bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential metamaterials with alternating Poisson’s ratios
Authors: Farzaneh Amin , Pawar Nikhil , Portela Carlos M. , Hopkins Jonathan B.
Published: February 2022

Mechanical metamaterials have been designed to achieve custom Poisson’s ratios via the deformation of their microarchitecture. These designs, however, have yet to achieve the capability of exhibiting Poisson’s ratios that alternate by design both temporally and spatially according to deformation. This capability would enable dynamic shape-morphing applications including smart materials that process mechanical information according to multiple time-ordered output signals without requiring active control or power. Herein, both periodic and graded metamaterials are introduced that leverage principles of differential stiffness and self-contact to passively achieve sequential deformations, which manifest as user-specified alternating Poisson’s ratios. An analytical approach is provided with a complementary software tool that enables the design of such materials in two- and three-dimensions. This advance in design capability is due to the fact that the tool computes sequential deformations more than an order of magnitude faster than contemporary finite-element packages. Experiments on macro- and micro-scale designs validate their predicted alternating Poisson’s ratios.
Space-efficient optical computing with an integrated chip diffractive neural network
Authors: Zhu H. H. , Zou J. , Zhang H. , Shi Y. Z. , Luo S. B. , Wang N. , Cai H. , Wan L. X. , Wang B. , Jiang X. D. , Thompson J. , Luo X. S. , Zhou X. H. , Xiao L. M. , Huang W. , Patrick L. , Gu M. , Kwek L. C. , Liu A. Q.
Published: February 2022

Large-scale, highly integrated and low-power-consuming hardware is becoming progressively more important for realizing optical neural networks (ONNs) capable of advanced optical computing. Traditional experimental implementations needN2units such as Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) for an input dimensionNto realize typical computing operations (convolutions and matrix multiplication), resulting in limited scalability and consuming excessive power. Here, we propose the integrated diffractive optical network for implementing parallel Fourier transforms, convolution operations and application-specific optical computing using two ultracompact diffractive cells (Fourier transform operation) and onlyNMZIs. The footprint and energy consumption scales linearly with the input data dimension, instead of the quadratic scaling in the traditional ONN framework. A ~10-fold reduction in both footprint and energy consumption, as well as equal high accuracy with previous MZI-based ONNs was experimentally achieved for computations performed on theMNISTandFashion-MNISTdatasets. The integrated diffractive optical network (IDNN) chip demonstrates a promising avenue towards scalable and low-power-consumption optical computational chips for optical-artificial-intelligence.
Fast custom wavelet analysis technique for single molecule detection and identification
Authors: Ganjalizadeh Vahid , Meena Gopikrishnan G. , Wall Thomas A. , Stott Matthew A. , Hawkins Aaron R. , Schmidt Holger
Published: February 2022

Many sensors operate by detecting and identifying individual events in a time-dependent signal which is challenging if signals are weak and background noise is present. We introduce a powerful, fast, and robust signal analysis technique based on a massively parallel continuous wavelet transform (CWT) algorithm. The superiority of this approach is demonstrated with fluorescence signals from a chip-based, optofluidic single particle sensor. The technique is more accurate than simple peak-finding algorithms and several orders of magnitude faster than existing CWT methods, allowing for real-time data analysis during sensing for the first time. Performance is further increased by applying a custom wavelet to multi-peak signals as demonstrated using amplification-free detection of single bacterial DNAs. A 4x increase in detection rate, a 6x improved error rate, and the ability for extraction of experimental parameters are demonstrated. This cluster-based CWT analysis will enable high-performance, real-time sensing when signal-to-noise is hardware limited, for instance with low-cost sensors in point of care environments.
Tirzepatide cardiovascular event risk assessment: a pre-specified meta-analysis
Authors: Sattar Naveed , McGuire Darren K. , Pavo Imre , Weerakkody Govinda J. , Nishiyama Hiroshi , Wiese Russell J. , Zoungas Sophia
Published: February 2022

Tirzepatide is a novel, once weekly, dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist and is under development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Its association with cardiovascular outcomes requires evaluation. This pre-specified cardiovascular meta-analysis included all seven randomized controlled trials with a duration of at least 26 weeks from the tirzepatide T2D clinical development program, SURPASS. The pre-specified primary objective of this meta-analysis was the comparison of the time to first occurrence of confirmed four-component major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE-4; cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke and hospitalized unstable angina) between pooled tirzepatide groups and control groups. A stratified Cox proportional hazards model, with treatment as a fixed effect and trial-level cardiovascular risk as the stratification factor, was used for the estimation of hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) comparing tirzepatide to control. Data from 4,887 participants treated with tirzepatide and 2,328 control participants were analyzed. Overall, 142 participants, 109 from the trial with high cardiovascular risk and 33 from the six trials with lower cardiovascular risk, had at least one MACE-4 event. The HRs comparing tirzepatide versus controls were 0.80 (95% CI, 0.57–1.11) for MACE-4; 0.90 (95% CI, 0.50–1.61) for cardiovascular death; and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.51–1.25) for all-cause death. No evidence of effect modifications was observed for any subgroups, although the evidence was stronger for participants with high cardiovascular risk. Tirzepatide did not increase the risk of major cardiovascular events in participants with T2D versus controls.
18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid suppresses allergic airway inflammation through NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways in asthma mice
Authors: Liu Jianming , Xu Yanqi , Yan Minyu , Yu Yingjie , Guo Yongmei
Published: February 2022

18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA), the main bioactive component of Glycyrrhizae Radix, is considered a promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. Here, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of 18β-GA in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model, and examined the role of NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. The histopathological changes of lung tissue in mouse were assessed by histochemical staining and counting of inflammatory cells. The levels of IgE and inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice were detected by ELISA. In OVA-induced asthmatic mice, 18β-GA treatment can significantly improve lung function and reduce lung inflammation including infiltration of inflammatory cells. In addition, 18β-GA reduced the OVA-induced NF-κB phosphorylation in lungs of mice while increasing the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. These results indicate that 18β-GA protects OVA-induced allergic inflammation of airway by inhibiting phosphorylation of NF-κB and enhancing the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and serves as a potential treatment option for allergic inflammation of airway.
Unpacking the complexity of longitudinal movement and recruitment patterns of facultative amphidromous fish
Authors: Ramírez-Álvarez Rodrigo , Contreras Sergio , Vivancos Aurélien , Reid Malcolm , López-Rodríguez Ruby , Górski Konrad
Published: February 2022

Longitudinal movement plays fundamental role in habitat colonization and population establishment of many riverine fish species. Movement patterns of amphidromous fish species at fine-scales that would allow characterizing the direction of movement and factors associated with the establishment of specific life-history strategies (resident or amphidromous) in rivers are still poorly understood. We assess fine-scale longitudinal movement variability patterns of facultative amphidromous fish species Galaxias maculatus in order to unfold its life-history variation and associated recruitment habitats. Specifically, we analyzed multi-elemental composition along core to edge transects in ear-bones (otoliths) of each fish using recursive partitions that divides the transect along signal discontinuities. Fine-scale movement assessment in five free-flowing river systems allowed us to identify movement direction and potential recruitment habitats. As such, resident recruitment of G. maculatus in freshwater (71%) and estuarine (24%) habitats was more frequent than amphidromous recruitment (5%), and was linked to availability of slow-flowing lotic or lentic habitats that produce or retain small-bodied prey consumed by their larvae. We postulate that life-history variation and successful recruitment of facultative amphidromous fish such as G. maculatus in river systems is driven by availability of suitable recruitment habitats and natural hydrologic connectivity that allows fish movement to these habitats.
Local inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling improves Th17/Treg balance but not joint pathology during experimental arthritis
Authors: Aarts Joyce , van Caam Arjan , Chen Xinlai , Marijnissen Renoud J. , Helsen Monique M. , Walgreen Birgitte , Vitters Elly L. , van de Loo Fons A. , van Lent Peter L. , van der Kraan Peter M. , Koenders Marije I.
Published: February 2022

TGF-β1 is an important growth factor to promote the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg). The potential of TGF-β1 as therapeutic target in T cell-mediated diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. We investigated the effect of TGF-β1 inhibition on murine Th17 differentiation in vitro, on human RA synovial explants ex vivo, and on the development of experimental arthritis in vivo. Murine splenocytes were differentiated into Th17 cells, and the effect of the TGF-βRI inhibitor SB-505124 was studied. Synovial biopsies were cultured in the presence or absence of SB-505124. Experimental arthritis was induced in C57Bl6 mice and treated daily with SB-505124. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to measure different T cell subsets. Histological sections were analysed to determine joint inflammation and destruction. SB-505124 potently reduced murine Th17 differentiation by decreasing Il17a and Rorc gene expression and IL-17 protein production. SB-505124 significantly suppressed IL-6 production by synovial explants. In vivo, SB-505124 reduced Th17 numbers, while increased numbers of Tregs were observed. Despite this skewed Th17/Treg balance, SB-505124 treatment did not result in suppression of joint inflammation and destruction. Blocking TGF-β1 signalling suppresses Th17 differentiation and improves the Th17/Treg balance. However, local SB-505124 treatment does not suppress experimental arthritis.
Effect of single session receptive music therapy on anxiety and vital parameters in hospitalized Covid-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Giordano Filippo , Losurdo Antonia , Quaranta Vitaliano Nicola , Campobasso Nicla , Daleno Antonio , Carpagnano Elisiana , Gesualdo Loreto , Moschetta Antonio , Brienza Nicola
Published: February 2022

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients are vulnerable to different degrees of stress disorders as well as depression, anxiety and fear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of introducing Music therapy on site with Covid-19 patients and investigating the immediate effects a single session has on anxiety, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (O2Sat) and satisfaction compared to standard care. A randomized controlled trial of 40 patients was conducted. Participants were assigned to control group (CG) or the treatment group (MG). MG received an individual single session of music therapy in presence. CG received standard care. MG and CG were subjected to identical measurements (pre-during-post) of the parameters STAI-Y, HR and O2Sat. Participants in MG were asked to fill in an optional open-ended question concerning their experience with music therapy. Significant difference in anxiety levels between scores in MG and CG (34.50 (23.25–40.00) vs 45.00(38, 25–54.00); p = 0.000) was observed. MG compared to CG had statistically significantly higher values of O2Sat (97.50 (96.25–99.00) versus 96.00 (96.00–98.00); p = 0.026). Results show the feasibility of introducing music therapy as a supporting complementary/non-pharmacological intervention on site in Covid-19 patients. A single session of music therapy improves O2Sat and can significantly reduce anxiety.

Trial registration: 14/10/2021 No. NCT05077306. https://www.clinicaltrials.cov.
Incidence and risk factors for early postoperative stiffness after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients without preoperative stiffness
Authors: Cho Chul-Hyun , Bae Ki-Choer , Kim Du-Han
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of early postoperative stiffness in patients without preoperative stiffness undergoing isolated arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Two hundred seventy-four patients who underwent primary ARCR were included. At 3 months after surgery, criteria for shoulder stiffness was set as follows: (1) passive forward flexion < 120˚, or (2) external rotation at side < 30˚. Patients with preoperative stiffness or who underwent additional procedures were excluded. Patients-related, radiological (muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration), and intraoperative (tear size, repair techniques, number of anchors used, and synovitis scores) risk factors were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for postoperative stiffness. Thirty-nine of 274 patients (14.2%) who underwent ARCR developed postoperative stiffness. Univariate analyses revealed that early postoperative stiffness was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.030). However, radiological and intraoperative factors did not affect postoperative shoulder stiffness (all p > 0.05). Multivariate analyses revealed early postoperative stiffness was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus and timing of rehabilitation (p = 0.024, p = 0.033, respectively). The overall incidence of early postoperative stiffness following isolated ARCR in patients without preoperative stiffness was 14.2%. Diabetes mellitus and timing of rehabilitation were independent risk factors for early postoperative stiffness following ARCR.
Deep learning-based quantitative analyses of spontaneous movements and their association with early neurological development in preterm infants
Authors: Shin Hyun Iee , Shin Hyung-Ik , Bang Moon Suk , Kim Don-Kyu , Shin Seung Han , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Yoo-Jin , Lee Eun Sun , Park Seul Gi , Ji Hye Min , Lee Woo Hyung
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to develop quantitative assessments of spontaneous movements in high-risk preterm infants based on a deep learning algorithm. Video images of spontaneous movements were recorded in very preterm infants at the term-equivalent age. The Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) was performed in infants at 4 months of corrected age. Joint positional data were extracted using a pretrained pose-estimation model. Complexity and similarity indices of joint angle and angular velocity in terms of sample entropy and Pearson correlation coefficient were compared between the infants with HINE < 60 and ≥ 60. Video images of spontaneous movements were recorded in 65 preterm infants at term-equivalent age. Complexity indices of joint angles and angular velocities differed between the infants with HINE < 60 and ≥ 60 and correlated positively with HINE scores in most of the joints at the upper and lower extremities (p < 0.05). Similarity indices between each joint angle or joint angular velocity did not differ between the two groups in most of the joints at the upper and lower extremities. Quantitative assessments of spontaneous movements in preterm infants are feasible using a deep learning algorithm and sample entropy. The results indicated that complexity indices of joint movements at both the upper and lower extremities can be potential candidates for detecting developmental outcomes in preterm infants.
Characteristics of fracture in patients who firstly starts kidney replacement therapy in Korea: a retrospective population-based study
Authors: Kim Youngrong , Lee Eunyoung , Lee Min-Jeong , Park Bumhee , Park Inwhee
Published: February 2022

The incidence of fractures in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is high which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Since fractures are preventable diseases to some extent, epidemiologic studies are needed a lot. The aim of this study is to explore the epidemiology of fractures by modality of kidney replacement therapy (KRT). We performed a retrospective analysis of 52,777 patients dependent on KRT from 2008 to 2017 using the National Health Insurance System of Republic Korea. Fractures were occurred in 8995 (17.04%) of 52,777 patients with ESKD. Hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients had the highest (57.4 per 1000 person-year) and the lowest (25.2 per 1000 person-year) incidence rate, respectively. The two most common fracture sites were the lower limb and upper limb, regardless of KRT modality. The first fractures were about 2.55 ± 2.07 years after KRT initiation, the earliest in Hemodialysis patients. Diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, chronic lung and liver disease were risk factors of fractures. The use of steroids, anti-osteoporosis medications, and some classes of psychotropics and opioids was associated with an elevated risk. The results of this study inform the understanding of fractures in KRT patients.
Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-obesity effects of phenylthio-ethyl benzoate derivatives, and molecular docking study regarding α-amylase enzyme
Authors: Jaradat Nidal , Khasati Ahmad , Hawi Maram , Hawash Mohammed , Shekfeh Suhaib , Qneibi Mohammad , Eid Ahmad M. , Arar Mohammad , Qaoud Mohammed T.
Published: February 2022

In addition to their wide therapeutic application, benzoates and benzoic acid derivatives are the most commonly utilized food preservatives. The purpose of this study was to estimate the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activities of four 2-(phenylthio)-ethyl benzoate derivatives utilizing standard biomedical assays. The results revealed that the 2a compound has potent antidiabetic activity through the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glycosidase with IC50 doses of 3.57 ± 1.08 and 10.09 ± 0.70 µg/ml, respectively, compared with the positive control acarbose (IC50 = 6.47 and 44.79 µg/ml), respectively. In addition, by utilizing the β-carotene linoleic acid and DPPH methods, the 2a compound showed the highest antioxidant activity compared with positive controls. Moreover, the 2a compound showed potential anti-lipase activity with an IC50 dose of 107.95 ± 1.88 µg/ml compared to orlistat (IC50 = 25.01 ± 0.78 µg/ml). A molecular docking study was used to understand the interactions between four derivatives of (2-(phenylthio)-ethyl benzoate with α-amylase binding pocket. The present study concludes that the 2a compound could be exploited for further antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-obesity preclinical and clinical tests and design suitable pharmaceutical forms to treat these global health problems.
Prognostic significance of intra-tumoral budding in high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas
Authors: Hachisuga Toru , Murakami Midori , Harada Hiroshi , Ueda Taeko , Kurita Tomoko , Kagami Seiji , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Tajiri Ryosuke , Hisaoka Masanori
Published: February 2022

Intra-tumoral budding (ITB) has been well demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in colorectal carcinoma. This study investigated the prognostic significance of ITB in high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs). The medical records and slides of 84 SOCs, including 13 with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), were retrospectively reviewed. The histopathologic examination with scoring of p53 expression showed them to be 80 HGSOCs and 4 low-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (LGSOCs). ITB was found in 64 (80.0%) of the 80 HGSOCs and 1 (25.0%) of 4 LGSOCs. The presence of ITB in HGSOC was significantly correlated with a higher level of CA125, an advanced 2014 FIGO stage, the presence of Lymph node metastasis, and the presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 18 months in patients with HGSOC with ITB and 36 months in patients with HGSOC without ITB (P = 0.006), and their median overall survival (OS) was 50 months and 60 months (P = 0.060). The multivariate analysis revealed that ITB was not an independent prognostic factor. ITB is a cost-effective prognostic indicator for patients with HGSOC and ITB in ovarian tumor tissue is considered a useful histological biomarker of the progression of HGSOCs.
Modest flooding can trigger catastrophic road network collapse due to compound failure
Authors: Dong Shangjia , Gao Xinyu , Mostafavi Ali , Gao Jianxi
Published: February 2022

Compound failures occur when urban flooding coincides with traffic congestion, and their impact on network connectivity is poorly understood. Firstly, either three-dimensional road networks or the traffic on the roads has been considered, but not both. Secondly, we lack network science frameworks to consider compound failures in infrastructure networks. Here we present a network-theory-based framework that bridges this gap by considering compound structural, functional, and topological failures. We analyze high-resolution traffic data using network percolation theory to study the response of the transportation network in Harris County, Texas, US to Hurricane Harvey in 2017. We find that 2.2% of flood-induced compound failure may lead to a reduction in the size of the largest cluster where network connectivity exists, the giant component, 17.7%. We conclude that indirect effects, such as changes in traffic patterns, must be accounted for when assessing the impacts of flooding on transportation network connectivity and functioning.
Network cartographs for interpretable visualizations
Authors: Hütter Christiane V. R. , Sin Celine , Müller Felix , Menche Jörg
Published: February 2022

Networks offer an intuitive visual representation of complex systems. Important network characteristics can often be recognized by eye and, in turn, patterns that stand out visually often have a meaningful interpretation. In conventional network layout algorithms, however, the precise determinants of a node’s position within a layout are difficult to decipher and to control. Here we propose an approach for directly encoding arbitrary structural or functional network characteristics into node positions. We introduce a series of two- and three-dimensional layouts, benchmark their efficiency for model networks, and demonstrate their power for elucidating structure-to-function relationships in large-scale biological networks.
Near-infrared aggregation-induced emission nanodots for early diagnosis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma and sentinel lymph node mapping
Authors: Zhang Guan-Meng , Jiao Di , Nie Shao-Chen , Xu Zhao-Yuan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Dai Yanmei , Jiao Mai-Ning , Ou Hanlin , Yan Ying-Bin , Ding Dan
Published: February 2022

By developing DPA-TPE-DCM with intense near-infrared fluorescence emission in the aggregation state, AIE materials were used for the first time in the early diagnosis of orthotopic TSCC and SLN mapping in an orthotopic TSCC-bearing mouse model.
The influence of melt status and beta-nucleation agent distribution on the crystallization of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Chen Pujing , Xu Min , Li Xiangyang , Han Yu , Ding Jianjun , Lin Yongxing , Liu Gang , Zhang Xian , Chen Lin , Tian Xingyou
Published: February 2022

Although investigated extensively in past decades, the factors affecting β-crystallization in β-nucleating agent/iPP composites have not been identified completely.
Time-resolved study of recoil-induced rotation by X-ray pump – X-ray probe spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Ji-Cai , Ignatova Nina , Kimberg Victor , Krasnov Pavel , Föhlisch Alexander , Simon Marc , Gel'mukhanov Faris
Published: February 2022

We propose two color X-ray pump–probe spectroscopy, which opens new perspectives in studies of molecular rotational dynamics induces by the recoil effect in real-time. The feasibility of experimental observation is also discussed.
Effect of osmotic pressure on pore formation in lipid bilayers by the antimicrobial peptide magainin 2
Authors: Billah Md. Masum , Saha Samiron Kumar , Or Rashid Md. Mamun , Hossain Farzana , Yamazaki Masahito
Published: February 2022

Osmotic pressure (Π) induces membrane tension σ in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), which elevates rate constant kp for antimicrobial peptide magainin 2-induced pore formation in GUVs. The process of its pore evolution in GUVs with σ was revealed.
Evaluating the effectiveness ofin situcharacterization techniques in overcoming mechanistic limitations in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Rehman Sarish , Pope Michael , Tao Shanwen , McCalla Eric
Published: February 2022

Li–S batteries hold great promise for electric vehicles but complex reaction mechanisms during operation have, to date, prevented commercialization.In situtechniques provide insights that may overcome these limitations.
Combinatorial ALD for the growth of ZnO/TiO2nanolaminates and mixed ZnO/TiO2nanostructured films
Authors: Doyle Shóna , Ryan Louise , McCarthy Melissa M. , Modreanu Mircea , Schmidt Michael , Laffir Fathima , Povey Ian M. , Pemble Martyn E.
Published: February 2022

The importance of understanding the growth fundamentals of ZnO/TiO2nanolaminate structures deposited by atomic layer deposition is explored.
Dy-Doped BiFeO3 thin films: piezoelectric and bandgap tuning
Authors: Micard Quentin , Margueron Samuel , Bartasyte Ausrine , Condorelli Guglielmo G. , Malandrino Graziella
Published: February 2022

A tri-metallic precursor mixture has been used to deposit Bi(1−x)DyxFeO3 film on conductive SrTiO3:Nb(100) substrates. A fine adjustment of the film composition is the key enabling an accurate tuning of the film piezoelectric and optical properties.
Correlation of self-assembly and thermal conducting properties of PEG-backbone polyether with a room temperature mesophase
Authors: Ku Kyosun , Choe Soyeong , Yeo Hyeonuk
Published: February 2022

A series of side chain liquid crystalline polymers with a cyanobiphenyl moiety was synthesized, and it showed considerably high thermal conductivity (∼0.46 W m−1 K−1) based on self-assembled microstructure developed by room temperature mesophase.
Prediction of the taxonomical classification of theRanunculaceaefamily using a machine learning method
Authors: Chen Jiao , Yang Wenlu , Tan Guodong , Tian Chunyao , Wang Hongjun , Zhou Jiayu , Liao Hai
Published: February 2022

A machine learning method is successfully applied to determine lineage-specific features among various genera within theRanunculaceaefamily.
Functional stapled fragments of human preptin of minimised length
Authors: Lubos Marta , Mrázková Lucie , Gwozdiaková Petra , Pícha Jan , Buděšínský Miloš , Jiráček Jiří , Kaminský Jakub , Žáková Lenka
Published: February 2022

Ring-closing strategies have been used for the design and syntheses of biologically active shortened analogues of preptin.
Control of cyclic stability and volume expansion on graphite–SiOx–C hierarchical structure for Li-ion battery anodes
Authors: Yun Jae Hyeon , Whang Tae Kyung , Ahn Won Jun , Lee Young-Seak , Im Ji Sun
Published: February 2022

This study demonstrates the increased integrity of graphite–SiOx–C hierarchical structure using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS). Furthermore, the carbon coating contributes to elec-trode stability.
Singularity identification for the characterization of topology, geometry, and motion of nematic disclination lines
Authors: Schimming Cody D. , Viñals Jorge
Published: February 2022

We introduce a tensorial construction expressed in terms of the nematic order parameter that allows the direct computation of geometric properties of disclination lines in three dimensional nematics.
Formation of stable polonium monolayers with tunable semiconducting properties driven by strong quantum size effects
Authors: Zhao Chunxiang , Cai Xiaolin , Liu Xilai , Wang Junfei , Chen Weiguang , Zhang Liying , Zhang Yinuo , Zhu Zhili , Liu Chengyan , Niu Chunyao , Jia Yu
Published: February 2022

Polonium of group VIA is demonstrated to form stable semiconducting two-dimensional monolayers through layered Peierls-like distortion driven by strong quantum size effects.
EDTA derived graphene supported porous cobalt hexacyanoferrate nanospheres as a highly electroactive nanocomposite for hydrogen peroxide sensing
Authors: Banavath Ramu , Srivastava Rohit , Bhargava Parag
Published: February 2022

Developed a highly electroactive graphene and porous cobalt hexacyanoferrate nanosphere (Gr/P-CoHCF-NSPs) composite for H2O2 sensing by using EDTA chelation strategy.
Pyrene and porphyrin-based Zn metal 1-D-polymer: synthesis, molecular structure, and photocatalytic property
Authors: Gupta Gajendra , Kim Miyeon , Singh Neetu , Lee Junseong , Lee Chang Yeon
Published: February 2022

Hybrid 1-D polymer derived from zinc, pyrene and porphyrin showing excellent light harvesting and singlet oxygen generation properties.
Impact of positive charge and ring-size on the interactions of calixarenes with DNA, RNA and nucleotides
Authors: Krošl Ivona , Otković Ena , Nikšić-Franjić Ivana , Colasson Benoit , Reinaud Olivia , Višnjevac Aleksandar , Piantanida Ivo
Published: February 2022

Cationic calix[6]arene and calix[4]arene derivatives non-covalently bind into a DNA minor groove or RNA major groove and form tweezer-like complexes with nucleotides.
Conversion of scrap iron into ultrafine α-Fe2O3 nanorods for the efficient visible light photodegradation of ciprofloxacin
Authors: Arora Arushi , Sunaina  , Wadhwa Ritika , Jha Menaka
Published: February 2022

The present study illustrates a feasible approach of utilizing scrap iron for the synthesis of iron(ii) oxide.
Experimental and theoretical insights into the formation of weak hydrogen bonds and H⋯H bonding interactions in the solid-state structure of two eucalyptol derivatives
Authors: Galvez Carolina E. , Piro Oscar E. , Echeverría Gustavo A. , Robles Norma Lis , Lezama José O. G. , Sankaran Sankaran Venkatachalam , Thamotharan Subbiah , Villecco Margarita B. , Loandos María del H. , Gil Diego M.
Published: February 2022

We report the synthesis and X-ray solid-state structure of two eucalyptol derivatives. Both compounds form self-assembled dimers establishing C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds and H⋯H bonding interactions.
Construction of a ternary system: a strategy for the rapid formation of porous poly(lactic acid) fibers
Authors: Wang Bei , Yao Junyan , Wang Haoyu , Wang Mengqi
Published: February 2022

Combining electrospinning technology with ESP-NIPS, using chloroform as a solvent and absolute ethanol as a nonsolvent, poly(lactic acid) porous fibres are prepared within 5–10 s. This preparation provides a new resolution for the rapid formation of porous polymer materials.
Efficient and tunable purely organic room temperature phosphorescence films from selenium-containing emitters achieved by structural isomerism
Authors: Wang Shuai , Cheng Zhiqiang , Han Xianchao , Shu Haiyang , Wu Xiaofu , Tong Hui , Wang Lixiang
Published: February 2022

The organic emitters based on 9H-selenoxanthen-9-one can realize fluorescent-to-phosphorescent transformation at room temperature by structural isomerism, and the room temperature phosphorescence quantum yield of the doped film is up to 66.7%.
How to Interpret and Evaluate a Meta-Analysis in the Field of Speech-Language Pathology: A Tutorial for Clinicians
Authors: Donohue Cara , Carnaby Giselle , Garand Kendrea L. (Focht)
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

This tutorial will provide speech-language pathologists with practical considerations and pragmatic tools for interpreting and critically evaluating a meta-analysis. Meta-analysis, which is a statistical procedure that involves combining research data across multiple high-quality research studies, is often considered the highest level of research evidence. Although meta-analyses are commonly deployed in clinical research after completing a systematic review, few clinicians or clinician scientists within the field of speech-language pathology receive formal training to conduct, interpret, or assess meta-analyses to determine the effectiveness of a treatment or procedure for evidence-based practice.

Conclusion:

Clinicians within the field of speech-language pathology may use the foundational knowledge and practical guidelines outlined in this tutorial about meta-analyses to expand their knowledge of research methods and to shape their clinical practice.
A three‐stage capacitor‐less low noise LDO regulator for DCO phase noise reduction
Authors: Jeong Il , Lee Junyong , Bae Sunghyun , Lee Minjae
Published: February 2022

A phase noise reduction technique is presented in a three‐stage capacitor‐less (CL) low dropout (LDO) regulator. This paper proposes a simple RC network that reduces the noise from both bias generation and inside the LDO. This LDO is applied to a conventional CMOS LC oscillator and achieved 3 dB reduction of phase noise at 1 MHz offset from 20 GHz output. The line and load regulations are, 90 μV/V and 0.013 μV/mA, and the output noise at 1 MHz is 6.6 .
High‐speed focus‐induced photoresponse in amorphous silicon photodetectors for optical distance measurements
Authors: Bablich Andreas , Müller Maurice , Kienitz Paul , Bornemann Rainer , Bolívar Peter Haring
Published: February 2022

The Focus‐Induced Photoresponse (FIP) enables 3D sensing capabilities by evaluating the irradiance dependent non‐linear detector response in defect‐based materials. Since this advantage is intricately associated to a slow response, the electrical bandwidth of previous FIP sensors is limited to a few kHz only. We report the FIP in amorphous silicon pin photodiodes and propose a sensor read out based on a harmonics analyses. We achieve modulation frequencies of 500 kHz and a non‐linear beat frequency detection up to at least 3.5 MHz, surpassing the bandwidth of state‐of‐the‐art architectures by at least a factor of 175. The FIP sensors further achieve signal‐to‐noise ratios of ∼50 dB, depth resolutions of at least 5.4 mm at 126 cm and a DC FIP detection limit of 1.3 µW/mm2.
A gamma self‐correction method via chord distribution coding in fringe projection profilometry
Authors: Deng Gaoxu , Wu Shiqian , Zou Lingyun , Cao Wei , Wan Zhonghua
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a gamma self‐correction method via chord distribution coding to eliminate the system's gamma effect. For this purpose, the prior gamma‐Gaussian characteristic value, which is extracted by chord distribution Gaussian fitting of the preset gamma's wrapped phase, is used to map the projector's gamma. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has competitive accuracy and feasibility for fringe acquisition and gamma calculation. Thus, this method can be used for online gamma self‐correction in continuous three‐dimensional measurement.
Research on transient stability control method for LCC‐HVDC receiving‐end system based on the gradient of dynamic energy
Authors: Ma Jing , Zhang Jiaming , Wang Xucheng , Ma Ruichen , Shen Yaqi
Published: February 2022

A new transient stability control strategy for the Line‐Commutated‐Converter based High‐Voltage‐Direct‐Current (LCC‐HVDC) receiving‐end system based on the gradient of dynamic energy is proposed to deal with this problem. Firstly, in the whole process from fault occurrence to fault removal, a dynamic energy function representing the stability of the system is constructed. On this basis, considering the influence of Direct Current (DC) inverter side controller, the dynamic energy gradient expression under three‐phase and single‐phase short‐circuit fault scenarios is deduced in detail. The influence of control parameters on dynamic energy accumulation or consumption is analytically described. Then, the function term related to the inverter side controller is extracted from the dynamic energy gradient expression, the trigger pulse on the inverter side is controlled to keep the dynamic energy gradient of the DC port at the minimum. Finally, the hardware in the loop test is carried out on RT‐LAB. The test results show that in the process of receiving end fault, the DC port will inject dynamic energy to the receiving end system, making the system tend to be unstable. This method is able to reduce the dynamic energy accumulation rate of system and increase the critical clearing time of system.
Adjustable unbalanced current controller for tranformerless PV generation to suppress DC voltage ripples of inverter in low‐voltage ride‐through (LVRT) operation
Authors: Kadri Afshin , Ebrahimi Reza , Pouresmaeil Edris
Published: February 2022

Low voltage ride‐trough (LVRT) feature is compulsory for each grid‐connected inverter to support the grid by injecting reactive power in low voltage conditions. It is well known that the operation of an inverter in a normal grid condition is different from its operation in a faulty one. One of the detrimental effects of working in a faulty grid is ripples in the DC bus voltage due to the active power oscillation caused by unbalance voltages. Here, a new control system based on unbalance current injection is proposed to eliminate these ripples. For the analysis, a four‐leg inverter is considered in a transformerless microgrid. Then, instantaneous power constraints, which are imposed by the capacity of the inverter, and low voltage ride‐through necessities are considered to achieve the required reference currents. In addition, constant power strategy is used as a power control method and essential reference currents for this condition are presented. Moreover, the required reference currents are achieved to eliminate the ripples in the DC bus voltage when the constant power strategy cannot be performed because of current limitation restriction. Finally, simulation results are presented to prove the effectiveness of the proposed controller in different conditions.
Vulnerability assessment and defence strategy to site distributed generation in smart grid
Authors: Nayak Jay , Al‐Anbagi Irfan
Published: February 2022

False data injection (FDI) attacks tamper with the state estimation data and can pose significant threats to the smart grid. The vulnerability analysis and defence strategies may help to mitigate the impact of these attacks. However, existing research efforts have not addressed the computational power and accuracy issues in the vulnerability analysis and defence mechanisms using realistic test environments. In this work, the authors present a novel low‐complexity FDI attacks model to perform the vulnerability analysis. The authors develop a reduced‐row‐echelon‐form‐based greedy algorithm using the non‐linear power flow system to generate FDI attacks more accurately. Later, the authors propose a novel optimal defence strategy by developing a greedy algorithm. The authors' algorithm finds the optimal power assets' locations and defends against hidden FDI attacks with low computation cost. Finally, the authors utilize the proposed AC‐based attack and defence models to identify secure sites for distributed generation (DG) in the smart grid. The authors' experimental results for various IEEE standard test systems show enhanced accuracy of the attack and defence algorithms. The authors also validate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches in finding secure sites for DG units in the smart grid.
Recurrent X-ray flares of the black hole candidate in the globular cluster RZ 2109 in NGC 4472
Authors: Tiengo A. , Esposito P. , Toscani M. , Lodato G. , Arca Sedda M. , Motta S. E. , Contato F. , Marelli M. , Salvaterra R. , De Luca A.
Published: February 2022

We report the systematic analysis of the X-ray observations of the ultraluminous X-ray source XMMU J122939.7+075333 located in the globular cluster RZ 2109 in the Virgo galaxy NGC 4472. The inclusion of observations and time intervals ignored in previous works and the careful selection of extraction regions and energy bands have allowed us to identify new flaring episodes, in addition to those that made it one of the best black hole candidates in globular clusters. Although most observations are too short and sparse to recognize a regular pattern, the spacing of the three most recent X-ray flares is compatible with a recurrence time of ∼34 h. If confirmed by future observations, this behavior together with the soft spectrum of the X-ray flares would be strikingly similar to the quasiperiodic eruptions recently discovered in galactic nuclei. Following one of the possible interpretations of these systems and of a peculiar class of extragalactic X-ray transients, we explore the possibility that XMMU J122939.7+075333 might be powered by the partial disruption of a white dwarf by an intermediate-mass (M ∼ 700 M⊙) black hole.
Extension and validation of the pendulum model for longitudinal solar prominence oscillations
Authors: Luna M. , Terradas J. , Karpen J. , Ballester J. L.
Published: February 2022

Context.Longitudinal oscillations in prominences are common phenomena on the Sun. These oscillations can be used to infer the geometry and intensity of the filament magnetic field. Previous theoretical studies of longitudinal oscillations made two simplifying assumptions: uniform gravity and semicircular dips on the supporting flux tubes. However, the gravity is not uniform and realistic dips are not semicircular.

Aims.Our aim is to understand the effects of including the nonuniform solar gravity on longitudinal oscillations and explore the validity of the pendulum model with different flux-tube geometries.

Methods.We first derived the equation describing the motion of the plasma along the flux tube including the effects of nonuniform gravity, yielding corrections to the original pendulum model. We also computed the full numerical solutions for the normal modes and compared them with the new pendulum approximation.

Results.We find that the nonuniform gravity introduces a significant modification in the pendulum model. We also found a cut-off period; i.e., the longitudinal oscillations cannot have a period longer than 167 min. In addition, considering different tube geometries, the period depends almost exclusively on the radius of curvature at the bottom of the dip.

Conclusions.We conclude that nonuniform gravity significantly modifies the pendulum model. These corrections are important for prominence seismology, because the inferred values of the radius of curvature and minimum magnetic-field strength differ substantially from those of the old model. However, we find that the corrected pendulum model is quite robust and is still valid for noncircular dips.
Tracking the 3D evolution of a halo coronal mass ejection using the revised cone model
Authors: Zhang Q. M.
Published: February 2022

Aims. This paper aims to track the three-dimensional (3D) evolution of a full halo coronal mass ejection (CME) on 2011 June 21.

Methods. The CME results from a nonradial eruption of a filament-carrying flux rope in NOAA active region 11236. The eruption was observed in extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths by the extreme-ultraviolet imager (EUVI) on board the ahead and behind Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) spacecrafts and the atmospheric imaging assembly (AIA) on board the solar dynamics observatory (SDO). The CME was observed by the COR1 coronagraph on board STEREO and the C2 coronagraph on board the large angle spectroscopic coronagraph (LASCO). The revised cone model was slightly modified, with the top of the cone becoming a sphere, which is internally tangent to the legs. Using the multipoint observations, the cone model was applied to derive the morphological and kinematic properties of the CME.

Results. The cone shape fits nicely with the CME observed by EUVI and COR1 on board the STEREO twin spacecraft and LASCO/C2 coronagraph. The cone angle increases sharply from 54° to 130° in the initial phase, indicating a rapid expansion. A relation between the cone angle and the heliocentric distance of the CME leading front is derived, ω = 130° −480d−5, where d is in units of R⊙. The inclination angle decreases gradually from ∼51° to ∼18°, suggesting a trend of radial propagation. The heliocentric distance increases gradually in the initial phase and quickly in the later phase up to ∼11 R⊙. The true speed of the CME reaches ∼1140 km s−1, which is ∼1.6 times higher than the apparent speed in the LASCO/C2 field of view.

Conclusions. The revised cone model is promising in tracking the complete evolution of CMEs.
Oxygen Formation in the Light of Gamma-Beams: [Precision Measurements of the 12C(α, γ) Reaction with Gamma-Beams and a Time Projection Chamber]
Authors: Gai Moshe
Published: February 2022

The carbon/oxygen (C/O) ratio at the end of stellar helium burning is not known with sufficient accuracy due to the large uncertainty in the cross-section of the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction. We developed a new method to measure this reaction that is significantly different from the experimental efforts of the past four decades. Data were measured with vanishingly small background, inside one detector, that also serves as an active target (AT-TPC). Angular distributions of the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction were obtained by measuring the inverse 16O(γ, α)12C reaction with gamma-beams (from the HIγS facility) and an optical readout time projection chamber (O-TPC) detector. We agree with current world data on the measured total reaction cross-section. We further evidence the strength of our method with angular distributions measured over the 1–resonance at Ecm ~ 2.4 MeV. We extract the E1-E2 mixing phase angle (ϕ12) over this resonance and obtained values that follow the trend of prediction based on unitarity of the scattering amplitude. Our technique promises to yield results that will surpass the quality of the currently available data. We continue these measurements to lower energies at the HIγS facility of TUNL at Duke University, and anticipate measurements down to Ecm = 1.1 MeV at the ELI-NP, the EU facility in Romania..
Direct measurements of the 12C(12C,p)23Na and 12C(12C,α)20Ne reactions at low energies for Nuclear Astrophysics
Authors: Morales-Gallegos Lizeth , Aliotta Marialuisa , Best Andreas , Bruno Carlo G. , Buompane Raffaele , Davinson Thomas , De Cesare Mario , Di Leva Antonino , D’Onofrio Antonio , Duarte Jeremias G. , Gasques Leandro , Gialanella Lucio , Imbriani Gianluca , Porzio Giuseppe , Rapagnani David , Romoli Mauro , Terrasi Filippo
Published: February 2022

12C+12C reactions are crucial in the evolution of massive stars and explosive scenarios. The measurement of these reactions at astrophysical energies is very challenging due to their extremely small cross sections, and the presence of beam induced background originated by the natural 1,2H contaminants in the C targets. In addition, the many discrepancies between different data sets and the complicated resonant structure of the cross sections make the extrapolation to low energies very uncertain. Recently, we performed a direct measurement of the 12C+12C reactions at the CIRCE Laboratory in Italy. Results from a study on target contamination were used, allowing us to measure cross sections at Ec.m. =2.51 − 4.36 MeV with 10-25 keV energy steps. Two stage ΔE-Erest detectors were used for unambiguous particle identiﬁcation. Branching ratios of individual particle groups were found to vary signiﬁcantly with energy and angular distributions were also found to be anisotropic, which could be a potential explanation for the discrepancies observed among different data sets.