bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcutaneous ureteral bypass device placement in 81 cats with benign ureteral obstruction (2013‐2018)
Authors: Wuillemin Florian , Vachon Catherine , Beauchamp Guy , Dunn Marilyn
Published: December 2021

Background

Benign ureteral obstructions (BUOs) present a therapeutic challenge in cats.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome and complications associated with placement of subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device in cats.

Animals

Eighty‐one client‐owned cats (117 kidneys) with BUO treated by placement of a SUB.

Methods

Retrospective study. Medical records of cats with BUO and treated by SUB device placement between 2013 and 2018 were reviewed. Outcome and complications were documented.

Results

Hospital discharge rate was 94% (76/81). Serum creatinine on admission and at the time of discharge was 5.3 mg/dL (range, 1.2 to >15 mg/dL) and 2.1 mg/dL (range, 1.1‐12.5 mg/dL), respectively. Luminal obstructions were documented in 17% (18/109) of the SUB devices of 16 cats discharged from the hospital. Infection was documented in 26% (20/76) of discharged cats. Kink of the device was documented in 10% (12/117) of devices. Time to luminal obstruction and kink were 204 days (range, 21‐1678 days) and 58 days (range, 2‐601 days), respectively. Fourteen of 81 (17%) cats required a revision surgery in order to restore patency of the device. At the time of writing, 53% (43/81) of cats were alive, with a mean survival time of 821 days (range, 1‐2170 days) after surgery. Of those that died, 52% (20/38) died of urinary related causes.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

This study suggests that SUB device placement is associated with good outcomes and could be considered for the treatment of BUO in cats.
Determining influence, interaction and causality of contrast and sequence effects in objective structured clinical exams
Authors: Yeates Peter , Moult Alice , Cope Natalie , McCray Gareth , Fuller Richard , McKinley Robert
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Differential rater function over time (DRIFT) and contrast effects (examiners' scores biased away from the standard of preceding performances) both challenge the fairness of scoring in objective structured clinical exams (OSCEs). This is important as, under some circumstances, these effects could alter whether some candidates pass or fail assessments. Benefitting from experimental control, this study investigated the causality, operation and interaction of both effects simultaneously for the first time in an OSCE setting.

Methods

We used secondary analysis of data from an OSCE in which examiners scored embedded videos of student performances interspersed between live students. Embedded video position varied between examiners (early vs. late) whilst the standard of preceding performances naturally varied (previous high or low). We examined linear relationships suggestive of DRIFT and contrast effects in all within‐OSCE data before comparing the influence and interaction of ‘early’ versus ‘late’ and ‘previous high’ versus ‘previous low’ conditions on embedded video scores.

Results

Linear relationships data did not support the presence of DRIFT or contrast effects. Embedded videos were scored higher early (19.9 [19.4–20.5]) versus late (18.6 [18.1–19.1], p < 0.001), but scores did not differ between previous high and previous low conditions. The interaction term was non‐significant.

Conclusions

In this instance, the small DRIFT effect we observed on embedded videos can be causally attributed to examiner behaviour. Contrast effects appear less ubiquitous than some prior research suggests. Possible mediators of these finding include the following: OSCE context, detail of task specification, examiners' cognitive load and the distribution of learners' ability. As the operation of these effects appears to vary across contexts, further research is needed to determine the prevalence and mechanisms of contrast and DRIFT effects, so that assessments may be designed in ways that are likely to avoid their occurrence. Quality assurance should monitor for these contextually variable effects in order to ensure OSCE equivalence.
Challenges in defining the functional, non‐coding, expressed genome of members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
Authors: Stiens Jennifer , Arnvig Kristine B. , Kendall Sharon L. , Nobeli Irene
Published: December 2021

A definitive transcriptome atlas for the non‐coding expressed elements of the members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) does not exist. Incomplete lists of non‐coding transcripts can be obtained for some of the reference genomes (e.g., M. tuberculosis H37Rv) but to what extent these transcripts have homologues in closely related species or even strains is not clear. This has implications for the analysis of transcriptomic data; non‐coding parts of the transcriptome are often ignored in the absence of formal, reliable annotation. Here, we review the state of our knowledge of non‐coding RNAs in pathogenic mycobacteria, emphasizing the disparities in the information included in commonly used databases. We then proceed to review ways of combining computational solutions for predicting the non‐coding transcriptome with experiments that can help refine and confirm these predictions.
Contractility patterns and gastrointestinal movements monitored by a combined magnetic tracking and motility testing unit
Authors: Liao Donghua , Mark Esben Bolvig , Nedergaard Rasmus Bach , Wegeberg Anne‐Marie , Brock Christina , Krogh Klaus , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr
Published: December 2021

Background

Ingestible wireless capsules, including the 3D‐transit magnetic capsule and the wireless motility capsule (WMC), describe gastrointestinal (GI) motility from changes in position or pressure. This study aimed to combine information on contractile events in terms of position (assessed with the 3D‐transit) and change in pressure (assessed with the WMC) throughout the entire GI tract.

Methods

The 3D‐transit capsule and WMC were combined into a single‐wireless unit system. Three‐dimensional space‐time coordinates, pressure, and pH data from a pilot case were analyzed as the combined unit passed the GI tract. Two single and three continuous contraction patterns were defined according to pressure changes and quantified through the GI tract.

Key results

The combined unit was well tolerated and provided information on contractions throughout the gut. Single contraction patterns with no significant progressive movement of the unit were most prevalent in the stomach and the rectosigmoid colon. During the continuous contraction patterns, the unit moved in an antegrade or retrograde direction. Longer distance and higher velocity were seen during antegrade than during retrograde movements. The motility indices (as measured with WMC) in combined ascending, transverse and descending colon showed a positive linear association (r = 0.7) to the capsule movements (as measured with 3D‐transit).

Conclusions & inferences

The combined system provides synchronous information about movements and gut contractions. These measurements can be used to extract more information from existing recordings and may enhance our understanding of GI motility in health and disease.
2‐Hydroxy‐phytanoyl‐CoA lyase (AtHPCL) is involved in phytol metabolism in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Wentao , Gutbrod Philipp , Gutbrod Katharina , Peisker Helga , Song Xiaoning , Falz Anna‐Lena , Meyer Andreas J. , Dörmann Peter
Published: December 2021

During chlorophyll degradation, large amounts of the isoprenoid alcohol phytol are released. The pathway of phytol catabolism has been studied in humans, because chlorophyll is part of the human diet, but little is known for plants. In humans, phytanoyl‐CoA derived from phytol is degraded via α‐oxidation by phytanoyl‐CoA hydroxylase (PAHX) and 2‐hydroxy‐phytanoyl‐CoA lyase (HPCL). Arabidopsis contains two sequences homologous to the human proteins AtPAHX and AtHPCL. Insertional mutants of Arabidopsis (pahx, hpcl) were grown under N deprivation to stimulate chlorophyll breakdown or supplemented with phytol to increase the endogenous amount of phytol. During N deprivation, chlorophyll, phytol, phytenal, upstream metabolites of phytol breakdown, and tocopherol and fatty acid phytyl esters, alternative phytol‐derived lipids, accumulated in pahx and hpcl mutants, in line with the scenario that the mutations interfere with phytol degradation. AtHPCL was localized to the peroxisomes. Expression analysis of the AtHPCL sequence in the yeast Δpxp1 or Δmpo1 mutants followed by supplementation with 2‐hydroxy‐palmitic acid and enzyme assays of peroxisomal proteins from Col‐0 and hpcl plants with 2‐hydroxy‐stearoyl‐CoA revealed that AtHPCL harbors 2‐hydroxy‐acyl‐CoA lyase activity. The α‐dioxygenases αDOX1 and αDOX2 are involved in α‐oxidation of fatty acids and could be involved in an alternative pathway of phytol degradation. However, phytol‐related lipids in the αdox1, αdox2, or αdox1 αdox2 mutants were not altered compared with Col‐0, indicating that αDOX1 and αDOX2 are not involved in phytol degradation. These results demonstrate that phytol degradation in Arabidopsis involves α‐oxidation by AtPAHX and AtHPCL, but that it is independent of αDOX1/αDOX2.
Multiparameter Optimization to Improve the Erosion Resistance of Coating by Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Li Fang , Cai Liuxi , Wang Shunsen , Feng Zhenping
Published: December 2021

Finite element method (FEM) was used to study the stress peak of stress S11 (radial stress component in X-axis) on the steam turbine blade surface of four typical erosion-resistant coatings (Fe2B, CrN, Cr3C2–NiCr and Al2O3–13%TiO2). The effect of four parameters, such as impact velocity, coating thickness, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio on the stress peak of stress S11 was analyzed. Results show that the position of tensile stress peak and compressive stress peak of stress S11 is far away from the impact center point with the increase of impact velocity. When coating thickness is equal to or greater than 10 μm, the magnitude of tensile stress peak of stress S11 on the four coating surfaces does not change with the coating thickness at different impact velocities. When coating thickness is equal to or greater than 2 μm, the magnitude of tensile stress peak of stress S11 of four coatings shows a trend of increasing first and then decreasing with the increase of Young's modulus. Meanwhile, the larger the Poisson's ratio, the smaller the tensile stress peak of stress S11. After optimization, when coating thickness is 2 μm, Poisson's ratio is 0.35 and Young's modulus is 800 GPa, the Fe2B coating has the strongest erosion resistance under the same impact conditions, followed by Cr3C2–NiCr, CrN, and the Al2O3–13%TiO2 coating, Al2O3–13%TiO2 coating has the worst erosion resistance.
The Band Gap Formation in Rotors With Longitudinal Periodicity and Quasi-Periodicity
Authors: Lamas Patrick B. , Nicoletti Rodrigo
Published: December 2021

Modal spacing (band gaps) in the frequency spectrum of rotating machines can be imposed by geometric periodicity. By designing the rotor with a geometry that repeats periodically, we can impose to the vibration response of the rotor a modal “gap” considerably large, where no resonances appear. In this work, we consider that the rotating elements of the machine (e.g., the stages or the impellers) are the periodic elements of the rotor. In this disk-like configuration of the rotor, the system can present band gaps due to two different reasons: due to matching between the number of disks and the eigenmode wavenumber (usually in slender rotors); due to the presence of local-mode shapes (usually in large rotors). Analytical modeling of the system is presented, whose approximated solution can be used to predict the start and stop frequencies of the band gaps. The limitations in band gap formation are also shown when the rotor is not perfectly periodic (quasi-periodic geometry). In this case, disk positioning plays an important role in the band gap formation.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Temperature During Transient Heating of Nanoparticle Arrays
Authors: Xie Chen , Qin Zhenpeng
Published: December 2021

Nanoparticles (NPs) are promising agents to absorb external energy and generate heat. Clusters of NPs or NP array heating have found an essential role in several biomedical applications, diagnostic techniques, and chemical catalysis. Various studies have shed light on the heat transfer of nanostructures and greatly advanced our understanding of NP array heating. However, there is a lack of analytical tools and dimensionless parameters to describe the transient heating of NP arrays. Here we demonstrate a comprehensive analysis of the transient NP array heating. Firstly, we develop a set of analytical solutions for the NP array heating and provide a useful mathematical description of the spatial-temporal evolution of temperature for 2D, 3D, and spherical NP array heating. Based on this, we introduce the concept of thermal resolution that quantifies the relationship between minimal heating time, NP array size, energy intensity, and target temperature. Lastly, we define a set of dimensionless parameters that characterize the transition from confined heating to delocalized heating. This study advances the understanding of nanomaterials heating and guides the rational design of innovative approaches for NP array heating.
Hydraulic Control of a Buck Converter
Authors: Scheidl Rudolf
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates a concept for the pure hydraulic control of a buck converter using a hydraulically piloted 2-2 way on-off valve. The pilot system is controlled by the desired output pressure of the buck converter in form of a pressure signal and the RC filtered feedback of the actual pressure. These pressures act via small plunger cylinders in opposite direction on the on-off valve. An additional pilot cylinder features a jumping active hydraulic area for a robust feedback. The valve performs close to rectangular oscillations, the frequency of which is mainly determined by the characteristic time of the RC filter. The concept is studied by a simple analytical model to obtain its basic operating characteristics and by a detailed numerical model to analyze the role of parasitic effects on system performance. The paper shows that this concept works and can robustly follow the commanded output pressure. The converter has a moderate response dynamics; in certain operation conditions it shows an aperiodic behavior by alternating between phases of periodic switching and pause.
A Power Take-Off (PTO) for Wave Energy Converters Based on the Hybrid Hydraulic-Electric Architecture (HHEA)
Authors: Wills Jackson , Keester Adam , Li Perry Y.
Published: December 2021

Wave energy is a promising renewable energy resource for coastal regions around the world, but is not yet an economically competitive source of electricity. More effective power take-off (PTO) designs would help to make wave power a feasible and clean source of energy. To do this, PTOs need to: i) enable controlled actuation, ii) convert absorbed energy into electricity efficiently, and iii) have minimal manufacturing costs. We propose a new PTO architecture that can exert arbitrary control loads on the WEC to maximize energy capture, enabling the downsizing of expensive electrical components while maintaining high efficiency. Our PTO design is based upon a hybrid hydraulic-electric architecture (HHEA). This paper compares the performance of the HHEA PTO against two other PTO designs: 1) a baseline PTO consisting of a system of rectifying check valves and accumulators, and 2) a PTO consisting of an electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA). The HHEA PTO is shown to produce much more power than the check valve PTO and the EHA PTO. Also, the required electric generator sizes for the HHEA are smaller than that of the EHA PTO. The reduced size of these components allows for a WEC which is less expensive to manufacture.
Real-time supersonic jet noise predictions from near-field sensors with a wavepacket model
Authors: Kleine Vitor G. , Sasaki Kenzo , Cavalieri André V. G. , Brès Guillaume A. , Colonius Tim
Published: December 2021

Parabolized stability equations (PSE) have been shown to model wavepackets and, consequently, the near-field of turbulent jets with reasonable accuracy. In this work, PSE were employed to obtain a reduced-order model that could estimate both the fluid-dynamic and the acoustic fields of a supersonic jet in a computationally efficient approximation for resolvent-based estimation based on a single input. From the unsteady pressure data at an input position, the time-domain pressure field was estimated using transfer functions obtained using PSE and a data-driven method based on a well-validated large-eddy simulation (LES). The prediction scheme employed is a single-input single-output, linear model. The unsteady pressure predicted by the PSE showed good agreement with the LES results, especially if the input position is outside the mixing layer, where the prediction capabilities of the PSE are comparable to those of the data-driven transfer functions. The good agreement indicates that PSE could not only be used to predict the sound generation but also to open up different potentialities to attenuate the noise by flow control. The exploration of the regions where the method displayed good agreement, which are presented in this work, can guide the positioning of the sensors for experimental implementation of closed-loop control in a jet.
The Association of Objective and Subjective Vision Impairment With Self-Reported Time Spent in Sedentary Behaviors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Smith Lee , Gorely Trish , Tully Mark A. , Barnett Yvonne , Trott Mike , Pardhan Shahina , López-Sánchez Guillermo F. , Jacob Louis , Shin Jae I. , Pfifer Briona , Oh Hans , Pizzol Damiano , Koyanagi Ai
Published: December 2021

Background: There is a scarcity of studies on the relationship between visual impairment (VI) and time spent in sedentary behavior (SB), especially from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, we investigated the association of objectively and subjectively measured VI with SB in adults aged ≥18 years across 6 LMICs. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed. Objective and subjective visual acuity were measured. Information on self-reported SB was also collected. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess associations with time spent in SB as the outcome. Results: The sample consisted of 42,489 individuals (mean age = 43.8 [14.4] y; 50.1% females). Only severe objective VI (vs no VI) was significantly associated with ≥11 hours per day of SB (vs <4 h/d) (odds ratio = 4.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.57–12.92). Increasing severity of subjective VI was associated with greater odds for ≥8 hours per day of SB (vs <4 h/d) dose dependently. Conclusions: The present study identified an association of both objectively and subjectively measured VI with time spent in SB in adults residing in LMICs, with subjectively measured VI being a stronger predictor of time spent in SB. Targeted interventions to decrease SB especially in those who perceive themselves to have VI are needed in LMICs.
Feasibility of Superimposed Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to the Gluteus Medius During a Resistance Training Program
Authors: Robinson Matthew , Norte Grant E. , Murray Amanda , Glaviano Neal R.
Published: December 2021

Context: Gluteus medius (GMed) weakness is a common impairment seen across multiple lower-extremity pathologies. Greater GMed weakness is moderately associated with greater frontal plane motion, often termed dynamic knee valgus during functional tasks which may increase risk of lower-extremity injury. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) superimposed to targeted muscles has emerged in clinical practice; however, NMES superimposed to the GMed in unknown. It is essential to assess the safety, credibility, and expectancy of NMES superimposed to the GMed prior to implementation in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to evaluate feasibility, safety, credibility, and expectancy of improvement with a 2-week intervention with or without NMES to the GMed in females with dynamic knee valgus. Design: Feasibility study. Methods: A total of 22 adult females with dynamic knee valgus (age = 21.8 [1.4] y, mass = 76.9 [18.8] kg, height = 1.7 [0.1] m) completed a 2-week intervention with NMES or a sham treatment superimposed to the GMed during all therapeutic exercises. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment and completion rate, while safety was assessed by the total number of adverse events. Treatment credibility and expectancy was assessed with the Credibility Expectancy Questionnaire. Mixed-measure analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis (P ≤ .05). Results: Recruitment was completed in 5 months with 100% completion rate and no adverse events. There was no difference in treatment credibility between groups (NMES = 23.7 [2.3], sham = 21.7 [3.4], P = .12); however, the NMES group demonstrated a greater expectancy score (NMES = 20.0 [3.8], sham = 15.9 [5.1], P = .045). Conclusion: Resistance training with NMES superimposed to the GMed is a feasible and safe intervention that resulted in greater expectance of success. Clinicians may consider superimposing NMES to the gluteal muscles when addressing muscle weakness in individuals with dynamic knee valgus.
High Isolated MIMO Antenna for WLAN Applications
Authors: Dev Param , Gupta Surendra Kumar , Bage Amit , Murmu Lakhindar
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a compact multiple-inputs multiple-outputs (MIMO) antenna for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. The proposed four-port MIMO antenna has been incorporated with its four identical elements having dimensions of 10[Formula: see text]mm [Formula: see text] 12[Formula: see text]mm each. The MIMO antenna is designed to operate in the range of 5.17–6.25[Formula: see text]GHz frequency band having impedance bandwidth of 18.91%. The antenna is fabricated on a glass epoxy FR-4 substrate having a thickness of 0.8[Formula: see text]mm for measurement and validation. The measured results show that the antenna has good isolation greater than [Formula: see text]17[Formula: see text]dB to [Formula: see text]25[Formula: see text]dB, better impedance matching and envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) below 0.03 over the entire band of operation. The proposed MIMO antenna is a potential candidate for WLAN applications.
TARA-Net: A Fusion Network for Detecting Takeaway Rider Accidents
Authors: He Yifan , Li Zhao , Fu Lei , Wang Anhui , Zhang Peng , Zhou Shuigeng , Zhang Ji , Yu Ting
Published: December 2021

In the emerging business of food delivery, rider traffic accidents raise financial cost and social traffic burden. Although there has been much effort on traffic accident forecasting using temporal-spatial prediction models, none of the existing work studies the problem of detecting the takeaway rider accidents based on food delivery trajectory data. In this article, we aim to detect whether a takeaway rider meets an accident on a certain time period based on trajectories of food delivery and riders’ contextual information. The food delivery data has a heterogeneous information structure and carries contextual information such as weather and delivery history, and trajectory data are collected as a spatial-temporal sequence. In this article, we propose a
TakeAway
Rider
Accident
detection fusion network
TARA-Net
to jointly model these heterogeneous and spatial-temporal sequence data. We utilize the residual network to extract basic contextual information features and take advantage of a transformer encoder to capture trajectory features. These embedding features are concatenated into a pyramidal feed-forward neural network. We jointly train the above three components to combine the benefits of spatial-temporal trajectory data and sparse basic contextual data for early detecting traffic accidents. Furthermore, although traffic accidents rarely happen in food delivery, we propose a sampling mechanism to alleviate the imbalance of samples when training the model. We evaluate the model on a transportation mode classification dataset Geolife and a real-world
Ele.me
dataset with over 3 million riders. The experimental results show that the proposed model is superior to the state-of-the-art.
Similar Trajectory Search with Spatio-Temporal Deep Representation Learning
Authors: Tedjopurnomo David Alexander , Li Xiucheng , Bao Zhifeng , Cong Gao , Choudhury Farhana , Qin A. K.
Published: December 2021

Similar trajectory search is a crucial task that facilitates many downstream spatial data analytic applications. Despite its importance, many of the current literature focus solely on the trajectory’s spatial similarity while neglecting the temporal information. Additionally, the few papers that use both the spatial and temporal features based their approach on a traditional point-to-point comparison. These methods model the importance of the spatial and temporal aspect of the data with only a single, pre-defined balancing factor for all trajectories, even though the relative spatial and temporal balance can change from trajectory to trajectory. In this article, we propose the first spatio-temporal, deep-representation-learning-based approach to similar trajectory search. Experiments show that utilizing both features offers significant improvements over existing point-to-point comparison and deep-representation-learning approach. We also show that our deep neural network approach is faster and performs more consistently compared to the point-to-point comparison approaches.
Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate Assisted Electrodeposition of MnO2@C Electrode for High Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Shi Yihan , Zhang Ming , Zhao Junshan , Zhang Liu , Cui Xumei , Zhu Xinhua , Su Jitong , Yang Dingyu , Li Jitao
Published: December 2021

In this work, MnO2&SDBS electrodes with nano-honeycomb morphology were prepared by ultrasound-assisted electrochemical deposition using sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) as a surfactant agent. The effect and mechanism of SDBS on the morphology of MnO2 nanomaterials during the preparation of MnO2 by electrochemical anodic oxidation was systematically investigated by varying the content of SDBS in the precursor solution. When the SDBS concentration is 2 g · l−1, the resulting electrode has the best electrochemical performance, and the specific capacitance is up to 407 F · g−1 at the current density of 1000 mA · g−1. To further enhance its performance, a carbon coating layer was deposited on the surface of the electrode using a method similar to chemical vapor deposition. Finally, the MnO2&SDBS@C electrode with a three-dimensional net-to-film composite structure with a high specific surface area, hierarchical structure and interconnect with nickel foam supports were obtained. The electrode has excellent electrochemical performance, and the specific capacitance is still up to 289 F · g−1 at a high current density of 5000 mA · g−1. Furthermore, the specific capacitance of the electrode was maintained at 83.9% after 500 cycles of charging and discharging at a current density of 2000 Am·g−1.
The Ag+ Reduction Process in a Plasma Electrochemical System Tuned by the pH Value
Authors: Wu Huihong , Liu Zhaoyuan , Xu Liangsheng , Wang Xin , Chen Qiang , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: December 2021

The interactions between discharge plasmas and an aqueous solutions can enable the production of reactive species and charge transfer at the plasma-liquid interface, forming the plasma electrochemical system (PES). The PES are promising for diverse applications, such as nanomaterials synthesis, due to the activation of the solution chemistry by the plasma. In this paper, we investigate the influence of the solution’s pH value on the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a direct current (DC) PES. Dual argon DC plasmas are generated in an H-type electrochemical cell containing an aqueous solution of silver nitrate with pH values in the range of 1.99–10.71. By this design, the solution acts as a cathode at one end of the H-type cell, and as an anode at the other end. The results show that the AgNPs are formed at the anode except for the solution with the pH value of 1.99. However, at the cathode, the AgNPs only appear in the solution with the pH value of 10.71. We find that the solvated electrons and hydrogen peroxide produced by the plasma-liquid interactions are responsible for the Ag+ reduction at the solution anode and the solution cathode, respectively.
Review—Multiscale Characterization of Li-Ion Batteries through the Combined Use of Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray Microscopy and Considerations for a Correlative Analysis of the Reviewed Data
Authors: Dini Danilo , Cognigni Flavio , Passeri Daniele , Scaramuzzo Francesca Anna , Pasquali Mauro , Rossi Marco
Published: December 2021

The present review analyses the recent literature on the combined use of X-ray microscopy (XRM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the multiscale characterization of Li+ (or Li) batteries (LiBs) with the aim of developing guidelines for their correlative analysis. The usefulness of XRM resides in the capability of affording non invasively in situ images of the inner parts of a LiB (an encapsulated device) with spatial resolution of dozens of nm during LiB operation. XRM is non destructive and affords the early diagnosis of LiBs degradation causes when these manifest themselves as microdeformations. The multiscale characterization of LiBs also requires AFM for visualizing the morphological/physical alterations of LiB components (anodes, cathodes, electrolyte) at the sub-nanometer level. Different to XRM, AFM necessitates of a modification of LiB working configuration since AFM uses a contacting probe whereas XRM exploits radiation-matter interactions and does not require the dissection of a LiB. A description of the working principles of the two techniques is provided to evidence which technical aspects have to be considered for achieving a meaningful correlative analysis of LiBs. In delineating new perspectives for the analysis of LiBs we will consider additional complementary techniques. Among various AFM-based techniques particular emphasis is given to electrochemical AFM (EC-AFM).
Review—Reference Electrodes in Li-Ion and Next Generation Batteries: Correct Potential Assessment, Applications and Practices
Authors: Cengiz Elif Ceylan , Rizell Josef , Sadd Matthew , Matic Aleksandar , Mozhzhukhina Nataliia
Published: December 2021

This review provides an accessible analysis of the processes on reference electrodes and their applications in Li-ion and next generation batteries research. It covers fundamentals and definitions as well as specific practical applications and is intended to be comprehensible for researchers in the battery field with diverse backgrounds. It covers fundamental concepts, such as two- and three-electrodes configurations, as well as more complex quasi- or pseudo- reference electrodes. The electrode potential and its dependance on the concentration of species and nature of solvents are explained in detail and supported by relevant examples. The solvent, in particular the cation solvation energy, contribution to the electrode potential is important and a largely unknown issue in most the battery research. This effect can be as high as half a volt for the Li/Li+ couple and we provide concrete examples of the battery systems where this effect must be taken into account. With this review, we aim to provide guidelines for the use and assessment of reference electrodes in the Li-ion and next generation batteries research that are comprehensive and accessible to an audience with a diverse scientific background.
Flower-Like Nanostructured ZnCo2O4/RuO2 Electrode Materials for High Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Jinjin , Ye Tianfeng , Shao Yanqun , Lu Zhiyuan , Lin Yuting , Wu Huixuan , Li Guoyong , Chen Kongfa , Tang Dian
Published: December 2021

RuO2 is well known to be an active and expensive metal oxide. In the paper, ZnCo2O4/RuO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by simple hydrothermal, impregnation and calcination methods. Due to the multifunctional bridge structure, RuO2 could not only effectively inhibit the volume change of ZnCo2O4 in long-term work but also provide more redox active sites. The forbidden bandwidth was reduced and the conductivity was improved after doping RuO2. Compared with ZnCo2O4, the density of state of ZnCo2O4/RuO2 tended to a higher energy level. ZnCo2O4/3 wt% RuO2 electrode exhibited an excellent specific capacitance (1346.56 F g−1) and cyclic stability in 6 M KOH aqueous solution. For the first time, the electrochemical performance of ZnCo2O4/RuO2//IrO2-ZnO ASC has been evaluated in two-electrode configurations. The supercapacitor exhibited an excellent energy density of 40.89 W h kg−1 at the power density of 740 W kg−1 and a high capacitance retention of 87.5% even after 7000 cycles at a scanning rate of 100 mV s−1. The ZnCo2O4/RuO2 was a promising electrode material for supercapacitors.
Facile Liquid-Phase Synthesis of a High-Performance Cd-Doped ZnO-Quantum-Dot-Based Photocatalyst
Authors: Wang Xinli , Li Jin
Published: December 2021

Doping is an effective functional modification method for improving the optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of semiconductors. Here, Cd-doped wurtzite ZnO-quantum-dot (ZQ) zero-dimensional nanomaterials were successfully prepared via liquid-phase synthesis. The experimental results showed that Cd doping can effectively shorten the bandgap, where the optical bandgap range of Cd-doping photocatalysts were 3.31–3.36 eV; in particular, the Cd5-ZQ (Cd contents of 0.5 wt%) sample reduced the bandgap from 3.39 to 3.31 eV compared to that of pure ZQ. This is consistent with the experimental results, where the simulation calculation results indicated the bandgap reduced from 3.107 to 2.912 eV after introducing Cd. Photoluminescence spectroscopy results confirmed the Cd-ion dopants efficiently capture excited electrons and further prolongs the charge lifetime. The degradation of a methylene blue solution under simulated solar light irradiation revealed that the photocatalytic properties of Cd-ZQ nanomaterial with suitable dopant concentration (Cd content 0.5 wt%) was significantly better than those of pure ZQ. The underlying mechanism involves a synergistic effect, and a reasonable and convenient strategy for uprate performance is presented.
Possible Equivalent Circuit Model and Physical Structures of Sputter-Deposited Silicon Oxide Film Showing Resistive Switching
Authors: Omura Yasuhisa
Published: December 2021

Based on the results of experiments on the resistive switching behaviors of sputter-deposited silicon oxide films, this paper proposes a possible equivalent circuit model to characterize the switching behavior at room temperature. It is revealed that frequency dispersion of the conductance component and capacitance component in the equivalent circuit model dominate the physical interpretation of the frequency-dependence of the components. The validity of the model and its physical interpretation are examined based on a theoretical model of the dielectric function of the conductive filament region. The polarizability of the conductive filament region suggests that the capacitance component of the conductive filament is insensitive to frequency in the low frequency range, whereas the conductance component of the conductive filament is proportional to frequency in the low frequency range. These theoretical results match experimental findings, and it is revealed that the equivalent circuit models and the frequency dispersion models for the capacitance and conductance component of the silicon oxide film are acceptable. In addition, this paper reveals the importance of the volume of the sub-oxide region and the Si precipitate region in determining the resistive switching behaviors of sputter-deposited silicon oxide film.
Gas Sensing Properties of High-Purity Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for NH3, H2, and NO
Authors: Tsuruta Akihiro , Akamatsu Takafumi , Naito Kojiro , Hirai Takayoshi , Murase Seiichiro , Masuda Yoshitake
Published: December 2021

Gas sensors are advantageous as they can be applied in various fields. The metal-oxide semiconductor gas sensor is the most widely used gas sensor. In this study, the gas-sensing properties of high-purity semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), which behave as p-type semiconductors, are analyzed at temperatures of 50, 100, and 200 °C for NH3, H2, and NO at various O2 concentrations. The SWCNTs are separated from a mixture of metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs based on the agarose gel column chromatography. The SWCNT gas sensor responds to all the gases in 20% O2, and the gas selectivity to NH3 and H2 is controlled by the operating temperature. NO transforms to NO2 in the presence of O2 and decreases the resistance of the sensor as an oxidizing gas. The sensor can detect NH3, H2, and NO without O2. Along with the good conductivity of the SWCNTs, the good conductive paths between the SWCNTs through the semiconducting polymer dispersant reduce the noise of the sensor resistance and enable the detection of small changes in the resistance to minimal gas concentration.
Age Cutoff and Yield of Prompt Esophagogastroduodenoscopy to Detect Malignancy in Vietnamese with Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms: An Endoscopic Database Review of 472,744 Patients from 2014 to 2019
Authors: Quach Duc Trong , Tran Lan Thi-Ngoc , Tran Truc Le-Thanh , Tran Vy Ly-Thao , Le Nhan Quang , Hiyama Toru
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims. Age cutoff is an important factor in deciding whether esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is necessary for patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the cutoff value is significantly different across populations. We aimed to determine the age cutoff for EGD that assures a low rate of missing upper gastrointestinal malignancy (UGIM) and to assess the yield of prompt EGD in Vietnamese patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods. All EGDs performed in outpatients during a 6-year period (2014–2019) at a tertiary hospital that provided an open-access endoscopy service were retrospectively reviewed. Repeat or surveillance EGDs were excluded. Different age cutoffs were evaluated in terms of their prediction of the absence of UGIM. The yield of endoscopy to detect one malignancy (YoE) was also calculated. Results. Of 472,744 outpatients presenting with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, there were 2198 (0.4%) patients with UGIM. The median age and male-to-female ratio of patients with UGIMs were 57.9 ± 12.5 years and 2.5 : 1, respectively. The YoEs in patients <40, 40–60, and >60 years of age were <1, 1–10, and >10 per 1000 EGDs, respectively. The age cutoffs of 30 years in females and 35 years in males could detect 98.2% (95% CI: 97.7%–98.8%) of UGIM cases with a YoE of about 1 per 1000 EGDs. Conclusions. The age cutoff for EGD in Vietnamese should be lower than that recommended by current international guidelines. The strategy of prompt EGD showed a low YoE, and its cost-effectiveness requires further investigation.
Identification of Potential Genetic Biomarkers and Target Genes of Peri‐Implantitis Using Bioinformatics Tools
Authors: Zhang Xiaogen , Wang Zhifa , Hu Li , Shen Xiaoqing , Liu Chundong
Published: December 2021

Objectives. To investigate potential genetic biomarkers of peri‐implantitis and target genes for the therapy of peri‐implantitis by bioinformatics analysis of publicly available data. Methods. The GSE33774 microarray dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between peri‐implantitis and healthy gingival tissues were identified using the GEO2R tool. GO enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the DAVID database and the Metascape tool, and the results were expressed as a bubble diagram. The protein‐protein interaction network of DEGs was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and visualized using Cytoscape. The hub genes were screened by the cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape. The potential target genes associated with peri‐implantitis were obtained from the DisGeNET database and the Open Targets Platform. The intersecting genes were identified using the Venn diagram web tool. Results. Between the peri‐implantitis group and the healthy group, 205 DEGs were investigated including 140 upregulated genes and 65 downregulated genes. These DEGs were mainly enriched in functions such as the immune response, inflammatory response, cell adhesion, receptor activity, and protease binding. The results of KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in the cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction, pathways in cancer, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The intersecting genes, including IL6, TLR4, FN1, IL1β, CXCL8, MMP9, and SPP1, were revealed as potential genetic biomarkers and target genes of peri‐implantitis. Conclusions. This study provides supportive evidence that IL6, TLR4, FN1, IL1β, CXCL8, MMP9, and SPP1 might be used as potential target biomarkers for peri‐implantitis which may provide further therapeutic potentials for peri‐implantitis.
MHD Analysis of Couple Stress Hybrid Nanofluid Free Stream over a Spinning Darcy-Forchheimer Porous Disc under the Effect of Thermal Radiation
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Jawad Muhammad , Bonyah Ebenezer , Jan Rashid
Published: December 2021

This article develops the semianalytical analysis of couple stress hybrid nanofluid free stream past a rotating disc by applying the magnetic flux effects and radiation of thermal energy. The analysis of such kind of mixed convective flow is most important due to numerous industrial applications such as electronic devices, atomic reactors, central solar energy equipment, and heat transferring devices. The impact of variable permeability is also considered in the study. The permeability of the disc obeys the Darcy-Forchheimer model. The hybrid nanofluid is composed of water, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide. The set of governing equations in the PDE form are transformed to couple ODEs by applying similarity transformations. The ODE set are solved by applying the technique of HAM. The graphs of impacts of numerous physical parameters over momentum, energy, and concentration profiles are drawn in computer-based application Mathematica 11.0.1. In the sundry physical parameters, the porosity parameter, Reynolds number, inertial parameter, Prandtl number, Schmidt number, couple stress, and quotient of rotational momentum to elongating rate are included. During the analysis, it is found that the momentum profile of the couple stress hybrid nanofluid enhances with local inertial parameter, couple stress parameter, porosity parameter, and Reynolds number but declines for the growth in Hartmann number. Heat transfer rate enhances for radiation parameter but decreases in variable for temperature, thermal stratification parameter, thermophoresis parameter, and Brownian parameter.
Short-Chain Fatty Acids Promote Immunotherapy by Modulating Immune Regulatory Property in B Cells
Authors: Zhou Cai-Jie , Xie Bai-Ling , Han Hai-Yang , Wang Yin , Wang Yong-Hua , Hong Jing-Yi , Wei Yi-Xia , Liu Zhi-Gang , Feng Yan , Yang Gui , Yang Ping-Chang
Published: December 2021

The dysfunction of regulatory B cells (Breg) may result in immune inflammation such as allergic rhinitis (AR); the underlying mechanism is not fully understood yet. Short-chain fatty acids, such as propionic acid (PA), have immune regulatory functions. This study is aimed at testing a hypothesis that modulates PA production alleviating airway allergy through maintaining Breg functions. B cells were isolated from the blood obtained from AR patients and healthy control (HC) subjects. The stabilization of IL-10 mRNA in B cells was tested with RT-qPCR. An AR mouse model was developed to test the role of PA in stabilizing the IL-10 expression in B cells. We found that the serum PA levels were negatively correlated with the serum Th2 cytokine levels in AR patients. Serum PA levels were positively associated with peripheral CD5+ B cell frequency in AR patients; the CD5+ B cells were also IL-10+. The spontaneous IL-10 mRNA decay was observed in B cells, which was prevented by the presence of PA through activating GPR43. PA counteracted the effects of Tristetraprolin (TTP) on inducing IL-10 mRNA decay in B cells through the AKT/T-bet/granzyme B pathway. Administration of Yupinfeng San, a Chinese traditional medical formula, or indole-3-PA, induced PA production by intestinal bacteria to stabilize the IL-10 expression in B cells, which promoted the allergen specific immunotherapy, and efficiently alleviated experimental AR. In summary, the data show that CD5+ B cells produce IL-10. The serum lower PA levels are associated with the lower frequency of CD5+ B cells in AR patients. Administration with Yupinfeng San or indole-3-PA can improve Breg functions and alleviate experimental AR.
The Mechanical Behavior of a Multispring System Revealing Absurdity in the Relativistic Force Transformation
Authors: Javanshiry Mohammad
Published: December 2021

The mechanical motion of a system consisting of simple springs is investigated from the viewpoint of two inertial observers with a relativistic relative velocity. It is shown that the final displacement of the springs is not measured the same by the observers. Indeed, it is demonstrated that there is an incompatibility between kinematics and dynamics in Einstein’s relativity regarding the force transformation.
Covert Communication Scheme Based on Bitcoin Transaction Mechanism
Authors: Huang Shanyun , Zhang Wenyin , Yu Xiaomei , Wang Jiuru , Song Wanshui , Li Bei
Published: December 2021

Due to the unique characteristics of blockchain, such as decentralization, anonymity, high credibility, and nontampering, blockchain technologies have become an integral part of public data platforms and public infrastructure. The communication between the stakeholders of a given blockchain can be used as a carrier for covert communication under cover of legal transactions, which has become a promising research direction of blockchain technology. Due to the special mechanism of blockchain, some traditional blockchain covert communication schemes are not mature enough. They suffer from various drawbacks, such as weak concealment of secret information, cumbersome identification and screening of special transactions, poor availability, and low comprehensive performance. Therefore, this paper designs a scheme of covert communication in the Bitcoin blockchain, which takes normal transactions as a mask and leverages the Bitcoin transaction mechanism to embed secret information in the public key hash field. Specifically, we propose a novel key update mechanism combined with the hash algorithm to construct a covert channel. It ensures security and can update the channel to prevent the related problems caused by address reuse. We are taking advantage of the feature of Bitcoin that cannot be double-spent to solve the problem of burning bitcoin when paying bitcoin to a fake public key hash. In our scheme, both parties to the communication are anonymous, and the attacker cannot detect the covert data or track the transaction and address. Our proposed scheme was tested in real Bitcoin blockchain network, and the experimental results were analyzed to verify its security, availability, and efficiency.