bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes among tuberculosis patients and its impact on tuberculosis treatment in South Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gautam Sanju , Shrestha Nipun , Mahato Sweta , Nguyen Tuan P. A. , Mishra Shiva Raj , Berg-Beckhoff Gabriele
Published: January 2021

The escalating burden of diabetes is increasing the risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB) and has a pervasive impact on TB treatment outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the burden of diabetes among TB patients and assess its impact on TB treatment in South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and CINAHL databases were systematically searched for observational (cross-sectional, case–control and cohort) studies that reported prevalence of diabetes in TB patients and published between 1 January 1980 and 30 July 2020. A random-effect model for computing the pooled prevalence of diabetes and a fixed-effect model for assessing its impact on TB treatment were used. The review was registered with PROSPERO number CRD42020167896. Of the 3463 identified studies, a total of 74 studies (47 studies from India, 10 from Pakistan, four from Nepal and two from both Bangladesh and Sri-Lanka) were included in this systematic review: 65 studies for the prevalence of diabetes among TB patients and nine studies for the impact of diabetes on TB treatment outcomes. The pooled prevalence of diabetes in TB patients was 21% (95% CI 18.0, 23.0; I2 98.3%), varying from 11% in Bangladesh to 24% in Sri-Lanka. The prevalence was higher in studies having a sample size less than 300 (23%, 95% CI 18.0, 27.0), studies conducted in adults (21%, 95% CI 18.0, 23.0) and countries with high TB burden (21%, 95% CI 19.0, 24.0). Publication bias was detected based on the graphic asymmetry of the funnel plot and Egger’s test (p < 0.001). Compared with non-diabetic TB patients, patients with TB and diabetes were associated with higher odds of mortality (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.7; 95% CI 1.2, 2.51; I2 19.4%) and treatment failure (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1, 2.4; I2 49.6%), but not associated with Multi-drug resistant TB (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.6, 1.7; I2 40.7%). This study found a high burden of diabetes among TB patients in South Asia. Patients with TB-diabetes were at higher risk of treatment failure and mortality compared to TB alone. Screening for diabetes among TB patients along with planning and implementation of preventive and curative strategies for both TB and diabetes are urgently needed.
Discovery of a new class of integrin antibodies for fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Ji , Wang Tao , Saigal Ashmita , Johnson Josephine , Morrisson Jennifer , Tabrizifard Sahba , Hollingsworth Scott A. , Eddins Michael J. , Mao Wenxian , O’Neill Kim , Garcia-Calvo Margarita , Carballo-Jane Ester , Liu DingGang , Ham Taewon , Zhou Qiong , Dong Weifeng , Meng Hsien-Wei , Hicks Jacqueline , Cai Tian-Quan , Akiyama Taro , Pinto Shirly , Cheng Alan C. , Greshock Thomas , Marquis John C. , Ren Zhao , Talukdar Saswata , Shaheen Hussam Hisham , Handa Masahisa
Published: January 2021

Lung fibrosis, or the scarring of the lung, is a devastating disease with huge unmet medical need. There are limited treatment options and its prognosis is worse than most types of cancer. We previously discovered that MK-0429 is an equipotent pan-inhibitor of αv integrins that reduces proteinuria and kidney fibrosis in a preclinical model. In the present study, we further demonstrated that MK-0429 significantly inhibits fibrosis progression in a bleomycin-induced lung injury model. In search of newer integrin inhibitors for fibrosis, we characterized monoclonal antibodies discovered using Adimab’s yeast display platform. We identified several potent neutralizing integrin antibodies with unique human and mouse cross-reactivity. Among these, Ab-31 blocked the binding of multiple αv integrins to their ligands with IC50s comparable to those of MK-0429. Furthermore, both MK-0429 and Ab-31 suppressed integrin-mediated cell adhesion and latent TGFβ activation. In IPF patient lung fibroblasts, TGFβ treatment induced profound αSMA expression in phenotypic imaging assays and Ab-31 demonstrated potent in vitro activity at inhibiting αSMA expression, suggesting that the integrin antibody is able to modulate TGFβ action though mechanisms beyond the inhibition of latent TGFβ activation. Together, our results highlight the potential to develop newer integrin therapeutics for the treatment of fibrotic lung diseases.
Data science assisted investigation of catalytically active copper hydrate in zeolites for direct oxidation of methane to methanol using H2O2
Authors: Ohyama Junya , Hirayama Airi , Kondou Nahoko , Yoshida Hiroshi , Machida Masato , Nishimura Shun , Hirai Kenji , Miyazato Itsuki , Takahashi Keisuke
Published: January 2021

Dozens of Cu zeolites with MOR, FAU, BEA, FER, CHA and MFI frameworks are tested for direct oxidation of CH4 to CH3OH using H2O2 as oxidant. To investigate the active structures of the Cu zeolites, 15 structural variables, which describe the features of the zeolite framework and reflect the composition, the surface area and the local structure of the Cu zeolite active site, are collected from the Database of Zeolite Structures of the International Zeolite Association (IZA). Also analytical studies based on inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), N2 adsorption specific surface area measurement and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectral measurement are performed. The relationships between catalytic activity and the structural variables are subsequently revealed by data science techniques, specifically, classification using unsupervised and supervised machine learning and data visualization using pairwise correlation. Based on the unveiled relationships and a detailed analysis of the XAFS spectra, the local structures of the Cu zeolites with high activity are proposed.
The rostro-caudal gradient in the prefrontal cortex and its modulation by subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Schumacher F. Konrad , Schumacher Lena V. , Amtage Florian , Horn Andreas , Egger Karl , Piroth Tobias , Weiller Cornelius , Schelter Björn O. , Coenen Volker A. , Kaller Christoph P.
Published: January 2021

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) alleviates motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) but also affects the prefrontal cortex (PFC), potentially leading to cognitive side effects. The present study tested alterations within the rostro-caudal hierarchy of neural processing in the PFC induced by STN-DBS in PD. Granger-causality analyses of fast functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measurements were used to infer directed functional connectivity from intrinsic PFC activity in 24 PD patients treated with STN-DBS. Functional connectivity was assessed ON stimulation, in steady-state OFF stimulation and immediately after the stimulator was switched ON again. Results revealed that STN-DBS significantly enhanced the rostro-caudal hierarchical organization of the PFC in patients who had undergone implantation early in the course of the disease, whereas it attenuated the rostro-caudal hierarchy in late-implanted patients. Most crucially, this systematic network effect of STN-DBS was reproducible in the second ON stimulation measurement. Supplemental analyses demonstrated the significance of prefrontal networks for cognitive functions in patients and matched healthy controls. These findings show that the modulation of prefrontal functional networks by STN-DBS is dependent on the disease duration before DBS implantation and suggest a neurophysiological mechanism underlying the side effects on prefrontally-guided cognitive functions observed under STN-DBS.
Variability in plant trace element uptake across different crops, soil contamination levels and soil properties in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwest China
Authors: Liu Weiguo , Yang Xiaodong , Duan Luchun , Naidu Ravi , Yan Kaihong , Liu Yanju , Wang Xiyuan , Gao Yongchao , Chen Yinguang
Published: January 2021

This study investigated contamination status of eight trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn and Ni) in farmland soils and crops at 535 sites across the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Northwest China. Land use types of the sampling sites included vegetable patch, grain field and orchard. Our experimental results indicated all farmland soils were considered as trace element contamination based on the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index (NCPI > 1). However, 91.97% of the crop samples were uncontaminated according to the Chinese Risk Control Standard. Soils from the vegetable patch showed higher pollution level comparison with that from grain field and orchard. Health risks for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were calculated through crop ingestion exposure pathway. Grain samples showed highest health risks, followed by melon and fruit, and vegetables. The health risks of crops were mainly driven by Cr and Cd. Crop consumption may pose risks for children but not adults. The source of trace element contamination in the different farmland soils varied and may be attributed to the different agricultural activities. Plant type had a greater influence on the trace element accumulation in crops compared with soil trace element contents and physicochemical properties.
Author Correction: Heterogeneous Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS modulates immuno-inflammatory response, antioxidant defense and cytoskeletal dynamics in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Herath Thanuja D. K. , Darveau Richard P. , Seneviratne Chaminda J. , Wang Cun-Yu , Wang Yu , Jin Lijian
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Coconut genome assembly enables evolutionary analysis of palms and highlights signaling pathways involved in salt tolerance
Authors: Yang Yaodong , Bocs Stéphanie , Fan Haikuo , Armero Alix , Baudouin Luc , Xu Pengwei , Xu Junyang , This Dominique , Hamelin Chantal , Iqbal Amjad , Qadri Rashad , Zhou Lixia , Li Jing , Wu Yi , Ma Zilong , Issali Auguste Emmanuel , Rivallan Ronan , Liu Na , Xia Wei , Peng Ming , Xiao Yong
Published: January 2021

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is the emblematic palm of tropical coastal areas all around the globe. It provides vital resources to millions of farmers. In an effort to better understand its evolutionary history and to develop genomic tools for its improvement, a sequence draft was recently released. Here, we present a dense linkage map (8402 SNPs) aiming to assemble the large genome of coconut (2.42 Gbp, 2n = 32) into 16 pseudomolecules. As a result, 47% of the sequences (representing 77% of the genes) were assigned to 16 linkage groups and ordered. We observed segregation distortion in chromosome Cn15, which is a signature of strong selection among pollen grains, favouring the maternal allele. Comparing our results with the genome of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis allowed us to identify major events in the evolutionary history of palms. We find that coconut underwent a massive transposable element invasion in the last million years, which could be related to the fluctuations of sea level during the glaciations at Pleistocene that would have triggered a population bottleneck. Finally, to better understand the facultative halophyte trait of coconut, we conducted an RNA-seq experiment on leaves to identify key players of signaling pathways involved in salt stress response. Altogether, our findings represent a valuable resource for the coconut breeding community.
Chromosomal scale assembly of parasitic wasp genome reveals symbiotic virus colonization
Authors: Gauthier Jérémy , Boulain Hélène , van Vugt Joke J. F. A. , Baudry Lyam , Persyn Emma , Aury Jean-Marc , Noel Benjamin , Bretaudeau Anthony , Legeai Fabrice , Warris Sven , Chebbi Mohamed A. , Dubreuil Géraldine , Duvic Bernard , Kremer Natacha , Gayral Philippe , Musset Karine , Josse Thibaut , Bigot Diane , Bressac Christophe , Moreau Sébastien , Periquet Georges , Harry Myriam , Montagné Nicolas , Boulogne Isabelle , Sabeti-Azad Mahnaz , Maïbèche Martine , Chertemps Thomas , Hilliou Frédérique , Siaussat David , Amselem Joëlle , Luyten Isabelle , Capdevielle-Dulac Claire , Labadie Karine , Merlin Bruna Laís , Barbe Valérie , de Boer Jetske G. , Marbouty Martial , Cônsoli Fernando Luis , Dupas Stéphane , Hua-Van Aurélie , Le Goff Gaelle , Bézier Annie , Jacquin-Joly Emmanuelle , Whitfield James B. , Vet Louise E. M. , Smid Hans M. , Kaiser Laure , Koszul Romain , Huguet Elisabeth , Herniou Elisabeth A. , Drezen Jean-Michel
Published: January 2021

Endogenous viruses form an important proportion of eukaryote genomes and a source of novel functions. How large DNA viruses integrated into a genome evolve when they confer a benefit to their host, however, remains unknown. Bracoviruses are essential for the parasitism success of parasitoid wasps, into whose genomes they integrated ~103 million years ago. Here we show, from the assembly of a parasitoid wasp genome at a chromosomal scale, that bracovirus genes colonized all ten chromosomes ofCotesia congregata. Most form clusters of genes involved in particle production or parasitism success. Genomic comparison with another wasp,Microplitis demolitor, revealed that these clusters were already established ~53 mya and thus belong to remarkably stable genomic structures, the architectures of which are evolutionary constrained. Transcriptomic analyses highlight temporal synchronization of viral gene expression without resulting in immune gene induction, suggesting that no conflicts remain between ancient symbiotic partners when benefits to them converge.
The emerging role of 3D-printing in ion mobility spectrometry and mass spectrometry
Authors: Guillén-Alonso Héctor , Rosas-Román Ignacio , Winkler Robert
Published: January 2021

3D-printing enables the rapid prototyping of ion mobility (IMS) and mass spectrometry (MS) gadgets. The RepRap components are suitable for building cost-efficient robots and MS imaging systems. In this review, we present current trends.
Discovery of two Na+-centered Silverton-type polyoxometalates {NaM12O42} (M = Mo, W)
Authors: Wan Rong , Liu Zhen , Ma Xinyi , Li Huafeng , Ma Pengtao , Zhang Chao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: January 2021

Two new Silverton archetypes [NaM12O42]11− were demonstrated in the POMs Na3[NaM12O42(Ru(DMSO)3)4]·13H2O (M = Mo, W). The alkali metal Na+ ion incubated as a heteroatom is reported for the first time in POMs and further certified by 23Na NMR.
Iron-catalyzed intramolecular acyl nitrene/alkyne metalation for the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ones
Authors: Lai Xiaojing , Liu Jin-Biao , Wang Yu-Chao , Qiu Guanyinsheng
Published: January 2021

In this work, by usingN-methoxybenzamides as efficient acyl nitrene precursors, an iron-catalyzed acyl nitrene/alkyne metalation is reported for the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ones.
A two-pronged photodynamic nanodrug to prevent metastasis of basal-like breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Ningning , Li Qian , Zhou Yaxin , Luan Yuxia
Published: January 2021

A two-pronged approach combining photodynamic therapy and blockade of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in a minimalist nanoplatform was proposed to combat metastasis of basal-like breast cancer.
Adaptive process control for crystal growth using machine learning for high-speed prediction: application to SiC solution growth
Authors: Dang Yifan , Zhu Can , Ikumi Motoki , Takaishi Masaki , Yu Wancheng , Huang Wei , Liu Xinbo , Kutsukake Kentaro , Harada Shunta , Tagawa Miho , Ujihara Toru
Published: January 2021

A time-dependent recipe designed by an adaptive control method can consistently maintain the optimal growth conditions despite the unsteady growth environment.
Phenoxido mediated antiferromagnetic and azide mediated ferromagnetic coupling in two dinuclear ferromagnetic nickel(ii) complexes with isomeric Schiff bases: a theoretical insight on the pathway of magnetic interaction
Authors: Khan Samim , Dutta Tamal , Cortijo Miguel , González-Prieto Rodrigo , Drew Michael G. B. , Gomila Rosa M. , Frontera Antonio , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: January 2021

Two relatively rare mixed phenoxo and azide bridged dinuclear nickel(ii) complexes have been discussed. Both complexes show strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions and exhibit ferromagnetic exchange coupling.
Towards realistic simulations of polymer networks: tuning vulcanisation and mechanical properties
Authors: David Alessio , Tartaglino Ugo , Raos Guido
Published: January 2021

Atomistic simulations demonstrate the influence of vulcanization rate on network topology and elasticity.
Hierarchically porous magnetic Fe3O4/Fe-MOF used as an effective platform for enzyme immobilization: a kinetic and thermodynamic study of structure–activity
Authors: Gao Xia , Zhai Quanguo , Hu Mancheng , Li Shuni , Jiang Yucheng
Published: January 2021

Fe3O4/Fe-MOF integrate magnetic characteristics and hierarchical porous structure for supporting chloroperoxidase (CPO) or horseradish peroxidase (HRP).
Exploring the hyperpolarisation of EGTA-based ligands using SABRE
Authors: Tickner Ben. J. , Borozdina Yulia , Duckett Simon B. , Angelovski Goran
Published: January 2021

We prepared a series of EGTA-derived metal-ion chelators and explored their suitability for hyperpolarisation with parahydrogen using the SABRE technique.
Temperature-responsive emission and elastic properties of a new 2D lead halide perovskite
Authors: Fan Jia-Hui , Qin Yan , Azeem Muhammad , Zhang Zhuo-Zhen , Li Zhi-Gang , Sun Na , Yao Zhao-Quan , Li Wei
Published: January 2021

Here, the optical and elastic properties of a newly synthesized 2D lead halide perovskite were systematically investigated via a combined theoretical–experimental approach.
Modulation of gelatinized wheat starch digestion and fermentation profiles by young apple polyphenols in vitro
Authors: Li Dan , Yang Yongli , Yang Xi , Wang Xiaoyu , Guo Chuo , Sun Lijun , Guo Yurong
Published: January 2021

To evaluate the effect of young apple polyphenols (YAP) on starch digestion and gut microbiota, complexes of native wheat starch (NWS) with YAP, and their main components chlorogenic acid (CA) and phlorizin (P) were fabricated and gelatinized.
Rapid nitrate determination with a portable lab-on-chip device based on double microstructured assisted reactors
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhu Jiaomeng , Hu Xuejia , Chen Longfei , Zuo Yunfeng , Yang Yi , Jiang Fenghua , Sun Chengjun , Zhao Weihong , Han Xiaotian
Published: January 2021

The portable lab-on-chip device based on microstructured assisted reactors enables rapid and smart nitrate determination.
A fully transparent, flexible PEDOT:PSS–ITO–Ag–ITO based microelectrode array for ECoG recording
Authors: Yang Weiyang , Gong Yan , Yao Cheng-You , Shrestha Maheshwar , Jia Yaoyao , Qiu Zhen , Fan Qi Hua , Weber Arthur , Li Wen
Published: January 2021

Ultra-flexible, highly-conductive and fully-transparent μECoG electrode arrays made of PEDOT:PSS–ITO–Ag–ITO on thin parylene C successfully achieved neurophysiology recording.
Endowing magnesium with the corrosion-resistance property through cross-linking polymerized inorganic sol–gel coating
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Xiao-Na , Wang Yang , Fan Yong , Xu Jia-Ning
Published: January 2021

Herein, it is reported a click-chemistry based preparation strategy to highly adhesive, defect-free and low-temperature sol–gel coating for the protection of magnesium alloys.
Two-dimensional conductive phthalocyanine-based metal–organic frameworks for electrochemical nitrite sensing
Authors: Lu Shun , Jia Hongxing , Hummel Matthew , Wu Yanan , Wang Keliang , Qi Xueqiang , Gu Zhengrong
Published: January 2021

2D nickel phthalocyanine based MOFs (NiPc-MOFs) with excellent conductivity were synthesized through a solvothermal approach.
Conformational transitions of adsorption-responsive single diblock copolymers in homopolymer brushes
Authors: Geng Keying , Gu Fang , Wang Haijun , Qi Shuanhu
Published: January 2021

We examine the effect of brush polydispersity on conformational transitions of adsorption-active diblock copolymer chains embedded in inert polydisperse brushes.
Retraction: Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis and chemo-sensitivity through modulating the miR-186-5p/NCAM1 axis in acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis and chemo-sensitivity through modulating miR-186-5p/NCAM1 axis in acute myeloid leukemia cells’ by Jing Dai et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 36256–36265, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA06378A.
Retraction: FOXO4 overexpression suppresses hypoxia-induced-MCF-7 cell survival and promotes apoptosis through the HIF-2α/Bnip3 signal pathway
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘FOXO4 overexpression suppresses hypoxia induced-MCF-7 cell survival and promotes apoptosis through HIF-2α/Bnip3 signal pathway’ by Yan Qiao et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 25912–25918, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA04380B.
Photolysis of acetonitrile in a water-rich ice as a source of complex organic molecules: CH3CN and H2O:CH3CN ices
Authors: Bulak M. , Paardekooper D. M. , Fedoseev G. , Linnartz H.
Published: January 2021

Context. Many C-, O-, and H-containing complex organic molecules (COMs) have been observed in the interstellar medium (ISM) and their formation has been investigated in laboratory experiments. An increasing number of recent detections of large N-bearing COMs motivates our experimental investigation of their chemical origin.

Aims. We investigate the potential role of acetonitrile (CH3CN) as a parent molecule to N-bearing COMs, motivated by its omnipresence in the ISM and structural similarity to another well-known precursor species, CH3OH. The aim of the present work is to characterize the chemical complexity that can result from vacuum UV photolysis of a pure CH3CN ice and a more realistic mixture of H2O:CH3CN.

Methods. The CH3CN ice and H2O:CH3CN ice mixtures were UV irradiated at 20 K. Laser desorption post ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to detect the newly formed COMs in situ. We examined the role of water in the chemistry of interstellar ices through an analysis of two different ratios of H2O:CH3CN (1:1 and 20:1).

Results. We find that CH3CN is an excellent precursor to the formation of larger nitrogen-containing COMs, including CH3CH2CN, NCCN/CNCN, and NCCH2CH2CN. During the UV photolysis of H2O:CH3CN ice, the water derivatives play a key role in the formation of molecules with functional groups of: imines, amines, amides, large nitriles, carboxylic acids, and alcohols. We discuss possible formation pathways for molecules recently detected in the ISM.
Whistler wave occurrence and the interaction with strahl electrons during the first encounter of Parker Solar Probe
Authors: Jagarlamudi V. K. , Dudok de Wit T. , Froment C. , Krasnoselskikh V. , Larosa A. , Bercic L. , Agapitov O. , Halekas J. S. , Kretzschmar M. , Malaspina D. , Moncuquet M. , Bale S. D. , Case A. W. , Kasper J. C. , Korreck K. E. , Larson D. E. , Pulupa M. , Stevens M. L. , Whittlesey P.
Published: January 2021

Aims.We studied the properties and occurrence of narrowband whistler waves and their interaction with strahl electrons observed between 0.17 and 0.26 au during the first encounter of Parker Solar Probe.

Methods.We used Digital Fields Board band-pass filtered (BPF) data from FIELDS to detect the signatures of whistler waves. Additionally parameters derived from the particle distribution functions measured by the Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) instrument suite were used to investigate the plasma properties, and FIELDS suite measurements were used to investigate the electromagnetic (EM) fields properties corresponding to the observed whistler signatures.

Results.We observe that the occurrence of whistler waves is low, nearly ~1.5% and less than 0.5% in the analyzed peak and average BPF data, respectively. Whistlers occur highly intermittently and 80% of the whistlers appear continuously for less than 3 s. The spacecraft frequencies of the analyzed waves are less than 0.2 electron cyclotron frequency (fce). The occurrence rate of whistler waves was found to be anticorrelated with the solar wind bulk velocity. The study of the duration of the whistler intervals revealed an anticorrelation between the duration and the solar wind velocity, as well as between the duration and the normalized amplitude of magnetic field variations. The pitch-angle widths (PAWs) of the field-aligned electron population referred to as the strahl are broader by at least 12 degrees during the presence of large amplitude narrowband whistler waves. This observation points toward an EM wave electron interaction, resulting in pitch-angle scattering. PAWs of strahl electrons corresponding to the short duration whistlers are higher compared to the long duration whistlers, indicating short duration whistlers scatter the strahl electrons better than the long duration ones. Parallel cuts through the strahl electron velocity distribution function (VDF) observed during the whistler intervals appear to depart from the Maxwellian shape typically found in the near-Sun strahl VDFs. The relative decrease in the parallel electron temperature and the increase in PAW for the electrons in the strahl energy range suggests that the interaction with whistler waves results in a transfer of electron momentum from the parallel to the perpendicular direction.
Outcome Prediction in Patients of Traumatic Brain Injury Based on Midline Shift on CT Scan of Brain
Authors: Palekar Shrikant Govindrao , Jaiswal Manish , Patil Mandar , Malpathak Vijay
Published: January 2021

Background Clinicians treating patients with head injury often take decisions based on their assessment of prognosis. Assessment of prognosis could help communication with a patient and the family. One of the most widely used clinical tools for such prediction is the Glasgow coma scale (GCS); however, the tool has a limitation with regard to its use in patients who are under sedation, are intubated, or under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive drugs. CT scan findings such as status of basal cistern, midline shift, associated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and intraventricular hemorrhage are useful indicators in predicting outcome and also considered as valid options for prognostication of the patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially in emergency setting.

Materials and Methods 108 patients of head injury were assessed at admission with clinical examination, history, and CT scan of brain. CT findings were classified according to type of lesion and midline shift correlated to GCS score at admission. All the subjects in this study were managed with an identical treatment protocol. Outcome of these patients were assessed on GCS score at discharge.

Results Among patients with severe GCS, 51% had midline shift. The degree of midline shift in CT head was a statistically significant determinant of outcome (p = 0.023). Seventeen out of 48 patients (35.4%) with midline shift had poor outcome as compared with 8 out of 60 patients (13.3%) with no midline shift.

Conclusion In patients with TBI, the degree of midline shift on CT scan was significantly related to the severity of head injury and resulted in poor clinical outcome.
A systematic and interdisciplinary review of mathematical models of language competition
Authors: Boissonneault Michael , Vogt Paul
Published: January 2021

During the last three decades, scientists in formal and natural sciences have been proposing models of language competition. Such models could prove instrumental in informing efforts made towards preserving the world’s linguistic diversity but have yet to gain significant interest among linguists. This situation could be due to a lack of overlap between the concepts and methods used in those models and those used by linguists. In an effort towards promoting interdisciplinary dialogue on the topic of language competition, this study describes the concepts and methods used in mathematical models of language competition and assesses whether these concepts and methods are becoming more similar over time to those used by linguists. To this end, studies that proposed mathematical models of language competition were systematically retrieved and analysed. Change over time in those models was first assessed concerning the way they are specified, including the parameters they contain. Next, it was checked whether models were increasingly fitted to empirical data. Finally, change in the disciplines covered by the journals where those models were published was evaluated. Results show that overall, models have been including few sociolinguistic parameters, have been relying little on empirical data, and have been mostly published in journals covering the fields of mathematics and physics. However, the last years have seen an important turnaround along each of these three axes. A common language seems to be emerging between fields regarding mathematical models of language competition, which should prove instrumental in informing efforts made towards preserving the world’s linguistic diversity.
Intrinsic quality factor extraction of multi-port cavity with arbitrary coupling
Authors: Frolov D.
Published: January 2021

We derived S-parameter based expressions for the intrinsic quality factor of an arbitrary coupled multiport microwave cavity and a non-ideal test fixture. Practical accuracy limitations of the obtained expressions specifically for superconducting accelerator cavities were evaluated both analytically and with the simulation software. The resulting formulas can be used to extract the intrinsic quality factor of normal-conducting and superconducting cavities directly from the calibrated S-parameter measurements.
Functional differentiations in evolutionary reservoir computing networks
Authors: Yamaguti Yutaka , Tsuda Ichiro
Published: January 2021

We propose an extended reservoir computer that shows the functional differentiation of neurons. The reservoir computer is developed to enable changing of the internal reservoir using evolutionary dynamics, and we call it an evolutionary reservoir computer. To develop neuronal units to show specificity, depending on the input information, the internal dynamics should be controlled to produce contracting dynamics after expanding dynamics. Expanding dynamics magnifies the difference of input information, while contracting dynamics contributes to forming clusters of input information, thereby producing multiple attractors. The simultaneous appearance of both dynamics indicates the existence of chaos. In contrast, the sequential appearance of these dynamics during finite time intervals may induce functional differentiations. In this paper, we show how specific neuronal units are yielded in the evolutionary reservoir computer.
Influence of fractal and multifractal morphology on the wettability and reflectivity of crystalline-Si thin film surfaces as photon absorber layers for solar cell
Authors: Maity G. , Yadav R. P. , Singhal R. , Kulriya P. K. , Mishra A. , Som T. , Dhar S. , Kanjilal D. , Patel Shiv. P.
Published: January 2021

Crystalline Si films incorporated with Al are important for applications in microelectronics and solar cells. In this paper, we report on the morphology of crystalline Si surfaces in Al/amorphous-Si bilayer thin films under ion beam irradiation at 100 °C. Micro-Raman and transmission electron microscopy studies show that best crystallization is achieved at a fluence of 1 × 1012 ions cm−2. The contact angle of Si surfaces (after chemically etched unreacted Al), referred to as absorber surfaces, decreases with increasing ion fluence. These surfaces are hydrophobic in nature and the hydrophobicity decreases with increasing ion fluence. Fractal and multifractal analysis of atomic force microscopy images, along with system energy/unit cell and Laplace pressure calculations, supports our observations. Moreover, the calculated multiple scattering cross sections of light, along with reflectivity measurements, indicate that absorber surfaces of best crystalline films have the lowest reflectivity. The present results suggest that such surfaces having low optical reflectance and a hydrophobic nature can be used as photon absorber layers for advanced solar cell devices.
Carbon-nanotube-templated carbon nanofibers with improved mechanical performance
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Yongqiang , Wang Xiaoguang , Lu Huanhuan , Liu Guozhu , Wei Jinghe , Shan Zhiwei , Liu Peng , Jiang Kaili , Fan Shoushan
Published: January 2021

The carbon nanotube (CNT) is a compelling and promising material for industrial applications requiring high strength and rigidity. For a multi-walled CNT (MWCNT), the nominal tensile strength and Young's modulus (considering the whole cross-sectional area of the specimen) are key mechanical factors for the practical application of macroscopic fibers and composites. However, the nominal tensile strength and Young's modulus of MWCNTs are much lower than their effective tensile strength and Young's modulus (considering the fracture cross-sectional area) because the outermost graphite layer always fractures first due to the low cross-link between graphite layers. In this paper, we fabricated the carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by epitaxial growth on super-aligned MWCNT film template and conducted in situ uniaxial tensile tests on individual carbon-nanotube-templated CNFs. The individual CNFs show improved nominal mechanical performance than previously reported MWCNTs. The nominal mechanical properties enhancement of the CNFs is attributed to the effective control on load transfer between interwalls.
Demonstration of a thermoelectric device using electric double-layer gating: Simultaneous control of the thermoelectric properties of p-type and n-type carbon nanotubes
Authors: Fujii Takenori
Published: January 2021

To fabricate a p-type and n-type pair for a thermoelectric device, an electric double-layer capacitor structure was applied to semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) sheets. The carrier concentration of the positive and negative SWCNT electrodes (channels) was controlled by changing the gate voltage applied between electrodes filled with an ionic liquid. The drain current and the thermopower of the channels were measured as a function of the gate voltage, and the drain current of both channels was found to drastically increase with the gate voltage. Positive and negative thermopower was observed in the positive and negative channels, respectively. These results indicate that hole and electron carriers were induced in the channels. We conclude that it is possible to simultaneously optimize the thermoelectric properties of p-type and n-type semiconducting SWCNTs using electric double-layer gating.
Dielectric continuum model examination of real-space electrostatic treatments
Authors: Yonetani Yoshiteru
Published: January 2021

Electrostatic interaction is long ranged; thus, the accurate calculation is not an easy task in molecular dynamics or Monte Carlo simulations. Though the rigorous Ewald method based on the reciprocal space has been established, real-space treatments have recently become an attractive alternative because of the efficient calculation. However, the construction is not yet completed and is now a challenging subject. In an earlier theoretical study, Neumann and Steinhauser employed the Onsager dielectric continuum model to explain how simple real-space cutoff produces artificial dipolar orientation. In the present study, we employ this continuum model to explore the fundamental properties of the recently developed real-space treatments of three shifting schemes. The result of the distance-dependent Kirkwood function GK(R) showed that the simple bare cutoff produces a well-known hole-shaped artifact, whereas the shift treatments do not. Two-dimensional mapping of electric field well explained how these shift treatments remove the hole-shaped artifact. Still, the shift treatments are not sufficient because they do not produce a flat GK(R) profile unlike ideal no-cutoff treatment. To test the continuum model results, we also performed Monte Carlo simulations of dipolar particles. The results found that the continuum model could predict the qualitative tendency as to whether each electrostatic treatment produces the hole-shaped artifact of GK(R) or not. We expect that the present study using the continuum model offers a stringent criterion to judge whether the primitive electrostatic behavior is correctly described or not, which will be useful for future construction of electrostatic treatments.
Range measurement and fluorescence imaging analysis using electron beams with new liquid scintillator based on alcohol
Authors: Kim Byoung Chan , Kim Ye Ji , Choi Ji Young , Joo Kyung Kwang , Park Seon Yeoung , Song Ye Sung , Woo Hee Jin
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a new base material, a mixture of alcohol and water, for liquid scintillators. To date, there are no previous R&D studies for particle detectors with alcohol. In this study, 2-ethoxyethanol, which has a higher density than ethanol, was used to make an equivalent substance to the human body, namely, the skin or epidermis. This paper describes the brief synthesizing process of the alcohol-based liquid scintillator that was investigated and presents some of the feasible results. As one of its applications, a range (beam-path-length) measurement using an electron beam in medical physics is also described. Then, Monte Carlo simulation was performed for comparison with several other measurement results in medical physics. One of the intriguing results is that liquid scintillator component analysis can be performed through the pixel information stored in a mobile digital camera. Through the emission spectra of light, the component of the wavelength converting substances dissolved in the liquid scintillator can be known in the visible region without opening the sealed liquid scintillator. In the near future, the new alcohol-based liquid scintillator currently developed could be used for particle detector or medical imaging applications.
Enhanced energy density of polyaniline nanostructured polymer nanocomposites at low electric field
Authors: Palsaniya Shatrudhan
Published: January 2021

This work exhibits anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), nonionic triblock copolymer F127, and polyaniline (PANI) nanostructures. The nanorod shaped PANI-SDS-F127 1:1 demonstrates noteworthy features—scalable and extended electrical characteristics, dielectric response, and significance in high-density energy storage devices. High-frequency measurements (1 MHz–1 GHz) preserve dielectric relaxation, which is attributed to excellent charge polarization. Uniformly distributed PANI nanorods align with the induced electric field and develop high current density (J ∼ 5.270 × 105 mA m–2), electric displacement (Dmax ∼ 7.408 × 105 C m–2), and lower impedance (Zs ∼ 3.28 Ω), which result in an improved charge polarization leading to increased capacitance (Cs ∼ 6.21 μF). These properties yield notable energy density (Ue ∼ 1.08 J cm–3) and signify a polymer matrix viable to high-density energy storage capacitor devices that would be actively favorable in developing efficient electronic and electrical devices.
Automated system for surface photovoltage spectroscopy
Authors: González Y. , Abelenda A. , de Melo O. , Calvo-Mola C. , García-Pelayo L. , García B. J. , Sánchez M.
Published: January 2021

This paper details the development of a lab-made experimental setup for surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS) measurements using an open-source and Arduino® microcontroller to control a monochromator and some off-the-shelf electronic components. The experimental setup is interfaced to a computer, where LabVIEW® based software manages system control and data acquisition. We also report the design of a compact sample holder, simple and easy to manufacture and handle. Results of the application of SPS to the characterization of MoO3 thin films and semiconductor laser structures are presented to validate the performance of the setup, highlighting the effectiveness of SPS for the characterization of semiconductor materials and devices.
Quantitative bridging between full-atomistic and bead-spring models for polybutadiene and poly(butadiene–styrene) copolymers
Authors: Baba Akinori , Masubuchi Yuichi
Published: January 2021

Despite lots of attempts on the bridging between full-atomistic and coarse-grained models for polymers, a practical methodology has not been established yet. One of the problems is computation costs for the determination of spatial and temporal conversion parameters, which are ideally obtained for the long chain limit. In this study, we propose a practical, yet quantitative, bridging method utilizing the simulation results for rather short chains. We performed full-atomistic simulations for polybutadiene and some poly(butadiene–styrene) copolymers in the melt state by varying the number of repeating units as 20, 30, and 40. We attempted to construct corresponding coarse-grained models for such systems. We employed the Kremer–Grest type bead-spring chains with bending rigidity. The stiffness parameter of coarse-grained models and the spatial conversion factor between the full-atomistic and coarse-grained models were obtained according to the conformational statistics of polymer chains. Although such a bridging strategy is similar to the earlier studies, we incorporated the molecular weight dependence of the conformational statistics for the first time. By introducing several empirical functions of the conformational statistics for the molecular weight dependence, we attained a rigorous bridging for the conformational statistics. We confirmed that the structural distribution functions of the coarse-grained systems are entirely consistent with the target full-atomistic ones. Owing to the structural conversion parameters thus obtained, we constructed the coarse-grained models that corresponded to the polymers consisting of 200 repeating units and traced the segmental diffusion. The full-atomistic simulations were also performed from the initial configurations created from the equilibrated coarse-grained models via the back-mapping scheme. From the comparison of the mean-square-displacement of the segments positioned at the middle of the chain, we obtained the temporal conversion factors.
Aperiodic optical coatings for neutral-color semi-transparent organic photovoltaics
Authors: Sheriff Hafiz K. M. , Li Yongxi , Qu Boning , Forrest Stephen R.
Published: January 2021

Semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) have the potential for integration with windows for ubiquitous power generating applications. Typically, such applications require that ST-OPVs be neutrally transparent across the visible and exhibit both a high average photopic transmittance (APT) and color rendering index, as well as iso-energetic chromaticity coordinates. In this work, we demonstrate the design and use of optical coatings to achieve ST-OPVs with a neutral visible transmittance of APT = 50%, a power conversion efficiency of 8.3%, and optical properties that are independent of a ± 30° variation in the solar angle of incidence. These simple optical coatings are rapidly designed using a genetic algorithm and transfer matrix formalism.
Diffusiophoresis of a highly charged soft particle in electrolyte solutions induced by diffusion potential
Authors: Wu Yvonne , Chang Wen-Chun , Fan Leia , Jian Elaine , Tseng Jessica , Lee Eric
Published: January 2021

Diffusiophoresis of a single soft particle in an electrolyte solution with induced diffusion potential is investigated theoretically in this study. A pseudo-spectral method based on Chebyshev polynomials is adopted to solve the resultant governing electrokinetic equations. Parameters of electrokinetic interest are examined extensively to explore their respective effect upon the particle motion, such as the fixed charge density and the permeability of the outer porous layer, the surface potential and size of the inner rigid core, and the electrolyte strength and magnitude of the induced diffusion potential in the solution. The nonlinear effects pertinent to highly charged particles, such as the double layer polarization effect and the counterion condensation effect, are scrutinized, in particular. Here, nonlinear effects refer to the effects that can only be properly revealed by accurately solving the complete nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann equation governing the electric potential instead of the simplified linear Helmholtz equation under the Debye–Hückel approximation, valid for lowly charged particles only. We found, among other things, that characteristic local extrema in mobility profiles are mainly due to these two effects. Moreover, a soft particle moves fastest in dilute electrolyte solutions, in general. The smaller the soft particle is, the faster it moves under otherwise identical structural and electrokinetic conditions, provided that the particle radius is smaller than the Debye length, the characteristic thickness of the double layer. The shape of the double layer polarization takes an undulating multilayer form at large electrolyte strength. The results provided here are useful in practical applications such as drug delivery as well as microfluidic and nanofluidic operations.
Sloshing suppression with active controlled baffles through deep reinforcement learning–expert demonstrations–behavior cloning process
Authors: Xie Yulin , Zhao Xizeng
Published: January 2021

This paper presents an effective paradigm to make full use of both Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) and expert knowledge to find an optimal control strategy. The paradigm consists of three parts: DRL, expert demonstrations, and behavior cloning. It is the first time that the proposed paradigm is used for suppressing tank sloshing with two active controlled horizontal baffles. Meanwhile, a self-developed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver is used to simulate the environment of tank sloshing. For direct DRL, both the proximal policy optimization agent and the twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient agent are tested for performing learning. The strategies obtained by different algorithms may not be uniform even for the same environment. Then, we derive a simplified parametric control policy informed from direct DRL. Finally, DRL with behavior cloning is used to optimize the simplified parametric control policy. After training, the agent can actively control the baffles and reduce sloshing by ∼81.48%. The Fourier analysis of the surface elevations pinpoints that the aim of the control strategy obtained by DRL with behavior cloning is to disperse the wave energy and change the sloshing frequency of the tank through fast oscillation of baffles. This provides an idea to suppress sloshing, similar to forcing waves to disassemble ahead of time. The experience and insights gained from this study indicate that the future development direction of DRL + CFD is how to couple DRL, expert demonstrations, and behavior cloning.