for 2019 and then an enhanced post‐processing to identify missing mangrove patches by utilizing Google Earth images. Thus, we produced the first publicly accessible detailed mangrove map supplementing the main 10‐m‐resolution results with submetre data from Google Earth images. According to general quantitative evaluations, the produced map achieved an overall accuracy of 96.4 ± 0.3% based on validation data sets, an accuracy of 96.2% based on a total of 1,096 field sample plots. By evaluations in marginal climates, the produced map identified six areas with a total of seven mangrove planting areas, which is twice the number of identified areas by current publicly accessible mangrove maps. The produced map also outperformed the competitors in the identification of small mangrove patches in suitable climates, and in the determination of neat and tidy boundaries of large mangrove patches. The map paid attention to these small mangrove patches because they can provide substantial ecosystem services, such as increasing the community diversity and providing habitats for local species. The map does not only serve as a basis for mangrove species mapping, leaf area index estimation and carbon stock assessment, but also improves other mangrove maps by mutual corrections.
A Matter of Justice: “Fat” Is Not Necessarily a Bad Word
Authors: Freeman Lauren
Published: March 2021

This essay argues that the discrimination that fat patients face is an issue of health justice. Insofar as this is the case, bioethicists and health care providers should not only care about it but also work to dismantle the systematic, institutional, social, and individual factors that are contributing to it to ensure that fat patients receive high‐quality health care, free of stigma and discrimination. The essay discusses a variety of ways in which fat patients are discriminated against and considers the false assumptions that fuel such discrimination. It concludes by considering the structural and social issues that contribute to fatness and pushes health care providers to abandon the assumption that being fat is an individual moral failing. Ultimately, the paper argues, “fat” is not necessarily a bad word, nor one that health care providers should avoid.
Meditation training modulates brain electric microstates and felt states of awareness
Authors: Zanesco Anthony P. , Skwara Alea C. , King Brandon G. , Powers Chivon , Wineberg Kezia , Saron Clifford D.
Published: March 2021

Meditation practice is believed to foster states of mindful awareness and mental quiescence in everyday life. If so, then the cultivation of these qualities with training ought to leave its imprint on the activity of intrinsic functional brain networks. In an intensive longitudinal study, we investigated associations between meditation practitioners' experiences of felt mindful awareness and changes in the spontaneous electrophysiological dynamics of functional brain networks. Experienced meditators were randomly assigned to complete 3 months of full‐time training in focused‐attention meditation (during an initial intervention) or to serve as waiting‐list controls and receive training second (during a later intervention). We collected broadband electroencephalogram (EEG) during rest at the beginning, middle, and end of the two training periods. Using a data‐driven approach, we segmented the EEG into a time series of transient microstate intervals based on clustering of topographic voltage patterns. Participants also provided daily reports of felt mindful awareness and mental quiescence, and reported daily on four experiential qualities of their meditation practice during training. We found that meditation training led to increases in mindful qualities of awareness, which corroborate contemplative accounts of deepening mental calm and attentional focus. We also observed reductions in the strength and duration of EEG microstates across both interventions. Importantly, changes in the dynamic sequencing of microstates were associated with daily increases in felt attentiveness and serenity during training. Our results connect shifts in subjective qualities of meditative experience with the large‐scale dynamics of whole brain functional EEG networks at rest.
Investigating sea‐state effects on flash flood hydrograph and inundation forecasting
Authors: Papaioannou George , Varlas George , Papadopoulos Anastasios , Loukas Athanasios , Katsafados Petros , Dimitriou Elias
Published: March 2021

A common source of uncertainty in flood inundation forecasting is the hydrograph used. Given the role of sea‐air‐hydro‐land chain processes on the water cycle, flood hydrographs in coastal areas can be indirectly affected by sea state. This study investigates sea‐state effects on precipitation, discharge, and flood inundation forecasting implementing atmospheric, ocean wave, hydrological, and hydraulic‐hydrodynamic coupled models. The Chemical Hydrological Atmospheric Ocean wave System (CHAOS) was used for coupled hydro‐meteorological‐wave simulations ‘accounting’ or ‘not accounting’ the impact of sea state on precipitation and, subsequently, on flood hydrograph. CHAOS includes the WRF‐Hydro hydrological model and the WRF‐ARW meteorological model two‐way coupled with the WAM wave model through the OASIS3‐MCT coupler. Subsequently, the 2D HEC‐RAS hydraulic‐hydrodynamic model was forced by the flood hydrographs and map the inundated areas. A flash flood event occurred on 15 November 2017 in Mandra, Attica, Greece, causing 24 fatalities, and damages was selected as case study. The calibration of models was performed exploiting historical flood records and previous studies. Human interventions such as hydraulic works and the urban areas were included in the hydraulic modelling geometry domain. The representation of the resistance caused by buildings was based on Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) data while the local elevation rise method was used in the urban‐flood simulation. The flood extent results were assessed using the Critical Success Index (CSI), and CSI penalize. Integrating sea‐state affected the forecast of precipitation and discharge peaks, causing up to +24% and from −8% to +36% differences, respectively, improving inundation forecast by 4.5% and flooding additional approximately 70 building blocks. The precipitation forcing time step was also highlighted as significant factor in such a small‐scale flash flood. The integrated multidisciplinary methodological approach could be adopted in operational forecasting for civil protection applications facilitating the protection of socio‐economic activities and human lives during similar future events.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0005397 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the miR‐326/PDK2 axis
Authors: Gong Jianzhuang , Du Chenxu , Sun Nai , Xiao Xingguo , Wu Huili
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are associated with the initiation and progression of cancer. However, the biological functions and underlying mechanism of hsa_circ_0005397 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Hemotoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess histological changes. The expression levels of hsa_circ_0005397, miR‐326 and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 (PDK2) were measured by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting kit‐8 and colony formation assays. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry analysis. Caspase‐3 activity was determined by a caspase‐3 activity kit. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion. A western blot assay was performed to measure the expression of cyclin D1, p21, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, PDK2 and PCNA. The interaction between miR‐326 and hsa_circ_0005397 or PDK2 was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‐down assays. Xenograft tumor models were established to confirm the role of hsa_circ_0005397 in vivo.

Results

Hsa_circ_0005397 and PDK2 were up‐regulated, whereas miR‐326 was down‐regulated in HCC tissues and cells. Hsa_circ_0005397 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis, and promoted apoptosis. miR‐326 was a direct target of hsa_circ_0005397, and inhibition of miR‐326 reversed the inhibitory effect of hsa_circ_0005397 silencing on HCC progression. Moreover, PDK2 was a direct target of miR‐326 and PDK2 overexpression abated the anti‐cancer roles of miR‐326 in HCC. Additionally, hsa_circ_0005397 regulated PDK2 expression by sponging miR‐326. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0005397 down‐regulation suppressed tumor growth by up‐regulating miR‐326 and down‐regulating PDK2.

Conclusions

Hsa_circ_0005397 facilitates HCC progression by regulating the miR‐326/PDK2 axis, providing a promising circRNA‐targeted therapy for HCC.
HMGB1: An overview of its roles in the pathogenesis of liver disease
Authors: Ni Yuan-Ao , Chen Hui , Nie Hao , Zheng Bing , Gong Quan
Published: March 2021

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an abundant architectural chromosomal protein that has multiple biologic functions: gene transcription, DNA replication, DNA-damage repair, and cell signaling for inflammation. HMGB1 can be released passively by necrotic cells or secreted actively by activated immune cells into the extracellular milieu after injury. Extracellular HMGB1 acts as a damage-associated molecular pattern to initiate the innate inflammatory response to infection and injury by communicating with neighboring cells through binding to specific cell-surface receptors, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Numerous studies have suggested HMGB1 to act as a key protein mediating the pathogenesis of chronic and acute liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Here, we provide a detailed review that focuses on the role of HMGB1 and HMGB1-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of liver diseases.
Low circulation of Influenza A and coinfection with SARS‐CoV‐2 among other respiratory viruses during the COVID‐19 pandemic in a region of southern Brazil
Authors: Eisen Ana Karolina Antunes , Gularte Juliana Schons , Demoliner Meriane , de Abreu Goés Pereira Vyctoria Malayhka , Heldt Fágner Henrique , Filippi Micheli , de Almeida Paula Rodrigues , Hansen Alana Witt , Fleck Juliane Deise , Spilki Fernando Rosado
Published: March 2021

With the arrival of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in Brazil in February 2020, several preventive measures were taken by the population aiming to avoid severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection including the use of masks, social distancing, and frequent hand washing then, these measures may have contributed to preventing infection also by other respiratory viruses. Our goal was to determine the frequencies of Influenza A and B viruses (FLUAV/FLUBV), human mastadenovirus C (HAdV‐C), Enterovirus 68 (EV‐68), and rhinovirus (RV) besides SARS‐CoV‐2 among hospitalized patients suspect of COVID‐19 with cases of acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS) in the period of March to December 2020 and to detect possible coinfections among them. Nucleic acid detection was performed using reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) in respiratory samples using naso‐oropharyngeal swabs and bronchoalveolar lavage. A total of 418 samples of the 987 analyzed (42.3%) were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2, 16 (1.62%) samples were positive for FLUAV, no sample was positive for FLUBV or EV‐68, 67 (6.78%) samples were positive for HAdV‐C, 55 samples were positive for RV 1/2 (26.3%) and 37 for RV 2/2 (13.6%). Coinfections were also detected, including a triple coinfection with SARS‐CoV‐2, FLUAV, and HAdV‐C. In the present work, a very low frequency of FLUV was reported among hospitalized patients with ARDS compared to the past years, probably due to preventive measures taken to avoid COVID‐19 and the high influenza vaccination coverage in the region in which this study was performed.
Viral community acquired pneumonia at the emergency department: Report from the pre COVID‐19 age
Authors: Spagnolello Ornella , Pierangeli Alessandra , Cedrone Maria Civita , Di Biagio Valentina , Gentile Massimo , Leonardi Annalisa , Valeriano Camilla , Innocenti Giuseppe Pietro , Santinelli Letizia , Borrazzo Cristian , Russo Alessandro , Oliveto Giuseppe , Viscido Agnese , Ciccozzi Massimo , Bertazzoni Giuliano , d'Ettorre Gabriella , Ceccarelli Giancarlo
Published: March 2021

The role of viruses in community acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been largely underestimated in the pre‐coronavirus disease 2019 age. However, during flu seasonal early identification of viral infection in CAP is crucial to guide treatment and in‐hospital management. Though recommended, the routine use of nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) to detect viral infection has been poorly scaled‐up, especially in the emergency department (ED). This study sought to assess the prevalence and associated clinical outcomes of viral infections in patients with CAP during peak flu season. In this retrospective, observational study adults presenting at the ED of our hospital (Rome, Italy) with CAP from January 15th to February 22th, 2019 were enrolled. Each patient was tested on admission with Influenza rapid test and real time multiplex assay. Seventy five consecutive patients were enrolled. 30.7% (n = 23) tested positive for viral infection. Of these, 52.1% (n = 12) were H1N1/FluA. 10 patients had multiple virus co‐infections. CAP with viral infection did not differ for any demographic, clinic and laboratory features by the exception of CCI and CURB‐65. All intra‐ED deaths and mechanical ventilations were recorded among CAP with viral infection. Testing only patients with CURB‐65 score ≥2, 10 out of 12 cases of H1N1/FluA would have been detected saving up to 40% tests. Viral infection occurred in one‐third of CAP during flu seasonal peak 2019. Since not otherwise distinguishable, NPS is so far the only reliable mean to identify CAP with viral infection. Testing only patients with moderate/severe CAP significantly minimize the number of tests.
Knee cartilage T2 relaxation times 3 months after ACL reconstruction are associated with knee gait variables linked to knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Williams Jack R. , Neal Kelsey , Alfayyadh Abdulmajeed , Lennon Kendra , Capin Jacob J. , Khandha Ashutosh , Manal Kurt , Potter Hollis G. , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn , Buchanan Thomas S.
Published: March 2021

Osteoarthritis development after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is not well understood. Investigators have examined associations between knee biomechanical alterations and quantitative MRI (qMRI) variables, reflective of cartilage health, 12–60 months following ACLR; however, none have done so early after surgery. As part of an exploratory study, 45 individuals (age, 23 ± 7 years) underwent motion analysis during walking and qMRI 3 months after ACLR. For each limb, peak knee adduction moment (pKAM) and peak knee flexion moment (pKFM) were determined using inverse dynamics and peak medial compartment force was calculated using a neuromusculoskeletal model. T2 relaxation times in the medial compartment and linear regressions were used to determine the associations between gait variables and deep and superficial cartilage T2 relaxation times in six regions. pKAM was positively associated with deep layer T2 relaxation times within the femoral central and posterior regions when examined in the involved limb and from an interlimb difference perspective (involved limb – uninvolved limb). After adjusting for age, the association between interlimb difference of pKAM and interlimb difference of deep layer T2 relaxation times in the tibial central region became significant (p = .043). Interlimb difference of pKFM was negatively associated with interlimb difference of deep layer T2 relaxation times within the femoral central and posterior regions. These associations suggest that degenerative pathways leading to osteoarthritis may be detectable as early as 3 months after reconstruction. Preventative therapeutic techniques may need to be employed early in the rehabilitation process to prevent cartilage degradation.
Simulation of moire pattern based on transmittance calculation of LCD metal mesh touch panel
Authors: Su Yuyang , Wang Zhile , An Dong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a precise and effective computational method for moire patterns' simulation and prediction of liquid crystal display (LCD) metal mesh touch panel based on the transmittance calculation of LCD's sub‐pixel is proposed. Firstly, we analyze the actual physical model and build our simulation model. Secondly, we explain the form reason of moire phenomenon and establish the transmittance calculation formula. Finally, we demonstrate the accuracy and validation of our simulation approach by practical experiment. The experimental results show that the simulation matching rate is about 88.2%, and the simulated graphs are extremely similar to the actual moire pattern. We can evaluate the moire degree with our new method; this research is significant to touch panel's production.
Multi‐omics reveal the pathways involved in induced defensive colony formation of Tetradesmus obliquus in response to Daphnia grazing cues
Authors: Zhu Xuexia , Sun Yunfei , Zhang Lu , Wang Jun , Gu Lei , Huang Yuan , Yang Zhou
Published: March 2021

Inducible defenses occur in various taxa of prey organisms. Many phytoplankton species, including the freshwater Chlorophyta Tetradesmus spp., can form defensive morphs under the zooplankton‐released grazing cues. However, definite statements on the actual mechanisms of inducible defense in phytoplankton are quite deficient. In the present study, the defensive mechanism of Tetradesmus obliquus (formerly known as Scenedesmus obliquus) induced by Daphnia infochemicals was analyzed through multifaceted analyses integrating physiological and biochemical monitoring, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. Results showed that the upregulated genes encoding G protein‐coupled receptor and phospholipase C were involved in the perception and transduction of grazing cues, and the transcripts related to extracellular polysaccharides formation and transductions were upregulated. The results provided molecular evidence for the role of extracellular polysaccharides in colony formation. Increased lipid content revealed through metabolomics suggested higher investment in lipid biosynthesis within colonial cells, whereas the downregulation of ribosome‐related pathways indicated less allocation of energy and resources to protein biosynthesis. The significant increase in indole‐3‐acetic acid content indicated that growth was activated under grazing cues. This study provided essential information on the inducible defensive mechanism of Tetradesmus and direct evidence for the intracellular reallocation of resources and energy owing to the defensive colony formation, which had considerable implications for enriching the theory of inducible defenses at the molecular level.
Antidepressant‐like Effects of Degraded Porphyran Isolated fromPorphyra haitanensis
Authors: Yi Li‐Tao , Zhang Man‐Man , Cheng Jie , Wan Hui‐Qi , Li Cheng‐Fu , Zhu Ji‐Xiao , Zhang Qiu‐Ping , Liu Qing , Xu Guang‐Hui
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Degraded porphyran is a bioactive polysaccharide extracted fromPorphyra haitanensis(P. haitanensis). According to the previous studies, it produced anti‐inflammatory activity, but little is known about its effects on depression.

Methods and Results

As inflammation is one of the critical factors involved in the development of depression, this study aims to elucidate the potential antidepressant‐like effects of degraded porphyran. The results show that acute porphyran treatment decreased the immobility time in despair tests. In addition, subchronic porphyran administration reverses depressive‐like behaviors in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated mice. Meanwhile, porphyran inhibits NF‐κB/NLRP3 signaling, proinflammatory cytokine release, and microglial activation in the hippocampus. Moreover, chronic porphyran treatment activates hippocampal brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB/ERK/CREB signaling pathway in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in mice. As a result, neurogenesis and spinogenesis are maintained.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study indicate that degraded porphyran intake provides a potential strategy for depression treatment, which is mediated by the inhibition of neuroinflammation and the enhancement of neurogenesis and spinogenesis in the central nervous systems.
QSM reconstruction challenge 2.0: Design and report of results
Authors:   QSM Challenge 2.0 Organization Committee, Bilgic Berkin , Langkammer Christian , Marques José P. , Meineke Jakob , Milovic Carlos , Schweser Ferdinand
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aim of the second quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) reconstruction challenge (Oct 2019, Seoul, Korea) was to test the accuracy of QSM dipole inversion algorithms in simulated brain data.

Methods

A two‐stage design was chosen for this challenge. The participants were provided with datasets of multi‐echo gradient echo images synthesized from two realisticin silicohead phantoms using an MR simulator. At the first stage, participants optimized QSM reconstructions without ground truth data available to mimic the clinical setting. At the second stage, ground truth data were provided for parameter optimization. Submissions were evaluated using eight numerical metrics and visual ratings.

Results

A total of 98 reconstructions were submitted for stage 1 and 47 submissions for stage 2. Iterative methods had the best quantitative metric scores, followed by deep learning and direct inversion methods. Priors derived from magnitude data improved the metric scores. Algorithms based on iterative approaches and total variation (and its derivatives) produced the best overall results. The reported results and analysis pipelines have been made public to allow researchers to compare new methods to the current state of the art.

Conclusion

The synthetic data provide a consistent framework to test the accuracy and robustness of QSM algorithms in the presence of noise, calcifications and minor voxel dephasing effects. Total Variation‐based algorithms produced the best results among all metrics. Future QSM challenges should assess whether this good performance with synthetic datasets translates to more realistic scenarios, where background fields and dipole‐incompatible phase contributions are included.
Patient-Reported Out-of-Pocket Costs and Financial Toxicity During Early-Phase Oncology Clinical Trials
Authors: Huey Ryan W. , George Goldy C. , Phillips Penny , White Revenda , Fu Siqing , Janku Filip , Karp Daniel D. , Naing Aung , Piha-Paul Sarina , Subbiah Vivek , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Pant Shubham , Yap Timothy A. , Rodon Jordi , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Shih Ya-Chen Tina , Hong David S.
Published: March 2021

Background

Clinical trials are an important therapeutic option for patients with cancer. Although financial burden in cancer treatment is well documented, the financial burden associated with clinical trials is not well understood.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a survey regarding economic burden and financial toxicity in patients with cancer enrolled in phase I clinical trials for >1 month. Financial toxicity score was assessed using the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity survey. Patients also reported monthly out-of-pocket (OOP) costs.

Results

Two hundred and thirteen patients completed the survey (72% non-Hispanic White; 45% with annual income ≤$60,000; 50% lived >300 miles from the clinic; 37% required air travel). Forty-eight percent of patients had monthly OOP costs of at least $1,000. Fifty-five percent and 64% of patients reported unanticipated medical and nonmedical expenses, respectively. Worse financial toxicity was associated with yearly household income <$60,000 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.7; p = .008), having unanticipated medical costs (OR: 3.2; p = .024), and living >100 miles away from the clinical trial hospital (OR: 2.3; p = .043). Non-White or Hispanic patients (OR: 2.5; p = .011) and patients who were unemployed or not working outside the home (OR: 2.5; p = .016) were more likely to report high unanticipated medical costs.

Conclusion

Among patients with cancer participating in clinical trials, economic burden is high, and most of patients’ OOP costs were nonmedical costs. Financial toxicity is disproportionally higher in patients with lower income and those who travel farther, and unexpected medical costs were more common among non-White or Hispanic patients. OOP costs can be substantial and are often unexpected for patients.

Implications for Practice

The financial burden of cancer treatment is well documented, but there are limited data regarding the financial burden associated with cancer clinical trials. This study surveyed 213 patients enrolled in early-phase clinical trials. Monthly out-of-pocket costs were at least $1000 for nearly half of patients. Worse financial toxicity was associated with income <$60,000 and living farther away from the hospital. Racial/ethnic minorities had higher rates of unanticipated medical costs. These data help to quantify the high financial burden for patients and may reveal a cause of disparities in clinical trial enrollment for underrepresented populations.
Facile synthesis of carbon microspheres/tin ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonate hybrid for improving the mechanical, flame‐retardant, and thermal properties of epoxy resin
Authors: Wang Wenduo , Wang Zhengzhou
Published: March 2021

A botryoidal carbon microspheres/tin ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonate hybrid (CMS@TETP) was fabricated via a self‐assembly method and was applied to modify epoxy resin (EP) in order to simultaneously improve its mechanical, flame‐retardant, and thermal properties. The mechanical tests' results show that the addition of 1.0 wt% CMS@TETP endows EP with an increase in tensile and impact strengths of 24.4% and 23.1%, respectively, relative to the values of pure EP. The cone calorimeter test results reveal that CMS@TETP has better flame retardancy in EP than either CMS or TETP at the same loading level. In comparison with those of pure EP, the mean heat release rate, peak heat release rate, total heat release, and effective heat of combustion of the EP composite containing 3.0 wt% CMS@TETP (EP/CMS@TETP‐3) are respectively reduced by 49.5%, 59.1%, 47.0%, and 46.1%. The glass transition temperatures of EP/CMS@TETP composites are slightly increased than that of pure EP, indicating an increase in the thermal resistance. Thermogravimetric analysis results provide evidence that CMS@TETP has good char‐forming capacity in EP.
Continuum modelling of an asymmetric CCRF argon plasma reactor: Influence of higher excited states and sensitivity to model parameters
Authors: Baldry Mark , Haidar Laura L. , Akhavan Behnam , Bilek Marcela M. M.
Published: March 2021

Precise control of capacitively coupled radiofrequency (CCRF) plasma reactors is required to achieve desired outcomes in surface functionalisation and material synthesis processes. This necessitates detailed mapping of the large process parameter space and a thorough understanding of spatial and temporal variations of the plasma throughout the reactor. These goals can only feasibly be achieved  with accurate numerical modelling. Previous numerical studies of CCRF discharges have implemented a range of simplifying assumptions to improve numerical tractability, such as small electrode spacing, radial uniformity, fewer active species and simplified boundary conditions, while neglecting self‐bias formation. Although this approach is useful in developing the methodology for continuum plasma modelling, it poses challenges for direct comparison with experimental data and for understanding the behaviour of plasma processes employed in the surface treatment of large, complex objects, or the synthesis of nanoparticles. Here we report the development of a two‐dimensional axisymmetric continuum model for a CCRF reactor with a pure argon 13.56‐MHz discharge using the finite element method. The large electrode spacing and reactor design result in two distinct discharge regions and the formation of a strong DC self‐bias on the powered electrode. The plasma discharge is studied as the pressure is varied from 0.1 to 0.3 Torr, over the radiofrequency input power range of 25–100 W, which leads to consistent enhancements of the electron density and self‐bias. The impact of the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) on the discharge is assessed, with the assumption of a Druyvesteyn EEDF resulting in a bulk electron density and temperature of 3.4 × 1015 m−3 and 3.3 eV, respectively, compared with 8.1 × 1015 m−3 and 1.9 eV in the Maxwellian case. The asymmetric power distribution throughout the reactor is quantified to build a reduced domain model with a lower computational cost. The effect of an electrically floating parallel plate electrode is assessed, resulting in a 42% higher bulk plasma potential as compared with the grounded case. The inclusion of resonant and 2p excited states of argon is shown to have a major impact on the discharge dynamics, leading to an order of magnitude reduction in bulk electron density. This study proposes a robust numerical model of a CCRF argon plasma discharge to facilitate future simulations of more complex discharges with important implications in plasma surface engineering and synthesis of materials.
Tuning the wicking and wettability properties of PET textiles by DBD or a remote atmospheric RF torch: A comparison
Authors: Demaude Annaëlle , Inturri Rosanna , Satriano Cristina , Leroy Perrine , Reniers François
Published: March 2021

Textile industry is constantly searching for easy and rapid ways to improve the properties of textiles. In this matter, plasma treatments have already proven to be an efficient and green solution, as they proceed in a dry environment and require minimal use of chemicals. To date, most of the work on the subject has been performed with low‐pressure plasmas. Recently, atmospheric plasmas have received increasing interest, especially for industrial applications. Indeed, the possibility to avoid the use of pumping systems makes this technology easily implementable in continuous in‐line processes. For many applications, the treatment aims at modifying the textile surface to increase the overall hydrophilicity. The latter is often probed by the water contact angle, but this does not always reflect the global hydrophilic behavior of the textile as a three‐dimensional material. A complementary study of the wicking properties is important to better reflect the penetration of liquids into the textile, but it is poorly reported in the literature. The present work aims at increasing the water uptake of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) textile by direct or remote plasma treatment, which are the two main trends in this field. For this purpose, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and a radiofrequency plasma torch at atmospheric pressure are used, respectively. Different plasma parameters are varied and their respective effect on the wicking properties of the fabric, assessed by an absorbency test developed ad hoc, are correlated to their surface chemical composition determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These results are compared with the possible changes in wetting of the fiber surface witnessed by water contact angles measured on PET foil samples submitted to the same plasma treatments. Complete wicking of water in PET textile can be obtained after 20 or 10 s of torch treatment with pure Ar plasma or Ar/O2 mixture, respectively. However, a comparable effect is detected, after 30 s of DBD Ar plasma treatment, under the used experimental conditions. Besides, the addition of O2 to the discharge has an opposite effect on the fabric wicking. These results are discussed in terms of the peculiar processes in surface activation and modification of the fabric surface triggered by the two different plasma technologies.
Adaptive finite‐time event‐triggered control for nonlinear systems with quantized input signals
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Ma Qian , Xu Shengyuan , Zhang Zhengqiang
Published: March 2021

The adaptive finite‐time event‐triggered quantized control for the nonlinear systems considering uncertain parameters and external disturbances is investigated in this article. First, for the parametric nonlinear systems with external disturbances, an adaptive finite‐time event‐triggered control scheme with input quantization is proposed. The designed controller can ensure the semiglobal finite‐time stability of the closed‐loop system. Then, to deal with the global finite‐time control problem for the parametric nonlinear systems, a novel adaptive quantized event‐triggered control scheme is constructed. Finally, two simulation examples are utilized to illustrate the effectiveness of the adaptive event‐triggered control schemes.
Single Co‐Atoms as Electrocatalysts for Efficient Hydrazine Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Kadam Ravishankar G. , Zhang Tao , Zaoralová Dagmar , Medveď Miroslav , Bakandritsos Aristides , Tomanec Ondřej , Petr Martin , Zhu Chen Johnny , Miller Jeffrey T. , Otyepka Michal , Zbořil Radek , Asefa Tewodros , Gawande Manoj B.
Published: March 2021

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have aroused great attention due to their high atom efficiency and unprecedented catalytic properties. A remaining challenge is to anchor the single atoms individually on support materials via strong interactions. Herein, single atom Co sites have been developed on functionalized graphene by taking advantage of the strong interaction between Co2+ ions and the nitrile group of cyanographene. The potential of the material, which is named G(CN)Co, as a SAC is demonstrated using the electrocatalytic hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR). The material exhibits excellent catalytic activity for HzOR, driving the reaction with low overpotential and high current density while remaining stable during long reaction times. Thus, this material can be a promising alternative to conventional noble metal‐based catalysts that are currently widely used in HzOR‐based fuel cells. Density functional theory calculations of the reaction mechanism over the material reveal that the Co(II) sites on G(CN)Co can efficiently interact with hydrazine molecules and promote the NH bond‐dissociation steps involved in the HzOR.
Antibody‐Functionalized Gold Nanostar‐Mediated On‐Resonance Picosecond Laser Optoporation for Targeted Delivery of RNA Therapeutics
Authors: Hasanzadeh Kafshgari Morteza , Agiotis Leonidas , Largillière Isabelle , Patskovsky Sergiy , Meunier Michel
Published: March 2021

The rapid advances of genetic and genomic technology indicate promising therapeutic potential of genetic materials for regulating abnormal gene expressions causing diseases and disorders. However, targeted intracellular delivery of RNA therapeutics still remains a major challenge hindering the clinical translation. In this study, an elaborated plasmonic optoporation approach is proposed to efficiently and selectively transfect specific cells. The site‐specific optoporation is obtained by tuning the spectral range of a supercontinuum pulsed picosecond laser in order for each individual cell binding gold nanostar with their unique resonance peak to magnify the local field strength in the near‐infrared region and facilitate a selective delivery of small interfering RNA, messenger RNA, and Cas9‐ribonucleoprotein into human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Numerical simulations indicate that optoporation is not due to a plasma‐mediated process but rather due to a highly localized temperature rise both in time (few nanoseconds) and space (few nanometers). Taking advantage of the numerical simulation and fine‐tuning of the optical strategy, the perforated lipid bilayer of targeted cells undergoes a membrane recovery process, important to retain their viability. The results signify the prospects of antibody functionalized nanostar‐mediated optoporation as a simple and realistic gene delivery approach for future clinical practices.
Inelastic Electron Tunneling Spectroscopic Analysis of Bias‐Induced Structural Changes in a Solid‐State Protein Junction
Authors: Fereiro Jerry A. , Pecht Israel , Sheves Mordechai , Cahen David
Published: March 2021

A central issue in protein electronics is how far the structural stability of the protein is preserved under the very high electrical field that it will experience once a bias voltage is applied. This question is studied on the redox protein Azurin in the solid‐state Au/protein/Au junction by monitoring protein vibrations during current transport under applied bias, up to ≈1 GV m−1, by electrical detection of inelastic electron transport effects. Characteristic vibrational modes, such as CH stretching, amide (NH) bending, and AuS (of the bonds that connect the protein to an Au electrode), are not found to change noticeably up to 1.0 V. At >1.0 V, the NH bending and CH stretching inelastic features have disappeared, while the AuS features persist till ≈2 V, i.e., the proteins remain Au bound. Three possible causes for the disappearance of the NH and CH inelastic features at high bias, namely, i) resonance transport, ii) metallic filament formation, and iii) bond rupture leading to structural changes in the protein are proposed and tested. The results support the last option and indicate that spectrally resolved inelastic features can serve to monitor in operando structural stability of biological macromolecules while they serve as electronic current conduit.
Core–Multishell‐Structured Digital‐Gradient Cathode Materials with Enhanced Mechanical and Electrochemical Durability
Authors: Shin Youngho , Maeng Sangjin , Chung Youngmin , Krumdick Gregory K. , Min Sangkee
Published: March 2021

Ni‐rich cathode materials provide high energy density, but their structural and surface instability limits their cyclability and thermal stability. As one of the approaches to mitigate this problem, cathode materials comprising Ni‐rich high‐capacity core wrapped in Mn‐rich multiple shells are produced successfully. In contrast to the conventional batch‐type process for concentration‐gradient materials, a digital‐gradient cascade coprecipitation process described here achieves the improvements in productivity and quality consistency needed to move toward large‐scale manufacturing. The core–multishell cathode materials produced in this manner not only have longer cycle life and improved rate performance compared to homogeneous Ni‐rich cathode materials having the same overall composition, but also show remarkably enhanced thermal stability and low impedance growth characteristics. In a novel attempt to determine the correlation between the mechanical properties of the core–multishell cathode particles and their electrochemical cyclabilities, their breaking force and elasticity were successfully measured using a statistical approach, which indicates that a cathode particle with stable surface composition as well as high breaking force has improved capacity retention and durability. These results guide the realization of long life and high thermal stability in Ni‐rich cathode materials through heterogeneous particle engineering.