bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antenatal and perinatal factors influencing neonatal blood pressure: a systematic review
Authors: Rabe Heike , Bhatt-Mehta Varsha , Bremner Stephen A. , Ahluwalia Aisling , Mcfarlane Renske , Baygani Simin , Batton Beau , Klein Agnes , Ergenekon Ebru , Koplowitz Luana Pesco , Dempsey Eugene , Apele-Freimane Dina , Iwami Hiroko , Dionne Janis M. ,   International Neonatal Consortium, Rabe Heike , Bhatt-Mehta Varsha , Bremner Stephen A. , Baygani Simin , Batton Beau , Klein Agnes , Ergenekon Ebru , Koplowitz Luana Pesco , Dempsey Eugene , Apele-Freimane Dina , Iwami Hiroko , Dionne Janis M.
Published: August 2021

Objective

A comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to perinatal blood pressure is vital to ensure optimal postnatal hemodynamic support. The objective of this study was to review existing literature on maternal and perinatal factors influencing blood pressure in neonates up to 3 months corrected age.

Methods

A systematic search of published literature in OVID Medline, OVID Embase and the COCHRANE library identified publications relating to maternal factors affecting blood pressure of neonates up to corrected age of 3 months. Summary data were extracted and compared (PROSPERO CRD42018092886).

Results

Of the 3683 non-duplicate publications identified, 44 were eligible for inclusion in this review. Topics elicited were sociodemographic factors, maternal health status, medications, smoking during pregnancy, and cord management at birth. Limited data were available for each factor. Results regarding the impact of these factors on neonatal blood pressure were inconsistent across studies.

Conclusions

There is insufficient evidence to draw definitive conclusions regarding the impact of various maternal and perinatal factors on neonatal blood pressure. Future investigations of neonatal cardiovascular therapies should account for these factors in their study design. Similarly, studies on maternal diseases and perinatal interventions should include neonatal blood pressure as part of their primary or secondary analyses.
Histone deacetylase 2 knockout suppresses immune escape of triple-negative breast cancer cells via downregulating PD-L1 expression
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Xiong Wei , Lin Yun , Fan Liping , Pan Hongchao , Li Yaochen
Published: August 2021

The PD-L1 overexpression is an important event of immune escape and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but the molecular mechanism remains to be determined. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) represents a major driving force behind PD-L1 expression in tumor microenvironment, and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) is required for IFN signaling. Here, we investigated the regulation of HDAC2 on the IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression in TNBC cells. We found the HDAC2 and PD-L1 expression in TNBC was significantly higher than that in non-TNBC, and HDAC2 was positively correlated with PD-L1 expression. HDAC2 promoted PD-L1 induction by upregulating the phosphorylation of JAK1, JAK2, and STAT1, as well as the translocation of STAT1 to the nucleus and the recruitment of STAT1 to the PD-L1 promoter. Meanwhile, HDAC2 was recruited to the PD-L1 promoter by STAT1, and HDAC2 knockout compromised IFNγ-induced upregulation of H3K27, H3K9 acetylation, and the BRD4 recruitment in PD-L1 promoter. In addition, significant inhibition of proliferation, colony formation, migration, and cell cycle of TNBC cells were observed following knockout of HDAC2 in vitro. Furthermore, HDAC2 knockout reduced IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression, lymphocyte infiltration, and retarded tumor growth and metastasis in the breast cancer mouse models. This study may provide evidence that HDAC2 promotes IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression, suggesting a way for enhanced antitumor immunity when targeting the HDAC2 in TNBC.
Autophagy-associated circular RNA hsa_circ_0007813 modulates human bladder cancer progression via hsa-miR-361-3p/IGF2R regulation
Authors: Zhang Zheyu , Mou Zezhong , Xu Chenyang , Wu Siqi , Dai Xiyu , Chen Xinan , Ou Yuxi , Chen Yiling , Yang Chen , Jiang Haowen
Published: August 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) drive several cellular processes including proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Here, we identified a circRNA hsa_circ_0007813, whose expression was upregulated in bladder cancer. High hsa_circ_0007813 expression was associated with larger tumor size, higher primary tumor T stage, and higher pathologic grade. Survival analysis showed that patients with high hsa_circ_0007813 expression levels had a poorer prognosis. Based on these findings from clinical tissue samples and cell lines, we assumed that hsa_circ_0007813 functioned a vital role in bladder cancer progression. Next, functional experiments revealed that knockdown of hsa_circ_0007813 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of bladder cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Through extensive bioinformatic prediction and RNA pull-down assays, we identified hsa-miR-361-3p as a competing endogenous RNA of hsa_circ_0007813. Further bioinformatic studies narrowed targets to 35 possible downstream genes. We then found that knockdown of hsa_circ_0007813 led to altered cell autophagy, bringing our attention to IGF2R, one of the possible downstream genes. IGF2R was also known as cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-M6PR), was discovered to participate in both autophagy and tumor biology. Regarding autophagy has a dominant role in the survival of tumor cells overcoming cellular stress and correlates with tumor progression, investigations were made to prove that hsa_circ_0007813 could regulate IGF2R expression via hsa-miR-361-3p sponging. The potential of hsa_circ_0007813 in regulating IGF2R expression explained its influence on cell behavior and clinical outcomes. Collectively, our data could offer new insight into the biology of circRNA in bladder cancer.
Fermentation products of Danshen relieved dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental ulcerative colitis in mice
Authors: Su Le , Su Yue , An Zaiyong , Zhang Ping , Yue Qiulin , Zhao Chen , Sun Xin , Zhang Song , Liu Xinli , Li Kunlun , Zhao Lin
Published: August 2021

With the increased incidence and recognition, ulcerative colitis (UC) has become a global public health problem in the world. Although many immunosuppressant and biological drugs have been used for UC treatment, the cure rate is still very low. It is necessary to find some safe and long-term used medicine for UC cure. Recently, the Chinese traditional herb Danshen has been investigated in the treatment of UC. However, it is a limitation of Danshen that many of the active components in Danshen are not easily absorbed by the human body. Probiotics could convert macromolecules into smaller molecules to facilitate absorption. Thus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (F-B4-1) and Bacillus subtillis Natto (F-A7-1) were screened to ferment Danshen in this study. The fermented Danshen products were gavaged in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model mice. Danshen had better results to attenuate symptoms of DSS-induced UC after fermented with F-B4-1 and F-A7-1. Loss of body weight and disease activity index (DAI) were reduced. The abnormally short colon lengths and colonic damage were recovered. And fermented Danshen had the better inhibitory effect than Danshen itself on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression during DSS-induced UC. The results indicated that compared with Danshen, fermented Danshen relieved DSS-induced UC in mice more effectively. Danshen fermented by probiotics might be an effective treatment to UC in clinic stage in the future.
ABO blood group antigen therapy: a potential new strategy against solid tumors
Authors: Luo Qiong , Pan Mingxin , Feng Hao , Wang Lei
Published: August 2021

The economic burden of tumors is increasing, so there is an urgent need to develop new therapies for their treatment. Killing tumors by activating complement is an effective strategy for the treatment. We used the ABO blood group system and the corresponding antibodies to activate the killer cell capacity of the complement system. After the construction of a mouse model containing blood group A antibodies and inoculating colorectal cancer and breast cancer cells into the axillae of the mice, intratumoural injection using a lentivirus carrying a blood group antigen as a drug significantly reduced the tumor volume of the mice. Compared with the control group, the content of the C5b-9 complement membrane attack complex in the tumors of mice treated with the blood group A antigen was significantly increased, and the proportion of NK cells was also significantly increased. In vitro cell-based experiments proved that tumor cells expressing blood group A antigens showed significantly inhibited cell proliferation when added to serum containing blood group A antibodies. These results all prove that the ABO blood group antigen may become a powerful tool for the treatment of tumors in patients.
Synthesis and properties of a nanographene-embedded conjugated macrocyclic nanoring via the Scholl reaction
Authors: Wang Shengda , Li Xingcheng , Zhuang Guilin , Chen Muqing , Huang Pingsen , Yang Shangfeng , Du Pingwu
Published: August 2021

We report a fixed two-bond approach for the direct functionalization of a small strained macrocyclic nanoring. The macrocyclic nanoring showed a significant redshift (∼100 nm for absorption) compared with its precursor, and can be used as an electron transport layer.
A series of novel Co(ii)-based MOFs: syntheses, structural diversity, and various properties
Authors: Wei Yaoyi , Zhu Bin , Wang Jinmiao , Wang Lulu , Wu Ruixue , Liu Wenbo , Ma Bingxiang , Yang Dong , Fan Yuhua , Zhang Xia
Published: August 2021

Three novel Co(ii)-based MOFs, having structural diversities and various properties are successfully synthesized.
Solvothermal and mechanochemical intercalation of Cu into La2O2S2 enabled by the redox reactivity of (S2)2− pairs
Authors: Sasaki Shunsuke , Steciuk Gwladys , Guillot-Deudon Catherine , Caldes Maria Teresa , Braems Isabelle , Janod Etienne , Corraze Benoît , Jobic Stéphane , Cario Laurent
Published: August 2021

Intercalation of Cu into layered polychalcogenide La2O2S2 was demonstrated to be viable both under solvothermal conditions at 200 °C and mechanical ball milling at ambient temperature.
Development of a separated-dough method and flour/starch replacement in gluten free crackers by cellulose and fibrillated cellulose
Authors: Ren Yi , Yakubov Gleb E. , Linter Bruce R. , Foster Tim J.
Published: August 2021

The separated-dough method increases structural heterogeneity and cellulose skeleton of gluten-free crackers allows the formation of the laminar structure.
BPA-free high-performance sustainable polycarbonates derived from non-estrogenic bio-based phenols
Authors: Garrison Michael D. , Storch Perrin J. , Eck William S. , Adams Valerie H. , Fedick Patrick W. , Harvey Benjamin G.
Published: August 2021

Several bio-based bisphenols were found to be non-estrogenic through in vitro studies. Polycarbonates derived from these compounds exhibited glass transition temperatures and thermal stability comparable to petroleum-derived thermoplastics.
Cost-effective diagnostic kits for selective detection of gaseous H2S
Authors: Singh Prabhpreet , Kaur Navdeep
Published: August 2021

Unsymmetrical tri-functionalized perylene diimide dyes were explored for making solution- and solid-state-based colorimetric kits for the detection of gaseous and aqueous H2S.
In situmicrosynthesis of polyaniline: synthesis–structure–conductivity correlation
Authors: Vasileva Anna , Pankin Dmitrii , Mikhailovskii Vladimir , Kolesnikov Ilya , Mínguez-Bacho Ignacio , Bachmann Julien , Manshina Alina
Published: August 2021

The multi-analytical study of polyaniline samples obtained byin situmicrosynthesis was performed.
Artificial osteochondral interface of bioactive fibrous membranes mediating calcified cartilage reconstruction
Authors: Liu Mengtao , Ke Xiurong , Yao Yuejun , Wu Fanghui , Ye Shuo , Zhang Lei , Yang Guojing , Shen Miaoda , Li Yifan , Yang Xianyan , Zhong Cheng , Gao Changyou , Gou Zhongru
Published: August 2021

Calcified cartilage is a mineralized osteochondral interface region between the hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone.
Optimal sparse control of interval networks: Voltage source converter based DC grid study
Authors: Nabi Behrouz , Seyedtabaii Saeed
Published: August 2021

Decentralized optimal control of interval state space systems involves significant complications due to the required sparsity, robustness, and convergence rate. By adding an l1 term to the standard linear quadratic optimization, the obtained composite index, accommodating the sparsity, contains both differentiable and non‐differentiable terms. Knowing that the choice of optimization techniques are problem‐dependent, in this paper, several smart provisions such as “Active set”, “Coordinate descent”, and separately managing the differentiable part of the cost function are put together to form a relatively fast algorithm. In addition, a rule is introduced to adjust automatically the degree of sparsity and a constraint to confine the interval closed‐loop system eigenvalues to the desired s plane region. As a result, a robust sparse decentralized control (RSDC) approach for interval networks is established. The RSDC method is utilized for the control of a multi‐terminal VSC (Voltage Source Converter ) ‐based DC (Direct Current) grid with parametric uncertainty under various external random perturbations. The test results show that the proposed method with just 20 feedback links (out of available 100) performs superiorly to the alternative ones in terms of sparsity, convergence rate, and time‐domain performances, verified through extensive simulations.
GAN and CNN for imbalanced partial discharge pattern recognition in GIS
Authors: Wang Yanxin , Yan Jing , Yang Zhou , Jing Qianzhen , Wang Jianhua , Geng Yingsan
Published: August 2021

The convolutional neural network (CNN) achieves excellent performance in pattern recognition owing to its powerful automatic feature extraction capability and outstanding classification performance. However, the actual samples obtained are unbalanced, and accurate diagnoses are difficult for the existing methods. A classification method for partial discharge (PD) pattern recognition in gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS) that uses a generative adversarial network (GAN) and CNN on unbalanced samples is proposed. First, a novel Wasserstein dual discriminator GAN is used to generate data to equalise the unbalanced samples. Second, a decomposed hierarchical search space is used to automatically construct an optimal diagnostic CNN. Finally, PD pattern recognition classification in GIS of the unbalanced samples is realised by the GAN and CNN. The experimental results show that the GAN and CNN methods proposed in this study have a pattern recognition accuracy of 99.15% on unbalanced samples, which is significantly higher than that obtained by other methods. Therefore, the method proposed in this study is more suitable for industrial applications.
Hybrid HVDC circuit breakers with an energy absorption branch of a parallel arrester structure
Authors: Yu Jingqiu , Xu Zheng , Zhang Zheren , Song Yuanjian
Published: August 2021

Hybrid circuit breakers (CBs) are the most promising technology to isolate DC faults in modular multilevel converter (MMC)‐based DC grids. However, they consist of expensive power electronic components that are sensitive to high overvoltage and overcurrent. This study proposes a hybrid high‐voltage DC circuit breaker with an energy absorption branch of a parallel arrester structure, and investigates the possibility of reducing the fault current and the switching overvoltage. First, the basic principle of an energy absorption branch with a parallel arrester structure is presented. Then, the simultaneous and sequential insertion strategies are illustrated. Second, each strategy and each structure are combined separately to analyse their respective characteristics in reducing the overvoltage, the fault current, the energy absorption and the fault clearance time. The sequential insertion strategy of the proposed energy absorption branch is proved to have the best performance. Finally, the trade‐offs between these four metrics are achieved through the non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II). A general method to determine the parameters of the proposed energy absorption branch from the Pareto front based on different preferences is provided. Simulations on PSCAD show that sequential insertion of the proposed energy absorption branch with the optimal parameters is able to suppress the switching overvoltage and limit the fault current to a relatively low extent simultaneously.
A modulation optimization‐based active thermal control method for H‐bridge rectifiers
Authors: Chen Wenbo , Chen Shujing , Qiu Hongbo , Cheng Hong
Published: August 2021

As one of the most widely adopted topologies in power electronics, the H‐bridge circuit has been used for numerous kinds of power converters. With the emphasis on reliability and lifetime management of power converters, it could be helpful to decrease or rebalance the thermal stress of semiconductors to prolong the entire converter's lifetime. However, current switching frequency or power routing‐based methods will more or less deteriorate the performance of converters. Therefore, an active thermal control method for the H‐bridge rectifier is presented here, which has limited influence on the converter. This method puts four bridgeless modulation types into operation by the redundant switching states of the H‐bridge. The power losses were reduced by alternately changing a couple of bridgeless modes. Finally, the effectiveness of this active thermal control method has been analyzed of loss and temperature comparisons and validated with simulation and experimental results.
Variational Bayesian‐based adaptive distributed fusion target tracking with unknown sensor measurement losses
Authors: Hu Zhentao , Yang Shibo , Yang Linlin , Jin Yong
Published: August 2021

A new variational Bayesian‐based adaptive distributed fusion unscented Kalman filter (ADFUKF‐VB) algorithm is proposed for the problem of state estimation in a distributed fusion target tracking system with unknown sensor measurement losses. First, the Bernoulli random variables are introduced as the judgement factors of the measurement losses in each local unscented Kalman filter (UKF) of the distributed fusion target tracking system, and the probability density function (PDF) of the measurement loss probability is modelled as a Beta distribution. Then, the variational Bayesian (VB) approach is used to infer the estimated variables in each local UKF. The measurement losses are judged according to the expectations of the Bernoulli random variables, and three ways are adopted to estimate the state vector based on the obtained judgement results. Finally, the covariance intersection (CI) fusion strategy is used to achieve the fusion of all local state estimates. The simulation results show that the proposed ADFUKF‐VB algorithm can accurately judge whether the measurement is lost and estimate the unknown measurement loss probability, moreover, effectively improve the accuracy of state estimation compared with the existing filtering algorithms with unknown measurement losses.
Interstellar detection of the simplest aminocarbyne H2NC: an ignored but abundant molecule
Authors: Cabezas C. , Agúndez M. , Marcelino N. , Tercero B. , Cuadrado S. , Cernicharo J.
Published: August 2021

We report the first identification in space of H2NC, a high-energy isomer of H2CN that has been largely ignored in chemical and astrochemical studies. The observation of various unidentified lines around 72.2 GHz in the cold dark cloud L483 motivated the search and successful detection of additional groups of lines in harmonic relation. Following an exhaustive high-level ab initio screening of possible carriers, we confidently assign the unidentified lines to H2NC based on the good agreement between the astronomical and theoretical spectroscopic parameters alongside sound spectroscopic and astrochemical arguments. The observed frequencies are used to precisely characterize the rotational spectrum of H2NC. This species is also detected in the cold dark cloud B1-b and the z = 0.89 galaxy in front of the quasar PKS 1830−211. We derive H2NC/H2CN abundance ratios ~1 in L483 and B1-b and 0.27 toward PKS 1830−211. Neither H2NC nor H2CN are detected in the dark cloud TMC-1, which seriously undermines the previous identification of H2CN in this source. We suggest that the H2NC/H2CN ratio behaves as the HNC/HCN ratio, with values close to one in cold dense clouds and below one in diffuse clouds. The reactions N + CH3 and C + NH3 emerge as strong candidates for the production of H2NC in interstellar clouds. Further studies on these two reactions are needed to evaluate the yield of H2NC. Due to the small number of atoms involved, it should be feasible to constrain the chemistry behind H2NC and H2CN, just as has been done for HNC and HCN, as this could allow for the H2NC/H2CN ratio to be applied as a probe of chemical or physical conditions of the host clouds.
Management of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Recommendations of the Working Group on Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine – Section on Maternal Disorders
Authors: Hagenbeck Carsten , Hamza Amr , Kehl Sven , Maul Holger , Lammert Frank , Keitel Verena , Hütten Matthias C. , Pecks Ulrich
Published: August 2021

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common liver disease specific to pregnancy. The cardinal symptom of pruritus and a concomitant elevated level of bile acids in the serum and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are suggestive for the diagnosis. Overall, the maternal prognosis is good. The fetal outcome depends on the bile acid level. ICP is associated with increased risks for adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm delivery, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and stillbirth. Acute fetal asphyxia and not chronic uteroplacental dysfunction leads to stillbirth. Therefore, predictive fetal monitoring is not possible. While medication with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) improves pruritus, it has not been shown to affect fetal outcome. The indication for induction of labour depends on bile acid levels and gestational age. There is a high risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies.
Imaging of Portal Gastroduodenopathy
Authors: Helavar Rajesh V. , Ramappa Vidyasagar , Wali Praveen P.
Published: August 2021

Portal hypertension is characterized by elevated pressure in portal venous system due to portal resistance due to various causes. The etiologies are either pre-hepatic, hepatic, or post-hepatic. Elevated portal pressure results in varices at various sites some of which are difficult to identify on endoscopy alone. Other manifestations of elevated portal pressure include portal gastropathy, enteropathy, colopathy, gastric antral vascular ectasia, and ascites. Imaging plays an essential role in diagnosis and imaging of various manifestations of portal hypertension by determining the locations of varices and plan the management for same. Endoscopy helps in visualizing mucosal varices but newer imaging modalities give a panoramic extent of the disease in the entire gastrointestinal tract with great specificity and sensitivity. Initially, Barium study was used to determine esophageal or gastric varices, computed tomography provides detailed anatomic information which can be used to plan management. Due to advancement in imaging and interventional techniques, treatment for varices has seen advent of multiple minimally invasive interventional radiological techniques. A brief outlook on anatomical aspect of varices and various recent advances in management of the same has been provided. Overall knowledge of the various imaging manifestations of portal hypertension can be helpful to evaluate prognosis and plan proper management.
Theory–Experiment Gap
Authors: Liu Junxian , Wang Yun
Published: August 2021

Electrochemistry plays a paramount role in both science and manufacturing, in addition to offering promising solutions for the conversion and storage of sustainable energy to protect the environment. To promote the further development of electrochemical processes, a more detailed description and better fundamental understanding are required. This calls for deep insights into the structure and dynamics of electrode–electrolyte interfaces at the atomic level, taking various external working conditions into account. By virtue of the evolution of modern chemistry, numerical simulations have been able to capture the complexity of these processes with increasing success, including consideration of the presence of the electrical double layer, explicit electrode–solvent interfaces, and the applied potential. This chapter highlights the status of current theoretical studies, demonstrating the availability of well-defined models and more accurate methods. Using selected examples, the gap between experiments and current theoretical work considering the complex operating environment of electrochemical processes is discussed. We believe that the development of more reliable modeling approaches and the application of multiscale simulations are crucial for further advancing the understanding of electrochemical processes.
First-Principles Calculations for Electrochemical Reaction Modeling: An Introduction to Methods and Applications
Authors: Li Mingtao , Liu Dongyu , Li Lubing
Published: August 2021

First-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) play an essential role in state-of-the-art studies aimed at understanding electrochemical reactions and designing corresponding electrode materials. These calculations can be applied to determine the geometric and electronic structures of materials, evaluate the barriers for reactant adsorption and subsequent reactions, and explore reaction mechanisms from a microscale perspective, and they have recently emerged as a popular approach in many electrochemistry-related fields, such as electrocatalysis and batteries. In this chapter, we present an overview of the first-principles calculation approach with an emphasis on providing a pedagogical introduction of its applications in understanding electrochemical processes. First, some physical and mathematical concepts relating to DFT are presented. Next, we turn to a discussion of how to investigate microscale electrochemical processes using DFT calculations. Some practical methods and processes for simulating real systems with computational models are also described. Finally, we provide some examples to demonstrate the power of first-principles calculations in electrochemical studies. Our aim is to give beginners an overview of this approach and a practical guide for its application to electrochemical reactions.
Theory and Practice in Constant Potential Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Tee Shern Ren
Published: August 2021

Understanding electrode–electrolyte interfaces at the molecular level is crucial for further progress in electrochemistry, with numerous practical applications in store for society. Molecular dynamics (MD) is a natural technique of choice for accessing molecular-level detail, and the constant potential method (CPM) enables physically realistic and computationally feasible simulations of large systems between conductive electrodes with a specified potential difference. As such, this review aims to introduce readers to the most important concepts of the CPM, such as dynamic charge updating methods, importance sampling in the constant potential ensemble, and optimal periodic boundary conditions for calculating long-range electrostatic interactions. The CPM has been used to study the capacitance of room-temperature ionic liquid supercapacitors and the relationship with electrolyte layering near charged electrodes, the mechanisms and kinetics of charging and discharging, and the utility of nanoporous electrodes in achieving ionic nanoconfinement and superionic states. These areas highlight the flexibility of CPM MD and the additional physical realism that is achieved over simpler fixed charge methods when studying complex electrolyte–electrode interfaces. Nonetheless, there are many potentially fruitful ways to further optimize CPM MD simulations, alongside numerous areas where the application of this technique could yield novel and interesting results.
Fundamentals
Authors: Lekner John
Published: August 2021

This introductory chapter summarizes fundamentals of electrostatics, in part to introduce concepts and notation. Some readers may wish to skim or skip it. Capacitance and polarization coefficients are defined for assemblies of conductors. Also considered are forces on conductors, electrical images, and conformal mapping. The appendices discuss prolate spheroids and a long cylinder of elliptical cross-section.
Two Cylinders in an External Field
Authors: Lekner John
Published: August 2021

This chapter deals with uncharged conducting cylinders in an external field. There is charge separation on each cylinder (they become polarized), but they remain neutral. When in contact, the combined two-cylinder system also has net zero charge. Charged cylinders are discussed in Chap. 7. The longitudinal and transverse polarizabilities of a pair of cylinders are derived. From the polarizabilities the forces and torque on a pair of cylinders in an external field are obtained. Appendices deal with polarizabilities of a cylinder pair when close, and with the surface charge and forces on cylinders in contact.
Two charged cylinders
Authors: Lekner John
Published: August 2021

The capacitance of two oppositely charged cylinders is calculated and limiting forms at large and small separations discussed. The (equal and opposite) forces acting between the cylinders are calculated, as are the charge distributions on the cylinders. The case where the cylinders are held at the same potential is considered, including the force acting between them, and including also cylinders in contact. Application are discussed.
Solitary Finite Cylinder
Authors: Lekner John
Published: August 2021

The chapter begins with a historical introduction, giving an outline of the early works of Cavendish and Maxwell, and of other notable research into cylinder capacitance by Kapitsa, Fok, and Vainshtein, by Lebedev and Skalskaya, and by Verolino. The remainder of the chapter deals in detail with the electrostatics of an open cylinder (a conducting tube). An expression for the capacitance is derived, valid at all length to width ratios. Although not in closed form, it allows calculation of capacitance to any desired accuracy.
Controlling chaos and supressing chimeras in a fractional-order discrete phase-locked loop using impulse control*
Authors: Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Karthikeyan Anitha , Ramakrishnan Balamurali
Published: August 2021

A fractional-order difference equation model of a third-order discrete phase-locked loop (FODPLL) is discussed and the dynamical behavior of the model is demonstrated using bifurcation plots and a basin of attraction. We show a narrow region of loop gain where the FODPLL exhibits quasi-periodic oscillations, which were not identified in the integer-order model. We propose a simple impulse control algorithm to suppress chaos and discuss the effect of the control step. A network of FODPLL oscillators is constructed and investigated for synchronization behavior. We show the existence of chimera states while transiting from an asynchronous to a synchronous state. The same impulse control method is applied to a lattice array of FODPLL, and the chimera states are then synchronized using the impulse control algorithm. We show that the lower control steps can achieve better control over the higher control steps.
Quantum partial least squares regression algorithm for multiple correlation problem
Authors: Hou Yan-Yan , Li Jian , Chen Xiu-Bo , Tian Yuan
Published: August 2021

Partial least squares (PLS) regression is an important linear regression method that efficiently addresses the multiple correlation problem by combining principal component analysis and multiple regression. In this paper, we present a quantum partial least squares (QPLS) regression algorithm. To solve the high time complexity of the PLS regression, we design a quantum eigenvector search method to speed up principal components and regression parameters construction. Meanwhile, we give a density matrix product method to avoid multiple access to quantum random access memory (QRAM) during building residual matrices. The time and space complexities of the QPLS regression are logarithmic in the independent variable dimension n, the dependent variable dimension w, and the number of variables m. This algorithm achieves exponential speed-ups over the PLS regression on n, m, and w. In addition, the QPLS regression inspires us to explore more potential quantum machine learning applications in future works.
Geometric quantities of lower doubly excited bound states of helium
Authors: Zhou Chengdong , Yu Yuewu , Yang Sanjiang , Qiao Haoxue
Published: August 2021

Expectation values of single electron and interelectronic geometric quantities such as 〈r〉, 〈r
12〉, 〈r
<〉, 〈r
>〉, 〈cosθ
12〉 and 〈θ
12〉 are calculated for doubly excited 2pn p1
P
e (3 ≤ n ≤ 5), 2pn p3
P
e (2 ≤ n ≤ 5) and 2pnd1,3
D° (3 ≤ n ≤ 5) states of helium using Hylleraas-B-spline basis set. The energy levels converge to at least 10 significant digits in our calculations. The extrapolated values of geometric quantities except for 〈θ
12〉 reach 10 significant digits as well; 〈θ
12〉 reaches at least 7 significant digits using a multipole expansion approach. Our results provide a precise reference for future research.
Multifractal analysis of the software evolution in software networks
Authors: Liu Meili , Qi Xiaogang , Pan Hao
Published: August 2021

As the scale and complexity have been increased in software systems, developers place more emphases on software engineering and system designs. Software architecture is evolved with update of softwares, and it plays a fundamental role in determining quality of software systems. Multifractal characteristics of software networks can reflect software quality. In this paper, we construct a software network from the dependencies between object classes, and gain a deep understanding of software through network analysis. To be specific, multifractal analysis of the software network is performed based on a modified box-covering algorithm that yields fewer boxes. We verify that software with different functions and dependencies is multifractal. Further, different versions of the software are compared to discover the evolution of the software architecture. The results show that the singularity of class dependencies decreases as the software is updated. This trend leads to a more specific division of functions between software modules. One of the visible advantages of our work is that it allows the characterization of software structures at the code level. The methodology and results of this paper provide new insights into the evaluation and design of large-scale software systems.
Graphene-based heterojunction for enhanced photodetectors
Authors: Yao Haiting , Guo Xin , Bao Aida , Mao Haiyang , Ma Youchun , Li Xuechao
Published: August 2021

Graphene has high light transmittance of 97.7% and ultrafast carrier mobility, which means it has attracted widespread attention in two-dimensional materials. However, the optical absorptivity of single-layer graphene is only 2.3%, and the corresponding photoresponsivity is difficult to produce at normal light irradiation. And the low on–off ratio resulting from the zero bandgap makes it unsuitable for many electronic devices, hindering potential development. The graphene-based heterojunction composed of graphene and other materials has outstanding optical and electrical properties, which can mutually modify the defects of both the graphene and material making it then suitable for optoelectronic devices. In this review, the advantages of graphene-based heterojunctions in the enhancement of the performance of photodetectors are reviewed. Firstly, we focus on the photocurrent generation mechanism of a graphene-based heterojunction photodetector, especially photovoltaic, photoconduction and photogating effects. Secondly, the classification of graphene-based heterojunctions in different directions is summarized. Meanwhile, the latest research progress of graphene-transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) heterojunction photodetectors with excellent performance in graphene-based heterostructures is introduced. Finally, the difficulties faced by the existing technologies of graphene-based photodetectors are discussed, and further prospects are proposed.
Theoretical verification of intermolecular hydrogen bond induced thermally activated delayed fluorescence in SOBF-OMe*
Authors: Li Mu-Zhen , Li Fei-Yan , Zhang Qun , Zhang Kai , Song Yu-Zhi , Fan Jian-Zhong , Wang Chuan-Kui , Lin Li-Li
Published: August 2021

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules have attracted great attention as high efficient luminescent materials. Most of TADF molecules possess small energy gap between the first singlet excited state (S1) and the first triplet excited state (T1) to favor the up-conversion from T1 to S1. In this paper, a new TADF generation mechanism is revealed based on theoretical simulation. By systematic study of the light-emitting properties of SOBF-OMe in both toluene and in aggregation state, we find that the single SOBF-OMe could not realize TADF emission due to large energy gap as well as small up-conversion rates between S1 and T1. Through analysis of dimers, we find that dimers with intermolecular hydrogen bond (H-bond) are responsible for the generation of TADF, since smaller energy gap between S1 and T1 is found and the emission wavelength is in good agreement with experimental counterpart. The emission properties of SOBF-H are also studied for comparison, which reflect the important role of H-bond. Our theoretical results agree ith experimental results well and confirm the mechanism of H-bond induced TADF.
A novel low-loss four-bit bandpass filter using RF MEMS switches
Authors: Han Lulu , Wang Yu , Wu Qiannan , Zhang Shiyi , Wang Shanshan , Li Mengwei
Published: August 2021

This paper details the design and simulation of a novel low-loss four-bit reconfigurable bandpass filter that integrates microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switches and comb resonators. A T-shaped reconfigurable resonator is reconfigured in a ‘one resonator, multiple MEMS switches’ configuration and used to gate the load capacitances of comb resonators so that a multiple-frequency filtering function is realized within the 7–16 GHz frequency range. In addition, the insertion loss of the filter is less than 1.99 dB, the out-of-band rejection is more than 18.30 dB, and the group delay is less than 0.25 ns. On the other hand, the size of this novel filter is only 4.4 mm × 2.5 mm × 0.4 mm. Our results indicate that this MEMS reconfigurable filter, which can switch 16 central frequency bands through eight switches, achieves a low insertion loss compared to those of traditional MEMS filters. In addition, the advantages of small size are obtained while achieving high integration.
Reduced Priming Effect for Visual–Spatial Perspective Taking in Patients With Severe Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Costa Alberto , Bivona Umberto , Sulpizio Valentina , Nappo Raffaele , Mastrilli Ludovica , Formisano Rita , Aloisi Marta , Contrada Marianna , Caltagirone Carlo , Galati Gaspare
Published: August 2021

Objective

Social cognition can be impaired after a severe acquired brain injury (sABI), but mechanisms potentially underlying these difficulties remain to be clarified. This study aimed at investigating perspective taking ability in individuals with sABI.

Method

Twenty individuals with sABI and 20 healthy controls (HCs) have been enrolled in this case–control study. All participants were submitted to an experimental visual–spatial priming memory procedure and a self-report assessment of perspective taking (i.e., the Interpersonal Reactivity Index [IRI]). Individuals with sABI were submitted to neuropsychological tests to assess executive subcomponents, working memory, and visual attention.

Results

The analysis on self-report scales data documents a significant between groups difference in the IRI-Fantasy subscale, with HCs showing a higher tendency to imaginatively transpose oneself into fictional situations than individuals with sABI. Analysis of performance on the experimental procedure revealed the priming effect in HCs but not in sABI individuals. Moreover, individuals with sABI performed significantly poorer than HCs on the indices of the experimental procedure.

Conclusions

Our data preliminarily demonstrated that visual–spatial perspective taking is reduced after sABI. Findings above could give some clues for the rehabilitative intervention in sABI and suggest the possible application of the procedure here used in assessing perspective taking after sABI.
Deep learning analysis of resting electrocardiograms for the detection of myocardial dysfunction, hypertrophy, and ischaemia: a systematic review
Authors: Al Hinai Ghalib , Jammoul Samer , Vajihi Zara , Afilalo Jonathan
Published: August 2021

The aim of this review was to assess the evidence for deep learning (DL) analysis of resting electrocardiograms (ECGs) to predict structural cardiac pathologies such as left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy, and ischaemic heart disease. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify published original articles on end-to-end DL analysis of resting ECG signals for the detection of structural cardiac pathologies. Studies were excluded if the ECG was acquired by ambulatory, stress, intracardiac, or implantable devices, and if the pathology of interest was arrhythmic in nature. After duplicate reviewers screened search results, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included. Three articles used DL to detect LV systolic dysfunction, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89–0.93 and an accuracy of 98%. One study used DL to detect LV hypertrophy, achieving an AUC of 0.87 and an accuracy of 87%. Six articles used DL to detect acute myocardial infarction, achieving an AUC of 0.88–1.00 and an accuracy of 83–99.9%. Two articles used DL to detect stable ischaemic heart disease, achieving an accuracy of 95–99.9%. Deep learning models, particularly those that used convolutional neural networks, outperformed rules-based models and other machine learning models. Deep learning is a promising technique to analyse resting ECG signals for the detection of structural cardiac pathologies, which has clinical applicability for more effective screening of asymptomatic populations and expedited diagnostic work-up of symptomatic patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Genetic evaluation including intermediate omics features
Authors: Christensen Ole F , Börner Vinzent , Varona Luis , Legarra Andres
Published: August 2021

In animal and plant breeding and genetics, there has been an increasing interest in intermediate omics traits, such as metabolomics and transcriptomics, which mediate the effect of genetics on the phenotype of interest. For inclusion of such intermediate traits into a genetic evaluation system, there is a need for a statistical model that integrates phenotypes, genotypes, pedigree, and omics traits, and a need for associated computational methods that provide estimated breeding values. In this paper, a joint model for phenotypes and omics data is presented, and a formula for the breeding values on individuals is derived. For complete omics data, three equivalent methods for best linear unbiased prediction of breeding values are presented. In all three cases, this requires solving two mixed model equation systems. Estimation of parameters using restricted maximum likelihood is also presented. For incomplete omics data, extensions of two of these methods are presented, where in both cases, the extension consists of extending an omics-related similarity matrix to incorporate individuals without omics data. The methods are illustrated using a simulated data set.
Physical Activity as a Mediator Between Race/Ethnicity and Changes in Multimorbidity
Authors: Newsom Jason T , Denning Emily C , Elman Miriam R , Botoseneanu Anda , Allore Heather G , Nagel Corey L , Dorr David A , Quiñones Ana R
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Studies report racial/ethnic disparities in multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) and their rate of accumulation over time as well as differences in physical activity. Our study aimed to investigate whether racial/ethnic differences in the accumulation of multimorbidity were mediated by physical activity among middle-aged and older adults.

Method

We assessed racial/ethnic differences in the accumulation of multimorbidity (of 9 conditions) over 12 years (2004–2016) in the Health and Retirement Study (N = 18,264, mean age = 64.4 years). Structural equation modeling was used to estimate latent growth curve models of changes in multimorbidity and investigate whether the relationship of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic White participants) to changes in the number of chronic conditions was mediated by physical activity after controlling for age, sex, education, marital status, household wealth, insurance coverage, smoking, alcohol, and body weight.

Results

There was a significant increase in multimorbidity over time. Initial levels and changes in multimorbidity over time varied significantly across individuals. Indirect effects of the relationship between race/ethnicity and changes in multimorbidity as mediated by physical activity were significant, consistent with the mediational hypothesis. Black respondents engaged in significantly lower levels of physical activity than White respondents after controlling for covariates, but there were no differences between Hispanic and White respondents once education was included. Discussion: These results provide important new information for understanding how modifiable lifestyle factors may help explain disparities in multimorbidity in mid-to-late life, suggesting greater need to intervene to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity.