bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and biological performance of rainbow trout collagen‐boron nitride nanocomposite scaffolds for soft tissue engineering
Authors: Najafi Zohreh , Kharaziha Mahshid , Karimzadeh Fathallah , Shapiri Azar
Published: March 2021

We aim to investigate the potential of collagen extracted from rainbow trout for tissue engineering applications. In this regard, nanocomposite scaffolds based on the extracted collagen reinforced with various concentrations of boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 wt%) were developed. In addition, the role of various concentrations of BN nanoparticles and two‐step cross‐linking process on the physical and chemical properties of nanocomposite scaffolds were investigated. Our results demonstrated the isolation of Type I collagen with excellent thermal stability but with some structural and chemical differences compared to other sources. The synergic role of BN nanoparticles and two‐step cross‐linking process resulted in a noticeable improvement in the mechanical properties of collagen‐BN scaffolds. Noticeably, incorporation of 6 wt% BN along with a two‐step cross‐linking process significantly increased the compressive strength (9.5 times) and elastic modulus (four times) of the collagen scaffold. Besides, nanocomposite scaffolds significantly improved proliferation and spreading of MG‐63 cell line, confirming their biocompatibility. The results suggested that the incorporation of BN nanoparticles along with a two‐step cross‐linking process not only could promote the mechanical and thermal performances of collagen scaffolds, but also enhanced high cell viability, and proliferation supporting their potential in tissue engineering applications.
Effects of crosslinking reaction and extension strain on the electrical properties of silicone rubber/carbon nanofiller composites
Authors: Song Pan , Wu Jian , Wang Ge , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2021

Stretchable conductive silicone rubber (SR) composites are important in wearable electronic devices and the crosslinking of SR composites is necessary for their applications. But the effect of the crosslinking reaction on the electrical conductivity of SR composites is rarely reported. In this article, the effect of crosslinking reaction on the electrical conductivity of SR composites filled with conductive carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and graphene are studied. The crosslink density of SR composites increases with increasing curing time, but the electrical conductivity decreases sharply at the early stage of crosslinking, especially for SR/conductive carbon black composite, which is ascribed to the reaggregation of conductive nanofillers in SR during the crosslinking process. The elastic modulus of the three SR composites gradually increases while the elongation at break decreases with increasing curing time, and the SR/carbon black composite shows ultra‐high elongation at break (1578%). In addition, SR/graphene composite is more sensitive to the extension strain than SR/carbon black and SR/carbon nanotubes composites, and its gauge factor is 414 at the strain ranges of 3–25%. This research work brings a new method to optimize the crosslinking structure of conductive SR composites.
Reversible Redox System of 2‐Oxypyritriphyrin(1.2.1) Accompanying Interconversion between 3‐Pyridone and 3‐Hydroxypyridine Units
Authors: Chong Su‐Gi , Yoneda Tomoki , Ide Yuki , Neya Saburo
Published: March 2021

To develop a system in which a π‐conjugation circuit switched by a redox reaction between 3‐pyridone and 3‐hydroxypyridine, a ring‐contracted analog of oxypyriporphyrin, 2‐oxypyritriphyrin(1.2.1) was synthesized for the first time. 2‐Oxypyritriphyrin(1.2.1) contains a 14π aromatic conjugation circuit with the keto‐form of the 3‐oxypyridine ring. When 2‐oxypyritriphyrin was treated with NaBH4, not only the 3‐oxypyridine group, but also the meso‐carbons were also reduced to give a colorless porphyrinogen analog. The reduced compound could be oxidized again to provide 2‐oxypyritripyhrin in a reversible manner.
Comparing diagnosed observation uncertainties with independent estimates: A case study using aircraft‐based observations and a convection‐permitting data assimilation system
Authors: Mirza Andrew K. , Dance Sarah L. , Rooney Gabriel G. , Simonin David , Stone Edmund K. , Waller Joanne A.
Published: March 2021

Aircraft can report in situ observations of the ambient temperature by using aircraft meteorological data relay (AMDAR) or these can be derived using mode‐select enhanced tracking data (Mode‐S EHS). These observations may be assimilated into numerical weather prediction models to improve the initial conditions for forecasts. The assimilation process weights the observation according to the expected uncertainty in its measurement and representation. The goal of this paper is to compare observation uncertainties diagnosed from data assimilation statistics with independent estimates. To quantify these independent estimates, we use metrological comparisons, made with in‐situ research‐grade instruments, as well as previous studies using collocation methods between aircraft (mostly AMDAR reports) and other observing systems such as radiosondes. In this study we diagnose a new estimate of the vertical structure of the uncertainty variances using observation‐minus‐background and observation‐minus‐analysis statistics from a Met Office limited area three‐dimensional variational data assimilation system (3 km horizontal grid‐length, 3‐hourly cycle). This approach for uncertainty estimation is simple to compute but has several limitations. Nevertheless, the resulting diagnosed variances have a vertical structure that is like that provided by the independent estimates of uncertainty. This provides confidence in the uncertainty estimation method, and in the diagnosed uncertainty estimates themselves. In the future our methodology, along with other results, could provide ways to estimate the uncertainty for the assimilation of aircraft‐based temperature observations.
Pb2+ sensing by coumarin sulphonamide hybrids in aqueous medium
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Gulati Ashu
Published: March 2021

Metals play an important role in various metabolic activities in the human body, but above desired concentrations, a role reversal occurs that causes deadly outcomes viz., cancer. Metals cannot be cracked down and are non‐biodegradable. It is the bioaccumulation of toxic metals inside the biomatrices, that further intensifies the research on different means of metal detoxification from different matrices. Among heavy toxic metals lead is a brutal carcinogen that requires pitiless sensors for its capturing. The use of heterocycles for metal sensing in supramolecular chemistry is preferred due to the strong chelation they offer to toxic metals. The C1–C3 probes were synthesized and studied for their Pb2+ binding ability. All the probes were prepared by treating bromoacetyl coumarin with camphor sulphonamide, 5‐dimethylamino‐1‐naphthalene sulphonamide, and methyl‐2‐amino‐sulphonyl benzoate at room temperature. The probes show selective binding with Pb2+ ions in aqueous acetonitrile among different tested metal ions viz., Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, and Pb2+ ions as shown in ultraviolet (UV)‐visible, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) studies. These sulphur‐containing probes bind very well with Pb2+ ions by offering selectivity in binding positions that capture lead ions at their minimum possible concentration.
The closure issue related to liquid–cell mass transfer and substrate uptake dynamics in biological systems
Authors: Morchain Jérôme , Quedeville Vincent , Fox Rodney O. , Villedieu Philippe
Published: March 2021

An original dynamic model for substrate uptake under transient conditions is established and used to simulate a variety of biological responses to external perturbations. The actual uptake and growth rates, treated as cell properties, are part of the model variables as well as the substrate concentration at the cell–liquid interface. Several regulatory loops inspired by the structure of the glycolytic chain are considered to establish a set of ordinary differential equations. The uptake rate evolves so as to reach an equilibrium between the cell demand and the environmental supply. This model does not contain any of the usual algebraic closure laws relating to the instantaneous uptake, growth rates, and the substrate concentration, nor does it enforce the continuity of mass fluxes at the liquid–cell interface. However, these relationships are found in the steady‐state solution. Previously unexplained experimental observations are well reproduced by this model. Also, the model structure is suitable for further coupling with flux‐based metabolic models and fluid‐flow equations.
Identification of the metabolites of n‐butylidenephthalide in rat and human liver microsomes by liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Lin Hairong , Zhang Xiulan , Zhang Xiuqin , Xia Shixin
Published: March 2021

n‐Butylidenephthalide (NBDP) is one of the bioactive constituents originally isolated from Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. The aim of this study was to study the metabolic profiles of NBDP in rat and human liver microsomes. NBDP was individually incubated with liver microsomes of rat and human at 37°C for 1 h and the samples incubated were analyzed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The identities of the metabolites were identified by accurate masses, product ions and retention times. Under the current conditions, a total of 14 metabolites were detected and identified. M12, M13 and M14 were biosynthesized and unambiguously characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All the metabolites can be detected in rat liver microsomes, whereas in human liver microsomes, M1, M3, M4, M5, M6 and M7 were not detected. Our results demonstrated that the metabolic pathways of NBDP included hydroxylation, hydration, hydrolysis and glutathione conjugation. This study provides an overview of the metabolic profiles of NBDP in vitro, which is helpful to understand the action of this compound.
Continuation rate for asenapine and brexpiprazole treatment in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Inoue Yuichi , Suzuki Hidenobu , Hibino Hiroyuki , Takaya Atsuhiko , Mikami Katsunaka , Yamamoto Kenji , Matsumoto Hideo
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The current study sought to compare the treatment continuation rates of asenapine and brexpiprazole while specifically investigating the factors influencing this index and the clinical efficacy of brexpiprazole.

Methods

Retrospective study on patients with schizophrenia who were prescribed either asenapine (n = 73) or brexpiprazole (n = 136), as part of their routine medical care.

Results

The treatment continuation rates for asenapine and brexpiprazole were 19.0% and 38.6% at 52 weeks, with that of brexpiprazole found to be significantly higher than that of asenapine (p = .002). Moreover, age was found to be a significant factor affecting the treatment continuation rate for brexpiprazole (p = .03). Additionally, patients with a longer continuation duration had significantly lower Clinical Global Impression‐Severity of Illness (CGI‐S) scale scores compared to those who discontinued early (p = .04). The continuation rate was also significantly higher for those who began using the drug as outpatients compared to those first administered the drug as inpatients (p = .04). Furthermore, disease duration, CGI‐S scale, and continuation duration significantly affected the clinical efficacy of brexipiprazole (p < .05 for all).

Conclusions

The continuation rate for brexpiprazole increases as the age of the patient increases, as disease severity decreases, and if the patient first uses the drug as an outpatient. Shorter disease duration and longer drug administration may lead to improved clinical efficacy. These results suggest that brexpiprazole is an effective treatment option for maintenance therapy of schizophrenia.
Systemic therapies in advanced epithelioid haemangioendothelioma: A retrospective international case series from the World Sarcoma Network and a review of literature
Authors: Frezza Anna M. , Ravi Vinod , Lo Vullo Salvatore , Vincenzi Bruno , Tolomeo Francesco , Chen Tom Wei‐Wu , Teterycz Pawel , Baldi Giacomo G. , Italiano Antoine , Penel Nicolas , Brunello Antonella , Duffaud Florance , Hindi Nadia , Iwata Shintaro , Smrke Alannah , Fedenko Alexander , Gelderblom Hans , Van Der Graaf Winette , Vozy Aurore , Connolly Elizabeth , Grassi Massimiliano , Benjamin Robert S. , Broto Javier‐Martin , Grignani Giovanni , Jones Robin L. , Kawai Akira , Tysarowski Andrzej , Mariani Luigi , Casali Paolo G. , Stacchiotti Silvia
Published: March 2021

Background

This observational, retrospective effort across Europe, US, Australia, and Asia aimed to assess the activity of systemic therapies in EHE, an ultra‐rare sarcoma, marked by WWTR1‐CAMTA1 or YAP1‐TFE3 fusions.

Methods

Twenty sarcoma reference centres contributed data. Patients with advanced EHE diagnosed from 2000 onwards and treated with systemic therapies, were selected. Local pathologic review and molecular confirmation were required. Radiological response was retrospectively assessed by local investigators according to RECIST. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

Overall, 73 patients were included; 21 had more than one treatment. Thirty‐three patients received anthracyclines regimens, achieving 1 (3%) partial response (PR), 25 (76%) stable disease (SD), 7 (21%) progressive disease (PD). The median (m‐) PFS and m‐OS were 5.5 and 14.3 months respectively. Eleven patients received paclitaxel, achieving 1 (9%) PR, 6 (55%) SD, 4 (36%) PD. The m‐PFS and m‐OS were 2.9 and 18.6 months, respectively. Twelve patients received pazopanib, achieving 3 (25%) SD, 9 (75%) PD. The m‐PFS and m‐OS were.2.9 and 8.5 months, respectively. Fifteen patients received INF‐α 2b, achieving 1 (7%) PR, 11 (73%) SD, 3 (20%) PD. The m‐PFS and m‐OS were 8.9 months and 64.3, respectively. Among 27 patients treated with other regimens, 1 PR (ifosfamide) and 9 SD (5 gemcitabine +docetaxel, 2 oral cyclophosphamide, 2 others) were reported.

Conclusion

Systemic therapies available for advanced sarcomas have limited activity in EHE. The identification of new active compounds, especially for rapidly progressive cases, is acutely needed.
Exploring the experiences of non‐statutory homeless individuals who engaged in an adventure therapy intervention
Authors: Shehade Orla , Kyriakopoulos Alex
Published: March 2021

It has been suggested that homeless people might struggle with access to accommodation and health services and experience poor mental health. Although housing support is suggested to be the most important service provision, it has been recommended that integrated approaches, incorporating both housing and psychosocial support, are required. Nevertheless, there is limited research exploring therapeutic interventions for homeless people. This study focuses on experiences of individuals experiencing “non‐statutory” homelessness with self‐reported mental health difficulties who were living in supported hostel accommodation and had engaged in an adventure therapy intervention. Semi‐structured interviews with the use of repertory‐grid technique were carried out with seven participants. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three master themes were identified: (a) respite from negative experiences of homelessness; (b) empowerment in relation to developing a sense of purpose and increased perceived self‐efficacy; and (c) changed worldviews in relation to themselves and others. Participants reported development of a community, which provided a holding environment to meet their expressed support and psychological healthcare needs. The psychological implications of this study point towards therapeutic interventions, which involve meaningful activities, encourage contact with the natural environment, provide a space of emotional containment and develop a sense of community as a means of improving sense of well‐being.
Mindfulness as practice: A network analysis of FMI data
Authors: Smith Joseph H. , Kempton Heather M. , Williams Matt N. , van Ommen Clifford
Published: March 2021

Mindfulness research implicitly conceives of mindfulness as an identifiable real ‘thing’ that exists beyond what is directly observed. Recently, a new methodology has been developed which allows mindfulness to be modelled as a complex system or network at the level of self‐report. In these models, items become a network's nodes, and the statistical relations between them, edges. Interpreted causally, nodes are thought to increasingly influence each other via their edges, such that they become increasingly correlated. This study hypothesises that at a cross‐sectional level, this may result in differences in overall network connectivity (density) between practitioners and non‐practitioners.

Mindfulness networks were estimated for practitioners and non‐practitioners using the Friedberg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). A total of 371 regular mindfulness practitioners and 283 non‐practitioners (including 59 irregular practitioners) were recruited online from Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Comparisons of practitioners’ and non‐practitioners’ networks indicated that network density did not significantly differ, whereas evidence was found in support of a significant difference in network structure. An exploratory analysis revealed substantive group differences in how items (practices) were connected. In particular, the practice of Acceptance appeared more central to the practitioners’ network relative to the non‐practitioners' network, indicating Acceptance may be particularly useful for engagement in mindfulness practices.

The study supports investigating mindfulness as a complex network at the level of self‐report, with implications for how the development of mindfulness is conceptualised. The lack of difference in network density indicates that research is needed to examine network dynamics in the context of regular mindfulness practice.
Therapists' perspectives on working with clients taking psychiatric drugs: Findings from a mixed‐methods survey
Authors: Blair Lewis , Heydon‐Hatchett Victoria , Davies Gabriel , Guy Anne , Davies James
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Around 26% of the British adult population are prescribed psychiatric drugs each year. Most therapists (counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists) provide therapy to some clients taking prescribed psychiatric drugs. This study aimed to better understand the experience, knowledge, training and concerns of therapists working therapeutically with clients prescribed psychiatric drugs.

Design

This was a survey study, generating both quantitative and qualitative data.

Methods

The online survey was completed by 1,230 therapists (members of UKCP, BACP and the BPS). Brief descriptive statistics for the quantitative data are reported. The qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Results

Therapists would welcome professional guidance as to how to work better with clients taking prescribed psychiatric drugs, with some feeling their training had left them unprepared for this. Qualitative themes were broad‐ranging and encompassed the following: client factors, therapist factors, prescriber actions and inactions, medicating therapy, the ideological and professional context, areas of therapist need, and actions and justifications that mitigate concerns.

Conclusions

This article illustrates the complex nature of therapeutic work with clients taking, or withdrawing from, prescribed psychiatric drugs. Therapists want to work within their remit to appropriately help clients but need better information and improved relationships with prescribing clinicians.
The software will see you now: The promise and peril of digital therapy
Authors: Quill Lawrence
Published: March 2021

The response to the COVID‐19 pandemic has prompted discussion across a range of fields and disciplines as numerous professions embrace an online or virtual environment. This paper focuses upon the provision of therapy in a digital environment specifically through the development of Mental Health Apps (mHealth). The latter are seen as a remedy to the lack of qualified therapists providing mental health services to populations who lack access to adequate and affordable mental health care. Within this context, this paper draws attention to the central value of dignity. Dignity lies at the heart of the therapeutic encounter and the profession more broadly. I consider some of the challenges posed to dignity both philosophically and from the perspective of technologists. These challenges pose an acute dilemma for therapists who find themselves providing a ‘service’ that is increasingly driven by demands for greater efficiency and a digital environment that offers therapy on demand. I place the perceived ‘crisis of mental health’ in context and suggest that some form of regulation is required for digital therapy apps if trained therapists are to continue to offer a professional service while clients are protected from exploitative practices.
Induction of Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines by Novel Indolylacrylamide Derivatives: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Hawash Mohammed , Kahraman Deniz Cansen , Cetin‐Atalay Rengul , Baytas Sultan Nacak
Published: March 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer associated death worldwide. This is due to the highly resistant nature of this malignancy and the lack of effective treatment options for advanced stage HCC patients. The hyperactivity of PI3K/Akt and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathways contribute to the cancer progression, survival, motility, and resistance mechanisms, and the interaction of these two pathways are responsible for the regulation of cancer cell growth and development. Therefore, it is vital to design and develop novel therapeutic options for HCC treatment targeting these hyperactive pathways. For this purpose, novel series of trans‐indole‐3‐ylacrylamide derivatives originated from the lead compound, 3‐(1H‐indole‐3‐yl)‐N‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)acrylamide, have been synthesized and analyzed for their bioactivity on cancer cells along with the lead compound. Based on the initial screening, the most potent compounds were selected to elucidate their effects on cellular signaling activity of HCC cell lines. Cell cycle analysis, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis revealed that lead compound and (E)‐N‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐3‐(1H‐indole‐3‐yl)acrylamide induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, enhanced chromatin condensation and PARP‐cleavage, addressing induction of apoptotic cell death. Additionally, these compounds decreased the activity of ERK signaling pathway, where phosphorylated ERK1/2 and c‐Jun protein levels diminished significantly. Relevant to these findings, the lead compound was able to inhibit tubulin polymerization as well. To conclude, the novel trans‐indole‐3‐ylacrylamide derivatives inhibit one of the critical pathways associated with HCC which results in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCC cell lines.
COVID‐19, when fourteen days are not enough—A case series of affected healthcare workers
Authors: Murphy Catherine , Noonan Noirin , O’Toole Eilis , Plunkett Patrick , Paula Colgan Mary , Canning Caitriona , Martin Zenia , Hennessy Martina
Published: March 2021

We highlight the need for planning for mass workforce absentees as we prepare for subsequent surges. We suggest a multicomponent intervention including guiding return dates more by symptomatology and fitness for work rather than infectivity status.
Microvascular flap reconstruction of pharynx in patient with actinomycosis
Authors: Adoviča Alise , Pastars Kalvis , Ivanova Anna , Zariņš Jānis
Published: March 2021

Surgical treatment for patients with actinomycosis with head and neck reconstruction should be considered as a reliable treatment option with a good long‐term effect.
Black colon
Authors: Ahmed Moiz , Sheth Nirali , Bansal Raghav
Published: March 2021

Key Clinical Message

Early diagnostic endoscopic evaluation is useful in evaluation of mucosal viability and possible endoscopic reduction in patients with sigmoid volvulus. Black‐brown mucosa is consistent with gangrene, a life‐threatening complication requiring surgery.
Rectal ulcer in a hemodialysis patient receiving Kayexalate®
Authors: Collot Julia , Salaouatchi Tayeb , Rickaert Fabienne , Floriani Albino , Buysschaert Benoit , Mesquita Maria , Godon Eric
Published: March 2021

Kayexalate can cause severe unrecognized GI lesions. Diagnosis of kayexalate crystals in GI biopsy samples is important. Pathologists and clinicians should work hand in hand. New drugs should be available to all patients to treat hyperkalemia.
Zeolite‐Supported Rhenium Catalysts for the Deoxydehydration of 1,2‐Hexanediol to 1‐Hexene
Authors: Meiners Isabell , Louven Yannik , Palkovits Regina
Published: March 2021

For the first time ammonium perrhenate (APR) supported on zeolites of the types H‐β, H‐ZSM‐5 and H−Y were shown to be efficient catalysts for the deoxydehydration (DODH). They catalyzed the transformation of 1,2‐hexanediol (1,2‐HDO) to 1‐hexene in the presence of 3‐octanol as reductant and solvent with productivities up to 0.24 mol1‐hexene ⋅ gRe−1 ⋅ h−1. The productivity decreased with increasing Si : Al ratio, independent of the zeolite structure. Catalyst characterization indicates Re‐species to preferably bind to the Al centers of the support, resulting in a higher amount of active metal centers.
Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence in a Microwell Bipolar Electrode Array Prepared with an Optical Fiber Bundle
Authors: Li Haidong , Zhang Tian , Zhou Han , Zhang Zhicheng , Liu Miaoxia , Wang Chengyin
Published: March 2021

The creation of microwells on an electrode surface has been used to improve the electrode performance. Herein, we report the fabrication of a microwell bipolar electrode array (MBEA) by selectively etching a fiber core and coating a thin gold layer on one pole of optical fiber bundle. The remote electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform is developed with the combination of the MBEA and ECL, such that light emission is generated at the distal face of the optical fiber bundle and detected at its proximal face. The resulting microwells in the MBEA can enhance the ECL generation, and produce a bell‐like ECL emission, for which higher light intensity is measured in the center of the fiber core than around its periphery. Then, it is revealed in theoretical simulations that the parabolic‐shaped bottom in the microwell induces the strong overlapped diffusion fields in its center and promotes the generation of ECL there. Finally, the application of MBEA is demonstrated in the detection of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH).
A common theme for axonopathies? The dependency cycle of local axon homeostasis
Authors: Prokop Andreas
Published: March 2021

The number of acquired or inherited conditions leading to axon degeneration (from now on referred to as axonopathies) is vast. To diagnose patients, clinicians use a range of indicators including physiology, morphology, family and patient history, as well as genetics, with the specific location of the lesion within the nervous system being a prominent feature. For the neurobiologist, these criteria are often unsatisfactory, and key questions remain unanswered. For example, does it make sense that different axonopathies affect distinct neuron groups through distinct mechanisms? Would it not be more likely that there are common routes to axon degeneration? In this opinion piece, I shall pose this fundamental question and try to find answers that are hopefully thought‐provoking and trigger some conceptual rethinking in the field. I will conclude by describing the ‘dependency cycle of axon homeostasis’ as a new approach to make sense of the intricate connections of axon biology and physiology, also suggesting that different axonopathies might share common paths to axon degeneration.
Observer variability study and method to implement observer categories for novel light source projection system
Authors: Bai Chris Yi‐Ho , Ou Li‐Chen
Published: March 2021

As display technology advances in color gamut, the potential of experiencing higher degree of observer metamerism is more likely with narrow bandwidth stimuli display devices. In previous studies, it is confirmed that observer metamerism was introduced in soft proofing with monitor and color grading with projector scenarios, and also led to serious implications. Hence, it is desired to investigate whether laser‐based projection system would introduce observer metamerism compared to halogen‐based projection system. In this study, a two‐part experiment was designed and conducted. Experiment 1 was based on color patches and experiment 2 was based on test images. Intra‐observer and inter‐observer variability were calculated and analyzed. Both experiments had illustrated observer metamerism was introduced in laser‐based projection system. Comparison to CIE Standard Observers was also conducted for each experiment, and the results had suggested that the CIE Standard Observers were not suitable for laser‐based projection system. A new observer category was required at least for the group of observers participating the experiments. A quick method to transform the content from the CIE 1964 Standard Observer for color patches or the CIE 1931 Standard Observer for images has been established in experiment 1, and this quick method could help to facilitate the growth of personalized color management system.
Computational evidence of first extensive usage of violet in the 1860s
Authors: Tager Allen , Kirchner Eric , Fedorovskaya Elena
Published: March 2021

Tager showed that works of art rarely contained the color violet until the Impressionists in the mid‐19th century. This article further investigates the prevalence of different colors in paintings. We analyzed 4117 Western and Eastern paintings, extending Tager's previous research. Combining color science, image analysis algorithms, and new research on color categorization, we were able to calculate the frequencies of occurrence of several different color categories in digital images of paintings from several major art museums. Our analysis shows how the frequency of use of the various color categories vary between different cultural periods and regions. The color violet was shown to have a substantial presence on only 2% to 4% of the artworks created before the early 1860s. It quickly became very popular soon after that date, rising to a substantial presence of 36.5% to 47.9%. Textual analyses indicate a similar trend in the popularity of the color term violet. We discuss several explanations for the steep increase in the use of violet in paintings in the early 1860s. Neither cultural factors with roots in ancient Greece, nor the introduction of cheap purple and so‐called violet pigments in the 1860s, can sufficiently explain the trends that we found. An increased sensitivity to violet colors due to continuous evolution of the human visual system offers an alternative explanation. We finally show that contemporary developments in color theory and their adoption by Impressionist painters may almost naturally have led to an increase in the use of violet from 1863 onwards.
Secure decision tree twin support vector machine training and classification process for encrypted IoT data via blockchain platform
Authors: Dey Prasanjit , Chaulya Swades Kumar , Kumar Sanjay
Published: March 2021

A secure decision tree twin support vector machine (DT‐TSVM) multi‐classification algorithm has been proposed in this paper for improving the reliability and security of the collected IoT data from multiple data providers. The multiclass secure DT‐TSVM algorithm has been employed to train a machine learning model using the encrypted training dataset. The training dataset is collected via a blockchain platform. A blockchain method has been adopted to construct a secure and reliable distributed platform among dataset providers. The Paillier homomorphic cryptosystem has been applied for encrypting the IoT dataset. Then, the dataset has been recorded on the distributed ledger. The secure DT‐TSVM algorithm's‐based train model effectiveness has been compared with the other two available algorithms, namely the multiclass binary support vector machine (MBSVM) and one‐to‐one SVM algorithms. The experiment results showed that the privacy‐preserving multiclass secure DT‐TSVM‐based model did not reduce the accuracy, but it increased the average precision and recall by 0.53% and 0.44% than MBSVM and 0.82% and 0.71% than one‐to‐one SVM, respectively. Further, the time consumption of data providers and data analysts did not change significantly with the increase of number of data provider.
Tracking Charge Accumulation in a Functional Triazole‐Linked Ruthenium‐Rhenium Dyad Towards Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Gotico Philipp , Tran Thu‐Trang , Baron Aurelie , Vauzeilles Boris , Lefumeux Christophe , Ha‐Thi Minh‐Huong , Pino Thomas , Halime Zakaria , Quaranta Annamaria , Leibl Winfried , Aukauloo Ally
Published: March 2021

The [Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl] catalyst pioneered by Lehn for the two‐electron reduction of CO2 has constantly revealed unique facets in the mechanistic understanding of the selective transformation of CO2. A novel triazole‐linked ruthenium photosensitizer and a rhenium catalyst dyad was synthesized and investigated for photo‐induced charge accumulation using time‐resolved absorption spectroscopy. The triazole bridging ligand promoted weak electronic communication between the two units, resulting in an anodic shift of the reduction potentials of the Re moiety. Upon excitation of the photosensitizer, the first reduction of the catalyst occurred with a fast apparent rate of >5×107 s−1. Using a double‐excitation nanosecond pump‐pump‐probe setup to track the second electron accumulation on the catalytic unit was not conclusive as no observable absorption changes occurred upon the second excitation, suggesting a pathway for an efficient intramolecular reverse electron transfer preventing the two‐electron accumulation at the catalyst under our experimental conditions. Nevertheless, under continuous irradiation and with the use of sacrificial electron donors, photocatalytic CO2 reduction assays showed good turnover numbers, hinting at the non‐innocent role of byproducts in solution.
Traffic load access barring scheme for random‐access channel in massive machine‐to‐machine and human‐to‐human devices coexistence in LTE‐A
Authors: Shukry Suzan , Fahmy Yasmine
Published: March 2021

A major challenge for the development of the upcoming generations of wireless systems is to match the massive expansion of the Internet of things (IoT) applications along with the traditional human communication. Recently, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has suggested the use of LTE‐A to support machine‐to‐machine (M2M) communications to realize the IoT applications. One of the key concerns is the random‐access procedure in LTE‐A, the existence of a massive number of M2M devices results in system overload and congestion in the random‐access channel (RACH). In this paper, we present a new extension to the active barring‐based random‐access scheme. The proposed traffic load access barring (TLAB) RACH access scheme considers the dynamic changes in system traffic when setting the barring information. At the same time, the proposed scheme avoids unnecessary barring of some M2M devices. Our scheme improves the access delay that results from the barring of M2M devices by applying a new rule in the selection of classes to bar and classes to unbar. The simulation results show the superiority of our scheme in terms of success probability, average access delay, and average power consumption.
Energy‐spectral efficiency trade‐off optimization for downlink multi‐user non orthogonal multiple access systems
Authors: Glei Naziha , Ben Othman Jalel , Belgacem Chibani Rhaimi
Published: March 2021

Non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has been investigated as a promising multiple radio access technology for future wireless networks to enable massive connectivity and improve spectral efficiency (SE). Furthermore, energy efficiency (EE) is becoming a primary concern and an inevitable trend for future wireless networks. For this, recent works have been provided good thoughts into joining these two conflicting performance metrics EE and SE. The joint EE–SE trade‐off problem for multi‐user NOMA systems in downlink is studied in this paper. The mathematical formulation of the EE–SE trade‐off is given as an optimization issue subject to some constraints. The basic thought is to improve EE by imposing simultaneously a minimum SE to be satisfied. The quality of service (QoS) requirement for each user is also provided to ensure optimality. For this, a dynamic energy‐efficient power allocation is proposed. Then, an iterative optimization algorithm with low computational complexity is developed to reach the proposed power allocation. Simulations have been conducted and compared to existing NOMA systems to show the effectiveness of the suggested approach in terms of EE and SE.
Neobavaisoflavone protects osteoblasts from dexamethasone‐induced oxidative stress by upregulating the CRNDE‐mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Zhonglian , Wang Xuyi , Wang Zhaodong , Zhao Zhi , Zhou Pinghui , Gao Xubin
Published: March 2021

Neobavaisoflavone (NBIF) is a flavonoid, which has a variety of pharmacological activities. However, the mechanism of NBIF in the treatment of osteoporosis still needs further exploration. The differentiation of osteoblast MC‐3T3‐E1 cells after treatment was observed by Alizarin red staining. Cell counting kit‐8 and flow cytometry were used to detect viability, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of treated MC‐3T3‐E1 cells, respectively. Malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) were tested by ELISA kits. The expressions of lncRNA MALAT1, MEG3, CRNDE, Runx2, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), collagen I (col‐I), nuclear Nrf2, cytoplasm Nrf2, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in treated MC‐3T3‐E1 cells were examined by Quantitative real‐time PCR or Western blot. Dexamethasone (Dex) inhibited the viability of MC‐3T3‐E1 cells, while the appropriate amount of NBIF had no significantly effect on cell viability. Dex downregulated CRNDE expression, whereas NBIF upregulated CRNDE. Overexpressed CRNDE and NBIF reversed the inhibitory effects of Dex on cell viability, differentiation and levels of SOD, GSH‐Px, Runx2, OCN, OPN, col‐I, nuclear Nrf2, HO‐1 and NQO1 while reversing the promoting effect of Dex on apoptosis and the levels of ROS, MDA, LDH and cytoplasm Nrf2 in MC‐3T3‐E1 cells, respectively, but shCRNDE further reversed the effects of NBIF in MC‐3T3‐E1 cells. NBIF protected osteoblasts from Dex‐induced oxidative stress by upregulating the CRNDE‐mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway.
Deep learning‐based detection and stage grading for optimising diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Wang Yuelin , Yu Miao , Hu Bojie , Jin Xuemin , Li Yibin , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Yongpeng , Gong Di , Wu Chan , Zhang Bilei , Yang Jingyuan , Li Bing , Yuan Mingzhen , Mo Bin , Wei Qijie , Zhao Jianchun , Ding Dayong , Yang Jingyun , Li Xirong , Yu Weihong , Chen Youxin
Published: March 2021

Aims

To establish an automated method for identifying referable diabetic retinopathy (DR), defined as moderate nonproliferative DR and above, using deep learning‐based lesion detection and stage grading.

Materials and Methods

A set of 12,252 eligible fundus images of diabetic patients were manually annotated by 45 licenced ophthalmologists and were randomly split into training, validation, and internal test sets (ratio of 7:1:2). Another set of 565 eligible consecutive clinical fundus images was established as an external test set. For automated referable DR identification, four deep learning models were programmed based on whether two factors were included: DR‐related lesions and DR stages. Sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were reported for referable DR identification, while precision and recall were reported for lesion detection.

Results

Adding lesion information to the five‐stage grading model improved the AUC (0.943 vs. 0.938), sensitivity (90.6% vs. 90.5%) and specificity (80.7% vs. 78.5%) of the model for identifying referable DR in the internal test set. Adding stage information to the lesion‐based model increased the AUC (0.943 vs. 0.936) and sensitivity (90.6% vs. 76.7%) of the model for identifying referable DR in the internal test set. Similar trends were also seen in the external test set. DR lesion types with high precision results were preretinal haemorrhage, hard exudate, vitreous haemorrhage, neovascularisation, cotton wool spots and fibrous proliferation.

Conclusions

The herein described automated model employed DR lesions and stage information to identify referable DR and displayed better diagnostic value than models built without this information.
A new approach to assessing the space use behavior of macroinvertebrates by automated video tracking
Authors: Shokri Milad , Cozzoli Francesco , Ciotti Mario , Gjoni Vojsava , Marrocco Vanessa , Vignes Fabio , Basset Alberto
Published: March 2021

Individual space and resource use are central issues in ecology and conservation. Recent technological advances such as automated tracking techniques are boosting ecological research in this field. However, the development of a robust method to track space and resource use is still challenging for at least one important ecosystem component: motile aquatic macroinvertebrates. The challenges are mostly related to the small body size and rapid movement of many macroinvertebrate species and to light scattering and wave signal interference in aquatic habitats.

We developed a video tracking method designed to reliably assess space use behavior among individual aquatic macroinvertebrates under laboratory (microcosm) conditions. The approach involves the use of experimental apparatus integrating a near infrared backlight source, a Plexiglas multi‐patch maze, multiple infrared cameras, and automated video analysis. It allows detection of the position of fast‐moving (~ 3 cm/s) and translucent individuals of small size (~ 5 mm in length, ~1 mg in dry weight) on simulated resource patches distributed over an experimental microcosm (0.08 m2).

To illustrate the adequacy of the proposed method, we present a case study regarding the size dependency of space use behavior in the model organism Gammarus insensibilis, focusing on individual patch selection, giving‐up times, and cumulative space used.

In the case study, primary data were collected on individual body size and individual locomotory behavior, for example, mean speed, acceleration, and step length. Individual entrance and departure times were recorded for each simulated resource patch in the experimental maze. Individual giving‐up times were found to be characterized by negative size dependency, with patch departure occurring sooner in larger individuals than smaller ones, and individual cumulative space used (treated as the overall surface area of resource patches that individuals visited) was found to scale positively with body size.

This approach to studying space use behavior can deepen our understanding of species coexistence, yielding insights into mechanistic models on larger spatial scales, for example, home range, with implications for ecological and evolutionary processes, as well as for the management and conservation of populations and ecosystems. Despite being specifically developed for aquatic macroinvertebrates, this method can also be applied to other small aquatic organisms such as juvenile fish and amphibians.
Feet first: Adaptive growth in magellanic penguin chicks
Authors: Gownaris Natasha J. , Boersma P. Dee
Published: March 2021

Growing animals should allocate their limited resources in ways that maximize survival. Seabird chicks must balance the growth of features and fat reserves needed to survive on land with those needed to successfully fledge and survive at sea. We used a large, 34‐year dataset to examine energy allocation in Magellanic penguin chicks. Based on the temporal trends in the selective pressures that chicks faced, we developed predictions relating to the timing of skeletal feature growth (Prediction 1), variation in skeletal feature size and shape (Prediction 2), and responses to periods of high energetic constraint (Prediction 3). We tested our predictions using descriptive statistics, generalized additive models, and principal component analysis. Nearly all of our predictions were supported. Chicks grew their feet first, then their flippers. They continued to grow their bill after fledging (Prediction 1). Variance in feature size increased in young chicks but declined before fledging; this variance was largely driven by overall size rather than by shape (Prediction 2). Chicks that died grew slower and varied more in feature size than those that fledged (Prediction 2). Skeletal features grew rapidly prior to thermoregulation and feet and flippers were 90% grown prior to juvenile feather growth; both thermoregulation and feather growth are energetically expensive (Prediction 3). To avoid starvation, chicks prioritized storing mass during the first 10 days after hatching; then, the body condition of chicks began to decline (Prediction 3). In contrast to our prediction of mass prioritization in young chicks, chicks that were relatively light for their age had high skeletal size to mass ratios. Chicks did not show evidence of reaching physiological growth limits (Prediction 3). By examining energy allocation patterns at fine temporal scales and in the context of detailed natural history data, we provide insight into the trade‐offs faced by growing animals.
Intertrip consistency in hunting behavior improves foraging success and efficiency in a marine top predator
Authors: Speakman Cassie N. , Lloyd Sebastian T. , Camprasse Elodie C. M. , Hoskins Andrew J. , Hindell Mark A. , Costa Daniel P. , Arnould John P. Y.
Published: March 2021

Substantial variation in foraging strategies can exist within populations, even those typically regarded as generalists. Specializations arise from the consistent exploitation of a narrow behavioral, spatial or dietary niche over time, which may reduce intraspecific competition and influence adaptability to environmental change. However, few studies have investigated whether behavioral consistency confers benefits at the individual and/or population level. While still recovering from commercial sealing overexploitation, Australian fur seals (AUFS; Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) represent the largest marine predator biomass in south‐eastern Australia. During lactation, female AUFS adopt a central‐place foraging strategy and are, thus, vulnerable to changes in prey availability. The present study investigated the population‐level repeatability and individual consistency in foraging behavior of 34 lactating female AUFS at a south‐east Australian breeding colony between 2006 and 2019. Additionally, the influence of individual‐level behavioral consistency on indices of foraging success and efficiency during benthic diving was determined. Low to moderate population‐level repeatability was observed across foraging behaviors, with the greatest repeatability in the mean bearing and modal dive depth. Individual‐level consistency was greatest for the proportion of benthic diving, total distance travelled, and trip duration. Indices of benthic foraging success and efficiency were positively influenced by consistency in the proportion of benthic diving, trip duration and dive rate but not influenced by consistency in bearing to most distal point, dive depth or foraging site fidelity. The results of the present study provide evidence of the benefits of consistency for individuals, which may have flow‐on effects at the population level.