bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomolecule Release from Alginate Composite Hydrogels Triggered by Logically Processed Signals
Authors: Massana Roquero Daniel , McCorduck Brandon , Bollella Paolo , Smutok Oleh , Melman Artem , Katz Evgeny
Published: July 2021

Alginate composite hydrogels that exhibit highly sensitive stimuli‐responsive behavior were used for signal‐stimulated release of pre‐loaded insulin. The alginate pores, particularly located at the periphery, were blocked by interpenetration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cross‐linked with 1,3‐benzenediboronic acid (IPN), thus, significantly reducing uncontrolled leakage of the entrapped biomolecules. The beads were loaded with insulin and various enzymes mimicking different Boolean logic gates (AND, OR, NOR, IMP, INHIB). The enzymes were activated with biologically relevant input signals applied in four logic combinations: 0,0; 1,0; 0,1; 1,1, having the production of H2O2 as the result of the biocatalytic reactions. The “successful” combination of the input signals leading to the H2O2 production was different for different logic gates, following the corresponding truth tables of the logic gates. When H2O2 was produced, boronate ester bonds were oxidized and the IPN was irreversibly degraded, thus re‐opening the original pores of the hydrogel. This process allowed release of insulin from the alginate beads. The smart soft material that we have developed tackled well‐known limitations of these systems and it may prove valuable in future medical diagnostics or treatments.
Tree/link method for transfer function and stability analysis of switched‐capacitor circuits
Authors: Dinesh G. , J Kailath Binsu
Published: July 2021

The wide spread application of switched‐capacitor circuits has resulted in complex structures wherein the derivation of transfer function in discrete form is not quite straight forward. A computer‐aided tool for direct transfer function analysis of switched‐capacitor circuits using state formulation method is proposed in this paper. The state equation matrices are directly constructed from the circuit topology using tree/link analysis. The entire topology is formulated only using cutset equations to obtain the state matrices without any modifications. The discretized topological state matrices are used to generate the transfer function in z form by forward substitution of state equation in successive clock phase. Lyapunov criteria‐based matrix equation constructed using the same state matrix is used to investigate the circuit stability. The formulation is also suitable in addressing the effect of non‐idealities like switch resistance and finite gain of operational amplifiers, on the location of poles and zeros. Various numerical examples have been presented to demonstrate the performance of the simulator.
Stromatolites and calcitized evaporite in a hypersaline playa lake: Rossport Formation (Mesoproterozoic, Ontario)
Authors: Bartley Julie K. , Firmin Sydney M. , Berger John T.
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT

The Mesoproterozoic Rossport Formation of Ontario, Canada is generally interpreted as having been deposited in an intracratonic basin, most probably a rift‐related lake. While the Rossport, overall, is dominated by sandstone and shale, the Middlebrun Bay Member, in the middle of the formation, is a carbonate unit. The Middlebrun Bay Member, in exposures on the Channel Islands and along the north Shore of Lake Superior, consists most commonly of cherty, dolomitic microbial laminites and low‐relief columnar to conical forms. In contrast to typical outcrops, the Middlebrun Bay Member on Copper Island expresses as a massive, coarsely crystalline limestone unit, devoid of stromatolites or microbial laminae. Several features suggest dissolution and replacement of a primary, soluble phase such as an evaporite mineral. The top of the unit is marked by evidence of dissolution and collapse, including large sandstone clasts let down from the overlying bed. At petrographic scale, the Copper Island Carbonate comprises millimetre‐scale anhedral spar with abundant stylolites and concentration of insoluble material at grain boundaries, indicating recrystallization from a previous phase. Geochemical data from Copper Island and from correlative stromatolitic carbonate on Channel Island and mainland Ontario are consistent with hypersaline conditions, with elevated concentrations of carbonate‐associated sulphate, V and Ba. Based on these data, the massive carbonate exposed on Copper Island is interpreted as a calcitized evaporite, probably deposited originally as gypsum, and replaced by calcite during diagenesis. These data support previous work suggesting that the Middlebrun Bay interval was deposited during a period of increased aridity and low clastic influx, and further suggest that this restricted, hypersaline lake precipitated both carbonate and gypsum, comparable to modern arid playa lakes.
Overcoming the Limitation of Cs2AgBiBr6 Double Perovskite Solar Cells Through Using Mesoporous TiO2 Electron Extraction Layer
Authors: Zhao Dandan , Liang Chao , Wang Bingzhe , Liu Tanghao , Wei Qi , Wang Kaiyang , Gu Hao , Wang Sisi , Mei Shiliang , Xing Guichuan
Published: July 2021

Lead‐free double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 has gained increasing attention recently. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is still low compared with their lead‐based counterparts. Here, by using photoluminescence (PL), time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), and ultrafast transient absorption (TA) measurements, the unbalance between the electron and hole in diffusion and transfer, which limits the performance of the Cs2AgBiBr6 PSCs, was further revealed. Considering this issue, a strategy of using the mesoporous TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL) to construct a bulk heterojunction in Cs2AgBiBr6 PSCs was proposed. Consequently, the PCE had improved by over 24% comparing with that only used compact TiO2 ETL. Moreover, based on mesoporous TiO2, the unencapsulated Cs2AgBiBr6 PSCs maintained 90% of their initial performance after approximately 1200 h of storage in a desiccator (humidity ~30%). This work gives further understanding of Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite and demonstrates that a proper design of balancing the electron and hole diffusion can improve device performance.
A Novel Redox‐free Immunosensor Concept Based on Cobalt Phthalocyanine@carbon Nanotubes Pseudocapacitor for Cardiac B‐type Natriuretic Peptide Detection
Authors: Landim Vicente P. A. , Silva Bárbara V. M. , Sobral Filho Dário C. , Dutra Rosa F.
Published: July 2021

B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a selective biomarker for cardiac diagnosis and prognosis of patients with cardiac insufficiency or heart failure, which means the pump function of cardiac muscle is reduced. A pseudocapacitive immunosensor was developed based on faradaic currents generated by a reduction‐reaction with a metallocyanine modified‐carbon nanotube surface. This technique is based on changes in interface by antigen‐antibody interactions, which perturbs the dependent‐diffusion potential reducing the charge transfers proportionally to the BNP captured. This new concept allows new perspectives for point‐of‐care tests since it is simpler and faster to manage with direct measurements of samples than conventional immunosensors.
Experimental investigation of the effects of ethanol‐diesel mixture on the performance and emissions of the thermal barrier coated diesel engine
Authors: Gürbüz Hüseyin
Published: July 2021

In this study, the effects of thermal barrier coating (TBC) and diesel‐ethanol mixture fuel on carcinogenic and greenhouse‐causing harmful emissions from diesel engines were experimentally investigated. In the first stage, the combustion chamber parts of the single cylinder diesel engine were coated with ceramic Al2O3TiO2 material with low thermal conductivity. Plasma spray method was used as the coating method. Then, coated and uncoated engines were run on diesel fuel. In the second stage, ethanol‐diesel mixture containing 5% ethanol E5 (v/v) was used in both engines. In both stages, the engines were operated at full load and at different engine speeds and compared in terms of emissions and performance. Combustion improved as the effect of the increased in‐cylinder temperature thanks to the low heat transfer with TBC. Therefore, an increase in engine power occurred. However, when E5 fuel was used in the TBC engine, the engine power decreased slightly. In the coated engine, HC and CO emissions have been significantly reduced. NOx emission increased with the effect of the thermal barrier coating, but decreased by 18% with the addition of ethanol in the TBC engine due to lower calorific value of ethanol.
Fragility curves and seismic demand hazard analysis of rocking walls restrained with elasto‐plastic ties
Authors: Solarino Fabio , Giresini Linda
Published: July 2021

The dynamic stability of out‐of‐plane masonry walls can be assessed through non‐linear dynamic analysis (rocking analysis), accounting for transverse walls, horizontal diaphragms and tie‐rods. Steel tie‐rods are widely spread in historical constructions to prevent dangerous overturning mechanisms and can be simulated by proper elasto‐plastic models. Conventionally, design guidelines suggest intensity‐based assessment methods, where the seismic demand distribution directly depends upon the selected intensity measure level. Fragility analysis could also be employed as a more advanced procedure able to assess the seismic vulnerability in a probabilistic manner. The boundedness of this approach is herein overcome by applying a robust stochastic seismic performance assessment to obtain seismic demand hazard curves. A sensitivity study is carried out to account for the influence of wall geometry, the minimum number of seismic inputs, and the mechanical parameters of tie‐rods. Fragility analysis, prior to seismic demand hazard analysis is applied on over 6000 analyses, revealing that intensity measures are poorly correlated both for 1‐D and 2‐D correlation, hardly leading to the selection of the optimal intensity measure. The tie‐rod ductility, followed by its axial strength and wall size, is the mechanical parameter mostly influencing the results, whereas the wall slenderness does not play a significant role in the probabilistic response.
Pholidota longipesS.C.Chen & Z.H.Tsi, a new addition for Flora of Vietnam
Authors: Dang Minh Quan , Ormerod Paul , Bui Van Huong , Truong Quang Tam , Duong Minh Tam Thao Ngoc , Dang Van Son , Truong Ba Vuong
Published: July 2021

Recent fieldwork in Ha Giang province, Northern Vietnam resulted in the collection ofPholidota longipes, a species only known in South‐Central China. Thus, we herein report the first record of the species for the Orchid Flora of Vietnam. Morphological description and illustrations based on living collected materials, data on phenology, geographical distribution, and taxonomic notes of related species are presented below. With this new record, Vietnam now holds a total number of 16 Pholidota species.
The impact of stream‐groundwater exchange on seasonal nitrate loads in an urban stream
Authors: Beltran Julio , Lautz Laura K. , Slosson John R.
Published: July 2021

Urbanization negatively impacts water quality in streams by reducing stream‐groundwater interactions, which can reduce a stream's capacity to naturally attenuate nitrate. Meadowbrook Creek, a first order urban stream in Syracuse, New York, has an inverse urbanization gradient, with heavily urbanized headwaters that are disconnected from the floodplain and downstream reaches that have intact riparian floodplains and connection to riparian aquifers. This system allows assessment of how stream‐groundwater interactions in urban streams impact the net sources and sinks of nitrate at the reach scale. We used continuous (15‐min) streamflow measurements and weekly grab samples at three gauging stations positioned longitudinally along the creek to develop continuous nitrate load estimates at the inlet and outlet of two contrasting reaches. Nitrate load estimates were determined using a USGS linear regression model, RLOADEST, and differences between loads at the inlet and outlet of contrasting reaches were used to quantify nitrate sink and source behaviour year‐round. We observed a nitrate load of 1.4 × 104 kg NO3− per water year, on average, at the outlet of the urbanized reach while the nitrate load at the outlet of the downstream, connected reach was 1.0 × 104 kg NO3− per water year, on average. We found the more heavily urbanized, hydrologically‐disconnected reach was a net source of nitrate regardless of season. In contrast, stream‐groundwater exchange caused the hydrologically connected reach to be both a source and sink for nitrate, depending on time of year. Both reaches alter nitrate source and sink behaviour at various spatiotemporal scales. Groundwater connection in the downstream, connected reach reduces annual nitrate loads and provides more opportunities for sources and sinks of nitrate year‐round than the hydrologically disconnected stream reach. Mechanisms include groundwater discharge into the stream with variable nitrate concentrations, surface‐water groundwater interactions that foster denitrification, and stream load loss to surrounding near‐stream aquifers. This study emphasizes how loads are important in understanding how stream‐groundwater interactions impact reach scale nitrate export in urban streams.
A molecular explanation of cardiovascular protection through abnormal cannabidiol: Involving the dysfunctional β‐adrenergic and ATP‐sensitive K+ channel activity in cardiovascular compromised preterm infants
Authors: Hassan Almalki Waleed , Alzahrani Abdulaziz , Mahmoud El‐Daly Mahmoud El‐Sayed , Faissal Fadel Ahmed Al‐S Haimaa
Published: July 2021

Growing cannabis efficacy, usage frequency, legal supply, and declining awareness of danger recently led to expanded United States cannabis exposure. In turn, cannabis use among elderly people over 50 has more than tripled in a decade and has contributed toward a positive association of cannabis use with pathological conditions, which include type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, neurovascular and cardiovascular disease. Remarkably, all these outcome results are mediated by the involvement of the ATP‐sensitive K+ channel. Cardiovascular compromise is a common syndrome in preterm infants that leads to incidence and death and has been distinguished by poor systemic flow or hypotension. Conditions of cardiovascular compromise include vasodysregulation and myocardial malfunction through dysfunctional β‐adrenergic activity. To avoid organ hypoperfusion progressing to tissue hypoxia‐ischemia, inotropic drugs are used. Many premature children, however, respond insufficiently to inotropic activity with adrenergic agonists. The clinical disturbance including myocardial dysfunction through the activation of the ATP‐sensitive K+ channel is often involved and the comparative efficacy of the nonpsychotropic cannabinoid, abnormal cannabidiol (Abn‐CBD) is not yet known. Therefore, our primary aim was to investigate the molecular exploration of the cannabinoid system specifically Abn‐CBD in cardiovascular protection involving dysregulated KATP.
Effect of vitamin B6on brain damage in valproic acid induced toxicity
Authors: Turkyilmaz Ismet Burcu , Altas Nilay , Arisan Inci , Yanardag Refiye
Published: July 2021

Valproic acid (VPA) is an efficient antiepileptic drug widely used for the treatment of epilepsy and other seizures in both children and adults. It is also reported to have side and toxic effects on many organs and tissues. Vitamin B6(Vit B6) is a well‐described water‐soluble vitamin, which has an antioxidant effect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of Vit B6on VPA‐induced brain injury. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Group I, control animals; Group II, Vit B6(50 mg/kg/day) given rats; Group III, VPA (500 mg/kg/day) given rats; Group IV, VPA and Vit B6given rats at same dose and time. VPA and Vit B6were administered intraperitoneally and orally, respectively, for 7 days. At the end of the experiments, the rats were sacrificed and brain tissues were taken. Protein carbonyl and sialic acid levels, xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase, acetylcholine esterase, lactate dehydrogenase, myeloperoxidase activities, total oxidant status, and reactive oxygen species levels were found to be increased, while glutathione and total antioxidant capacity levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, paraoxonase, and glutathione reductase activities were found to be decreased in the VPA group. Administration of Vit B6reversed these defects in the VPA group. These findings indicate that Vit B6has a protective effect on VPA‐induced brain damage.
Expelled from Eden: How human beings turned planet Earth into a hostile place
Authors: de França Sá Ana Luiza , Lino Bernardes Victor
Published: July 2021

The focus of this article is the mind–body problem in mainstream modern psychology examined from a decolonial perspective. The construction of the idea of the separation of mind and body is a seminal point of division of labor in the history of modern capitalism. This division perpetuated by the mind–body dualism idea was necessary to justify the enslavement of some and employment to others. Colonization processes have had profound importance on the mind, feelings, behaviors, and political settings. Throughout its history, the subject treated in EuroAmerican psychology has sought to deal with the mind–body problem as an individual, a separate entity, not as part of the psyche as a whole. A new perspective where the mind and body play an intertwined role is necessary considering subjectivity in a cultural‐historical approach. The subjective level is defined by the unification between symbolical and emotional cultural processes. The body (emotions) operates in conjunction with the culture and, when amalgamated, constitutes what we entitle as subjectivity. An ontology defines the assumptions that lie under a cosmovision and sustains a way of seeing, feeling, thinking, and acting with oneself, others, and the whole living world. It is what defines the real. The trajectory of this paper is an invitation to shed light from a decolonial perspective on social inequality concerning the present crises of humanity. The consequences of social inequality expressed today indicate the difficulties created by the dichotomy of mind and body.
Large‐scale analysis reveals spatiotemporal circadian patterns of cilia transcriptomes in the primate brain
Authors: Baldi Pierre , Alhassen Wedad , Chen Siwei , Nguyen Henry , Khoudari Mohammad , Alachkar Amal
Published: July 2021

Cilia are dynamic subcellular systems, with core structural and functional components operating in a highly coordinated manner. Since many environmental stimuli sensed by cilia are circadian in nature, it is reasonable to speculate that genes encoding cilia structural and functional components follow rhythmic circadian patterns of expression. Using computational methods and the largest spatiotemporal gene expression atlas of primates, we identified and analyzed the circadian rhythmic expression of cilia genes across 22 primate brain areas. We found that around 73% of cilia transcripts exhibited circadian rhythmicity across at least one of 22 brain regions. In 12 brain regions, cilia transcriptomes were significantly enriched with circadian oscillating transcripts, as compared to the rest of the transcriptome. The phase of the cilia circadian transcripts deviated from the phase of the majority of the background circadian transcripts, and transcripts coding for cilia basal body components accounted for the majority of cilia circadian transcripts. In addition, adjacent or functionally connected brain nuclei had large overlapping complements of circadian cilia genes. Most remarkably, cilia circadian transcripts shared across the basal ganglia nuclei and the prefrontal cortex peaked in these structures in sequential fashion that is similar to the sequential order of activation of the basal ganglia‐cortical circuitry in connection with movement coordination, albeit on completely different timescales. These findings support a role for the circadian spatiotemporal orchestration of cilia gene expression in the normal physiology of the basal ganglia‐cortical circuit and motor control. Studying orchestrated cilia rhythmicity in the basal ganglia‐cortical circuits and other brain circuits may help develop better functional models, and shed light on the causal effects cilia functions have on these circuits and on the regulation of movement and other behaviors.
Rapid tumor‐labeling kinetics with a site‐specific near‐infrared anti‐CEA nanobody in a patient‐derived orthotopic xenograft mouse model of colon cancer
Authors: Lwin Thinzar M. , Turner Michael A. , Amirfakhri Siamak , Nishino Hiroto , Debie Pieterjan , Cosman Bard C. , Hoffman Robert M. , Hernot Sophie , Bouvet Michael
Published: July 2021

Background/Objectives

Nanobodies are the smallest biologic antigen‐binding fragments derived from camelid‐derived antibodies. Nanobodies effect a peak tumor signal within minutes of injection and present a novel opportunity for fluorescence‐guided surgery (FGS). The present study demonstrates the efficacy of an anti‐CEA nanobody conjugated to near‐infrared fluorophore LICOR‐IRDye800CW for rapid intraoperative tumor labeling of colon cancer.

Methods

LS174T human colon cancer cells or fragments of patient‐derived colon cancer were implanted subcutaneously or orthotopically in nude mice. Anti‐CEA nanobodies were conjugated with IRDye800CW and 1–3 nmol were injected intravenously. Mice were serially imaged over time. Peak fluorescence signal and tumor‐to‐background ratio (TBR) were recorded.

Results

Colon cancer tumors were detectable using fluorescent anti‐CEA nanobody within 5 min of injection at all three doses. Maximal fluorescence intensity was observed within 15 min–3 h for all three doses with TBR values ranging from 1.3 to 2.3. In the patient‐derived model of colon cancer, fluorescence was detectable with a TBR of 4.6 at 3 h.

Conclusions

Fluorescent anti‐CEA nanobodies rapidly and specifically labeled colon cancer in cell‐line‐based and patient‐derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models. The kinetics of nanobodies allow for same day administration and imaging. Anti‐CEA‐nb‐800 is a promising and practical molecule for FGS of colon cancer.
Journal hijacking: Challenges and potential solutions
Authors: Moussa Salim
Published: July 2021

Key points

Hijacked journals mimic the name (and the ISSN) of a reputable journal with the sole purpose of financial exploitation.

A hijacked journal is an even more pernicious scam than a predatory journal.

Grounded in stakeholder theory, this opinion piece indicates that the hijackers are the sole stakeholder group that benefits from journal hijacking.

Hijacked journals will continue to menace scholarly research and publishing unless all stakeholders take specific and coordinated actions against them.
Toward a reliable assessment of potential ecological impacts of deep‐sea polymetallic nodule mining on abyssal infauna
Authors: Lins Lidia , Zeppilli Daniela , Menot Lénaïck , Michel Loïc N. , Bonifácio Paulo , Brandt Miriam , Pape Ellen , Rossel Sven , Uhlenkott Katja , Macheriotou Lara , Bezerra Tania Nara , Sánchez Nuria , Alfaro‐Lucas Joan M. , Martínez Arbizu Pedro , Kaiser Stefanie , Murakami Chisato , Vanreusel Ann
Published: July 2021

The increasing demand for metals is pushing forward the progress of deep‐sea mining industry. The abyss between the Clarion and Clipperton Fracture Zones (CCFZ), a region holding a higher concentration of minerals than land deposits, is the most targeted area for the exploration of polymetallic nodules worldwide, which may likely disturb the seafloor across large areas and over many years. Effects from nodule extraction cause acute biodiversity loss of organisms inhabiting sediments and polymetallic nodules. Attention to deep‐sea ecosystems and their services has to be considered before mining starts but the lack of basic scientific knowledge on the methodologies for the ecological surveys of fauna in the context of deep‐sea mining impacts is still scarce. We review the methodology to sample, process and investigate metazoan infauna both inhabiting sediments and nodules dwelling on these polymetallic‐nodule areas. We suggest effective procedures for sampling designs, devices and methods involving gear types, sediment processing, morphological and genetic identification including metabarcoding and proteomic fingerprinting, the assessment of biomass, functional traits, fatty acids, and stable isotope studies within the CCFZ based on both first‐hand experiences and literature. We recommend multi‐ and boxcorers for the quantitative assessments of meio‐ and macrofauna, respectively. The assessment of biodiversity at species level should be focused and/or the combination of morphological with metabarcoding or proteomic fingerprinting techniques. We highlight that biomass, functional traits, and trophic markers may provide critical insights for biodiversity assessments and how statistical modeling facilitates predicting patterns spatially across point‐source data and is essential for conservation management.
A compact tunable balanced tri‐band bandpass filter with high selectivity using stub loaded resonator
Authors: Yang Hong , Zhang Dewei , Liu Tieming , Zhang Junjie , Wang Xian , Lv Dalong , Zhou Dongfang
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a balanced tri‐band band‐pass filter (BPF) with the third independently tunable passband and the other two fixed ones based on a novel multi‐stub loaded resonator (MSLR) is presented. Due to the symmetrical circuit structure, the even‐and odd‐mode methods are applied to analyze the differential‐mode (DM) and the common‐mode equivalent circuits of the proposed resonator, and the correspondingly resonant characteristics can be obtained. With the approximate design of the MSLR, the first three DM resonant frequencies are employed to form the three DM passbands. Then, the external coupling structure can be controlled by coupled lines to meet the required specifications. Furthermore, the frequency tuning of the third DM passband can be realized by adjusting the varactors loaded at the end of the resonators. Finally, the source and load coupling is introduced to improve the frequency selectivity. For verification, a balanced tri‐band BPF with the tunable third DM passband was designed, manufactured and tested. The fabricated filter has central frequencies of the first two fixed bands located at 2.4 and 2.95 GHz, the third one tuning from 4.17 to 4.41 GHz, and the correspondingly fractional bandwidths (FBWs) are 12.3%, 3.5% and 1.9% ± 0.89%. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulated ones.
Collapsed and non‐collapsed ice‐marginal glaciodeltaic morphosequence structure mapped with ground penetrating radar in central Connecticut
Authors: Bouali El Hachemi , Sweeney Charles
Published: July 2021

Glacial ice from the last major advance covered the state of Connecticut and reached its glacial maximum on Long Island ∼21,000 years ago. As glacial ice melted and retreated northward, meltwater streams deposited sediments, like gravel, sand, silt and clay, in low‐lying areas. Many periglacial lakes formed in central Connecticut as meltwater accumulated into valleys that were dammed by ice or glacial sediments. The Cromwell delta was deposited into glacial Lake Middletown. Previous studies have identified seven types of morphosequences, which are sedimentary facies that were deposited contemporaneously. The Cromwell delta is an ice‐marginal deltaic morphosequence, with proximal deposits laid atop stagnant glacial ice and distal deposits built up as free fronts in open waters of glacial Lake Middletown. Proximal deposits experienced collapse as stagnant ice blocks melted. Thus, each ice‐marginal deltaic morphosequence within the Cromwell delta includes two sections bounded by an east‐west‐trending topographic high delineating a previous ice‐margin position: north of this boundary are collapsed deltaic deposits dipping northward; south are non‐collapsed deltaic deposits dipping southward. Ground penetrating radar was used at River Highlands State Park to map sections of the Cromwell delta. The purpose of the study is threefold: (1) to demonstrate the capabilities of ground penetrating radar for identifying deltaic structures and locating previous ice‐margin positions; (2) to provide insight into the collapsed delta formation by examining the areal extent and geometry of collapsed structures; (3) to show how ground penetrating radar can be used in an exploratory manner, with limited access to direct subsurface data, by combining ground penetrating radar with shallow auger samples and results from previous studies in areas near River Highlands State Park, the Cromwell delta and other contemporaneous deltas. Results show that ground penetrating radar can be used to map deltaic morphosequences and ice‐marginal positions to provide a more detailed understanding of the Cromwell delta history at River Highlands State Park.
Association BetweenCaregiver-OncologistDiscordance in Patient's Life Expectancy Estimates and Caregiver Perceived Autonomy Support by the Oncologist
Authors: Tuch Gina , Sanapala Chandrika , Mohile Supriya G. , Duberstein Paul R. , Soto-Perez-de-Celis Enrique , Xu Huiwen , Culakova Eva , Flannery Marie , Yousefi-Nooraie Reza , Epstein Ronald M. , McHugh Colin , Aarne Valerie , Kim Hannah , Geer Jodi , O'Rourke Mark A. , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Loh Kah Poh
Published: July 2021

Background

Caregiver perceived autonomy support by the oncologist is important for caregiver well-being and may be affected by the patient's survival. We determined the association of caregiver-oncologist discordance in patient's life expectancy estimates with perceived autonomy support over time and whether the association differed by patient survival status.

Materials and Methods

We used data from a geriatric assessment cluster-randomized trial (URCC 13070) that recruited patients aged at least 70 years with incurable cancer considering or receiving treatment, their caregivers, and their oncologists. At baseline, caregivers and oncologists were asked to estimate patient's life expectancy (0–6 months, 7–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–5 years, and >5 years; any difference in response was considered discordant). At 4–6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, caregivers completed the Health Care Climate Questionnaire (HCCQ), which measured perceived autonomy support by the oncologist. Generalized estimating equation modeling was conducted to assess the association of baseline caregiver-oncologist discordance with longitudinal HCCQ scores, stratified by patient 6-month survival status.

Results

Discordant life expectancy estimates were present in 72.0% of dyads. In multivariate analyses, caregiver-oncologist discordance in patient's life expectancy estimates was associated with higher caregiver HCCQ scores. In stratified analysis, caregiver-oncologist discordance was associated with lower caregiver HCCQ scores (β = −3.46; 95% CI, −4.64 to −2.29) among patients who died within 6 months but with higher caregiver HCCQ scores (β = 1.33; 95% CI, 0.63–2.04) among patients who survived beyond 6 months.

Conclusion

Interventions aimed at mitigating discordance need to consider its association with caregiver perceived autonomy support and patient's survival in order to better inform caregiver expectations.

Implications for Practice

Among patients who died within the first 6 months, caregivers who estimated a different length of life for the patient compared with oncologists were more likely to report lower support from the oncologist, whereas the opposite relationship was seen within patients who survived beyond the first 6 months. When designing interventions to improve caregiver understanding of the patient's prognosis, its relationship with caregiver-perceived support and patient's survival needs to be considered.
Improvement in language function in patients with aphasia using computer‐assisted executive function training: A controlled clinical trial
Authors: Liu Mengting , Qian Qiuchen , Wang Wei , Chen Lu , Wang Lingmin , Zhou Yeqing , Xu Siwei , Wu Jie , Feng Tao , Zhu Zude , Xiang Jie
Published: July 2021

Background

Nonverbal cognitive training for aphasia has gained popularity. Prior research has found that cognitive status correlates with language function.

Objective

To determine whether nonverbal computer‐assisted executive control training (CAET) to improve cognitive status affects language performance in patients with aphasia (PWA) and executive dysfunction.

Design

A single blind randomized trial.

Setting

Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University.

Participants

A total of 68 individuals were randomized, underwent treatment and were included in the analysis (CAET group, n = 33; control group, n = 35).

Interventions

The experimental group was treated with 4 weeks of traditional speech and language therapy (SLT) combined with CAET. The control group underwent SLT only.

Main Outcome Measures

Western Aphasia Battery [WAB]) with executive dysfunction (as assessed by the verbal fluency test [VFT], the Proverbs Test, the Tower of London Test [TLT], the Stroop Color and Word Test [SCWT], and the Trail Making Test [TMT]).

Results

Differences between pre‐ and posttreatment language outcomes except oral naming (group × time, p = .236) were significantly greater in the experimental group compared with the control group: spontaneous speech (group × time, p = .026), auditory comprehension (group × time, p < .001), speech repetition (group × time, p = .001), and aphasia quotient (AQ; group × time, p < .001). A similar effect was observed for cognitive function such as Trial Making Test (TMT)‐A (group × time, p = .006), TMT‐B (group × time, p = .005), and verbal fluency test (VFT‐V; group × time, p = .018).

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that CAET combined with SLT can yield favorable language outcomes for PWA, especially improvements in auditory comprehension and AQ. CAET combined with SLT generates benefits in both cognitive function and language performance.
Mechanically robust hydrophobized double network hydrogels and their fundamental salt transport properties
Authors: Allen Marshall J. , Sujanani Rahul , Chamseddine Alyssa , Freeman Benny D. , Page Zachariah A.
Published: July 2021

Water swollen polymer networks are attractive for applications ranging from tissue regeneration to water purification. For water purification, charged polymers provide excellent ion separation properties. However, many ion exchange membranes (IEMs) are brittle, necessitating the use of thick support materials that ultimately decrease throughput. To this end, novel double network hydrogels (DNHs) with variable water content are prepared and characterized in terms of mechanical and ion transport properties to evaluate their potential utility as tough membrane materials. The first network contains fixed anionic charges, while the other is comprised of a copolymer with varied ratios of hydrophobic ethyl acrylate (EA) and hydrophilic dimethyl acrylamide (DMA) repeat units. Characterization of freestanding DNH films reveals a reduction in water content from 88 to 53 wt% and a simultaneous increase in ultimate stress and strain by ~3.5× and ~4.5×, respectively, for 95%/5% EA/DMA, relative to 100% DMA. Fundamental salt transport properties relevant to water purification, including permeability, solubility, and diffusivity, are measured and systematically compared with conventional membrane materials to inform the development of DNHs for membrane applications. The ability to simultaneously reduce water content and increase mechanical integrity highlights the potential of DNHs as a synthetic platform for future membrane applications.
Cuboid Cu(HBTC)(H2O)3 synthesis via plasma pretreatment of trimesic acid solution
Authors: Kanno Moriyuki , Ito Tsuyohito , Shimizu Yoshiki , Terashima Kazuo
Published: July 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted considerable research attention in recent years, with the focus being on controlling their morphology for various applications. Cu(HBTC)(H2O)3, a one‐dimensional MOF, is constructed with a copper(II) ion and 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid (H3BTC, trimesic acid). A two‐dimensional structure can be achieved by adding ethanol and polyvinylpyrrolidone during synthesis. In this study, its three‐dimensional cuboid Cu(HBTC)(H2O) structure was synthesized by plasma pretreatment of an H3BTC solution.
Plasma‐activated Ringer's lactate solution inhibits the cellular respiratory system in HeLa cells
Authors: Tanaka Hiromasa , Maeda Shogo , Nakamura Kae , Hashizume Hiroshi , Ishikawa Kenji , Ito Mikako , Ohno Kinji , Mizuno Masaaki , Motooka Yashiro , Okazaki Yasumasa , Toyokuni Shinya , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Hori Masaru
Published: July 2021

Nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma has enabled a variety of new applications in medicine, agriculture, and other industries. It is particularly noteworthy that plasma itself and/or plasma‐activated culture medium have been shown to preferentially kill various cancer cells. We have previously developed a plasma‐activated Ringer's lactate solution (PAL) for use as a new cancer treatment. In this study, behaviors of extracellular and intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the cellular respiratory system of PAL‐treated HeLa cells were investigated using an extracellular flux analyzer and a probe to measure mitochondrial membrane potential. In PAL‐treated HeLa cells, extracellular hydrogen peroxide in PAL was found to be responsible for the induction of intracellular hydrogen peroxide and apoptosis, while other components in PAL are responsible for the induction of non‐H2O2 intracellular ROS and non‐apoptotic cell death, which should be clarified by further experiments. We believe that these are long‐lived species derived from plasma‐activated lactates. Furthermore, we found that the plasma‐activated lactates inhibited glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, but not the electron transport chain in HeLa cells. These results suggest that PAL induces multiple modes of cell death, including apoptosis through hydrogen peroxide, and non‐apoptotic cell death associated with the impairment of mitochondrial functions (glycolysis and TCA cycle). These findings shed light on the novel mechanism underlying plasma‐activated lactate‐induced cell death.
Thermal Properties Study of Low‐Melting‐Point‐DNAN and Analysis of Solidification Behavior of High‐Melting‐Point‐DNAN
Authors: Shi Danan , Chen Lizhen , Wang Jianlong , Chen Jun , Pan Hongxia
Published: July 2021

2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN) is considered to be the most promising alternative to 1,3,5‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), and the high‐melting‐point‐DNAN (H‐DNAN) has been widely used in military explosives. In this study, the thermal properties of low‐melting‐point‐DNAN (L‐DNAN) was studied by DSC. It was found the melting enthalpy of L‐DNAN is 17.87 kJ mol−1 and the decomposition activation energies were obtained by Kissinger and Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa methods as 200 kJ mol−1 and 198 kJ mol−1, respectively. Besides, it was also found that the cooling rate is the main factor that affects the solidification behavior of H‐DNAN. Controlled and slow cooling allows L‐DNAN crystallization from the melt of the more thermodynamically stable high melting point polymorph.
Median‐rate control chart for simultaneous monitoring of frequency and magnitude of events
Authors: Amjadi Nasim , Sabri‐Laghaie Kamyar
Published: July 2021

Control charts are one of the most important tools of statistical process control. Many control charts have been developed for the monitoring of time between events. However, there are situations for which magnitude of events is also important and needs to be monitored along with the time between them. In this case, simultaneous monitoring of both time between and magnitude of events can be very efficient in detecting process changes. Therefore, a single control chart, referred to as the median‐rate chart, is developed in this paper for simultaneous monitoring of magnitude and frequency of events. It is supposed that the magnitude and frequency of events are independent, and follow gamma and exponential distributions, respectively. The proposed chart is based on the ratio of magnitude and time between events and the median of these variables. The results of the performance evaluation represent that the median‐rate chart mostly outperforms the existing charts in detecting both small and large shifts of the process. We use the average time to signal for comparing the power of the control charts in detecting out‐of‐control conditions. Finally, some examples are illustrated to show the applicability of the proposed chart.
Static–Dynamic Fluorescence Patterns Based on Photodynamic Disulfide Reactions for Versatile Information Storage
Authors: Niu Yanfang , Li Sen , Zhang Junning , Wan Wang , He Zhenzhu , Liu Jun , Liu Keliang , Ren Sainan , Ge Liqin , Du Xin , Gu Zhongze
Published: July 2021

Dynamic fluorescence patterns with variable output in response to external stimulus can make the current information storage technologies more flexible and intelligent. Yet it remains a great challenge to create such dynamic patterns because of the complicated synthesis process, high cost, limited stability, and biocompatibility of the functional fluorophores. Herein, a facile approach is presented for creating dynamic fluorescence patterns using the photodynamic surface chemistry based on disulfide bonds. By this method, high‐resolution (≈20 µm) multicolor dynamic fluorescence patterns that are low‐cost and dynamically rewritable can be easily fabricated using classical fluorophores such as fluorescein, rhodamine, and dansyl acid. Owing to the spatio‐temporal controllability of light, the fluorescence patterns can be partly or entirely erased/rewritten on demand, and complex gray‐level fluorescence images with increased information capacity can be easily generated. The obtained fluorescence patterns exhibit little changes after storing in air and solvent environments for 100 days, demonstrating their high stability. In addition, static patterns can also be created on the same disulfide surface using irreversible disulfide–ene chemistry, to selectively control the dynamicity of the generated fluorescence patterns. The authors show the successful application of this strategy on information protection and transformation.
Design and Analysis of Modular Permanent Magnet Fault‐Tolerant Motor for Ship Direct‐Drive Propulsion
Authors: Gan Baoping , Zhang Bingyi , Feng Guihong
Published: July 2021

In the field of ship propulsion, highly reliable propulsion motor is one of the key factors for the stable operation of the drive system. This paper proposes a new modular stator low‐speed high‐torque fault‐tolerant permanent magnet motor (MCS‐PMFTSM) for the direct‐drive ship propulsion system. The unequal‐span winding is used for enhanced fault‐tolerant as well as modular operation of the motor. Each module is isolated electrically and mechanically, while the maintenance procedure is greatly simplified by the structure that uses external radiation installation. Introducing the new structure and operating principle of the MCS‐PMFTSM, the basic size equation of the motor is derived followed by the analysis for the selection of the number of poles and slots. The rotor structure of the motor is then optimized using the genetic algorithm. The finite element method is used to analyze the motor performance under normal and various fault‐tolerant conditions. In addition, the electromagnetic vibration of the proposed motor is also examined under different operating conditions. Finally, a 12 kW 100 r/min 3 × 3 modular prototype is developed to experimentally validate the excellent performance of the proposed motor under both normal and fault‐tolerant operating conditions. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Architecture of Sovereignty Network
Authors: Li Hui , Yang Xin
Published: July 2021

Although the early design concept of the Internet was decentralized, the control of the basic technology architecture showed a strong centralized form. Therefore, it is imperative to put forward a new network architecture to meet the demand of future network development and realize decentralized management of domain names by technical means. Sovereignty network based on MIN Architecture proposed in this chapter effectively realizes multilateral co-management and co-governance of cyberspace, and ends centralized management under the single IP identifier. At the same time, it protects the network of all countries from the risk of DNS disappearance and blinding caused by the smear of ICANN root zone or hacker attack. Combining multiple security mechanisms, sovereignty network guarantee the endogenous security and reliability, which help to construct secure and private networks. With the construction of the sovereignty network, the co-governance and self-management of all parties in cyberspace can be truly realized.
Boundary electromagnetic duality from homological edge modes
Authors: Mathieu Philippe , Teh Nicholas
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Recent years have seen a renewed interest in using ‘edge modes’ to extend the pre-symplectic structure of gauge theory on manifolds with boundaries. Here we further the investigation undertaken in [1] by using the formalism of homotopy pullback and Deligne- Beilinson cohomology to describe an electromagnetic (EM) duality on the boundary of M = B3 × ℝ. Upon breaking a generalized global symmetry, the duality is implemented by a BF-like topological boundary term. We then introduce Wilson line singularities on ∂M and show that these induce the existence of dual edge modes, which we identify as connections over a (−1)-gerbe. We derive the pre-symplectic structure that yields the central charge in [1] and show that the central charge is related to a non-trivial class of the (−1)-gerbe.
Chaotic Motion in the Breathing Circle Billiard
Authors: Bonanno Claudio , Marò Stefano
Published: July 2021

We consider the free motion of a point particle inside a circular billiard with periodically moving boundary, with the assumption that the collisions of the particle with the boundary are elastic so that the energy of the particle is not preserved. It is known that if the motion of the boundary is regular enough then the energy is bounded due to the existence of invariant curves in the phase space. We show that it is nevertheless possible that the motion of the particle is chaotic, also under regularity assumptions for the moving boundary. More precisely, we show that there exists a class of functions describing the motion of the boundary for which the billiard map has positive topological entropy. The proof relies on variational techniques based on the Aubry–Mather theory.