bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diverse Intracellular Inclusion Types Within Magnetotactic Bacteria: Implications for Biogeochemical Cycling in Aquatic Environments
Authors: Li Jinhua , Liu Peiyu , Tamaxia Alima , Zhang Heng , Liu Yan , Wang Jian , Menguy Nicolas , Zhao Xiang , Roberts Andrew P. , Pan Yongxin
Published: June 2021

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are a group of prokaryotes that generally live dominantly at or just below the oxic‐anoxic transition zone (OATZ) in diverse aquatic environments. They biomineralize intracellular magnetic nanocrystals of magnetite (Fe3O4) or/and greigite (Fe3S4) each enveloped by a bilayer membrane, called a magnetosome, and often organized into a chain or chains. Here, we identify a new magnetotactic spirillum strain (tentatively named WYHS‐1) from freshwater sediments of Weiyang Lake, Xi'an, northwestern China, using coupled fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy at the single‐cell level. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicates that strain WYHS‐1 is affiliated with the Azospirillum genus within the Alphaproteobacteria class of the Proteobacteria phylum. Transmission electron microscopy combined with synchrotron‐based scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy analyses reveal that strain WYHS‐1 produces nearly isotropic magnetite‐type crystals, with average lengths and widths of 34.5 ± 6.7 nm and 32.8 ± 6.5 nm, respectively. WYHS‐1 cells also contain at least three other types of intracellular, submicron inclusions: Sulfur (S0) globules, Ca/Mg‐rich polyphosphate granules, and organic‐deficient vacuoles. Unlike magnetic particles, which occur within all WYHS‐1 cells, the latter three inclusion types are not always present, which indicates that they may be temporary intracellular structures that store or transport chemicals. Together with genomic and physicochemical knowledge for available bacteria, we propose a conceptual model in which MTB drive biogeochemical elemental cycling within aquatic OATZ environments and contribute to the distribution and burial of biominerals in sediments.
Metabolic alterations mediated by STAT3 promotes drug persistence in CML
Authors: Patel Sweta B. , Nemkov Travis , Stefanoni Davide , Benavides Gloria A. , Bassal Mahmoud A. , Crown Brittany L. , Matkins Victoria R. , Camacho Virginia , Kuznetsova Valeriya , Hoang Ashley T. , Tenen Danielle E. , Wolock Samuel L. , Park Jihye , Ying Li , Yue Zongliang , Chen Jake Y. , Yang Henry , Tenen Daniel G. , Ferrell Paul Brent , Lu Rui , Darley-Usmar Victor , D’Alessandro Angelo , Bhatia Ravi , Welner Robert S.
Published: June 2021

Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) can acquire non-mutational resistance following drug treatment leading to therapeutic failure and relapse. However, oncogene-independent mechanisms of drug persistence in LSCs are incompletely understood, which is the primary focus of this study. We integrated proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics to determine the contribution of STAT3 in promoting metabolic changes in tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) persistent chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells. Proteomic and transcriptional differences in TKI persistent CML cells revealed BCR-ABL-independent STAT3 activation in these cells. While knockout of STAT3 inhibited the CML cells from developing drug-persistence, inhibition of STAT3 using a small molecule inhibitor sensitized the persistent CML cells to TKI treatment. Interestingly, given the role of phosphorylated STAT3 as a transcription factor, it localized uniquely to genes regulating metabolic pathways in the TKI-persistent CML stem and progenitor cells. Subsequently, we observed that STAT3 dysregulated mitochondrial metabolism forcing the TKI-persistent CML cells to depend on glycolysis, unlike TKI-sensitive CML cells, which are more reliant on oxidative phosphorylation. Finally, targeting pyruvate kinase M2, a rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme, specifically eradicated the TKI-persistent CML cells. By exploring the role of STAT3 in altering metabolism, we provide critical insight into identifying potential therapeutic targets for eliminating TKI-persistent LSCs.
Surface-modified elastomeric nanofluidic devices for single nanoparticle trapping
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Lim Roderick Y. H. , Pfohl Thomas , Ekinci Yasin
Published: June 2021

Our work focuses on the development of simpler and effective production of nanofluidic devices for high-throughput charged single nanoparticle trapping in an aqueous environment. Single nanoparticle confinement using electrostatic trapping has been an effective approach to study the fundamental properties of charged molecules under a controlled aqueous environment. Conventionally, geometry-induced electrostatic trapping devices are fabricated using SiOx-based substrates and comprise nanochannels imbedded with nanoindentations such as nanopockets, nanoslits and nanogrids. These geometry-induced electrostatic trapping devices can only trap negatively charged particles, and therefore, to trap positively charged particles, modification of the device surface is required. However, the surface modification process of a nanofluidic device is cumbersome and time consuming. Therefore, here, we present a novel approach for the development of surface-modified geometry-induced electrostatic trapping devices that reduces the surface modification time from nearly 5 days to just a few hours. We utilized polydimethylsiloxane for the development of a surface-modified geometry-induced electrostatic trapping device. To demonstrate the device efficiency and success of the surface modification procedure, a comparison study between a PDMS-based geometry-induced electrostatic trapping device and the surface-modified polydimethylsiloxane-based device was performed. The device surface was modified with two layers of polyelectrolytes (1: poly(ethyleneimine) and 2: poly(styrenesulfonate)), which led to an overall negatively charged surface. Our experiments revealed the presence of a homogeneous surface charge density inside the fluidic devices and equivalent trapping strengths for the surface-modified and native polydimethylsiloxane-based geometry-induced electrostatic trapping devices. This work paves the way towards broader use of geometry-induced electrostatic trapping devices in the fields of biosensing, disease diagnosis, molecular analysis, fluid quality control and pathogen detection.
Longitudinal plasma phosphorylated tau 181 tracks disease progression in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chen Shi-Dong , Huang Yu-Yuan , Shen Xue-Ning , Guo Yu , Tan Lan , Dong Qiang , Yu Jin-Tai ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2021

To assess plasma phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau181) as a progression biomarker in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we examined longitudinal plasma p-tau181 of 1184 participants (403 cognitively normal (CN), 560 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 221 with AD dementia) from Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The plasma p-tau level was increased at baseline for MCI and AD dementia (mean: CN, 15.4 pg/mL; MCI, 18.4 pg/mL; AD dementia, 23.7 pg/mL; P < 0.001) and increased significantly over time at preclinical (Aβ-positive CN), prodromal (Aβ-positive MCI), and dementia (Aβ-positive dementia) stage of AD. A longitudinal increase of plasma p-tau181 was associated with abnormal cerebrospinal fluid biomarker levels (low Aβ42, high phosphorylated tau, and high total tau, all P < 0.001), amyloid accumulation (P < 0.001) and hypometabolism (P = 0.002) on positron emission tomography, atrophy in structure imaging (small hippocampal (P = 0.030), middle temporal (P = 0.008), and whole brain (P = 0.027) volume, and large ventricular volume (P = 0.008)), and deteriorated cognitive performance (global cognition and memory, language, executive function, and visuospatial function, all P < 0.050) at baseline. Furthermore, longitudinal plasma p-tau181 correlated with concurrent changes of nearly all these AD-related hallmarks and faster increase in plasma p-tau181 correlated with faster worsening cognition in all diagnostic groups. Importantly, most associations remained significant in Aβ-positive group and became non-significant in Aβ-negative group. Longitudinal analyses of plasma p-tau181 suggest its potential as a noninvasive biomarker to track disease progression in AD and to monitor effects of disease-modifying therapeutics in clinical trials.
Ibudilast, a neuroimmune modulator, reduces heavy drinking and alcohol cue-elicited neural activation: a randomized trial
Authors: Grodin Erica N. , Bujarski Spencer , Towns Brandon , Burnette Elizabeth , Nieto Steven , Lim Aaron , Lin Johnny , Miotto Karen , Gillis Artha , Irwin Michael R. , Evans Christopher , Ray Lara A.
Published: June 2021

Ibudilast, a neuroimmune modulator which selectively inhibits phosphodiesterases (PDE)-3, -4, -10, and -11, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), shows promise as a novel pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the mechanisms of action underlying ibudilast’s effects on the human brain remain largely unknown. Thus, the current study examined the efficacy of ibudilast to improve negative mood, reduce heavy drinking, and attenuate neural reward signals in individuals with AUD. Fifty-two nontreatment-seeking individuals with AUD were randomized to receive ibudilast (n = 24) or placebo (n = 28). Participants completed a 2-week daily diary study during which they filled out daily reports of their past day drinking, mood, and craving. Participants completed an functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) alcohol cue-reactivity paradigm half-way through the study. Ibudilast did not have a significant effect on negative mood (β = −0.34, p = 0.62). However, ibudilast, relative to placebo, reduced the odds of heavy drinking across time by 45% (OR = 0.55, (95% CI: 0.30, 0.98)). Ibudilast also attenuated alcohol cue-elicited activation in the ventral striatum (VS) compared to placebo (F(1,44) = 7.36, p = 0.01). Alcohol cue-elicited activation in the VS predicted subsequent drinking in the ibudilast group (F(1,44) = 6.39, p = 0.02), such that individuals who had attenuated ventral striatal activation and took ibudilast had the fewest number of drinks per drinking day in the week following the scan. These findings extend preclinical and human laboratory studies of the utility of ibudilast to treat AUD and suggest a biobehavioral mechanism through which ibudilast acts, namely, by reducing the rewarding response to alcohol cues in the brain leading to a reduction in heavy drinking.
Noncanonical functions of glucocorticoids: A novel role for glucocorticoids in performing multiple beneficial functions in endometrial stem cells
Authors: Park Se-Ra , Kim Seong-Kwan , Kim Soo-Rim , Kim Doojin , Kim Kun-Woo , Hong In-Sun , Lee Hwa-Yong
Published: June 2021

Chronic stress has a negative impact on many fertility-related functions; thus, the recent decline in female fertility seems to be at least partially associated with increased stress. The secretion of glucocorticoids is a typical endocrine response to chronic stress and indirectly reduces uterine receptivity through the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. However, in addition to its well-known canonical role, the direct effects of chronic stress-induced glucocorticoids on various uterine functions and their underlying molecular mechanisms are complex and have not yet been revealed. Recent studies have found that resident stem cell deficiency is responsible for the limited regenerative potential of the endometrium (the innermost lining of the uterine cavity) during each menstrual cycle, which subsequently increases infertility rates. In this context, we hypothesized that stress-induced glucocorticoids directly damage endometrial stem cells and consequently negatively affect endometrial reconstruction, which is important for uterine receptivity. In addition to its well-known canonical roles, we identified for the first time that cortisol, the most abundant and potent glucocorticoid in humans, directly suppresses the multiple beneficial functions (self-renewal, transdifferentiation, and migratory potential) of human endometrial stem cells through its functional receptor, glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Glucocorticoids inhibit well-known survival signals, such as the PI3K/Akt and FAK/ERK1/2 pathways. More importantly, we also found that immobilization of stress-induced glucocorticoids suppresses the various beneficial functions of tissue resident stem cells in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the direct effects of glucocorticoids on the regenerative capacity of endometrial stem cells, and the findings will facilitate the development of more promising therapeutic approaches to increase female fertility.
G-protein-coupled receptor GPR17 inhibits glioma development by increasing polycomb repressive complex 1-mediated ROS production
Authors: Liu Huiqing , Xing Rui , Ou Zhimin , Zhao Junying , Hong Guolin , Zhao Tong-Jin , Han Ying , Chen Ying
Published: June 2021

Glioma is the most common primary tumor in the central nervous system. However, the development of glioma and effective therapeutic strategies remain elusive. Here, we identify GPR17 as a potential target to treat glioma. Data mining with human LGG and GBM samples reveals that GPR17 is negatively correlated with glioma development. Overexpressing GPR17 inhibits glioma cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by raising ROS levels. GPR17-overexpressing glioma cells are less tumorigenic in the brain than in control cells. Mechanistically, GPR17 inhibits the transcription of RNF2, a key component in the PRC1 complex, through cAMP/PKA/NF-κB signaling, leading to reduced histone H2A monoubiquitination. ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq analyses reveal KLF9 as a direct target of RNF2. KLF9 mediates the functions of GPR17 and RNF2 in glioma cells. Furthermore, activation of GPR17 by its agonist inhibits glioma formation. Our findings have thus identified GPR17 as a key regulator of glioma development and a potential therapeutic target for gliomas.
Population matched (pm) germline allelic variants of immunoglobulin (IG) loci: Relevance in infectious diseases and vaccination studies in human populations
Authors: Khatri Indu , Berkowska Magdalena A. , van den Akker Erik B. , Teodosio Cristina , Reinders Marcel J. T. , van Dongen Jacques J. M.
Published: June 2021

Immunoglobulin (IG) loci harbor inter-individual allelic variants in many different germline IG variable, diversity and joining genes of the IG heavy (IGH), kappa (IGK) and lambda (IGL) loci, which together form the genetic basis of the highly diverse antigen-specific B-cell receptors. These allelic variants can be shared between or be specific to human populations. The current immunogenetics resources gather the germline alleles, however, lack the population specificity of the alleles which poses limitations for disease-association studies related to immune responses in different human populations. Therefore, we systematically identified germline alleles from 26 different human populations around the world, profiled by “1000 Genomes” data. We identified 409 IGHV, 179 IGKV, and 199 IGLV germline alleles supported by at least seven haplotypes. The diversity of germline alleles is the highest in Africans. Remarkably, the variants in the identified novel alleles show strikingly conserved patterns, the same as found in other IG databases, suggesting over-time evolutionary selection processes. We could relate the genetic variants to population-specific immune responses, e.g. IGHV1-69 for flu in Africans. The population matched IG (pmIG) resource will enhance our understanding of the SHM-related B-cell receptor selection processes in (infectious) diseases and vaccination within and between different human populations.
Superoxide-responsive fluorogenic molecular probes for optical bioimaging of neurodegenerative events in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Shin Jawon , Kang Dong Min , Yoo Jounghyun , Heo Jeongyun , Jeong Keunsoo , Chung Ji Hyung , Han Ye Sun , Kim Sehoon
Published: June 2021

Superoxide-sensitive fluorogenic molecular probes, benzenesulfonylated resorufin derivatives (BSRs), were newly devised for optical bioimaging of oxidative events in neurodegenerative processes.
An antifouling polymer for dynamic anti-protein adhesion analysis by a quartz crystal microbalance
Authors: Chen Ximing , Ma Yan , Gui Qingwen , Hu Shiyu , Pan Weisong , Lan Yaqin , Zeng Mei , Zhou Tiean , Su Zhaohong
Published: June 2021

Quartz crystal microbalance was used to dynamically monitor both the modification and anti-protein adhesion process of an antifouling polymer coating.
Non-innocent ligand flavone and curcumin inspired ruthenium photosensitizers for solar energy conversion
Authors: Lee Nicholas A. , Ngo Ken T. , Gilligan Gerald E. , Lamberto Massimilliano , Rochford Jonathan
Published: June 2021

A series of ruthenium photosensitizers incorporating a β-diketonate non-innocent ligand were synthesized, characterized, and implemented in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Combined therapy of ruthenium dendrimers and anti-cancer drugs against human leukemic cells
Authors: Michlewska Sylwia , Maroto Marta , Hołota Marcin , Kubczak Malgorzata , Sanz del Olmo Natalia , Ortega Paula , Shcharbin Dzmitry , de la Mata Francisco Javier , Bryszewska Maria , Ionov Maksim
Published: June 2021

A new family of cationic ruthenium(ii) metallodendrimers of a carbosilane nature with the metal centre coordinated to 2-aminopyridine ligands have been synthesized and interacted with conventional anticancer drugs.
Enhanced electrochemiluminescence of Au–Ag bimetallic nanocluster@CNTs–TiO2 nanocomposite and its use in ultra-sensitive immunosensing for CEA
Authors: Huang Xiaomei , Deng Xiang , Su Ke , Qi Wenjing
Published: June 2021

Highly efficient electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of novel Au–Ag bimetallic nanocluster@CNTs–TiO2 nanocomposites (Au–Ag NCs@CNTs–TiO2 NPs) with a unique “pearl necklace” structure is realized and applied as ECL immunosensor for cancer embryo antigen (CEA).
A study on Li0.33La0.55TiO3 solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and its application in flexible all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Tan Feihu , An Hua , Li Ning , Du Jun , Peng Zhengchun
Published: June 2021

As flexible all-solid-state batteries are highly safe and light weight, they can be considered as candidates for wearable energy sources.
Mass spectrometric detection of fleeting neutral intermediates generated in electrochemical reactions
Authors: Liu Jilin , Yu Kai , Zhang Hong , He Jing , Jiang Jie , Luo Hai
Published: June 2021

An electrochemistry-neutral reionization-mass spectrometry (EC-NR-MS) technique was developed for on-line studying the long-sought neutral radicals generated in electrochemical reactions.
A bromide-induced highly oriented low-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper phase for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Hu Jianfei , Liu Jin , Chen Haoran , Ran Xueqin , Zhang Hui , Li Ping , Song Lin , Müller-Buschbaum Peter , Xia Yingdong , Chen Yonghua
Published: June 2021

A highly vertically oriented LDRP phase is achieved by introducing Br into BA lead halide perovskites, i.e., (C4H9NH3)2MA4Pb5BrxI16−x. The I–Br–I based PSCs show improved PCE (15.75% vs. 12.15%) and stabilities compared to the device with the pristine I–I–I system.
Achievable secrecy rate analysis in mmWave ad hoc networks with multi‐array antenna transmission and artificial noise
Authors: Darwesh Ahmed Fathy , Fapojuwo Abraham O.
Published: June 2021

This paper analyzes the achievable secrecy rate in a millimeter wave (mmWave) ad hoc network with multi‐array antenna transmission in the presence of non‐colluding and colluding eavesdroppers. By exploiting the tools of stochastic geometry, the average achievable secrecy rate is derived, taking into consideration the impact of blockages, directional beamforming, and Nakagami‐m fading. Moreover, a simple yet effective artificial noise transmission (Tx‐AN) technique is applied at the transmitting nodes to enhance the secrecy performance while the channel state information at the desired transmitter is unknown. Numerical and simulation results are presented for the average achievable secrecy rate in the mmWave ad hoc network without and with the Tx‐AN technique. For example, at the high transmit power (>20 dBm), the average achievable secrecy rate with the Tx‐AN technique is up to three times higher than that obtained when the Tx‐AN technique is not used. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the secrecy robustness of the Tx‐AN technique against increasing eavesdroppers' intensity. Finally, the proper power allocation between the message and AN signals that maximizes the average achievable secrecy rate is computed.
No‐load voltage and damper winding loss and heat analysis of the pole shoe and damper winding centre line shifted structure of tubular hydro‐generators
Authors: Bian Zu‐ying , Zhou Zhi‐ting , Fan Zhen‐nan
Published: June 2021

For the pole shoe and damper winding centre line shifted structure that has been gradually applied in hydro‐generator in recent years, this letter selects one real integer and one fractional slot large tubular hydro‐generator as examples. Then revealed the influence trends of different shift degrees on the no‐load voltage waveform quality and the damper winding loss and heat under rated load conditions. Also, it compared these trends with those of the traditional stator skew 1 slot structure. The results show that for integer slot generator, this kind of shift structure can obtain high‐quality no‐load voltage waveform close to the traditional stator skewed 1 slot scheme, and the damper winding loss and heat is significantly smaller than the latter. For fractional slot generators, this kind of shift structure will lead to the deterioration of the no‐load voltage waveform.
Design and analysis of a novel yokeless mover permanent magnet linear generator for free piston engine converter
Authors: Tajdiny Arman , Monsef Hassan , Lessani Hamid
Published: June 2021

Free piston engine generator (FPEG) is one of the recent solutions by researchers used in hybrid vehicles, which eventually can contribute to the reduction of environmental pollutants from public transports. The purpose of the this work is to introduce a novel dual‐stator permanent magnet linear generator with yokeless mover (DSPMLG) to improve the key parameters of the linear generator used in FPEG systems. In this work, an analytical model of the DSPMLG magnetic field is developed to investigate magnetic field flux density distribution and for back‐EMF prediction. Then, a two‐dimensional (2D) model of the DSPMLG is put forth using the finite element method (FEM) to validate the analytical results. In the next section, 1D modelling and simulation of a two‐stroke free‐piston engine (FPE) with dual‐piston structure is done using Ricardo’s WAVE software. The obtained results are used in the FEM simulation and prototype development in order to accurately evaluate the performance of the introduced generator in the FPEG system. Since the FPE velocity profile distorts the back‐EMF, the effect of the velocity profile on back‐EMF distortion is investigated using fast Fourier transform. Also, the DSPMLG is optimised for minimum back‐EMF distortion, considering the maximum output power. To validate the simulation results, the DSPMLG is developed and the obtained experimental results have proper conformity with the simulation results. Finally, in order to weigh up the effectiveness of the proposed generator, its structure is compared with other reported structures in previous research studies based on the key indicators required for the linear generator used in FPEGs.
Provision of ancillary services in a grid‐connected photovoltaic distributed energy resource
Authors: Pederneiras Moraes Rocha Jéssica , Salvadori Fabiano , Hartmann Lucas Vinícius , Malagoli Buiatti Gustavo , Ferreira Moreno Pinheiro da Silva Italo Roger , Seibel Gehrke Camila
Published: June 2021

The constant growth of distributed energy resource (DER) in the electric power system (EPS) is a reality on account of some aspects, for example, technical, financial, environmental. The insertion of DERs can be positive, providing ancillary services, for example, harmonic mitigation, or negative, causing overvoltage, depending on the proper control and the characteristics of the grid. This paper proposes a ‐based control strategy for distributed generation, wherein the studied system is composed by a photovoltaic DER and a three‐phase converter for processing the generated power and providing ancillary services (ASs) to a three‐wire EPS. The power control is based on the power balance between the grid and the converter. Besides supplying active and reactive power, the proposed strategy can provide ASs by controlling the grid currents from a transformation. Some advantages over other solution can be mentioned, such as reduced sensor number and instantaneous control response. In addition, neither additional harmonic‐extraction method nor a phase‐locked loop is required. To validate this study and theoretical considerations, simulation results are presented and evaluated. From tests in a downscaled laboratory setup, experimental results are also presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
RPWM selective voltage harmonic elimination method for single‐phase five‐level MPUC inverter based on cell division
Authors: Li Guohua , Cao Dongman , Wang Yufeng
Published: June 2021

The conventional selective harmonic elimination method of random pulse width modulation (RPWM) is only suitable for the two‐level inverter. Furthermore, when the harmonics below 6 kHz are selectively eliminated, it is easy to cause a low average switching frequency of the inverter, which leads to the increase of load current distortion rate. This paper proposes an RPWM selective voltage harmonic elimination method for a single‐phase five‐level MPUC (modified packed U‐cells) inverter based on cell division. The MPUC inverter is supposed to be divided into three series cells, and the carrier stacking strategy is used to realize the coordinated control between each cell. In the process of RPWM, the average switching frequency can be controlled within a certain range by selecting the random number. This method is divided into normal mode and master–slave mode. In the normal mode, the selective harmonic elimination is realized by the method of cancelling the front and back terms of Fourier series in each cell. In the master–slave mode, the master cell is mainly used for fundamental power output, and the slave cell is mainly used for RPWM selective harmonic elimination. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the simulation and experimental results.
Lightning risk assessment model for transmission lines with lift‐based improved analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Zheng Yuesheng , Wu Zhiwei , Shu Shengwen , Xu Jun , Fang Chaoying , Xie Wenbing
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a new assessment method for lightning trip‐out of transmission lines that includes an improved analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) algorithm based on a lift in association rules. First, the k‐means clustering algorithm is used to discretize the geomorphic information along transmission lines, and ten feature factors are obtained. Next, by analysing the correlation between each feature factor and a lightning trip‐out event using the lift algorithm, the strong correlation factors are extracted. On this basis, an IAHP algorithm optimized by lift is proposed to establish an objective judgment matrix. Then, multiple indexes are combined as a criterion layer of the IAHP, and a lightning risk assessment model of transmission lines is established. Finally, the proposed method is validated by simulations using 28 transmission lines with 220 kV voltage grade of a provincial power grid of China. An assessment model is established using the lightning trip‐out data in the period 2010–2014, and then this model is employed to estimate the lightning trip‐out risk in the period 2015–2018. Based on the number of phase faults, the agreement between the estimation results and the actual values is 76%. The proposed model provides a new method for the lightning risk assessment of transmission lines.
Interaction between plasma jet and silicone rubber covered by porous inorganic contaminants: Surface hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity?
Authors: Li Shuang , Li Jianjun , Fu Yongqiang , Zhang Ruobing
Published: June 2021

The variation of surface hydrophobicity of silicone rubber materials covered with porous inorganic pollution layer under the action of atmospheric pressure plasma jet presents some new features, which have important engineering applications in the field of outdoor insulation of power systems. Interaction of the plasma with the polluted silicone rubber is studied and surface hydrophobicity is measured. Experimental results show that the exposure of plasma greatly accelerates the transfer of low molecular weight siloxanes (LMWs) in the pollution layer. However, the surface hydrophobicity is determined by the LMWs contents and the exposure time. Two acceleration effects of plasma during and after plasma exposure are proposed, their influence on surface hydrophobicity is analysed and related mechanisms are clarified. In addition, the competing influence of plasma‐induced acceleration of the transfer of LMWs towards the surface and plasma‐oxidation of LMWs on surface hydrophobicity is discussed.
Dynamic wireless power transfer system for electric‐powered connected and autonomous vehicle on urban road network
Authors: Liu Qingyun , Hu Simon , Angeloudis Panagiotis , Wang Yibing , Zhang Lihui , Yang Qiang , Li Yongfu
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the potential impacts of dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) systems on the urban road network with a particular focus on charging and energy consumption implications. The paper is motivated by the recent advancement of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology and innovations on smart transportation infrastructure. An eco‐driving model aiming at energy consumption reduction is developed and a DWPT system layout suitable for charging eco‐driving CAVs at a signalised intersection is proposed. The idea is demonstrated in a simulated environment with different market penetration rate (MPR) of CAVs travelling through a signalized intersection equipped with the proposed DWPT system. The results suggest that as MPR of CAV increases, the energy savings for both CAVs and human‐driven vehicles (HVs) will increase significantly. At full MPR of CAVs, the reduction of average energy consumption of all types of vehicles can reach up to 62%. The average energy transferred and stored per battery electric vehicle can increase by up to 5% and 10%, respectively. These promising results indicate that a well‐designed DWPT system layout together with the eco‐driving behaviour of CAVs can have a positive impact on the urban transportation system in terms of resulting energy consumption and emissions.
Sparse virtual array synthesis for MIMO radar imaging systems
Authors: Syeda Rabia Z. , van Beurden Martijn C. , Smolders A. Bart
Published: June 2021

Multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) radar imaging systems require a high angular resolution to realize a high detectability level of the target directly related to the aperture size of the virtual array. Since in MIMO radars, the virtual array topology depends on the transmit and receive array topologies, two methods are proposed for the synthesis of sparse virtual arrays by designing the sparse transmit and receive arrays using a two‐step synthesis procedure (TSP) for antenna array sparsity via convex optimization. Both methods are formulated in detail, and it is shown that adjustments in formulations with respect to physical constraints in design specifications are feasible. In the first method, both the sparse transmit and the sparse receive array are synthesized using the TSP independently of each other. In the second method, the sparse receive array is synthesized based on the transmit array topology or vice versa using the method of least squares. With the help of numerical examples, it is shown that a sparse virtual array has better performance in terms of beamwidth and side lobe level compared with the traditional dense virtual array with the same number of transmit and receive array elements. It is also shown that the proposed design methods lead to broadband performance.
Design and analysis of optical sensors composed of large arrays of nanowires using the surface impedance generating operator (SIGO) method
Authors: Gholipour Alireza , Karimian Shokrollah
Published: June 2021

The design and analysis of large arrays of nanoscale scattering elements using existing computational tools is particularly difficult. Such difficulty mainly arises from large number of unknowns and the way existing CAD tools handle the analysis of complex nanostructures. In this work, a simple, reliable and fast analytical tool is introduced based on the surface impedance generating operator method, which not only reduces the number of unknowns through surface discretisation of the scatterers but can also be implemented in a parallel process, reducing simulation time. Circular and linear arrays of nanowires are designed using the proposed method to have a directive pattern and to be deployed in a rake‐shaped optical probe head. The far‐field scattering patterns of the arrays are investigated. In addition, the effects of array configuration as well as the number of elements and their properties on the directivity and beamwidth of the scattering patterns are also evaluated. Finally, high‐resolution directive scanning probes made of a circular array of 31 gold nanowires and a linear array of 15 elements are designed at 800 nm with less than 3° beamwidth.
A fast and gridless STAP algorithm based on mixed‐norm minimisation and the alternating direction method of multipliers
Authors: Li Zhongyue , Wang Tong , Su Yuyu
Published: June 2021

Sparse recovery (SR) based space‐time adaptive processing (STAP) methods have received much attention recently due to their dramatically reduced requirements of training samples. However, most of the existing SR‐STAP algorithms suffer from the off‐grid effect induced by the discretisation of angle‐Doppler plane. To eliminate this effect and improve the performance of clutter suppression, a novel gridless mixed‐norm minimisation (MNM) based STAP algorithm is proposed. Unlike previous grid‐based SR‐STAP methods, the clutter covariance matrix (CCM) is estimated in continuous domain by solving a semidefinite programme (SDP), which is established by utilising the properties of the CCM and the compact formulation of MNM. Furthermore, to reduce the computational burden of solving this SDP, a fast iterative algorithm via the framework of the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is also derived, where the unknown parameters are iteratively updated with closed‐form expressions. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm achieves better performance of clutter suppression and target detection with lower computational complexity.
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) with GI Cancer Chemotherapy: Do We Need CINV Risk Score Over and Above Antiemetic Guidelines in Prescribing Antiemetic Regime?
Authors: D’Souza Anita , Pawar Dipalee , Ramaswamy Anant , Turkar Siddharth , Bhargava Prabhat , Kapoor Akhil , Mandavkar Sarika , Nashikkar Chaitali , Ostwal Vikas
Published: June 2021

Background Various predictive models have been developed which incorporates patient risk factors into the selection of optimal antiemetic therapy, one of which is chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) risk scoring system developed by Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC).

Patients and Methods Consecutive patients with gastrointestinal malignancy who had not received previous chemotherapy were eligible for enrollment in the study if they were scheduled to receive at least one cycle of chemotherapy. The CINV risk assessment tool was used to collect the study data and to assess CINV risk score.

Results Ninety-eight patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria were included in this study, out of which 57% were males, median age was 48 years (range: 28–77). Colorectal cancer (32.7%) was the most common diagnosis followed by gastric cancer (27.6%). Gemcitabine/cisplatin and CAPOX regimen were the most common regimen being administered in 19.4% each. As per MASCC guidelines, 19.4% patients received highly emetogenic chemotherapy, 69.4% moderately emetogenic chemotherapy, while 11.2% received regimen with low emetogenicity. CINV risk module characterized 52% patients to have high risk for CINV, while 48% to have low risk of CINV, thus, 52% had the discrepancy in risk assigned by two methods, and this was statistically significant (p = 0.025). In subgroup analysis, although patient cohort with acute nausea had no statistically significant discrepancy (p = 0.123), but statistically significant discrepancy was found in patient cohort with delayed nausea (p = 0.001), acute (p = 0.038), and delayed (p < 0.001) vomiting.

Conclusion A significant percentage of patients who receive chemotherapy continue to experience nausea and vomiting despite receiving antiemetic treatment as per standard guidelines. The study generates a hypothesis for future large randomized studies looking at change in antiemetic prophylaxis based on CINV risk tool, leading to improvement in complete response rates of acute and delayed CINV.
Chemoradiation in Unresectable Oral Cavity Cancer: A Myth or Reality!
Authors: Patil Vijay Maruti , Noronha Vanita , Joshi Amit , Kumar Amit , Dsouza Hollis , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Mahajan Abhishek , Sabale Nilesh , Ghosh-Laskar Sarbani , Prabhash Kumar
Published: June 2021

Objective Earlier studies have shown that chemoradiation (CTRT) has benefits in the head-and-neck cancer, but how far it is true for oral cavity subset that has not been exactly explored. Keeping the null hypothesis as CTRT has no benefit in oral cavity cancer, we studied the outcome of patients undergoing chemoradiation in unresectable oral cavity cancers. The aim of this study is to study whether overall survival (OS) increases with chemoradiation in unresectable oral cavity cancers.

Patients and Methods Between December 2014 and February 2017, 23 patients aged 18 years and above were planned chemoradiation for unresectable oral cavity cancer and were included for this analysis.

Results The median age of patients was 43 years and all patients were addicted to tobacco. In total, 12 of 23 (52%) completed CTRT. One patient (1/23) was alive at the time of final analysis with median OS of 5.83 (2.73–9.60) months. The median progression free survival and OS in patients who completed chemoradiation were 6.42 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.67–10.53) and 8.9 months (95% CI: 4.4–23.07), respectively.

Conclusion CTRT has a limited role in unresectable oral cancers.
Sanctioned terror: economic sanctions and more effective terrorism
Authors: Altmann Thomas , Giersch Jason
Published: June 2021

The literature on unintended consequences of economic sanctions is well developed, but few studies have addressed terrorism in target states, and none have assessed whether that terrorism becomes more effective when sanctions are in place. In this study, we test whether economic sanctions lead to an increase in the lethality of terrorism. Using data from multiple sources, we find that while sanctions are unrelated to the rate of success of terrorist attacks, they are positively associated with the number of fatalities resulting from terrorist attacks. These findings further the need for policymakers to consider the consequences sanctions have on the target country populace.
411 EFFICACY OF CDSS IN IMPROVING ANTI-RESORPTIVE BONE PROTECTIVE THERAPY AMONGST ORTHOGERIATRIC INPATIENTS: A COMPARISON STUDY
Authors: Bhandary L , Mohd Asri N A , Taylor A , Muslim A , Hickey P , Lenihan B , Condon F , Ryan J
Published: June 2021

Background

Hip fractures have a mortality rate of 20% in the year following the fracture. Therefore, patients presenting with hip fractures should be assessed and prescribed anti-resorptive bone protective therapy (ABPT) to reduce the risk of further fractures. In our institution, this decision is undertaken by a specialist only. Purpose: The objective of this study is to compare the proportion of patients commenced on ABPT by surgical interns following the introduction of a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) in January 2020 to support appropriate ABPT prescribing amongst non-specialists.

Methods

The study compares the orthogeriatric patient cohort before and after CDSS introduction within the same time period (Jan 1st to June 30th) in 2019 and 2020. Data were extracted from the Irish Hip Fracture Database and statistically analyzed using SPSS. The Mann–Whitney two-tailed test was employed to calculate statistical significance.

Results

In 2019, 31% (55/178) of patients admitted during the study period (n = 178) did not receive orthogeriatric specialist input and only 27% (15/55) of these had ABPT prescribed during their admission. In 2020, 17% (32/185) of patients admitted during the study period (n = 185) did not receive specialist input; however, 44% (14/32) of these were commenced on ABPT. Overall, more patients were prescribed ABPT in 2020 (78%;146/185), as compared to 55% (98/178) in 2019 (z-score 6.57069; p-value <0.01). The number of patients awaiting specialist outpatient appointments before being prescribed ABPT also dropped from 40% (71/178) in 2019 to 13% (24/185) in 2020 (p-value <0.01).

Conclusion

This study highlighted the significance of a CDSS to improve inpatient ABPT prescribing by non-specialists and to reduce outpatient specialist appointments. This could have a major impact on the long-term reduction of mortality rates amongst orthogeriatric patients and the reduction of future healthcare costs.
464 ESCALATION DURING COVID-19
Authors: Magee M
Published: June 2021

Introduction

During the first surge of COVID-19 it was well recognised that early identification of a plan for escalation in the event of deterioration for each patient was vital. If no decision is documented it results in junior staff frequently making decisions regarding escalation in the out of hours period. This leads to patients, or family members, having these conversations with a doctor they may never have met before. My aim was to improve the documentation of escalation plans in all patients within the first 24 hrs of admission.

Method

Baseline data was collected in September 2019 with further samples in April 2020 and August 2020. Patient medical notes were reviewed to identify if an escalation plan had been made during the period from admission to post take ward round. A COVID admission pathway document was introduced with a specific section on Clinical Frailty Score and Escalation plan between the baseline and April 2020 data.

Results

Baseline data showed that only 12.8% of medical patients had a documented escalation plan within the first 24 hrs of admission to hospital. During the first surge in April 2020 this number had improved to 47% following introduction of the COVID-19 admission pathway. This included 100% of patients admitted to respiratory wards. Unfortunately when reassessed in August 2020, this number had fallen to 16%.

Conclusion

Introduction of clinical frailty scoring and an area specifically to document escalation discussions resulted in a marked improvement. Heightened awareness of rapid deterioration of patients during the first surge almost certainly played a role in this. Unfortunately this was not sustained once staff discontinued the use of COVID-19 admission document. Moving forward we will incorporate these sections into the medical and surgical admissions pathways in the hope it produces similar results.
467 FRAILTY IN SITU SIMULATION
Authors: Dunnell L , Chu K , Barnard A , Walker G
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The ability to recognise and manage frailty and its associated presentations is variable among acute hospital staff. Patients living with frailty who are admitted to hospital are more likely to suffer adverse effects than those without. We created an inter-professional in-situ simulation programme designed to improve recognition and management of frailty and its common adverse events. The programme objectives align with recommendations from the British Geriatric Society’s ‘Frailty Hub’ and Royal College of Physicians’ ‘Acute Care Toolkit’ for frailty.

Method

Over a two month period, seven sessions were completed on the Older Persons Unit (OPU) at St Thomas’ Hospital. These comprised a simulated scenario followed by facilitated debrief—including technical skills and human factors highlighted by the scenario. Quantitative data was collected through pre and post session questionnaires using the Human Factors Skills for Healthcare Instrument (HuFSHI) and frailty based questions. Post session qualitative data was also collected.

Results

30 participants attended the sessions (nursing, medical and allied health professional). All participants completing the post course questionnaire found the sessions useful. When comparing pre and post session data, participant confidence in 10/12 sections of the HuFSHI and 8/9 frailty based questions demonstrated improvement. The qualitative data showed common learning themes around improved communication, teamwork and escalation. Participants found that the sessions were a valuable ‘opportunity to reflect’ and ‘debrief’, and learn together as a multidisciplinary team.

Conclusion

In-situ simulation is an effective tool for improving knowledge and confidence in managing frail patients. It increases awareness and understanding of human factors, which are key to the multidisciplinary approach frail patients require. The course is being expanded across the OPU and now has funding for a departmental manikin. The programme can be disseminated to other units to help improve the care and safety of those with frailty in hospital.
468 IMPROVING ADVANCE CARE PLANNING SKILLS IN JUNIOR DOCTORS
Authors: Cohen S , Singh R , Khalid N , Young J , Aldiwani M , Roy D , Edwards I
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Junior doctors are increasingly encountering Advance Care Planning (ACP) when they look after frail, older or multi-morbid patients during their hospital rotations. However, there remains a lack of formal training and resources, particularly with DNACPR discussions and when engaging patients and their loved ones with Emergency Health Care Planning (EHCP). We aimed to assess the need for ACP, improve the infrastructure by which ACP is delivered, and better support junior doctors to have these difficult conversations.

Method

Discharges from the Geriatrics Department at Kettering General Hospital were reviewed initially in May 2019 and again in January 2020 following intervention. We introduced a focused communication skills training session delivered at departmental teaching, which included a combination of simulation training and lectures. We additionally designed and implemented an EHCP template to aid junior doctors’ discussions. This could also be copied to the discharge letter, to facilitate safe transfer of care to primary care.

Results

In May 2019 of 32 patients, 100% met at least one SPICTTM criterion, with median of 4 criteria, thus indicating a high need for ACP in this cohort. Despite this, only one discharge letter included an EHCP and two had a request for GP colleagues to complete one. Evaluation of discharges again in January of 2020 reconfirmed a similar need for ACP, but following our interventions, the number of EHCP’s performed had increased. Of 22 identified patients 4 had a completed EHCP and 3 were requested for completion by their GP. Qualitative questionnaires demonstrated an improvement in both knowledge and confidence amongst junior doctors following the training session.

Conclusion

We have shown that there is a necessity for ACP to be considered for Geriatrics inpatients, and that providing structure and training in this challenging area offers benefit to both patients and junior doctors.