bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of design of experiments for optimization of forced degradation conditions and development of a stability‐indicating high‐performance liquid chromatography method for sepiwhite
Authors: Davoodi Javid , Majidi Sina , Jahani Maryam , Tayarani‐Najaran Zahra , Golmohammadzadeh Shiva , Kamali Hossein
Published: October 2021

Sepiwhite is a novel anti‐pigmenting agent that is derived from fatty acid and phenylalanine and used for hyperpigmentation induced by light exposure or inflammation. In this study, a simple and validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the quantitation of sepiwhite was developed. Optimized forced degradation of sepiwhite at thermal, acid/base, photolysis, oxidative, and heavy metal ions conditions were evaluated and the effect of each of them on production of specific 10%–30% degradants was studied by the approach of design of experiments. Sepiwhite accelerated study was conducted and toxicity of sepiwhite at each condition was tested. An optimized high‐performance liquid chromatography method was validated by a face‐centered central composition design. Ten different degradants were identified from sepiwhite and degradation behavior under different conditions was studied. Sepiwhite and its degradant products show no cytotoxicity. This optimized high‐performance liquid chromatography method can be applied for quality control assay and sepiwhite degradation behavior may be considered in the manufacturing of sepiwhite products.
Novel nanohybrids for effervescence enhanced magnetic solid‐phase microextraction of wide‐polarity organic pollutants in roasted meat samples
Authors: Liu Tingting , AgyeKum Evans , Ma Sai , Ye Hanzhang , Li Jiani , Gao Ming , Ni Min , Zhang Xiaofan , Wang Xuedong
Published: October 2021

To simultaneously and efficiently extract pollutants with differential polarities, we herein fabricated and characterized a multifunctional nanocomposite. The novel nanohybrids used NiFe2O4 as magnetic cores, and NH2‐MIL‐101(Al), β‐cyclodextrin and graphene oxide as functional components combined with magnetic cores. With the aid of graphene oxide's large π‐conjugated system, NH2‐MIL‐101(Al)’s strong adsorption to moderately/strongly polar chemicals, and β‐cyclodextrin's specific recognition effect, the nanohybrids realized synergistically efficient extraction of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and bisphenols with a logKow range of 3–6. Combined with acidic and alkaline sources, the nanohybrids‐based effervescent tablets were prepared. Based on effervescent reaction‐enhanced nanohybrids‐based efficient adsorption/extraction and high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection, we successfully developed an excellent microextraction method for the simultaneous determination of both polyaromatic hydrocarbons and bisphenols in roasted meat samples. Several important variables were optimized as follows: Na2CO3 and tartaric acid as acidic and alkaline sources, 900 μLof the mixed solvent (acetone and hexane at 2:1 by v/v) as the eluent, 5 min of elution time. Under optimized conditions, the novel method gave low limits of detection (0.07–0.30 μg kg−1), satisfactory recoveries (86.9–103.9%), and high precision (relative standard deviations of 1.9–6.7%) in roasted lamb, beef, pork, chicken, and sausage samples.
Isolation and purification of flavonoids from Euonymus alatus by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography and neuroprotective effect of rhamnazin‐3‐O‐rutinoside in vitro
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Liu Yuanyuan , Che Fenfang , Li Hao , Liu Jiangang , Wu Nan , Gu Yanxiang , Wei Yun
Published: October 2021

The flavonoids from Euonymus alatus exhibit many biological activities including significant antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cancer. In this work, a high‐speed countercurrent chromatography method for the isolation and purification of flavonoids from crude extracts of Euonymus alatus was established. The effects of several solvent systems on the separation efficiency of target compounds in the extract of Euonymus alatus were studied. The solvent system composed of n‐hexane‐ethyl acetate‐methanol‐water at a volume ratio of (3:5:3:5, v/v) was chosen, in which the lower phase was used as the mobile phase at the rotation speed of 800 rpm and flow rate of 2.0 mL/min. The three flavonoids were obtained and identified as patuletin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, rhamnazin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, and dehydrodicatechin A by mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance, and the quantities of patuletin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, rhamnazin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, and dehydrodicatechin A were 2.2, 9.7, and 1.8 mg, respectively. The results indicated that high‐speed countercurrent chromatography was a simple and efficient method for the isolation and purification of flavonoids from the crude extracts of Euonymus alatus. The cellular antioxidant activity experimental result indicated that rhamnazin‐3‐O‐rutinoside could alleviate H2O2‐induced oxidative stress.
Emergency management of jujube pit esophageal impactions using rigid esophagoscopy in the aged
Authors: Wei Xingmei , Wang Jie , Xu Wen
Published: October 2021

Objective

To study the emergency management of esophageal jujube pit ingestion.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

A retrospective study of 114 consecutive cases of jujube pits esophageal impaction during 3 months was performed.

Results

One hundred and fourteen cases were confirmed as jujube pit esophageal impaction using contrast‐enhanced radiography. All jujube pits were retrieved using rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia as outpatients, except one case where a direct laryngoscope was used. In four cases, esophageal perforation was found, the patients were treated with conservative measures, and none died.

Conclusion

Jujube pit esophageal impaction is characterized by a high incidence of perforation. The conservative management of cervical perforation is effective in this study. Rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia is safe for jujube pit esophageal impaction.

Level of Evidence

4.
Dual Drug Release from Gelatin/PLGA Core–Shell Fibers for Diabetic Neuropathic Wound Healing
Authors: Mostofizadeh Mahsa , Ghasemi‐Mobarakeh Laleh , Zamani Maedeh
Published: October 2021

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting many people around the world. One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP), which affects about 10–26% of diabetic patients. In this research, the gelatin/poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) core–shell fibers containing gabapentin (GBP) and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CipHCl) are fabricated via coaxial electrospinning for healing of diabetic neuropathic wounds. The core–shell structure of fibers is confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is utilized to explore the morphology of core–shell fibers, revealing the smaller diameter for core–shell fibers containing CipHCl and GBP compared to the core–shell fibers without the drugs. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) represents the amorphous distribution of drugs inside the core–shell fibers, which is also confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Core–shell fibers containing CipHCl and GBP show strong antimicrobial properties against both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The in vitro drug release studies demonstrate the sustained release of CipHCl and GBP within 64 days from the core–shell fibers. In conclusion, the fabricated core–shell fibers show a great promise to be utilized as an efficient dressing for diabetic neuropathic wounds.
Discrete pseudo‐differential operators in hypercomplex analysis
Authors: Cerejeiras Paula , Kaehler Uwe , Lucas Simão
Published: October 2021

In this paper we discuss discrete pseudo‐differential operators in the context of hypercomplex analysis. We will provide the definitions and establish the necessary calculus which will be used to discuss questions like boundedness and compactness of operators. In the end, we will discuss well‐known examples from hypercomplex analysis as well as give new examples including discrete Dirac operators with non‐constant coefficients.
An FR4‐based dc to 60 GHz substrate integrated suspended line to suspended coplanar waveguide transition
Authors: Wu Xu , Ma Kaixue , Wang Yongqiang , Yan Ningning , Wang Keping
Published: October 2021

An FR4‐based dc to 60 GHz transition from substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) to suspended coplanar waveguide (SCPW) is proposed in this letter. The design is fabricated using standard multilayer printed circuit boards (PCB) technology, and the substrates used are all low‐cost FR4. Since the whole structure is in the suspended form, the bandwidth of the transition has been expanded three times when compared with the state of art. By using SISL with double‐metal layer and patterned substrate, the loss of the transition is further reduced, and the conductor loss and dielectric loss have been individually analyzed. The results show that the proposed back‐to‐back transition has an insertion loss of less than 2.7 dB and a return loss of better than 11.4 dB from dc to 60 GHz.
Assessment of predictive indicators of acute gastrointestinal toxicity using in vivo transmission images
Authors: Bojechko Casey , Nelson Tyler , Simpson Daniel , Moiseenko Vitali
Published: October 2021

Purpose

For pelvic and abdominal treatments, excess dose to the bowel can result in acute toxicities. Current estimates of bowel toxicity are based on pre‐treatment dose‐volume histogram data. However, the actual dose the bowel receives depends on interfraction variations, such as patient anatomy changes. We propose a method to model bowel toxicities, incorporating in vivo patient information using transit electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images.

Methods and materials

For 63 patients treated to the lower thorax, abdomen, or pelvis on the Varian Halcyon, weekly chart review was performed to obtain incidences of grade 2 or higher toxicity, RTOG scale. Twenty patients presented with acute gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. All patients were treated with conventional fractionation. For each treatment plan, the absolute volume dose‐volume histogram of the bowel was exported and analyzed. Additionally, for each fraction of treatment, in vivo EPID images were collected and used to estimate the change in radiation transmission during the course of treatment. A logistic model was used to test correlations between acute GI toxicity and bowel dosimetric parameters as well as metrics obtained from in vivo image measurements. After performing the fit to the in vivo EPID data, the bootstrap resampling method was used to create confidence intervals. In vivo EPID image metrics from an additional 42 patients treated to the lower thorax, abdomen, or pelvis were used to validate the logistic model fit.

Results

The incidence of toxicity versus the volume of 40 Gy to the bowel space was fitted with a logistic function, which was superior to an average model (p < 0.0001) and agrees with previously published models. For the initial in vivo EPID data, the incidence of toxicity versus the sum of in vivo transmission measurements showed marginal significance after 15 fractions (p = 0.10) of treatment and a significance of p = 0.038 is seen at the 20th fraction, when compared to an average model. For the validation data set, the logistic model of the in vivo transmission measurement after 20 fractions was superior to the average model (p = 0.043), with the model falling within the 68% confidence interval of the fit of the initial data set.

Conclusions

Dose‐volume constraints to reduce the incidence of acute GI toxicity have been validated. The presented novel EPID transmission‐based metric can be used to identify GI toxicity as patients progress through treatment.
Deep learning predicts epidermal growth factor receptor mutation subtypes in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Song Jiangdian , Ding Changwei , Huang Qinlai , Luo Ting , Xu Xiaoman , Chen Zongjian , Li Shu
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the predictive ability of deep learning (DL) for the common epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation subtypes in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

A total of 665 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (528/137) were recruited from two different institutions. In the training set, an 18‐layer convolutional neural network (CNN) and fivefold cross‐validation strategy were used to establish a CNN model. Subsequently, an independent external validation cohort from the other institution was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the CNN model. Grad‐weighted class activation mapping (Grad‐CAM) technology was used for the visual interpretation of the CNN model. In addition, this study also compared the prediction abilities of the radiomics and CNN models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, accuracy and precision values, and recall and F1‐score were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the CNN model and compare its performance with that of the radiomics model.

Results

In the validation set, the micro‐ and macroaverage values of the area under the ROC curve of the CNN model to identify the three EGFR subtypes were 0.78 and 0.79, respectively. All evaluation indicators of the CNN model were better than those of the radiomics model.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed the potential of DL for predicting the EGFR mutation status in lung adenocarcinoma. The imaging phenotypes of the three mutation subtypes were found to be different, which can provide a basis for choosing more accurate and personalized treatment in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
On adapting Nesterov's scheme to accelerate iterative methods for linear problems
Authors: Hong Tao , Yavneh Irad
Published: October 2021

Nesterov's well‐known scheme for accelerating gradient descent in convex optimization problems is adapted to accelerating stationary iterative solvers for linear systems. Compared with classical Krylov subspace acceleration methods, the proposed scheme requires more iterations, but it is trivial to implement and retains essentially the same computational cost as the unaccelerated method. An explicit formula for a fixed optimal parameter is derived in the case where the stationary iteration matrix has only real eigenvalues, based only on the smallest and largest eigenvalues. The fixed parameter and corresponding convergence factor are shown to maintain their optimality when the iteration matrix also has complex eigenvalues that are contained within an explicitly defined disk in the complex plane. A comparison to Chebyshev acceleration based on the same information of the smallest and largest real eigenvalues (dubbed restricted information Chebyshev acceleration) demonstrates that Nesterov's scheme is more robust in the sense that it remains optimal over a larger domain when the iteration matrix does have some complex eigenvalues. Numerical tests validate the efficiency of the proposed scheme. This work generalizes and extends the results of [14, lemmas 3.1 and 3.2 and theorem 3.3].
Corticosteroid use in ARDS and its application to evolving therapeutics for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19): A systematic review
Authors: Landolf Kaitlin M. , Lemieux Steven M. , Rose Christina , Johnston Jackie P. , Adams Christopher D. , Altshuler Jerry , Berger Karen , Dixit Deepali , Effendi Muhammad K. , Heavner Mojdeh S. , Lemieux Diana , Littlefield Audrey J. , Nei Andrea M. , Owusu Kent A. , Rinehart Marisa , Robbins Blake , Rouse Ginger E. , Thompson Bastin Melissa L.
Published: October 2021

Data regarding the use of corticosteroids for treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are conflicting. As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic progresses, more literature supporting the use of corticosteroids for COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 ARDS have emerged. Glucocorticoids are proposed to attenuate the inflammatory response and prevent progression to the fibroproliferative phase of ARDS through their multiple mechanisms and anti‐inflammatory properties. The purpose of this systematic review was to comprehensively evaluate the literature surrounding corticosteroid use in ARDS (non‐COVID‐19 and COVID‐19) in addition to a narrative review of clinical considerations of corticosteroid use in these patient populations. OVID Medline and EMBASE were searched. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of corticosteroids for COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 ARDS in adult patients on mortality outcomes were included. Risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. There were 388 studies identified, 15 of which met the inclusion criteria that included a total of 8877 patients. The studies included in our review reported a mortality benefit in 6/15 (40%) studies with benefit being seen at varying time points of mortality follow‐up (ICU survival, hospital, and 28 and 60 days) in the COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 ARDS studies. The two non‐COVID19 trials assessing lung injury score improvements found that corticosteroids led to significant improvements with corticosteroid use. The number of mechanical ventilation‐free days significantly were found to be increased with the use of corticosteroids in all four studies that assessed this outcome. Corticosteroids are associated with improvements in mortality and ventilator‐free days in critically ill patients with both COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 ARDS, and evidence suggests their use should be encouraged in these settings. However, due to substantial differences in the corticosteroid regimens utilized in these trials, questions still remain regarding the optimal corticosteroid agent, dose, and duration in patients with ARDS.
Advances in the treatment of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis: Current and emerging therapies
Authors: Warner Alberta L.
Published: October 2021

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CA) has been recognized as an underdiagnosed and undertreated cause of heart failure with often unrecognized multiorgan involvement. Guideline development and the establishment of nonbiopsy criteria for diagnosis of ATTR‐CA have led to an increased rate of diagnosis and hence patients referred for therapies. ATTR is a protein misfolding disorder where the TTR tetramer disassociates into monomers which form insoluble amyloid depositions in organs, including the heart. ATTR‐CA can be due to autosomal dominant transmitted gene mutation or due to misfolding of wild‐type TTR. Prior to 2019, there were no FDA‐approved pharmacological treatments for ATTR‐CA. Understanding of ATTR‐CA pathogenesis has enabled development of targeted strategies with novel disease‐modifying therapies. Current and emerging therapies for ATTR‐CA include (1) TTR gene silencing (siRNA, ASO, CRISPR/Cas9), (2) TTR tetramer stabilization, and (3) TTR amyloid fibril degradation. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of ATTR‐CA, diagnostic criteria, and addresses current and emerging treatments for this diverse disorder.
Post‐polymerization modification of aromatic polyimides via Diels‐Alder cycloaddition
Authors: Schaumüller Stephan , Cristurean Doris , Haudum Stephan , Pappas George S. , Himmelsbach Markus , Bechmann Matthias , Brüggemann Oliver , Teasdale Ian
Published: October 2021

We report a facile post‐polymerization modification route to functionalized aromatic polyimides via Diels‐Alder cycloaddition. Aromatic polyimides are important, versatile high‐performance polymers; however, their structural diversity is restricted by the requirements of the step‐growth polymerization. We prepared polyimides with alkynes in their main‐chain as macromolecular dienophiles and quantitatively grafted tetraphenylcyclopentadienone based dienes. The resulting solution‐processable, wholly aromatic polyimides show a considerable increase in surface area due to the induced conformational changes and bulky, rigid, and contorted molecular structures. The orthogonality of the reaction is exploited to insert functional groups, namely bromine and sulfonates, along the polymer backbone. In a further extension, the phenylene segments undergo cyclodehydrogenation to form nanographene segments within the polymer chains. The Diels‐Alder cycloaddition onto polyimides is therefore demonstrated to be an effective, widely applicable route to tunable high‐performance polymers with value‐added functionality and thus considerable potential in a wide range of advanced materials.
Effects of diluted Concord grape juice laced with sodium chloride and selected boron‐containing compounds on attraction, consumption, crop muscle contractions, and mortality of adult Drosophila suzukiiMatsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Wen Xiaojian , Stoffolano John G , Greamo Brendan , Salemme Victoria , Piñero Jaime C
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been interest in low‐cost, reduced‐risk materials that could be used for attract‐and‐kill of the invasive pest, spotted‐wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii. This pest causes heavy economic damage to soft‐skinned fruits in many countries. In this study, we evaluated physiological and behavioral effects of adding either borax, boric acid, or sodium chloride to diluted Concord grape juice (DGJ), a material that is attractive to adult D. suzukii.

RESULTS

Results showed that the addition of borax, sodium chloride and boric acid did not significantly affect the response of adult D. suzukii, relative to DGJ alone. Increases in concentrations (to 5% and 10%) of borax, sodium chloride and boric acid were correlated with decreased ingestion of materials. Mortality of males and females was almost 100% with lower concentrations (1% and 5%) of borax and boric acid within 72 h. The higher concentrations of sodium chloride (5% and 10%) resulted in 100% mortality of both sexes within 72 h. There was no significant effect of chemicals on the number of crop contractions of flies when fed for 4 h.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that some substances such as boric acid and borax may act as toxicants without influencing the behavioral response of D. suzukii. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chemometric approaches to resolving base oil mixtures
Authors: Ellick Samuel , Wicking Christianne , Hancock Thomas , Whitmarsh Samuel , Arthur Christopher J. , Gates Paul J.
Published: October 2021

Rationale

In the lubrication industry, commercial base oils are commonly made up of blends of base oil stocks from different sources in different ratios to reduce production costs and modulate rheological properties. This practice introduces complexity in lubricant design because as the chemistry of the base oil becomes more complicated, it can become harder to formulate the base oil – particularly when the ratio of the original base oil stocks is unknown.

Methods

In this study, field ionisation mass spectrometry is used to collect chemical information on a range of base oil mixtures. The resultant data are processed within the Python workspace where molecular formulae are assigned to the components and statistical analyses are performed. A variety of regression techniques including regularised linear models and automated machine learning are evaluated on the data.

Results

The use of an automated machine learning pipeline yields insight into effective modelling strategies that could be applied to the data obtained. The best results were obtained using polynomial feature generation combined with ridge cross‐validation regression. Overall, with this methodology it is possible to resolve the ratio of group 2 and group 3 base oil within a blended mixture to an accuracy of ±5%.

Conclusions

The strategies outlined in this study show how modern data science and chemometrics can be applied successfully to resolve the ratio of a complex mixture.
Adaptive batching for Gaussian process surrogates with application in noisy level set estimation
Authors: Lyu Xiong , Ludkovski Michael
Published: October 2021

We develop adaptive replicated designs for Gaussian process metamodels of stochastic experiments. Adaptive batching is a natural extension of sequential design heuristics with the benefit of replication growing as response features are learned, inputs concentrate, and the metamodeling overhead rises. Motivated by the problem of learning the level set of the mean simulator response, we develop five novel schemes: Multi‐Level Batching (MLB), Ratchet Batching (RB), Adaptive Batched Stepwise Uncertainty Reduction (ABSUR), Adaptive Design with Stepwise Allocation (ADSA), and Deterministic Design with Stepwise Allocation (DDSA). Our algorithms simultaneously (MLB, RB, and ABSUR) or sequentially (ADSA and DDSA) determine the sequential design inputs and the respective number of replicates. Illustrations using synthetic examples and an application in quantitative finance (Bermudan option pricing via Regression Monte Carlo) show that adaptive batching brings significant computational speed‐ups with minimal loss of modeling fidelity.
Sample selection bias in evaluation of prediction performance of causal models
Authors: Long James P. , Ha Min Jin
Published: October 2021

Causal models are notoriously difficult to validate because they make untestable assumptions regarding confounding. New scientific experiments offer the possibility of evaluating causal models using prediction performance. Prediction performance measures are typically robust to violations in causal assumptions. However, prediction performance does depend on the selection of training and test sets. Biased training sets can lead to optimistic assessments of model performance. In this work, we revisit the prediction performance of several recently proposed causal models tested on a genetic perturbation data set of Kemmeren. We find that sample selection bias is likely a key driver of model performance. We propose using a less‐biased evaluation set for assessing prediction performance and compare models on this new set. In this setting, the causal models have similar or worse performance compared to standard association‐based estimators such as Lasso. Finally, we compare the performance of causal estimators in simulation studies that reproduce the Kemmeren structure of genetic knockout experiments but without any sample selection bias. These results provide an improved understanding of the performance of several causal models and offer guidance on how future studies should use Kemmeren.
On jamming detection methods for satellite Internet of Things networks
Authors: Taricco Giorgio , Alagha Nader
Published: October 2021

Despite the fast growth of machine‐type communications via satellite, the vulnerability of such networks to intentional interference and malicious jamming attacks is a raising concern. Specifically, in this paper, we address a class of jamming attacks in which the adversary uses the underlying knowledge of the satellite physical and access protocol to increase the jamming impact. In particular, we focused on a type of camouflage jamming attack (using publicly known preamble) to deceive the receiver, which rapidly leads to poor performance. Compared to conventional constant jamming attacks, these jamming strategies are known to be more effective and potentially more harmful to the targeted communication network. We analyze methods to detect such jamming attacks and provide examples of jamming detection techniques for the satellite Internet of Things (IoT) networks. Results indicate the effective performance of the jamming detection techniques for a variety of representative system parameters. More specifically, we introduce a simple (counting) jamming detection method along with numerical results for realistic system parameters, which confirms system design vulnerability as well as how the jammer may improve her strategy.
Effect of different types of substrate surface treatments on the graphene device performance
Authors: Singla Robin , Pathan Dawuth
Published: October 2021

Graphene–substrate interface is very crucial for analyzing graphene device performance. In this article, we have shown how the graphene device performance got affected because of different types of substrate surface treatment techniques used before graphene transfer. For fabrication of graphene devices, monolayer chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene was transferred onto SiO2 grown thermally on Si substrate. Forming gas annealed SiO2/Si shows better device performance as compared with as‐grown SiO2 on Si substrate. A further effect of oxygen plasma and argon plasma cleaning of SiO2 surface before graphene transfer was investigated. Forming gas annealing improves the performance and plasma treatment degrade the graphene devices' performance.
Structural and Chemical Compatibilities of Li1−xNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 Cathode Material with Garnet‐Type Solid Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Hong Seokjae , Song Seok Hyun , Cho Moses , Kim Seulgi , Yu Seung‐Ho , Lee Dongju , Kim Hyungsub
Published: October 2021

All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) based on ceramic materials are considered a key technology for automobiles and energy storage systems owing to their high safety and stability. However, contact issues between the electrode and solid‐electrolyte materials and undesired chemical reaction occurring at interfaces have hindered their development. Herein, the chemical compatibility and structural stability of composite mixtures of the layered cathode materials Li1−xNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) with the garnet‐type solid electrolyte Li6.25Ga0.25La3Zr2O12 (LLZO‐Ga) during high‐temperature co‐sintering under various gas flowing conditions are investigated. In situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction analysis of the composite materials reveals that Li diffusion from LLZO‐Ga to NCM523 occurs at high temperature under synthetic air atmosphere, resulting in the decomposition of LLZO‐Ga into La2Zr2O7 and the recovery of charged NCM523 to the as‐prepared state. The structural stability of the composite mixture at high temperature is further investigated under N2 atmosphere, revealing that Li diffuses toward the opposite direction and involves the phase transition of LLZO‐Ga from a cubic to tetragonal structure and the reduction of the NCM523 cathode to Ni metal. These findings provide insight into the structural stability of layered cathode and garnet‐type solid‐electrolyte composite materials and the design of stable interfaces between them via co‐sintering for ASSBs.
Synthesis of Nonspherical Hollow Architecture with Magnetic Fe Core and Ni Decorated Tadpole‐Like Shell as Ultrabroad Bandwidth Microwave Absorbers
Authors: Li Xiaohui , You Wenbin , Zhang Ruixuan , Fang Jiefeng , Zeng Qingwen , Li Xiao , Xu Chunyang , Wang Min , Che Renchao
Published: October 2021

The advancement of electromagnetic (EM) protection technology promotes the urgent demand for the structural design of electromagnetic functional materials. Here, tadpole‐like Fe@SiO2@C‐Ni (FSCN) composites with magnetic core–shell and nonspherical hollow architectures through multiple hydrolysis‐polymerization reactions are reported. The Fe core and well‐distributed Ni nanoparticles greatly promote the magnetic properties of FSCN and construct a multiscale magnetic coupling network. Meanwhile, the multishell composites consisting of carbon shell with Ni decorated possess an abundance of heterogeneous interfaces, generating effective interfacial polarization and relaxation. The hollow feature and the coordination of magnetic and dielectric capacities offer an optimized impedance balance, providing a fundament for the microwaves propagating into the absorber. Owing to the attractive effects resulted from the deliberate tadpole‐like structure design, the FSCN composites ensure an effective EM energy conversion at the high‐frequency region, which obtain the strongest reflection loss value of −45.2 dB and the extremely broad effective absorption bandwidth of 13.1 GHz. This work provides an important solution for magnetic‐dielectric nanostructure design for microwave absorption and energy conversion materials.
Investigating Time‐Dependent Active Motion of Janus Micromotors using Dynamic Light Scattering
Authors: McGlasson Alex , Bradley Laura C.
Published: October 2021

Advances in fabrication methods have positioned Janus micromotors (JMs) as candidates for use as autonomous devices in applications across diverse fields, spanning drug delivery to environmental remediation. While the design of most micromotors is straightforward, the non‐steady state active motion exhibited by these systems is complex and difficult to characterize. Traditionally, JM active motion is characterized using optical microscopy single particle tracking for systems confined in 2D. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) offers an alternative high‐throughput method for characterizing the 3D active motion in bulk JM dispersions with additional capabilities to quantify time‐dependent behavior for a broader range of JM sizes. Here, the active motion of spherical JMs is examined by DLS and it is demonstrated that the method enables decoupling of the translational and rotational diffusion. Systematic studies quantifying the time‐dependent diffusive properties as a function of fuel concentration, JM concentration, and time after fuel addition are presented. The analyses presented in this work position DLS to facilitate future advances of JM systems by serving as a fast‐screening characterization method for active motion.
In Situ Manipulation and Micromechanical Characterization of Diatom Frustule Constituents Using Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Soleimani Mohammad , van Breemen Lambèrt C.A. , Maddala Sai P. , Joosten Rick R. M. , Wu Hanglong , Schreur‐Piet Ingeborg , van Benthem Rolf A.T.M. , Friedrich Heiner
Published: October 2021

Biocomposite structures are difficult to characterize by bulk approaches due to their morphological complexity and compositional heterogeneity. Therefore, a versatile method is required to assess, for example, the mechanical properties of geometrically simple parts of biocomposites at the relevant length scales. Here, it is demonstrated how a combination of Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB‐SEM) and micromanipulators can be used to isolate, transfer, and determine the mechanical properties of frustule constituents of diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (T.p.). Specifically, two parts of the diatom frustule, girdle bands and valves, are separated by FIB milling and manipulated using a sharp tungsten tip without compromising their physical or chemical integrity. In situ mechanical studies on isolated girdle bands combined with Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations, enables the quantitative assessment of the Young's modulus of this biosilica; E = 40.0 GPa. In addition, the mechanical strength of isolated valves could be measured by transferring and mounting them on top of premilled holes in the sample support. This approach may be extended to any hierarchical biocomposite material, regardless of its chemical composition, to isolate, transfer, and investigate the mechanical properties of selected constituents or specific regions.
The effects of neighboring parties on the value of rights: Evidence from timber harvests
Authors: Doran Colin , Stratmann Thomas
Published: October 2021

We study the effect that neighboring parties have on the economic rents from owning the rights to a natural resource. Our application uses winning bid prices from state timber auctions in three western states. We model and show how differing nearby neighbors increase the costs and risks associated with purchasing certain rights. Consistent with our hypotheses, the winning bid price of state‐run timber auctions is inversely related to the length of the border that a third party shares with the harvesting area. The lower winning bid prices reflect an increase in the expected costs of protecting the rents due to the presence of potential third parties' challenges to property rights. We further test our model when there is third party demand for other uses to the timber such as a scenic view. The results consistently show that when third parties potentially threaten property rights, the winning bid decreases.
Agronomic Traits and Physicochemical Properties of Starch of Different Grain Positions in Wheat Spike Under Nitrogen Treatment
Authors: Wang Leilei , Xu Zhisheng , Zhang Yong , Duan Yuren , Zhang Yumeng , Wu Yunfei , Yu Xurun , Chen Gang , Xiong Fei
Published: October 2021

Nitrogen is an important factor that influences the yield and quality of wheat grain. However, little is known about its effect on the different positions of the grain in spikelets. Compared with the control group, nitrogen application increased the weight, starch content, and protein content of grains in each position considerably. In particular, the protein content in high grain positions of Yangmai 13 (YM 13) under nitrogen treatment are similar to those positions in Yannong 19 (YN 19) under normal levels. Nitrogen application substantially increased the volume proportion of small starch granules and the average degree of polymerization (DP) but reduced the apparent amylose content (AAC), and the breakdown values (BV) of the first grain (G1) and the second grain (G2) in YN19. Nitrogen application considerably increased AAC, the volume proportion of small starch granules, and the ordered structure of starch surface of G1 and AAC, BV, and DP of G2 in YM13. These results demonstrated that a medium nitrogen level is conducive to increase the agronomic traits in high‐position grains and a better pasting properties of starch in low‐position grains.
Experimental studies on precast concrete beam‐column connections with precast irregularly shaped columns and composite beams subjected to cyclic loading
Authors: Hu Xiang , Xue Weichen , Zhang Li
Published: October 2021

In this article, the precast concrete beam‐column connections, composed of precast irregularly shaped columns, composite beams and cast‐in‐place (CIP) core regions, were designed as emulative connections. In order to investigate the seismic behaviors of the precast connections, four full‐scale specimens, including an interior and an exterior precast specimen and their CIP control specimens, were tested under cyclic loading. The results revealed that the failure pattern of the precast specimens was characterized by flexural failure at the beam ends near the column face, which were similar to the CIP control specimens. Meanwhile, the concrete of core regions near the bottom of the beams slightly spalled, and diagonal cracks appeared in the core regions. The hysteresis loops of all the specimens were relatively plump, showing good energy dissipation capacity. The precast specimens exhibited slightly stronger response than the CIP control specimens, as the load carrying capacity of the precast interior and exterior specimens were about 2% and 5% higher, respectively. All the precast and CIP specimens behaved in a relatively ductile manner. The ductility of the interior and exterior precast specimens was 2.8 and 2.7, which was approximate to that of the CIP control specimens. The stiffness degradation of the precast specimens was also found to be similar to that of the CIP control specimens. Finally, a degenerated four‐linear restoring force model was developed.
Effectiveness of inquiry‐based science laboratories for improving teamwork and problem‐solving skills and attitudes
Authors: Huang Ying
Published: October 2021

Based on quantitative survey data collected from an inquiry‐based general chemistry laboratory course, the current study used marginal models to evaluate changes in students' teamwork and problem‐solving skills, attitudes to teamwork, and willingness to explore new issues before and after the course. The results suggest that introductory‐level inquiry‐based laboratory courses may not influence all students in the same way. By the end of the course, novice learners with a lower team‐based problem‐solving starting point reported greater learning growth than more experienced learners. As a result, the gap between novice learners' teamwork and problem‐solving skills and attitudes and those of more experienced learners narrowed. However, the results also suggest that, by the end of the course, more experienced learners had developed negative attitudes to teamwork and problem‐solving. In addition, deeper learning was found to be associated with improvements in team‐based problem‐solving for both novice and more experienced learners. Deep learning levels were related to both the magnitude and direction of attitude change, particularly for more experienced learners. These findings suggest that offering introductory‐level inquiry‐based laboratory courses is beneficial to narrow achievement gaps. In order to empower students of all experience levels, a differentiated instruction method should be adopted to accommodate students' varied needs.
Dendritic Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Wang Rong‐Long , Lei Zhenyu , Zhang Zhiming , Gao Shangce
Published: October 2021

Convolutional neural network (CNN), as one of the mainstream deep learning models, has achieved great success in image recognition. All neurons used in CNN are based on the McCulloch‐Pitts model, which is over‐simplified. To further improve CNN's learning capacity, this paper proposes a novel dendritic CNN (DCNN), which considers the nonlinear information processing functions of dendrites in a single neuron. The superiority of DCNN is confirmed based on four widely used image recognition tasks. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Serum IL‐6 and MCP‐1 concentrations in dogs with lymphoma before and after doxorubicin treatment as a potential marker of cellular senescence
Authors: Evans Brittany L. , Fenger Joelle M. , Ballash Greg , Brown Megan
Published: October 2021

Background

Chemotherapy can induce cellular senescence and a secretory phenotype characterized by an increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐6 and MCP‐1. Increased IL‐6 and MCP‐1 serum concentrations have been documented in dogs with lymphoma, but no studies have evaluated the effects of chemotherapy on cytokine concentrations.

Objectives

To measure IL‐6 and MCP‐1 in 16 client‐owned dogs with lymphoma, at baseline and before and after doxorubicin, as a potential marker for senescence and correlate cytokine concentrations with treatment response and toxicities.

Methods

Serum IL‐6 and MCP‐1 concentrations at baseline, 0‐h, 3‐h, 6‐h, 24‐h and 1 week post doxorubicin were measured using a canine ELISA. We hypothesized that IL‐6 and MCP‐1 concentrations would increase following doxorubicin as a result of induction of cellular senescence.

Results

IL‐6 concentrations were unchanged from baseline to 0‐h but significantly decreased 1 week post doxorubicin (p = 0.001) compared to 0–6 h (p = 0.045) and 24‐h (p = 0.001) time points. MCP‐1 concentrations significantly decreased from baseline to 0‐h (p = 0.003). Compared to 0–6 h, MCP‐1 concentrations transiently increased at 24‐h (p = 0.001) and decreased at 1 week (p = 0.014) post doxorubicin. Changes in IL‐6 and MCP‐1 concentrations did not correlate with leukocyte count, response to treatment or chemotherapy toxicities.

Conclusions

Changes in IL‐6 and MCP‐1 concentrations did not support doxorubicin‐induced cellular senescence or correlate with leukocyte count, response to treatment or chemotherapy toxicity. However, our results suggest that remission status and doxorubicin treatment may influence cytokine concentrations and future studies are warranted to investigate the role of these cytokines as biomarkers.
Lift on a magnetized airfoil in a weakly resistive inviscid plasma
Authors: Núñez Manuel
Published: October 2021

An airfoil in the form of a plate is immersed into an inviscid conducting fluid with parallel flow and magnetic field. The insertion of a magnetic field in the plate yields a perturbation that may be dealt with by using asymptotic expansions in powers of the magnetic diffusivity. The first terms yield a formula expressing the lift on the airfoil as an Abel transform of the magnetic field in the plate. Inversion of the Abel transform provides appropriate fields for any desired lift distribution along the plate.
In Situ Continuous Wave Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Investigation of the Amyloid Aggregation of Parkinson’s Protein Alpha-Synuclein—the Second Spin-Label Position
Authors: Zurlo Enrico , Passerini Leonardo , Kumar Pravin , Huber Martina
Published: October 2021

Self-aggregation of amyloid proteins is a crucial step in neurodegenerative disease. The protein alpha-synuclein (αS) is implicated in Parkinson’s disease. In an extension of the demonstration of in situ observation of intermediates in αS-aggregation by continuous wave (cw) EPR at room temperature (Zurlo et al. PLoS One 16: e0245548, 2021) by spin-label EPR, here the spin label is attached to position 90 (R1αS90), rather than at position 56. The aim is to determine, if the spin-label position affects the kinetics of aggregation and if local information on the intermediates is accessible. Probed by the MTSL ((1-Oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrroline-3-methyl) methanethiosulfonate) spin label at position 90, using diamagnetic dilution of 9:1 wild type αS to R1αS90, similar aggregation kinetics are found. Rotation correlation times for the spin label in the oligomer cannot be determined with sufficient accuracy to obtain local information on the oligomer under the conditions used. At the present stage, higher resolution EPR approaches, such as high-field EPR are more promising.
Varieties of Null-Filiform Leibniz Algebras Under the Action of Hopf Algebras
Authors: Centrone Lucio , Zargeh Chia
Published: October 2021

Let L be an n-dimensional null-filiform Leibniz algebra over a field K. We consider a finite dimensional cocommutative Hopf algebra or a Taft algebra H and we describe the H-actions on L. Moreover we provide the set of H-identities and the description of the Sn-module structure of the relatively free algebra of L.
Disentangling Crowdfunding from Fraudfunding
Authors: Cumming Douglas , Hornuf Lars , Karami Moein , Schweizer Denis
Published: October 2021

Fraud in the reward-based crowdfunding market has been of concern to regulators, but it is arguably of greater importance to the nascent industry itself. Despite its significance for entrepreneurial finance, our knowledge of the occurrence, determinants, and consequences of fraud in this market, as well as the implications for the business ethics literature, remain limited. In this study, we conduct an exhaustive search of all media reports on Kickstarter campaign fraud allegations from 2010 through 2015. We then follow up until 2018 to assess the ultimate outcome of each allegedly fraudulent campaign. First, we construct a sample of 193 fraud cases, and categorize them into detected vs. suspected fraud, based on a set of well-defined criteria. Next, using multiple matched samples of non-fraudulent campaigns, we determine which features are associated with a higher probability of fraudulent behavior. Second, we document the short-term negative consequences of possible breaches of trust in the market, using a sample of more than 270,000 crowdfunding campaigns from 2010 through 2018 on Kickstarter. Our results show that crowdfunding projects launched around the public announcement of a late and significant misconduct detection (resulting in suspension) tend to have a lower probability of success, raise less funds, and attract fewer backers.