bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐dose CT reconstruction with Noise2Noise network and testing‐time fine‐tuning
Authors: Wu Dufan , Kim Kyungsang , Li Quanzheng
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Deep learning‐based image denoising and reconstruction methods demonstrated promising performance on low‐dose CT imaging in recent years. However, most existing deep learning‐based low‐dose CT reconstruction methods require normal‐dose images for training. Sometimes such clean images do not exist such as for dynamic CT imaging or very large patients. The purpose of this work is to develop a low‐dose CT image reconstruction algorithm based on deep learning which does not need clean images for training.

Methods

In this paper, we proposed a novel reconstruction algorithm where the image prior was expressed via the Noise2Noise network, whose weights were fine‐tuned along with the image during the iterative reconstruction. The Noise2Noise network built a self‐consistent loss by projection data splitting and mapping the corresponding filtered backprojection (FBP) results to each other with a deep neural network. Besides, the network weights are optimized along with the image to be reconstructed under an alternating optimization scheme. In the proposed method, no clean image is needed for network training and the testing‐time fine‐tuning leads to optimization for each reconstruction.

Results

We used the 2016 Low‐dose CT Challenge dataset to validate the feasibility of the proposed method. We compared its performance to several existing iterative reconstruction algorithms that do not need clean training data, including total variation, non‐local mean, convolutional sparse coding, and Noise2Noise denoising. It was demonstrated that the proposed Noise2Noise reconstruction achieved better RMSE, SSIM and texture preservation compared to the other methods. The performance is also robust against the different noise levels, hyperparameters, and network structures used in the reconstruction. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that the proposed methods achieved competitive results without any pre‐training of the network at all, that is, using randomly initialized network weights during testing. The proposed iterative reconstruction algorithm also has empirical convergence with and without network pre‐training.

Conclusions

The proposed Noise2Noise reconstruction method can achieve promising image quality in low‐dose CT image reconstruction. The method works both with and without pre‐training, and only noisy data are required for pre‐training.
Intentional deep overfit learning (IDOL): A novel deep learning strategy for adaptive radiation therapy
Authors: Chun Jaehee , Park Justin C. , Olberg Sven , Zhang You , Nguyen Dan , Wang Jing , Kim Jin Sung , Jiang Steve
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Applications of deep learning (DL) are essential to realizing an effective adaptive radiotherapy (ART) workflow. Despite the promise demonstrated by DL approaches in several critical ART tasks, there remain unsolved challenges to achieve satisfactory generalizability of a trained model in a clinical setting. Foremost among these is the difficulty of collecting a task‐specific training dataset with high‐quality, consistent annotations for supervised learning applications. In this study, we propose a tailored DL framework for patient‐specific performance that leverages the behavior of a model intentionally overfitted to a patient‐specific training dataset augmented from the prior information available in an ART workflow—an approach we term Intentional Deep Overfit Learning (IDOL).

Methods

Implementing the IDOL framework in any task in radiotherapy consists of two training stages: (1) training a generalized model with a diverse training dataset of patients, just as in the conventional DL approach, and (2) intentionally overfitting this general model to a small training dataset‐specific the patient of interest () generated through perturbations and augmentations of the available task‐ and patient‐specific prior information to establish a personalized IDOL model. The IDOL framework itself is task‐agnostic and is, thus, widely applicable to many components of the ART workflow, three of which we use as a proof of concept here: the autocontouring task on replanning CTs for traditional ART, the MRI super‐resolution (SR) task for MRI‐guided ART, and the synthetic CT (sCT) reconstruction task for MRI‐only ART.

Results

In the replanning CT autocontouring task, the accuracy measured by the Dice similarity coefficient improves from 0.847 with the general model to 0.935 by adopting the IDOL model. In the case of MRI SR, the mean absolute error (MAE) is improved by 40% using the IDOL framework over the conventional model. Finally, in the sCT reconstruction task, the MAE is reduced from 68 to 22 HU by utilizing the IDOL framework.

Conclusions

In this study, we propose a novel IDOL framework for ART and demonstrate its feasibility using three ART tasks. We expect the IDOL framework to be especially useful in creating personally tailored models in situations with limited availability of training data but existing prior information, which is usually true in the medical setting in general and is especially true in ART.
Physiologically personalized coronary blood flow model to improve the estimation of noninvasive fractional flow reserve
Authors: Liu Xiujian , Xu Chuangye , Rao Simin , Zhang Ye , Ghista Dhanjoo , Gao Zhifan , Yang Guang
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Coronary outlet resistance is influenced by the quantification and distribution of resting coronary blood flow. It is crucial for a more physiologically accurate estimation of fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from computed tomography angiography (CTA), referred to as FFRCT. This study presents a physiologically personalized (PP)‐based coronary blood flow model involving the outlet boundary condition (BC) and a standardized outlet truncation strategy to estimate the outlet resistance and FFRCT.

Methods

In this study, a total of 274 vessels were retrospectively collected from 221 patients who underwent coronary CTA and invasive FFR within 14 days. For FFRCT determination, we have employed a PP‐based outlet BC model involving personalized physiological parameters and left ventricular mass (LVM) to quantify resting coronary blood flow. We evaluated the improvement achieved in the diagnostic performance of FFRCT by using the PP‐based outlet BC model relative to the LVM‐based model, with respect to the invasive FFR. Additionally, in order to evaluate the impact of the outlet truncation strategy on FFRCT, 68 vessels were randomly selected and analyzed independently by two operators, by using two different outlet truncation strategies at 1‐month intervals.

Results

The per‐vessel diagnostic performance of the PP‐based outlet BC model was improved, based on invasive FFR as reference, compared to the LVM‐based model: (i) accuracy/sensitivity/specificity: 91.2%/90.4%/91.8% versus 86.5%/84.6%/87.6%, for the entire dataset of 274 vessels, (ii) accuracy/sensitivity/specificity: 88.7%/82.4%/90.4% versus 82.4%/ 76.5%/84.0%, for moderately stenosis lesions. The standardized outlet truncation strategy showed good repeatability with the Kappa coefficient of 0.908.

Conclusions

It has been shown that our PP‐based outlet BC model and standardized outlet truncation strategy can improve the diagnostic performance and repeatability of FFRCT.
Simultaneous comprehensive liver T1, T2, , T1ρ, and fat fraction characterization with MR fingerprinting
Authors: Velasco Carlos , Cruz Gastão , Jaubert Olivier , Lavin Begoña , Botnar René M. , Prieto Claudia
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To develop a novel simultaneous co‐registered T1, T2, , T1ρ, and fat fraction abdominal MR fingerprinting (MRF) approach for fully comprehensive liver‐tissue characterization in a single breath‐hold scan.

Methods

A gradient‐echo liver MRF sequence with low fixed flip angle, multi‐echo radial readout, and varying magnetization preparation pulses for multiparametric encoding is performed at 1.5 T. The and fat fraction are estimated from a graph/cut water/fat separation method using a six‐peak fat model. Water/fat singular images obtained are then matched to an MRF dictionary, estimating water‐specific T1, T2, and T1ρ. The proposed approach was tested in phantoms and 10 healthy subjects and compared against conventional sequences.

Results

For the phantom studies, linear fits show excellent coefficients of determination (r2 > 0.9) for every parametric map. For in vivo studies, the average values measured within regions of interest drawn on liver, spleen, muscle, and fat are statistically different from the reference scans (p < 0.05) for T1, T2, and T1⍴ but not for and fat fraction, whereas correlation between MRF and reference scans is excellent for each parameter (r2 > 0.92 for every parameter).

Conclusion

The proposed multi‐echo inversion‐recovery, T2, and T1⍴ prepared liver MRF sequence presented in this work allows for quantitative T1, T2, , T1⍴, and fat fraction liver‐tissue characterization in a single breath‐hold scan of 18 seconds. The approach showed good agreement and correlation with respect to reference clinical maps.
Proposal of a modified optimality criteria method for topology optimization analysis in 3‐dimensional dynamic oscillation problems
Authors: Kishida Masayuki , Kurahashi Takahiko
Published: November 2021

Topology optimization based on the density method commonly employs the optimality criteria (OC) method. However, this method needs certain arbitrary parameters to be set, and the results will depend on those parameters. We propose a modified OC method that does not require those parameters. Our proposed method was developed based on the concept of Newton's method. The optimization problem is to minimize the strain energy. In this article, we perform topology optimization analysis for the 2‐dimensional static problem, the 3‐dimensional static problem, and the 3‐dimensional dynamic oscillation problem. Topology optimization for the 2‐dimensional static problem is used to confirm the usefulness and reliability of the proposed method, and finally topology optimization for the 3‐dimensional dynamic oscillation problem is performed. In the dynamic oscillation problem, in order to derive the self‐adjoint, the strain energy is regarded as the work, and is formulated separately for when it takes positive and negative values. The results of topology optimization for the 2‐dimensional static problem demonstrate that our proposed method does not depend on the setting of arbitrary parameters. In conclusion, this article shows that in the three problems, our proposed method can quickly produce clearer results than the conventional OC method.
Weak enforcement of interface continuity and generalized periodicity in high‐order electromechanical problems
Authors: Barceló‐Mercader Jordi , Codony David , Fernández‐Méndez Sonia , Arias Irene
Published: November 2021

We present a formulation for the weak enforcement of continuity conditions at material interfaces in high‐order problems by means of Nitsche's method, which is particularly suited for unfitted discretizations. This formulation is extended to impose generalized periodicity conditions at the unit cell boundaries of periodic structures. The formulation is derived for flexoelectricity, a high‐order electromechanical coupling between strain gradient and electric field, mathematically modeled as a coupled system of fourth‐order PDEs. The design of flexoelectric devices requires the solution of high‐order boundary value problems on complex material architectures, including general multimaterial arrangements. This can be efficiently achieved with an immersed boundary B‐splines approach. Furthermore, the design of flexoelectric metamaterials also involves the analysis of periodic unit cells with generalized periodicity conditions. Optimal high‐order convergence rates are obtained with an unfitted B‐spline approximation, confirming the reliability of the method. The numerical simulations illustrate the usefulness of the proposed approach toward the design of functional electromechanical multimaterial devices and metamaterials harnessing the flexoelectric effect.
Ambivalent heroism? – Psychological burden and suicidal ideation among nurses during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Höller Inken , Forkmann Thomas
Published: November 2021

Aim

During the Covid‐19 pandemic, the risk for nurses’ mental health has rapidly increased. The two main goals of this study were the examination of (1) the psychological burden and (2) of suicidal ideation and its associated risk factors one year after the Covid‐19 pandemic begun.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional online survey.

Methods

N = 1311 nurses (96.9% female) aged 18–63 years (M = 30.96, SD = 8.48) were assessed for various symptoms of psychological burden, suicidal ideation and behaviour and its risk factors.

Results

Almost half of participants (41.5%) reported heightened levels of depressive symptoms, 691 (52.7%) reported a medium to high risk for burnout. One fifth of participants (21.7%) reported suicidal ideation in the past 4 weeks. The direct contact to people with Covid‐19 was not related to the extent of the psychological burden. Depression, agitation, perceived burdensomeness and previous suicide attempt were associated with suicidal ideation.
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 59)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Dunlop Ewan D. , Hohl‐Ebinger Jochen , Yoshita Masahiro , Kopidakis Nikos , Hao Xiaojing
Published: November 2021

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since June 2021 are reviewed.
Plasma proteome profiling using tandem mass tag labeling technology reveals potential biomarkers for Parkinson's disease: a preliminary study
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Zhang Yidan , Zhang Jian , Yang Guofeng
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most frequently occurring progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Biomarkers are useful indicators for tracking disease progression, early diagnosis, and intervention of disease progression. We aimed to develop plasma biomarker panel which maybe aid to predict the onset and progression of PD.

Experimental Design

Tandem mass tag (TMT) mass spectrometry was applied using an Orbitrap Lumos mass spectrometer to analyze plasma protein expression in patients diagnosed with PD and healthy controls.

Results

In total, 555 proteins were quantified. Using a cut‐off of p < 0.05 and a fold change of >1.2 for the variation in expression, 25 proteins were differentially expressed between the PD and control groups. Sixteen proteins were upregulated and nine were downregulated. Several proteins, including Chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1) and thymosin beta‐4 (TMSB4X) were implicated in PD pathogenesis.

Conclusions

The data from the TMT‐based proteomic profiling of plasma samples in PD may help advance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PD and identify potential novel biomarkers of PD for further characterization.
Reconstitution and use of highly active human CDK1:Cyclin‐B:CKS1 complexes
Authors: Huis in 't Veld Pim J. , Wohlgemuth Sabine , Koerner Carolin , Müller Franziska , Janning Petra , Musacchio Andrea
Published: November 2021

As dividing cells transition into mitosis, hundreds of proteins are phosphorylated by a complex of cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and Cyclin‐B, often at multiple sites. CDK1:Cyclin‐B phosphorylation patterns alter conformations, interaction partners, and enzymatic activities of target proteins and need to be recapitulated in vitro for the structural and functional characterization of the mitotic protein machinery. This requires a pure and active recombinant kinase complex. The kinase activity of CDK1 critically depends on the phosphorylation of a Threonine residue in its activation loop by a CDK1‐activating kinase (CAK). We developed protocols to activate CDK1:Cyclin‐B either in vitro with purified CAKs or in insect cells through CDK‐CAK co‐expression. To boost kinase processivity, we reconstituted a ternary complex consisting of CDK1, Cyclin‐B, and CKS1. In this work, we provide and compare detailed protocols to obtain and use highly active CDK1:Cyclin‐B (CC) and CDK1:Cyclin‐B:CKS1 (CCC).
Analysis of protein–ligand interactions from titrations and nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation dispersions
Authors: Björklund Emil , du Rietz Anna , Lundström Patrik
Published: November 2021

We present PLIS, a publicly available, open‐source software for the determination of protein–ligand dissociation constants that can be used to characterize biological processes or to shed light on biophysical aspects of interactions. PLIS can analyze data from titration experiments monitored by for instance fluorescence spectroscopy or from nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation dispersion experiments. In addition to analysis of experimental data, PLIS includes functionality for generation of synthetic data, useful for understanding how different parameters effect the data in order to better analyze experiments.
Two different kinds of interaction modes of deaminase APOBEC3A with single‐stranded DNA in solution detected by nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Liu Yaping , Lan Wenxian , Wang Chunxi , Cao Chunyang
Published: November 2021

APOBEC3A (A3A) deaminates deoxycytidine in target motif TC in a single‐stranded DNA (we termed it as TC DNA), which mortally mutates viral pathogens and immunoglobulins, and leads to the diversification and lethality of cancers. The crystal structure of A3A‐DNA revealed a unique U‐shaped recognition mode of target base dC0. However, when TC DNA was titrated into 15N‐labeled A3A solution, we observed two sets of 1H‐15N cross‐peaks of A3A in HSQC spectra, and two sets of 1H‐1H cross‐peaks of DNA in two‐dimensional 13C,15N‐filtered TOCSY spectra, indicating two different kinds of conformers of either A3A or TC DNA existing in solution. Here, mainly by NMR, we demonstrated that one DNA conformer interacted with one A3A conformer, forming a specific complex A3AS‐DNAS in a way almost similar to that observed in the reported crystal A3A‐DNA structure, where dC0 inserted into zinc ion binding center. While the other DNA conformer bound with another A3A conformer, but dC0 did not extend into the zinc‐binding pocket, forming a nonspecific A3ANS‐DNANS complex. The NMR solution structure implied three sites Asn61, His182 and Arg189 were necessary to DNA recognition. These observations indicate a distinctive way from that reported in X‐ray crystal structure, suggesting an unexpected mode of deaminase APOBEC3A to identify target motif TC in DNA in solution.
Abscisic acid inhibited reactive oxygen species‐mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress by regulating the PPAR‐γ signaling pathway in ARDS mice
Authors: Wang Lixia , Zou Hongyun , Xiao Xueying , Wu Huimei , Zhu Yan , Li Jun , Liu Xuesheng , Shen Qiying
Published: November 2021

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life‐threatening form of a respiratory disorder, and there are few effective therapies. Abscisic acid (ABA) has been proven to be effective in influenza and asthma. Herein, we explored the protective effect of ABA on the resolution of ARDS and the underlying mechanism. Mice were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an ARDS model. We found that ABA reduced pulmonary injury, with concomitant suppression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, after the elimination of ROS by the specific inhibitor N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC), ABA did not further inhibit airway inflammation or ER stress in ARDS mice. In addition, ABA inhibited ROS production through nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in parallel with elevated levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPAR‐γ). Furthermore, the addition of a PPAR‐γ antagonist abrogated the suppressive action of ABA on inflammation as well as on ER stress and oxidative stress, while NAC restored the protective effect of ABA in ARDS mice treated with a PPAR‐γ antagonist. Collectively, ABA protects against LPS‐induced lung injury through PPAR‐γ signaling, and this effect may be associated with its inhibitory effect on ROS‐mediated ER stress.
Investigating the magneto‐electronic, structural, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of filled skutterudite NdRu4Sb12 and EuRu4Sb12: A first‐principles perspective
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Mir Shabir Ahmad , Gupta Dinesh C.
Published: November 2021

The computational approaches are valuable in predicting the ground state properties of crystalline material. In this study, using the density functional theory, different physical properties of filled skutterudite NdRu4Sb12 and EuRu4Sb12 have been examined. The structural optimization signifies that both the materials are most stable in the ferromagnetic phase and have a lattice constant of 9.27 and 9.39 Å, respectively, which are comparable with already reported results. The spin‐polarized band structure reveals that these materials are metallic for both types of spin electrons. The low density of states around the Fermi level of the spin minority channel corresponding to the significant density of states at the Fermi level of the majority spin channel signifies the presence of high spin‐polarization. The Nd and Eu‐based materials possess a magnetic moment of 3.58 and 6.78 , respectively. The non‐negative elastic constants satisfying the Born stability criteria corroborate the mechanical stability of the materials. Furthermore, we have computed thermodynamic properties like Specific heat, Debye temperature, so on and studied their temperature and pressure dependence.
Stereo‐dependent dimerization, boiling points, diffusion coefficients, and dielectric constants of E/Z‐HFO‐1234ze
Authors: Hu Xiaoyi , Yu Xiaojuan , Hou Hua , Wang Baoshan
Published: November 2021

Stereo‐dependent properties of E‐ and Z‐HFO‐1234ze were investigated by density functional theory, extrapolated complete basis set limit, explicitly correlation, and symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory together with molecular dynamics simulations. The enthalpy of isomerization of E‐HFO‐1234ze to the Z isomer is 9.7 kJ/mol, showing the reverse cis effect. The HFO‐1234ze molecules interact predominantly via π‐π stacking of the double bonds and hydrogen bonding of CH⋯F. Although the E‐dimers involve less steric exchange‐repulsion, their binding energies are generally smaller by 2–6 kJ/mol than the Z‐dimers, in which the Coulombic multipole–multipole‐type electrostatic interactions and the long‐range dispersions are more profound. Local ordering in liquid occurs primarily via π stacking of the CHF‐end. The significant difference in boiling points of E‐ and Z‐HFO‐1234ze is clarified in terms of the dimerization free energy. Self‐diffusion coefficients and dielectric constants of HFO‐1234ze depend strongly on the E‐ and Z‐conformations.
Robust state agreement of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with measurement and actuator disturbances
Authors: Wang Zhanxiu , Liu Tengfei , Jiang Zhong‐Ping
Published: November 2021

This article studies the robust state agreement problem for nonlinear multi‐agent systems subject to measurement and actuator disturbances. Under a standard connectivity condition, it is shown that global robust agreement is achievable as long as the interaction functions between the multi‐agent system satisfy a sector bound condition. In addition, a result on local robust state agreement is also given under a relaxed sector bound condition. An interesting lesson drawn from the study is that stronger interactions may destroy the robustness of global state agreement of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with direct and switching topology.
Event‐triggered resilient distributed extended Kalman filter with consensus on estimation
Authors: Rezaei Hossein , Ghorbani Majid
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the event‐triggered resilient recursive distributed state estimation problem for discrete‐time nonlinear systems over sensor networks. An event‐triggered mechanism is employed to save the limited computation resource and network bandwidth while maintaining the desired performance. A resilient Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) with consensus on estimations is developed, and consensus is first achieved with respect to the prediction estimation. The accuracy of the computed estimation is then improved via two recursive equations. By adopting the structure of the EKF, the filter gains are determined in each sensor node via utilization of an upper bound for the cross‐covariance, thereby resulting in a lower computational burden. The boundedness of the estimation errors is analyzed. Simulation results are reported to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed distributed filter.
Decentralized event‐triggered synchronization control for complex networks with nonperiodic DoS attacks
Authors: Li Yan , Song Feiyu , Liu Jinliang , Xie Xiangpeng , Tian Engang
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on the issue of decentralized event‐triggered synchronization control for complex networks (CNs) under nonperiodic denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. First, to alleviate the pressure on network bandwidth, a decentralized event‐triggered scheme is employed at each coupled node to decide whether the synchronization signal is transmitted to the communication network. Then, an event‐based synchronization error model is established for CNs under DoS attacks, where the communication network is assumed to be composed of multiple transmission channels and DoS attacks will independently compromise each of channels. Based on the constructed model, sufficient conditions that assuring the secure synchronization of the system are analyzed with the assistance of Lyapunov stability theory. Meanwhile, the synchronization controller gains are designed by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. The efficiency of the study is finally validated by simulations.
A Critical Review on Electrochemical Properties and Significance of Orthosilicate‐Based Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Li/Na/Mg Batteries and Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Sivaraj Pazhaniswamy , Abhilash Karuthedath Parameswaran , Selvin Paneerselvam Christopher
Published: November 2021

The polyanion orthosilicates such as Li2XSiO4 (X=Fe, Mn, Co, Ni), Na2XSiO4 (X=Fe, Mn, Co, Ni) and MgXSiO4 (X=Fe, Mn, Co, Ni) have been considered as viable cathode materials for the Li/Na/Mg batteries and hybrid supercapacitors. Significant capacity fading, structural instability, and low conductivity are the major impediments in silicate‐based cathode materials, which limit their practical applicability and industrial implementation. Identifying the source of capacity fading in these compounds upon cycling would offer better insight which merely reporting in previous efforts. The primary aim of this systematic review is to provide a clear insight on structure, morphology, electrical and electrochemical advances, and major impediments in the Li2XSiO4, Na2XSiO4 and MgXSiO4 type electrode materials. This study also compared the electrochemical results of various orthosilicate materials and discussed the mechanism of structural fracture during cycling. Among the numerous silicates, Li2FeSiO4 and Li2MnSiO4 are considered as promising cathode materials for advanced LIBs. This review also offers future opportunities and possible solutions to the structural and electrochemical inhibitions in Li2XSiO4, Na2XSiO4 and MgXSiO4 based‐electrodes for the development of rechargeable Li/Na/Mg batteries and hybrid supercapacitors.
Change in measures of moral function following acute bouts of Marine Corps Martial Arts Training
Authors: Siedlik Jacob A. , Deckert Jake A. , Clopton Aaron W. , Herda Trent J. , Weir Joseph P. , Gallagher Philip M. , Phillip Vardiman John
Published: November 2021

The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) was developed to prepare Marines for complex battlefield situations that include hand‐to‐hand combat and ethical decision making. The objective of this study was to quantify changes in ethical decision‐making following MCMAP training. Fifty‐five, active duty, newly enlisted U.S. Marines (Males: n = 37; age = 19 ± 1 years; height = 176 ± 7 cm; mass = 74 ± 7 kg; Females: n = 18; age = 20 ± 2 years; height = 164 ± 6 cm; mass = 61 ± 6 kg) volunteered for this investigation and were assessed three times over 6 weeks, with 3 weeks between each visit, using serial blood samples for cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine collected before training and during recovery [Immediate Post (IP), 15, 30, 45 and 60 min]. The Moral Functioning Continuum was used to quantify moral function before training, IP, 30, and 60 min post. Moral intention exhibited an acute response to training with significantly impaired decision making immediately post training. Moreover, both moral intention and moral judgement worsened over the visits suggesting a chronic impairment related to time in training suggesting a functional change in ethical decision‐making following acute bouts of MCMAP.
Migration Kinetics of Surface Ions in Oxygen‐Deficient Perovskite During Topotactic Transitions
Authors: Cao Lei , Petracic Oleg , Wei Xian‐Kui , Zhang Hengbo , Duchoň Tomáš , Gunkel Felix , Koutsioubas Alexandros , Zhernenkov Kirill , Rushchanskii Konstantin Z. , Hartmann Heinrich , Wilhelm Marek , Li Zichao , Xie Yufang , He Suqin , Weber Moritz L. , Veltruská Kateřina , Stellhorn Annika , Mayer Joachim , Zhou Shengqiang , Brückel Thomas
Published: November 2021

Oxygen diffusivity and surface exchange kinetics underpin the ionic, electronic, and catalytic functionalities of complex multivalent oxides. Towards understanding and controlling the kinetics of oxygen transport in emerging technologies, it is highly desirable to reveal the underlying lattice dynamics and ionic activities related to oxygen variation. In this study, the evolution of oxygen content is identified in real‐time during the progress of a topotactic phase transition in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3‐δ epitaxial thin films, both at the surface and throughout the bulk. Using polarized neutron reflectometry, a quantitative depth profile of the oxygen content gradient is achieved, which, alongside atomic‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, uniquely reveals the formation of a novel structural phase near the surface. Surface‐sensitive X‐ray spectroscopies further confirm a significant change of the electronic structure accompanying the transition. The anisotropic features of this novel phase enable a distinct oxygen diffusion pathway in contrast to conventional observation of oxygen motion at moderate temperatures. The results provide insights furthering the design of solid oxygen ion conductors within the framework of topotactic phase transitions.
Biointerfacing Antagonizing T‐Cell Inhibitory Nanoparticles Potentiate Hepatocellular Carcinoma Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Wu Han , Zhu Jia‐Qi , Xu Xin‐Fei , Xing Hao , Wang Ming‐Da , Liang Lei , Li Chao , Jia Hang‐Dong , Shen Feng , Huang Dong‐Sheng , Yang Tian
Published: November 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal malignancies with few effective treatment options all around the world. The efficacy of the arisen immune checkpoint therapy is still uncertain due to local immunosuppression. In order to further overcome T cell suppression in the tumor immune microenvironment while promoting the immune response of antigen‐presenting cells, a biointerfacing antagonizing T‐cell inhibitory nanoparticles (BAT NPs) has been developed by cloaking platelet membrane on the PLGA microsphere surface to load T‐cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain‐3 antibodies (anti‐TIM‐3) as well as PD‐L1. Notably, in addition to activating the proliferation and migration of T cells, the contained anti‐TIM‐3 can cooperate with PD‐L1 checkpoint blockade to exert therapeutic effects. Furthermore, the components of BAT NPs like anti‐TIM‐3 and platelet can act together for collagen deposition in tumor starvation treatment. Thus, a novel targeting therapeutic strategy that can effectively reverse the immune‐inhibiting microenvironment is effectively applied to PD‐L1 checkpoint combination therapy. Such therapeutic effect can subsequently activate the effector T lymphocytes and antigen presentation of dendritic cells as well as the polarization of M1‐type macrophages. Last, the study presented the synergistic effect of immune therapeutic adjuvants and BAT NPs components in achieving tumor inhibition and prolonging tumor‐burden survival.
Fabrication of Multiresponsive Magnetic Nanocomposite Double‐Network Hydrogels for Controlled Release Applications
Authors: Lu Cheng‐Hsun , Yeh Yi‐Cheun
Published: November 2021

Nanocomposite double‐network hydrogels (ncDN hydrogels) have been demonstrated as promising biomaterials to present several desired properties (e.g., high mechanical strength, stimuli‐responsiveness, and local therapy) for biomedicine. Here, a new type of ncDN hydrogels featuring definable microstructures and properties as well as multistimuli responsiveness for controlled release applications is developed. Amine‐functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (IOPs_NH2) are used as nanoparticle cross‐linkers to simultaneously connect the dual networks of gelatin (Gel) and polydextran aldehyde (PDA) through hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and dynamic imine bonds. The pH‐ and temperature‐responsive Gel/PDA/IOP_NH2 ncDN hydrogels present a fast release profile of proteins at acidic pH and high temperature. Besides, IOP_NH2 also contributes the magnetic‐responsiveness to the ncDN hydrogels, allowing the use of magnetic field to generate heat to facilitate the structural change of hydrogels and the subsequent applications. Taken together, a versatile ncDN hydrogel platform capable of multistimuli responsiveness and local heating for controlled release is developed for advanced biomedical applications.
Supramolecular fabrication of hyperbranched polyethyleneimine toward nanofiltration membrane for efficient wastewater purification
Authors: Xia Junyuan , Gu Jincui , Xiao Peng , Zhang Chang , Yan Luke , Chen Tao
Published: November 2021

Nanofiltration technology has opened an efficient pathway to addressing the grand issue of wastewater purification. Polyethyleneimine (PEI), as a hydrophilic polymer, is a promising material to manufacture separation membranes owing to its superiority. Here, we prepared a hyperbranched PEI‐based separation membrane through the supramolecular hydrogen bond interaction for wastewater purification. The amino groups in the PEI molecule were partially oxidized to the nitro groups with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). Moreover, the PEI molecular chains can be regulated from the hyperbranched state to the internal nucleation state. Molecular dynamics simulation results further indicated the strong hydrogen bonds among the oxidized PEI (O‐PEI) molecular chains and the decreased gyration radius of the O‐PEI molecule due to the formation of the nitro groups. In addition, the wettability and zeta potential of O‐PEI membranes can be controlled by adjusting the molecular weight and oxidation degree of the PEI molecules. Under the collective effect of size screening and charge repulsion, the O‐PEI separation membrane displayed a wide range of purification capabilities for contaminations, such as dye molecules and salts. This work may offer a new strategy to fabricate hyperbranched O‐PEI membranes for wastewater purification.
Louis Althusser: Science and Ideology
Authors: Zwart Hub
Published: November 2021

In terms of design and key objectives, this volume entails a triadic syllogism. Continental thinking constitutes its source material, and first of all I offer a concise exposition of the way in which Hegel, Marx, Engels, Bachelard, Lacan and Heidegger allow us to come to terms with technoscience. As indicated, notwithstanding multiple differences and interventions, I see their oeuvres as building on a common ground. I also acknowledge the second moment (the negation), however, consisting of claims (brought forward by various authors) that this corpus of literature, or parts of it, are invalid or outdated, for instance because the future belongs to neo-liberalism (as Francis Fukuyama argued), or because continental thinking is flawed by Eurocentric and androcentric biases. Rather than countering or criticising this type of criticism directly and extensively (which would result in more or less “theoretical” debates), I have adopted a more “cataphatic” course. By outlining its basic logic (its methodology) and by extrapolating it to a number of case studies, my aim is to demonstrate the viability, urgency and contemporary relevance of a continental approach (“via positiva”).
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s Phenomenology of the Noosphere
Authors: Zwart Hub
Published: November 2021

Although Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955) was thoroughly trained in philosophy and theology, he was first and foremost a paleoanthropologist, directly involved in the discovery of Homo erectus pekinensis (“Sinanthropus”) in China in the 1920s and 1930s. He came from a Catholic aristocratic background, was ordained a priest in 1911, survived World War I (as a stretcher-bearer, distinguished with the Legion of Honour), joined the Jesuit Order, conducted paleoanthropological field work during the interbellum, and became entangled in a conflict with his Jesuit superiors (over pantheism and the concept of original sin) until his death in New York (in exile more or less). When his writings were published (shortly after his death, as his superiors forbade publication during his lifetime), he quickly became an intellectual celebrity. Currently, he is credited with having anticipated Gaia theory (King, 2006), the global village concept (McLuhan, 1962), the Internet (Barlow, 1992; Cobb, 1998), the WWW (Garreau, 2005, p. 256; Greenfield, 2014, p. 9), transhumanism (Delio, 2014; Steinhart, 2008), the “global brain” (Stock, 1993), and the Anthropocene (e.g. Crutzen, 2002; Steffen et al., 2011).
Philosophy of Technoscience: From Cis-Continental to Trans-Continental
Authors: Zwart Hub
Published: November 2021

The previous chapters explored how four (interacting and overlapping) continental approaches (dialectics, dialectical materialism, psychoanalysis and phenomenology) offer hints and guidance for coming to terms with the revolutionary dynamics and disruptive impact of contemporary technoscience. Hegelian dialectics provides a conceptual scaffold for developing a comprehensive view of the terrestrial system and even for addressing the Cambrian explosion currently unfolding in laboratories around the globe, as a result of technoscientific developments such as synthetic biology and CRISP-Cas9. Dialectical materialism likewise offers a conceptual framework for addressing the rapidly aggravating disruption of the metabolism between nature and global civilisation, and the ongoing convergence of biosphere and technosphere, exemplified by the synthetic cell. Francophone psychoanalysis, closely aligned with dialectical thinking, adds to our understanding of the specificity of technoscience, both as a practice and as a discourse, where technoscientific research emerges as a questionable vocation driven by a desire to control, but at the same time ostensibly out of control. The dialectical methodology of psychoanalysis was exemplified with the help of case histories, moreover, involving Majorana particles, gene drives, malaria mosquitoes and nude mice. The latter represent technoscientific commodities, exemplifying the assembly-line production of human-made organisms (the commodification of life as such). Subsequently, we demonstrated how Heideggerian phenomenology entails important methodological hints for understanding technoscientific artefacts against the backdrop of technoscience as a mobilising force and as a global enterprise. And finally, we outlined how Teilhard’s views on the genesis of consciousness, self-consciousness and hyperconsciousness retrieve the historical (dialectical) dimension of phenomenology, thus allowing us to assess the present as a global unfolding of the noosphere.
Assessing Institutionalized Bias
Authors: Bisson Linda F. , Kass Philip H. , Paw U Kyaw Tha , Grindstaff Laura
Published: November 2021

Ideally, higher education systems are meritocracies in which advancement or promotion is based on demonstrated accomplishment and scholarly impact. “Merit” is believed to be associated with innate intellectual ability, dedication to learning and knowledge generation, mastery of a field of study, and recognition by others of comparable training and academic standing. Evaluations of accomplishment are dutifully (and often wishfully) believed to be wholly objective despite an abundance of evidence to the contrary. Unfortunately, implicit bias and other barriers to inclusion are pervasive within meritocracies. For members of marginalized groups, their social identity may diminish how their accomplishments are perceived and valued; conversely, the accomplishments of those with privileged identities may be over-valued. Moreover, what counts as “valuable” is itself not objective or neutral but rather reflects socially-constructed and culturally-specific priorities. Because academic merit and reward systems, as well as local cultures, can intentionally as well as unintentionally reinforce and hence perpetuate bias and barriers to inclusion, one of our UC Davis ADVANCE initiatives centered on review of all policies and practices affecting faculty advancement. We appraised the potential for bias in hiring, promotion, progression, and retention of faculty. We also evaluated the importance of culture in replicating barriers to inclusion.
Removing tadpoles in a soliton sector
Authors: Evslin Jarah , Guo Hengyuan
Published: November 2021

Abstract

It has long been known that perturbative calculations can be performed in a soliton sector of a quantum field theory by using a soliton Hamiltonian, which is constructed from the defining Hamiltonian by shifting the field by the classical soliton solution. It is also known that even if tadpoles are eliminated in the vacuum sector, they remain in the soliton sector. In this note we show, in the case of quantum kinks at two loops, that the soliton sector tadpoles may be removed by adding certain quantum corrections to the classical solution used in this construction. Stated differently, the renormalization condition that the soliton sector tadpoles vanish may be satisfied by renormalizing the soliton solution.
On non-factorisable contributions to t-channel single-top production
Authors: Brønnum-Hansen Christian , Melnikov Kirill , Quarroz Jérémie , Wang Chen-Yu
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We compute the non-factorisable contribution to the two-loop helicity amplitude for t-channel single-top production, the last missing piece of the two-loop virtual corrections to this process. Our calculation employs analytic reduction to master integrals and the auxiliary mass flow method for their fast numerical evaluation. We study the impact of these corrections on basic observables that are measured experimentally in the single-top production process.
Vocational training for unemployed youth in Latvia
Authors: Bratti Massimiliano , Ghirelli Corinna , Havari Enkelejda , Santangelo Giulia
Published: November 2021

We analyze the effectiveness of a vocational training (VT) programme targeting unemployed youth in Latvia, contributing to the scant literature on active labour market policies in transition countries. The programme we analyse is part of the Youth Guarantee scheme (2014–2020), the largest action launched by the European Union to combat youth unemployment after the 2008 financial crisis. Although the programme was targeted to youths aged between 15 and 29, priority was given to those younger than 25 years of age. We exploit this eligibility rule in a fuzzy regression discontinuity design framework to estimate the impact of VT participation on the probability of being employed and gross monthly labour income at given dates after the training. Using rich administrative data, we find that the age priority rule increased programme participation for the youngest group by about 10 percentage points. However, participation in the programme did not lead to statistically significant positive effects in labour market outcomes. We argue that this result could be due to some specific characteristics of the programme, namely the voucher system (potentially inducing lock-in effects) and the type of training (classroom instead of on-the-job training). Moreover, the programme was targeted at ex-ante low-employable individuals (e.g. without vocational qualifications), a fact that is confirmed by our analysis of the characteristics of the population of compliers with the age priority rule.
Using a smartphone on the move: do visual constraints explain why we slow walking speed?
Authors: Rubio Barañano Alejandro , Faisal Muhammad , Barrett Brendan T. , Buckley John G.
Published: November 2021

Viewing one’s smartphone whilst walking commonly leads to a slowing of walking. Slowing walking speed may occur because of the visual constraints related to reading the hand-held phone whilst in motion. We determine how walking-induced phone motion affects the ability to read on-screen information. Phone-reading performance (PRP) was assessed whilst participants walked on a treadmill at various speeds (Slow, Customary, Fast). The fastest speed was repeated, wearing an elbow brace (Braced) or with the phone mounted stationary (Fixed). An audible cue (‘text-alert’) indicated participants had 2 s to lift/view the phone and read aloud a series of digits. PRP was the number of digits read correctly. Each condition was repeated 5 times. 3D-motion analyses determined phone motion relative to the head, from which the variability in acceleration in viewing distance, and in the point of gaze in space in the up-down and right-left directions were assessed. A main effect of condition indicated PRP decreased with walking speed; particularly so for the Braced and Fixed conditions (p = 0.022). Walking condition also affected the phone’s relative motion (p < 0.001); post-hoc analysis indicated that acceleration variability for the Fast, Fixed and Braced conditions were increased compared to that for Slow and Customary speed walking (p ≤ 0.05). There was an inverse association between phone acceleration variability and PRP (p = 0.02). These findings may explain why walking speed slows when viewing a hand-held phone: at slower speeds, head motion is smoother/more regular, enabling the motion of the phone to be coupled with head motion, thus making fewer demands on the oculomotor system. Good coupling ensures that the retinal image is stable enough to allow legibility of the information presented on the screen.