bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity data on crop management define uncertainty of CH4 and N2O emission estimates from rice: A case study of Vietnam
Authors: Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus , Kraus David , Kiese Ralf , Mai Van Trinh , Nguyen Tanh , Sander Björn Ole , Wassmann Reiner , Werner Christian
Published: November 2022

Background

Globally, rice systems are a major source of atmospheric CH4 and for major rice‐producing countries, such as Vietnam, CH4 as well as N2O emissions from agricultural land used for rice production may represent about one‐fourth of total national anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, national‐scale estimates of GHG emissions from rice systems are uncertain with regard to its magnitude, spatial distribution, and seasonality.

Aims

Here, we used the biogeochemical model LandscapeDNDC to calculate emissions of CH4 and N2O from rice systems in Vietnam (Tier 3 IPCC approach). Our objectives were to identify hotspot regions of emissions and to assess the contribution of N2O to the total non‐CO2 (CH4+N2O) GHG balance of rice systems as well as the seasonal and interannual variability of fluxes in dependence of uncertain input data on field management .

Methods

The biogeochemical model LandscapeDNDC model was linked to publicly available information on climate, soils, and land management (fertilization, irrigation, crop rotation) for calculating a national inventory in daily time steps of CH4 and N2O emissions from rice systems at a spatial resolution of 0.083° × 0.083°. Uncertainty in management practices related to fertilization, use of harvest residues or irrigation water, and its effects on simulated CH4 and N2O fluxes was accounted for by Latin Hypercube Sampling of probability distribution functions.

Results

Our study shows that CH4 and N2O fluxes from rice systems in Vietnam are highly seasonal, with national CH4 and N2O emissions totaling to about 2600 Gg CH4 year–1 and 42 Gg N2O year–1, respectively. Highest emissions were simulated for double and triple rice cropping systems in the Mekong Delta region. Yield‐scaled emissions varied largely in a range of 300–3000 kg CO2‐eq Mg–1 year–1, with CH4 emissions during the rice season(s) dominating (>82%) the total annual non‐CO2 GHG balance of rice systems. In our study, uncertainty in field management information (nitrogen fertilization, ratio synthetic to organic fertilization, residue management, availability of irrigation water) were major drivers of uncertainty of the national CH4 and N2O emission inventory.

Conclusions

Our study shows that Tier 3 approaches, that is, process‐oriented model approaches combined with GIS databases, for estimating national‐scale GHG emissions from rice systems are ready to be applied at national scale. Generally, this approach is powerful as it allows to identify regions with elevated emissions, thereby accounting not only for CH4, but as well for N2O emissions. However, our study also shows that specifically better information on land management is required to narrowing uncertainties.
Aspergillus cristatus attenuates DSS‐induced intestinal barrier damage through reducing the oxidative stress, regulating short‐chain fatty acid and inhibiting MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Wang Xin , Zeng Xuejun , Zhang Xiao , Wei Jianping , Zhang Yuxiang , Long Fangyu , Yue Tianli , Yuan Yahong
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Probiotics are regarded as a promising strategy for relieving colitis caused by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). One of the dominant probiotic fungi in Fuzhuan brick tea is identified as Aspergillus cristatus, but whether it can effectively improve colitis remains poorly understood. Here, the improving effect of A. cristatus on colitis was investigated.

RESULTS

Our results showed that A. cristatus intervention prominently alleviated gut damage as evidenced by the inhibition of shortened colon length, goblet cell depletion, and histological injury. Mechanistically, after administration with low concentrations of A. cristatus H‐1 and A. cristatus S‐6, the expression of interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde were significantly downregulated, and the content of glutathione, catalase, interleukin‐10, immunoglobulin G, claudin‐1, occludin, and zonula occludens‐1 were effectively upregulated. More importantly, live A. cristatus supplementation lightened DSS‐induced gut barrier damage by suppressing activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, increasing the synthesis of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and stimulating the increase in peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ expression.

CONCLUSION

Together, A. cristatus can attenuate DSS‐induced intestinal barrier damage through reducing the oxidative stress, regulating SCFA and inhibiting MAPK signaling pathways (P38/JNK/ERK). Our findings indicate that A. cristatus replenishment has potential as a new probiotic fungi to reduce DSS‐induced colitis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pitting corrosion resistance of additive manufactured alloy 718 in alkaline brines at elevated temperatures
Authors: Gisinger Daria , Kube René , Klapper Helmuth Sarmiento
Published: November 2022

The feasibility of additive manufacturing (AM) to produce industrial components, also for the oil and gas industry, has been demonstrated in the past. Therefore, current research efforts focus on demonstrating the reliability of AM materials subjected to demanding service conditions. In this regard, special attention has been paid to its corrosion resistance in harsh environments as one of the most critical properties in these applications. The beneficial combination of high strength, excellent thermal stability, and outstanding corrosion resistance makes alloy 718 (UNS N07718) the most used wrought and AM nickel alloy in the oil and gas industry. Wrought 718 has an extensive record of field performance in demanding oil and gas applications including directional drilling tools that undergo extreme mechanical loads in corrosive drilling fluids. On the other hand, limited data regarding the corrosion behavior of AM718 in typical drilling environments has been collected so far. In this research work, the pitting susceptibility of selective laser melted alloy 718 in simulated drilling environments has been studied. Open circuit potential measurements as well as cyclic potentiodynamic and potentiostatic polarization tests were used to characterize the pitting corrosion resistance of AM718 in alkaline brines at elevated temperatures. In addition, microstructural particularities in alloy 718 were investigated to explain the observed differences in the electrochemical behaviors.
Solving zero‐sum multi‐objective games with a‐priori secondary criteria
Authors: Harel Meir , Eisenstadt‐Matalon Erella , Moshaiov Amiram
Published: November 2022

Solving non‐cooperative zero‐sum multi‐objective Games (zsMOGs), under undecided objective preferences results, for each of the players, in a Set of Rationalizable Strategies (SRS) to choose from. First, this paper deals with finding for each of the players a preferred subset of such rationalizable strategies based on a‐priori incorporation of partial preferences of the decision‐makers using secondary criteria. The obtained subset is termed the Set of Preferred Strategies (SPS). Here, a novel archive‐based co‐evolutionary algorithm is suggested to search for the SPS for each of the players. An academic example is suggested to demonstrate and validate the algorithm. It concerns a zsMOG that involves two adversarial planar manipulators. Based on a theorem that is proven here, a theoretic reference SRS is found for each of the players. This reference SRS is applied to find a reference SPS, which is used for validating the algorithm. Next, a comparison study is performed between the proposed archive‐based co‐evolutionary algorithm and an elite‐based version of this algorithm. The results clearly show that the archive‐based algorithm is superior to the elite‐based version, yielding results that correspond well to the theoretic sets.
Green supply chain coordination model under environmental impact and conformance quality sensitive consumer demand
Authors: Zhang Meng , Yi Yongxi , Fu Chunyan , Li Yuqiong
Published: November 2022

Considering the financial coordination and investment cost sharing between the members, this paper studies the conformance quality improvement, carbon reduction, and green marketing optimal decisions of a green supply chain composed of one manufacturer and multiple retailers. The retailer is either cash‐strapped, cash‐rich, or both. By using the Stackelberg game method, we obtain the equilibrium results of the game in the three cases. The results show that financial coordination should be implemented between the manufacturer and the three types of retailers. However, only with the second type of retailer can cost‐sharing increase the profitability of both sides.
Genotype–Phenotype Correlations for ATX‐TBP (SCA17): MDSGene Systematic Review
Authors: Rossi Malco , Hamed Moath , Rodríguez‐Antigüedad Jon , Cornejo‐Olivas Mario , Breza Marianthi , Lohmann Katja , Klein Christine , Rajalingam Rajasumi , Marras Connie , van de Warrenburg Bart P.
Published: November 2022

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 or ATX‐TBP is a CAG/CAA repeat expansion disorder characterized by marked clinical heterogeneity. Reports of affected carriers with subthreshold repeat expansions and of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with expanded repeats have cast doubt on the established cutoff values of the expansions and the phenotypic spectrum of this disorder. The objective of this systematic review was to explore the genotype–phenotype relationships for repeat expansions in TBP to delineate the ATX‐TBP phenotype and reevaluate the pathological range of repeat expansions. The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Genetic Mutation Database (MDSGene) standardized data extraction protocol was followed. Clinically affected carriers of reported ATX‐TBP expansions were included. Publications that contained repeat sizes in screened cohorts of patients with PD and/or healthy individuals were included for a separate evaluation of cutoff values. Phenotypic and genotypic data for 346 ATX‐TBP patients were curated. Overall, 97.7% of the patients had ≥41 repeats, while 99.6% of patients with PD and 99.9% of healthy individuals had ≤42 repeats, with a gray zone of reduced penetrance between 41 and 45 repeats. Pure parkinsonism was more common in ATX‐TBP patients with 41 to 45 repeats than in the group with ≥46 repeats, which conversely more often presented with a complex phenotype with mixed movement disorders. An updated genotype–phenotype assessment for ATX‐TBP is provided, and new repeat expansion cutoff values of reduced penetrance (41–45 expanded repeats) and full penetrance (46–66 expanded repeats) are proposed. These adjusted cutoff values will have diagnostic and counseling implications and may guide future clinical trial protocol. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
FSDscore: An Effective Target‐focused Scoring Criterion for Virtual Screening
Authors: Hua Yi , Huang Dingfang , Liang Li , Qian Xu , Dai Xiaowen , Xu Yuan , Qiu Haodi , Lu Tao , Liu Haichun , Chen Yadong , Zhang Yanmin
Published: November 2022

Improving screening efficiency is one of the most challenging tasks of virtual screening (VS). In this work, we propose an effective target‐focused scoring criterion for VS and apply it to the screening of a specific target scaffold replacement library constructed by enumeration of suitable substitution fragments and R‐groups of known ligands. This criterion is based on both ligand‐ and structure‐based scoring methods, which includes feature maps, 3D shape similarity, and the pairwise distance information between proteins and ligands (FSDscore). It is precisely due to the hybrid advantages of ligand‐ and structure‐based approaches that FSDscore performs far better on the validation dataset than other scoring methods. We apply FSDscore to the VS of different kinase targets, MERTK (Mer tyrosine kinase) and ABL1 (tyrosine‐protein kinase ABL1) in order to avoid occasionality. Finally, a VS case study shows the potential and effectiveness of our scoring criterion in drug discovery and molecular dynamics simulation further verifies its powerful ability.
Parameter estimation for WMTI‐Watson model of white matter using encoder–decoder recurrent neural network
Authors: Diao Yujian , Jelescu Ileana
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Biophysical modeling of the diffusion MRI (dMRI) signal provides estimates of specific microstructural tissue properties. Although non‐linear least squares (NLLS) is the most widespread fitting method, it suffers from local minima and high computational cost. Deep learning approaches are steadily replacing NLLS, but come with the limitation that the model needs to be retrained for each acquisition protocol and noise level. In this study, a novel fitting approach was proposed based on the encoder–decoder recurrent neural network (RNN) to accelerate model estimation with good generalization to various datasets.

Methods

The white matter tract integrity (WMTI)‐Watson model as an implementation of the Standard Model of diffusion in white matter derives its parameters indirectly from the diffusion and kurtosis tensors (DKI). The RNN‐based solver, which estimates the WMTI‐Watson model from DKI, is therefore more readily translatable to various data, irrespective of acquisition protocols as long as the DKI was pre‐computed from the signal. An embedding approach was also used to render the model insensitive to potential differences in distributions between training data and experimental data. The analytical solution, NLLS, RNN‐, and a multilayer perceptron (MLP)‐based methods were evaluated on synthetic and in vivo datasets of rat and human brain.

Results

The proposed RNN solver showed highly reduced computation time over the analytical solution and NLLS, with similar accuracy but improved robustness, and superior generalizability over MLP.

Conclusion

The RNN estimator can be easily applied to various datasets without retraining, which shows great potential for a widespread use.
In vivo T1 mapping of neonatal brain tissue at 64 mT
Authors: Padormo Francesco , Cawley Paul , Dillon Louise , Hughes Emer , Almalbis Jennifer , Robinson Joanna , Maggioni Alessandra , Botella Miguel De La Fuente , Cromb Dan , Price Anthony , Arlinghaus Lori , Pitts John , Luo Tianrui , Zhang Dingtian , Deoni Sean C. L. , Williams Steve , Malik Shaihan , O′Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Counsell Serena J. , Rutherford Mary , Arichi Tomoki , Edwards A. David , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Ultralow‐field (ULF) point‐of‐care MRI systems allow image acquisition without interrupting medical provision, with neonatal clinical care being an important potential application. The ability to measure neonatal brain tissue T1 is a key enabling technology for subsequent structural image contrast optimization, as well as being a potential biomarker for brain development. Here we describe an optimized strategy for neonatal T1 mapping at ULF.

Methods

Examinations were performed on a 64‐mT portable MRI system. A phantom validation experiment was performed, and a total of 33 in vivo exams were acquired from 28 neonates with postmenstrual age ranging from 31+4 to 49+0 weeks. Multiple inversion‐recovery turbo spin‐echo sequences were acquired with differing inversion and repetition times. An analysis pipeline incorporating inter‐sequence motion correction generated proton density and T1 maps. Regions of interest were placed in the cerebral deep gray matter, frontal white matter, and cerebellum. Weighted linear regression was used to predict T1 as a function of postmenstrual age.

Results

Reduction of T1 with postmenstrual age is observed in all measured brain tissue; the change in T1 per week and 95% confidence intervals is given by dT1 = −21 ms/week [−25, −16] (cerebellum), dT1 = −14 ms/week [−18, −10] (deep gray matter), and dT1 = −35 ms/week [−45, −25] (white matter).

Conclusion

Neonatal T1 values at ULF are shorter than those previously described at standard clinical field strengths, but longer than those of adults at ULF. T1 reduces with postmenstrual age and is therefore a candidate biomarker for perinatal brain development.
Quantification of GABA concentration measured noninvasively in the human posterior cingulate cortex with 7 T ultra‐short‐TE MR spectroscopy
Authors: Genovese Guglielmo , Deelchand Dinesh K. , Terpstra Melissa , Marjańska Małgorzata
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The increased spectral dispersion achieved at ultra‐high field permits quantification of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations at ultra‐short‐TE without editing. This work investigated the influence of spectral quality and different LCModel fitting approaches on quantification of GABA. Additionally, the sensitivity with which cross‐sectional and longitudinal variations in GABA concentrations can be observed was characterized.

Methods

In ‐ vivo spectra were acquired in the posterior cingulate cortex of 10 volunteers at 7 T using a STEAM sequence. Synthetically altered spectra with different levels of GABA signals were used to investigate the reliability of GABA quantification with different LCModel fitting approaches and different realizations of SNR. The synthetically altered spectra were also used to characterize the sensitivity of GABA quantification.

Results

The best LCModel fitting approach used stiff spline baseline, no soft constraints, and measured macromolecules in the basis set. With lower SNR, coefficients of variation increased dramatically. Longitudinal and cross‐sectional variations in GABA of 10% could be detected with 79 and 48 participants per group, respectively. However, the small cohort may bias the calculation of the coefficients of variation and of the sample size that would be needed to detect variations in GABA.

Conclusion

Reliable quantification of normal and abnormal GABA concentrations was achieved for high quality 7 T spectra using LCModel fitting.
B1+$$ {B}_1^{+} $$‐correction of magnetization transfer saturation maps optimized for 7T postmortem MRI of the brain
Authors: Lipp Ilona , Kirilina Evgeniya , Edwards Luke J. , Pine Kerrin J. , Jäger Carsten , Gräßle Tobias ,   EBC Consortium, Weiskopf Nikolaus , Helms Gunther
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Magnetization transfer saturation () is a useful marker to probe tissue macromolecular content and myelination in the brain. The increased ‐inhomogeneity at  T and significantly larger saturation pulse flip angles which are often used for postmortem studies exceed the limits where previous correction methods are applicable. Here, we develop a calibration‐based correction model and procedure, and validate and evaluate it in postmortem 7T data of whole chimpanzee brains.

Theory

The dependence of was investigated by varying the off‐resonance saturation pulse flip angle. For the range of saturation pulse flip angles applied in typical experiments on postmortem tissue, the dependence was close to linear. A linear model with a single calibration constant is proposed to correct bias in by mapping it to the reference value of the saturation pulse flip angle.

Methods

was estimated voxel‐wise in five postmortem chimpanzee brains. “Individual‐based global parameters” were obtained by calculating the mean within individual specimen brains and “group‐based global parameters” by calculating the means of the individual‐based global parameters across the five brains.

Results

The linear calibration model described the data well, though was not entirely independent of the underlying tissue and . Individual‐based correction parameters and a group‐based global correction parameter () led to visible, quantifiable reductions of ‐biases in high‐resolution maps.

Conclusion

The presented model and calibration approach effectively corrects for inhomogeneities in postmortem 7T data.
Dynamics of triboelectric nanogenerators: A review
Authors: Xu Guoqiang , Li Chuanyang , Chen Chaojie , Fu Jingjing , Hou Tingting , Zi Yunlong
Published: November 2022

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a promising next‐generation renewable energy technology. TENGs have become increasingly popular for harvesting vibration energy in the environment due to their advantages of lightweight, broad range of material choices, low cost, and no pollution. However, issues such as input force irregularity, working bandwidth, efficiency calculation, and dynamic modeling hinder the use of TENGs in industrial or practical applications. In this paper, the modeling process of the dynamical system of a TENG is reviewed from the perspective of energy flow. In addition, this paper reviews the main contributions made in recent years to achieve optimized output based on springs, magnetic forces, and pendulums, and introduces different ways to increase the bandwidth of TENGs. Finally, the main problems of TENGs in the process of harvesting vibration energy are discussed. This review may serve as a practical reference for methods to convert irregular mechanical input sources into optimized output performance toward the commercialization of TENGs.
In situ stress assessment based on plastic behavior of borehole breakouts and machine learning
Authors: Garavand Aboozar , Hadavimoghaddam Fahime
Published: November 2022

The accurate estimation of in situ stress tensor has an inevitable role in solving problems facing the development of oil and gas fields. Two components of three, vertical stress () and minimum horizontal stress (), could be computed through direct methods. The last and most challenging component, maximum horizontal stress (), is commonly computed based on the elastic theory assumptions and shape of the borehole breakouts from well‐logging data. Due to the abundance of borehole breakouts data, methods based on the shape of breakouts are highly valued. Field observations show that such breakouts commonly occur in the weak layers, which contradict elastic assumptions. Furthermore, finding the consistent relationship between the shape of the breakouts and loading conditions remains the main issue for such approaches. The process's initiation and development until stabilization have been simulated by borehole breakout modeling considering inelastic deformation. Machine learning algorithms have been implemented to ascertain the relationship between applied in situ stress and obtained borehole breakouts. In this paper, first using the finite element method and elastoplastic model, a set of in situ stress and their corresponding shape of borehole breakouts is obtained. Then, the data set is used to train four machine learning algorithms (XGBoost, LightGBM, CatBoost, and AdaBoost) to find the relationship between the in situ stress and the shape of breakouts. Finally, employing the inversed analysis to the trained algorithms, the in situ stress is estimated from the shape of breakouts. Even though, the numerical experiments show that all four algorithms are promising for predicting the in situ stress, the XGBoost algorithm indicates more accuracy than the others.
Acrylic‐urethane/modified Rhodamine‐B eco‐friendly UV‐curable anticounterfeiting ink
Authors: Gharieh Ali , Abdollahi Amin , Sohrabi Laleh
Published: November 2022

Counterfeiting is an ever‐growing global problem challenging companies, governments, and customers. In recent decades, as a potential remedy, anticounterfeiting technology and information security have gained a great deal of attention from academia and industry. In this work and for the first time, Rhodamine B (RhB), an efficient and enticing fluorescent material, was modified and used as a reactive stimuli‐responsive component in the formulation of an eco‐friendly ink. Additionally, a UV‐curable polyurethane dispersion (UCPUD) with zero volatile organic compound was synthesized and employed as the matrix for the fluorescent ink. The modified RhB and UCPUD were thoroughly characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. Exploiting the fluorescent monomer in the ink formulations could enhance the absorption intensity (λmax = 552 nm) of the prepared ink up to 7 with respect to its solution (λmax = 519 nm). The printed pattern was immediately illuminated with brilliant red‐pink fluorescence emission upon UV irradiation. It has been shown that the prepared fluorescent ink has potential applications in the encryption, security marking, and optical authentication of confidential cellulose substrates.
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts potentiate colorectal cancer progression by crosstalk of the IGF2–IGF1R and Hippo–YAP1 signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Jinglin , Chen Bonan , Li Hui , Wang Yifei , Liu Xiaoli , Wong Kit Yee , Chan Wai Nok , Chan Aden KY , Cheung Alvin HK , Leung Kam Tong , Dong Yujuan , Pan Yi , Ke Huixing , Liang Li , Zhou Zhaocai , Xiao Jianyong , Wong Chi Chun , Wu William KK , Cheng Alfred SL , Ma Brigette BY , Yu Jun , Lo Kwok Wai , Kang Wei ,   Ka Fai To
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The tumor microenvironment exerts crucial effects in driving CRC progression. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) serve as one of the most important tumor microenvironment components promoting CRC progression. This study aimed to elucidate the novel molecular mechanisms of CAF‐secreted insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) 2 in colorectal carcinogenesis. Our results indicated that IGF2 was a prominent factor upregulated in CAFs compared with normal fibroblasts. CAF‐derived conditioned media (CM) promoted tumor growth, migration, and invasion of HCT 116 and DLD‐1 cells. IGF1R expression is significantly increased in CRC, serving as a potent receptor in response to IGF2 stimulation and predicting unfavorable outcomes for CRC patients. Apart from the PI3K–AKT pathway, RNA‐seq analysis revealed that the YAP1‐target signature serves as a prominent downstream effector to mediate the oncogenic signaling of IGF2–IGF1R. By single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and immunohistochemical validation, IGF2 was found to be predominantly secreted by CAFs, whereas IGF1R was expressed mainly by cancer cells. IGF2 triggers the nuclear accumulation of YAP1 and upregulates YAP1 target signatures; however, these effects were abolished by either IGF1R knockdown or inhibition with picropodophyllin (PPP), an IGF1R inhibitor. Using CRC organoid and in vivo studies, we found that cotargeting IGF1R and YAP1 with PPP and verteporfin (VP), a YAP1 inhibitor, enhanced antitumor effects compared with PPP treatment alone. In conclusion, this study revealed a novel molecular mechanism by which CAFs promote CRC progression. The findings highlight the translational potential of the IGF2–IGF1R–YAP1 axis as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Dynamic response of Nomex honeycomb sandwich panels subjected to aluminum foam projectile impact–An experimental study
Authors: Deng Yunfei , Hu Xiaoyu , Yang Xiaoyue , Huang Ziqiang , Wang Yuetong , Zhou Chunping
Published: November 2022

The impact resistance of the Nomex honeycomb sandwich structure subjected to strong dynamic loading of lightweight and deformable projectiles was studied experimentally. The deformation process and failure modes of the sandwich panels were investigated by using a first‐state gas gun to launch aluminum foam projectiles. 3D‐DIC was presented to investigate the dynamic response in terms of response rate and deflection‐profile history. And the impact resistance of three structures, namely single‐layer sandwich, rubber‐honeycomb sandwich and double‐layer sandwich, was compared in relation to the load intensity. The results show that the dynamic response process of the sandwich panel can be divided into discrete deformation stage, concentrated deformation stage，elastic stage, vibration stage and stabilization stage. As the impulse increases, the maximum deflection of the back face‐sheet continues to increase. Under the strong load of a light and deformable projectile, both rubber‐honeycomb and double‐layer honeycomb sandwich structures can effectively reduce the deflection change of the back face‐sheet and improve the load‐bearing capacity of the structure. Qualitatively analyzing the relationship between structure, loading, and performance can be carried out to provide guidance for structural design.
Enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of poly(lactic acid)/starch composite films using gelatinized starch acetate‐functionalized montmorillonite
Authors: Chen Haifeng , Dai Chunfa , Long Yue , Zeng Shaohua , Xia Ru
Published: November 2022

A nanostructured starch acetate–montmorillonite (SA–Mt) hybrid, where gelatinized SA was attached on the exfoliated Mt through Mt hydration expansion, ion exchange between Mt and quaternary ammonium salt, and SA intercalation, was designed and further used for reinforcing poly(lactic acid)/starch acetate (PLA/SA) composite films. Making use of the synergistic effect of SA and Mt, considerable enhancement in mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties for PLA/SA composite films was achieved. The effect of SA–Mt hybrids on structure–property relationships of PLA/SA composite films was investigated. Under an optimal loading of 7 wt% SA–Mt (SA:Mt = 1:1, w/w), the tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break of SA–Mt‐filled composite films were significantly enhanced, about 104%, 73%, and 98% higher than those of PLA/SA, respectively, revealing the synergistic strengthening/toughening effect of SA and Mt; the thermal decomposition temperature and degradation activation energy of such composite film were also enhanced, implying their superior thermal stability. Moreover, the obtained PLA‐based composite films with good water/oxygen barrier performance and excellent biodegradability provide a potential for use as packaging materials.
Registration of the PI 173438/WA 8137 wheat doubled haploid mapping population
Authors: Phipps Savannah N. , Balow Kerry , Burke Adrienne B. , Stowe Anna , Smith Jared H. , Murray Timothy , Carter Arron H.
Published: November 2022

A doubled haploid mapping population was developed from a cross between the hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum) landrace PI 173438 and WA 8137, a soft white winter wheat breeding line developed by the Washington State University winter wheat breeding program in Pullman, WA. The PI 173438/WA 8137 (Reg. no. MP‐16, NSL 543858 MAP) population consists of 437 individuals, with 358 of these individuals used to identify quantitative trait loci associated with snow mold (Typhula spp.) tolerance in PI 173438. Genotypic information was gathered on these individuals using genotype‐by‐sequencing and processed using a pipeline developed by the USDA Eastern Regional Small Grains Genotyping Laboratory. Twenty‐three linkage groups covering the whole genome with groups for the long and short arms of chromosomes 3D and 7D were constructed using 4,029 single nucleotide polymorphisms from the sequenced individuals. Quantitative trait loci associated with snow mold tolerance and snow mold recovery attributed to PI 173438 were successfully identified in this population. PI 173438 has also been used to identify other traits associated with snow mold tolerance, such as freezing tolerance and carbohydrate reserves, and has been important in research investigating dwarf and common bunt. This population may continue to expand current knowledge in these areas, and, given the landrace status of PI 173438, the population may be useful in identifying other novel traits of interest.
Origin of CO2, CH4, and N2O trapped in ice wedges in central Yakutia and their relationship
Authors: Yang Ji‐Woong , Ahn Jinho , Iwahana Go , Ko Nayeon , Kim Ji‐Hoon , Kim Kyungmin , Fedorov Alexander , Han Sangyoung
Published: November 2022

Permafrost thawing as a result of global warming is expected to foster the biological remineralization of intact organic carbon and nitrogen and release greenhouse gas (GHG) into the atmosphere, which will have positive feedback for future global warming. However, GHG budgets and their controls in permafrost ground ice are not yet fully understood. This study aims to better understand the control mechanisms of GHG in ground ice by using new gas and chemistry data. In this study, we present new data on carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) mixing ratios in three different ice wedges, Churapcha, Syrdakh, and Cyuie, located in central Yakutia, Siberia. The GHG mixing ratios in the studied ice wedges range from 0.0% to 13.8% CO2, 1.3–91.2 ppm CH4, and 0% and 0–1414 N2O. In particular, all three ice wedges demonstrate that ice‐wedge samples enriched in CH4 were depleted in N2O mixing ratios and vice versa. N2–O2–Ar compositions indicate that the studied ice wedges were most likely formed by dry snow or hoarfrost, not by freezing of snow meltwater, and the O2‐consuming biological metabolism was active. Most of the observed GHG mixing ratios cannot be explained without microbial metabolism. The inhibitory impact of denitrification products of nitrate (including N2O) could be an important control of the ice‐wedge CH4 mixing ratio.
Noninvasive high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation versus nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation for preterm infants as an extubation support: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Kaixu , Zhou Xiaofeng , Gao Shuqiang , Li Fang , Ju Rong
Published: November 2022

Objective

We aimed to explore whether noninvasive high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) could reduce the incidence of reintubation compared with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in the postextubation phase of preterm infants.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials of NHFOV versus NIPPV were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and MEDLINE. Meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials including 1138 preterm infants were included in this study. Compared with NIPPV, NHFOV reduced the incidence of reintubation in the post‐extubation phase of preterm infants (p = 0.01, RR = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56∼0.94), and no heterogeneity was found in the four studies (p = 0.55, I2 = 0%). In the sensitivity analysis, the result showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of reintubation between NHFOV and NIPPV after excluding one study (p = 0. 05, RR = 0.76 95% CI: 0.58∼1.00), and no heterogeneity was found in the other three studies (p = 0.95, I2 = 0%). There was no statistical difference between NHFOV and NIPPV in BPD, air leak, IVH (≥Grade III) and mortality.

Conclusion

Among mechanically ventilated preterm infants, compared with NIPPV, NHFOV was potentially beneficial to reduce the incidence of reintubation after extubation and did not increase the risk of complications.
Inhibition of signaling downstream of beta‐2 adrenoceptor by propranolol in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Alaskar Aljoharah , Abdulraqeb Ali Amaal , Hassan Sazzad , Shinwari Zakia , Alaiya Ayodele , von Holzen Urs , Miller Lance , Kulik George
Published: November 2022

Background

There is accumulating evidence that propranolol, an antagonist of beta‐1 and beta‐2 adrenoreceptors, extends survival of patients with prostate cancer; yet it is not known whether propranolol inhibits beta‐adrenergic signaling in prostate cancer cells, or systemic effects of propranolol play the leading role in slowing down cancer progression. Recently initiated clinical studies offer a possibility to test whether administration of propranolol inhibits signaling pathways in prostate tumors, however, there is limited information on the dynamics of signaling pathways activated downstream of beta‐2 adrenoreceptors in prostate cancer cells and on the inactivation of these pathways upon propranolol administration.

Methods

Western blot analysis was used to test the effects of epinephrine and propranolol on activation of protein kinase (PKA) signaling in mouse prostates and PKA, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), and protein kinase B/AKT (AKT) signaling in prostate cancer cell lines.

Results

In prostate cancer cell lines epinephrine induced robust phosphorylation of PKA substrates pS133CREB and pS157VASP that was evident 2 min after treatments and lasted for 3−6 h. Epinephrine induced phosphorylation of AKT in PTEN‐positive 22Rv1 cells, whereas changes of constitutive AKT phosphorylation were minimal in PTEN‐negative PC3, C42, and LNCaP cells. A modest short‐term increase of pERK in response to epinephrine was observed in all tested cell lines. Incubation of prostate cancer cells with 10‐fold molar excess of propranolol for 30 min inhibited all downstream pathways activated by epinephrine. Subjecting mice to immobilization stress induced phosphorylation of S133CREB, whereas injection of propranolol at 1.5 mg/kg prevented the stress‐induced phosphorylation.

Conclusions

The analysis of pS133CREB and pS157VASP allows measuring activation of PKA signaling downstream of beta‐2 adrenoreceptors. Presented results on the ratio of propranolol/epinephrine and the time needed to inhibit signaling downstream of beta‐2 adrenoreceptors will help to design clinical studies that examine the effects of propranolol on prostate tumors.
On the study of efficiency of exponential‐type estimator of population mean using robust regression methods
Authors: Audu A. , Ishaq O. O. , Singh R.V.K. , Danbaba A. , Manu F.
Published: November 2022

This study aimed at enhancing the efficiency of Zaman estimators using exponential transformation technique. A new class of estimators was obtained using the concept of Bahl and Tuteja. The bias and mean squared error (MSE) of the new class of suggested estimators was derived up to second degree approximation. The empirical study through simulations was conducted using Normal, exponential, gamma, chi‐square and beta distributions under robust regression methods (Huber‐M, Huber‐MM, LTS (least trimmed squares) and LMS (least median of squares)) and the results revealed that proposed estimators were more efficient.
Fully distributed event‐triggered formation control for multi‐agent systems with unknown disturbances
Authors: Zhu Guoliang , Liu Kexin , Gu Haibo , Chen Lei , Lü Jinhu
Published: November 2022

This article investigates the consensus‐based formation control problem with unknown disturbances in multi‐agent systems. We design node‐based adaptive controllers via extended state observers and node‐based event‐triggered schemes, which can eliminate the effect of disturbances and avoid continuous communications. With the proposed controllers, we obtain that the formation errors are asymptotic to zero when the derivatives of disturbances belong to space or are bounded by a small threshold when the derivatives of disturbances are bounded. Zeno behaviors and global information are also excluded. Numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of proposed approaches.
Secure estimation against non‐fixed channel attacks in cyber‐physical systems
Authors: Zhou Jing , Chen Bo , Li Tongxiang , Yu Li
Published: November 2022

This article studies the secure estimation problem for cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) with sparse attacks and noises. Instead of fixed attacked sensor channels, the malicious attack investigated in this work is ‐sparse and the set of attacked sensor channels is time‐varying. A novel ‐minimization based on QR decomposition, rather than minimizing the row support of the attack matrix directly, is designed to reconstruct malicious attacks. Furthermore, considering that the presence of Gaussian noises may produce estimation errors, a secure conservative estimation method based on Kalman filter is proposed to estimate the consolidated signal consisting of sparse attacks and measurement noises. Moreover, it is proved that robustness of the proposed estimation algorithm can be guaranteed with the upper bound of estimation error covariance. An illustrative example is utilized to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Fluidic Force Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy Unveil New Insights into the Interactions of Preosteoblasts with 3D‐Printed Submicron Patterns
Authors: Angeloni Livia , Popa Bogdan , Nouri‐Goushki Mahdiyeh , Minneboo Michelle , Zadpoor Amir A. , Ghatkesar Murali K. , Fratila‐Apachitei Lidy E.
Published: November 2022

Physical patterns represent potential surface cues for promoting osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and improving osseointegration of orthopedic implants. Understanding the early cell–surface interactions and their effects on late cellular functions is essential for a rational design of such topographies, yet still elusive. In this work, fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with optical and electron microscopy are used to quantitatively investigate the interaction of preosteoblasts with 3D‐printed patterns after 4 and 24 h of culture. The patterns consist of pillars with the same diameter (200 nm) and interspace (700 nm) but distinct heights (500 and 1000 nm) and osteogenic properties. FluidFM reveals a higher cell adhesion strength after 24 h of culture on the taller pillars (32 ± 7 kPa versus 21.5 ± 12.5 kPa). This is associated with attachment of cells partly on the sidewalls of these pillars, thus requiring larger normal forces for detachment. Furthermore, the higher resistance to shear forces observed for these cells indicates an enhanced anchorage and can be related to the persistence and stability of lamellipodia. The study explains the differential cell adhesion behavior induced by different pillar heights, enabling advancements in the rational design of osteogenic patterns.
Engineered Macrophages: A Safe‐by‐Design Approach for the Tumor Targeting Delivery of Sub‐5 nm Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Lining , Wang Xudong , Wang Ruixia , Liu Sijin , Xu Ming
Published: November 2022

Ultrasmall nanoparticles (NPs) are a promising platform for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer, but the particles in sizes as small as several nanometers have an ability to translocate across biological barriers, which may bring unpredictable health risks. Therefore, it is essential to develop workable cell‐based tools that can deliver ultrasmall NPs to the tumor in a safer manner. Here, this work uses macrophages as a shuttle to deliver sub‐5 nm PEGylated gold (Au) NPs to tumors actively or passively, while reducing the accumulation of Au NPs in the brain. This work demonstrates that sub‐5 nm Au NPs can be rapidly exocytosed from live macrophages, reaching 45.6% within 24 h, resulting in a labile Au NP‐macrophage system that may release free Au NPs into the blood circulation in vivo. To overcome this shortcoming, two straightforward methods are used to engineer macrophages to obtain “half‐dead” and “dead” macrophages. Although the efficiency of engineered macrophages for delivering sub‐5 nm Au NPs to tumors is 2.2–3.8% lower than that of free Au NPs via the passive enhanced permeability and retention effect, this safe‐by‐design approach can dramatically reduce the accumulation of Au NPs in the brain by more than one order of magnitude. These promising approaches offer an opportunity to expand the immune cell‐ or stem cell‐mediated delivery of ultrasmall NPs for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases in a safer way in the future.
Ultrathin In2O3 Nanosheets toward High Responsivity and Rejection Ratio Visible‐Blind UV Photodetection
Authors: Zhang Mingxi , Yu Huan , Li Hang , Jiang Yan , Qu Lihang , Wang Yunxia , Gao Feng , Feng Wei
Published: November 2022

Photoelectrochemical‐type visible‐blind ultraviolet photodetectors (PEC VBUV PDs) have gained ever‐growing attention due to their simple fabrication processes, uncomplicated packaging technology, and high sensitivity. However, it is still challenging to achieve high‐performance PEC VBUV PDs based on a single material with good spectral selectivity. Here, it is demonstrated that individual ultrathin indium oxide (In2O3) nanosheets (NSs) are suitable for designing high‐performance PEC VBUV PDs with high responsivity and UV/visible rejection ratio for the first time. In2O3 NSs PEC PDs show excellent UV photodetection capability with an ultrahigh photoresponsivity of 172.36 mA W−1 and a high specific detectivity of 4.43 × 1011 Jones under 254 nm irradiation, which originates from the smaller charge transfer resistance (Rct) at the In2O3 NSs/electrolyte interface. The light absorption of In2O3 NSs takes a blueshift due to the quantum confinement effect, granting good spectral selectivity for visible‐blind detection. The UV/visible rejection ratio of In2O3 NSs PEC PDs is 1567, which is 30 times higher than that of In2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) and exceeds all recently reported PEC VBUV PDs. Moreover, In2O3 NSs PEC PDs show good stability and good underwater imaging capability. The results verify that ultrathin In2O3 NSs have potential in underwater optoelectronic devices.
Super‐Hydrophilic Microporous Ni(OH)x/Ni3S2 Heterostructure Electrocatalyst for Large‐Current‐Density Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: He Wenjun , Zhang Rui , Cao Da , Li Ying , Zhang Jun , Hao Qiuyan , Liu Hui , Zhao Jianling , Xin Huolin L.
Published: November 2022

Exploiting active and stable non‐precious metal electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at large current density plays a key role in realizing large‐scale industrial hydrogen generation. Herein, a self‐supported microporous Ni(OH)x/Ni3S2 heterostructure electrocatalyst on nickel foam (Ni(OH)x/Ni3S2/NF) that possesses super‐hydrophilic property through an electrochemical process is rationally designed and fabricated. Benefiting from the super‐hydrophilic property, microporous feature, and self‐supported structure, the electrocatalyst exhibits an exceptional HER performance at large current density in 1.0 M KOH, only requiring low overpotential of 126, 193, and 238 mV to reach a current density of 100, 500, and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, and displaying a long‐term durability up to 1000 h, which is among the state‐of‐the‐art non‐precious metal electrocatalysts. Combining hard X‐rays absorption spectroscopy and first‐principles calculation, it also reveals that the strong electronic coupling at the interface of the heterostructure facilitates the dissociation of H2O molecular, accelerating the HER kinetics in alkaline electrolyte. This work sheds a light on developing advanced non‐precious metal electrocatalysts for industrial hydrogen production by means of constructing a super‐hydrophilic microporous heterostructure.
Two steps forward, one step back? Quantifying the pecuniary costs of debt account aversion and the debt snowball
Authors: Hamilton Ben
Published: November 2022

The interest‐minimizing strategy to paying multiple debts is to make all minimum payments and allocate remaining funds to the debt with the highest interest rate. However, cognitive biases such as debt account aversion and financial advisors encourage borrowers to instead allocate remaining funds to debts with lower outstanding balances, a strategy known as the Debt Snowball. The author uses the 2016 Survey of Consumer Finances to quantify the pecuniary costs for American households of following the Debt Snowball and finds that the average household pays an additional 1.8%–4.3% in interest, leading to an aggregate transfer of wealth from borrowers to lenders of between $46.2 and $53.9 billion in excess of what would occur if borrowers instead minimized interest accrual. Due to differences in household debt structure, the Debt Snowball strategy imposes greater pecuniary penalties on low‐income households, on Black households, and on households with more initial debts.