bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐Color Flexible Metasurfaces with Polarization‐Tunable Plasmons in Gold Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Cai Jingxuan , Zhang Cuiping , Li Wen‐Di
Published: December 2020

Optical metasurfaces have attracted growing attention in plasmonic structural color in recent years due to their supreme performance in display and imaging technologies. However, real‐life applications of optical metasurfaces so far are often hindered by their complex, expensive, and time‐consuming nanofabrication methods, as well as sophisticated optical measurement systems. Herein, a flexible metasurface filter, based on periodic gold nanorods, capable of changing the output color by simple rotation of a linear polarizer is proposed and demonstrated. This phenomenon is enabled by switching of resonance plasmons in the gold nanorods with the polarization of incident light. Subsequent rotation of the input polarizer leads to an output of two distinct colors and their combinations. Moreover, metasurfaces consisting of Au nanorods with different orientations are integrated into a single flexible substrate. Information can be therefore encoded into the orientations of Au nanorods and readily decoded with the color of the metasurface under polarized illumination of white light‐emitting diode without complex optical components.
Near‐Unity Cyan‐Green Emitting Lead‐Free All‐Inorganic Cesium Copper Chloride Phosphors for Full‐Spectrum White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Bai Wenhao , Shi Shuchen , Lin Tianyu , Zhou Tianliang , Xuan Tongtong , Xie Rong-Jun
Published: December 2020

Phosphor‐converted white‐light‐emitting diodes (pc‐wLED) have been widely used for general lighting because of their advantages of energy saving, high efficiency, long lifetime, environmentally friendly, etc. However, it is still a great challenge to obtain full‐spectrum wLEDs with super‐high color rending index (CRI) due to the cyan cavity (a gap between the blue and green emissions in the range of 480–520 nm). The lead‐free all‐inorganic cesium copper halide phosphor β‐Cs3Cu2Cl5 shows an interesting cyan‐green emission. Herein, a novel synthesis method based on low‐temperature evaporation recrystallization is demonstrated. β‐Cs3Cu2Cl5 shows an intense and broad emission band centered at 526 nm, a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 112 nm, and a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 97.3%. The broad‐band cyan‐green emission is assigned to the self‐trapping excitons (STEs) based on the calculation and experimental results. Super‐high color rendering wLEDs can be created by pumping the β‐Cs3Cu2Cl5, BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ (blue), and (Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu2+ (red) phosphor mixtures by a 365 nm UV LED chip, which exhibits a CRI of 96 (R9 = 83 and R12 = 93) and a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4203 K. It demonstrates that the cyan‐green‐emitting β‐Cs3Cu2Cl5 phosphor would be potentially applied in full‐spectrum wLEDs for high‐quality general lighting.
Enhanced efficiency nitrogen formulations on stockpiled tall fescue production
Authors: Payne Kathryn M. , Smith S. Ray , Goff Ben M.
Published: December 2020

Late summer application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on stockpiled tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.)] can improve forage yields. Using enhanced efficiency N fertilizers may be of benefit by reducing ammonia volatilization losses and promoting forage growth later in the growing season. This study evaluated the effect of different enhanced efficiency N formulations (Agrotain‐treated urea, SuperU, and Environmentally Smart Nitrogen) and untreated urea on the yield and nutritive value of stockpiled ‘KY‐31’ tall fescue over two stockpiling periods (2015–2016 and 2016–2017). Nitrogen was applied at four rates (0, 45, 90, and 134 kg N ha−1) in one application in late August prior to the beginning of the stockpiling period in Lexington, KY. During the 2015–2016 stockpiling period, forage yields increased with increasing N rates; forage yields ranged from 2,913 kg dry matter (DM) ha−1 when no N was applied up to 4,132 kg DM ha−1 when 134 kg N ha−1 was applied. Although forage yield was lower during the 2016–2017 stockpiling period, yield increased 75% even with the lowest N rate. Forage nutritive value was improved with increasing N rate. There were no differences in forage yield or nutritive value among enhanced efficiency N sources and standard urea. In summary, N applied in August improved stockpiled forage yield and nutritive value, regardless of N source.
Effects of Dietary Patterns on Serum Urate: Results From a Randomized Trial of the Effects of Diet on Hypertension
Authors: Juraschek Stephen P. , Yokose Chio , McCormick Natalie , Miller Edgar R. , Appel Lawrence J. , Choi Hyon K.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To determine whether the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet or an alternative, simplified diet, emphasizing high‐fiber fruits and vegetables (the FV diet), lowers serum urate levels.

Methods

We conducted a secondary study of the DASH feeding study, a 3‐arm, parallel‐design, randomized trial of 459 adults with systolic blood pressure (BP) of <160 mm Hg and diastolic BP of 80–95 mm Hg, who were not receiving BP medications. Participants were randomized to receive 8 weeks of monitored feeding and ate 1 of 3 diets: 1) a typical American diet (control), 2) the FV diet, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables but otherwise similar to the control diet, or 3) the DASH diet, which was rich in fruits, vegetables, and low‐fat dairy products, and reduced in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Body weight was kept constant throughout the study. Serum urate levels were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of feeding.

Results

For the 327 participants with available specimens (mean ± SD age 45.4 ± 11.0 years, 47% women, 50% African American), the mean ± SD baseline serum urate level was 5.7 ± 1.5 mg/dl. Compared to the control diet, the FV diet reduced the mean serum urate level by 0.17 mg/dl (95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.34, 0.00; P = 0.051) and the DASH diet reduced the mean serum urate level by 0.25 mg/dl (95% CI −0.43, −0.08; P = 0.004). These effects increased with increasing baseline serum urate levels (<5, 5–5.9, 6–6.9, 7–7.9, and ≥8 mg/dl) for those receiving the DASH diet (a reduction of 0.08, 0.12, 0.42, 0.44, and 0.73 mg/dl, respectively; P for trend = 0.04), but not for those receiving the FV diet.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the DASH diet reduces serum urate levels, particularly among those with hyperuricemia. These findings support the growing need for a dedicated trial to test the DASH diet among patients with hyperuricemia and gout.
Controlled Lithium Deposition on Alq3 Coated Substrate
Authors: Zhong Haoxiang , Zhao Yangzhi , Zhang Ting , Liu Gao
Published: December 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Gao Liu in Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The cover picture renders an artistic image comparing a randomly distributed Li metal deposition on a Cu substrate (upper left) vs. a uniformly distributed Li deposition on Alq3‐modified (Alq3: tris‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum) Cu substrate (lower right). Read the full text of the Communication (authored by Haoxiang Zhong, Yangzhi Zhao, Ting Zhang, and Gao Liu) at 10.1002/batt.202000126.
Regional distribution of cytochrome c oxidase activity and copper in sclerotic hippocampi of epilepsy patients
Authors: Opačić Miloš , Ristić Aleksandar J. , Sokić Dragoslav , Baščarević Vladimir , Raičević Savo , Savić Slobodan , Zorović Maja , Živin Marko , Šelih Vid Simon , Spasojević Ivan , Savić Danijela
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Disruption of copper homeostasis and dysfunction of mitochondria have been documented in sclerotic hippocampi (HS) of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). However, a potential link between these pathological changes has not been tackled so far. Herein, we analyzed regional distribution of neuron somata density, copper concentration, and the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), a component of mitochondrial electron transport chain and copper‐containing metalloprotein, in HS.

Methods

Histochemical staining and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were carried out to construct comparable maps of these parameters in coronal sections of hippocampi of 3 mTLE‐HS patients and 3 control subjects.

Results

Copper levels were decreased in all regions of HS with pyramidal neuron somata. CCO activity was significantly reduced in stratum pyramidale (PY) 1 and cornu Ammonis field 4, the two regions with significant reduction in neuron somata density. CCO activity was also lower in layers that contain apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons and mossy fibers. It appears that copper deficiency in PY2 and PY3 comes before CCO activity reduction and neuronal loss. A strong positive correlation was found between neuron density, Cu concentration, and CCO activity.

Conclusions

Presented results imply that pathological alterations in Cu and energy metabolism could be involved in the development of HS. A limitation of this study was the relatively small number of patients. However, presented results underline copper deficiency as a component of pathological mechanisms of epilepsy and warrant further investigation of cuproproteins and members of copper transport machinery.
Serum sickness following rituximab therapy in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris: A case report
Authors: Khatib Mohamad Y. , Allafi Solaiman M. , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: December 2020

Serum sickness, a reaction presenting with a classic triad (fever, rash, myalgia/arthralgia), is considered as a rare adverse event following monoclonal antibodies and specifically following treatment with rituximab. This report describes a case of serum sickness in a newly treated young male patient with rituximab for pemphigus vulgaris.
How Oriented External Electric Fields Modulate Reactivity
Authors: Yu Song , Vermeeren Pascal , Hamlin Trevor A. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: December 2020

A judiciously oriented external electric field (OEEF) can catalyze a wide range of reactions and can even induce endo/exo stereoselectivity of cycloaddition reactions. The Diels–Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and maleic anhydride is studied by using quantitative activation strain and Kohn–Sham molecular orbital theory to pinpoint the origin of these catalytic and stereoselective effects. Our quantitative model reveals that an OEEF along the reaction axis induces an enhanced electrostatic and orbital interaction between the reactants, which in turn lowers the reaction barrier. The stronger electrostatic interaction originates from an increased electron density difference between the reactants at the reactive center, and the enhanced orbital interaction arises from the promoted normal electron demand donor–acceptor interaction driven by the OEEF. An OEEF perpendicular to the plane of the reaction axis solely stabilizes the exo pathway of this reaction, whereas the endo pathway remains unaltered and efficiently steers the endo/exo stereoselectivity. The influence of the OEEF on the inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reaction is also investigated; unexpectedly, it inhibits the reaction, as the electric field now suppresses the critical inverse electron demand donor–acceptor interaction.
Local Structure Effects on Pressure Drop in Slender Fixed Beds of Spheres
Authors: Flaischlen Steffen , Kutscherauer Martin , Wehinger Gregor D.
Published: December 2020

For slender fixed beds, the void fraction and flow properties are complex topics. Different factors can influence the local bed structure. For statistical analysis, 2800 fixed beds have been generated and the impact of friction factor and reactor‐to‐particle diameter ratio on the distribution has been shown. With particle‐resolved computational fluid dynamics, all local structure effects are taken into account for the flow simulations. Pressure drop measurements and simulations showed that these effects can lead to areas with low flow resistance, leading to overestimated pressure drop by typical correlations up to 85 %.
Late onset of Synaptotagmin 2a expression at synapses relevant to social behavior
Authors: Goode Collette , Voeun Mae , Ncube Denver , Eisen Judith , Washbourne Philip , Tallafuss Alexandra
Published: December 2020

As they form, synapses go through various stages of maturation and refinement. These steps are linked to significant changes in synaptic function, potentially resulting in emergence and maturation of behavioral outputs. Synaptotagmins are calcium‐sensing proteins of the synaptic vesicle exocytosis machinery, and changes in Synaptotagmin proteins at synapses have significant effects on vesicle release and synaptic function. Here, we examined the distribution of the synaptic vesicle protein Synaptotagmin 2a (Syt2a) during development of the zebrafish nervous system. Syt2a is widely distributed throughout the midbrain and hindbrain early during larval development but very weakly expressed in the forebrain. Later in development, Syt2a expression levels in the forebrain increase, particularly in regions associated with social behavior, and most intriguingly, around the time social behavior becomes apparent. We provide evidence that Syt2a localizes to synapses onto neurons implicated in social behavior in the ventral forebrain and show that Syt2a is colocalized with tyrosine hydroxylase, a biosynthetic enzyme in the dopamine pathway. Our results suggest a developmentally important role for Syt2a in maturing synapses in the forebrain, coinciding with the emergence of social behavior.
A method to generate context information sets from analysis results with a unified abstraction model based on an extension of data enrichment scheme
Authors: Park Yoosang , Mun Jonghyeok , Choi Jongsun , Choi Jaeyoung , Kim Hoda
Published: December 2020

Context‐awareness techniques generally deal with steps for processing information that can be gathered from perspectives of objects in real‐world scenes in accordance with resolving heterogeneous devices and providing meaningful context information in recent computing domains such as Internet of Things, cloud computing, edge computing, and big data analysis. However, analysis applications are necessary to be improved in a way of cooperative approaches because they are independently executed far away from context‐aware systems. This means that the stages are applied to process the data or the derived results, are isolated. That leads difficulties of management and integration for other software modules. As a result, a computing paradigm called edge computing has been suggested to compromise such isolations. For processing context information, it is necessary to establish knowledge parts with validation processes against the isolations. In this paper, we suggest a method for processing datasets in a view of building knowledge parts. The suggested method uses an extensible data enrichment scheme, which represents the relations for the object. In the experiment section, applications of the proposed method are shown in one of the healthcare community centers, and the data abstraction with the analysis jobs can be processed for each real‐world object.
Changes in forage nutritive value of reduced‐lignin alfalfa during regrowth
Authors: Sulc R. Mark , Arnold Angela M. , Cassida Kimberly A. , Albrecht Kenneth A. , Hall Marvin H. , Min Doohong , Xu Xuan , Undersander Daniel J. , van Santen Edzard
Published: December 2020

Genetically engineered alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars with reduced lignin (RL) concentration are commercially available but their change in nutritive value as the crop matures within a growth cycle has not been thoroughly documented and might differ from non‐RL cultivars. This research documents changes in forage nutritive value of a RL cultivar (HarvXtra‐008) and two non‐RL cultivars (54R02 and WL355RR) within five growth cycles across 2 yr in six states in the United States. A randomized complete block design with a split‐plot arrangement of treatment randomization was used, with harvest growth cycles assigned to whole plots and cultivars to subplots in field trials. Cultivars were sampled on 3‐ to 4‐d intervals between day 20 and 37 of regrowth. HarvXtra‐008 was consistently lower (P ≤ .05) in acid detergent lignin (ADL) by 7–10% and amylase‐treated neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) by 2–10% and 4–9% greater (P ≤ .05) in neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) than non‐RL cultivars across all sampling dates. Cultivar × regrowth duration interactions (P ≤ .05) were found only for ADL and aNDF in two of the five growth cycles sampled, when regression coefficients were always smaller for HarvXtra‐008 than 54R02. We calculated that the interval between harvests can be extended on average from 8 to 11 d for HarvXtra‐008 compared with non‐RL cultivars while maintaining adequate fiber digestibility for animals with high nutritional requirements; however, the extent of that longer harvest interval varied from 2 to 20 d depending on environmental conditions.
Evaluation of alleles at OsAGPS2, OsAGPL2, and OsSUT1 related to grain filling in rice in a common genetic background
Authors: Kato Tsuneo , Morita Ryutaro , Ootsuka Shinjiro , Wakabayashi Yu , Aoki Naohiro , Horibata Akira
Published: December 2020

Poor grain filling, characterized by incidence of partially filled grain, is one of the major problems to be improved for maximizing the yield potential in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars with numerous spikelets in a panicle (extra‐heavy panicle type [EHPT]). This study evaluated the grain‐filling‐related alleles at APS2 and APL2, the loci for the small and large subunits of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), respectively, and at SUT1, sucrose transporter, for their effects and interactions on grain filling and associated traits of EHPT cultivars. Two sets of derived lines were developed. Each of these lines was one of the eight possible homozygotes of alleles derived from rice cultivars Akenohoshi and Milyang 23 at the three loci in nearly common genetic backgrounds. They were examined for grain‐filling traits in two different years. Results showed that APL2‐2, and SUT1‐2 in part, derived from Milyang 23 showing relatively good grain filling, significantly improved grain filling compared with APL2‐1 and SUT1‐1 from Akenohoshi showing poor filling. This improvement in grain filling may result from increased AGPase activity and expression of APL2 and SUT1 proteins, by means of APL2‐2 and SUT1‐2. However, the variations in AGPase activity, protein expression, and the degree of grain filling were not associated with the gene expression of the three loci, implying post‐transcriptional regulation. These results strongly suggested that APL2‐2 and SUT1‐2 are associated with good grain filling.
Simple sequence repeat‐based mini‐core collection for white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) germplasm
Authors: Pachakkil Babil , Yamanaka Shinsuke , Girma Gezahegn , Matsumoto Ryo , Tamiru‐Oli Muluneh , Bhattacharjee Ranjana , Abberton Michael , Muranaka Satoru , Asiedu Robert , Terauchi Ryohei , Takagi Hiroko
Published: December 2020

A core subset with a small number of accessions representing the genetic diversity of the base collection plays a vital role in facilitating efficient utilization of plant genetic resources. This is particularly relevant for vegetatively propagated large plant size tuber crops with a long growing period, such as white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.). For the efficient utilization of D. rotundata genetic resources, this study was aimed at developing a mini‐core collection from a core collection of 447 D. rotundata accessions maintained at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Accordingly, a D. rotundata mini‐core collection representing 102 accessions was selected using 16 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, retaining ∼98% of the SSR allelic diversity of the base collection. A similar level of diversity was captured within the mini‐core collection and the base collection with respect to 21 morphological traits, ploidy level, and geographic origin. The mini‐core collection demonstrated a wide range of variation in agronomic traits such as growth period, number of tubers, average tuber weight, and total yield per plant. This variation was considerable when compared with the variation observed for the same traits among the 10 lines or genotypes conventionally used in the breeding program at IITA, which were included in this study as checks. The selected mini‐core accessions could serve as a working collection to broaden the genetic variation for use in practical breeding programs, as well as in future genomic analyses aimed at the genetic improvement of D. rotundata in West Africa.
Adjusting the Valence State of Vanadium in VO2(B) by Extracting Oxygen Anions for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wenwei , Xiao Yao , Zuo Chunli , Tang Wen , Liu Gangyuan , Wang Shiyu , Cai Wanyue , Dong Shijie , Luo Ping
Published: December 2020

VO2 generally has a higher theoretical capacity and layered structure suitable for the intercalation/extraction of zinc ions. However, Zn2+ ions with high charge density interact with the crystal lattice and limit further improvement in electrochemical performance. Defect engineering is a potential modification method with very promising application prospects, but the established procedures for preparing defects are complicated. In this study, VO2–x(B) with oxygen deficiency is prepared by a simple solution reaction with NaBH4. The presence of oxygen deficiencies is confirmed by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, UV/Vis absorbance spectroscopy and others. Owing to the presence of oxygen defects, the aqueous Zn/VO2–x(B) battery exhibits improved specific capacity, excellent reversibility, and structural stability. Ex situ characterization techniques are employed to demonstrate the reversible insertion‐extraction mechanism of Zn2+ ions from and into the host material. In addition, the Zn/VO2–x(B) batteries still exhibit considerable electrochemical performance, even with high‐loading electrodes (about 4 mg cm−2).
Therapeutic strategies to remodel immunologically cold tumors
Authors: Wang Minyu , Wang Sen , Desai Jayesh , Trapani Joseph A , Neeson Paul J
Published: December 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) induce a durable response in a wide range of tumor types, but only a minority of patients outside these ‘responsive’ tumor types respond, with some totally resistant. The primary predictor of intrinsic immune resistance to ICIs is the complete or near‐complete absence of lymphocytes from the tumor, so‐called immunologically cold tumors. Here, we propose two broad approaches to convert ‘cold’ tumors into ‘hot’ tumors. The first is to induce immunogenic tumor cell death, through the use of oncolytic viruses or bacteria, conventional cancer therapies (e.g. chemotherapy or radiation therapy) or small molecule drugs. The second approach is to target the tumor microenvironment, and covers diverse options such as depleting immune suppressive cells; inhibiting transforming growth factor‐beta; remodelling the tumor vasculature or hypoxic environment; strengthening the infiltration and activation of antigen‐presenting cells and/or effector T cells in the tumor microenvironment with immune modulators; and enhancing immunogenicity through personalised cancer vaccines. Strategies that successfully modify cold tumors to overcome their resistance to ICIs represent mechanistically driven approaches that will ultimately result in rational combination therapies to extend the clinical benefits of immunotherapy to a broader cancer cohort.
Cultivating inclusive instructional and research environments in ecology and evolutionary science
Authors: Emery Nathan C. , Bledsoe Ellen K. , Hasley Andrew O. , Eaton Carrie Diaz
Published: December 2020

As we strive to lift up a diversity of voices in science, it is important for ecologists, evolutionary scientists, and educators to foster inclusive environments in their research and teaching. Academics in science often lack exposure to research on best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion and may not know where to start to make scientific environments more welcoming and inclusive. We propose that by approaching research and teaching with empathy, flexibility, and a growth mind‐set, scientists can be more supportive and inclusive of their colleagues and students. This paper provides guidance, explores strategies, and directs scientists to resources to better cultivate an inclusive environment in three common settings: the classroom, the research laboratory, and the field. As ecologists and evolutionary scientists, we have an opportunity to adapt our teaching and research practices in order to foster an inclusive educational ecosystem for students and colleagues alike.
Spatial capture–recapture with random thinning for unidentified encounters
Authors: Jiménez José , C. Augustine Ben , Linden Daniel W. , B. Chandler Richard , Royle J. Andrew
Published: December 2020

Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models have increasingly been used as a basis for combining capture–recapture data types with variable levels of individual identity information to estimate population density and other demographic parameters. Recent examples are the unmarked SCR (or spatial count model), where no individual identities are available and spatial mark–resight (SMR) where individual identities are available for only a marked subset of the population. Currently lacking, though, is a model that allows unidentified samples to be combined with identified samples when there are no separate classes of “marked” and “unmarked” individuals and when the two sample types cannot be considered as arising from two independent observation models. This is a common scenario when using noninvasive sampling methods, for example, when analyzing data on identified and unidentified photographs or scats from the same sites.

Here we describe a “random thinning” SCR model that utilizes encounters of both known and unknown identity samples using a natural mechanistic dependence between samples arising from a single observation model. Our model was fitted in a Bayesian framework using NIMBLE.

We investigate the improvement in parameter estimates by including the unknown identity samples, which was notable (up to 79% more precise) in low‐density populations with a low rate of identified encounters. We then applied the random thinning SCR model to a noninvasive genetic sampling study of brown bear (Ursus arctos) density in Oriental Cantabrian Mountains (North Spain).

Our model can improve density estimation for noninvasive sampling studies for low‐density populations with low rates of individual identification, by making use of available data that might otherwise be discarded.
Course of body weight before and after the initiation of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Retrospective inception cohort study (ZODIAC 58)
Authors: Edens Mireille A. , van Dijk Peter R. , Hak Eelko , Bilo Henk J. G.
Published: December 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of insulin treatment initiation on weight by taking weight change prior to initiation into account.

Materials and methods

We performed an observational retrospective inception cohort study, concerning Dutch primary care. We identified all patients that initiated insulin treatment (n = 7967) and individually matched patients with a reference patient (n = 5213 pairs). We obtained estimated mean weight changes in the five years prior to five years post insulin therapy. We applied linear regression analysis on weight change in the first year after insulin therapy (T0 to T+1), with matched group as primary determinant adjusted for pre‐insulin weight change and additional covariates.

Results

Estimated mean weight increased in the five consecutive years prior to insulin therapy (−0.23 kg in year T‐5 to T‐4, 0.01 kg in year T‐4 to T‐3, 0.07 kg in year T‐3 to T‐2, 0.24 kg in year T‐2 to T‐1, and 0.46 kg in year T‐1 to T0) and continued to increase in the first year after, that is T0 to T+1, at a slightly lower rate (0.31 ± 3.9 kg). Pre‐insulin weight change had the highest explained variance and was inversely and independently associated with weight change (p < .001). Starting insulin was associated with weight increase, independent of pre‐insulin weight change (β‐adjusted 1.228, p < .001). Stratification revealed that despite having a more or less similar baseline BMI, patients with substantial weight increase showed higher estimated mean BMI’s followed by weight loss pre‐insulin. In matched references, estimated mean weight changes were negative in all years concerning the study period, indicating consistent weight loss.

Conclusions

Initiation of insulin therapy was independently associated with weight increase; however, overall effect on weight was small and subject to substantial variation. Pre‐insulin weight change is identified as a relatively strong inverse determinant of weight change after insulin initiation.
Particle‐in‐cell simulation for breakdown phenomena in vacuum
Authors: Ejiri Haruki , Fujii Takashi , Kumada Akiko , Hidaka Kunihiko
Published: December 2020

The initiating process of vacuum breakdown is still unknown despite the efforts of many researchers in the long history of vacuum insulation. This paper reports the results of Particle‐In‐Cell Monte Carlo Collision simulation of the electrons, positive ions, and neutrals in the vicinity of an emitter on the cathode. The radius of the emitter re, the temperature of the emitter T, product of macroscopic electric field and electric field enhancement factor β ⋅Emac, and the electric field enhancement factor β itself are used as the parameters. In some combinations of the parameter values, the distort of electric field and the increase in current are observed as the result of the following positive feedback: field emission, positive ion generation, electric field enhancement by approach of positive ions, and increase in field emission electrons. All parameters affect whether the current increase or not. The radius of the emitter re is a key parameter that determines the occurrence of the current increase. This is because the density of the neutrals in the region where ionization occurs becomes larger with re. Necessary conditions to occur the current increase are the field emission current in the order of 0.1 μA or more and the line integral neutral density along z‐direction at the center of the emitter in the order of 1017/m2 or more.
A voltage control method in coordination with an SVR using distributed energy resources in customers for system voltage stabilization
Authors: Ishihara Hiroki , Nada Kaho , Tanaka Miwako , Inoue Sadayuki , Kuwata Akiko , Takano Tomihiro
Published: December 2020

According to the increase of the amount of renewable energy, voltage control of the distribution system is becoming more important. Thus, we propose a voltage control method of power conditioning systems (PCSs) in the customers serving as virtual power plant (VPP) with the step voltage regulator (SVR). The proposed method is verified by the simulation and experimental results. As a result, it is clarified that PCSs are able to control voltage moderately and cooperate with SVR under several voltage fluctuation conditions.
Laser‐scribed Graphene Electrodes as an Electrochemical Immunosensing Platform for Cancer Biomarker ‘eIF3d’
Authors: Balaban Simge , Beduk Tutku , Durmus Ceren , Celikbas Eda , Salama Khaled Nabil , Timur Suna
Published: December 2020

eIF3d is a protein biomarker which has a potential for the diagnosis of various cancers. Herein, a bio‐platform was constructed for eIF3d sensing by using LSG and surface functionalization with anti eIF3d antibody via EDC/NHS chemistry. Following the surface modifications, XPS and several electrochemical methods were used. Difference in the signals were related to biomarker amounts between 75–500 ng/mL. LOD was calculated as 50.4 ng/mL. Selectivity of biosensor was tested by using of various interference molecules. EIF3d was also successfully detected in synthetic biological samples. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, this study is one of the rare studies on use of LSGs in immunosensor studies.
Research on power system static voltage stability considering geomagnetic disturbances effect
Authors: Yang Pei‐Hong , He Bin , Kang Lan , Dong Xiao‐Ling , Liu Lian‐Guang
Published: December 2020

The reactive power losses caused by the power grid Geomagnetically Induced Current (GIC) severely disturb the static voltage stability of power systems, and may even trigger voltage collapses. In this paper, the 1 V/km uniform induced geoelectric field is adopted to analyze how greatly geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) can influence the static voltage stability of power systems, given the features of GMD disasters hitting the power grids of China. Considering the GIC reactive power losses, a method that combines second‐order sensitivity adaptive variable step size and local curve fitting is put forth to calculate the critical point of the active power and voltage nodes (PV) curve. With the increment ratio of the curve slope set at discretion, the method enables the curve to approach its critical point with great strides, a design managing to reduce the quantity of power flow calculations remarkably. By taking into account the reactive power violation of PV nodes in the acquisition of load increment step size, the method calculates the critical point of the PV curve in a much more accurate way. The method applied to the Northwest 750 kV power grid, the calculation results suggest that the 1 V/km induced geoelectric field markedly undermines the static voltage stability, thus posing grave threats to the above grid.
The aplication of Pistacia khinjuk extract nanoemulsion in a biopolymeric coating to improve the shelf life extension of sunflower oil
Authors: Hosseinialhashemi Marziehalsadat , Tavakoli Javad , Rafati Alireza , Ahmadi Fatemeh
Published: December 2020

In the present study, a hydroalcoholic extract of P. khinjuk was obtained by sonication method at 60°C for 50 min. The measurement revealed that the total phenolic content of the extract was 46.0 mg/g. The results showed that the extract has an antioxidant activity of 73.5% and 8.3 (µmol TE/g DW) in DPPH radical scavenging method and FRAP assay, respectively. Also, Balango (Lallemantia royleana) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum) seed gum and their composition (1:1) were used to prepare the nanoemulsion with P. khinjuk extract. The droplet mean size of nanoemulsions was ranged from 310.34 to 354.19 nm. The highest encapsulation efficiency was observed in Balango nanoemulsion. P. khinjuk extract nanoemulsion coating with Balango and TBHQ was added to sunflower oil at 200 and 100 ppm, respectively. During 24‐day storage at 60°C, samples were investigated for peroxide, acid, and p‐anisidine values at 4‐day intervals. The results showed that oils containing nanoemulsion had the highest stability during storage. However, in all samples peroxide, acid and p‐anisidine values increased but the rate of oxidation in samples containing both synthetic and natural antioxidants was slower than the control sample.
Adjustable breathing resistance for laryngectomized patients: Proof of principle in a novel heat and moisture exchanger cassette
Authors: Leemans Maartje , Muller Sara H. , van Alphen Maarten J. A. , Vallenduuk Wim , Dirven Richard , van den Brekel Michiel W. M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Due to the heat and moisture exchanger's (HME) breathing resistance, laryngectomized patients cannot always use an (optimal) HME during physical exercise. We propose a novel HME cassette concept with adjustable “bypass,” to provide adjustment between different breathing resistances within one device.

Methods

Under standardized conditions, the resistance and humidification performance of a high resistance/high humidification HME (XM) foam in a cassette with and without bypass were compared to a lower resistance/lesser humidification HME (XF) foam in a closed cassette.

Results

With a bypass in the cassette, the resistance and humidification performance of XM foam were similar to those of XF foam in the closed cassette. Compared to XM foam in the closed cassette, introducing the bypass resulted in a 40% resistance decrease, whereas humidification performance was maintained at 80% of the original value.

Conclusions

This HME cassette prototype allows adjustment between substantially different resistances while maintaining appropriate humidification performances.
Children's judgements of positive claims people make about themselves
Authors: Amemiya Jamie , Liu Zipei , Compton Brian J. , Heyman Gail D.
Published: December 2020

As children learn how to manage their reputation, they must assess when it is appropriate to make positive claims about themselves. To navigate this challenge effectively, they need to learn that these statements can have reputational costs as well as benefits. Although it is well established that children develop this understanding during middle childhood, it is not known whether they understand that the costs depend on the social context in which the communication takes place. The present study addresses this question by examining whether children ages 6‐ to 10‐year‐old (N = 83) evaluate positive statements people make about themselves more favourably when the statements can plausibly be interpreted as implicit offers of help. The results showed that 9‐ to 10‐year‐olds showed context sensitivity, but 6‐ to 7‐year‐olds made consistently positive ratings regardless of context.
Where should we go? Internet searches and tourist arrivals
Authors: Cevik Serhan
Published: December 2020

The widespread availability of internet search data is a new source of high‐frequency information that can potentially improve the precision of macroeconomic forecasting, especially in areas with data constraints. This paper investigates whether travel‐related online search queries enhance accuracy in the forecasting of tourist arrivals to The Bahamas from the United States. The results indicate that Google Trends‐augmented forecast models improve forecast accuracy by about 30% compared to the traditional autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and more than 20% compared to the multivariate model incorporating macroeconomic indicators.
An overview of the innate and adaptive immune system in atherosclerosis
Authors: Mohmmad‐Rezaei Mina , Arefnezhad Reza , Ahmadi Reza , Abdollahpour‐Alitappeh Meghdad , Mirzaei Yousef , Arjmand Mohammad‐Hassan , Ferns Gordon A. , Bashash Davood , Bagheri Nader
Published: December 2020

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a chronic inflammatory disease usually caused by atherosclerosis, in which the coronary arteries become narrowed by atheromatous plaque. Plaques in atherosclerosis are formed through the accumulation of lipids and various immune cells. Both adaptive and innate immune systems are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and facilitate plaque formation and disease progression. Almost all immune system cells, including neutrophils, B cells, T cells monocytes, macrophages, foam cells, and dendritic cells (DCs), play a vital role in atherosclerotic plaque. Atherogenesis, the normal function of the endothelium, is initially disrupted and, then, cells of the immune system are recruited to the endothelium following increased expression of cell adhesion molecules. Accumulation of immune cells and lipids leads to the formation of a necrotic nucleus. As the disease progresses, smooth muscle cells form fibrous layers, whose rupture results in exposing the necrotic nucleus and thrombosis. Accordingly, the present review was conducted to determine the role of different cells in innate and adaptive immune systems in inhibition and progression of atherosclerosis.
A new activator of esterase D decreases blood cholesterol level through ESD/JAB1/ABCA1 pathway
Authors: Chen Xinpeng , Su Le , Yang Yuejun , Qv Jingyao , Wei Tiandi , Cui Xiaoling , Shao Jing , Liu Shuyan , Xu Zhigang , Zhao Baoxiang , Miao Junying
Published: December 2020

Excessively high cholesterol content in the blood leads to nonalcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and arteriosclerosis. Although there are increasing publications and patent applications to lower blood cholesterol with small chemical molecules, limited effective drugs can be available in clinic. It is necessary to uncover new targets and drugs to alleviate high cholesterol. Esterase D (ESD) is abundant in liver and it remains unknown about its role in cholesterol metabolism. Here we reported that small chemical molecule fluorescigenic pyrazoline derivative 5 (FPD5), a new ESD activator, could effectively reverse high blood cholesterol level and prevent fatty liver and arteriosclerosis in apoE−/− mice fed the high‐fat diet. We also observed that FPD5 could reduce oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL)‐induced formation of foam cells. To further investigate the mechanism of FPD5 action on blood cholesterol modulation, we found that ESD trigged by FPD5 was aggregated in lysosome and interacted with Jun activation domain binding protein 1 (JAB1). ESD served as a deacetylase to remove Thr89 acetylation of JAB1 and increased its activity; thus, promoting the ATP‐binding cassette transporters A1 (ABCA1) to accelerate cholesterol efflux. Our findings demonstrate that FPD5 decreases blood cholesterol level to ameliorate NAFLD and arteriosclerosis through ESD/JAB1/ABCA1 pathway, and ESD functions as a novel nonclassical deacetylase that hydrolyzes serine/threonine acetyl group. Our findings not only highlight that FPD5 may be a pioneer drug for alleviating blood cholesterol but also indicate that ESD is a potential drug target that promotes cholesterol metabolism.
Microscopic analysis of overglaze green pigment on Chinese famille rose porcelain from the Imperial Palace
Authors: Li Yuanqiu , Sciau Philippe , Zhu Jian , Ji Luoyuan , Shan Yingying , Song Guoding
Published: December 2020

Famille rose porcelain made in the imperial workshop was one of the symbols of the highest manufacturing techniques in ancient China. It was very precious and only owned by the royals for a long time. Because of its complex making technology, overglaze green pigment painted on famille rose porcelain shows many variations. In this work, selected porcelain shards that were excavated at the Forbidden City were analyzed by using microscopy observation, micro‐Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer to obtain a deep understanding of overglaze green pigment technique on famille rose porcelain. The results revealed that four types of green pigment are used in the selected samples. With different recipes and combinative ways on green pigment and opaque white pigment, craftsmen can choose the using method of pigment to get the effect they want.
Clinical outcomes for COVID‐19 patients with diabetes mellitus treated with convalescent plasma transfusion in Wuhan, China
Authors: Dai Wei , Wu Jian , Li Tianfu , Shen Jiawei , Pang Rongrong , Luo Tao , Guo Yanju , Yang Yang , Zhao Jun , Zhang Mingchao , Li Na , Han Ying , Wu Qiuyue , Li Weiwei , Xia Xinyi
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is wreaking havoc on public health systems worldwide. The diagnosis of COVID‐19 is well defined, but efficacious treatment is lacking. There is a big gap in knowledge regarding COVID‐19 patients receiving convalescent plasma transfusion (CPT), especially those also suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, among 3059 COVID‐19 patients admitted to Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital of China, we documented the characteristics of 39 COVID‐19 patients with DM receiving CPT and compared their baseline information and clinical outcomes to COVID‐19 patients with DM receiving conventional treatment. We also performed the propensity‐matched comparison of COVID‐19 patients with DM between conventional treatment and CPT. The CPT was efficacious and beneficial for COVID‐19 patients with DM, including severe or critically ill patients, without obvious adverse effects. Our data demonstrated that CPT significantly improved the clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 patients with DM, especially the cure rate and duration of hospitalization compared with that in COVID‐19 patients with DM receiving conventional treatment. This study not only provided a deeper understanding of characteristics in COVID‐19 patients with DM receiving CPT but also highlighted the efficaciousness of CPT for COVID‐19 patients with DM.
Corrosion behaviors of carbon steel induced by life activities of Phaeodactylum tricornutum in a marine environment
Authors: Zhang Han , He Xiaoyan , Hua Yong , Bai Xiuqin , Yuan Chengqing
Published: December 2020

Microbiologically influenced corrosion induced by bacteria has been studied for many years. Corrosion is known to be sensitive to the presence of microalgae, such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum. However, the life activity of P. tricornutum that influences the general and localized corrosion of carbon steel is not fully understood. The current study uses a combination of immersion tests and electrochemical experiments with a detailed surface characterization to reveal the naturally formed corrosion products with/without the presence of P. tricornutum. The results show that samples suffer from pitting corrosion and the averaged pit depths are approximately 15 μm under a light–dark cycle condition or a 24‐h constant light condition. Meanwhile, the corrosion products are mainly comprised of γ‐FeOOH and Fe3O4 in a constant light condition. However, γ‐FeOOH, Fe3O4, and FeCO3 are found in a light–dark cycle. This study proposes the fundamental mechanisms of the effect of P. tricornutum life activities on the corrosion performance of Q235 carbon steel, to fulfill the knowledge gaps of the presence of microalgae inducing the general and pitting corrosion of carbon steel.
Exponential decay of solutions for a viscoelastic coupled Lame system with logarithmic source and distributed delay terms
Authors: Choucha Abdelbaki , Boulaaras Salah , Ouchenane Djamel
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we consider a coupled Lame system with the presence of distributed delay term, viscoelastic, and logarithmic source terms. We describe an exponential decay of solutions, where an asymptotic stability result of global solution is obtained. This study is an extension to Boulaaras' work in Applicable Analysis (2019), 1–19.
Local discontinuous Galerkin method for distributed‐order time‐fractional diffusion‐wave equation: Application of Laplace transform
Authors: Mohammadi‐Firouzjaei Hadi , Adibi Hojatollah , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the Laplace transform combined with the local discontinuous Galerkin method is used for distributed‐order time‐fractional diffusion‐wave equation. In this method, at first, we convert the equation to some time‐independent problems by Laplace transform. Then, we solve these stationary equations by the local discontinuous Galerkin method to discretize diffusion operators at the same time. Next, by using a numerical inversion of the Laplace transform, we find the solution of the original equation. One of the advantages of this procedure is its capability to be implemented in a parallel environment. It's another advantage is that the number of stationary problems that should be solved is much less than that is needed in time‐marching methods. Finally, some numerical experiments have been provided to show the accuracy and efficiency of the method.