bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driven transport of soft Brownian particles through pore-like structures: Effective size method
Authors: Antonov Alexander P. , Ryabov Artem , Maass Philipp
Published: October 2021

Single-file transport in pore-like structures constitutes an important topic for both theory and experiment. For hardcore interacting particles, a good understanding of the collective dynamics has been achieved recently. Here, we study how softness in the particle interaction affects the emergent transport behavior. To this end, we investigate the driven Brownian motion of particles in a periodic potential. The particles interact via a repulsive softcore potential with a shape corresponding to a smoothed rectangular barrier. This shape allows us to elucidate effects of mutual particle penetration and particle crossing in a controlled manner. We find that even weak deviations from the hardcore case can have a strong impact on the particle current. Despite this fact, knowledge about the transport in a corresponding hardcore system is shown to be useful to describe and interpret our findings for the softcore case. This is achieved by assigning a thermodynamic effective size to the particles based on the equilibrium density functional of hard spheres.
Prediction of airway deformation effect on pulmonary air-particle dynamics: A numerical study
Authors: Zhao Jianan , Feng Yu , Koshiyama Kenichiro , Wu Huimin
Published: October 2021

Most existing whole lung models neglect the airway deformation kinematics and assume the lung airways are static. However, neglecting the airway deformation effect on pulmonary air-particle flow dynamics significantly limits the modeling capability under disease-specific lung conditions. Therefore, a novel elastic truncated whole-lung (TWL) modeling framework has been developed to simulate the disease-specific airway deformation kinematics simultaneously with pulmonary air-particle flow dynamics using one-way coupled Euler–Lagrange method plus the dynamic mesh method. Specifically, the deformation kinematics of the elastic TWL model was calibrated with clinical data and pulmonary function test results for both healthy lung and lungs with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs). The transport dynamics of spherical sub micrometer and micrometer particles were investigated. Results show that noticeable differences in air-particle flow predictions between static and elastic lung models can be found, which demonstrates the necessity to model airway deformation kinematics in whole-lung models. The elastic TWL model predicted lower deposition fraction in mouth-throat regions and higher deposition fraction in lower airways. The effect of disease-specific airway deformation kinematics on particle transport and deposition in the whole lung was investigated, with a focus on the targeted drug delivery efficiency in small airways from generation (G8) to alveoli as the designated lung sites for COPD treatment using inhalation therapy. Simulation results indicate that with the exacerbation of COPD disease conditions, the highest delivery efficiency of the inhaled drug particles decreases which indicates that delivering aerosolized medications to small airways to treat COPD is more challenging for patients with severe disease conditions.
On independent degrees of freedom of turbulent mixing: The one-dimensional formulation
Authors: Kioroglou Sotiris
Published: October 2021

In the present theoretical work, spatially locked, predominantly one-dimensional (1D) turbulent eddies hosting n fluid parcels that exchange chaotically their positions are approached as discretized, one-dimensional, “generic” rearrangements (permutations) that comprise assemblages, gn=mk1mk2⋯mkl, of minor, “mixing” rearrangements, mki, satisfying three topological–kinematical criteria that outline their mixing extent. In turn, the criteria lead to the derivation of two theorems of mixing that help count the number of all possible mixing rearrangements. The “universal” set of all generic rearrangements, gn, is organized into subsets characterized by the same domain structure, gn=gn−kmk+lgn−l, that determines the size and location of a characteristic, minor mixing eddy mk+l within the major, generic one, gn. Under the guidance of the first of the two aforementioned theorems of mixing, there can be gathered all pairwise disjoint, domain-structured subsets that add up to the universal set. Then, a class of “independent degrees of freedom of turbulent mixing” has been assembled, a new functional tool in the probability theory of one-dimensional turbulent mixing. The theorem-dictated condition for making up a class of independent degrees of freedom of turbulent mixing is that the characteristic, minor, mixing domains mk+l of the participating subsets are all sharing one at least common point of the generic domain.
Orientation-dependent superelasticity of a metastable high-entropy alloy
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wang Xin , Xu Mingjie , MacDonald Benjamin E. , Hong Rongjie , Zhu Chaoyi , Dai Xueying , Vecchio Kenneth S. , Apelian Diran , Hahn Horst , Schoenung Julie M. , Lavernia Enrique J.
Published: October 2021

In the past decade, the concept of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) or multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs), which are composed of at least four principal elements, significantly expands the compositional space for alloy design. This concept can also be employed in the design of superelastic alloys to promote the development of this functional material field. Here, we report the orientation-dependent superelasticity of a metastable Fe-27.5Ni-16.5Co-10Al-2.2Ta-0.04B (at.%) HEA through in situ micropillar compression tests along ⟨001⟩, ⟨011⟩, and ⟨111⟩ orientations. Our results show that considerable superelastic strains can be achieved along the three orientations in the metastable HEA via a reversible martensitic transformation. Thermoelastic martensite with thin-plate morphology was observed under cryogenic conditions. This work demonstrates that the maximum superelastic strains vary with different orientations, and the ⟨001⟩-oriented specimen shows the largest superelastic strain. The superelastic strains along specific orientations are compared with theoretical values calculated from the lattice deformation method and the energy minimization theory, respectively. The limited number of martensite variants under compression testing may be responsible for the discrepancy that exists in the experimental and the two theoretically predicted transformation strains. This study may provide a feasible strategy for the design of superelastic HEAs with specific orientation for applications in microsystems.
A lattice Boltzmann method for single- and two-phase models of nanofluids: Newtonian and non-Newtonian nanofluids
Authors: Kefayati Gholamreza , Bassom Andrew P.
Published: October 2021

Nanofluids play an important role in many different industries for an improvement of heat transfer. The modeling and simulation of such fluids is developing continuously. Two important models for studying nanofluids are mixture (or single-phase) and two-phase (or Buongiorno) forms, which have been examined in various ways. Non-Newtonian behavior of nanofluids (shear-thinning and viscoplasticity) has been observed in experimental tests and simulated in several studies. However, a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), which can employ either model depending on the particular non-Newtonian constitutive equation, has not been considered to date within the suite of available numerical methods. Here, we propose a comprehensive LBM to simulate both Newtonian and non-Newtonian nanofluids. The approach has the potential to incorporate any format of extra tensor directly and is independent to the relaxation time; the upshot is that our method is appropriate for studying non-Newtonian nanofluids. The derivations for both models are presented and discussed in some detail. To evaluate the proposed method, it was compared with previous studies into a benchmark problem, natural convection in a square enclosure filled with Newtonian nanofluids and non-Newtonian fluids. Then, the applied macroscopic and LBM equations, using the power-law and viscoplastic models, for the benchmark are derived and the results are presented.
The feedback loops of discrete tones in under-expanded impinging jets
Authors: Liu Luhan , Li Xiangru , Liu Nianhua , Hao Pengfei , Zhang Xiwen , He Feng
Published: October 2021

The upstream-propagating waves of feedback loops in under-expanded impinging jets are investigated through several typical flow conditions. Schlieren image capturing and far-field acoustic measurement are applied to the jet. The flow structures related to the discrete tones are extracted through dynamic mode decomposition (DMD), and the standing waves formed by the resonance are identified from the normalized amplitude fields of the chosen DMD modes. Spatial Fourier transforms are applied along the axial direction on the chosen DMD modes to obtain the spatial wavenumber spectra, from which the two wave disturbances caused by the interaction between Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) waves and shock cells can be identified. The upstream and downstream-propagating components of the feedback loop are rebuilt, respectively, via bandpass filtering. The wavenumbers of the upstream-propagating components in the feedback loop and the wavenumbers of disturbance waves are compared along the jet shear layer; the results suggest more than one closure mechanism of the feedback loop. For the impinging tones which have the same frequencies as the A1 and B modes in free jet, the closure mechanism of the feedback loop is the Mach radiation generated by the interaction between K–H waves and shock cells. For the other tones, their frequencies are consistent well with the allowable frequency ranges of the neutral wave mode. The combination of the neutral wave mode with the classical feedback loop model also gives strong evidence that the upstream-propagating waves for these tones may be the jets' inherent neutral wave.
Conditions for electroneutrality breakdown in nanopores
Authors: Green Yoav
Published: October 2021

It has recently been suggested that a breakdown of electroneutrality occurs in highly confined nanopores that are encompassed by a dielectric material. This work elucidates the conditions for this breakdown. We show that the breakdown within the pore results from the response of the electric field within the dielectric. Namely, we show that this response is highly sensitive to the boundary condition at the dielectric edge. The standard Neumann boundary condition of no-flux predicts that the breakdown does not occur. However, a Dirichlet boundary condition for a zero-potential predicts a breakdown. Within this latter scenario, the breakdown exhibits a dependence on the thickness of the dielectric material. Specifically, infinite thickness dielectrics do not exhibit a breakdown, while dielectrics of finite thickness do exhibit a breakdown. Numerical simulations confirm theoretical predictions. The breakdown outcomes are discussed with regard to single pore systems and multiple pore systems.
Catalysis of hydrogen evolution on Pt(111) by absorbed hydrogen
Authors: Wei Jie , He Zheng-da , Chen Wei , Chen Yan-Xia , Santos Elizabeth , Schmickler Wolfgang
Published: October 2021

The activity of Pt(111) electrodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 0.5M H2SO4 solution is found to increase with continuous potential cycling in the HER potential region. In addition, the basic cyclic voltammograms obtained in 0.5M H2SO4 saturated with N2 after HER show several characteristic changes: the current waves for hydrogen adsorption in the region of0.2 < E < 0.35 V and for sulfate adsorption at 0.35 < E < 0.5 V decrease and the current spike at 0.44 V for the phase transition of the sulfate adlayer gradually disappears. We suggest that these changes are caused by the absorption of a small amount of hydrogen in the subsurface layer and propose a mechanism by which this enhances hydrogen evolution.
Soil chemistry determines whether defensive plant secondary metabolites promote or suppress herbivore growth
Authors: Hu Lingfei , Wu Zhenwei , Robert Christelle A. M. , Ouyang Xiao , Züst Tobias , Mestrot Adrien , Xu Jianming , Erb Matthias
Published: October 2021

Significance

This study demonstrates that the protective effects of multifunctional maize secondary metabolites against a major pest are dependent on soil chemical composition. By functioning as both digestibility reducers and siderophores, benzoxazinoids link soil chemistry to plant–environment interactions. Given that many plant secondary metabolites have multiple functions in roots and leaves, such links are likely widespread and may govern community composition and pest dynamics across different (agro)ecosystems. The presented findings also illustrate the limits and context dependency of using multifunctional plant secondary metabolites to combat major herbivore pests. The latter is particularly important in the context of the threat that the fall armyworm poses for global maize production.
Grapevines under drought do not express esca leaf symptoms
Authors: Bortolami Giovanni , Gambetta Gregory A. , Cassan Cédric , Dayer Silvina , Farolfi Elena , Ferrer Nathalie , Gibon Yves , Jolivet Jérôme , Lecomte Pascal , Delmas Chloé E. L.
Published: October 2021

Significance

The world is witnessing a sharp increase in perennial plant dieback. The hypothesized cause is that environmental stresses such as drought are interacting with pathogens fueling plant decline. Global viticulture has seen similar decreases in fruit yield and vine longevity. One of the hypothesized causes is a synergy between drought and the grapevine vascular disease esca, for which there is no known curative treatment. In sharp contrast to this theory, our study demonstrates that drought completely suppresses esca leaf symptoms, and although esca and drought both alter plant water transport and carbon balance, they do so in completely distinct ways. This understanding reveals the complexity and unpredictability of the stress interactions thought to drive plant mortality.
Decoupling the effect of stress and microstructure on MBN response in cast Q1N steel
Authors: Kashefi Mehrdad , Krause Thomas W. , Underhill P. Ross , Saleem Aroba , Farrell Shannon P.
Published: October 2021

Q1N samples with different degrees of tempering were produced and changes in MBN energies in non-stressed and stressed samples was investigated. It was observed that while MBN energy decreased with increasing degree of tempering, it increased with applied uniaxial stress and the two opposing effects cannot be easily separated. MBN energy increased with stress along RD and decreased in the transverse direction (TD). Therefore, the ratio of MBN energy in RD to TD was examined. The value of the ratio at 0.3 T was successfully shown to be strongly correlated with applied uniaxial tensile stress level, regardless of the degree of tempering (pinning site density) in Q1N samples.
Understanding Sexual and Gender Minority Substance use through Latent Profiles of Ecological Systems
Authors: Scroggs Barrett , Love Heather A.
Published: October 2021

Background:Whereas the increased use of substances in sexual and gender minority (SGM) samples has been well documented, further person-centered analyses are necessary to better understand the unique profiles of SGM individuals and substance use. Methods: Utilizing a sample of 1,852 SGM emerging adults ( Mage = 23.31) recruited via Prolific, a latent profile analysis was conducted to determine profiles of ecological systems using self-esteem, hope for the future, minority group connection, and a history of childhood adverse experiences. These profiles were then used to explore intergroup differences in the use of substances (alcohol, cannabis, prescription opioids, hallucinogens, heroin, tobacco, and amphetamines). Results: Four profiles were identified in this sample: (1) moderate with low self-esteem (47.8%), (2) connected with low adversity (30.9%), (3) moderate with high self-esteem (11.5%), and (4) disconnected with adversity (9.7%). Significant differences between profiles in the frequency of use were found in all substances except for cannabis and hallucinogens. Of note, participants in the connected with low adversity profile reported significantly more frequent alcohol use ( M = 3.30) compared to the disconnected with adversity ( M = 2.89) and the moderate with low self-esteem ( M = 2.96) profiles. Additionally, the disconnected with adversity profile reported significantly more frequent tobacco use ( M = 1.99) compared to all other profiles. Conclusion: With a majority of the sample fitting profiles marked by mental health concerns, the present study indicates the need to identify and address risk and protective factors for SGM emerging adults’ substance use and highlights differences within the larger SGM community. Implications for improving mental health are described.
Costs of Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution in New York City
Authors: Behrends Czarina N. , Gutkind Sarah , Winkelstein Emily , Wright Monique , Dolatshahi Jennifer , Welch Alice , Paone Denise , Kunins Hillary V. , Schackman Bruce R.
Published: October 2021

Background: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication that can be administered by lay people or medical professionals to reverse opioid overdoses and reduce overdose mortality. Cost was identified as a potential barrier to providing expanded overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) in New York City (NYC) in 2017. We estimated the cost of delivering OEND for different types of opioid overdose prevention programs (OOPPs) in NYC. Methods: We interviewed naloxone coordinators at 11 syringe service programs (SSPs) and 10 purposively sampled non-SSPs in NYC from December 2017 to September 2019. The samples included diverse non-SSP program types, program sizes, and OEND funding sources. We calculated one-time start up costs and ongoing operating costs using micro-costing methods to estimate the cost of personnel time and materials for OEND activities from the program perspective, but excluding naloxone kit costs. Results: Implementing an OEND program required a one-time median startup cost of $874 for SSPs and $2,548 for other programs excluding overhead, with 80% of those costs attributed to time and travel for training staff. SSPs spent a median of $90 per staff member trained and non-SSPs spent $150 per staff member. The median monthly cost of OEND program activities excluding overhead was $1,579 for SSPs and $2,529 for non-SSPs. The costs for non-SSPs varied by size, with larger, multi-site programs having higher median costs compared to single-site programs. The estimated median cost per kit dispensed excluding and including overhead was $19 versus $25 per kit for SSPs, and $36 versus $43 per kit for non-SSPs, respectively. Conclusions: OEND operating costs vary by program type and number of sites. Funders should consider that providing free naloxone to OEND programs does not cover full operating costs. Further exploration of cost-effectiveness and program efficiency should be considered across different types of OEND settings.
Does the nuclear family affect social trust? Longitudinal evidence from Germany
Authors: Blekesaune Morten
Published: October 2021

While research indicates that social trust might benefit societies’ political and economic development, the sources of social trust are subject to debate. This article investigates a less investigated factor in the development of social trust: how far the nuclear family – that is, partnerships and parenthood – affects trust towards other people. The data are from three waves of the German Socio-Economic Panel study collected between 2003 and 2013. Longitudinal estimates indicate that having any number of children increases trust towards others while being partnered has a negative effect on social trust. Both effects are near-linear over the 19-year life course period investigated. The positive effect of parenthood is much stronger than the negative effect of partnership. These results are consistent across genders and ages. They indicate that social trust can change, but that it changes slowly during an adult's life. The results are discussed in relation to the social roles of adult members of nuclear families, including their activities in various social arenas.
Effect of ground technicity on cardio‐respiratory and biomechanical parameters in uphill trail running
Authors: Nicot François , Sabater‐Pastor Frederic , Samozino Pierre , Millet Guillaume Y. , Rupp Thomas
Published: October 2021

The goal of this study was to analyse the effects of ground technicity on cardio‐respiratory and biomechanical responses during uphill running. Ten experienced male trail‐runners ran ∼10.5 min at racing pace on two trails with different (high and low) a priori technicity levels. These two runs were replicated (same slope, velocity, and distance) indoor on a motor‐driven treadmill. Oxygen uptake, minute ventilation (V̇E), heart rate as well as step frequency and medio‐lateral feet accelerations (i.e. objective indices of uneven terrain running patterns adjustments) were continuously measured throughout all sessions. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived technicity were assessed at the end of each bout. Oxygen cost of running (O2Cr) (+10.5%; p < 0.001), V̇E (+21%; p < 0.004) and the range and variability of feet medio‐lateral accelerations (+116% and +134%, respectively; p < 0.001), were significantly greater when running on trail compared to the treadmill, regardless of the a priori technicity level. Despite perceived technicity being lower on treadmill (p < 0.001), RPE was not different between trail and treadmill runs (p < 0.68). It is concluded that running uphill on a trail vs. a treadmill significantly elevates both O2Cr and magnitude/variability of feet medio‐lateral accelerations but no difference could be identified between trails of different a priori technicities. These results strengthen the need for trainers and race organisers to consider terrain technicity per se as a challenging cardio‐respiratory and biomechanical component in uphill trail running.

Highlights

Ten experienced male trail‐runners ran ∼10.5 min at racing pace on two trails with different a priori technicity levels. The two runs were replicated (same slope, velocity, and distance) indoor on a motor‐driven treadmill.

Oxygen cost of running (O2Cr), minute ventilation (V̇E) as well as medio‐lateral feet accelerations (i.e. objective indices of uneven terrain running patterns adjustments) were continuously measured throughout all sessions. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived technicity were assessed at the end of each bout.

O2Cr (+10.5%; p < 0.001), V̇E (+21%; p < 0.004) and the magnitude and variability of feet medio‐lateral accelerations (+116% and +134%, respectively; p < 0.001) were significantly greater when running on trail compared to treadmill, regardless of the a priori technicity level. Despite O2Cr being different between trail and treadmill runs, RPE was not.

Thus, running uphill on a trail vs. on a treadmill significantly elevates both O2Cr and magnitude/variability of feet medio‐lateral accelerations but no difference could be identified between trails of different a priori technicities.
Lessons from Toxoplasma: Host responses that mediate parasite control and the microbial effectors that subvert them
Authors: Frickel Eva-Maria , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: October 2021

The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii has long provided a tractable experimental system to investigate how the immune system deals with intracellular infections. This review highlights the advances in defining how this organism was first detected and the studies with T. gondii that contribute to our understanding of how the cytokine IFN-γ promotes control of vacuolar pathogens. In addition, the genetic tractability of this eukaryote organism has provided the foundation for studies into the diverse strategies that pathogens use to evade antimicrobial responses and now provides the opportunity to study the basis for latency. Thus, T. gondii remains a clinically relevant organism whose evolving interactions with the host immune system continue to teach lessons broadly relevant to host–pathogen interactions.
White-light versus discrete wavelength measurements of Faraday dispersion and the Verdet constant
Authors: Maxwell James L , Hughes Ifan G , Adams Charles S
Published: October 2021

The wavelength dependence of the Faraday effect may be measured either sequentially at particular wavelengths using narrow band sources, or simultaneously at many wavelengths using a white-light or broadband source. We apply both methods to measure the wavelength dependence of the Verdet constant of a terbium gallium garnet crystal. We show that although the white-light measurement offers the advantage of requiring only one source, it is more prone to systematic errors than using multiple laser sources.
Glass microprism matrix for fluorescence excitation in lab-on-a-chip platforms
Authors: Pokrzywnicka Aleksandra , Śniadek Patrycja , Walczak Rafał
Published: October 2021

In this paper, an integrated microprism matrix for light coupling and optical sensing systems is presented. The matrix was fabricated by use of controlled negative pressure glass thermal reflow process by the use of monocrystalline mold. The single glass microprism had height of 250 µm or 350 µm with base width respectively 350 µm or 500 µm. The matrix was formed by 10 × 10 microprisms with distance between the microprisms from 150 µm to 400 µm. It corresponded to total area of the matrixes from 28 mm2 to 74 mm2. The controlled coupling of the beam into a substrate was obtained through determination of optimal geometric dimensions of microprisms and configuration of a measurement setup. Optimal position of the fluorescence induction light source in relation to the matrixes (0.5 cm to 4.5 cm distance, 30° angle of incidence) and microfluidic channel (4 mm) were determined. The fluorimetric tests (with excitation by 470 nm laser diode in all the experiments) carried out using fluorescein solution, microbeads and porcine oocyte indicated the possibility of using a microprism matrix for fluorimetric image-based 500 nm long-pass detection in lab-on-a-chip platforms.
Spectral compression and entanglement reduction in the cascaded biphoton state with cavities
Authors: Wong Y-E , Tsai N-Y , Hiew W S , Jen H H
Published: October 2021

The cascaded biphoton state generated from a cold atomic ensemble presents one of the strongly correlated resources that can preserve and relay quantum information. Under the four-wave mixing condition, the emitted signal and idler photons from the upper and lower excited states become highly correlated in their traveling directions and entangled in continuous frequency spaces. In this system, we theoretically study the spectral compression of the biphoton source using an external cavity and show the reduction in its frequency entanglement entropy. This indicates, respectively, an improved light absorption efficiency for the idler photon as well as an almost pure biphoton source which is useful in optical quantum networks. We further investigate the limit of the spectral compression that can be achieved by using multiple cavities. Our results show the capability and potential of the biphoton source with external cavities, where the performance of atom-based quantum memory can be enhanced and the entanglement property can be manipulated by tailoring the spectral compression.
Nanoscale layer of a minimized defect area of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride on copper for excellent anti-corrosion activity
Authors: Hwang Jae Hun , Shrestha Bishnu Kumar , Kim Jun Hee , Seo Tae Hoon , Park Chan Hee , Kim Myung Jong
Published: October 2021

In this work, we synthesized a monolayer of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) using chemical vapor deposition. The physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the materials were evaluated to determine their morphology. High-purity materials and their atomic-scale coating on copper (Cu) foil were employed to prevent fast degradation rate. The hexagonal two-dimensional (2D) atomic structures of the as-prepared materials were assessed to derive their best anti-corrosion behavior. The material prepared under optimized conditions included edge-defect-free graphene nanosheets (∼0.0034 μm2) and hBN (∼0.0038 μm2) per unit area of 1 μm2. The coating of each material on the Cu surface significantly reduced the corrosion rate, which was ∼2.44 × 10–2/year and 6.57 × 10–3/year for graphene/Cu and hBN/Cu, respectively. Importantly, the corrosion rate of Cu was approximately 3-fold lower after coating with hBN relative to that of graphene/Cu. This approach suggests that the surface coating of Cu using cost-effective, eco-friendly, and the most abundant materials in nature is of interest for developing marine anti-corrosion micro-electronic devices and achieving surface modification of pure metals in industrial applications.
A training strategy for improving the robustness of memristor-based binarized convolutional neural networks
Authors: Huang Lixing , Yu Hongqi , Chen Changlin , Peng Jie , Diao Jietao , Nie Hongshan , Li Zhiwei , Liu Haijun
Published: October 2021

Memristor-based convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been extensively studied in the field of edge computing, owing to the efficient characteristics of memristors, such as high integration density and powerful processing capability. However, constrained by the low yield of memristor array and the memristance variation, memristor-based CNNs have failed to be widely applied. Consequently, a training strategy is proposed to improve the robustness of memristor-based binarized neural networks for prompting embedded application. Simulation results on the MNIST dataset reveal that this strategy is able to improve the performance of a memristor-based two-layer CNN with device defects. Specifically, when the yield rate of the memristor array is 60%, the recognition rate of a two-layer memristor-based binarized convolutional neural network achieves around 91.19%, and when the characteristic of device variation is 28%, it reaches about 91.53%.
Green nanoarchitectonics with PEDOT:PSS–gelatin composite for moisture-responsive actuator and generator
Authors: Liu Yonghao , Sun Xiang-Chao , Lv Chao , Xia Hong
Published: October 2021

With improvements in energy conversion efficiency and diversification of conversion manner, devices through natural evaporation from water reservoirs have potential to become an avenue to harvest energy. Using green, sustainable and biocompatible components is ever greater interesting for construction of humidity-induced actuator and generator. Here we demonstrate that green nanoarchitectonics with the bio-friendly poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)–gelatin have good mechanical and humidity responsive properties which can use to construct moisture-responsive actuator and generator. The PEDOT:PSS–gelatin film actuator is fabricated by simple spin-coating, in which PEDOT:PSS is introduced into natural gelatin to increase the mechanical intensity due to hydrogen bond and interpenetrated network between rigid PEDOT:PSS chains and protein molecules. The PEDOT:PSS–gelatin film combined with piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) film can be driven into the movement by humidity. The PEDOT:PSS–gelatin film and the driven PVDF film as actuator and generator generates piezoelectric signal. The bio-friendly evaporation-driven generator may have applications in self-powering biomedicine robotic system and sensors.
Global gyrokinetic simulation with kinetic electron for collisionless damping of zonal flow in stellarators
Authors: Nicolau Javier H. , Choi Gyungjin , Fu Jingyuan , Liu Pengfei , Wei Xishuo , Lin Zhihong
Published: October 2021

Global gyrokinetic simulations with kinetic electrons for collisionless damping of zonal flows in LHD and W7-X stellarators show that the helical components of the equilibrium magnetic field responsible for helically trapped particles have significant impacts on zonal flow. Kinetic electrons reduce zonal flow residue and increase the frequency of low frequency oscillation (LFO). The LFO is induced by dominant helical harmonics of magnetic field strength. Furthermore, linear toroidal coupling of multiple toroidal n-harmonics barely affects the zonal flows, but can generate long wavelength toroidal harmonics with the same toroidal number as the helical magnetic field.
Overview of recent experimental results from the ADITYA-U tokamak
Authors: Tanna R.L. , Macwan Tanmay , Ghosh J. , Jadeja K.A. , Kumar Rohit , Aich S. , Patel K.M. , Raj Harshita , Singh Kaushlender , Dolui Suman , Kumar Ankit , Shukla B.K. , Chattopadhyay P.K. , Makwana M.N. , Shah K.S. , Gupta S. , Balakrishnan V. , Gupta C.N. , Panchal V.K. , Edappala Praveenlal , Arambhadiya B. , Shah Minsha , Gautam Pramila , Raulji V. , Shukla Praveena , Rajpal R. , Nagora U.C. , Patel Kiran , Yadava Nandini , Patel S. , Ramaiya N. , Chowdhuri M.B. , Manchanda R. , Dey R. , Shukla G. , Shah K. , S Varsha , Raval J. , Purohit S. , Tahiliani K. , Kumawat D. , Jha S.K. , Bisai N. , Atrey P.K. , Pathak S.K. , Gupta M.K. , Gopalkrishana M.V. , Doshi B.R. , Sharma Deepti , Srinivasan R. , Raju D. , Chauhan Chetna , Saxena Y.C. , Sen Abhijit , Pal R. , Chaturvedi S.
Published: October 2021

Since the 2018 IAEA-FEC conference, in addition to expanding the parameter horizons of the ADITYA-U machine, emphasis has been given to dedicated experiments on inductively driven particle injection (IPI) for disruption studies, runaway electron (RE) dynamics and mitigation, plasma rotation reversal, radiative-improved modes using Ne and Ar injection, modulation of magneto–hydrodynamic modes, edge turbulence using periodic gas puffs and electrode biasing (E-B). Plasma parameters close to the design parameters of circular plasmas with H2 and D2 as fuel have been realized, and the shaped plasma operation has also been initiated. Consistent plasma discharges having I
P ∼ 100–210 kA, t ∼ 300–400 ms, n
e ∼ 3–6 × 1019 m−3, core T
e ∼ 300–500 eV were achieved with a maximum B
T of ∼1.5 T. The enhanced plasma parameters are the outcome of repeated cycles of baking (135 °C), followed by extensive wall conditioning, which includes pulsed glow discharge cleaning in H, He and Ar–H mixture, and lithiumization. A higher confinement time has been observed in D2 compared to H2 plasmas. Furthermore, shaped plasmas are attempted for the first time in ADITYA-U. A first of its kind inductively driven particle injection for disruption mitigation studies has been developed and operated. The injection of solid particles into the plasma core leads to a fast current quench. Two pulses of electron cyclotron resonance wave at 42 GHz are launched in a single discharge: one pulse is used for pre-ionization and the second for heating. In a novel approach, a positively biased electrode is used to confine REs after discharge termination. E-B is also used for controlling the rotation of drift-tearing modes by changing the plasma rotation. Cold pulse propagation and signatures of detachment are observed during the injection of short gas puffs. A correlation between the plasma toroidal rotation and the total radiated power has been observed with neon gas injection-induced improved confinement modes.
A qualitative study and preliminary model of living with dementia and incontinence at home: beyond containment
Authors: Murphy Catherine , de Laine Christine , Macaulay Margaret , Avery Miriam , Fader Mandy
Published: October 2021

Background

most people living with dementia (PLWD) will develop incontinence problems with associated harmful consequences. Well-contained incontinence is often the main treatment goal. It would therefore be expected that poorly contained incontinence would have a negative impact.

Aim

to investigate differences in how well-contained or poorly contained incontinence impacts on the experience of living with incontinence for PLWD at home and their carers.

Design

secondary analysis of a qualitative study.

Methods

semi-structured interviews were undertaken with PLWD, carers and healthcare professionals (continence or dementia nurses). PLWD and carers were recruited via www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk and via dementia/carer groups. Nurses were recruited via their employers. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis was used.

Results

forty-five people (twenty-six carers, two PLWD, nine continence nurses and eight dementia nurses) participated. Despite poorly contained incontinence, some PLWD/carer dyads appeared relatively unaffected by incontinence. Conversely, one or both members of some dyads who achieved good containment found incontinence care highly challenging. Four themes were identified, together forming a preliminary model of incontinence containment and impact, as follows:

Conclusion

reliable containment is an important goal for PLWD living at home and their carers, but it is not the only goal. Other factors, such as behaviours that challenge or carer coping strategies, can mean that even well-contained incontinence can have a negative impact. This paper proposes a preliminary model for evaluation.
Hitching a ride on exosomes: a new approach for the delivery of siRNA-mediated therapies
Authors: Snyder Allison , Grunseich Christopher
Published: October 2021

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Therapeutic reversal of Huntington’s disease by in vivo self-assembled siRNAs’ by Zhang et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awab354).
Integrating the ISO 14034 standard as a platform for carbon capture and utilization technology performance evaluation
Authors: Hansen Tim , McCabe Kevin , Chatterton Bill , Leitch Michael
Published: October 2021

Independent testing and verification of emerging technologies are vital parts of the technology-commercialization process. With the rapid development of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies, where existing standards and certifications do not exist, independent verification approaches and guidelines can provide a means to obtain credible information for an emerging market. The ISO 14034:2016—Environmental Management: Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) standard can serve as a foundational platform to ensure the consistency, quality and credibility of data on CCU technology performance, enabling direct comparisons between technologies and reducing risk to decision-makers regarding potential investment, future deployment and ultimate impacts of CCU innovations. Applying the fundamental principles of ISO 14034 to the evaluation of nine finalist CCU technologies competing in the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE ensured that data used to evaluate competitors was of high quality, consistent across technologies and met the information needs of the XPRIZE and competition judges responsible for selecting winners. The approaches outlined here, including verification parameters and verification tasks for both XPRIZE-specific technology evaluations and full CCU technology evaluation by an accredited entity in conformance with the ISO 14034 standard, provide insight into the potential benefits—methodological consistency, high-quality data, independent oversight, methodological flexibility and broad applicability—and limitations—technology readiness and applicability, verification and instrumentation costs and lack of specificity—of the approach in an application for the evaluation of emerging technologies. Further application of the ISO 14034 standard and principles, developed through a consensus approach that incorporates other developing guidelines, can drive consistency and credibility for technology-performance evaluations across the CCU sector, ultimately leading to reduced risk and improved market access for new innovations.
White Matter Functional Connectivity in Resting-State fMRI: Robustness, Reliability, and Relationships to Gray Matter
Authors: Wang Pan , Wang Jianlin , Michael Andrew , Wang Zedong , Klugah-Brown Benjamin , Meng Chun , Biswal Bharat B
Published: October 2021

A comprehensive characterization of the spatiotemporal organization in the whole brain is critical to understand both the function and dysfunction of the human brain. Resting-state functional connectivity (FC) of gray matter (GM) has helped in uncovering the inherent baseline networks of brain. However, the white matter (WM), which composes almost half of brain, has been largely ignored in this characterization despite studies indicating that FC in WM does change during task and rest functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this study, we identify 9 white matter functional networks (WM-FNs) and 9 gray matter functional networks (GM-FNs) of resting fMRI. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated on multirun fMRI data to estimate the reliability of static functional connectivity (SFC) and dynamic functional connectivity (DFC). Associations between SFC, DFC, and their respective ICCs are estimated for GM-FNs, WM-FNs, and GM-WM-FNs. SFC of GM-FNs were stronger than that of WM-FNs, but the corresponding DFC of GM-FNs was lower, indicating that WM-FNs were more dynamic. Associations between SFC, DFC, and their ICCs were similar in both GM- and WM-FNs. These findings suggest that WM fMRI signal contains rich spatiotemporal information similar to that of GM and may hold important cues to better establish the functional organization of the whole brain.
Intergenerational neuroimaging study: mother–infant functional connectivity similarity and the role of infant and maternal factors
Authors: Kim Pilyoung , Chen Haitao , Dufford Alexander J , Tribble Rebekah , Gilmore John , Gao Wei
Published: October 2021

Mother and infant neural and behavioral synchrony is important for infant development during the first years of life. Recent studies also suggest that neural risk markers associated with parental psychopathology may be transmitted across generations before symptoms emerge in offspring. There is limited understanding of how early similarity in brain functioning between 2 generations emerges. In the current study, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined the functional connectivity (FC) similarity between mothers and newborns during the first 3 months after the infant’s birth. We found that FC similarity between mothers and infants increased as infant age increased. Furthermore, we examined whether maternal factors such as maternal socioeconomic status and prenatal maternal depressive symptoms may influence individual differences in FC similarity. For the whole-brain level, lower maternal education levels were associated with greater FC similarity. In previous literature, lower maternal education levels were associated with suboptimal cognitive and socioemotional development. Greater FC similarity may reflect that the infants develop their FC similarity prematurely, which may suboptimally influence their developmental outcomes in later ages.
Repair of common arterial trunk: palliation and delayed correction as a viable alternative strategy in selected patients
Authors: Cuomo Michela , Purbojo Ariawan , Blumauer Robert , Schöber Martin , Wällisch Wolfgang , Dittrich Sven , Cesnjevar Robert Anton
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Primary repair of common arterial trunk (CAT) is burdened by high mortality rates, especially in the presence of multiple risk factors. Timing, possible palliative methods, optimal management of associated cardiac lesions and handling of a poor preoperative state are still under discussion.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed all patients who underwent surgery for CAT in our institution between 2008 and November 2020. We included 22 patients, 11 of whom received primary correction (PC) and 11 of whom underwent initial palliation by partial repair, leaving the ventricular septal defect open and connecting the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries with a small valveless right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit. A delayed correction (DC) was performed after 11.5 ± 3.6 months.

RESULTS

The overall operative mortality was 4.5%; 1 patient (affected by severe truncal valve stenosis and presenting in a poor state preoperatively) in the DC group died after palliation. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis was significantly higher in the PC group (P = 0.027). No patient from either group required postoperative extracorporeal support. Survival rates after 6 years differed slightly (PC group, 90%; DC group, 70%; log-rank = 0.270).

CONCLUSIONS

PC of CAT remains an optimal surgical approach for patients with an expected low mortality. However, our data support palliation and DC as a suitable alternative strategy, especially in the presence of significant risk factors like interrupted aortic arch, poor preoperative condition or complex surgical anatomy.
Flow displacement and decreased wall shear stress might be associated with the growth rate of an ascending aortic dilatation
Authors: Korpela Tarmo , Kauhanen S Petteri , Kariniemi Elina , Saari Petri , Liimatainen Timo , Jaakkola Pekka , Vanninen Ritva , Hedman Marja
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to evaluate whether four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict the growth rate of dilatation of the ascending aorta (AA) in patients with a tricuspid, normally functioning aortic valve.

METHODS

In this prospective clinical study, aortic 4D flow MRI was performed at the Kuopio University Hospital on 30 patients diagnosed with AA dilatation (maximum diameter >40 mm) between August 2017 and July 2020. The MRI was repeated after a 1-year follow-up, with AA dimensions and 4D flow parameters analysed retrospectively at both time points. The standard error of measurement was used to assess the statistical significance of the growth rate of AA dilatation. Flow displacement (FD) was transformed to a class-scaled parameter using FD ≥5% as a threshold.

RESULTS

Statistically significant growth [median 2.1 mm (1.5–2.2 mm); P = 0.03] was detected in 6 male patients (20%); the AA diameter remained unchanged [0.2 mm (−0.3 to 0.9 mm)] in 24 patients (80%). An increased FD at the baseline was associated with significant growth during the 1-year follow-up in the proximal AA. An association was detected between decreased total wall shear stress and significant aortic growth in the inner curve of the sinotubular junction [529 mPa (449–664 mPa) vs 775 mPa (609–944 mPa); P = 0.03] and the anterior side of the proximal aortic arch [356 mPa (305–367 mPa) vs 493 mPa (390–586 mPa); P < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

FD and decreased wall shear stress seem to be associated with significant growth of AA dilatation at the 1-year follow-up. Thus, 4D flow MRI might be useful in assessing risk for AA diameter growth in patients with a tricuspid aortic valve.