bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Co‐reconstruction of Lung Architectures and Inhalable Materials Spatial Distribution
Authors: Sun Xian , Zhang Xiaochuan , Ren Xiaohong , Sun Hongyu , Wu Li , Wang Caifen , Ye Xiaohui , York Peter , Gao Zhaobing , Jiang Hualiang , Zhang Jiwen , Yin Xianzhen
Published: February 2021

The effective pulmonary deposition of inhaled particulate carriers loaded with drugs is a prerequisite for therapeutic effects of drug delivery via inhalation route. Revealing the sophisticated lung scaffold and intrapulmonary distribution of particles at three‐dimensional (3D), in‐situ, and single‐particle level remains a fundamental and critical challenge for dry powder inhalation in pre‐clinical research. Here, taking advantage of the micro optical sectioning tomography system, the high‐precision cross‐scale visualization of entire lung anatomy is obtained. Then, co‐localized lung‐wide datasets of both cyto‐architectures and fluorescent particles are collected at full scale with the resolution down to individual particles. The precise spatial distribution pattern reveals the region‐specific distribution and structure‐associated deposition of the inhalable particles in lungs, which is undetected by previous methods. Overall, this research delivers comprehensive and high‐resolution 3D detection of pulmonary drug delivery vectors and provides a novel strategy to evaluate materials distribution for drug delivery.
Sorption and desorption of bicyclopyrone on soils
Authors: Spokas K. A. , Schneider S. K. , Gamiz B. , Hall K. E. , Chen W.
Published: February 2021

Bicyclopyrone is an herbicide that is marketed for the control of herbicide‐resistant weeds. However, there is a lack of extensive data on its sorption and factors that control its sorption in the soil system. In this study, we evaluated a series of 25 different soils, with a variety of properties to determine if an empirical relationship could be developed to predict the sorption coefficient for bicyclopyrone. Overall, there were no statistically significant relationships observed with organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, or clay content. There was a moderate negative correlation with soil pH (R = −.61). Additionally, Freundlich isotherm analysis suggests that the partitioning coefficient (KD) value could adequately characterize the sorption behavior for the range of soils evaluated here.
Synergistic Effects on Lithium Metal Batteries by Preferential Ionic Interactions in Concentrated Bisalt Electrolytes
Authors: Pham Thuy Duong , Bin Faheem Abdullah , Chun So Yeon , Rho Jung‐Rae , Kwak Kyungwon , Lee Kyung‐Koo
Published: February 2021

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have the potential to deliver a greater specific capacity than any commercially used lithium battery. However, excessive dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiencies (CEs) are major hurdles preventing the commercialization of LMBs. In this study, two different salts, lithium difluorophosphate (LiDFP) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), are chosen for use in concentrated electrolytic systems. By mixing salts with vastly different cation–anion interaction energies, the ion solvation structures in the electrolyte can be modulated to enhance the physical/electrochemical properties and suppress Li dendrite growth in LMBs. Among the investigated electrolyte systems, 2.2 m LiDFP + 1.23 m LiTFSI in 1,2‐dimethoxyethane is proposed as a highly promising electrolyte system because of its high conductivity (6.57 mS cm−1), CE (98.3%), and the formation of an extremely stable solid–electrolyte interface layer. The bisalt electrolyte presented herein, as well as the associated concepts, provide a new avenue toward commercial LMBs.
Tortuosity Modulation toward High‐Energy and High‐Power Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Shi Yongzheng , Li Bin , Zhang Yongzheng , Cui Yanglansen , Cao Zhenjiang , Du Zhiguo , Gu Jianan , Shen Kai , Yang Shubin
Published: February 2021

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are well recognized as potentially high‐energy systems to power portable electronics and electric vehicles. However, LMBs always undergo uncontrollable lithium deposition in metallic lithium anodes due to inhomogeneous lithium ion flux, which causes limited power output and impedes their practical applications. Low‐tortuous arrays in metallic lithium anodes have been intensively investigated to guide the fast transport of lithium ions and homogeneous growth of metallic lithium, thereby achieving high‐power LMBs. In this review, the correlation between the electrochemical kinetics and tortuosity of LMBs is first disclosed, especially in the metallic lithium anodes. Subsequently, the material design strategies for the low‐tortuous anodes are systematically summarized, including regulating lithium‐ion flux, electric field, and lithium nucleation by low‐tortuous insulating, conductive, and lithiophilic arrays, respectively. At the same time, low‐tortuous arrays are also efficient in guiding ion transport in the cathodes and solid composite electrolytes of LMBs. Finally, the currently existing challenges of modulating low‐tortuous structures to achieve high‐energy and high‐power LMBs are discussed.
Identification of comprehensive geriatric assessment‐based risk factors for insomnia in elderly Chinese hospitalized patients
Authors: Liu Rong , Shao Wenchao , Lai Jonathan King‐Lam , Zhou Lingshan , Ren Man , Sun Nianzhe
Published: February 2021

Objective

Insomnia is a common problem in older persons and is associated with poor prognosis from a functional or clinical perspective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of insomnia and identify comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) based clinical factors associated with insomnia in elderly hospitalized patients.

Methods

Standardized face‐to‐face interviews were conducted and CGA data were collected from 356 Chinese hospitalized patients aged 60 years or older. Insomnia was defined as self‐reported sleep poor quality according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐Ⅴ). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association between patient clinical factors together with domains within the CGA and insomnia.

Results

Among the 365 patients, insomnia was found in 48.31% of the participants. Difficulty in initiating sleep (DIS), early morning awakening (EMA), difficulty in maintaining sleep (DMS), and snoring were found in 33.99%, 9.55%, 13.48%, and 1.69% of patients, respectively. Significant associations were found between insomnia and several covariates: female gender (P = 0.034), depression (P = 0.001), activities of daily living (ADL) (P = 0.034), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL; P = 0.009), falling (P = 0.003), chronic pain (P = 0.001), and poor nutritional status (P = 0.038). According to the results of the adjustment multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.057, confidence interval [CI] = 1.179‐3.588, P = 0.011), depression (OR = 1.889, CI = 1.080‐3.304, P = 0.026), and chronic pain (OR = 1.779, CI = 1.103‐2.868, P = 0.018) were significant independently predictors associated with insomnia.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that female sex, depression, and chronic pain were independently predictors of insomnia in hospitalized patients. Early identification of elderly patients with these risk factors using the CGA may improve the quality of life and treatment outcomes.
Intracellular aggregations of biological elements: From simple to complex
Authors: Li Fangzhou , Lan Xinmiao , Liang Xing‐Jie
Published: February 2021

Most cellular elements could be functioned by forming aggregate structures through interactions with other molecules, which is like the luminescence mechanism of AIE molecules. However, in comparison to AIE molecules, the aggregation of biological elements appears to be more complex due to membership and mechanism, which is in line with the trend in biological evolution following the principle of simplicity to complexity. Here, we chose three distinctive examples because they differ significantly in their composition and show a progression from simple to complex, namely protein–protein complexes, protein–nucleic acid complexes, and protein–nucleic acid–lipid complexes. The majority of units that perform functions within cells belong to these three types. We discuss the formation mechanisms and related functions of the protein–protein complex (PML‐NB), the proteins–nucleic acids complex ribosome, and the proteins–nucleic acids–lipids complex exosome, and hope to provide expert insight for related fields.
Modeling Fischer–Tropsch kinetics and product distribution over a cobalt catalyst
Authors: Pandey Umesh , Runningen Anders , Gavrilović Ljubiša , Jørgensen Erik A. , Putta Koteswara R. , Rout Kumar R. , Rytter Erling , Blekkan Edd A. , Hillestad Magne
Published: February 2021

A detailed kinetic model describing the consumption of key components and product distribution in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) over a 20%Co/0.5Re γ‐Al2O3 commercial catalyst is developed. The developed model incorporates the H2O‐assisted CO dissociation mechanism developed by Rytter and Holmen and a novel approach to product distribution modeling. The model parameters are optimized against an experimental dataset comprising a range of process conditions: total pressure 2.0–2.2 MPa, temperature 210–230°C, CO conversion range of 10%–75% and feed with and without added water. The quality of the model fit measured in terms of mean absolute relative residuals (MARR) value is 23.1%, which is comparable to literature reported values. The developed model can accurately describe both positive and negative effects of water on the rate kinetics, the positive effect of water on the growth factor, temperature and syngas composition on the kinetics and product distribution over a wide range of process conditions, which is critical for the design and optimization of the Fisher–Tropsch reactors.
Sugar cane juice concentration via CO2 gas hydrate formation
Authors: Doubra Parisa , Naidoo Paramespri
Published: February 2021

Sugar cane juice concentration via evaporation is the traditional method, though the downside in this technique is the product loss due to sucrose inversion. Gas hydrate separation is an emerging technology applied in desalination, carbon capture, and in this study, for concentrating fruit juice by trapping the water in the form of crystalline cages. A 750 cm3 hydrate reactor was used for hydrate formation experiments to concentrate the sugar cane juice, with a sampling of the concentrate to determine the final solids content. Hydrate formation experiments showed the successful concentration of a 0.12 mass fraction feed to approximately 0.56 mass fraction using four batchwise concentration stages. A comparison of the energy usage between the evaporation train as used in sugar factories and a single batch hydrate formation stage, to concentrate a 0.12 mass fraction feed to 0.30 mass fraction showed an energy reduction of approximately 20% for the hydrate method.
Shared paternal ancestry of Han, Tai‐Kadai‐speaking, and Austronesian‐speaking populations as revealed by the high resolution phylogeny of O1a‐M119 and distribution of its sub‐lineages within China
Authors: Sun Jin , Li Ying‐Xiang , Ma Peng‐Cheng , Yan Shi , Cheng Hui‐Zhen , Fan Zhi‐Quan , Deng Xiao‐Hua , Ru Kai , Wang Chuan‐Chao , Chen Gang , Wei Lan‐Hai
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The aim of this research was to explore the origin, diversification, and demographic history of O1a‐M119 over the past 10,000 years, as well as its role during the formation of East Asian and Southeast Asian populations, particularly the Han, Tai‐Kadai‐speaking, and Austronesian‐speaking populations.

Materials and Methods

Y‐chromosome sequences (n = 141) of the O1a‐M119 lineage, including 17 newly generated in this study, were used to reconstruct a revised phylogenetic tree with age estimates, and identify sub‐lineages. The geographic distribution of 12 O1a‐M119 sub‐lineages was summarized, based on 7325 O1a‐M119 individuals identified among 60,009 Chinese males.

Results

A revised phylogenetic tree, age estimation, and distribution maps indicated continuous expansion of haplogroup O1a‐M119 over the past 10,000 years, and differences in demographic history across geographic regions. We propose several sub‐lineages of O1a‐M119 as founding paternal lineages of Han, Tai‐Kadai‐speaking, and Austronesian‐speaking populations. The sharing of several young O1a‐M119 sub‐lineages with expansion times less than 6000 years between these three population groups supports a partial common ancestry for them in the Neolithic Age; however, the paternal genetic divergence pattern is much more complex than previous hypotheses based on ethnology, archeology, and linguistics.

Discussion

Our analyses contribute to a better understanding of the demographic history of O1a‐M119 sub‐lineages over the past 10,000 years during the emergence of Han, Austronesians, Tai‐Kadai‐speaking populations. The data described in this study will assist in understanding of the history of Han, Tai‐Kadai‐speaking, and Austronesian‐speaking populations from ethnology, archeology, and linguistic perspectives in the future.
Nonparametric Bayesian functional two‐part random effects model for longitudinal semicontinuous data analysis
Authors: Park Jinsu , Choi Taeryon , Chung Yeonseung
Published: February 2021

Longitudinal semicontinuous data, characterized by repeated measures of a large portion of zeros and continuous positive values, are frequently encountered in many applications including biomedical, epidemiological, and social science studies. Two‐part random effects models (TPREM) have been used to investigate the association between such longitudinal semicontinuous data and covariates accounting for the within‐subject correlation. The existing TPREM is, however, limited to incorporate a functional covariate, which is often available in a longitudinal study. Moreover, the existing TPREM typically assumes the normality of subject‐specific random effects, which can be easily violated when there exists a subgroup structure. In this article, we propose a nonparametric Bayesian functional TPREM to assess the relationship between the longitudinal semicontinuous outcome and various types of covariates including a functional covariate. The proposed model also relaxes the normality assumption for the random effects through a Dirichlet process mixture of normals, which allows for identifying an underlying subgroup structure. The methodology is illustrated through an application to social insurance expenditure data collected by the Korean Welfare Panel Study and a simulation study.
Generalised M‐quantile random‐effects model for discrete response: An application to the number of visits to physicians
Authors: Schirripa Spagnolo Francesco , Mauro Vincenzo , Salvati Nicola
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we extend the linear M‐quantile random intercept model (MQRE) to discrete data and use the proposed model to evaluate the effect of selected covariates on two count responses: the number of generic medical examinations and the number of specialised examinations for health districts in three regions of central Italy. The new approach represents an outlier‐robust alternative to the generalised linear mixed model with Gaussian random effects and it allows estimating the effect of the covariates at various quantiles of the conditional distribution of the target variable. Results from a simulation experiment, as well as from real data, confirm that the method proposed here presents good robustness properties and can be in certain cases more efficient than other approaches.
Assessing Sexual Behaviours in Children and Young People: A Realistic Evaluation of the Brook Traffic Light Tool
Authors: King‐Hill Sophie
Published: February 2021

The Brook Traffic Light Tool intends to support professionals in responding to developmentally inappropriate behaviours in children and young people. This is important as the number of reported harmful sexual behaviours in children and young people is rising. This study is a realistic evaluation of Brook Traffic Light Tool training implemented across a southern locality, using the Kirkpatrick model of evaluating training. Data were collected in a three‐phase mixed methods approach comprising 436 initial questionnaires, 60 additional detailed questionnaires and 13 interviews. The results show that confidence among professionals was raised and multiagency responses to risk were enhanced. The Traffic Light Tool training also increased awareness of sexual development. Direct impact upon the behaviour of children and young people was difficult to ascertain, and categorisation anomalies were found when behaviours were not explicitly outlined in the Traffic Light Tool. A range of professionals with little previous training had encountered both harmful and healthy sexual behaviours in children and young people. Comparison of the numbers of sexual behaviours observed to national figures proved problematic as no baseline or national strategy currently exists.

‘This study is a realistic evaluation of Brook Traffic Light Tool training… using the Kirkpatrick model of evaluating training’

Key Practitioner Messages

The Traffic Light Tool enhances practitioner confidence in the area of sexual behaviours in children and young people and can impact positively on risk assessments but only when all agencies have been trained.

The Traffic Light Tool can remove the context into which the behaviours are situated, making assessment one dimensional.

Using the Traffic Light Tool when a behaviour is not explicitly listed may result in subjective judgements being made.

It is difficult to assess the direct impact of the Traffic Light Tool on the behaviour of children and young people
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed E‐Selective Partial Hydrogenation of Alkynes under Transfer‐Hydrogenation Conditions using Paraformaldehyde as Hydrogen Source
Authors: Fetzer Marcus N. A. , Tavakoli Ghazal , Klein Axel , Prechtl Martin H. G.
Published: February 2021

E‐alkenes were synthesized with up to 100 % E/Z selectivity via ruthenium‐catalyzed partial hydrogenation of different aliphatic and aromatic alkynes under transfer‐hydrogenation conditions. Paraformaldehyde as a safe, cheap and easily available solid hydrogen carrier was used for the first time as hydrogen source in the presence of water for transfer‐hydrogenation of alkynes. Optimization reactions showed the best results for the commercially available binuclear [Ru(p‐cymene)Cl2]2 complex as pre‐catalyst in combination with 2,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1‐binaphthyl (BINAP) as ligand (1 : 1 ratio per Ru monomer to ligand). Mechanistic investigations showed that the origin of E‐selectivity in this reaction is the fast Z to E isomerization of the formed alkenes. Mild reaction conditions plus the use of cheap, easily available and safe materials as well as simple setup and inexpensive catalyst turn this protocol into a feasible and promising stereo complementary procedure to the well‐known Z‐selective Lindlar reduction in late‐stage syntheses. This procedure can also be used for the production of deuterated alkenes simply using d2‐paraformaldehyde and D2O mixtures.
Composition‐performance Relationships in Catalysts Formulation for the Direct Conversion of Crude Oil to Chemicals
Authors: Alabdullah Mohammed , Shoinkhorova Tuiana , Rodriguez‐Gomez Alberto , Dikhtiarenko Alla , Vittenet Jullian , Ali Ola S. , Morales‐Osorio Isidoro , Xu Wei , Gascon Jorge
Published: February 2021

Maximizing the production of petrochemicals from crude oil at the expense of fuels is among the most important targets for refiners. In this conversion, catalyst composition and formulation play a key role. Here we present a thorough study of the effect of formulated FCC catalyst composition on the one‐step cracking of Arabian light crude oil. Our results demonstrate that over a 35 wt. % yield to light olefins can be achieved on spray‐dried catalysts containing 1 : 1 mixtures of ZSM‐5 and FAU zeolites (alongside binder and clay). Coke deposition and catalyst deactivation can be correlated to the nature and content of each zeolite component.
Reevesite with Ordered Intralayer Atomic Arrangement as an Optimized Nickel‐Iron Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalyst
Authors: Chen Shan , Jiang Shuaihu , Rao Yuan , Dong Yi , Bu Junfei , Yue Qin
Published: February 2021

Green hydrogen production through electrocatalytic water splitting relies on inexpensive and highly efficient electrocatalysts. Ni−Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH) is considered as one of the most promising non‐precious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Previous research identified the Fe octahedral site surrounded by [NiO6] octahedrons as a highly active and stable site for OER; however, an optimized electrocatalyst material in such a structure is still missing. Herein, reevesite hierarchical nanostructure supported on Ni foam (Reevesite/NF) is constructed to enable the optimal structure toward the OER. Such Reevesite/NF electrocatalysts with a unique ordered intralayer structure are capable of achieving a high current density (300 mA cm−2) at a low overpotential of only 283 mV, while the durability of the Reevesite/NF is equally outstanding, offering a promising non‐precious metal OER catalyst toward high‐efficiency water splitting.
Big Data, AI und die Freude am Ingenieurwesen
Authors: Kuhn Michael
Published: February 2021

In diesem provokativ angelegten Beitrag wird kritisch nach den Konsequenzen von Big Data und AI für die Ingenieurwissenschaften gefragt. Big Data und AI werden dabei durch Intransparenz und ihr Überraschungspotential charakterisiert. Mit diesen Eigenschaften schwindet allerdings die Freude an der technischen Gestaltung und es sinkt die Attraktivität des Ingenieurwesens. Dagegen wird für eine transparente und menschliche Technikentwicklung plädiert, die Freude macht und die Zuschreibung von Verantwortung erleichtert. Die präsentierte Argumentation ist im Kern eine philosophische, getragen von der Überzeugung, dass die Philosophie einen wichtigen Beitrag zur technischen Praxis leisten kann.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of Metalla‐Chalcogenirenium Compounds†
Authors: Luo Ming , Cai Yapeng , Lin Xinlei , Long Lipeng , Zhang Hong , Xia Haiping
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Chalcogenirenium cations, featuring an unsaturated three‐membered organic ring, are limited but known to be synthesizable from alkynes with bulky electron‐donating groups. Metalla‐chalcogenirenium compounds have been synthesized as stable compounds through the reactions of a cyclic metal‐carbyne complex—metallapentalyne with PhSCl, PhSeCl or PhTeCl. As a result of the high strain in the three‐membered metallacycles, the metalla‐chalcogenirenium cations react readily with the base or chloride ions. These reactions furnish a series of unprecedented chalcogenirenium cations with intact M=C bonds. The intrinsic stabilization effect of aromaticity is further elucidated by density functional calculations.
Single‐Component Chemical Nose with a Hemicyanine Probe for Pattern‐Based Discrimination of Metal Ions†
Authors: Zhai Jingying , Wu Yaotian , Xie Xiaojiang
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

We report here a chemical nose utilizing the nonspecificity of a hemicyanine dye (probe P) containing three acetates and one deprotonatable phenol groups. Unlike conventional pattern‐based recognition that requires a combination of different probes, probe P alone is able to differentiate 9 different metals, generating distinctive absorption spectra and various patterns upon principle component analysis (PCA). River water samples and commercial mineral water samples were evaluated by the probe and were successfully distinguished.
Independent and mixed transmission of 166.5 Gb/s PM‐8QAM and 222 Gb/s PM‐16QAM Nyquist‐wavelength division multiplexed superchannel for long‐haul metro network
Authors: Sachan Shikha , Sharma Divya , Prajapati Yogendra Kumar , Tripathi Rajeev
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the Nyquist‐wavelength division multiplexed (Nyquist‐WDM) terabit superchannel by employing independent and mixed line rate (MLR) transmission of different polarization‐multiplexed quadrature amplitude modulation (PM‐QAM) subcarriers. Here, terabit superchannel transmission including forward error correction overhead is successfully achieved by employing either 7 × 166.5 Gb/s PM‐8QAM or 5 × 222 Gb/s PM‐16QAM or both 2 × 166.5 Gb/s PM‐8QAM and 3 × 222 Gb/s PM‐16QAM simultaneous transmission. Considering linear filtering penalties and nonlinear propagation effects, the proposed superchannel is transmitted over standard single‐mode fiber (SSMF) and pure silica core fiber (PSCF) along with erbium‐doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) at 19.8‐ and 15.12‐dB span loss for SSMF and PSCF, respectively. The performance of both terabit superchannels is analyzed in terms of maximum reach, good spectral efficiency, highest transmission capacity, and optimum launch power with variation in channel spacing from 50‐GHz fixed ITU‐T grid to 29 GHz, at an acceptable bit error rate (BER). To achieve BER 4 × 10−3, MLR‐based 166.5 Gb/s PM‐8QAM and 222 Gb/s PM‐16QAM suffer a penalty of 5.5‐ and 9.2‐dB OSNR over Nyquist‐only 7 × 166.5 Gb/s PM‐8QAM and 5 × 222 Gb/s PM‐16QAM transmission at the advent of a flexible multi‐flow transponder. It is observed that at 33.33‐GHz Nyquist spacing over PSCF, 5 × 222 Gb/s PM‐16QAM and 7 × 166.5 Gb/s PM‐8QAM superchannels deliver a reach up to 1800 and 2970 km, while MLR approach results in extreme reach of 2250 and 3600 km over PSCF as per MLR PM‐16QAM and PM‐8QAM subcarriers, respectively. Hence, an appreciable spectral efficiency–distance product (SEDP) is achieved due to PSCF at Nyquist spacing of 33.33 GHz with 5.25 bit/s/Hz spectral efficiency. A good link power budget is also calculated for the proposed MLR‐based Nyquist‐WDM superchannel. MLR‐based PM‐16QAM and PM‐8QAM subcarriers deliver excellent SEDP of 11,812 and 18,900 bit/s/Hz·km, respectively, which is, to the best of author's knowledge, better on comparing with the other existing literature for single‐core channel explorations.
Control method for cooling fans inside traction battery boxes installed in battery powered EMU based on thermal network model
Authors: Taguchi Yoshiaki , Kadowaki Satoshi , Yoshikawa Gaku , Hatakeda Kenji , Kaneko Takashi
Published: February 2021

Recently, there has been a gradual increase in the use of battery powered electric multiple unit trains (EMUs), replacing the conventional diesel trains for nonelectrified lines of approximately 10–30 km. Battery powered EMUs are typically equipped with closed‐type traction battery boxes, in which cooling fans are mounted. To improve the performance of battery cooling, we developed a control method for the cooling fans. Our novel method is derived from a thermal network model of the battery box, and is based on the temperature difference between the battery modules and outside air. We conducted an evaluation test for the Series BEC819, an AC‐fed and battery‐powered hybrid EMU of JR Kyushu. The test results demonstrated that the developed control method reduced maximum temperature of the battery by 1–2°C in comparison with the conventional constant speed control.
Evaluation of influence to electromagnetic environment on outside of building by PLC system using three‐wire three‐phase power line
Authors: Wakisaka Toshiyuki , Matsushima Tohlu , Koga Hisao , Okumura Hiroyuki , Kuwabara Nobuo , Fukumoto Yuki
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the influence to electromagnetic environment was evaluated on the outside of buildings where power line communication (PLC) systems were installed to a three‐wire three‐phase power distribution line. The electric field strength was measured at 140 points in five factories, in two office buildings, and in one stadium. Since many radio waves existed in the environment, the electric field strength when PLC system was operated and was not operated was measured. The influence was evaluated by the cumulated occurrence probability because the frequency characteristics of the electric filed strength changed by the measurement points. The results showed that the occurrence probability was not changed when the PLC system was operated and was not operated. The electric field strength was calculated by the common mode current obtained from the test result, and this indicated that the occurrence probability was lower than the measured occurrence probability of electric field strength.
Heterogeneity of HSCs in a Mouse Model of NASH
Authors: Rosenthal Sara Brin , Liu Xiao , Ganguly Souradipta , Dhar Debanjan , Pasillas Martina P. , Ricciardelli Eugenia , Li Rick Z. , Troutman Ty D. , Kisseleva Tatiana , Glass Christopher K. , Brenner David A.
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims

In clinical and experimental NASH, the origin of the scar‐forming myofibroblast is the HSC. We used foz/foz mice on a Western diet to characterize in detail the phenotypic changes of HSCs in a NASH model.

Approach and Results

We examined the single‐cell expression profiles (scRNA sequencing) of HSCs purified from the normal livers of foz/foz mice on a chow diet, in NASH with fibrosis of foz/foz mice on a Western diet, and in livers during regression of NASH after switching back to a chow diet. Selected genes were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, quantitative real‐time PCR, and short hairpin RNA knockdown in primary mouse HSCs. Our analysis of the normal liver identified two distinct clusters of quiescent HSCs that correspond to their acinar position of either pericentral vein or periportal vein. The NASH livers had four distinct HSC clusters, including one representing the classic fibrogenic myofibroblast. The three other HSC clusters consisted of a proliferating cluster, an intermediate activated cluster, and an immune and inflammatory cluster. The livers with NASH regression had one cluster of inactivated HSCs, which was similar to, but distinct from, the quiescent HSCs.

Conclusions

Analysis of single‐cell RNA sequencing in combination with an interrogation of previous studies revealed an unanticipated heterogeneity of HSC phenotypes under normal and injured states.
Smart access control system by using sparse representation features
Authors: Pan Yuchen
Published: February 2021

The access control system is used in massive scenarios to protect personal property safety, such as dormitory in campus, company office, and smart apartment. The recent access control system use either RFID card or biometric features, such as fingerprint, face. The RFID card may be lost and misused by other persons. The fingerprint features must be collected by touching a sensor, which is improper during the epidemic of Covid‐19. The face identification in access control system is effected by the mask, especially under the current epidemic situation. The research about partial occlusion face recognition is helpful to improve the existing face authentication for access control system. This paper establishes a smart access control system by using partial occlusion face recognition technology. First, the face is captured by a camera. Second, the collected faces are used to establish a face library for constructing low rank sparse model by using nuclear norm to measure the error matrix. Third, the sparse features of faces are used to train a neural network. The new personal face are verified by the learnt neural network model. The experimental results on a public partial occlusion face dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed access control system.
Discriminant value of automated leucocyte VCS parameters in the detection of tropical infections
Authors: Muthunatarajan Shruthi , Basavaiah Sridevi Hanaganahalli , Shenoy Suchitra M. , Natarajan Arvind , Mithra Prasanna , Suresh Pooja Kundapur , Sreeram Saraswathy
Published: February 2021

Introduction

In India, infectious diseases are a leading treatable cause of morbidity and mortality. Mangalore being endemic to many vector‐borne diseases, their incidence is known to show seasonal variations with sharp increase during monsoon. Leucocytes have substantial role in the immunological pathogenesis of infections.

Methods

The present series was a hospital‐based cross‐sectional study performed in a tertiary care hospital for a period of three months from June‐August wherein the cell population data of cases of malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, typhoid and rickettsial infections along with equal number of healthy controls were collected and analysed. Effectiveness of leucocyte‐related volume (V), conductivity (C) and scatter (S) parameters by Coulter®DXH800 haematology analyser in predicting these infections was appraised.

Results

A total of 324 cases comprising of malaria (50%), dengue (30.9%), leptospirosis (13.9%), typhoid (4.0%) and rickettsial infections (1.2%) were included. There was statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the mean values of complete blood count parameters—haemoglobin, total leucocyte count, red blood cell count, haematocrit, red cell distribution width, differential leucocyte count, platelet count and plateletcrit between cases and controls and also between specific infections. The mean volumes of neutrophil, monocyte and lymphocyte were considerably increased in malaria and dengue fever compared to leptospirosis, typhoid and rickettsial infections. VCS parameters were the least altered in typhoid fever, except for a strikingly high conductivity and scatter of eosinophils.

Conclusions

Haematological analysis is a part of routine evaluation of any case of febrile illness. This study showed that there are specific alterations in VCS parameters in different types of infections such as malaria, dengue, leptospira, typhoid and rickettsia, the information and analysis of which comes without any additional cost.
Inquiry‐based stress reduction: A systematic review of the empirical literature
Authors: Hook Joshua N. , Kim Penberthy Jennifer , Davis Don E. , Van Tongeren Daryl R.
Published: February 2021

Objective

This paper reviewed the empirical research on inquiry‐based stress reduction (IBSR; also called “The Work”), which has similarities to third‐wave cognitive behavioral approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Widely used as a self‐help intervention, IBSR has only recently been subjected to empirical research.

Method

We reviewed empirical studies (published and unpublished) that examined IBSR.

Results

We found 17 empirical studies (15 independent samples) that examined IBSR. Several studies reported positive changes on variables such as stress, anxiety, and well‐being. However, only three studies evaluated IBSR using randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Concerns related to treatment feasibility and cost‐effectiveness of IBSR are noted.

Conclusions

There are some promising initial findings on IBSR. However, additional research employing high‐quality research designs is necessary to explore the efficacy and effectiveness of IBSR in various contexts.
Prenatal diagnosis of middle interhemispheric variant of holoprosencephaly: Report of two cases
Authors: Zantow Emily , Bryant Stefanie , Pierce Stephanie L , DuBois Molly , Maxted Marta , Porter Blake
Published: February 2021

Holoprosencephaly ranges in severity based on the degree of anatomic abnormality. Middle interhemispheric variant of holoprosencephaly is a less common and often milder variant that has the characteristic sonographic findings of an absent cavum septum pellucidum and a single fused ventricle. This subtype may be associated with genetic conditions that have not been well‐described in the literature. We present two cases of middle interhemispheric variant of holoprosencephaly diagnosed on fetal ultrasound.
Application of salicylic acid as an eco‐friendly and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 2,4,6‐triaryl pyridine, 2‐amino‐3‐cyanopyridine, and polyhydroquinoline derivatives
Authors: Roozifar Majid , Hazeri Nourallah , Faroughi Niya Homayoun
Published: February 2021

In this study, three eco‐friendly, efficient, and convenient protocols have been reported for one‐pot synthesis of 2,4,6‐triaryl pyridine, 2‐amino‐3‐cyanopyridine, and polyhydroquinoline derivatives using salicylic acid as a catalyst under solvent‐free condition. The reported protocols offer several significant advantages such as the application of a nontoxic, neutral, and cheap catalyst, environmentally friendly conditions, the easy isolation of products by filtering, short reaction times, simple methodology, and good yields.
Comparative genomic analyses of IncpA1763‐KPC plasmids
Authors: Chen Hongchao , Zhan Zhe , Jiang Xiaoyuan , Qing Yang , Yin Zhe , Mei Lingling , Zhou Dongsheng , Ni Bin , Zhang Yanjun
Published: February 2021

Multi‐replicon plasmids harboring the IncpA1763‐KPC replicon together with other replicons are being increasingly reported among Enterobacteriaceae species. However, plasmids with single IncpA1763‐KPC replicons are poorly studied as a different incompatibility (Inc) group, despite their rise in appearance in some strains. IncpA1763‐KPC plasmids, pA1763‐KPC, and p427113‐2, from two clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were fully sequenced by high‐throughput genome sequencing. Linear structural comparisons of IncpA1763‐KPC backbone region were made between these two plasmids and six arbitrarily selected representative IncpA1763‐KPC plasmids sequenced previously. A further detailed genomic comparison was carried out between plasmids pA1763‐KPC, p427113‐2, and pFB2.2, which show high homology across the backbone sequence to one another. Among all sequenced IncpA1763‐KPC plasmids considered in this study, plasmids pA1763‐KPC and p427113‐2 showed the most complete IncpA1763‐KPC backbones. These were composed of the IncpA1763‐KPC replicon (repAIncpA1763‐KPC and its iterons), the 5.6‐kb IncpA1763‐KPC‐type maintenance region, the 27.7‐kb IncFIIK‐type maintenance region, and the 36.6‐kb IncFIIK‐type conjugal transfer regions. Compared with pA1763‐KPC or p427113‐2, the backbone regions of the other analyzed IncpA1763‐KPC plasmids had gradually undergone different deletions or truncations, but shared small and core IncpA1763‐KPC backbones including the IncpA1763‐KPC replicon, IncpA1763‐KPC‐type maintenance region, and residual IncFIIK‐type maintenance region. Accessory modules integrated into IncpA1763‐KPC backbones included the multidrug‐resistant module blaKPC‐2 region in pA1763‐KPC, the metal‐resistance modules ars region together with ncr region in pFB2.2 and sil in pKPN‐9a0d, the ISKpn14‐to‐IS26 region in p427113‐2, and other non‐resistance region in the respective plasmids. This detailed comparative genomics analysis of IncpA1763‐KPC plasmids provides a deep insight into their diversification and evolution.
Determination of organophosphorus and synthetic pyrethroid pesticide residues and their variability in large size fruit crops
Authors: Prodhan Mohammad Dalower Hossain , Afroze Marina , Begum Afroza , Sarker Debasish
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Variability of pesticide residues in food item plays a key role for the evaluation of consumer food safety. However, variability factors (VFs) derived from the large size fruit crops are still scarce. Therefore, the present work was aimed to quantify pesticide residues and to estimate VFs in large size fruit crops of mango and guava.

RESULTS

A total of 140 mango and 130 guava samples from different marketplaces in Bangladesh were collected to estimate the variability of pesticide residues (acephate, diazinon, malathion, fenitrothion, chlorpyrifos, quinalphos, dimethoate and cypermethrin) by in‐house validated methods based on modified QuEChERS extraction and gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detector (ECD) and flame thermionic detector (FTD). The method was validated at three fortification levels (0.01, 0.10 and 0.30 mg kg−1) and satisfactory recoveries (80–111%) with relative standard deviation (RSDr) ≤ 13% were achieved. A wide variation of residues was found in the analyzed samples. In the case of mango, the ranges of residues were 0.011–0.314, 0.015–0.04, and 0.05–0.291 mg kg−1, respectively, for cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and dimethoate, while in the case of guava, the ranges were 0.04–0.113, and 0.03–0.290 mg kg−1, respectively, for cypermethrin and acephate. The average VF for mango was 4.06 and it was 5.70 for guava.

CONCLUSION

VFs originating from the marketed samples of mango and guava are reported in this study for the first time. The estimated VFs were higher than the default value of 3, therefore, the default VFs should be reconsidered when more data are obtained regarding large size crops. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Corrigendum to “Existence, blow‐up, and exponential decay estimates for a system of nonlinear wave equations with nonlinear boundary conditions”
Authors: Ngoc Le Thi Phuong , Long Nguyen Thanh
Published: February 2021

This note presents corrections to our paper. We also give remarks and additions related to other papers.
Black Current Anthocyanins Improve Lipid Metabolism and Modulate Gut Microbiota in High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Song Haizhao , Shen Xinchun , Wang Fang , Li Yu , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: February 2021

Scope

This study aimed to explore the anti‐obesity potential of blackcurrant anthocyanins (BCA) and investigate the correlation between the gut microbiota and the BCA‐induced beneficial effects.

Methods and Results

Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 36) are randomly assigned into low‐fat diet group (LFD), high‐fat diet group (HFD), and BCA group feeding HFD supplemented with BCA for 12 weeks. Body weight and food intake are monitored weekly. Obesity‐related biochemical indexes and the expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism are determined. Amplicon sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene is conducted to analyze the gut microbiota structure, and spearman correlation analysis is used to determine the correlations between gut microbiota and obesity‐related indicators. The results showed that BCA treatment alleviated HFD‐induced obesity, hyperlipemia, and hepatic steatosis. Moreover, BCA supplement improved hepatic lipid metabolism by regulating the expression of genes related to the synthesis and degradation of lipids and cholesterols. Microbial analysis revealed that BCA supplementation significantly changed the overall structure and composition of the gut microbiota, and resulted in an enrichment of Akkermansia_muciniphila, which is negatively correlated with the physical biomarkers.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that BCA supplement could be a beneficial treatment for preventing HFD‐induced obesity by targeting microbiota.
Exploring label dynamics of velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling in the kidney
Authors: Bones Isabell K. , Franklin Suzanne L. , Harteveld Anita A. , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Schmid Sophie , Hendrikse Jeroen , Moonen Chrit , van Stralen Marijn , Bos Clemens
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) has been proposed for renal perfusion imaging to mitigate planning challenges and effects of arterial transit time (ATT) uncertainties. In VSASL, label generation may shift in the vascular tree as a function of cutoff velocity. Here, we investigate label dynamics and especially the ATT of renal VSASL and compared it with a spatially selective pulsed arterial spin labeling technique, flow alternating inversion recovery (FAIR).

Methods

Arterial spin labeling data were acquired in 7 subjects, using free‐breathing dual VSASL and FAIR with five postlabeling delays: 400, 800, 1200, 2000, and 2600 ms. The VSASL measurements were acquired with cutoff velocities of 5, 10, and 15 cm/s, with anterior–posterior velocity‐encoding direction. Cortical perfusion‐weighted signal, temporal SNR, quantified renal blood flow, and arterial transit time were reported.

Results

In contrast to FAIR, renal VSASL already showed fairly high signal at the earliest postlabeling delays, for all cutoff velocities. The highest VSASL signal and temporal SNR was obtained with a cutoff velocity of 10 cm/s at postlabeling delay = 800 ms, which was earlier than for FAIR at 1200 ms. Fitted ATT on VSASL was ≤ 0 ms, indicating ATT insensitivity, which was shorter than for FAIR (189 ± 79 ms, P < .05). Finally, the average cortical renal blood flow measured with cutoff velocities of 5 cm/s (398 ± 84 mL/min/100 g) and 10 cm/s (472 ± 160 mL/min/100 g) were similar to renal blood flow measured with FAIR (441 ± 84 mL/min/100 g) (P > .05) with good correlations on subject level.

Conclusion

Velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling in the kidney reduces ATT sensitivity compared with the recommended pulsed arterial spin labeling method, as well as if cutoff velocity is increased to reduce spurious labeling due to motion. Thus, VSASL has potential as a method for time‐efficient, single‐time‐point, free‐breathing renal perfusion measurements, despite lower tSNR than FAIR.
Surface modified microfibrillated cellulose‐poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites: β‐phase formation, viscoelastic and dielectric performance
Authors: Poothanari Mohammed Arif , Michaud Véronique , Damjanovic Dragan , Leterrier Yves
Published: February 2021

The effect of silylation of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) surfaces on β‐phase formation in poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) and the resulting viscoelastic and dielectric performance of MFC‐PVDF composites is investigated. Two different organosilanes, namely aminated (A) and fluorinated (F), were used. Composites of PVDF and MFC at concentrations up to 10 wt%, both untreated and silylated, were prepared by solvent casting. The two different surface modifications did not markedly change the melting and crystallization enthalpy of the polymer. However, only A‐MFC was found to promote β‐phase compared to the untreated MFC and the F‐MFC, which was attributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds at the interface between the amine groups of A‐MFC and the fluorine groups of PVDF. The elastic modulus and the permittivity of all composites increased with the amount of MFC up to a maximum value, depending on the MFC modification, and then decreased. This effect was due to the formation of MFC aggregates and porosity, as further confirmed by a comparison of experimental moduli with a classical composite mechanical model. The highest elastic modulus and highest permittivity were obtained for the untreated MFC and A‐MFC composites with 5 and 1 wt%. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Bent out of shape: towards non‐spherical polymersome morphologies
Authors: Chidanguro Tamuka , Simon Yoan C
Published: February 2021

Polymersomes have gained a lot of attention in recent years. Their compartmentalized, hollow nature, stability and ability to transport both hydrophilic and hydrophobic cargo has made them attractive for increasingly complex applications in various fields of biomedicine, catalysis and diagnostics. Progress in these fields would therefore benefit from improvements in polymersome functionality. Recently, morphological control of polymersomes, namely the fabrication of various non‐spherical morphologies, has emerged as a means to enhance the usefulness of the polymersomes. In the present review, we highlight the most topical trends in this field and how these developments and the newly acquired knowledge about their nature can be leveraged towards applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry