bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of cotton and sorghum stand establishment using UAV‐based multispectral and DSLR‐based RGB imagery
Authors: Dhakal Madhav , Huang Yanbo , Locke Martin A. , Reddy Krishna N. , Moore Matthew T , Krutz L. Jason , Gholson Drew , Bajgain Rajen
Published: May 2022

Plant density and canopy cover are key agronomic traits for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] phenotypic evaluation. The objective of this study was to evaluate utility of broadband red–green–blue (RGB) and narrowband green, red, red‐edge, and near‐infrared spectral data taken by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and RGB taken by a digital single‐lens reflex camera for assessing the cotton and sorghum stands. Support Vector Machine was used to analyze UAV images, whereas ImageJ was used for RGB images. Fifteen vegetation indices (VIs) were evaluated for their accuracy, predictability, and residual yield. All VIs had Cohen's k > .65, F score > .63, and User and Producer accuracy of more than 71 and 69%, respectively. Soil‐adjusted vegetation indices (SAVIs) among narrowband VIs and excess green minus excess red (ExG–ExR) among broadband VIs provided more agreeable estimates of cotton and sorghum density than the remaining VIs with R2 and index of agreement (IoA) up to .79 and .92, respectively. The estimated canopy cover explained up to 83 and 82% variability in leaf area index (LAI) of cotton and sorghum, respectively. The ImageJ produced R2 from .79 to .90 and .83 to .86 and IoA .89 to .97 and ∼.91 between estimated and observed cotton and sorghum density, respectively. ImageJ explained up to 82 and 79% variability in cotton and sorghum LAI, respectively. Although ImageJ can give close estimates of crop density and cover, UAV‐based narrowband VIs still can provide an agreeable, reliable, and time‐efficient estimate of these attributes.
Optimization of flow in additively manufactured porous columns with graded permeability
Authors: Salloum Maher , Robinson David B.
Published: May 2022

Chemical engineering systems often involve a functional porous medium, such as in catalyzed reactive flows, fluid purifiers, and chromatographic separations. Ideally, the flow rates throughout the porous medium are uniform, and all portions of the medium contribute efficiently to its function. The permeability is a property of a porous medium that depends on pore geometry and relates flow rate to pressure drop. Additive manufacturing techniques raise the possibilities that permeability can be arbitrarily specified in three dimensions, and that a broader range of permeabilities can be achieved than by traditional manufacturing methods. Using numerical optimization methods, we show that designs with spatially varying permeability can achieve greater flow uniformity than designs with uniform permeability. We consider geometries involving hemispherical regions that distribute flow, as in many glass chromatography columns. By several measures, significant improvements in flow uniformity can be obtained by modifying permeability only near the inlet and outlet.
Using the Adult Exploration of Attachment Interview (AEAI) to Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma: Illustrations from a Family Reunification Program
Authors: Amos Jackie , Todd Bryan , Gibson Bryony , Carpenter Samuel , Malvaso Catia G. , Delfabbro Paul H.
Published: May 2022

Family reunification is an area of high policy importance for child protection systems. The safe return of children from out‐of‐home care to their biological parents or relatives and long‐term family preservation can potentially mitigate the subsequent detrimental effects of separating children from their families. In this paper we describe one type of family for whom reunification was considered; namely, families who have been affected by intergenerational trauma. To assist families affected by intergenerational trauma and abuse requires an understanding of the mechanisms and processes that maintain intergenerational trauma and how these might inform therapeutic approaches for working with children and their families. This paper utilises case studies to illustrate the use of the Adult Exploration of Attachment Interview (AEAI) as part of a broader therapeutic reunification program in an Australian state. The AEAI focuses on supporting parents to become aware of the impact of previous experiences in their childhood; the mitigation of feelings of shame, self‐blame, and inadequacy by helping the parent confront the negative experiences of the past. The aim is to assist the parent to recognise the significance of the past, to consolidate their strengths, and to develop more nurturing relationships with their children. Case illustrations demonstrate that this therapy was a component in addressing the causes of behaviour and psychological distress that had been barriers to reunification from care in two families. This was achieved through a process of reflection and self‐awareness, rather than one focused on guilt or shame, with the therapist there to help verbalise and articulate what otherwise might have been hidden or implicit processes. In both cases, this awareness was used to help reframe the parent–child relationship and led to observable behavioural changes in parenting practices.
Thermally stable, flame retardant, low‐dielectric constants, and flexible thermosetting resins based on a tetra‐functional benzoxazine compound possessing a cyclic siloxane core
Authors: Lee Hsuan‐Wei , Liu Ying‐Ling
Published: May 2022

Cyclosiloxanes possessing organic functional moieties are reactive organic–inorganic hybrids as effective building blocks for preparation of organic–inorganic nanocomposites. In this work, a tetra‐functional benzoxazine compound (cD4‐4Bz) with a cyclosiloxane core has been synthesized, cD4‐4Bz could be considered as a self‐crosslinkable benzoxazine compound and has been utilize in preparation of the corresponding polybenzoxazine‐cyclosiloxane thermosetting resins. The obtained crosslinked polybenzoxazines exhibit good film formability and attractive thermal properties including a thermal stability above 390°C, a glass transition temperature above 400°C, and a char yield of 64.5 wt% at 800°C, and low dielectric constant of 2.74 and a dissipation factor of 0.18 at 10 GHz. The hig char yield also indicates its high flame retardancy with a calculated limited oxygen index of 44. Moreover, cD4‐4Bz is a suitable agent for polymer modification through cocuring reactions with a tetrafunctional cyclosiloxane‐phenol compound, a main‐chain benzoxazine, and a bifunctional benzoxazine compound. One prepared sample has exhibited a high thermal stability above 435°C and a char yield of 72.9 wt%. The high flexibility and variety in the fabrication of high‐performance thermosetting resin have been demonstrated.
Effect of magnetic field treatment on effective thermal conductivity for polyimide‐based composite sheet using magnetite‐decorated hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Haruki Masashi , Itaoka Takuro , Takatsu Yota
Published: May 2022

The use of magnetic field treatment (MFT) was investigated to establish the appropriate temperature needed to enhance the out‐of‐plane effective thermal conductivity (k) of polyimide (PI)‐based composite sheets. Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) surfaces were decorated with magnetite particles (Fe3O4@hBN) for use as fillers. The magnetite amount was adjusted to a Fe3O4/hBN weight ratio of 0.2 in most cases. When MFT was carried out at the temperature starting from 80, 90, and 100°C, the effective k was enhanced compared with the lack of MFT. On the other hand, the effective k was not enhanced by the use of MFT at the starting temperature of either 150 or 200°C. Moreover, the cross‐sectional scanning electron microscope images and X‐ray diffractometer analyses of the sheets prepared both with and without MFT were consistent with the results of the effective k measurements. Namely, the fillers inside the sheets moved and rotated under MFT at the starting temperature of 80, 90, and 100°C. On the other hand, for MFT starting from either 150 or 200°C, the fillers were restrained due to high viscosity of the composite solutions. The results of measurements of the breakdown voltages also implied the formation of filler paths inside the sheets.
Fabrication of hollow‐carved microspheres with excellent antibacterial activity
Authors: Guo Wenling , Bai Xue , Zhang Duoxin , Wang Rongmin , Song Pengfei , He Yufeng
Published: May 2022

In order to explore the antimicrobic materials, new strategies for synthesis of particles were paid more and more attention as it was crucial to the advancement of material technology and environmental. In this work, we provided a strategy for construction of novel hollow‐carved microspheres (HCMs) by a simple method of emulsion interfacial polymerization (EIP). Firstly, using sodium p‐styrene sulfonate (SSS) and styrene (St) as hydrophilic/hydrophobic and rigid comonomers, diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DMA) as cationic cross‐linking monomer, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator, hexane as a pore‐forming agent, the HCMs were synthesized by EIP. Then, the quaternized HCMs (QHCMs) was prepared by quaternization of hydrophilic sodium sulfonate groups (SO3Na). The composition and micromorphology of the obtained microspheres were characterized by FT‐IR, XPS, EDS, DLS, SEM, and TEM. The antibacterial properties of QHCMs were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. At a concentration of 320 μg/ml QHCMs, the bacteriostatic activities of S. aureus and E. coli decreased by more than 91.7% and 86.4%, respectively, which was confirmed by the colony forming units and regeneration curves. In summary, a novel antibacterial polymer material was successfully synthesized by EIP and quaternization, which could be widely used in coating materials to reduce bacterial infection.
Enhancing peel strength between liquid crystal polymer and copper with plasma treatment, surface oxidation, and silane coating
Authors: Chen Yuanming , Feng Hongcheng , Su Yuanzhang , Li Jiaqi , Xu Zhenlin , Li Yifeng , Li Nengbin , He Yaozong , Hong Yan , Wang Shouxu , Zhou Guoyun , Wang Chong , Du Yongjie , He Wei
Published: May 2022

Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) has been employed as a major type of substrate in flexible printed circuit manufacturing due to its excellent electrical and mechanical properties. In order to improve the peel strength of LCP to copper, a three‐step process was proposed in this study. In the process, the surface of LCP was treated with oxygen plasma to create holes and increase the number of hydrophilic groups. The surface of copper was then oxidized and coated with silane coupling agent. Above surface treatment aimed to introduce amine group to facilitate the interconnection between copper and LCP and improve the surface roughness of the copper surface. The final samples were laminated by the above treated copper and LCP. In this study, different oxidation conditions were explored to analyze the morphology and composition of the copper surface after oxidation. The maximum peel strength of the sample prepared by this process was 8.92 N cm−1. This developed process can effectively reduce product thickness compared to current methods in industry and can reduce lamination temperature compared to previous studies.
Graphene‐based Activated Carbon Composites for High Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Jiménez‐Martín Gonzalo , Castillo Julen , Judez Xabier , Gómez‐Urbano Juan Luis , Moreno‐Fernández Gelines , Santiago Alexander , Saenz de Buruaga Amaia , Garbayo Iñigo , Coca‐Clemente Jose Antonio , Villaverde Aitor , Armand Michel , Li Chunmei , Carriazo Daniel
Published: May 2022

The increasing demand for electrical energy storage requires the exploration of alternative battery chemistries that overcome the limitations of the current state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries. In this scenario, lithium‐sulfur batteries stand out for their high theoretical energy density. However, several inherent limitations still hinder their commercialization. In this work, we report the synthesis and study of two high‐performance activated carbon‐based materials that allow to overcome the most challenging limitations of sulfur electrodes, i. e., low electronic conductivity and the polysulfide shuttle effect. The two tailored nanomaterials are based on porous carbon structures mixed with conductive reduced graphene oxide, one derived from an organic waste and the other from an organic synthetic route. These structures not only feature excellent individual properties, but also present excellent performance when implemented in batteries, related to their superior conductivity and polysulfide trapping ability, allowing to obtain improved rate capacity and high sulfur loading cycling. Additionally, we demonstrate the scalability of the best performing material by the assembly of high‐performance pouch cells.
Patterns of care for non‐metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Malone Shawn , Wallis Christopher J. D. , Lee‐Ying Richard , Basappa Naveen S. , Cagiannos Ilias , Hamilton Robert J. , Fernandes Ricardo , Ferrario Cristiano , Gotto Geoffrey T. , Morgan Scott C. , Morash Christopher , Niazi Tamim , Noonan Krista L. , Rendon Ricardo , Hotte Sebastien J. , Saad Fred , Zardan Anousheh , Osborne Brendan , Chan Katherine F. Y. , Shayegan Bobby
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To describe patterns of practice of PSA testing and imaging for Ontario men receiving continuous ADT for the treatment of non‐metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).

Patients and Methods

This was a retrospective, longitudinal, population‐based study of administrative health data from 2008 to 2019. Men 65 years and older receiving continuous androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with documented CRPC were included. An administrative proxy definition was applied to capture patients with nmCRPC and excluded those with metastatic disease. Patients were indexed upon progression to CRPC and were followed until death or end of study period to assess frequency of monitoring with PSA tests and conventional imaging. A 2‐year look‐back window was used to assess patterns of care leading up to CRPC as well as baseline covariates.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 40.1 months, 944 patients with nmCRPC were identified. Their median time from initiation of continuous ADT to CRPC was 26.0 months. 60.7% of patients had their PSA measured twice or fewer in the year prior to index, and 70.7% patients did not receive any imaging in the year following progression to CRPC. Throughout the study period, 921/944 (97.6%) patients with CRPC progressed to high‐risk (HR‐CRPC) with PSA doubling time ≤ 10 months, of which more than half received fewer than three PSA tests in the year prior to developing HR‐CRPC, and 30.9% received no imaging in the subsequent year.

Conclusion

PSA testing and imaging studies are underutilized in a real‐world setting for the management of nmCRPC, including those at high risk of developing metastatic disease. Infrequent monitoring impedes proper risk stratification, disease staging and detection of treatment failure and/or metastases, thereby delaying the necessary treatment intensification with life‐prolonging therapies. Adherence to guideline recommendations and the importance of timely staging should be reinforced to optimize patient outcomes.
Quantification of tyramine in different types of food using novel green synthesis of ficus carica quantum dots as fluorescent probe
Authors: Salman Baher I. , Hassan Yasser F. , Eltoukhi Walid E. , Saraya Roshdy E.
Published: May 2022

Tyramine (TYM) is catecholamine releasing compound and TYM rich food causes hypertensive crisis due to a combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs). Therefore, analysis of TYM in TYM rich food as (old cheese, cured meat, sausage, pickled olive and canned fish) and the environment is essential for hypertensive patients and to improvement of food industries.

In this work, TYM was analyzed in different types of food using novel green synthesis carbon dots from Ficus carica (fig fruits). The gradual addition of TYM to polyamine carbon quantum dots (PA@CQDs) led to enhancement of the quantum dots fluorescence due to formation of hydrogen bonding between quantum dots and TYM. The calibration graph was plotted in the range 5–400 ng mL−1. The method was applied for the determination of TYM in different types of food as old cheese, cured meat, sausage, pickled olive and canned fish. The lower limit of quantitation (LOQ) was found to be 1.68 ng mL−1. The method was successfully applied for the quantification of TYM in varying types of food with high sensitivity and high economic effect due to the reusability of the quantum dots. The optical and morphological characters of quantum dots were studied carefully.
Quasi‐solid‐state conversion cathode materials for room‐temperature sodium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Lim Carina Yi Jing , Seh Zhi Wei
Published: May 2022

Room‐temperature sodium–sulfur batteries (NaSBs) are promising candidates for next‐generation large‐scale energy storage solutions. However, the well‐known polysulfide shuttling of soluble long‐chain sulfur intermediates still remains a limitation in NaSBs, leading to rapid capacity loss arising from the dissolution of active sulfur into the electrolyte. This problem is effectively circumvented in quasi‐solid‐state conversion cathodes by elimination of the presence of these soluble intermediates altogether, with only insoluble intermediates formed in the process. Herein, we discuss various cathode materials that undergo quasi‐solid‐state conversion when cycled in a liquid electrolyte, including chemically bonded short‐chain sulfur species, short‐chain sulfur via physical confinement, and quasi‐solid‐state conversion cathodes with long‐chain sulfur moieties. We conclude by highlighting the current challenges and possible strategies to improve the mechanistic understanding and cycling performance of NaSBs for practical applications.
Stent thrombosis during COVID‐19 pandemic: A case series
Authors: Montaseri Mohammad , Golchin Vafa Reza , Attar Armin , Ali Hosseini Seyed , Kojuri Javad
Published: May 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic originated from Wuhan, China, in late 2019. In addition to the respiratory system, COVID‐19 also affects other organ systems. The disease can lead to cardiovascular complications such as myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, and venous thromboembolism; patients with COVID‐19 experience more thrombotic events than non‐COVID‐19 patients. A 50‐year‐old male cigarette smoker presented to the emergency department (ED) with typical chest pain. His electrocardiography (ECG) showed an anterior STEMI. He developed multiple episodes of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and received defibrillator shocks. His angiogram showed thrombotic severe in‐stent restenosis (ISR) of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery stents. A 70‐year‐old diabetic hypertensive woman presented to the ED with dyspnea and chest pain. The patient had undergone angioplasty two times beforehand, and a fresh angiogram revealed severe thrombotic ISR of LAD stents and another far midpart lesion after the stents. She underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A 54‐year‐old man presented to the ED with typical chest pain commencing an hour beforehand. He had undergone angioplasty about 10 years earlier. The patient received the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccine 36 h before developing chest pain. The ECG revealed an infero‐posterior STEMI, and the angiogram depicted thrombotic occluded ISR in the RCA. The patient underwent successful PCI. Patients with COVID‐19 or even with COVID‐19 vaccination experience stent thrombosis due to a hypercoagulable state. Hence, we need standard guidelines to prevent stent thrombosis.
Cutis verticis gyrata: Three cases illustrating three different etiologies
Authors: Chamli Amal , Jones Meriem , Bacha Takwa , Litaiem Noureddine , Zeglaoui Faten
Published: May 2022

Cutis Vertcis gyrata is an uncommon neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by excessive growth of the skin of the scalp or the face, forming folds of similar aspect to cerebral cortex gyri. Three categories have been individualized: the primary form, essential or non‐essential, and the secondary form.
A rare case of concurrent pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts treated by single‐stage surgical management
Authors: Toktogaziev Bakyt , Omorov Kanat , Aitbaev Siezbek , Artisbekov Bakyt , Omorov Rahat , Vityala Yethindra , Tagaev Tugolbai
Published: May 2022

A 37‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with concurrent pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts. We performed simultaneous resection of hydatid cysts in the liver and right lung using a single‐stage surgical procedure. The patient completely recovered.
Application of the TRIZ Contradictory Matrix to Foster Innovation for Sustainable Chemical Engineering
Authors: Lux Susanne
Published: May 2022

This work demonstrates how to apply the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (Russian acronym TRIZ) on two industrial‐scale case studies. The first case study addresses processing of mineral metal carbonates, which is characterized by high CO2 emissions and high energy demand. As solver strategy a novel reductive pathway is suggested. The second case study refers to biobased industrial processes, which discharge aqueous effluents with unexploited carboxylic acid loads. Reactive separations are proposed to isolate the carboxylic acids. In both solver strategies, chemical reactions adopt a central role.
Clinical presentation and outcome of human papillomavirus‐positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a North American cohort
Authors: Huang Shao Hui , Jacinto J. C. Kennetth , O’Sullivan Brian , Su Jie , Kim John , Ringash Jolie , Spreafico Anna , Yu Eugene , Perez‐Ordonez Bayardo , Weinreb Ilan , Cho John , Hope Andrew J. , Bratman Scott V. , Giuliani Meredith E. , Hosni Ali , Hahn Ezra , Goldstein David P. , Tong Li , Eng Lawson , Xu Wei , Waldron John N.
Published: May 2022

Background

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) versus Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive NPC and HPV‐positive oropharyngeal cancer (OPC).

Methods

Clinical characteristics and presenting signs/symptoms were compared between patients who had viral‐related NPC versus viral‐related OPC treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy from 2005 to 2020 and who were matched 1:1 (by tumor and lymph node categories, smoking, age, sex, histology, and year of diagnosis). Locoregional control (LRC), distant control (DC), and overall survival (OS) were compared using the 2005–2018 cohort to maintain 2 years of minimum follow‐up. Multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the cohort effect.

Results

Similar to HPV‐positive OPC (n= 1531), HPV‐positive NPC (n= 29) occurred mostly in White patients compared with EBV‐positive NPC (n= 422; 86% vs. 15%;p< .001). Primary tumor volumes were larger in HPV‐positive NPC versus EBV‐positive NPC (median volume, 51 vs. 23 cm3;p= .002), with marginally more Level IB nodal involvement. More patients with HPV‐positive NPC complained of local pain (38% vs. 3%;p= .002). The median follow‐up for the 2005–2018 cohort was 5.3 years. Patients who had HPV‐positive NPC (n= 20) had rates of 3‐year LRC (95% vs. 90%;p= .360), DC (75% vs. 87%;p= .188), and OS (84% vs. 89%;p= .311) similar to the rates in those who had EBV‐positive NPC (n= 374). Patients who had HPV‐positive NPC also had rates of LRC (95% vs. 94%;p= .709) and OS (84% vs. 87%;p= .440) similar to the rates in those who had HPV‐positive OPC (n= 1287). The DC rate was lower in patients who had HPV‐positive disease (75% vs. 90%;p= .046), but the difference became nonsignificant (p= .220) when the analysis was adjusted for tumor and lymph node categories, smoking, and chemotherapy.

Conclusions

HPV‐positive NPC and EBV‐positive NPC seem to be mutually exclusive diseases. Patients who have HPV‐positive NPC have greater local symptom burden and larger primary tumors but have similar outcomes compared with patients who have EBV‐positive NPC or HPV‐positive OPC.
Electrochemical Activated Nitrogen‐doped Carbon as Highly Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Liang Cheng‐lu , Ye Ni‐ni , Li Jia‐li , Li Xing‐qiu , Lei Shuai , Huang Yuan‐peng , Wu Jing‐jie , Liu Yang , Yang Wei
Published: May 2022

Nitrogen‐doped carbon materials play an important role in the electrolysis of water due to their low cost and high stability. The major roles of N‐doped carbon materials in water electrolysis are electrocatalysts or catalyst support for metal‐based catalysts. However, the evolution of structures and performances of N‐doped carbon catalysts/support during electrochemical hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) process has been seldom reported. Here, we found that the catalytic activities of N‐doped carbon were electrochemically activated during the in‐situ HER process. After electrochemical activation, the catalytic activities of the nitrogen‐doped carbon towards HER were drastically improved and even approached the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C catalyst. The examination of activation conditions and correlation with the catalytical performances demonstrated that the emerged pyridine N‐oxide structure was responsible for the enhanced catalytic performances. The reconstruction of surface chemical structures near the active sites during activation results in the enhanced surface hydrophilicity, which in turn makes the active sites more accessible by the protons. As a result, the catalytic HER performances were drastically improved in the activated catalysts.
9‐(Diphenylphosphoryl)‐10‐(phenylethynyl)anthracene Derivatives: Synthesis and Implications for the Substituent and Solvent Effects on the Light‐Emitting Properties
Authors: Murayama Nina , Hao Jorolan Joel , Minoura Mao , Nakano Haruyuki , Ikoma Tadaaki , Matano Yoshihiro
Published: May 2022

Herein, we report a series of 9‐(diphenylphosphoryl)‐10‐(phenylethynyl)anthracenes (DPPPEAs) as novel fluorescent 9,10‐disubstituted anthracene derivatives. The DPPPEAs were prepared by Sonogashira coupling of (10‐bromoanthracen‐9‐yl)diphenylphosphine oxide with terminal arylacetylenes, and their structures were fully characterized. UV/Vis fluorescence spectroscopy and theoretical calculations were used to evaluate substituent effects on fluorescence properties of DPPPEAs. The nature of emissive excited state of DPPPEAs was found to vary greatly depending on the substituent, solvent, and temperature. Unsubstituted DPPPEA emitted intense fluorescence from locally excited (LE) state, whereas donor‐acceptor (D‐A) type DPPPEAs substituted with diphenylamino groups showed strong solvatofluorochromism derived from the charge‐transfer (CT) state. Notably, carbazolyl derivatives exhibited fluorescence from LE hybridized with CT state. The disappearance of CT emission in rigid media suggests that solvent reorganization plays a crucial role in producing large Stokes shifts of D‐A type derivatives. The DPPPEAs have also been found to function as annihilators in porphyrin‐sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation processes.
Silk Fibroin Coating Enables Dendrite‐free Zinc Anode for Long‐Life Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lu Jiahui , Yang Jian , Zhang Zhihao , Wang Chengyin , Xu Jing , Wang Tianyi
Published: May 2022

Due to the advantages of the low cost of Zn and the safety of aqueous electrolytes, the aqueous Zn ion battery (AZIB) is expected to become the next‐generation battery after lithium‐ion batteries. However, the problems of Zn anode dendrite growth, self‐corrosion, and passivation in AZIBs lead to short cycle life and short circuit of the battery. In this work, uniform and stable Silk II‐silk fibroin (Silk II‐SF) coating was prepared on the surface of Zn anode by a simple method. Experiments showed that the SF coating could prevent dendritic growth and hydrogen evolution corrosion. Therefore, symmetric cells using Silk II‐SF@Zn anode achieved a cycle life over 3300 and 1500 h at current densities of 10 and 20 mA cm−2, respectively. Using Silk II‐SF coating to protect Zn anode is a simple and effective strategy to realize dendrite‐free Zn anode and long‐cycle‐life AZIBs.
Frequency regulation for microgrid using genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization tuned STATCOM
Authors: Saxena Nitin Kumar , Gao Wenzhong D. , Kumar Ashwani , Mekhilef Saad , Gupta Varun
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) based frequency regulation for a wind‐based microgrid (MG) using reactive power balance loop. MG, operating from squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG), is employed for exporting the electrical power from wind turbines, and it needs reactive power which may be imported from the grid. Additional reactive power is also required from the grid for the load, directly coupled with such a distributed generator (DG) plant. However, guidelines issued by electric authorities encourage MGs to arrange their own reactive power because such reactive power procurement is defined as a local area problem for power system studies. Despite the higher cost of compensation, static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is a fast‐acting FACTs device for attending to these reactive power mismatches. Reactive power control can be achieved by controlling reactive current through the STATCOM. This can be achieved with modification in current controller scheme of STATCOM. STATCOM current controller is designed with reactive power load balance for the proposed microgrid in this paper. Further, gain values of the PI controller, required in the STATCOM model, are selected first with classical methods. In this classical method, iterative procedures which are based on integral square error (ISE), integral absolute error (IAE), and integral square of time error (ISTE) criteria are developed using MATLAB programs. System performances are further investigated with GA and PSO based control techniques and their acceptability over classical methods is diagnosed. Results in terms of converter frequency deviation show how the frequency remains under the operating boundaries as allowed by IEEE standards 1159:1995 and 1250:2011 for integrating renewable‐based microgrid with grid. Real and reactive power management and load current total harmonic distortions verify the STATCOM performance in MG. The results are further validated with the help of recent papers in which frequency regulation is investigated for almost similar power system models. The compendium for this work is as following: (i) modelling of wind generator‐based microgrid using MATLAB simulink library, (ii) designing of STATCOM current controller with PI controller, (iii) gain constants estimation using classical, GA and PSO algorithm through a developed m codes and their interfacing with proposed simulink model, (v) dynamic frequency responses for proposed grid connected microgrid during starting and load perturbations, (vi) verification of system performance with the help of obtained real and reactive power management between STATCOM and grid, and (vii) validation of results with available literature.
Executive functions in Chinese kindergarten children with early reading problems
Authors: Fong Cathy Yui‐Chi , Ho Connie Suk‐Han
Published: May 2022

Learning to read Chinese is a complex task that draws on a range of executive function (EF) skills since early development. However, no studies have examined EF as a potential contributing factor to early reading problems among Chinese children. The present longitudinal study identified 48 poor readers and 48 normal readers among a sample of 190 Chinese children at the end of kindergarten. Measures of EF skills (working memory, inhibition control, and cognitive flexibility) and reading outcomes (word reading, sentence reading fluency, and sentence reading comprehension) were administered to the children. The two groups were retrospectively compared on the EF measures after age and nonverbal IQ were considered. Poor readers were found to perform significantly worse than normal readers in all the examined EF skills. Correlation and regression results revealed a relatively different nature of the relationship between EF and reading in poor readers as compared with normal readers. Inhibition control predicted reading outcomes in poor readers only, while cognitive flexibility predicted reading outcomes in normal readers only. Working memory was significantly correlated to word reading in poor readers and to reading comprehension in normal readers. The results are discussed in terms of the special characteristics of the Chinese language.
Motivation for dietary restraint, and disordered eating among adults experiencing food insecurity in the United States
Authors: Gomez Francesca , Perez Marisol
Published: May 2022

Objective

Does engaging in dietary restraint due to weight/shape concerns versus economic hardship differentially relate to disordered eating?

Method

The sample consisted of 582 adults experiencing food insecurity (FI) who completed online measures assessing severity of FI, disordered eating, loss of control over eating, and dietary restraint. Participants reported their motivation for dietary restraint with options consisting of weight/shape concerns, economic hardship (i.e., insufficient funds and prioritizing others' needs), mixed reasons, and other/I do not know.

Results

In the sample, 18% reported engaging in dietary restraint primarily due to weight/shape concerns, 33% due to economic hardship, 18% other/do not know, and 30% due to a mix of reasons. There were positive correlations between FI, economic hardship, dietary restraint, disordered eating, and loss of control over eating. Regression analyses revealed the association between dietary restraint and disordered eating does not differ across individuals who endorse economic hardship as a motivator for dietary restraint. Findings replicated with loss of control. However, the association between dietary restraint and disordered eating grew stronger as more dietary restraint due to weight/shape concerns was endorsed. No significant association emerged with loss of control.

Discussion

Research is needed to replicate findings and examine how patterns of food scarcity impacts disordered eating in food insecure populations with and without weight/shape concerns. Findings suggest that motivation for dietary restraint may influence associations with dietary restraint and the cognitive components of disordered eating, but not the behavioral components of disordered eating.

Public Significance Statement

Disordered eating due to dietary restraint is most commonly associated with weight and shape concerns; however, even when dietary restraint is due to economic reasons, it can still be associated with disordered eating.
Tidal streams, fish, and seabirds: Understanding the linkages between mobile predators, prey, and hydrodynamics
Authors: Couto Ana , Williamson Benjamin J. , Cornulier Thomas , Fernandes Paul G. , Fraser Shaun , Chapman James D. , Davies Ian M. , Scott Beth E.
Published: May 2022

Driven by the necessity to decarbonize energy sources, many countries are targeting tidal stream environments for power generation. However, these areas can act as foraging hotspots for marine top predators, such as seabirds. Thus, it is important to understand the ecological interactions influencing predator behavior and distribution in these areas, to determine the potential ecological implications of marine renewable devices. This study used concurrent observations of foraging seabirds, physical hydrodynamics, and prey presence across a tidal stream environment, before and after the installation of a commercial turbine array close to the island of Stroma, Scotland. There were three main findings: First, benthic foraging seabirds showed a clear preference for certain sections around Stroma where sandeels were detected, while pelagic foraging seabirds were seen all around Stroma. Second, there was a positive effect of water velocity on the number of pelagic foragers and common guillemots. Third, there was a positive effect of the presence of fish schools on the number of pelagic seabirds and common guillemots, in both the same and the previous transects. Thus, it is possible that seabirds target areas of predictable food sources during periods where prey might be easily accessed (e.g., periods of fast flows). Given the difference in the distribution between seabird categories, it is likely that marine renewable devices will impact each category differently. We conclude that any impact on sandbank locations, sandeels preferred habitat, due to the presence of tidal turbines is likely to alter the distribution of benthic foraging seabirds. For pelagic foraging seabirds and common guillemot, changes in prey presence and accessibility (depth and level of aggregation/disaggregation) will have a stronger effect on seabird presence. This study highlights the need to include concurrent physical and biological data when assessing the ecological impacts of tidal turbines.
Sacubitril/valsartan affects pulmonary arterial pressure in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Codina Pau , Domingo Mar , Barceló Elena , Gastelurrutia Paloma , Casquete Daniel , Vila Joan , Abdul‐Jawad Altisent Omar , Spitaleri Giosafat , Cediel Germán , Santiago‐Vacas Evelyn , Zamora Elisabet , Ruiz‐Cueto María , Santesmases Javier , de la Espriella Rafael , Pascual‐Figal Domingo A. , Nuñez Julio , Lupón Josep , Bayes‐Genis Antoni
Published: May 2022

Aims

Prior studies have not fully characterized the haemodynamic effects of the angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and pulmonary hypertension (HFpEF–PH). The aim of the Treatment of PH With Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker and Neprilysin Inhibitor in HFpEF Patients With CardioMEMS Device (ARNIMEMS‐HFpEF) study is to assess pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) dynamics by means of implanted PAP monitors in patients with HFpEF–PH treated with sacubitril/valsartan.

Methods and results

This single‐arm, investigator‐initiated, interventional study included 14 consecutive ambulatory symptomatic HFpEF–PH patients who underwent CardioMEMS implantation prior to enrolment [mean ejection fraction 60.4 ± 7.2%, baseline mean PAP (mPAP) 33.9 ± 7.6 mmHg]. Daily PAP values were examined during three periods: a 6 week period after CardioMEMS implantation and before sacubitril/valsartan treatment (pre‐ARNI), a 6 week period with sacubitril/valsartan treatment (ARNI ON), and a 6 week period of sacubitril/valsartan withdrawal (ARNI OFF). The primary endpoint was change in mPAP with and without sacubitril/valsartan. Secondary endpoints included changes in 6 min walking distance, B‐line sum in lung ultrasound, and quality of life (QoL). During the study period, 1717 mPAP measurements were recorded. Between pre‐ARNI vs. ARNI ON, mPAP significantly declined by −4.99 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) −5.55 to −4.43]. Between ARNI ON vs. ARNI OFF, mPAP significantly increased by +2.84 mmHg [95% CI +2.26 to +3.42]. Between pre‐ARNI vs. ARNI ON, we found an improvement in 6 min walking distance, B‐lines, and QoL. Mean loop diuretic management did not differ between periods.

Conclusions

Sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduced mPAP in patients with HFpEF–PH, independent of loop diuretic management, together with improvement in functional capacity, lung congestion, and QoL. Sacubitril/valsartan may be a therapeutic alternative in HFpEF–PH.
Phenotypes of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and effect of spironolactone treatment
Authors: Choy Manting , Liang Weihao , He Jiangui , Fu Michael , Dong Yugang , He Xin , Liu Chen
Published: May 2022

Aims

The aims of this study were to explore phenotypes of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and evaluate differential effects of spironolactone treatment.

Methods and results

A swap‐stepwise algorithm was used for variable selection. Latent class analysis based on 10 selected variables was employed in a derivative set of 1540 patients from the TOPCAT trial. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the prognoses and effects of spironolactone treatment. Three phenotypes of HFpEF were identified. Phenotype 1 was the youngest with low burden of co‐morbidities. Phenotype 2 was the oldest with high prevalence of atrial fibrillation, pacemaker implantation, and hypothyroidism. Phenotype 3 was mostly obese and diabetic with high burden of other co‐morbidities. Compared with phenotype 1, phenotypes 2 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–1.89; P = 0.003) and 3 (HR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.80–3.07; P < 0.001) were associated with higher risks of the primary composite outcome. Spironolactone treatment was associated with a reduced risk of the primary outcome only in phenotype 1 (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.40–0.98; P = 0.042).

Conclusions

Three distinct HFpEF phenotypes were identified. Spironolactone treatment could improve clinical outcome in a phenotype of relatively young patients with low burden of co‐morbidities.
Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II and protein kinase G oxidation contributes to impaired sarcomeric proteins in hypertrophy model
Authors: Gömöri Kamilla , Herwig Melissa , Budde Heidi , Hassoun Roua , Mostafi Nusratul , Zhazykbayeva Saltanat , Sieme Marcel , Modi Suvasini , Szabados Tamara , Pipis Judit , Farkas‐Morvay Nikolett , Leprán István , Ágoston Gergely , Baczkó István , Kovács Árpád , Mügge Andreas , Ferdinandy Péter , Görbe Anikó , Bencsik Péter , Hamdani Nazha
Published: May 2022

Aims

Volume overload (VO) induced hypertrophy is one of the hallmarks to the development of heart diseases. Understanding the compensatory mechanisms involved in this process might help preventing the disease progression.

Methods and results

Therefore, the present study used 2 months old Wistar rats, which underwent an aortocaval fistula to develop VO‐induced hypertrophy. The animals were subdivided into four different groups, two sham operated animals served as age‐matched controls and two groups with aortocaval fistula. Echocardiography was performed prior termination after 4‐ and 8‐month. Functional and molecular changes of several sarcomeric proteins and their signalling pathways involved in the regulation and modulation of cardiomyocyte function were investigated.

Results

The model was characterized with preserved ejection fraction in all groups and with elevated heart/body weight ratio, left/right ventricular and atrial weight at 4‐ and 8‐month, which indicates VO‐induced hypertrophy. In addition, 8‐months groups showed increased left ventricular internal diameter during diastole, RV internal diameter, stroke volume and velocity‐time index compared with their age‐matched controls. These changes were accompanied by increased Ca2+ sensitivity and titin‐based cardiomyocyte stiffness in 8‐month VO rats compared with other groups. The altered cardiomyocyte mechanics was associated with phosphorylation deficit of sarcomeric proteins cardiac troponin I, myosin binding protein C and titin, also accompanied with impaired signalling pathways involved in phosphorylation of these sarcomeric proteins in 8‐month VO rats compared with age‐matched control group. Impaired protein phosphorylation status and dysregulated signalling pathways were associated with significant alterations in the oxidative status of both kinases CaMKII and PKG explaining by this the elevated Ca2+ sensitivity and titin‐based cardiomyocyte stiffness and perhaps the development of hypertrophy.

Conclusions

Our findings showed VO‐induced cardiomyocyte dysfunction via deranged phosphorylation of myofilament proteins and signalling pathways due to increased oxidative state of CaMKII and PKG and this might contribute to the development of hypertrophy.
Novel bioreactor internals for the cultivation of spore‐forming fungi in pellet form
Authors: Soerjawinata Winda , Kockler Isabelle , Wommer Lars , Frank Robert , Schüffler Anja , Schirmeister Tanja , Ulber Roland , Kampeis Percy
Published: May 2022

This study introduced an automated long‐term fermentation process for fungals grown in pellet form. The goal was to reduce the overgrowth of bioreactor internals and sensors while better rheological properties in the fermentation broth, such as oxygen transfer and mixing time, can be achieved. Because this could not be accomplished with continuous culture and fed‐batch fermentation, repeated‐batch fermentation was implemented with the help of additional bioreactor internals (“sporulation supports”). This should capture some biomass during fermentation. After harvesting the suspended biomass, intermediate cleaning was performed using a cleaning device. The biomass retained on the sporulation support went through the sporulation phase. The spores were subsequently used as inocula for the next batch. The reason for this approach was that the retained pellets could otherwise cause problems (e.g., overgrowth on sensors) in subsequent batches because the fungus would then show undesirable hyphal growth. Various sporulation supports were tested for sufficient biomass fixation to start the next batch. A reproducible spore concentration within the range of the requirements could be achieved by adjusting the sporulation support (design and construction material), and an intermediate cleaning adapted to this.
Sustainable and renewable electric energy generation with continuous flow enzymatic fuel cell
Authors: Korkut Uru Seyda , Kilic Muhammet Samet , Yetiren Fatma
Published: May 2022

A continuous flow enzymatic fuel cell (EFC) based on poly(pyrrole‐co‐pyrrole‐2‐carboxylic acid) film was used for sustainable energy generation. The system parameters were optimized to generate maximum power. Optimum cycle number for electropolymerization was found to be 12.5 for bioanode, and 20 for biocathode. The best performance was reached at pH 7, 1 ml min−1 flow rate and cell potential of 0.51 V. A power density of 0.36 μW cm−2 in 10 min was generated with 0.86 μg glucose dehydrogenase and 0.35 μg bilirubin oxidase enzyme quantity by using 100 mmol L−1 glucose. The EFC performance was investigated with municipal sewage, and the system generated a power density of 0.85 μW cm−2. Results showed that the proposed EFC could be successfully used at waste utilization, especially for the wastewater with glycolytic content.
A Fletcher‐Reeves conjugate gradient optimized multi‐reservoir echo state network for state of charge estimation in vehicle battery
Authors: Gu Tianyu , Wang Dongqing , Jiao Meng
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates a Fletcher‐Reeves conjugate gradient optimized multi‐reservoir echo state network (FRCG‐MESN) to identify battery state of charge (SOC). First, an echo state network with multiple reservoirs is established to estimate battery SOC by using its discharge terminal voltage and current as the inputs, and the FR conjugate gradient algorithm is explored to tune the output weights of the MESN to avoid calculating the inverse matrix. Second, an appropriate amount of Gaussian noise with zero mean is added to the training set to prevent overfitting. Finally, a battery test platform is adopted to sample the discharging data under two working conditions: the Los Angeles 92 and the urban dynamometer driving schedule. The simulation results show that the presented FRCG‐MESN method can accurately identify the battery SOC with different initial SOCs. Applying an appropriate amount of noise to the training set can prevent overfitting efficiently.