bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An intelligent fault‐tolerant routing scheme for Internet of Things‐enabled wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chanak Prasenjit , Banerjee Indrajit , Bose Sagar
Published: August 2021

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are one of the nonnegligible ingredients in any Internet of Things (IoT)‐based system. Fault tolerance in the IoT‐enabled WSNs is an essential part of avoiding harmful actions. Many approaches are reported in the literature on fault detection and fault tolerance for WSNs. However, they either consume additional energy to identify and tolerate failures or use extra hardware and software resources. This paper proposes an intelligent fault tolerance routing scheme for IoT‐enabled WSNs that significantly improves the QoS of the IoT‐enabled WSNs. We propose a novel two‐population z‐test‐based fault detection mechanism to detect faulty nodes in the networks. Furthermore, an intelligent routing scheme is proposed that reuses different partially faulty nodes to tolerate faults within the network. An extensive experiment on the proposed intelligent fault tolerance routing scheme is performed to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme. Experiment results are compared with the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in terms of false‐positive rate, false alarm rate, fault detection accuracy, energy consumption, fault detection accuracy, and network lifetime.
Cannabis use impacts pre‐stimulus neural activity in the visual cortices of people with HIV
Authors: Christopher‐Hayes Nicholas J. , Lew Brandon J. , Wiesman Alex I. , Schantell Mikki , O'Neill Jennifer , May Pamela E. , Swindells Susan , Wilson Tony W.
Published: August 2021

People with HIV (PWH) use cannabis at a higher rate than the general population, but the influence on neural activity is not well characterized. Cannabis use among PWH may have a beneficial effect, as neuroinflammation is known to be a critical problem in PWH and cannabis use has been associated with a reduction in proinflammatory markers. Thus, it is important to understand the net impact of cannabis use on brain and cognitive function in PWH. In this study, we collected magnetoencephalographic (MEG) brain imaging data on 81 participants split across four demographically matched groups (i.e., PWH using cannabis, controls using cannabis, non‐using PWH, and non‐using controls). Participants completed a visuospatial processing task during MEG. Time–frequency resolved voxel time series were extracted to identify the dynamics of oscillatory and pre‐stimulus baseline neural activity. Our results indicated strong theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (10–16 Hz), and gamma (62–72 Hz) visual oscillations in parietal–occipital brain regions across all participants. PWH exhibited significant behavioral deficits in visuospatial processing, as well as reduced theta oscillations and elevated pre‐stimulus gamma activity in visual cortices, all of which replicate prior work. Strikingly, chronic cannabis use was associated with a significant reduction in pre‐stimulus gamma activity in the visual cortices, such that PWH no longer statistically differed from controls. These results provide initial evidence that cannabis use may normalize some neural aberrations in PWH. This study fills an important gap in understanding the impact of cannabis use on brain and cognitive function in PWH.
Investigation of MHD Casson fluid flow past a vertical porous plate under the influence of thermal diffusion and chemical reaction
Authors: Kodi Raghunath , Mopuri Obulesu , Sree Sujatha , Konduru Venkateswaraju
Published: August 2021

The paper presented here discloses a detailed analytical study as to how the Casson fluid flows with characteristic properties of heat and mass transfer in an unsteady convective magnetohydrodynamic environment under the influence of thermal diffusion and chemical reaction. With the said characteristics, the fluid flows past over an oscillating vertical plate. The applicable partial differential equations are solved analytically using the perturbation technique and numerically using Matlab software. With the help of velocity, temperature and concentration, skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are obtained and represented in tabular form. One of the important findings of this analysis includes that intensification in the Newtonian heating effect causes a gradual downfall in the rate of heat transfer at the plate and the concentration of the fluid decreases under the impact of a chemical reaction. Their physicochemical features have been dealt with in detail. This fluid flow model has several industrial applications in the fields of chemicals, polymers, medical sciences, and so forth.
Evaluating the long‐term ecohydrological suitability of restoration efforts in a typical watershed of the Loess Plateau
Authors: Sun Miao , Yan Chengsheng , Zhao Nana , Zhao Xining , Gao Xuerui , Lian Yingxin , Yuan Yujie , Yang Hao
Published: August 2021

The vegetation growth of the Loess Plateau is often restricted by water, which seriously threatens the water sustainability of regional ecosystem. In order to clarify the relationship between supply and demand of vegetation water use after Grain for Green Project, this study selected Malian River Basin as the research area and calculated the vegetation water use and water demand using the eco‐hydrological model. The results showed that the annual water demand of the basin was 570 mm, while the average annual water supply was only 294 mm, accounting only for 52.0% of the demand. From 2000 to 2018, the temporal and spatial matching degree of water supply and demand in the Malian River Basin were 0.63 and 0.65, respectively. On the whole, the water resources in Malian River Basin can basically support the growth of vegetation, but in some areas are not sustainable. Water resources in the southern region can only barely maintain the normal growth of vegetation under the current conditions, so it is not recommended to carry out new plantation in this area. The evaluation of matching degree in the northern from January to April is poor, so it is necessary to appropriately reduce the planting area of economic crops and replace it with planting herbaceous plants with small water consumption in Spring. Compared with the current conditions, under the future climate scenarios of ssp126 and ssp585, the Malian River Basin will show a trend of warming and humidification. The temporal matching degree of water supply and demand also significantly improved to 0.83 and 0.92, indicating that even if the planting structure did not change significantly, water supply would gradually meet the needs of vegetation. The study results can provide the basis for formulating more scientific and reasonable vegetation restoration policies.
Propyl gallate decreases the proliferation of Calu‐6 and A549 lung cancer cells via affecting reactive oxygen species and glutathione levels
Authors: Park Woo Hyun
Published: August 2021

Propyl gallate (3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester, PG) has an anti‐proliferative effect in various cells. In this study, Calu‐6 and A549 lung cancer cells were used to examine the anti‐proliferative effect of PG in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels. PG (100–1,600 μM) dose‐dependently inhibited the proliferation of Calu‐6 and A549 cells at 24 h, and PG at 800–1,600 μM strongly induced cell death in both cell lines. PG (800–1,600 μM) increased cellular metabolism in Calu‐6 but not A549 cells at 4 h. PG either increased or decreased ROS levels, including O2˙−and ˙OH, depending on the incubation doses and times of 1 or 24 h. Even these effects differed between Calu‐6 and A549 cell types. PG reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Calu‐6 cells, and it augmented the activity of catalase in A549 cells. PG dose‐dependently increased the number of GSH depleted cells in both Calu‐6 and A549 cells at 24 h. In addition, PG decreased GSH levels in both lung cancer cells at 1 h. Furthermore, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC; an inhibitor of SOD) and 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (AT; an inhibitor of catalase) differently affected cellular metabolism, ROS and GSH levels in PG‐treated and PG‐untreated Calu‐6 and A549 cells at 1 h. In conclusion, PG dose‐dependently decreased the proliferation of Calu‐6 and A549 lung cancer cells, which was related to changes in ROS levels and the depletion of GSH.
A nationwide population‐based study on therapeutic plasma exchange for 10 years in Korea using Health Insurance Review and Assessment database
Authors: Park Jae Hyeon , Kim Hyung Woo , Chung Hee‐Jung , Kim Hyungsuk
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Indications for therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) have expanded over the years, and the number of procedures is expected to have been increased. Apheresis registries can be difficult to sustain due to workload and privacy issues. This study aimed to analyze national claims data to characterize the use of TPE.

Materials and Methods

Patients who underwent TPE were retrospectively identified between January 2008 and December 2017 from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. Data of patients' characteristics, primary diagnosis, hospitalization, treatment, and procedures were analyzed.

Results

A total of 9944 patients underwent 62 606 TPE procedures. The median number of TPE procedures performed per patient was 5 (interquartile range, 3‐7). Fresh frozen plasma (71.4%) was most commonly used as the replacement fluid. The most common indication was renal diseases (36.8%), followed by hepato‐biliary (17.6%) and hematological (15.2%) diseases. Increased frequency of renal diseases was the most remarkable change, which increased from 529 (21.2%) procedures in 2008 to 4107 (44.5%) procedures in 2017, reflecting the widespread implementation of ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation. The top five hospitals conducted 59.6% of the procedures, which showed a centralized distribution.

Conclusions

The most common indication was renal diseases. The number of TPE procedures performed annually increased by approximately 3.7 times from 2008 to 2017. This study shows that other than a registry, claims data can be successfully used to analyze various aspects of TPE procedures on a nationwide scale. This approach could be used by other countries, especially those that have national health insurance.
Study of the inhibition effect of two novel synthesized amido‐amine‐based cationic surfactants on aluminum corrosion in 0.5 M HCl solution
Authors: Seyam Doaa F. , H. Tantawy Ahmed , Eid Salah , El‐Etre Ali Y.
Published: August 2021

Two novel amido‐amine‐based cationic surfactants, namely, 3‐decanamido‐N,N,N‐trimethylpropan‐1‐aminium methyl sulfate (DAMS) and N‐(3‐decanamidopropyl)‐N,N‐dimethylbutan‐1‐aminium bromide (DABB) were prepared and their chemical structures were elucidated via various spectroscopic tools. The surface activities of the targeted prepared surfactants were investigated. Utilizing potentiodynamic polarization, hydrogen evolution, and weight loss methods, the inhibition impact of both synthesized surfactants on aluminum corrosion in solution with 0.5 M HCl was studied. The effect of raising both temperature and surfactant concentration on the inhibition efficiency was studied and the thermodynamic functions were calculated and clarified. Langmuir adsorption isotherm fitted widely with the empirical data. At all concentrations and temperatures, it was found that the inhibition efficiency for DAMS is greater than that of DABB.
Electrochemical control of luminescence color using luminescent leuco dye derivatives
Authors: Nakamura Kazuki , Yanagawa Namiko , Kobayashi Norihisa
Published: August 2021

Electrochemical switching of luminescence color, that is, electrofluorochromism, has received increasing attention because of its extensive applications. In this study, we investigate the combination of a luminescent EC molecule and a blue luminescent molecule to achieve electrochemical control of luminescence color by controlling the energy transfer through an electrochromic reaction. We employed a functional leuco dye (Yellow‐1), which shows yellow coloration and green emission by electrochemical oxidation, and 2,5‐bis(5‐tert‐butyl‐benzoxazol‐2‐yl)thiophene (BBT), which shows strong blue luminescence upon photoexcitation. Using this combination, the blue photoluminescence of the BBT molecule can be electrochemically modulated by the EC reaction of the Yellow‐1 molecule, allowing the control of the luminescence color between blue and green emissions through electrochemical reactions.
Simultaneous determination of nine tyrosine kinase inhibitors in three complex biological matrices by using high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection combined with a second‐order calibration method
Authors: Wang Zhao‐Yang , Wu Hai‐Long , Chang Yue‐Yue , Wang Tong , Chen Wei , Tong Gao‐Yan , Yu Ru‐Qin
Published: August 2021

An intelligent chemometric second‐order calibration method called alternating trilinear decomposition‐ assisted multivariate curve resolution combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection was used for the simultaneous quantification of nine tyrosine kinase inhibitors in three complex biological systems. The method allows simultaneous quantification of the components in different biological matrices without the need for cumbersome pre‐treatment steps, complex elution conditions, and complete peak separation. Even with the varying time shift, severe peak overlap, and various unknown interferences, the proposed method can extract pure chromatographic and spectroscopic information for each analyte, while providing accurate qualitative and quantitative results of nine common tyrosine kinase inhibitors in three different biological matrices. All the drugs were eluted in 7 min. The results showed that the nine drugs in each matrix showed good linearity (r > 0.984) in the calibration range with a root mean square error of calibration less than 0.9 μg/mL. The average spiked recoveries of the target analytes were all in the range of 83.4–110.0%, with standard deviations less than 9.0%. Finally, the classical method was used to validate the proposed method. In comparison to the traditional method, the proposed strategy is accuracy, simultaneous, and interference‐free.
What drives a donor? A machine learning‐based approach for predicting responses of nonprofit direct marketing campaigns
Authors: Cacciarelli Davide , Boresta Marco
Published: August 2021

Direct marketing campaigns are one of the main fundraising sources for nonprofit organizations and their effectiveness is crucial for the sustainability of the organizations. The response rate of these campaigns is the result of the complex interaction between several factors, such as the theme of the campaign, the month in which the campaign is launched, the history of past donations from the potential donor, as well as several other variables. This work, applied on relevant data gathered from the World Wide Fund for Nature Italian marketing department, undertakes different data mining approaches in order to predict future donors and non‐donors, thus allowing for optimization in the target selection for future campaigns, reducing its overall costs. The main challenge of this research is the presence of thoroughly imbalanced classes, given the low percentage of responses per total items sent. Different techniques that tackle this problem have been applied. Their effectiveness in avoiding a biased classification, which is normally tilted in favor of the most populated class, will be highlighted. Finally, this work shows and compares the classification results obtained with the combination of sampling techniques and Decision Trees, ensemble methods, and Artificial Neural Networks. The testing approach follows a walk‐forward validation procedure, which simulates a production environment and reveals the ability to accurately classify each future campaign.
C‐section birth increases offspring obesity risk dependent on maternal diet and obesity status in rats
Authors: Cho Nicole A. , Sales Kate M. , Sampsell Kara , Wang Weilan , Noye Tuplin Erin W. , Lowry Dana E. , Reimer Raylene A.
Published: August 2021

Objective

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that shapes host metabolism, especially in early life. Maternal vaginal and gut microbiota is vertically transmitted to offspring during natural birth. Offspring born by cesarean section (CS) do not receive these bacteria and exhibit higher obesity risk later in life. The objective of this study was to examine differences in obesity risk between offspring born naturally (NB) or by CS to lean/obese dams.

Methods

Lean and obese rat dams gave birth to offspring naturally or by CS. Offspring obesity risk was analyzed via body weight/composition, food intake, sucrose preference, gut microbiota, and gene expression in gut and brain tissues.

Results

Obese (O)+CS offspring showed greater weight gain and caloric intake but a reduction in hypothalamic agouti related neuropeptide, neuropeptide Y, and interleukin 1β expression compared with O+NB offspring. Lean (L)+CS offspring had higher serum corticosterone concentration and reduced liver peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ expression compared with L+NB. O+CS offspring had long‐term alterations to gut microbiota, including increased relative abundance of Faecalibaculum and reduced Muribaculaceae.

Conclusions

Overall, CS alters obesity risk differentially based on maternal obesity status. Further studies looking at the risks of obesity associated with CS are needed, with special attention paid to maternal obesity status and gut microbiota.
Acetonitrile allows indirect replacement of nondeuterated lipid detergents by deuterated lipid detergents for the nuclear magnetic resonance study of detergent‐soluble proteins
Authors: Wang Xiao , Chen Xiaowei , Nonin‐Lecomte Sylvie , Bouaziz Serge
Published: August 2021

Detergent‐soluble proteins (DSPs) are commonly dissolved in lipid buffers for NMR experiments, but the huge lipid proton signal prevents recording of high‐quality spectra. The use of costly deuterated lipids is thus required to replace nondeuterated ones. With conventional methods, detergents like dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) cannot be fully exchanged due to their high binding affinity to hydrophobic proteins. We propose an original and simple protocol which combines the use of acetonitrile, dialysis and lyophilization to disrupt the binding of lipids to the protein and allow their indirect replacement by their deuterated equivalents, while maintaining the native structure of the protein. Moreover, by this protocol, the detergent‐to‐protein molar ratio can be controlled as it challenges the protein structure. This protocol was applied to solubilize the Vpx protein that was followed upon addition of DPC‐d38 by 1H‐15N SOFAST‐HMQC spectra and the best detergent‐to‐DSPs molar ratio was obtained for structural studies.
Effect of the powerful plasticity of the tert‐butyl side chain on the conformational equilibrium of ascidiacyclamides
Authors: Asano Akiko , Nakagawa Maki , Miyajima Chihiro , Yasui Mami , Minoura Katsuhiko , Yamada Takeshi , Doi Mitsunobu
Published: August 2021

Ascidiacyclamide [cyclo(‐Ile1,5‐oxazoline2,6‐d‐Val3,7‐thiazole4,8‐)2] is a cytotoxic cyclic peptide from ascidian. Through structural analyses using monosubstituted analogues (Xaa1: Ala, 2‐aminobutyric acid, Val, cyclohexylglycine, and phenylglycine), we previously demonstrated the conformational equilibrium between its square and folded forms. As the bulkiness of the Xaa1 residue side chain was reduced, spontaneous folding was promoted, and the cytotoxicity decreased accordingly. In the present study, five disubstituted analogues in which a tert‐leucine residue (Tle) was incorporated at the 5‐position of the abovementioned monosubstituted analogues were synthesized, after which their structures were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction, circular dichroism (CD) spectral measurements, and 1H NMR‐based quantitative analysis. The side chains of the Tle and Ile residues are structural isomers of one another, and the Tle residue bearing the tert‐butyl group can be expected to play a role as a building block. In fact, peptides incorporating Tle5 exhibited much less spontaneous folding than their Ile5 counterparts in both crystal and solution. Increases in enthalpy and entropy due to the tert‐butyl group during the folding process resulted in increased conformational free energy (ΔG°). The powerful plasticity of the tert‐butyl group would stabilize the square form relating with cytotoxicity.
Assessment of 177Lu‐labeled carboxyl‐terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer‐RGD peptide conjugate
Authors: Vats Kusum , Sharma Rohit , Sharma Amit Kumar , Sarma Haladhar D. , Satpati Drishty
Published: August 2021

Structurally unique polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers implanted with targeting biological moiety along with complexed radiometal constitute a favorable nano‐system for diagnosis and therapy of targeted tumor sites. In the present study, carboxyl functionalities of PAMAM‐ generation 4 dendrimer (PAMAM‐G4‐COOH) were conjugated with ε‐amino group of lysine of cRGDfK peptide to impart integrin αvβ3 targeting capability. Reaction of p‐NH2‐Bn‐DOTA with PAMAM was accomplished via acid‐amine coupling using EDC/NHS for 177Lu‐complexation. 177Lu‐labeled nano‐system, 177Lu‐PAMAM‐DOTA‐cRGDfK demonstrated receptor‐mediated uptake in murine melanoma B16F10 cells during in vitro cell uptake studies. In vivo biodistribution studies demonstrated low tumor uptake and retention of 177Lu‐PAMAM‐DOTA‐cRGDfK which may be attributed to rapid blood clearance. However, fast clearance from non‐target organs resulted in higher target to background ratio. Tumor uptake of targeted nano‐system, 177Lu‐PAMAM‐DOTA‐cRGDfK was observed to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in comparison to 177Lu‐PAMAM‐DOTA without the targeting peptide. Inhibition studies with unlabeled cRGDfK resulted in 60% reduction in tumor uptake of 177Lu‐PAMAM‐DOTA‐cRGDfK, indicating specificity of the developed nano‐system towards integrin αvβ3 receptors.
Daily flow intermittence in an effluent‐dependent river: Impacts of flow duration and recession rate on fish stranding
Authors: Eppehimer Drew E. , Enger Brandon J. , Ebenal Anton E. , Rocha Erasmo P. , Bogan Michael T.
Published: August 2021

Treated wastewater, also known as effluent, is discharged into streambeds where it can augment or create aquatic habitat in arid regions. However, discharge fluctuations can result in daily stream drying and rewetting. In this study, we documented flow intermittence and resulting fish stranding and mortality over a 12‐week period on an effluent‐dependent reach of the lower Santa Cruz River in Tucson, Arizona, USA. We hypothesized that fish stranding would be positively related to the duration of flow prior to drying (increased recolonization potential) and flow recession rates (increased stranding likelihood). Using trail cameras, we monitored drying duration and extent along a 2.1‐km reach of river known to experience flow intermittence and counted stranded fish once a week. Drying extent varied widely (range: 0–1.88 km) and averaged 0.79 km ± 0.14 SE. We observed a total of 323 fish strandings across the 12 weeks (range: 0–74 individuals per day; mean: 26.9 ± 8.3 SE). Ninety‐nine percent of observed fish were Poeciliidae (63% of which were fry), including non‐native western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). The recession rate was a positive predictor for the daily stranding count of poeciliids (p = .008). Flow duration was not significant (p = .100) but was included in the top model (R2 = 0.782). As urban development continues, the discharge of effluent into rivers and streams will become more common throughout the world. Continued research is needed to understand the benefits and challenges presented by these effluent‐driven flow regimes, including their impacts on aquatic taxa.
Penalized regression calibration: A method for the prediction of survival outcomes using complex longitudinal and high‐dimensional data
Authors: Signorelli Mirko , Spitali Pietro , Szigyarto Cristina Al‐Khalili ,   The MARK‐MD Consortium, Tsonaka Roula
Published: August 2021

Longitudinal and high‐dimensional measurements have become increasingly common in biomedical research. However, methods to predict survival outcomes using covariates that are both longitudinal and high‐dimensional are currently missing. In this article, we propose penalized regression calibration (PRC), a method that can be employed to predict survival in such situations. PRC comprises three modeling steps: First, the trajectories described by the longitudinal predictors are flexibly modeled through the specification of multivariate mixed effects models. Second, subject‐specific summaries of the longitudinal trajectories are derived from the fitted mixed models. Third, the time to event outcome is predicted using the subject‐specific summaries as covariates in a penalized Cox model. To ensure a proper internal validation of the fitted PRC models, we furthermore develop a cluster bootstrap optimism correction procedure that allows to correct for the optimistic bias of apparent measures of predictiveness. PRC and the CBOCP are implemented in the R package pencal, available from CRAN. After studying the behavior of PRC via simulations, we conclude by illustrating an application of PRC to data from an observational study that involved patients affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where the goal is predict time to loss of ambulation using longitudinal blood biomarkers.
Learning an Empirical Digital Twin from Measurement Images for a Comprehensive Quality Inspection of Solar Cells
Authors: Kunze Philipp , Rein Stefan , Hemsendorf Marc , Ramspeck Klaus , Demant Matthias
Published: August 2021

Measurement images of solar cells contain information about their material‐ and process‐related quality beyond current–voltage characteristics. This information is currently only partially used because most algorithms look for human‐defined image features or defects. Herein, a purely data‐driven method is proposed to derive the essential image information in terms of the electrical quality within a comprehensive and meaningful representation. This representation is denoted as the empirical digital twin of the cell. Using it, solar cells can be classified according to their defects visible in the measurement images. For this purpose, a human‐in‐the‐loop approach to efficiently develop a classification scheme is presented. Therefore, a convolutional neural network combining various measurement data of a sample by correlating them with quality parameters is designed. The digital twin is an intermediate representation of the network capturing the quality‐relevant defect signatures from the images. Human experts can analyze this representation space to identify defect clusters that relate to different process errors, such as finger interruptions and shunts. How the representations are usable to derive sorting criteria for quality inspection is shown. Finally, how the empirical digital twin and the sorting scheme can be used for segmenting the defects without additional label effort is demonstrated.
Enhancing the Photovoltaic Performance of Triplet Acceptors Enabled by Side‐Chain Engineering
Authors: Zhang Xin , Qin Linqing , Liu Xingzheng , Zhang Caixia , Yu Jianwei , Xiao Zuo , Zheng Nan , Wang Boxuan , Wei Yanan , Xie Zengqi , Wu Yishi , Wei Zhixiang , Wang Kai , Gao Feng , Ding Liming , Huang Hui
Published: August 2021

Triplet excitons have both longer lifetimes and diffusion lengths than singlet excitons due to the nature of triplet excitons, which is expected to increase the photocurrent and further improve the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the working mechanism of triplet excitons in OSCs is not clearly clarified. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new triplet acceptors for in‐depth understanding. Herein, a series of acceptors (BTn‐4Cl) are synthesized by fine‐tuning of the side‐chain branch positions. The generation of triplet excitons of BTn‐4Cl is confirmed by the time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra, magnetophotocurrent (MPC) experiment, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. The effects of side‐chain engineering on the optoelectronic properties, packing behaviors, energy losses, charge transport properties, spin lifetimes of triplet polarons, and blend film morphologies are systematically studied. These results show that D18:BT3‐4Cl‐based OSCs possess the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.31% due to lower energy losses, less recombination losses, more balanced charge carrier mobilities, longer spin–lattice (T1) relaxation time, and more favorable morphology. This work enhances the understanding of the structure–property relationship for high‐performance triplet acceptors.
Preparation and Characterization of Thermoplastics Achira (Canna indica L.) Starch by Three Succination Methods
Authors: Cabrera Canales Zaira Esmeralda , Velazquez Gonzalo , Gómez Aldapa Carlos Alberto , Fonseca Florido Heidi Andrea , Hernández Hernández Ernesto , González Morones Pablo , Méndez Montealvo Ma. Guadalupe , Rodríguez Marín María Luisa
Published: August 2021

Thermoplastic starches (TPS) from achira, succinated to 3% and 5% octenyl succinate anhydrous (OSA) using aqueous medium, reactive extrusion (REX), and in situ are developed (TPS 3A, TPS 5A, TPS 3R, TPS 5R, TPS 3I, and TPS I5). The physicochemical properties are studied to explore the effect of different methods applied to modified thermoplastic starches. Analysis of infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance of proton shows that the methods used in succination are effective in esterifying starches. REX and the in situ method make it possible to obtain materials with higher degree of substitution (DS), from 0.011 to 0.050, affecting thermoplasticization. The aqueous method promotes greater thermal stability, TPS 3A and TPS 5A are degraded at temperature ranges from 135 to 279 °C and shows a pattern similar to counterpart native TPS 0 (sample control), unlike the REX and the in situ method, both of them beginning degrading at lower temperature values than all starches. Mechanical properties and contact angle are influenced by the processing method and not by DS or glycerol content. All achira TPS developed are a feasible alternative for application in the industry dedicated to the processing of bioplastics.
Synthesis of biomass‐based plasticizer with excellent durability for high transparent polyvinyl chloride film
Authors: Chu Hong‐ying , Li Hua‐bei , Sun Xiao‐yan , Zhang Yao‐wang
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study is to synthesis biomass‐based plasticizer epoxy p‐phenylenedioleic acid ester (EPAE) using linoleic acid as raw materials via esterification and epoxidation. EPAE was used as main plasticizer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to replace diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). The plasticizing effect of EPEA on the performance of PVC films was investigated. The results showed that epoxy groups were covalently bonded on branched chains of EPAE. EPAE play a plasticizing role by forming hydrogen bond between epoxy group and a‐hydrogen on PVC. When the mass of EPAE was 0.8 g in 2 g PVC, Tg of flexible PVC reached 36.1°C, the elongation at break of flexible PVC was 321.12 ± 6.13%, while the tensile strength reached 19.45 ± 1.35%. The transmittance of DIBP‐0.8 and EPAE‐0.8 at 800 nm is nearly 70%, indicating relatively high homogeneous amorphous aggregation structures. EPAE showed marginal resistance to volatilization and solvent extraction. The mechanism behind the results was discussed.
Comparison of Ground and Helicopter Surveys for Breeding Waterfowl in New Jersey
Authors: Nichols Theodore C. , Clark Lisa A.
Published: August 2021

New Jersey has participated in the Atlantic Flyway Breeding Waterfowl Survey by conducting ground surveys in the salt marsh strata, which are important for breeding waterfowl, particularly American black ducks (Anas rubripes). Ground surveys in salt marshes are time‐intensive, tide dependent, costly, and take several days to complete. We investigated the use of helicopters and compared the results of mallard (Anas platyrhnchos), black duck, and Canada goose (Branta canadensis) estimates to ground surveys. Expected mean point estimates for all species were consistently higher during ground than helicopter surveys. Expected mean point estimates were higher during both ground and helicopter surveys at twilight than at midday for Canada geese and black ducks, whereas mallard observations were higher during midday than twilight for both survey methods. We found no differences in results from helicopter surveys conducted at high versus low tide. Although helicopter contracts are expensive, ground surveys took 8.5 times more staff time to complete, resulting in similar cost between survey platforms. Helicopters provide an alternative for ground surveys in salt marshes of the Atlantic Flyway, and we provide recommendations to develop visibility correction factors for different species groupings to account for visibility bias associated with helicopter observations. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Daily activity profile of the golden mantella in the “Froggotron”—A replicated behavioral monitoring system for amphibians
Authors: Edwards Wayne M. , Bungard Michael J. , Griffiths Richard A.
Published: August 2021

Research on threatened species in zoos can provide vital information to inform conservation planning and implementation in the field. This is particularly important for rare and cryptic species with behavior patterns that are difficult to observe in the wild. The Critically Endangered golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) is an iconic, endemic frog confined to mid‐altitude subhumid forest in Moramanga District, Madagascar. Ecological and behavioral data for this highly threatened species are sparse, and conservation work will need to be informed by both in situ and ex situ research on behavior and habitat preferences. This study utilized environmental information gathered in the field to design a system where behavior and microhabitat use could be measured in captivity. Using replicated climatically controlled chambers (the “Froggotrons”), we analysed the 24‐h activity profile of the golden mantella in relation to temperature and humidity. Golden mantellas showed a bimodal pattern of activity during the day with much less activity during the night. Frogs kept at warmer temperatures (20–25°C) were more active than those kept under cooler conditions (16–19°C). However, the bimodal pattern was retained under the different temperatures, although the second peak occurred slightly earlier under warmer conditions. Most activity was observed when humidity levels were above 85%, although less than half of the mantellas were active outside leaf microhabitats during peak periods. These findings can inform ongoing field surveys through determining the optimum times of day to either capture or count golden mantellas for further conservation actions.
Holographic approach of the spinodal instability to criticality
Authors: Attems Maximilian
Published: August 2021

Abstract

A smoking gun signature for a first-order phase transition with negative speed of sound squared $$ {c}_s^2 $$

c
s
2

is the occurrence of a spinodal instability. In the gauge/gravity duality it corresponds to a Gregory-Laflamme type instability, which can be numerically simulated as the evolution of unstable planar black branes. Making use of holography its dynamics is studied far from and near a critical point with the following results. Near a critical point the interface between cold and hot stable phases, given by its width and surface tension, is found to feature a wider phase separation and a smaller surface tension. Far away from a critical point the formation time of the spinodal instability is reduced. Across softer and harder phase transitions, it is demonstrated that mergers of equilibrated peaks and unstable plateaux lead to the preferred final single phase separated solution. Finally, a new atypical setup with dissipation of a peak into a plateau is discovered. In order to distinguish the inhomogeneous states I propose a new criterium based on the maximum of the transverse pressure at the interface which encodes phase-mixed peaks versus fully phase separated plateaux.
Quark Mass Models and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Harvey T. R. , Lukas A.
Published: August 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we apply reinforcement learning to the problem of constructing models in particle physics. As an example environment, we use the space of Froggatt-Nielsen type models for quark masses. Using a basic policy-based algorithm we show that neural networks can be successfully trained to construct Froggatt-Nielsen models which are consistent with the observed quark masses and mixing. The trained policy networks lead from random to phenomenologically acceptable models for over 90% of episodes and after an average episode length of about 20 steps. We also show that the networks are capable of finding models proposed in the literature when starting at nearby configurations.
Arousing a wide range of emotions within educational virtual reality simulation about major depressive disorder affects knowledge retention
Authors: Hadjipanayi Christos , Michael-Grigoriou Despina
Published: August 2021

The experience of using an educational application, concerning a major depressive disorder simulation, could be anything but pleasant, so the challenges of creating such an application are ample. In this research, the effects of the emotional experience of the players, deriving from the positive ending of the virtual reality (VR) simulation’s embedded narrative or the lack of it, are evaluated. Alongside the investigation of a possible link between the emotional impact of the simulation and information retention, the overall effect of the application in relation to VR presence and body ownership is appraised. Thirty participants over 18 years old tested the application, using an Oculus Rift head-mounted display with a joystick, and their data were recorded by a pre- and a post-questionnaire. The 30 participants have been separated into groups of 15, where the positive ending was accessible to only one of the two groups. The group which experienced the positive ending reported a significant correlation of emotional impact and knowledge retention.
Girl Champ in eSwatini: A Strategic Marketing Campaign to Promote Demand for Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Young Women
Authors: Brault Marie A. , Christie Sarah , Manchia Amanda , Mabuza Khabonina , Dlamini Muhle , Linnander Erika L.
Published: August 2021

Efforts to engage adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in HIV services have struggled, in part, due to limited awareness of services and stigma. Strategic marketing is a promising approach, but the impact on youth behavior change is unclear. We report findings from a mixed methods evaluation of the Girl Champ campaign, designed to generate demand for sexual and reproductive services among AGYW, and piloted in three clinics in the Manzini region of eSwatini. We analyzed and integrated data from longitudinal, clinic-level databases on health service utilization among AGYW before and after the pilot, qualitative interviews with stakeholders responsible for the implementation of the pilot, and participant feedback surveys from attendees of Girl Champ events. Girl Champ was well received by most stakeholders based on event attendance and participant feedback, and associated with longitudinal improvements in demand for HIV services. Findings can inform future HIV demand creation interventions for youth.
Characterization of clinical Ralstonia strains and their taxonomic position
Authors: Fluit Ad C. , Bayjanov Jumamurat R. , Aguilar María Díez , Cantón Rafael , Tunney Michael M. , Elborn J. Stuart , van Westreenen Mireille , Ekkelenkamp Miquel B.
Published: August 2021

To improve understanding of the role of Ralstonia in cystic fibrosis (CF), whole genomes of 18 strains from clinical samples were sequenced using Illumina technology. Sequences were analysed by core genome Multi-Locus Sequence Typing, Average Nucleotide Identity based on BLAST (ANIb), RAST annotation, and by ResFinder. Phylogenetic analysis was performed for the 16S rRNA gene, and the OXA-22 and OXA-60 ß-lactamase families. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using broth microdilution. ANIb data for the 18 isolates and 54 strains from GenBank, supported by phylogenetic analysis, showed that 8 groups of clusters (A-H), as well as subgroups that should be considered as species or subspecies. Groups A-C contain strains previously identified as Ralstonia solanacearum and Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum. We propose that group A is a novel species. Group B and C are Ralstonia syzygii, Ralstonia solanacearum, respectively. Group D is composed of Ralstonia mannitolilytica and Group E of Ralstonia pickettii. Group F and G should be considered novel species. Group H strains belong to R. insidiosa. OXA-22 and OXA-60 family ß-lactamases were encoded by all strains. Co-trimoxazole generally showed high activity with low MICs (≤1 mg/l) as did ciprofloxacin (≤0.12 mg/l). MICs against the other antibiotics were more variable, but generally high. RAST annotation revealed limited differences between the strains, and virulence factors were not identified. The taxonomy of the genus Ralstonia is in need of revision, but sequencing additional isolates is needed. Antibiotic resistance levels are high. Annotation did not identify potential virulence factors.
Occulter to earth: prospects for studying earth-like planets with the E-ELT and a space-based occulter
Authors: Janson Markus , Henning Thomas , Quanz Sascha P. , Asensio-Torres Ruben , Buchhave Lars , Krause Oliver , Palle Enric , Brandeker Alexis
Published: August 2021

Direct detection and characterization of Earth-like planets around Sun-like stars is a core task for evaluating the prevalence of habitability and life in the Universe. Here, we discuss a promising option for achieving this goal, which is based on placing an occulter in orbit and having it project its shadow onto the E-ELT at the surface of Earth, thus providing a sufficient contrast for imaging and taking spectra of Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of Sun-like stars. Doing so at a sensible fuel budget will require tailored orbits, an occulter with a high area-to-mass ratio, and appropriate instrumentation at the E-ELT. In this White Paper, submitted in response to the ESA Voyage 2050 Call, we outline the fundamental aspects of the concept, and the most important technical developments that will be required to develop a full mission.
Avoidance of the Plant Hormone Cis-Jasmone by Aedes aegypti Depends On Mosquito Age in Both Plant and Human Odor Backgrounds
Authors: de Boer Jetske G. , Kuiper Aron P. S. , Groot Joeri , van Loon Joop J. A.
Published: August 2021

Adults of many mosquito species feed on plants to obtain metabolic energy and to enhance reproduction. Mosquitoes primarily rely on olfaction to locate plants and are known to respond to a range of plant volatiles. We studied the olfactory response of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and cis-jasmone (CiJA), volatile compounds originating from the octadecanoid signaling pathway that plays a key role in plant defense against herbivores. Specifically, we investigated how Ae. aegypti of different ages responded to elevated levels of CiJA in two attractive odor contexts, either derived from Lima bean plants or human skin. Aedes aegypti females landed significantly less often on a surface with CiJA and MeJA compared to the solvent control, CiJA exerting a stronger reduction in landing than MeJA. Odor context (plant or human) had no significant main effect on the olfactory responses of Ae. aegypti females to CiJA. Mosquito age significantly affected the olfactory response, older females (7–9 d) responding more strongly to elevated levels of CiJA than young females (1–3 d) in either odor context. Our results show that avoidance of CiJA by Ae. aegypti is independent of odor background, suggesting that jasmonates are inherently aversive cues to these mosquitoes. We propose that avoidance of plants with elevated levels of jasmonates is adaptive to mosquitoes to reduce the risk of encountering predators that is higher on these plants, i.e. by avoiding ‘enemy-dense-space’.
Petrosal Anatomy of the Paleocene Eutherian Mammal Deltatherium fundaminis (Cope, 1881)
Authors: Shelley Sarah L. , Bertrand Ornella C. , Brusatte Stephen L. , Williamson Thomas E.
Published: August 2021

We describe the tympanic anatomy of the petrosal of Deltatherium fundaminis, an enigmatic Paleocene mammal based on cranial specimens recovered from New Mexico, U.S.A. Although the ear region of Deltatherium has previously been described, there has not been a comprehensive, well-illustrated contribution using current anatomical terminology. The dental and cranial anatomy of Deltatherium is a chimera, with morphological similarities to both ‘condylarth’ and ‘cimolestan’ taxa. As such, the phylogenetic relationships of this taxon have remained elusive since its discovery, and it has variably been associated with Arctocyonidae, Pantodonta and Tillodontia. The petrosal of Deltatherium is anteriorly bordered by an open space comprising a contiguous carotid opening and pyriform fenestra. The promontorium features both a small rostral tympanic process and small epitympanic wing but lacks well-marked sulci. A large ventral facing external aperture of the canaliculus cochleae is present and bordered posteriorly by a well-developed caudal tympanic process. The hiatus Fallopii opens on the ventral surface of the petrosal. The tegmen tympani is mediolaterally broad and anteriorly expanded, and its anterior margin is perforated by a foramen for the ramus superior of the stapedial artery. The tympanohyal is small but approximates the caudal tympanic process to nearly enclose the stylomastoid notch. The mastoid is widely exposed on the basicranium and bears an enlarged mastoid process, separate from the paraoccipital process. These new observations provide novel anatomical data corroborating previous hypotheses regarding the plesiomorphic eutherian condition but also reveal subtle differences among Paleocene eutherians that have the potential to help inform the phylogeny of Deltatherium.
Typing of inflammatory lesions of the pituitary
Authors: Warmbier J. , Lüdecke D. K. , Flitsch J. , Buchfelder M. , Fahlbusch R. , Knappe U. J. , Kreutzer J. , Buslei R. , Bergmann M. , Heppner F. , Glatzel M. , Saeger W.
Published: August 2021

Inflammatory pituitary lesions account for 1.8% of all specimens from the German Pituitary Tumor Registry. They occure in 0.5% of the autoptical specimens and in 2.2% of the surgical cases. Women are significantly more often affected than men and are often younger when first diagnosed. In general, primary and secondary inflammation can be distinguished, with secondary types occurring more frequently (75.1%) than idiopathic inflammatory lesions (15.4%). In primary inflammation, the lymphocytic type is more common (88.5%) than the granulomatous type of hypophysitis (11.5%). The most common causes of secondary inflammation are Rathke’s cleft cysts (48.6%), followed by tumors (17.4%) such as the craniopharyngioma (9.1%), adenoma (5.5%) or germinoma (2.0%). More causes are tumor-like lesions (7.1%) such as xanthogranuloma (3.5%) or Langerhans histiocytosis (3.5%), abscesses (5.5%), generalized infections (5.1%), spreaded inflammations (4.7%) and previous surgeries (4.0%). In 1.6% of all specimens the reason for the inflammation remains unclear. The described classification of hypophysitis is important for specific treatment planning after surgery.