bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infinity additive manufacturing of continuous microstructured fiber links for THz communications
Authors: Xu Guofu , Nallappan Kathirvel , Cao Yang , Skorobogatiy Maksim
Published: March 2022

In this work, a novel infinity 3D printing technique is explored to fabricate continuous few-meter-long low-loss near-zero dispersion suspended-core polypropylene fibers for application in terahertz (THz) communications. Particular attention is paid to process parameter optimization for 3D printing with low-loss polypropylene plastic. Three microstructured THz fibers were 3D printed using the standard and infinity 3D printers, and an in-depth theoretical and experimental comparison between the fibers was carried out. Transmission losses (by power) of 4.79 dB/m, 17.34 dB/m, and 11.13 dB/m are experimentally demonstrated for the three fibers operating at 128 GHz. Signal transmission with bit error rate (BER) far below the forward error correction limit (10–3) for the corresponding three fiber types of lengths of 2 m, 0.75 m, and 1.6 m are observed, and an error-free transmission is realized at the bit rates up to 5.2 Gbps. THz imaging of the fiber near-field is used to visualize modal distributions and study optimal fiber excitation conditions. The ability to shield the fundamental mode from the environment, mechanical robustness, and ease of handling of thus developed effectively single-mode high optical performance fibers make them excellent candidates for upcoming fiber-assisted THz communications. Additionally, novel fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based infinity printing technique allows continuous fabrication of unlimited in length fibers of complex transverse geometries using advanced thermoplastic composites, which, in our opinion, is poised to become a key fabrication technique for advanced terahertz fiber manufacturing.
Predicting health-related social needs in Medicaid and Medicare populations using machine learning
Authors: Holcomb Jennifer , Oliveira Luis C. , Highfield Linda , Hwang Kevin O. , Giancardo Luca , Bernstam Elmer Victor
Published: March 2022

Providers currently rely on universal screening to identify health-related social needs (HRSNs). Predicting HRSNs using EHR and community-level data could be more efficient and less resource intensive. Using machine learning models, we evaluated the predictive performance of HRSN status from EHR and community-level social determinants of health (SDOH) data for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries participating in the Accountable Health Communities Model. We hypothesized that Medicaid insurance coverage would predict HRSN status. All models significantly outperformed the baseline Medicaid hypothesis. AUCs ranged from 0.59 to 0.68. The top performance (AUC = 0.68 CI 0.66–0.70) was achieved by the “any HRSNs” outcome, which is the most useful for screening prioritization. Community-level SDOH features had lower predictive performance than EHR features. Machine learning models can be used to prioritize patients for screening. However, screening only patients identified by our current model(s) would miss many patients. Future studies are warranted to optimize prediction of HRSNs.
Tunneling between parallel one-dimensional Wigner crystals
Authors: Méndez-Camacho R. , Cruz-Hernández E.
Published: March 2022

Vertically aligned arrays are a frequent outcome in the nanowires synthesis by self-assembly techniques or in its subsequent processing. When these nanowires are close enough, quantum electron tunneling is expected between them. Then, because extended or localized electronic states can be established in the wires by tuning its electron density, the tunneling configuration between adjacent wires could be conveniently adjusted by an external gate. In this contribution, by considering the collective nature of electrons using a Yukawa-like effective potential, we explore the electron interaction between closely spaced, parallel nanowires while varying the electron density and geometrical parameters. We find that, at a low-density Wigner crystal regime, the tunneling can take place between adjacent localized states along and transversal to the wires axis, which in turn allows to create two- and three-dimensional electronic distributions with valuable potential applications.
Parallel quantum annealing
Authors: Pelofske Elijah , Hahn Georg , Djidjev Hristo N.
Published: March 2022

Quantum annealers of D-Wave Systems, Inc., offer an efficient way to compute high quality solutions of NP-hard problems. This is done by mapping a problem onto the physical qubits of the quantum chip, from which a solution is obtained after quantum annealing. However, since the connectivity of the physical qubits on the chip is limited, a minor embedding of the problem structure onto the chip is required. In this process, and especially for smaller problems, many qubits will stay unused. We propose a novel method, called parallel quantum annealing, to make better use of available qubits, wherein either the same or several independent problems are solved in the same annealing cycle of a quantum annealer, assuming enough physical qubits are available to embed more than one problem. Although the individual solution quality may be slightly decreased when solving several problems in parallel (as opposed to solving each problem separately), we demonstrate that our method may give dramatic speed-ups in terms of the Time-To-Solution (TTS) metric for solving instances of the Maximum Clique problem when compared to solving each problem sequentially on the quantum annealer. Additionally, we show that solving a single Maximum Clique problem using parallel quantum annealing reduces the TTS significantly.
Platinum-coated silicotungstic acid-sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol-polyaniline based hybrid ionic polymer metal composite membrane for bending actuation applications
Authors: Luqman Mohammad , Shaikh Hamid , Anis Arfat , Al-Zahrani Saeed M. , Hamidi Abdullah , Inamuddin
Published: March 2022

An electro-stimulus-responsive bending actuator was developed by synthesizing a non-perfluorinated membrane based on silicotungstic acid (SA), sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol (SPVA), and polyaniline (PANI). The membrane was developed via solution casting method. The dry membrane SA/SPVA showed a sufficient ion-exchange potential of 1.6 meq g−1 dry film. The absorption capacity of the membrane after almost 6 h of immersion was found to be ca. 245% at 45 °C. The electroless plating with Pt metal was carried out on both sides of the membrane that delivered an excellent proton conductivity of 1.9 × 10−3 S cm−1. Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to reflect the smooth and consistent surface that can prevent water loss. The water loss capacity of the membrane was found to be ca. 33% at 6 V for 16 min. These results suggest a good actuation output of the ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) membrane once the electrical potential is applied. The electromechanical characterization displayed a maximum tip displacement of 32 mm at 3 V. A microgripping device based on multifigure IPMC membrane may be developed showing a good potential in micro-robotics.
Phenotypic, molecular and biochemical evaluation of somatic hybrids between Solanum tuberosum and S. bulbocastanum
Authors: Sedlák Petr , Sedláková Vladimíra , Vašek Jakub , Zeka Dukagjin , Čílová Daniela , Melounová Martina , Orsák Matyáš , Domkářová Jaroslava , Doležal Petr , Vejl Pavel
Published: March 2022

Somatic hybridization has been frequently used to overcome sexual incompatibility between potato and its secondary germplasm. The primary objective of this study was to produce and evaluate somatic hybrids of Solanum tuberosum (Stub) and S. bulbocastanum (Sblb) for breeding purposes. In 2007, 23 somatic hybrids were produced using an electrofusion of mesophyll protoplasts of diploid (2n = 2x = 24) potato line StubDH165 and S. bulbocastanum PI24351 (Sblb66). Phenotype of somatic hybrids in field conditions were evaluated, together with constitution and stability of 30 nuclear (ncSSR) and 27 cytoplasmic (cpSSR) microsatellite markers and content of main glycoalkaloids. All somatic hybrids had very high field resistance against late blight, but the plants were infertile: the viability of pollen grains insignificantly varied between 0.58 and 8.97%. A significant somaclonal variation was observed in terms of the morphology of plants, the date of emergence, the quantity of harvested tubers, the content of glycoalkaloids in foliage, and nuclear microsatellite markers (ncSSR). The analysis of ncSSR identified five distinct genotypes of hybrids partly associated with phenotype variations. The process of somatic hybridization with regeneration of shoots was identified as the most likely source of somaclonal variation because the ncSSR genotypes of hybrids, which were maintained in vitro, remained stable for more than 10 years. The infertile somatic hybrids have no practical breeding potential, but they are considered very suitable for advanced studies of the differential expression of genes in the pathways linked to dormancy of tubers and synthesis of glycoalkaloids.
Maling bamboo (Yushania maling) overdominance alters forest structure and composition in Khangchendzonga landscape, Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Gaira Kailash S. , Pandey Aseesh , Sinha Sheila , Badola Hemant K. , Lepcha Jhony , Dhyani Pitamber P. , Chettri Nakul
Published: March 2022

The Khangchendzonga Landscape (KL), a part of ‘Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot’, is known for its unique biodiversity assemblage. In recent years, the KL is experiencing threats to biodiversity due to the biological overdominance of native Maling bamboo (Yushania maling). In the present study, we investigated the impacts of the overdominance ofY. malingon the forest composition of Singalila National Park (SNP), Eastern Himalaya, India. Elevational habitats 2400 to 3400 m asl were sampled by laying 69 (10 m × 10 m) forest plots including 51 bamboo plots and 18 non-bamboo plots. Bamboo plots showed significantly (p < 0.05) low species richness and density in both shrub and herb layers which further manifested the low seedling density. Generalized Additive Model (GAM) estimated a significant (p < 0.0001) decline in species richness and density with increasing bamboo density in SNP. Our study projects the overdominance ofY. malinghas a significant negative impact on forest structure and composition. Therefore, management of invasiveness ofY. malingis essential through its optimized removal from the protected areas and utilization in making handicrafts, paper industries etc. to create ecological and economic benefits. Further long-term studies assessing the impacts ofY. malingoverdominance on forest ecosystems and soil dynamics are recommended.
Deep learning approach for chemistry and processing history prediction from materials microstructure
Authors: Farizhandi Amir Abbas Kazemzadeh , Betancourt Omar , Mamivand Mahmood
Published: March 2022

Finding the chemical composition and processing history from a microstructure morphology for heterogeneous materials is desired in many applications. While the simulation methods based on physical concepts such as the phase-field method can predict the spatio-temporal evolution of the materials’ microstructure, they are not efficient techniques for predicting processing and chemistry if a specific morphology is desired. In this study, we propose a framework based on a deep learning approach that enables us to predict the chemistry and processing history just by reading the morphological distribution of one element. As a case study, we used a dataset from spinodal decomposition simulation of Fe–Cr–Co alloy created by the phase-field method. The mixed dataset, which includes both images, i.e., the morphology of Fe distribution, and continuous data, i.e., the Fe minimum and maximum concentration in the microstructures, are used as input data, and the spinodal temperature and initial chemical composition are utilized as the output data to train the proposed deep neural network. The proposed convolutional layers were compared with pretrained EfficientNet convolutional layers as transfer learning in microstructure feature extraction. The results show that the trained shallow network is effective for chemistry prediction. However, accurate prediction of processing temperature requires more complex feature extraction from the morphology of the microstructure. We benchmarked the model predictive accuracy for real alloy systems with a Fe–Cr–Co transmission electron microscopy micrograph. The predicted chemistry and heat treatment temperature were in good agreement with the ground truth.
A likely geological record of deep tremor and slow slip events from a subducted continental broken formation
Authors: Giuntoli Francesco , Viola Giulio
Published: March 2022

Fluids in subduction zones play a key role in controlling seismic activity, drastically affecting the rheology of rocks, triggering mineral reactions, and lowering the effective stress. Fluctuating pore pressure is one important parameter for the switch between brittle and ductile deformation, thus impacting seismogenesis. Episodic tremor and slow slip events (ETS) have been proposed as a common feature of the geophysical signature of subduction zones. Their geological record, however, remains scanty. Only the detailed and further characterization of exhumed fossil geological settings can help fill this knowledge gap. Here we propose that fluctuating pore pressure linked to metamorphic dehydration reactions steered cyclic and ETS-related brittle and ductile deformation of continental crustal rocks in the subduction channel of the Apennines. Dilational shear veins and ductile mylonitic shear zones formed broadly coevally at minimum 1 GPa and 350 °C, corresponding to ~ 30–40 km depth in the subduction zone. We identify carpholite in Ca-poor metasediments as an important carrier of H2O to depths > 40 km in cold subduction zones. Our results suggest that the described (micro)structures and mineralogical changes can be ascribed to deep ETS and provide a useful reference for the interpretation of similar tectonic settings worldwide.
Significance of platinum distribution to predict platinum resistance in ovarian cancer after platinum treatment in neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Uno Kaname , Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Tazaki Akira , Ohnuma Shoko , Kitami Kazuhisa , Iyoshi Shohei , Mogi Kazumasa , Yoshihara Masato , Koya Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Mai , Tamauchi Satoshi , Ikeda Yoshiki , Yokoi Akira , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Kato Masashi , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: March 2022

Most patients with ovarian cancer experience recurrence and develop resistance to platinum-based agents. The diagnosis of platinum resistance based on the platinum-free interval is not always accurate and timely in clinical settings. Herein, we used laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to visualize the platinum distribution in the ovarian cancer tissues at the time of interval debulking surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 27patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Two distinct patterns of platinum distribution were observed. Type A (n = 16): platinum accumulation at the adjacent stroma but little in the tumor; type B (n = 11): even distribution of platinum throughout the tumor and adjacent stroma. The type A patients treated post-surgery with platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy showed significantly shorter periods of recurrence after the last platinum-based chemotherapy session (p = 0.020) and were diagnosed with “platinum-resistant recurrence”. Moreover, type A was significantly correlated with worse prognosis (p = 0.031). Post-surgery treatment with non-platinum-based chemotherapy could be effective for the patients classified as type A. Our findings indicate that the platinum resistance can be predicted prior to recurrence, based on the platinum distribution; this could contribute to the selection of more appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy, which may lead to improves prognoses.
Thermally damaged porcine skin is not a surrogate mechanical model of human skin
Authors: Gallagher Samara , Kruger Uwe , Josyula Kartik , Rahul  , Gong Alex , Song Agnes , Sweet Robert , Makled Basiel , Parsey Conner , Norfleet Jack , De Suvranu
Published: March 2022

Porcine skin is considered a de facto surrogate for human skin. However, this study shows that the mechanical characteristics of full thickness burned human skin are different from those of porcine skin. The study relies on five mechanical properties obtained from uniaxial tensile tests at loading rates relevant to surgery: two parameters of the Veronda-Westmann hyperelastic material model, ultimate tensile stress, ultimate tensile strain, and toughness of the skin samples. Univariate statistical analyses show that human and porcine skin properties are dissimilar (p < 0.01) for each loading rate. Multivariate classification involving the five mechanical properties using logistic regression can successfully separate the two skin types with a classification accuracy exceeding 95% for each loading rate individually as well as combined. The findings of this study are expected to guide the development of effective training protocols and high-fidelity simulators to train burn care providers.
Bias at the third nucleotide of codon pairs in virus and host genomes
Authors: Plant Ewan P. , Ye Zhiping
Published: March 2022

Genomes of different sizes and complexity can be compared using common features. Most genomes contain open reading frames, and most genomes use the same genetic code. Redundancy in the genetic code means that different biases in the third nucleotide position of a codon exist in different genomes. However, the nucleotide composition of viruses can be quite different from host nucleotide composition making it difficult to assess the relevance of these biases. Here we show that grouping codons of a codon-pair according to the GC content of the first two nucleotide positions of each codon reveals patterns in nucleotide usage at the third position of the 1st codon. Differences between the observed and expected biases occur predominantly when the first two nucleotides of the 2nd codon are both S (strong, G or C) or both W (weak, A or T), not a mixture of strong and weak. The data indicates that some codon pairs are preferred because of the strength of the interactions between the codon and anticodon, the adjacent tRNAs and the ribosome. Using base-pairing strength and third position bias facilitates the comparison of genomes of different size and nucleotide composition and reveals patterns not previously described.
Detecting structural variations with precise breakpoints using low-depth WGS data from a single oxford nanopore MinION flowcell
Authors: Leung Henry C. M. , Yu Huijing , Zhang Yifan , Leung Wing Sze , Lo Ivan F. M. , Luk Ho Ming , Law Wai-Chun , Ma Ka Kui , Wong Chak Lim , Wong Yat Sing , Luo Ruibang , Lam Tak-Wah
Published: March 2022

Structural variation (SV) is a major cause of genetic disorders. In this paper, we show that low-depth (specifically, 4×) whole-genome sequencing using a single Oxford Nanopore MinION flow cell suffices to support sensitive detection of SV, particularly pathogenic SV for supporting clinical diagnosis. When using 4× ONT WGS data, existing SV calling software often fails to detect pathogenic SV, especially in the form of long deletion, terminal deletion, duplication, and unbalanced translocation. Our new SV calling software SENSV can achieve high sensitivity for all types of SV and a breakpoint precision typically ± 100 bp; both features are important for clinical concerns. The improvement achieved by SENSV stems from several new algorithms. We evaluated SENSV and other software using both real and simulated data. The former was based on 24 patient samples, each diagnosed with a genetic disorder. SENSV found the pathogenic SV in 22 out of 24 cases (all heterozygous, size from hundreds of kbp to a few Mbp), reporting breakpoints within 100 bp of the true answers. On the other hand, no existing software can detect the pathogenic SV in more than 10 out of 24 cases, even when the breakpoint requirement is relaxed to ± 2000 bp.
Development of spray-drying-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Matsumoto Chigusa , Gen Masao , Matsuki Atsushi , Seto Takafumi
Published: March 2022

We report a spray-drying method to fabricate silver nanoparticle (AgNP) aggregates for application in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A custom-built system was used to fabricate AgNP aggregates of four sizes, 48, 86, 151, and 218 nm, from drying droplets containing AgNPs atomized from an AgNP suspension. Sample solutions of Rhodamine B (RhB) at 10–6, 10–8, and 10–10 M concentrations were dropped onto the AgNP aggregates as probe molecules to examine the enhancement of the Raman signals of the RhB. The ordering of the analytical enhancement factors (AEFs) by aggregate size at a 10–6 M RhB was 86 nm > 218 nm > 151 nm > 48 nm. When RhB concentrations are below 10–8 M, the 86 and 151 nm AgNP aggregates show clear RhB peaks. The AEFs of the 86 nm AgNP aggregates were the highest in all four aggregates and higher than those of the 218-nm aggregates, although the 218-nm aggregates had more hot spots where Raman enhancement occurred. This finding was attributable to the deformation and damping of the electron cloud in the highly aggregated AgNPs, reducing the sensitivity for Raman enhancement. When RhB was premixed with the AgNP suspension prior to atomization, the AEFs at 10–8 M RhB rose ~ 100-fold compared to those in the earlier experiments (the post-dropping route). This significant enhancement was probably caused by the increased opportunity for the trapping of the probe molecules in the hot spots.
Mechanisms of D1/D2-like dopaminergic agonist, rotigotine, on lower urinary tract function in rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ouchi Mifuka , Kitta Takeya , Chiba Hiroki , Higuchi Madoka , Togo Mio , Abe-Takahashi Yui , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: March 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. As activation of dopaminergic receptors is fundamentally involved in the micturition reflex in PD, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of a single dose of rotigotine ([−]2-(N-propyl-N-2-thienylethylamino)-5-hydroxytetralin) on intercontraction interval (ICI) and voiding pressure (VP) in a rat model of PD. We used 27 female rats, PD was induced by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; 8 μg in 2 μL of 0.9% saline containing 0.3% ascorbic acid), and rotigotine was administrated at doses of 0.125, 0.25, or 0.5 mg/kg, either intravenous or subcutaneous injection. In rats with 6-OHDA-induced PD, intravenous injection of 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg rotigotine led to a significantly lower ICI than after vehicle injection (p < 0.05). Additionally, VP was significantly lower in animals administered rotigotine compared to those injected with vehicle (p < 0.05). Compared to vehicle-injected animals, subcutaneous administration of rotigotine (0.125, 0.25, or 0.5 mg/kg) led to a significantly higher ICI at 2 h after injection (p < 0.05); however, there was no change in ICI after injection with (+)-SCH23390 hydrochloride. Dermal administration of rotigotine in a rat model of PD could suppress an overactive bladder.
Left atrial reverse remodeling improves risk stratification in patients with heart failure with recovered ejection fraction
Authors: Shiba Masayuki , Kato Takao , Morimoto Takeshi , Yaku Hidenori , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Tamaki Yodo , Ozasa Neiko , Seko Yuta , Yamamoto Erika , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Kitai Takeshi , Yamashita Yugo , Iguchi Moritake , Nagao Kazuya , Kawase Yuichi , Morinaga Takashi , Toyofuku Mamoru , Furukawa Yutaka , Ando Kenji , Kadota Kazushige , Sato Yukihito , Kuwahara Koichiro , Kimura Takeshi
Published: March 2022

We aimed to investigate the relationship between left atrial (LA) reverse remodeling and prognosis of heart failure (HF) with recovered ejection fraction (EF) (HFrecEF). Among 1,246 patients with acute heart failure enrolled in the prospective longitudinal follow-up study, 397 patients with HF with mildly-reduced EF and with reduced EF at discharge were analyzed. Echocardiography was performed during the index hospitalization and at the 6-month follow-up after discharge. They were divided into non-HFrecEF (n = 227) and HFrecEF (n = 170) groups. The primary outcome measure was a composite of all-cause death or hospitalization for HF. The cumulative 180-day incidence of the primary outcome measure after follow-up echocardiography was significantly lower in the HFrecEF group than in the non-HFrecEF group (8.9% versus 23.4%, log-rank P = 0.0002). LA reverse remodeling was associated with a lower cumulative 6-month incidence of the primary outcome measure in the HFrecEF group (4.7% versus 18.0%; HR: 0.27, 95%CI: 0.09–0.79, P = 0.01), but not in the non-HFrecEF group (24.4% versus 22.6%; HR: 1.13, 95%CI: 0.65–1.96, P = 0.28) with a significant LA reverse remodeling-by-HFrecEF interaction (P for interaction = 0.02). Combination of left ventricular and atrial reverse remodeling may help in improving HF risk stratification.
Calculation model and experimental study of the collapse strength of titanium alloy tubing and casing
Authors: Liu Qiang , Li Ning , Shen Zhao-xi , Zhao Mi-feng , Xie Jun-feng , Zhu Guo-chuan , Xu Xin , Yin Cheng-xian
Published: March 2022

Titanium alloy has become a promising candidate material for oil country tubular goods (OCTGs) in harsh service environments owing to its high specific strength, low density, low elastic modulus, excellent toughness, excellent anti-fatigue and corrosion resistance. However, because the high-quality natural gas resources in China are mainly concentrated deep underground, titanium alloy tubing and casing will bear great external pressure loads underground, so the collapse strength of titanium alloy tubing and casing is very important for the safety of the string in the well. In this paper, a new collapse strength calculation model, the strength collapse criterion model (SCM), was proposed for titanium alloy tubing and casing. 35 different specifications of titanium alloy tubing and casing were selected for the full-scale collapse tests to verify the reliability of the established SCM model. Furthermore, the effect of different key parameters (such as strength, ovality, eccentricity and residual stress) on collapse strength of titanium alloy pipes were investigated systematically and compared with the same specifications of steel pipes. The strength collapse criterion model and analysis results can provide a technical reference for the design and use of titanium alloy OCTGs in the petroleum and natural gas industries.
Urban noise and surrounding city morphology influence green space occupancy by native birds in a Mediterranean-type South American metropolis
Authors: Arévalo Constanza , Amaya-Espinel Juan David , Henríquez Cristián , Ibarra José Tomás , Bonacic Cristián
Published: March 2022

Urban green spaces provide natural habitat for birds in urban landscapes, yet the effects of noise and surrounding urban morphology on bird community structure and distribution are not well understood in Latin America, the second most urbanized region in the world. Santiago of Chile is the single city belonging to the Mediterranean ecosystem in South America and is subject to extensive urbanization as seen throughout Latin America. We examined the role of 65 urban green spaces—6 large urban parks (PAR) and 59 small green spaces (SGS)—in harboring native birds during winter 2019, analyzing the quality of green areas in terms of vegetation (i.e. NDVI, native vegetation, and tree cover), exotic bird species, noise levels, and surrounding urban morphology (i.e. building height and cover). Significantly higher noise levels were detected in SGS, along with significantly greater exotic bird (n = 4) richness and abundance than PAR, which possessed significantly greater native bird (n = 25) richness and abundance. Native birds were more abundant than exotic birds in green spaces with average noise levels < 52 dB and average NDVI > 0.5. Occupancy models indicate that green space occupancy by 50% of modeled native bird species was influenced by maximum noise levels, playing a larger role than vegetation (30%) and urban morphology (0%). We stress the importance of developing networks of large green spaces in rapidly urbanizing regions, with abundant tree cover, surrounded by smaller urban morphology, and regulating noise levels to ensure the conservation of native bird communities in cities, particularly those that are threatened.
Comparing reliability between 3D imaging and 2D photography for external nasal anthropometry
Authors: Seo Yoon-Soo , Jo Ki-Hun , Kim Joo-Yeon , Kwon Jae-Hwan
Published: March 2022

This study investigates and compares the reliability and reproducibility of two facial anthropometric methods about external nasal angles, 3D imaging and conventional 2D photography. 2D photograph images and 3D images about external nose of 30 volunteers were taken using digital camera and Morpheus 3D scanner. To evaluate intra-rater reliability, each images were taken over two different days for each subject by the same researcher. To evaluate inter-rater reliability, another researcher took each images for each subject on the first day. The reliability of each method for measuring 4 external nasal angle is obtained using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and compared. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of both 3D imaging and 2D photography had excellent agreement in all 4 nasal angles. In the nasofacial angular parameter, Inter-rater ICC, 2D photography was significantly higher than 3D imaging. Result of intra-rater ICC also showed both 3D imaging and 2D photography had good reliability in all 4 nasal angles. Similar to those of inter-rater ICC, nasofacial angular parameter showed statistically significant differences between 3D imaging and 2D photography. In terms of reliability, both 2D and 3D showed appropriate anthropometric results and considering its own advantage, each methods can be used complementarily.
One-step biosynthesis of a bilayered graphene oxide embedded bacterial nanocellulose hydrogel for versatile photothermal membrane applications
Authors: Divyapriya Govindaraj , Rahman Asifur , Leng Weinan , Wang Wei , Vikesland Peter J.
Published: March 2022

We illustrate the facile one-step biosynthesis of a bilayer structured hydrogel composite of reduced-graphene oxide (rGO) and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) for multiple filtration and photothermal water treatment applications.
Polarization-based colour tuning of mixed colloidal quantum-dot thin films using direct patterning
Authors: De Leo Eva , Rossinelli Aurelio A. , Marqués-Gallego Patricia , Poulikakos Lisa V. , Norris David J. , Prins Ferry
Published: March 2022

By patterning linear gratings with different periodicities and orientations onto a film of mixed-colour cQDs, polarization-based active colour tuning of the thin-film emission is demonstrated.
Palladium-catalyzed chemoselective direct α-arylation of carbonyl compounds with chloroaryl triflates at the C–Cl site
Authors: Chen Zicong , Gu Changxue , Yuen On Ying , So Chau Ming
Published: March 2022

Palladium-catalyzed chemoselective direct α-arylation of carbonyl compounds with chloroaryl triflates in the Ar–Cl bond is reported. The effects of –PR2 and C2-alkyl groups of the ligands are investigated using experimental and computational methods.
Phase separation dynamics in deformable droplets
Authors: Gsell Simon , Merkel Matthias
Published: March 2022

We study the interplay between phase separation and hydrodynamic flows in two-phase fluid droplets. We observe long-lived croissant states for intermediate Peclet numbers. For asymmetric surface tensions Marangoni flows break droplet symmetry.
Neoteric deep eutectic solvents: history, recent developments, and catalytic applications
Authors: Shaibuna M. , Theresa Letcy V. , Sreekumar K.
Published: March 2022

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are modified versions of ionic liquids (ILs) and are formed by the fusion of polar components (liquids or solids) via hydrogen bonding interactions.
High performance poly(methyl methacrylate) via hindered urea bond crosslinking
Authors: Xie ShiWei , Wang Dong , Zhang Sa , Xu JianHua , Fu JiaJun
Published: March 2022

Incorporation of HUB crosslinks into PMMA networks not only simultaneously increased mechanical stiffness, strength, and toughness, but also achieved brittle-to-ductile fracture transition, while maintaining recyclability and healability.
Monitoring the dependence of the photovoltaic properties of dye-sensitized solar cells from the structure of D–A–π–A-type sensitizers with a 9-(p-tolyl)-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-1,4-methanocarbazole donor building block
Authors: Gudim Nikita S. , Mikhailov Maxim S. , Knyazeva Ekaterina A. , Almenningen David Moe , Mikhalchenko Ludmila V. , Economopoulos Solon P. , Rakitin Oleg A.
Published: March 2022

The use of D–A–π–A organic sensitizers based on 9-(p-tolyl)-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-1,4-methanocarbazole as a new donor building block for DSSCs made it possible to achieve the best power conversion efficiency of 5.68%.
Thioamide synthesis via copper-catalyzed C–H activation of 1,2,3-thiadiazoles enabled by slow release and capture of thioketenes
Authors: Lu Changhui , Li Xiaohong , Chang Shunqin , Zhang Yuqi , Xing Donghui , Wang Shuo , Lin Yueping , Jiang Huanfeng , Huang Liangbin
Published: March 2022

A copper-catalyzed coupling of 1,2,3-thiadiazoles with various amines under base-free conditions was developed as a robust protocol for the synthesis of thioamide derivatives via C–H activation/Cu coordination strategy.
Initiating a high-temperature zinc ion battery through a triazolium-based ionic liquid
Authors: Li Xun , Ning Fawen , Luo Lin , Wu Jianhua , Xiang Yanhong , Wu Xianwen , Xiong Lizhi , Peng Xiaochun
Published: March 2022

ZIB with T1S-20 electrolyte displays good charge/discharge performances and dendrite-free structure at high temperature, which is better than that with aqueous electrolyte (WS-20).
Enhanced performance in uncooled n-CdSe/p-PbSe photovoltaic detectors by high-temperature chloride passivation
Authors: Luo Yingmin , McDowell Lance , Su Leisheng , Liu Yun , Qiu Jijun , Shi Zhisheng
Published: March 2022

A high-temperature chloride passivation (HTCP) process could effectively improve the photo-electrical properties of PbSe epitaxial films, demonstrating potential applications in low-SWaP infrared photovoltaic detectors.
Mechanically interlocked molecular handcuffs
Authors: Pearce Nicholas , Tarnowska Marysia , Andersen Nathan J. , Wahrhaftig-Lewis Alexander , Pilgrim Ben S. , Champness Neil R.
Published: March 2022

Mechanically interlocked molecules that employ a handcuff component provide a pathway to highly unusual structures, a new nomenclature is proposed which helps to identify opportunities for employing this structural unit for new architectures.
Extended-ensemble docking to probe dynamic variation of ligand binding sites during large-scale structural changes of proteins
Authors: Kapoor Karan , Thangapandian Sundar , Tajkhorshid Emad
Published: March 2022

Functional states of P-glycoprotein formed during its full transition cycle (red to blue), captured by molecular dynamics simulations, form a structural framework for extended-ensemble docking of small-molecule ligands of diverse activities.
Construction of FeS2@MoS2 heterostructures for enhanced hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Dezhi , Song Yuwen , Guo Ting , Liu Ruoqi , Wu Zhuangzhi
Published: March 2022

The experimental and theoretical results confirm that the enhanced HER performance of FeS2@MoS2 should be attributed to the construction of FeS2@MoS2 heterostructures.
Regulating solvation and interface chemistry to inhibit corrosion of the aluminum anode in aluminum–air batteries
Authors: Lv Chaonan , Zhang Yuxin , Ma Jianjun , Zhu Yuanxin , Huang Dan , Li Yixin , Wang Haiyan , Tang Yougen
Published: March 2022

Introducing sodium stannate and potassium acetate in an alkaline electrolyte as a hybrid high concentration electrolyte for aluminum–air batteries.
Hierarchical trace copper incorporation activated cobalt layered double hydroxide as a highly selective methanol conversion electrocatalyst to realize energy-matched photovoltaic-electrocatalytic formate and hydrogen co-production
Authors: Liu Bin , Xiao Tongyao , Sun Xiaoliang , Peng Hui-Qing , Wang Xiao , Zhao Yufei , Zhang Wenjun , Song Yu-Fei
Published: March 2022

Hierarchical CuxCoCo-LDH as a highly selective methanol conversion electrocatalyst realizes energy-matched photovoltaic-electrocatalytic formate and hydrogen co-production.
Recent advances in ZnIn2S4-based materials towards photocatalytic purification, solar fuel production and organic transformations
Authors: Zhang Tianxi , Wang Tian , Meng Fanlu , Yang Minquan , Kawi Sibudjing
Published: March 2022

1. Recent advances of ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts are presented. 2. Main modification strategies to enhance the photoactivity of ZnIn2S4are discussed. 3. Future perspectives of the development of ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts are identified.
Engagement with video content in the blended classroom
Authors: Smith David P. , Francis Nigel J.
Published: March 2022

Blended learning is becoming the expected norm for core content delivery in many institutions. Pre-recorded videos in the form of screencasts are the primary delivery method, with students being asked to engage with the content in this medium. Usage is only likely to increase into the future as delivery moves away from traditional lectures and seminars. In this perspective, we look at the use of video material as a means of content delivery and how to help students engage with it. Theoretical literature around cognitive loading and active learning, alongside personal experience of delivery, is drawn on to give a framework for creating engaging recordings and learning activities.
Stability‐oriented RAN slicing based on joint communication and computation offloading
Authors: Zhang Yong , Hu Yuqi , Ma Tengteng
Published: March 2022

Network slicing and mobile edge computing are key technologies in 5G/6G networks. Stable allocation of slicing resources is a challenge while communication and computation offloading coexist. To meet the service requirements of communication and computation offloading, a radio access network model which consists of enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slicing users, ultra‐reliable low latency communication (URLLC) slicing users, base stations integrated with MEC servers, and fog nodes with computing power are proposed. By employing the Lyapunov optimisation technique, a slicing resource allocation algorithm is proposed to maintain the queue stability and minimise the energy consumption of the system. For eMBB and URLLC slices, long time interval and short time interval resource allocation algorithms are proposed respectively. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can guarantee the long‐term stability of the network system while ensuring the service requirements.
Completion time minimization for UAV enabled data collection with communication link constrained
Authors: Wu Binbin , Guo Daoxing , Zhang Bangning , Zhang Xiaokai , Wang Hongbin , Wang Haichao , Jiang Hao
Published: March 2022

This paper studies unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) enabled industrial Internet of Things while a UAV dispatched to collect data of low‐power ground sensor nodes (SNs) in multi‐obstacle environment. The authors aim to minimize the completion time while satisfying the communication link constraints of each SN and obstacle avoidance, data collection requirements etc. To this end, the authors first formulate the completion time minimization problem by jointly optimizing the UAV trajectory and collection sequence of SNs. The problem is difficult to be optimally solved, as it is non‐convex. To tackle this problem, the authors first transform the original problem to a Traveling Salesman Problem‐like (TSP‐like) problem based on a hover point that can naturally satisfy the communication link constraints of data collection. The dynamic programming (DP) algorithm to figure out the order in which the UAV collects each SN, which gives the initial path of the UAV traversing each SN from the beginning point to the end point. Next, the authors consider the general scenarios of data collection tasks where the UAV also communicates while flying. The authors construct an equivalent problem with integer variable constraints for the original problem with indicative function constraints. The authors rewrite the non‐convex constraints of the equal problem by introducing slack variables and leveraging the SCA, and add the discrete region threat constraints for the traditional path discretization method. Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm under different parameter configurations.
Bandpass filters based on integrated aperture‐ and gap‐coupled discontinuities
Authors: Nosrati Amir , Mohammad‐Taheri Mahmoud
Published: March 2022

An electromagnetic coupling mechanism is discussed for distributed‐element aperture‐ and gap‐coupled discontinuities based on rigorous lumped‐element equivalent circuit analysis. The two discontinuities are analysed in terms of their transmission poles and transmission zeros for the selectivity enhancement of microwave and or millimetre‐wave components. The integration of these two discontinuities is put forward for bandpass filter design. A frequency‐dependent lumped‐element equivalent circuit is employed to study the behaviour of the two distributed‐element discontinuities in the transverse direction. Bandpass filters are characterised based on the dual aperture‐ and gap‐coupled discontinuities integrated within substrate integrated waveguide structures. It is shown that multiple transmission zeros close to transmission poles are realised due to the magnetic and electric field cancelation in the gap‐coupled discontinuity, while the aperture‐coupled discontinuity contributes to a resonator with a higher quality factor. The integration of both aperture‐ and gap‐coupled discontinuities shows the priority of this kind of microwave resonator in terms of selectivity, size, and upper stopband in comparison with the conventional aperture‐coupled one.
A wideband and high‐gain fully metallic lens antenna for terahertz applications
Authors: Xiong Qi , Ye Jia , Pan Wei , Yan Lianshan
Published: March 2022

In this letter, a high‐gain fully metallic lens antenna operating in 110–170 GHz frequency range is designed and fabricated. The antenna is composed of a feeding E‐plane horn, a metallic lens and a flared H‐plane horn. The metallic lens consisting of oblique metal plates and two horn arrays is used to compensate the phase difference in the E‐plane. A prototype is fabricated in aluminium by low‐cost computer numerical control milling technology. Experiments are carried out to verify the design. Measurement results of the prototype show that the proposed antenna can achieve a wide impedance bandwidth of 42.85% across 110–170 GHz with an input reflection coefficient below −10 dB. In addition, the maximum gain is 29.2 dBi at 170 GHz. These performances of the proposed antenna indicate the potential for terahertz applications.
A current reference with wide temperature operation range and low temperature drift
Authors: Ding Liqiang , Cai Xiaowu , Wang Yang , Han Zhengsheng , Li Bo , Zhao Fazhan
Published: March 2022

This work introduces a current reference with wide temperature operation range and low temperature drift, which can be used in high‐performance intelligent power driver ICs. The core idea of the design is to use the non‐linear characteristics of the drain current of MOSFET working in the sub‐threshold region to realize the compensation of the reference current in low temperature and high‐temperature section, then to reduce the fluctuation of reference current in the whole temperature range (TR). Compared with conventional structures, the temperature drift coefficient of this design is reduced by one order of magnitude. The proposed circuit is designed and verified under a 0.18 μm BCD technology, which occupies a footprint of about 0.085 mm2. Measured data shows that the output reference current at 1 μA has a temperature coefficient of 53.5 ppm/℃ during TR of −40–150℃.
Demand response considering user behaviour differences for load serving entity: A multi‐agent deep reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Zeng Kaiwen , Wang Haizhu , Liu Jianing , Lin Bin , Du Bin , You Yi
Published: March 2022

Demand response can reshape the load profiles by adjusting the energy price to improve overall performance of power grids. For the load serving entities (LSEs), the optimal demand response shall satisfy operation constraints and gain maximised profits. However, the individual end‐consumer will surely value electricity differently, and price adjustments without considering the differences of user behaviours may induce unbalanced dispatch and degrade the overall profits. Given affordable price ranges under which the non‐critical loads can properly response to price signals, the demand response can be operated in a manner where non‐critical loads at different areas coordinately adjusted to achieve the global dispatch objectives. For this purposes, this paper proposes a cooperative demand response approach for LSE pricing based on a multi‐agent deep reinforcement learning approach. The learning approach constructs the distributed pricing agents that cooperatively determine the price signals to be responded by different load clusters. To update the parameters of pricing agents, the deep deterministic policy gradient is derived considering the constraints and different behaviours of load clusters. The effectiveness of the proposed cooperative demand response method is verified based on numerical simulations.
Increasing the ampacity of underground cable lines by optimising the thermal environment and design parameters for cable crossings
Authors: Perović Bojan , Klimenta Dardan , Tasić Dragan , Raičević Nebojša , Milovanović Miloš , Tomović Milan , Vukašinović Jovan
Published: March 2022

The problem of optimising the thermal environment and design parameters of underground cable lines for cable crossings with the aim of increasing the ampacities of cables is considered in this paper. Particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm, formulated as a continuous non‐linear optimisation problem with constraints, for solving this hot spot problem is applied. It is found, using the PSO algorithm, that there are a suitable size of cable bedding and an arrangement of cables within that bedding, which can eliminate or significantly mitigate the hot spot effect without the use of any additional cooling equipment. In this manner, the ampacities of both crossing cable lines increase by about 15% on average with respect to the case of a similar crossing with installation parameters commonly used. In addition, it is shown how the cross‐sectional areas of the conductors and metal screens and the metal screen bonding methods affect the optimal solution.