bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of a load control system algorithm for electrically propelled ships using data mining
Authors: Lee Jong-Hak , Lee Hun-Seok , Oh Jin-Seok
Published: March 2021

The international maritime organization is reinforcing regulations on ship emissions and carbon dioxide, such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides. To solve this, electric propulsion vessels can use a battery-controlled load control system (LCS) to satisfy emission regulations. In this study, load data measured for one year on a ship is analyzed using a self-organizing map (SOM). Based on the analysis results, the optimal power generation capacity and battery capacity are designed, and a LCS algorithm is built. Model the ship's power generation system using MATLAB Simulink to verify the algorithm and verify its effectiveness. The LCS algorithm proposed in this study has a 1.01% reduction in fuel consumption and a 10.97% battery charge compared to the existing LCS algorithm.
Conversion of geared DC motor into stepper motor using switching delay time signals
Authors: Dadi Venkatarao , Peravali Swapna , Busi Rambabu
Published: March 2021

In solar tracking system, general stepper motor is used to control the stepwise movement and low speed of solar panel in vertical motion. Degree of rotation is directly proportional to stepwise movement (stepping method) of stepper motor. But it is cumbersome process to hold a solar panel at a particular vertical position depending on the sun’s position using low cost stepper motors. So, geared DC motor is implemented into stepper motor for low-speed applications using Stepping Method (GDCSM). Degree per step movement of geared DC motor is identified using Step angle switching delay time signal (A) of microcontroller. Speed of geared DC motor is controlled by passing fixed time interval between the pulses where the pulses have fixed width. Controlling speed is implemented by using Step delay time signal (D) of microcontroller. Combining effect of switching delay time signals A and D represents the Stepping Method. Stepping method resembles the step movement and controlling speed of the stepper motor. Speed of 10RPM & 30RPM geared DC motors is operated at 10V DC power supply. Microcontroller ATmega 328P with switching delay time signals is used to control the geared DC motors. Performance of 10RPM & 30RPM GDCSM is analyzed with stepper motors in terms of Relative slip degree error per revolution (RE$$_\mathrm{{S}}$$

S

) and acceptable slippage degree tolerance under open loop condition. Change in consuming voltage tolerance ($$\varDelta$$
Δ
) during rotation of GDCSM is another parameter which is used to maintain the constant actual total step count per revolutions of GDCSM. At 40 ms of step angle delay time (A), 10RPMGDCSM has 120 steps per revolution. At 25 ms of A, 30RPMGDCSM has 55 steps per revolution. Speed of 10RPM & 30RPM GDCSM is controllable up to 2RPM when its RE$$_\mathrm{{S}}$$

S

or acceptable slippage degree tolerance value is less than or equal to 1%. If $$\varDelta$$
Δ
value of GDCSM is less than or equal to − 0.4%, then it behaves like stepper motor. GDCSM is suitable to hold and control vertical position of solar tracking system with low speed and step movement. Performance of geared DC motor experimentally showed better result than commercial available stepper motors like 28BYJ-48 or STP-43d1027-01.
The Effect of COVID-19 and Its Control Measures on Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Couples in Kenya
Authors: Osur Joachim , Ireri Edward Mugambi , Esho Tammary
Published: March 2021

Background

COVID-19 was first diagnosed in Kenya in March 2020 following which the government instituted control measures which could have affected people's sexual satisfaction and overall quality of life including restrictions in travels; ban on alcohol consumption and closure of bars; 9 pm to 5 am curfew; ban on political rallies, and closure of many workplaces with people being encouraged to work from home.

Aim

The objective of this study was to determine how perceived and experienced sexual satisfaction changed with the advent of COVID-19 among heterosexual married individuals in Kenya.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional survey. Data was collected virtually using monkey survey from social groups. A total of 194 participants responded to the survey.

Outcomes

The difference in overall sexual satisfaction as well as satisfaction with sex frequency; sex process; and time, place and ambience around sexual intercourse before and during COVID-19.

Results

Most of the participants (73.4%) reported that they were satisfied with their marital sex before COVID-19 but the proportion of those reporting satisfaction dropped to 58.4% when they were asked about their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among participants surveyed during the pandemic itself, therefore, 41.3% reported that they were currently sexually dissatisfied whereas just 26.6% reported that they were dissatisfied even prior to the pandemic. There was a significant difference in the overall distributions before and during COVID-19 (χ² = 38.86, P< .001).

Clinical Translation

COVID-19 pandemic should be considered an etiology of sexual dissatisfaction and possibly sexual dysfunctions and COVID-19 control measures should incorporate ways of enhancing sexual well-being.

Conclusion

There was perceived increase in dissatisfaction with sex which could be a pointer to the falling quality of life during COVID-19 pandemic especially among the most sexually active men aged 31–50 years living in places where COVID-19 control measures are being stringently implemented.
Predictors of Outcomes of Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Nampoothiri Ram Vasudevan , Law Arjun Datt , Lam Wilson , Chen Carol , Al-Shaibani Zeyad , Loach David , Michelis Fotios V. , Kim Dennis Dong Hwan , Mattsson Jonas , Kumar Rajat , Lipton Jeffrey Howard , Viswabandya Auro
Published: March 2021

Background/Objective:

Existing literature on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in therapy- related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) is confounded by the inclusion of patients with secondary AML and t-MDS. We aim to report our 20-year experience of HSCT in t-AML.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients with t-AML who underwent HSCT. Patients were analyzed for prior malignancy, therapy, time to diagnosis of t-AML, transplant details, relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and predictors of outcomes.

Results:

In total, 68 patients (59.9% female; median age, 56.5 years) underwent HSCT. Acute and chronic graft-versus- host disease (GVHD) occurred in 39 (57.4%) and 23 (33.8%) patients, respectively. Cumulative incidence of relapse, nonrelapse mortality, RFS, and OS at 2 years were 17.9%, 34.5%, 47.6%, and 49.3%, respectively. Significant predictors of reduced OS were presence of 11q23 rearrangement (hazard ratio [HR], 3.24), using induction regimens other than FLAG- Ida or 7 + 3 (HR, 3.65), haploidentical donors (HR, 3.48), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2 or higher (HR, 5.83), and using cyclosporine A–methotrexate as GVHD prophylaxis (HR, 2.41). A significant decrement in survival was seen with an increasing number of any of these prognostic factors.

Conclusion:

Outcomes of t-AML are satisfactory after allo-HSCT. Patients with t-AML with good-risk karyotypes, good performance status, having HLA-matched donors, and receiving intensive induction regimens have better outcomes after HSCT.
Molecular and clinical assessment of maturity-onset diabetes of the young revealed low mutational rate in Moroccan families
Authors: Trhanint Said , Bouguenouch Laila , Abourazzak Sana , El Ouahabi Hanan , Latrech Hanane , Benyakhlef Salma , Bennani Bahia , El Bouchikhi Ihssane , Moufid Fatima Zahra , Ouldim Karim , El Ghadraoui Lahsen , Maazouzi Nadia
Published: March 2021

Background:

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance. To offer an adequate patient management and therapeutic treatment for MODY patients, in addition to an early efficient diagnosis of their asymptomatic relatives, it is crucial to set an accurate molecular diagnosis. Hence, our aim was to determine the frequency of HNF1A and GCK genes among Moroccan-suspected MODY patients.

Methods:

Twenty suspected MODY patients were screened for HNF1A and GCK mutations using Sanger sequencing and MLPA methods. Segregation analysis of identified mutations was performed among family members. The pathogenic nature of missense variants was predicted using bioinformatic tools.

Results:

A total of two mutations were revealed among all patients raising the diagnostic rate to 10%. We identified a large novel GCK deletion (c.209-?_1398+?del) by MLPA in one patient and a previously reported missense substitution (c.92G > A) in HNF1A gene.

Conclusion:

This is the first investigation to perform the molecular diagnosis of MODY suspected patients. Our findings constitute a primary contribution towards unraveling the genetic landscape involved in the pathogenesis of MODY disease in Morocco.
The first report on CFTR mutations of meconium ileus in cystic fibrosis population in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Banjar Hanaa , Qeretli Raef , Ramadan Ali , Al-Ibraheem Abdullah , Bnatig Fahad
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Meconium ileus (MI) is one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in newborns. It is the earliest clinical manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF). MI is suspected if a baby fails to pass meconium shortly after birth and develops symptoms of bowel obstruction, such as distention of the abdomen or vomiting. MI can lead to bowel perforation, a twisting of the bowel, or inflammation and infection of the abdominal cavity.

Objectives:

To find the incidence and prevalence of meconium ileus in cystic fibrosis patients and to report on the most common gene mutation of MI in CF patients.

Methodology:

Retrospective review of the medical documentations of all MI patients during the period of 1989-2018.

Results:

A total of 40 CF confirmed patients were presented with MI. Twenty-nine patients (71%) are alive and 11 patients (29%) died or lost to follow-up. The following CFTR mutations were found: Eight patients (20%) with c.2988+1G>A; Intron 18. Seven patients (17.5%) with c.1418delG; Exon 11. Five patients (12.5%) with c.579+1G>T; Intron 5. Four patients (10%) with c.1911delG; Exon 14. Four patients (10%) with c.1521_1523delCTT; Exon 11. Four patients (10%) with c.416A>T; Exon 13. Three patients (7.5%) with c.2421A>G; Exon 14. Two patients (5%) with c.3908A>C; Exon 21. One patient (2.5%) with c.3889dupT; Exon 24. One patient (2.5%) with c.1657C>T; Exon 12. One patient (2.5%) with c.2547C>A; Exon 14a. Eighteen patients (45%) were presented with vomiting, 38 patients (95%) had postnatal radiological findings, 7 patients (17.5%) had electrolytes imbalance. Five patients (12.5%) had cholestasis and 4 patients (10%) developed chronic liver disease. Thirty-five patients (79.5%) underwent surgical repair and 9 patients (20.5%) were treated medically. Mean age of operation was 2.25 (2) days. Of 9 patients, 6 (66.6%) were treated with gastrograffin enema, 2 patients (22.2%) with oral N-acetylcysteine and 1 patient (11.1%) with saline rectal wash. Thirteen patients (31.5%) required TPN. Five patients had recurrent operation.

Conclusion:

CF and meconium ileus are commonly present in CF patients in Saudi Arabia. Prognosis is similar to other CFs without MI, if treated early. Thirty percent of our CF/MI patients have intronic mutations.
Outcomes of Vascularized Lymph Node Transplantation for Treatment of Lymphedema
Authors: Schaverien Mark V. , Asaad Malke , Selber Jesse C. , Liu Jun , Chen Dawn N. , Hall Melissa S. , Butler Charles E.
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND:

A growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of surgical treatments for lymphedema. This study reports the outcomes of vascularized lymph node transplantation (VLNT) for the treatment of patients with lymphedema compared with maximal conservative treatment alone.

STUDY DESIGN:

Consecutive patients undergoing VLNT to treat primary and secondary lymphedema affecting the upper or lower extremities were included. All patients were optimized preoperatively with conservative therapy. Demographic and treatment information was collected, and outcomes data were electronically captured prospectively; descriptive statistics were performed.

RESULTS:

There were 134 patients included that had achieved maximal reductions by conservative therapy preoperatively. This series included jejunal mesenteric (n = 25), groin (n = 43), lateral thoracic (n = 31), omental or right gastroepiploic (n = 21), and submental (n = 14) VLN flaps. At 24 months postoperatively, there were significant reductions in limb volume change (mean [SD] 45.7% [8.7%]; p = 0.002) LDex score (mean [SD] 59.8% [8.7%]; p < 0.001), Lymphedema Life Impact Scale score (mean [SD] 61.6% [5.9]; p < 0.001), and cellulitis episodes (97.9%; p < 0.001). At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, limb volume change was significantly greater for the upper than the lower extremity, otherwise outcomes were similar. There were no flap losses and overall outcomes were similar between the different VLN flap types.

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatment of lymphedema using VLNT resulted in progressive, significant reductions in limb volume, bioimpedance spectroscopy measurements of extracellular fluid, and episodes of cellulitis, with improved patient-reported outcomes and limb function measures compared with maximal conservative therapy alone. The complication rate was low and there were no significant outcomes differences between the VLNT types.
Locking the door: tackling credential abuse
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: March 2021

Credential abuse is a major issue facing organisations of all sizes. It affects not only simple login processes but also solutions and technologies such as application programming interfaces (APIs), the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and machine-to-machine authentication. Cyber criminals and nation-state attackers alike have automated the process of credential abuse while also refining highly targeted attacks. And the problem is getting worse.

Credential abuse is a major issue facing organisations of all sizes. Cyber criminals and nation-state attackers alike have automated the process while also refining highly targeted attacks.

The problem is getting worse and credential abuse presents itself in many forms. And there are equally as many solutions touted by vendors, all of which have their own challenges and weaknesses. However, there are successful solutions available and tackling the issue just takes a proper awareness of the problem and applying the appropriate technology and training, writes Steve Mansfield-Devine.
Multi-octave-spanning supercontinuum generation through high-energy laser filaments in YAG and ZnSe pumped by a 2.4 μm femtosecond Cr:ZnSe laser
Authors: Nam Sang-Hoon , Nagar Garima C. , Dempsey Dennis , Novák Ondřej , Shim Bonggu , Hong Kyung-Han
Published: March 2021

We present experimental and numerical investigations of high-energy mid-infrared filamentation with multi-octave-spanning supercontinuum generation (SCG), pumped by a 2.4 μm, 250 fs Cr:ZnSe chirped-pulse laser amplifier. The SCG is demonstrated in both anomalous and normal dispersion regimes with YAG and polycrystalline ZnSe, respectively. The formation of stable and robust single filaments along with the visible-to-mid-infrared SCG is obtained with a pump energy of up to 100 μJ in a 6-mm-long YAG medium. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the highest-energy multi-octave-spanning SCG from a laser filament in a solid. On the other hand, the SCG and even-harmonic generation based on random quasi-phase matching (RQPM) are simultaneously observed from the single filaments in a 6-mm-long polycrystalline ZnSe medium with a pump energy of up to 15 μJ. The numerical simulations based on unidirectional pulse propagation equation and RQPM show excellent agreement with the measured multi-octave-spanning SCG and even-harmonic generation. They also reveal the temporal structure of mid-infrared filaments, such as soliton-like self-compression in YAG and pulse broadening in ZnSe.
The Rise and Fall ofMarxist Perspectives: Eugene Genovese and the Fight for Hegemony in Radical American Historiography
Authors: Raeburn Gabriel
Published: March 2021

In the spring of 1978, radical historians launched the academic journalMarxist Perspectives. Edited by the celebrated Marxist historian Eugene Genovese, the journal comprised one of the strongest collectives of radical historians that American academia has ever seen. However,Marxist Perspectivescollapsed after only two years in print. This article charts the journal's origins and its premature demise as a lens to explore Genovese's intellectual career and examine how competing radical factions attempted to define the field. In analyzing how both personal academic rivalries and political divisions stunted and formed intellectual production, the article demonstrates that radical historiography was shaped by internal critiques over how to build a new American left within an advanced capitalist society.
Pipeline or Pipedream: Gender Balance Legislation’s Effect on Women’s Presence in State Government
Authors: McQueen Shannon
Published: March 2021

Can legislation encouraging women’s political involvement impact women’s desire to run for elected office? Eleven states have passed legislation to promote equal gender representation on appointed government boards, and many argue this legislation will also develop a pipeline of women candidates to run for elected office. This paper is the first scholarly work to assess if gender balance legislation (GBL) increases the number of women candidates and women legislators within a state. I use a nonparametric generalization of the difference-in-differences estimator and find very little evidence that GBL significantly impacts women’s representation at the state level. Results are consistent across multiple outcome variables and different model specifications, including two-way fixed effects, generalized synthetic control, and synthetic control models. The insignificant impact of GBL speaks to the need to thoroughly investigate which institutional reforms adequately feed the female candidate pipeline.
Arctic Ocean Freshwater in CMIP6 Ensembles: Declining Sea Ice, Increasing Ocean Storage and Export
Authors: Zanowski Hannah , Jahn Alexandra , Holland Marika M.
Published: March 2021

The Arctic has undergone dramatic changes in sea ice cover and the hydrologic cycle, both of which strongly impact the freshwater storage in, and export from, the Arctic Ocean. Here we analyze Arctic freshwater storage and fluxes in seven climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and assess their performance over the historical period (1980–2000) and in two future emissions scenarios, SSP1‐2.6 and SSP5‐8.5. Similar to CMIP5, substantial differences exist between the models' Arctic mean states and the magnitude of their 21st century storage and flux changes. In the historical simulation, most models disagree with observations over 1980–2000. In both future scenarios, the models show an increase in liquid freshwater storage and a reduction in solid storage and fluxes through the major Arctic gateways (Bering Strait, Fram Strait, Davis Strait, and the Barents Sea Opening) that is typically larger for SSP5‐8.5 than SSP1‐2.6. The liquid fluxes are driven by both volume and salinity changes, with models exhibiting a change in sign (relative to 1980–2000) of the freshwater flux through the Barents Sea Opening by mid‐century, little change in the Bering Strait flux, and increased export from the remaining straits by the end of the 21st century. In the straits west of Greenland (Nares, Barrow, and Davis straits), the models disagree on the behavior of the liquid freshwater export in the early‐to‐mid 21st century due to differences in the magnitude and timing of a simulated decrease in the volume flux.
Global Modeled Sinking Characteristics of Biofouled Microplastic
Authors: Lobelle Delphine , Kooi Merel , Koelmans Albert A. , Laufkötter Charlotte , Jongedijk Cleo E. , Kehl Christian , van Sebille Erik
Published: March 2021

Microplastic debris ending up at the sea surface has become a known major environmental issue. However, how microplastic particles move and when they sink in the ocean remains largely unknown. Here, we model microplastic subject to biofouling (algal growth on a substrate) to estimate sinking timescales and the time to reach the depth where particles stop sinking. We combine NEMO‐MEDUSA 2.0 output, that represents hydrodynamic and biological properties of seawater, with a particle‐tracking framework. Different sizes and densities of particles (for different types of plastic) are simulated, showing that the global distribution of sinking timescales is largely size‐dependent as opposed to density‐dependent. The smallest particles we simulate (0.1 μm) start sinking almost immediately around the globe and their trajectories take the longest time to reach their first sinking depth (relative to larger particles). In oligotrophic subtropical gyres with low algal concentrations, particles between 1 and 0.01 mm do not sink within the simulation time of 90 days. This suggests that in addition to the comparatively well‐known physical processes, biological processes might also contribute to the accumulation of floating plastic (of 1–0.01 mm) in subtropical gyres. Particles of 1 μm in the gyres start sinking largely due to vertical advection, whereas in the equatorial Pacific they are more dependent on biofouling. The qualitative impacts of seasonality on sinking timescales are small, however, localized sooner sinking due to spring algal blooms is seen. This study maps processes that affect the sinking of virtual microplastic globally, which could ultimately impact the ocean plastic budget.
The Dependence of Ship‐Polluted Marine Cloud Properties and Radiative Forcing on Background Drop Concentrations
Authors: Hu Shuang , Zhu Yannian , Rosenfeld Daniel , Mao Feiyue , Lu Xin , Pan Zengxin , Zang Lin , Gong Wei
Published: March 2021

Marine low clouds of the busy shipping lane in the southeast Atlantic during the springs of 2003–2015 were analyzed to study the dependence of their properties and radiative forcing on the background cloud drop concentrations (Nd‐bg). The overall average cloud radiative effect within the shipping lane was larger by only −1 Wm−2 compared to the adjacent clouds. However, this near‐zero averaged effect was composed of large negative cloud radiative forcing (CRF) for the cleanest (13%) of the cases with Nd‐bg < 50 cm−3, which was almost neutralized by a positive CRF for the 40% of the cases with Nd‐bg > 70 cm−3. A possible explanation for this positive forcing is the cloud burning effect of the black carbon from ship emissions. The negative forcing was composed of 45% for the cloud fraction (Cf) effect and 55% for the albedo effects, which included a small contribution of the liquid water path (LWP) effect. Positive Cf susceptibility to Nd‐core was at maximum for the lowest Nd‐bg and disappeared near 60 cm−3. The albedo susceptibility to Nd‐core reached its theoretical limit of 1/3 for constant LWP when Nd‐bg <40 cm−3, and diminishes to 0.2 when Nd‐bg = 60 cm−3. These susceptibilities represent cause and effect relationships because the differences of aerosols caused by the ship emissions vary at a much smaller scale than meteorology. Globally, under similar environmental conditions, nearly half of the area has Nd < 50 cm−3, thus possessing the indicated large susceptibility of negative radiative forcing to anthropogenic aerosols.
Improved Global Maps of the Optimum Growth Temperature, Maximum Light Use Efficiency, and Gross Primary Production for Vegetation
Authors: Chen Yongzhe , Feng Xiaoming , Fu Bojie , Wu Xutong , Gao Zhen
Published: March 2021

The optimum growth temperature (Topt) and maximum light use efficiency (εmax) of terrestrial vegetation are closely related to plant photosynthesis in current and future Earth environments, yet little is known about their spatial distributions at the global scale. This study derived global maps of Topt and εmax separately, under the light use efficiency (LUE) model framework by utilizing FLUXNET measurements and satellite‐observed solar/sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), as well as multiple regression and neural network regression based on environmental and biological factors. Topt is found to be positively correlated with annual mean temperature (T), except in cold areas with T < 9°C, where Topt stays within the range of 10°C–15°C. Topt is equal to T in tropical areas with T ≥ 25°C, but is obviously higher than T in other regions. εmax is high in regions with a large amount of diffuse radiation and increases significantly with water stress. The maps of Topt and εmax improved the global gross primary production (GPP) estimation (R2 = 0.83, RMSE = 1.38 g C m−2 d−1 against flux observations). The average annual GPP was 126 ± 1.5 PgC yr−1, with a trend of 0.6 ± 0.1 PgC yr−2 during 2001–2016, faster than most previous estimates. Our study suggests that the positive anthropogenic impacts on GPP were underestimated in existing products, including cropland expansion in southern Brazil and afforestation/forest protection efforts in China and western Europe. This study also provides a potential method for unified GPP modeling under the LUE framework.
The Case for Tectonic Control on Erosional Exhumation on the Tropical Northern Andes Based on Thermochronology Data
Authors: Pérez‐Consuegra N. , Hoke G. D. , Mora A. , Fitzgerald P. , Sobel E. R. , Sandoval J. R. , Glodny J. , Valencia V. , Parra M. , Zapata S.
Published: March 2021

The tropical Northern Andes constitutes a great area to explore the interaction of tectonics and climate on the evolution of orogenic topography, as they are tectonically active, have steep gradients in relief and precipitation, and were less affected by Quaternary glaciations than high‐latitude mountains. This study combines new and published thermochronology along ∼500 km of the Eastern Cordillera in Colombia to explore what controls the rates of Miocene and Pliocene exhumation, including: (1) variations in late Cenozoic paleoclimate, (2) orographic precipitation or (3) variation in rock uplift associated with structural heterogeneities along the eastern flank of the range. New thermochronology data consists of 27 apatite and seven zircon (U‐Th)/He ages and five apatite fission track ages. Thermal history models show that rock cooling as a result of erosional exhumation has occurred everywhere in the Eastern Cordillera since at least the Miocene at spatially and temporally variable rates. Exhumation rates vary by an order of magnitude between various fault‐bounded blocks and there is no evidence for a spatially uniform increase in exhumation rates during the past ∼4–5 Ma that would indicate uniform climatic driven exhumation. The west (dry) to east (wet) gradient in precipitation rates across the Garzon Massif is not a major factor controlling the exhumation rates, as the exhumation rates are highest on the western drier flank. The greatest rates of exhumation of the Eastern Cordillera occur in the blocks associated with vigorous Cenozoic reactivation of inherited faults that had focused extension during Early Cretaceous rifting.
Measuring and Interpreting Multilayer Aquifer‐System Compactions for a Sustainable Groundwater‐System Development
Authors: Hung Wei‐Chia , Hwang Cheinway , Sneed Michelle , Chen Yi‐An , Chu Chi‐Hua , Lin Shao‐Hung
Published: March 2021

Ever decreasing water resources and climate change have driven the increasing use of groundwater causing land subsidence in many countries. Geodetic sensors such as InSAR, GPS and leveling can detect surface deformation but cannot measure subsurface deformation. A single‐well, single‐depth extensometer can be used to measure subsurface deformation, but it cannot delineate the depths of major compaction and provide insight about the deformation mechanism throughout a complex aquifer system, unless man extensometers at different depths are used. We present a multilayer compaction well (MLCW), installed in a borehole, that uses magnetic rings to detect stratum compaction at 25 depths as deep as 300 m below land surface. Our laboratory and field assessments indicate 1 mm precision and accuracy for one single‐depth magnetic reading. We tested the performance of MLCW by measuring aquifer‐system compaction over the proximal, middle, and distal fans of the Choushui River Alluvial Fan (CRAF) that has long experienced severe land subsidence. The MLCW measurements were used to create time‐depth diagrams of compaction, showing different compaction rates at different layers of aquifers and aquitards to identify the depths of major compactions. The elastic (reversible) and inelastic (irreversible) compactions from MLCW were used in stress‐strain analyses to estimate skeletal specific storages and the safe groundwater levels, below which groundwater extractions have caused irreversible compactions. The hydrogeological parameters derived from MLCW measurements can help governmental agencies to determine effective land‐use and water‐use policies, and ascertain the best strategy for utilizing artificial recharge to prevent land subsidence and achieve sustainable groundwater management.
Improving Models for Solar Climate Intervention Research
Authors: Eastham Sebastian , Doherty Sarah , Keith David , Richter Jadwiga , Xia Lili
Published: March 2021

Modern climate models were designed to simulate natural systems and changes mainly due to atmospheric carbon dioxide, rather than to predict effects of deliberate climate interventions.
Extreme heat events heighten soil respiration
Authors: Anjileli Hassan , Huning Laurie S. , Moftakhari Hamed , Ashraf Samaneh , Asanjan Ata Akbari , Norouzi Hamid , AghaKouchak Amir
Published: March 2021

In the wake of climate change, extreme events such as heatwaves are considered to be key players in the terrestrial biosphere. In the past decades, the frequency and severity of heatwaves have risen substantially, and they are projected to continue to intensify in the future. One key question is therefore: how do changes in extreme heatwaves affect the carbon cycle? Although soil respiration (Rs) is the second largest contributor to the carbon cycle, the impacts of heatwaves on Rs have not been fully understood. Using a unique set of continuous high frequency in-situ measurements from our field site, we characterize the relationship between Rs and heatwaves. We further compare the Rs response to heatwaves across ten additional sites spanning the contiguous United States (CONUS). Applying a probabilistic framework, we conclude that during heatwaves Rs rates increase significantly, on average, by ~ 26% relative to that of non-heatwave conditions over the CONUS. Since previous in-situ observations have not measured the Rs response to heatwaves (e.g., rate, amount) at the high frequency that we present here, the terrestrial feedback to the carbon cycle may be underestimated without capturing these high frequency extreme heatwave events.
Long-term evolution of the epithelial cell secretome in preclinical 3D models of the human bronchial epithelium
Authors: Sanchez-Guzman Daniel , Boland Sonja , Brookes Oliver , Mc Cord Claire , Lai Kuen René , Sirri Valentina , Baeza Squiban Armelle , Devineau Stéphanie
Published: March 2021

The human bronchial epithelium is the first line of defense against atmospheric particles, pollutants, and respiratory pathogens such as the novel SARS-CoV-2. The epithelial cells form a tight barrier and secrete proteins that are major components of the mucosal immune response. Functional in vitro models of the human lung are essential for screening the epithelial response and assessing the toxicity and barrier crossing of drugs, inhaled particles, and pollutants. However, there is a lack of models to investigate the effect of chronic exposure without resorting to animal testing. Here, we developed a 3D model of the human bronchial epithelium using Calu-3 cell line and demonstrated its viability and functionality for 21 days without subculturing. We investigated the effect of reduced Fetal Bovine Serum supplementation in the basal medium and defined the minimal supplementation needed to maintain a functional epithelium, so that the amount of exogenous serum proteins could be reduced during drug testing. The long-term evolution of the epithelial cell secretome was fully characterized by quantitative mass spectrometry in two preclinical models using Calu-3 or primary NHBE cells. 408 common secreted proteins were identified while significant differences in protein abundance were observed with time, suggesting that 7–10 days are necessary to establish a mature secretome in the Calu-3 model. The associated Reactome pathways highlight the role of the secreted proteins in the immune response of the bronchial epithelium. We suggest this preclinical 3D model can be used to evaluate the long-term toxicity of drugs or particles on the human bronchial epithelium, and subsequently to investigate their effect on the epithelial cell secretions.
Low-dose aspirin was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease and low bodyweight: results from KNOW-CKD study
Authors: Oh Yun Jung , Kim Ae Jin , Ro Han , Chang Jae Hyun , Lee Hyun Hee , Chung Wookyung , Hyun Young Youl , Lee Joongyub , Kim Yeong Hoon , Han Seung Hyeok , Chae Dong-Wan , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook-Hwan , Jung Ji Yong
Published: March 2021

The benefits and risks of aspirin therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who have a high burden of cardiovascular events (CVE) are controversial. To examine the effects of low-dose aspirin on major clinical outcomes in patients with CKD. As a prospective observational cohort study, using propensity score matching, 531 aspirin recipients and non-recipients were paired for analysis from 2070 patients and fulfilled the inclusion criteria among 2238 patients with CKD. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of major CVE. The secondary outcomes were kidney events defined as a > 50% reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline, doubling of serum creatinine, or onset of kidney failure with replacement therapy, the all-cause mortality, and bleeding event. The incidence of CVE was significantly greater in low-dose aspirin users than in non-users (HR 1.798;P = 0.011). A significant association between aspirin use and an increased risk of CVE was observed only in the lowest quartile of body weight (HR 4.014;P = 0.019) (Q1 < 60.0 kg). Secondary outcomes were not significantly different between aspirin users and non-users. It needs to be individualized of prescribing low-dose aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly patients with low bodyweight (< 60 kg).
Photocatalytic hydrogen production of porphyrin nanostructures: spheres vs. fibrils, a case study
Authors: Nikolaou Vasilis , Charalambidis Georgios , Coutsolelos Athanassios G.
Published: March 2021

Solar-driven hydrogen evolution experiments utilizing fibrilar and spherical nanostructures of the same porphyrin–peptide hybrid.
Upcycling of post-consumer polyolefin plastics to covalent adaptable networks via in situ continuous extrusion cross-linking
Authors: Wang Sheng , Ma Songqi , Qiu Jianfan , Tian Anping , Li Qiong , Xu Xiwei , Wang Binbo , Lu Na , Liu Yanlin , Zhu Jin
Published: March 2021

Post-consumer plastic bags were upcycled to covalent adaptable networks (CANs) based on internally catalyzed anhydride monoester transesterification.
Diverse synthesis of pyrrolo/indolo[3,2-c]coumarins as isolamellarin-A scaffolds: a brief update
Authors: Samanta Khokan , Patra Prasanta , Kar Gandhi Kumar , Dinda Shaishab Kumar , Mahanty Dibyendu Shekhar
Published: March 2021

This review presents a different synthetic approach of pyrrolo/indolo[3,2-c]coumarins via classical reactions including metal-catalyzed and green reaction protocols.
Click-based amplification: designed to facilitate various target labelling modes with ultralow background amplification
Authors: Bai Jinyi , Guo Fusheng , Li Mengyao , Li Yulong , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: March 2021

We describe a signal amplification method termed “Click-based amplification” that can be well integrated with various click-labelling modes, including chemical labelling, genetic incorporation and covalent inhibitor probe mediated target labelling.
Enhanced efficiency of printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells using ionic liquid additives
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Du Jiankang , Qiu Cheng , Yang Kai , Huang Qingyi , Wang Qifei , Zhang Wenhao , Han Hongwei , Gao Xingyu , Hu Yue
Published: March 2021

We use 1-ethylpyridine chloride to successfully tune the crystallization process in MPSCs and improve the PCE in different perovskite composites.
Activation of Pd-precatalysts by organic compounds for vinyl-addition polymerization of a norbornene derivative
Authors: Karpov Gleb O. , Ren Xiang-Kui , Melnikova Elizaveta K. , Bermeshev Maxim V.
Published: March 2021

An approach to activating Pd-complexes without using additives such as Lewis acids has been developed for addition polymerization of norbornenes.
Double intramolecular hydrogen transfer assisted dual emission in a carbazole-embedded porphyrin-like macrocycle
Authors: Kalaiselvan Arumugan , Spergen Aswini , Krishna Isukapalli Sai Vamsi , Reddy Vennapusa Sivaranjana , Gokulnath Sabapathi
Published: March 2021

Carbazole-embedded porphyrin-like macrocycle 3, bearing a meso-pyrrole substituent, exhibits dual fluorescence. Photophysical studies reveal two distinguishable NH-tautomers arising through double intramolecular hydrogen transfer.
Investigation of the structure and dynamics of gallium binding to high-affinity peptides elucidated by multi-scale simulation, quantum chemistry, NMR and ITC
Authors: Taylor Corey , Schönberger Nora , Laníková Alice , Patzschke Michael , Drobot Björn , Žídek Lukáš , Lederer Franziska
Published: March 2021

Gallium (as Ga3+) is a Group IIIa metal and its recovery from wastewaters has become increasingly important for its reuse.
The [Ag25Cu4H8Br6(CCPh)12(PPh3)12]3+ : Ag13H8silver hydride core protected by [CuAg3(CCPh)3(PPh3)3]+motifs
Authors: Mikami Kaiyu , Hui Shen , Kubo Kazuyuki , Kume Shoko , Mizuta Tsutomu
Published: March 2021

Four trigonal-planar [CuAg3(CCAr)3(PPh3)3]+units linked by halogen ions cover a polyhydride–Ag cluster Ag13H8to form the core–shell Ag nanoclusters formulated as [Ag13H8X6{CuAg3(CCAr)3(PPh3)3}4]3+(X = Cl, Br; Ar = Ph, Tol).
Insertion of single-ion magnets based on mononuclear Co(ii) complexes into ferromagnetic oxalate-based networks
Authors: Palacios-Corella M. , García-López V. , Sánchez-Sánchez C. , Clemente-Juan J. M. , Clemente-León M. , Coronado E.
Published: March 2021

Two Co(ii) SIMs and a ferromagnetic 3D oxalate compound based on the L ligand (L = 6-(3,5-diamino-2,4,6-triazinyl)2,2′-bipyridine) have been prepared and characterized.
Data driven analytics of porous battery microstructures
Authors: Deva Abhas , Krs Vojtech , Robinson Lucas D. , Adorf Carl S. , Benes Bedrich , Glotzer Sharon C. , García R. Edwin
Published: March 2021

Battery microstructure Rosetta Stone: Bruggeman exponent, αzz, as a function of area density, S, for 53 356 topologies to identify optimal designs.
Designing neurotransmitter dopamine-functionalized naphthalene diimide molecular architectures for high-performance organic supercapacitor electrode materials
Authors: Biradar Madan R. , Salkar Akshay V. , Morajkar Pranay P. , Bhosale Sheshanath V. , Bhosale Sidhanath V.
Published: March 2021

Naphthalenediimide-dopamine conjugates were successfully synthesized, and the influence of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, on the supercapacitor properties of a NDI scaffold was explored.
Fluorescent nematic liquid crystalline oligomers with reversible texture and photoluminescence response to temperature
Authors: Luo Congcong , Yao Bing , Zhu Hengheng , Du Xihua , Chen Yan , Zhou Jun , Ding Yue , Dong Liming , Chen Ying
Published: March 2021

Fluorescent nematic liquid crystalline oligomers demonstrating thermosensitive liquid crystalline properties and dynamic fluorescence properties.
Scalable nanoprecipitation of niclosamide andin vivodemonstration of long-acting delivery after intramuscular injection
Authors: Hobson James J. , Savage Alison C. , Dwyer Andrew B. , Unsworth Catherine , Massam Jonathan , Arshad Usman , Pertinez Henry , Box Helen , Tatham Lee , Rajoli Rajith K. R. , Neary Megan , Sharp Joanne , Valentijn Anthony , David Christopher , Curley Paul , Liptrott Neill J. , McDonald Tom O. , Owen Andrew , Rannard Steve P.
Published: March 2021

Controlling COVID-19 requires therapy and continued vaccination. Long-acting therapeutics offer options for test-and-cure strategies and overcome poor therapy adherence. Extended in vivo niclosamide exposure is demonstrated here as such a candidate.
Discovery of intrinsic two-dimensional antiferromagnets from transition-metal borides
Authors: Wang Shiyao , Miao Nanxi , Su Kehe , Blatov Vladislav A. , Wang Junjie
Published: March 2021

Intrinsic magnetic two-dimensional transition-metal borides possess high critical temperature above 300 K. They are antiferromagnetic Ising metals with out-of-plane magnetic easy axis.
Formation of giant polymer vesicles by simple double emulsification using block copolymers as the sole surfactant
Authors: Houbrechts Mazarine , Caire da Silva Lucas , Ethirajan Anitha , Landfester Katharina
Published: March 2021

Giant polymer vesicles are obtained from double emulsion droplets stabilized by low molecular weight block copolymers. The method is based on a simple two-step emulsification, with no additional surfactant required other than the copolymer.
Performance analysis of dual‐function multiple‐input multiple‐output radar‐communications using frequency hopping waveforms and phase shift keying signalling
Authors: Eedara Indu Priya , Hassanien Aboulnasr , Amin Moeness G.
Published: March 2021

A signal embedding scheme into the emission of multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) frequency hopping (FH) radar is analysed. In this scheme, the phase shift keying (PSK) communication symbols are multiplied with the frequency hops in fast‐time, resulting in dual‐function radar‐communication (DFRC) waveforms. The authors examine the impact of PSK symbol embedding on the ambiguity function (AF) and power spectral density (PSD) and show that modulation of the radar pulse can benefit the radar functionality. The effect of PSK symbol embedding on the radar target detection performance of the DFRC system is delineated. The authors’ analyses show that the use of the DFRC waveforms enhances target detection performance. The authors also provide the symbol error rates (SERs) corresponding to different phase constellations at the communication receiver and address the practical data transfer rates that can be achieved with the underlying embedding scheme.
Robust estimation of the number of coherent radar signal sources using deep learning
Authors: Rogers John , Ball John E. , Gurbuz Ali C.
Published: March 2021

A deep‐learning‐based approach to estimating the number of coherent sources in radar is presented. A proper estimate of the number of sources in a signal enables improved angle‐of‐arrival (AoA) estimation common in applications such as radar, sonar, and communication systems. Many AoA estimators utilised in these areas require accurate estimates of the number of sources for enhanced performance. Herein, a robust method that performs well under the existence of coherent sources is developed. The proposed method is based on deep learning and it is shown to perform better than state‐of‐the‐art versions of the Akaike Information Criteria (AIC), Minimum Description Length (MDL), and Exponentially Embedded Families (EEF) estimators, which employ spatial smoothing of the covariance matrix to handle coherent signals.
A hybrid robust‐stochastic approach for optimal scheduling of interconnected hydrogen‐based energy hubs
Authors: Mansour‐Satloo Amin , Agabalaye‐Rahvar Masoud , Mirazaei Mohammad Amin , Mohammadi‐Ivatloo Behnam , Zare Kazem , Anvari‐Moghaddam Amjad
Published: March 2021

The energy hub (EH) concept is an efficient way to integrate various energy carriers. In addition, demand response programmes (DRPs) are complementary to improving an EH's efficiency and increase energy system flexibility. The hydrogen storage system, as a green energy carrier, has an essential role in balancing supply and demand precisely, similar to other storage systems. A hybrid robust‐stochastic approach is applied herein to address fluctuations in wind power generation, multiple demands, and electricity market price in a hydrogen‐based smart micro‐energy hub (SMEH) with multi‐energy storage systems. The proposed hybrid approach enables the operator to manage the existing uncertainties with more flexibility. Also, flexible electrical and thermal demands under an integrated demand response programme (IDRP) are implemented in the proposed SMEH. The optimal scheduling of the hydrogen‐based SMEH problem considering wind power generation and electricity market price fluctuations, as well as IDRP, is modelled via a mixed‐integer linear programming problem. Finally, the validity and applicability of the proposed model are verified through simulation and numerical results.
Added Value of Blood Cells in Thrombin Generation Testing
Authors: Wan Jun , Konings Joke , de Laat Bas , Hackeng Tilman M. , Roest Mark
Published: March 2021

The capacity of blood to form thrombin is a critical determinant of coagulability. Plasma thrombin generation (TG), a test that probes the capacity of plasma to form thrombin, has improved our knowledge of the coagulation system and shows promising utility in coagulation management. Although plasma TG gives comprehensive insights into the function of pro- and anticoagulation drivers, it does not measure the role of blood cells in TG. In this literature review, we discuss currently available continuous TG tests that can reflect the involvement of blood cells in coagulation, in particular the fluorogenic assays that allow continuous measurement in platelet-rich plasma and whole blood. We also provide an overview about the influence of blood cells on blood coagulation, with emphasis on the direct influence of blood cells on TG. Platelets accelerate the initiation and velocity of TG by phosphatidylserine exposure, granule content release and surface receptor interaction with coagulation proteins. Erythrocytes are also major providers of phosphatidylserine, and erythrocyte membranes trigger contact activation. Furthermore, leukocytes and cancer cells may be important players in cell-mediated coagulation because, under certain conditions, they express tissue factor, release procoagulant components and can induce platelet activation. We argue that testing TG in the presence of blood cells may be useful to distinguish blood cell–related coagulation disorders. However, it should also be noted that these blood cell–dependent TG assays are not clinically validated. Further standardization and validation studies are needed to explore their clinical usefulness.
Visible-Light Photoredox-Catalyzed Decarboxylative α-tert-Butylation of C(sp3)–H Bonds of N-Aryltetrahydroisoquinolines with Pivalic Acid under Transition-Metal-Free Conditions
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Pinhua , Sun Li , Zhang Yicheng
Published: March 2021

A transition-metal-free visible-light photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative alkylation of the benzylic C(sp3)–H bonds of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinolines is reported. The method tolerates various functional groups and proceeds smoothly without requiring a stoichiometric oxidant. A preliminary mechanistic study indicated that a radical process is involved in the reaction.