bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous Zn Conformal Coating on Dendritic‐Like Ag with Enhanced Selectivity and Stability for CO2 Electroreduction to CO
Authors: Zhou Yajiao , Ni Ganghai , Wu Kuangzhe , Chen Qin , Wang Xiqing , Zhu Weiwei , He Zhen , Li Hongmei , Fu Junwei , Liu Min
Published: December 2022

With increasing CO2 emission and energy scarcity, electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) offers an attractive solution for CO2 resource utilization using sustainable electrical energy. Ag‐based catalysts with high‐curvature nanoneedle structure exhibit the potential to achieve high CO2RR activity, but suffer from insufficient stability due to the vulnerability of the high‐curvature structure during CO2RR. Herein, the uniform porous Zn conformal coating on high‐curvature dendritic Ag nanoneedles (AgNNs@Zn) by vacuum thermal evaporation is prepared. As the surface sacrificial shell, the dissolution and reconstruction of Zn protect the inner Ag core, thus enhancing the CO2RR stability of AgNNs@Zn. The concentration of Ag+ in the electrolyte after 2 h CO2RR electrolysis markedly reduces from 2.4 ug L−1 in AgNNs to 1.4 ug L−1 in AgNNs@Zn. Moreover, the DFT calculation reveals that the constructed Ag–Zn interfaces can stabilize the *COOH intermediates, which promote the selectivity of CO2 reduction into CO. As a result, the optimized AgNNs@Zn catalyst exhibits the FECO of ≈91% at −0.86 V versus RHE in H‐cell, and FECO of 90% at 100 mA cm−2 above 12 h in flow cell. This work provides a feasible strategy to synthesize bimetallic catalysts with core–shell structure for better CO2RR performance.
Improving Electroluminescence Efficiency by Linear Polar Host Capable of Promoting Horizontal Dipole Orientation for Dopant
Authors: Yu Maoxing , Wu Xing , Liu Hao , Yang Zuguo , Qiu Nuoling , Yang Dezhi , Ma Dongge , Tang Ben Zhong , Zhao Zujin
Published: December 2022

In doped organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), the host materials play an important role in emitting layers. Most studies about host materials mainly focus on their energy levels and carrier transport behaviors, while less attention is paid to their influence on the dipole orientation of dopants, which closely associate with the light out‐coupling efficiency (ηout) of the device. Herein, a linear polar host material (l‐CzTRZ) consisting of carbazole donor, triazine acceptor, and the conjugated para‐terphenyl skeleton is developed and its crystal and electronic structures, thermal and electrochemical stabilities, optical property, and carrier transport ability are investigated. l‐CzTRZ prefers ordered horizontal orientation and favors electron transport in neat film. More importantly, it can promote horizontal dipole orientation for the dopants via dipole‐dipole interaction, furnishing an excellent horizontal dipole ratio of 91.5% and thus a high ηout of 43% for the phosphorescent dopant (PO‐01‐TB). Consequently, the OLED with l‐CzTRZ host and PO‐01‐TB dopant attains state‐of‐the‐art electroluminescence efficiencies of 135.5 cd A−1, 135.7 lm W−1 and 41.3%, with a small roll‐off of 9.7% at 5000 cd m−2 luminance. The presented significant impact of the host on the dipole orientation of the dopant shall enlighten the design of host materials to improve OLED performance.
Vital dye immersion evaluations with juvenile delta smelt
Authors: Afentoulis Virginia , Kalmbach Andrew , Hung Tien‐Chieh , Rahman Md. Moshiur , Ellison Luke , Miranda Javier
Published: December 2022

Immersion‐based vital dyes were tested as a marking method for use in larval smelt mark–recapture studies. We assessed five fluorescent dyes as a mark for juvenile osmerids: 4‐Di‐1‐ASP, BODIPY FL C12, BODIPY 505/515, Nile red, and calcein. We marked juvenile Delta Smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus, as a proxy for Longfin Smelt, Spirinchus thaleichthys, to determine the efficacy of each as a batch marking technique for osmerids based on dye performance and survival. All groups of Delta Smelt including control groups exhibited high mortality (71%–100%, 5 days after trial), and lowest survival was observed in 4‐Di‐1‐ASP‐treated fish. Highest survival was observed in Nile red‐ and BODIPY FL C12‐treated fish. Fluorescence observations indicated that the brightest, visible fluorescence was seen in calcein and to a lesser extent, 4‐Di‐1‐ASP, followed by BODIPY FL C12 and Nile red. In addition to dye performance, it is recommended that immersion techniques that improve survival be considered.
Polygenic Effect on Tau Pathology Progression in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Rubinski Anna , Frerich Simon , Malik Rainer , Franzmeier Nicolai , Ramirez Alfredo , Dichgans Martin , Ewers Michael ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: December 2022

Objective

Polygenic variation accounts for a substantial portion of the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its effect on the rate of fibrillar‐tau accumulation as a key driver of dementia symptoms is unclear.

Methods

We combined the to‐date largest number of genetic risk variants of AD (n = 85 lead single‐nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) from recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to generate a polygenic score (PGS). We assessed longitudinal tau‐positron emission tomography (PET), amyloid‐PET, and cognition in 231 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Using the PGS, together with global amyloid‐PET, we predicted the rate of tau‐PET increases in Braak‐stage regions‐of‐interest and cognitive decline. We also assessed PGS‐risk enrichment effects on the required sample size in clinical trials targeting tau pathology.

Results

We found that a higher PGS was associated with higher rates of tau‐PET accumulation, in particular at elevated amyloid‐PET levels. The tau‐PET increases mediated the association between PGS and faster cognitive decline. Risk enrichment through high PGS afforded sample size savings by 34%.

Interpretation

Our results demonstrate that the PGS predicts faster tau progression and thus cognitive decline, showing utility to enhance statistical power in clinical trials. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:819–829
Bubble column and airlift bioreactor systems for animal cell culture applications
Authors: Mutaf Tugce , Oncel Suphi S.
Published: December 2022

Many biopharmaceutical industries have focused on the screening for novel cell lines and producers for manufacturing of advanced therapeutics. Commercial scale productions at reduced cost and improved productivity are only possible with the bioreactor systems. Animal cell culture bioreactors have all started to draw attention in view that 20th century and advanced significantly over the previous few a long time especially with the need for viral vaccine productions, monoclonal antibody productions and in vitro meat productions. To produce these high value‐added products in large scales, bioreactor configurations are advanced to reduce investment and operational costs, control the process parameters, enhance productivity, and make easier scale‐up. Although novel bioreactor systems have interested in recent years, conventional bubble column and airlift systems are still the most familiar and experienced bioreactors. Pneumatically agitated bioreactors have been studied for many years in animal cell culture. This current review intends to provide an overview of pneumatic bioreactor productions for animal cell culture applications in key items of cell culture and bioreactor technology, for example, design parameters, transport phenomena during cultivation, shear sensitivity of cells. Besides, the previous studies, investigated that the design parameters and process conditions for productivity and shear sensitivity, have been reviewed and summarized.
Piranhea trifoliata extracts ameliorate muscular decline in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to Paraquat
Authors: de Alencar Letícia P. , da Costa Lorena L. , Lisboa Douglas R. , Silva Jadyellen R. , Santos Stephanie F. , Pereira Mayara P. , de Lima Yamaguchi Klenicy K. , de Oliveira Souza Anderson
Published: December 2022

In this study, we have demonstrated, for the first time, the muscular protective effects of Piranhea trifoliata bark extract against Paraquat (PQ)‐induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Exposure of D. melanogaster (Canton Special) to PQ caused oxidative stress, as evidenced by protein carbonyl and elevated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity levels. However, a diet supplemented with the P. trifoliata extracts (0.1 mg/ml) for 10 days ameliorates protein carbonyl levels and enzymatic activities of AChE and citrate synthase to prevent PQ damage. Also, P. trifoliata bark extracts showed in phytochemical assays the presence of phenols, at 46.06 mg EAG/g extract of total phenolic compounds, and a 40% 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl scavenging effect. The study showed the muscular protective function of the P. trifoliata extracts in D. melanogaster exposed to PQ. On the basis of the results, we contemplate that the bark of P. trifoliata might prevent and ameliorate human diseases caused by oxidative stress. The muscular action of the P. trifoliata extract can be attributed to the antioxidant constituents, while the precise mechanism of its action needs further investigation.
Mechano‐cytoskeleton remodeling mechanism and molecular docking studies on nanosurface technology: Titania nanotube arrays
Authors: Mydin Rabiatul Basria S. M. N. , Mahboob Alam , Sreekantan Srimala , Saharudin Khairul Arifah , Qazem Ekhlas Qaid , Hazan Roshasnorlyza , Wajidi Mustafa Fadzil Farid
Published: December 2022

In biomedical implant technology, nanosurface such as titania nanotube arrays (TNA) could provide better cellular adaptation, especially for long‐term tissue acceptance response. Mechanotransduction activities of TNA nanosurface could involve the cytoskeleton remodeling mechanism. However, there is no clear insight into TNA mechano‐cytoskeleton remodeling activities, especially computational approaches. Epithelial cells have played critical interface between biomedical implant surface and tissue acceptance, particularly for long‐term interaction. Therefore, this study investigates genomic responses that are responsible for cell–TNA mechano‐stimulus using epithelial cells model. Findings suggested that cell–TNA interaction may improve structural and extracellular matrix (ECM) support on the cells as an adaptive response toward the nanosurface topography. More specifically, the surface topography of the TNA might improve the cell polarity and adhesion properties via the interaction of the plasma membrane and intracellular matrix responses. TNA nanosurface might engross the cytoskeleton remodeling activities for multidirectional cell movement and cellular protrusions on TNA nanosurface. These observations are supported by the molecular docking profiles that determine proteins' in silico binding mechanism on TNA. This active cell‐surface revamping would allow cells to adapt to develop a protective barrier toward TNA nanosurface, thus enhancing biocompatibility properties distinctly for long‐term interaction. The findings from this study will be beneficial toward nano‐molecular knowledge of designing functional nanosurface technology for advanced medical implant applications.
Isomeric Triptycene Triquinones as Universal Cathode Materials for High Energy Alkali Metal Batteries
Authors: Park Hyunji , Shuku Yoshiaki , Lee Jihyun , Lee Kyunam , Joo Min Dong , An Byeong‐Kwan , Awaga Kuino , Young Park Soo , Eon Kwon Ji
Published: December 2022

Organic electrode materials have been extensively researched for alkali metal batteries such as Li, Na, and K batteries due to their unique redox mechanism independent of types of charge‐carrying ions and flexible intermolecular structures facilitating the insertion of bulky metal‐ions. This study presents an ortho‐isomer of triptycene tribenzoquinone (o‐TT) as a universal organic cathode material for alkali metal batteries. To elevate the redox potentials of previously reported triptycene tribenzoquinone (TT) without sacrificing its large specific capacity (∼386 mAh g−1), the structural isomers of benzoquinone units in the TT molecule were designed by changing their carbonyl group position from para‐ to ortho‐position. Due to multi‐electron redox reactions and the elevated redox potentials, o‐TT shows high energy densities of 945, 767, and 597 Wh kg−1 in Li, Na, and K cells, respectively. Finally, its cycle stability is significantly improved by fabricating composite electrodes with disordered mesoporous carbon (DOMC).
The International Education Index: A global approach to education policy analysis, performance and sustainable development
Authors: Clark Serena , Gallagher Ellen , Boyle Neasa , Barrett Michael , Hughes Corey , O'Malley Niamh , Ebuenyi Ikenna , Marshall Kevin , O'Sullivan Katriona
Published: December 2022

Before the COVID‐19 pandemic, the world struggled to address growing educational inequalities and fulfil the commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities and changed how education functions, moving to online and hybrid methods. The challenges in global education highlighted and worsened by the pandemic make it necessary to re‐evaluate education systems and the policies in place to support access, quality and equal opportunity. This article focuses on analysing education policies at a national level. It tests a pilot policy analysis tool, the International Education Index (IEI), developed as a starting point to begin this reconsideration and create an accessible and comprehensive way to evaluate national education systems to inform decision‐making and policies in the new context. This research uses Ireland and Northern Ireland to test the IEI pilot tool. The IEI consists of 54 questions across nine indicators, including institutional frameworks, education strategies, digital skills and infrastructure, twenty‐first century skills, access to basic social services, adherence to international standards, legal frameworks, data gathering and availability and international partnerships. Countries can score 108 points to be categorised as having developed, emerging or nascent national education systems. Ireland scored 94 and Northern Ireland 81, indicating that they have developed national education systems.
Control of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase signaling by nanoscale membrane compartmentalization
Authors: Cabral‐Dias Rebecca , Antonescu Costin N.
Published: December 2022

Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinases (PI3Ks) are lipid kinases that produce 3‐phosphorylated derivatives of phosphatidylinositol upon activation by various cues. These 3‐phosphorylated lipids bind to various protein effectors to control many cellular functions. Lipid phosphatases such as phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) terminate PI3K‐derived signals and are critical to ensure appropriate signaling outcomes. Many lines of evidence indicate that PI3Ks and PTEN, as well as some specific lipid effectors are highly compartmentalized, either in plasma membrane nanodomains or in endosomal compartments. We examine the evidence for specific recruitment of PI3Ks, PTEN, and other related enzymes to membrane nanodomains and endocytic compartments. We then examine the hypothesis that scaffolding of the sources (PI3Ks), terminators (PTEN), and effectors of these lipid signals with a common plasma membrane nanodomain may achieve highly localized lipid signaling and ensure selective activation of specific effectors. This highlights the importance of spatial regulation of PI3K signaling in various physiological and disease contexts.
Enhancement of the therapeutic efficacy of the MAP regimen using thiamine pyrophosphate‐decorated albumin nanoclusters in osteosarcoma treatment
Authors: Yoo So‐Yeol , Mun Yong‐Hyeon , Kang Nae‐Won , Koo Jang Mo , Lee Dong Hwan , Yoo Ji Hoon , Lee Sang Min , Koh Seokjin , Park Jong Chan , Kim Taejung , Shin Eun Kyung , Lee Han Sol , Sim Jaehoon , Kang Keon Wook , Kim Sang Kyum , Cho Cheong‐Weon , Kim Myeong Gyu , Kim Dae‐Duk , Lee Jae‐Young
Published: December 2022

Recent studies on osteosarcoma regimens have mainly focused on modifying the combination of antineoplastic agents rather than enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of each component. Here, an albumin nanocluster (NC)‐assisted methotrexate (MTX), doxorubicin (DOX), and cisplatin (MAP) regimen with improved antitumor efficacy is presented. Human serum albumin (HSA) is decorated with thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) to increase the affinity to the bone tumor microenvironment (TME). MTX or DOX (hydrophobic MAP components) is adsorbed to HSA‐TPP via hydrophobic interactions. MTX‐ or DOX‐adsorbed HSA‐TPP NCs exhibit 20.8‐ and 1.64‐fold higher binding affinity to hydroxyapatite, respectively, than corresponding HSA NCs, suggesting improved targeting ability to the bone TME via TPP decoration. A modified MAP regimen consisting of MTX‐ or DOX‐adsorbed HSA‐TPP NCs and free cisplatin displays a higher synergistic anticancer effect in HOS/MNNG human osteosarcoma cells than conventional MAP. TPP‐decorated NCs show 1.53‐fold higher tumor accumulation than unmodified NCs in an orthotopic osteosarcoma mouse model, indicating increased bone tumor distribution. As a result, the modified regimen more significantly suppresses tumor growth in vivo than solution‐based conventional MAP, suggesting that HSA‐TPP NC‐assisted MAP may be a promising strategy for osteosarcoma treatment.
Anti‐Barnacle Activities of Isothiocyanates Derived from β‐Citronellol and Their Structure–Activity Relationships
Authors: Tanikawa Aina , Fujihara Takaya , Nakajima Natsumi , Maeda Yuka , Nogata Yasuyuki , Yoshimura Erina , Okada Yohei , Chiba Kazuhiro , Kitano Yoshikazu
Published: December 2022

Antifouling agents with low toxicity are in high demand for sustaining marine industries and the environment. This study aimed to synthesize 15 isothiocyanates derived from β‐citronellol and evaluate their antifouling activities and toxicities against cypris larvae of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite. The synthesized isothiocyanates exhibited effective antifouling activities (EC50=0.10–3.33 μg mL−1) with high therapeutic ratios (LC50/EC50 >30). Four isothiocyanates with an amide or isocyano group showed great potential as effective antifouling agents (EC50=0.10–0.32 μg mL−1, LC50/EC50=104–833). The enantiomers of the isothiocyanates only slightly differed in their antifouling activities. These results may serve as a basis for further research and development of β‐citronellol‐derived isothiocyanates as effective low‐toxic antifouling agents. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report the antifouling activities of isothiocyanates derived from accessible natural products.
Spontaneous mid‐trimester uterine rupture associated with fetal death in a young patient during COVID‐19 pandemic: A case report
Authors: Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Dheyaa , Hashim Ahmed Shamil , Salih Sara , Hashim Hashim Talib
Published: December 2022

Uterine rupture mostly occurs in the third trimester. However, it may occur at an earlier time with the same catastrophic consequences. The authors present a case report of uterine rupture occurring in the second trimester at 18 weeks gestation.
Fabricating Robust Pt Clusters on Sn‐Doped CeO2 for CO Oxidation: A Deep Insight into Support Engineering and Surface Structural Evolution
Authors: Liu Qinglong , Yang Peng , Tan Wei , Yu Haowei , Ji Jiawei , Wu Cong , Cai Yandi , Xie Shaohua , Liu Fudong , Hong Song , Ma Kaili , Gao Fei , Dong Lin
Published: December 2022

The size effect on nanoparticles, which affects the catalysis performance in a significant way, is crucial. The tuning of oxygen vacancies on metal‐oxide support can help reduce the size of the particles in active clusters of Pt, thus improving catalysis performance of the supported catalyst. Herein, Ce−Sn solid solutions (CSO) with abundant oxygen vacancies have been synthesized. Activated by simple CO reduction after loading Pt species, the catalytic CO oxidation performance of Pt/CSO was significantly better than that of Pt/CeO2. The reasons for the elevated activity were further explored regarding ionic Pt single sites being transformed into active Pt clusters after CO reduction. Due to more exposed oxygen vacancies, much smaller Pt clusters were created on CSO (ca. 1.2 nm) than on CeO2 (ca. 1.8 nm). Consequently, more exposed active Pt clusters significantly improved the ability to activate oxygen and directly translated to the higher catalytic oxidation performance of activated Pt/CSO catalysts in vehicle emission control applications.
Modulation of Excitonic Confinement of TiO2 in Molten Salts for Overall CO2 Photoreduction†
Authors: Wang Jing , Sheng Ren , Gu Dong , Peng Yuhao , Xiao Juanxiu , Shen Yijun , Xiao Wei
Published: December 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Excitonic confinement greatly determines the charge carrier transport of photocatalysts. A molten salt modulation of excitonic confinement is herein demonstrated as formation of ultrafine carbon‐doped anatase TiO2 with grafted graphitic carbon nitride, which is rationalized as an excellent catalyst for overall CO2 photoreduction. Compared with bulk TiO2, the carbon‐doped TiO2 (M‐TiO2) possesses a weaker excitonic confinement to decrease exciton binding energy from 99 to 58 meV, consequently enhancing free‐charge‐carrier generation and transportation. Effective Z‐scheme electron transfer from M‐TiO2 to C3N4 is built, enhancing the CO2 conversion via the synchronous optimization of redox ability, CO2 activation, and *COOH generation. This work highlights the unique chemistry of excitonic dissociation on facilitating separation of electron and hole, and also extends the scope of molten salt‐mediated modulation of photocatalysis materials.
Synthetic Automations: A Revolution From “Stone Age” to Modern Era
Authors: Fang Guichun , Lin Dian‐Zhao , Liao Kuangbiao
Published: December 2022

Traditional synthesis made outstanding achievements but still suffers various drawbacks, such as manual operation, poor efficiency, and lack of reproducibility. Thanks to the development of laboratory automation, synthetic chemistry is now chasing a pavement from a labor‐intensive process to intelligent automation. Herein, we highlight some of the most recent representative breakthroughs in automated synthesis and present an outlook for this field. We hope this Topic can arouse chemists’ interest in automated synthesis and drive synthetic automation to a better intelligent and automatic way.
Confined keratocytes mimic in vivo migration and reveal volume‐speed relationship
Authors: Labuz Ellen C. , Footer Matthew J. , Theriot Julie A.
Published: December 2022

Fish basal epidermal cells, known as keratocytes, are well‐suited for cell migration studies. In vitro, isolated keratocytes adopt a stereotyped shape with a large fan‐shaped lamellipodium and a nearly spherical cell body. However, in their native in vivo environment, these cells adopt a significantly different shape during their rapid migration toward wounds. Within the epidermis, keratocytes experience two‐dimensional (2D) confinement between the outer epidermal cell layer and the basement membrane; these two deformable surfaces constrain keratocyte cell bodies to be flatter in vivo than in isolation. In vivo keratocytes also exhibit a relative elongation of the front‐to‐back axis and substantially more lamellipodial ruffling, as compared to isolated cells. We have explored the effects of 2D confinement, separated from other in vivo environmental cues, by overlaying isolated cells with an agarose hydrogel with occasional spacers, or with a ceiling made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer. Under these conditions, isolated keratocytes more closely resemble the in vivo migratory shape phenotype, displaying a flatter apical‐basal axis and a longer front‐to‐back axis than unconfined keratocytes. We propose that 2D confinement contributes to multiple dimensions of in vivo keratocyte shape determination. Further analysis demonstrates that confinement causes a synchronous 20% decrease in both cell speed and volume. Interestingly, we were able to replicate the 20% decrease in speed using a sorbitol hypertonic shock to shrink the cell volume, which did not affect other aspects of cell shape. Collectively, our results suggest that environmentally imposed changes in cell volume may influence cell migration speed, potentially by perturbing physical properties of the cytoplasm.
Development and validation of a recursive partitioning analysis–based pretreatment decision‐making tool identifying ideal candidates for spine stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Kowalchuk Roman O. , Mullikin Trey C. , Florez Marcus , De Brian S. , Spears Grant M. , Rose Peter S. , Siontis Brittany L. , Kim Dong Kun , Costello Brian A. , Morris Jonathan M. , Marion Joseph T. , Johnson‐Tesch Benjamin A. , Gao Robert W. , Shiraishi Satomi , Lucido John J. , Trifiletti Daniel M. , Olivier Kenneth R. , Owen Dawn , Stish Bradley J. , Waddle Mark R. , Laack Nadia N. , Park Sean S. , Brown Paul D. , Ghia Amol J. , Merrell Kenneth W.
Published: December 2022

Background

This study was aimed at developing and validating a decision‐making tool predictive of overall survival (OS) for patients receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for spinal metastases.

Methods

Three hundred sixty‐one patients at one institution were used for the training set, and 182 at a second institution were used for external validation. Treatments most commonly involved one or three fractions of spine SBRT. Exclusion criteria included proton therapy and benign histologies.

Results

The final model consisted of the following variables and scores: Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) ≥ 6 (1), time from primary diagnosis < 21 months (1), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status = 1 (1) or ECOG performance status > 1 (2), and >1 organ system involved (1). Each variable was an independent predictor of OS (p < .001), and each 1‐point increase in the score was associated with a hazard ratio of 2.01 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79–2.25; p < .0001). The concordance value was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.71–0.78). The scores were discretized into three groups—favorable (score = 0–1), intermediate (score = 2), and poor survival (score = 3–5)—with 2‐year OS rates of 84% (95% CI, 79%–90%), 46% (95% CI, 36%–59%), and 21% (95% CI, 14%–32%), respectively (p < .0001 for each). In the external validation set (182 patients), the score was also predictive of OS (p < .0001). Increasing SINS was predictive of decreased OS as a continuous variable (p < .0001).

Conclusions

This novel score is proposed as a decision‐making tool to help to optimize patient selection for spine SBRT. SINS may be an independent predictor of OS.
Analysis of research strategies to determine individual color preference: N‐alternative forced choice, rank‐order, rating and paired comparison
Authors: Yu Luwen , Yun Chen , Xia Guobin , Westland Stephen , Li Zhenhong , Cheung Vien
Published: December 2022

Exploring an efficient research method for understanding color preference is important to researchers and designers. This work compares four experimental methods for individual color preference research (N‐alternative forced choice, rank‐order, rating and paired comparison). Three psychophysical experiments were carried out with 338 participants. Participants were presented with six color patches (red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple) arranged in a random order. This work suggested orange is the strongest preferred color and green is the weakest preferred using three individual color preference experimental methods with six hues. The Monte Carlo Analysis method further compares the result performance for four methods, which suggests the rating, paired comparison and rank‐order methods are more stable than the N‐alternative forced choice method when only a small number of participants take part in the experiment. For studies involving small numbers of participants (even less than 6), the rating, rank‐order and pair comparison methods should be preferred.
Energy‐efficient computing for machine learning based target detection
Authors: Fisne Alparslan , Kalay Alperen , Yavuz Faruk , Cetintepe Cagri , Ozsoy Adnan
Published: December 2022

The main objective of this study is to develop real‐time, energy‐efficient embedded computing for machine learning based target detection. Convolutional neural network (CNN) model based detection, a machine learning technique, can provide higher detection accuracy than constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection techniques even if it results in higher processing costs. In this study, we achieve three significant improvements for real‐time radar target detection by considering computational cost. The first improvement is to reduce the computational cost of the CNN model. The second achievement is the design of heterogeneous computing optimizations. The third of them is to support energy‐efficient computing solutions for mobile sensors. Compared to the initial CNN model, layer improvements decreased the number of operations by 8.5x. Real‐time operations are satisfied by hardware‐specific improvements like vectorization and parallelization. The embedded NVIDIA Jetson GPU and Intel MYRIAD VPU, which have power consumption of 15 Watts and 1 Watt, respectively, have been used to execute the energy‐efficient target detection. The most energy‐efficient solution is achieved by using Jetson AGX Xavier GPU with 32‐bit single precision and 15 Watts of power consumption.
Genes involved in platelet aggregation and activation are downregulated during acute anaphylaxis in humans
Authors: McGrath Francesca M , Francis Abbie , Fatovich Daniel M , Macdonald Stephen PJ , Arendts Glenn , Woo Andrew J , Bosio Erika
Published: December 2022

Objective

Mechanisms underlying the anaphylactic reaction in humans are not fully understood. Here, we aimed at improving our understanding of anaphylaxis by investigating gene expression changes.

Methods

Microarray data set GSE69063 was analysed, describing emergency department (ED) patients with severe anaphylaxis (n = 12), moderate anaphylaxis (n = 6), sepsis (n = 20) and trauma (n = 11). Samples were taken at ED presentation (T0) and 1 h later (T1). Healthy controls were age and sex matched to ED patient groups. Gene expression changes were determined using limma, and pathway analysis applied. Differentially expressed genes were validated in an independent cohort of anaphylaxis patients (n = 31) and matched healthy controls (n = 10), using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Platelet aggregation was dysregulated in severe anaphylaxis at T0, but not in moderate anaphylaxis, sepsis or trauma. Dysregulation was not observed in patients who received adrenaline before T0. Seven genes (GATA1 (adjusted P‐value = 5.57 × 10−4), TLN1 (adjusted P‐value = 9.40 × 10−4), GP1BA (adjusted P‐value = 2.15 × 10−2), SELP (adjusted P‐value = 2.29 × 10−2), MPL (adjusted P‐value = 1.20 × 10−2), F13A1 (adjusted P‐value = 1.39 × 10−2) and SPARC (adjusted P‐value = 4.06 × 10−2)) were significantly downregulated in severe anaphylaxis patients who did not receive adrenaline before ED arrival, compared with healthy controls. One gene (TLN1 (adjusted P‐value = 1.29 × 10−2)) was significantly downregulated in moderate anaphylaxis patients who did not receive adrenaline before ED arrival, compared with healthy controls.

Conclusion

Downregulation of genes involved in platelet aggregation and activation is a unique feature of the early anaphylactic reaction not previously reported and may be associated with reaction severity.
TimeFISH: Long‐term assessment of reef fish assemblages in a transition zone in the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Quimbayo Juan P. , Nunes Lucas T. , Silva Fernanda C. , Anderson Antônio B. , Barneche Diego R. , Canterle Angela M. , Cord Isadora , Dalben Andrea , Ferrari Débora S. , Fontoura Luisa , Fiuza Thiago M. J. , Liedke Ana M. R. , Longo Guilherme O. , Morais Renato A. , Siqueira Alexandre C. , Floeter Sergio R.
Published: December 2022

The TimeFISH database provides the first public time‐series dataset on reef fish assemblages in the southwestern Atlantic (SWA), comprising 15 years of data (2007–2022) based on standardized Underwater Visual Censuses (UVCs). The rocky reefs covered by our dataset are influenced by pronounced seasonal cycles of ocean temperatures with warm tropical waters from the Brazil Current in the summer (~27°C) and colder waters from the La Plata River Plume discharge and upwelling from the South Atlantic Central Water in the winter (~18°C). These oceanographic conditions characterize this area as the southernmost tropical–subtropical climatic transition zone in the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, reef fish assemblages are comprised of both tropical and subtropical species. All records included in TimeFISH were collected using UVCs, a nondestructive method that allows the estimation of fish species richness, abundance, and body size distributions. UVCs were performed through 40 m2 belt transects by scuba diving in nine locations along the southern Brazilian coast (25–29°S). Four of these locations lie within the boundaries of the no‐entry Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve, where fishing and recreational activities are forbidden, and the remaining locations are unprotected from these activities. During each belt transect, a diver swam at a constant depth above and parallel to the reef, identifying fish species, counting the number of individuals, and estimating the total body length (Lt in cm) of all detected individuals. All fish individuals in the water column (up to 2 m above the substratum) and at the bottom were targeted. In total, 202,965 individuals belonging to 163 reef fish species and 53 families were recorded across 1857 UVCs. All survey campaigns were funded by either public or mixed capital (private–public) sources, including seven grants from the Brazilian federal and Santa Catarina state governments. Part of the data has already been used in multiple MS.c. and Ph.D. theses and scientific articles. TimeFISH represents an important contribution for future studies aiming to examine temporal and spatial variations of reef fish assemblages in transition zones. No copyright restrictions apply to the use of this data set, other than citing this publication.
Fuel connectivity, burn severity, and seed bank survivorship drive ecosystem transformation in a semiarid shrubland
Authors: Mahood Adam L. , Koontz Michael J. , Balch Jennifer K.
Published: December 2022

A key challenge in ecology is understanding how multiple drivers interact to precipitate persistent vegetation state changes. These state changes may be both precipitated and maintained by disturbances, but predicting whether the state change will be fleeting or persistent requires an understanding of the mechanisms by which disturbance affects the alternative communities. In the sagebrush shrublands of the western United States, widespread annual grass invasion has increased fuel connectivity, which increases the size and spatial contiguity of fires, leading to postfire monocultures of introduced annual grasses (IAG). The novel grassland state can be persistent and is more likely to promote large fires than the shrubland it replaced. But the mechanisms by which prefire invasion and fire occurrence are linked to higher postfire flammability are not fully understood. A natural experiment to explore these interactions presented itself when we arrived in northern Nevada immediately after a 50,000 ha wildfire was extinguished. We hypothesized that the novel grassland state is maintained via a reinforcing feedback where higher fuel connectivity increases burn severity, which subsequently increases postfire IAG dispersal, seed survivorship, and fuel connectivity. We used a Bayesian joint species distribution model and structural equation model framework to assess the strength of the support for each element in this feedback pathway. We found that prefire fuel connectivity increased burn severity and that higher burn severity had mostly positive effects on the occurrence of IAG and another nonnative species and mostly negative or neutral relationships with all other species. Finally, we found that the abundance of IAG seeds in the seed bank immediately after a fire had a positive effect on the fuel connectivity 3 years after the fire, completing a positive feedback promoting IAG. These results demonstrate that the strength of the positive feedback is controlled by measurable characteristics of ecosystem structure, composition, and disturbance. Further, each node in the loop is affected independently by multiple global change drivers. It is possible that these characteristics can be modeled to predict threshold behavior and inform management actions to mitigate or slow the establishment of the grass–fire cycle, perhaps via targeted restoration applications or prefire fuel treatments.
Forced vibration analysis model for pumped storage power station based on the 1D–3D coupling and pipe walls vibration
Authors: Yang Xiuwei , Lian Jijian , Wang Haijun , Zhang Ziliang , Hu Yan
Published: December 2022

Hydraulic vibration is a common phenomenon in pumped storage power stations (PSPS) and hydropower plants. Evaluating the performance of the PSPS and water conveyance system under the hydraulic vibration condition is significant for the safety of the electric power and the PSPS system. In this study, the one‐dimensional (1D) and three‐dimensional (3D) coupling model for the entire PSPS system is established based on the open‐source software OpenFOAM and in‐house C++ codes. The coupling data exchange is realized by writing and reading files. The coupling model is validated by comparing the results with the pure 1D method under small load disturbance conditions. The forced vibration source is modeled by the pipe walls vibration method in the 3D region, and the 1D method takes charge of other parts in the PSPS system. The combination of the pipe walls vibration and 1D–3D coupling could fully consider the incident and reflected characteristics of the pressure waves. The established model could evaluate the overall performance of the PSPS system under forced vibration. Sensitive analysis of the vibration magnitude is carried out, and the results are consistent with the theoretical analysis, demonstrating that the established model is applicable for the forced vibration analysis.
Seismic response of a nuclear island building with base isolation considering the soil–structure interaction effect
Authors: Zhu Xiuyun , Zhu Jingsheng , Pan Rong
Published: December 2022

This study aims to investigate the influence of soil–structure interaction (SSI) on the seismic response of a nuclear island (NI) building with base isolation. Hence, modal and dynamic time‐history analyses of the NI building with base isolation based on different soil dynamic numerical models that are applicable for homogeneous and layered sites to consider the SSI effect were conducted. After a comparison analysis of natural frequencies, floor response spectra (FRS), and acceleration response of superstructure, the following results are obtained. (i) For homogeneous sites, the degrees of freedom of the horizontal translation and torsion of the NI building with base isolation calculated using different site dynamic numerical models have equivalent natural frequencies. For layered sites, the natural frequencies increase slightly with the improvement of the shear wave velocity of the upper layered soil. (ii) For homogeneous sites, FRS calculated by the massless foundation model is generally larger than those of the dynamic model proposed by the ASCE code and the viscoelastic artificial boundary site model. Both the spectral and peak values of horizontal FRS at a low frequency band calculated by considering the SSI effect are larger than those without the SSI effect. (iii) For layered sites, both the spectral and peak values of horizontal FRS at a low frequency band have an amplification effect compared with that of a homogeneous site. (iv) For layered sites, the calculated horizontal acceleration response does not have evident law that changes with the degree of hardness and softness of the upper soil. Therefore, the SSI effect for particular homogeneous and layered sites should be considered when calculating the seismic response of the NI building with base isolation.
Research on a power smoothing control strategy for energy storage hydraulic wind turbines
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Yankang , Zhang Lin , Ai Chao , Chen Lijuan
Published: December 2022

To solve the problem of large output power fluctuations in wind turbines and improve grid adaptability, a hydraulic energy storage system is introduced in traditional hydraulic wind turbines. Based on the working principle of energy storage hydraulic wind turbines, an energy storage hydraulic wind turbine state space model is established, and the feedback linearization method is introduced to solve the multiplication nonlinear problem in the modeling process. The output power is taken as the control output, and the torque compensation controller is established with the feedback linearization method. The displacement of the variable displacement pump motor is controlled to realize hydraulic energy storage system energy charging and discharging, and the wind turbine output power smoothing control is realized with the fluctuating wind speed. The power smoothing control strategy is verified with the 24 kW energy storage hydraulic wind turbines semi‐physical simulation experimental platform. The proposed control strategy lays the groundwork for the wide application of the energy storage hydraulic wind turbines.
Performance enhancement of an H‐Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine via moving surface boundary‐layer control
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Sun Xiaojing
Published: December 2022

The moving surface boundary‐layer control method (MSBC) is a kind of active flow control methods that overcomes the adverse pressure gradient and suppresses the flow separation by directly energizing the boundary layer near the moving surface. In this study, computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the feasibility of using MSBC to improve the aerodynamic performance of a straight‐bladed H‐Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). In doing so, a segment of the original surface of the VAWT blade was then replaced with a moving surface. Influences of different geometric and motion parameters of moving surface, including location, length, velocity ratio, and groove depth on the net power coefficient of VAWT, were systematically studied. Moreover, the sensitivity of different parameters to the net power coefficient of VAWT at the optimal tip speed ratio was analyzed via the orthogonal design method. As a result, the optimal combination of moving surface parameters was able to be determined. The present results show that the maximum net power coefficient of VAWT having blades with partially moving surface can be increased by 22.8% compared with that of the baseline VAWT. In addition, the effectiveness of two active flow control methods, co‐flow jet and moving surface, in improving aerodynamic performance of a VAWT was also compared. It is found that MSBC method has the potential to achieve superior control performance and promote the energy utilization coefficient of the VAWT more effectively by using comparatively less external energy input.
Multi‐objective optimal planning of EV charging stations and renewable energy resources for smart microgrids
Authors: Asaad Ali , Ali Abdelfatah , Mahmoud Karar , Shaaban Mostafa F. , Lehtonen Matti , Kassem Ahmed M. , Ebeed Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Distribution system planners and operators have increasingly exposed great attention to maximizing the penetration of renewable energy resources (RERs), and electric vehicles (EVs) toward modern microgrids. Accordingly, intensive operational and economic problems are expected in such microgrids. Specifically, the operators need to meet the increased demand for EVs and increase the dependence on RERs. The charging strategy for EVs and the RER penetration level may result in increased power loss, thermal loading, voltage deviation, and overall system cost. To address these concerns, this paper proposed an optimal planning approach for allocating EV charging stations with controllable charging and hybrid RERs within multi‐microgrids, where the charging strategy in the proposed planning approach contributed to improving power quality and overall system cost, where the voltage deviation, energy not supplied, total cost have been reduced to 26.03%, 49.57%, and 70.45%, respectively. The simulation results are compared with different optimization techniques to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The proposed simultaneous allocation approach of EV charging stations and RERs can reduce operating costs for RERs and conventional stations while increasing the charging stations' capacity.
Natural remobilization and historical evolution of a modern coastal transgressive dunefield
Authors: Robin Nicolas , Billy Julie , Nicolae Lerma Alexandre , Castelle Bruno , Hesp Patrick A. , Rosebery David , Fauny Corentin , Deparis Jacques , Marieu Vincent , Bouchet Cedric , Miot da Silva Graziela
Published: December 2022

The vast majority of coastal dunes in Europe have been stabilized by increasing vegetation cover since the mid‐20th century. However, some systems may experience a remobilization phase, generally occurring locally and further propagating alongshore, the drivers of which remain poorly documented. This study investigates the evolutionary paths (stabilization/destabilization/remobilization) from 1945 to 2020 of a 2 km‐long modern coastal transgressive dunefield located in southwest France with a holistic approach (GPR profiles, aerial photographs and LiDAR topographic data). Results show a landward migration of the transgressive dune by approximately 233 ± 7.5 m, through two distinct stages of rapid landward migration from 10 to 23 m/yr (Stage I: 1949–1959 and Stage III: 2000–2021) separated by an approximately 40‐year stage of slow to no migration, but with substantial windward slope deflation (Stage II). The onset of Stage II is due to the fixation of vegetation by human action between 1950 and 1959. The onset of Stage III is hypothesized to be driven by long and sustained upper backshore/dune toe erosion beginning in 1968 due to a massive shoal welding that locally disturbed the longshore drift. It induced a destabilization of the dune and erosion of the vegetation cover over some decades. A non‐synchronization is therefore observed between the start of the perturbation (1968), then the migration (2000), in line with the hysteresis concept of Tsoar (2005). This study shows that almost all of the sedimentary volume of the 1945 dune has been remobilized by translation to shape the dune system in its current form. The 2.2 km dunefield has grown by approximately 673 000 ± 190 000 m3 during the 2005–2020 period. Among this volume, there is a new foredune that was built from 2005 between the upper beach and the transgressive dune (volume in 2020 of about 394 000 ± 68 000 m3).
(Network value)‐based adaptive dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm for 5G network slicing
Authors: Wu Lijuan , Gan Chaoqin , Xu Zhongsen , Hui Jianqiang
Published: December 2022

In this article, a (network value)‐based inter‐slice and intra‐slice adaptive dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm is proposed for the coexistence scenario of URLLC slices, eMBB slices, and mMTC slices in 5G fronthaul networks. The network value model applicable to network slicing is constructed to provide a means for the value evaluation of virtual networks. According to the bandwidth requirements of the slices, the adaptive inter‐slice bandwidth allocation is realized to ensure that the fronthaul network can obtain the maximum economic value under different load states. For the service characteristics of three slices, three intra‐slice bandwidth allocation algorithms are proposed, respectively, to realize adaptive ONU bandwidth allocation. It not only meets the differentiated service demands of different slices, but also enables each slice to obtain the maximum QoS value. By simulation and analysis, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated.