bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space charge effects on radiative ultrashort laser‐plasma interactions: Relativistic fluid model
Authors: Mehrabian Somayeh , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: February 2021

Ultrashort laser‐gas interaction is a promising candidate for the intense broad band far‐infrared radiation in which the gas ionization and the resultant plasma formation occur consequently. The electron current produced in the process is the most important influential parameter which affects the far‐infrared radiation generation. Although the interacting forces of the process are the space charge electric and the laser electromagnetic forces, the effect of the former one, has not been investigated on the gas‐plasma THz generation. It is noteworthy that the space charge electric force, due to its effect on the electron distribution, has potential influence on the produced electron current and its consequent emission. Here, a 2D relativistic fluid model is presented in which the ions and the resultant space charge field are incorporated. The model investigates the air ionization, electron‐ion plasma formation, and the system's evolution, spatiotemporally. Moreover, as the model is based on the transient electron current, as the source for the electromagnetic pulse radiation, it gives the temporal profile of the radiated field in which the space charge effects are observable. Our results show that the space charge field affects the electron velocity and its resultant current. Therefore, the temporal profiles and amplitudes of the radiated field components are affected and their resemblance to the experimental data is enhanced. The results indicate that the amplitude of the radiated field increases in the presence of the space charge field. In addition, it is shown that the space charge effects become more pronounced with the laser intensity.
Hospital readmissions of patients with heart failure from real world: timing and associated risk factors
Authors: Wideqvist Maria , Cui Xiaotong , Magnusson Charlotte , Schaufelberger Maria , Fu Michael
Published: February 2021

Aims

This study aims to investigate hospital readmissions and timing, as well as risk factors in a real world heart failure (HF) population.

Methods and results

All patients discharged alive in 2016 from Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, Gothenburg, Sweden, with a primary diagnosis of HF were consecutively included. Patient characteristics, type of HF, treatment, and follow‐up were registered. Time to first all‐cause or HF readmission, as well as number of 1 year readmissions from discharge were recorded. In total, 448 patients were included: 273 patients (mean age 78 ± 11.8 years) were readmitted for any cause within 1 year (readmission rate of 60.9%), and 175 patients (mean age 76.6 ± 13.7) were never readmitted. Among readmissions, 60.1% occurred during the first quarter after index hospitalization, giving a 3 month all‐cause readmission rate of 36.6%. HF‐related 1 year readmission rate was 38.4%. Patients who were readmitted had significantly more renal dysfunction (52.4% vs. 36.6%, P = 0.001), pulmonary disease (25.6% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.010), and psychiatric illness (24.9% vs. 12.0%, P = 0.001). Number of co‐morbidities and readmissions were significantly associated (P < 0.001 for all cause readmission rate and P = 0.012 for 1 year HF readmission rate). Worsening HF constituted 63% of all‐cause readmissions. Psychiatric disease was an independent risk factor for 1 month and 1 year all‐cause readmissions. Poor compliance to medication was an independent risk factor for 1 month and 1 year HF readmission.

Conclusions

In our real world cohort of HF patients, frequent hospital readmissions occurred in the early post‐discharge period and were mainly driven by worsening HF. Co‐morbidity was one of the most important factors for readmission.
Dynamically controlled dielectrophoresis using resonant tuning
Authors: Padhy Punnag , Zaman Mohammad Asif , Jensen Michael Anthony , Hesselink Lambertus
Published: February 2021

Electrically polarizable micro‐ and nanoparticles and droplets can be trapped using the gradient electric field of electrodes. But the spatial profile of the resultant dielectrophoretic force is fixed once the electrode structure is defined. To change the force profile, entire complex lab‐on‐a‐chip systems must be re‐fabricated with modified electrode structures. To overcome this problem, we propose an approach for the dynamic control of the spatial profile of the dielectrophoretic force by interfacing the trap electrodes with a resistor and an inductor to form a resonant resistor–inductor–capacitor (RLC) circuit. Using a dielectrophoretically trapped water droplet suspended in silicone oil, we show that the resonator amplitude, detuning, and linewidth can be continuously varied by changing the supply voltage, supply frequency, and the circuit resistance to obtain the desired trap depth, range, and stiffness. We show that by proper tuning of the resonator, the trap range can be extended without increasing the supply voltage, thus preventing sensitive samples from exposure to high electric fields at the stable trapping position. Such unprecedented dynamic control of dielectrophoretic forces opens avenues for the tunable active manipulation of sensitive biological and biochemical specimen in droplet microfluidic devices used for single‐cell and biochemical reaction analysis.
Current Imbalance in Parallel Battery Strings Measured Using a Hall‐Effect Sensor Array
Authors: Luca Robert , Whiteley Michael , Neville Toby , Tranter Tom , Weaving Julia , Marco James , Shearing Paul R. , Brett Dan J. L.
Published: February 2021

Herein, individual cell currents in parallel connected battery strings are measured using micro‐Hall‐effect sensors. Cells are routinely connected in electrical series and parallel to meet the power and energy requirements of automotive and consumer electronics applications. Cells connected in series have been extensively studied; however, cells in parallel are often assumed to be a “black box” in battery management systems. Poor pack design can result in positive feedback between current and temperature differentials along the parallel string, driving greater levels of heterogeneous behavior and uneven degradation. Herein, a noninvasive multisensor array board using Hall‐effect sensors is used to individually record the current passing through eight parallel connected cells in two different electrical configurations, showing highly heterogeneous current distribution. Characteristic “waves” of current and temperature are found to propagate along the parallel battery string and cell rebalancing is found to occur over hundreds of seconds with individual cell currents of up to 1 C rate.
Petrogenesis and tectonic setting of Mid‐Triassic volcanic rocks in the East Kunlun orogenic belt, NW China: Insights from geochemistry, zircon U–Pb dating, and Hf isotopes
Authors: Tian Nan , Sun Fengyue , Pan Zhongcui , Li Liang , Yan Jiaming , Wu Dongqian , Gu Yan , Deng Jiafang , Liu Zhedong , Wang Li , Zhang Yajing
Published: February 2021

The Elashan magmatic belt is located at the eastern margin of the East Kunlun orogenic belt (E‐KOB) in northwestern China, where voluminous magmatism occurred during the Late Permian to Late Triassic. Mid‐Triassic volcanism produced the Xilikete Formation, which shows a geochemistry similar to that of highly fractionated I‐type (HFI) volcanic rocks. These rocks are characterized by high SiO2 (73.82–74.97 wt%), differentiation index (DI; 91.01–94.69), and alkalis (e.g., high K2O + Na2O, with K2O/Na2O ratios greater than 1.0) and by enrichment in some large‐ ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Rb, K, and Pb) and depletion in other LILEs (e.g., Ba and Sr) as well as some high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti); these features confirm that they are HFI volcanic rocks. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the volcanic rocks were emplaced at ~239 Ma. These zircons have εHf(t) values ranging from −2.26 to +0.36, with two‐stage model ages (TDM2) of 1,441–1,221 Ma, indicating a magma source that involved partial melting of Mesoproterozoic lower crust accompanied by a minor juvenile mantle component. The ~240 Ma magmatism in the E‐KOB was probably developed in response to subduction of the Palaeo‐Tethys oceanic plate. Previous studies indicate that a tectonic transformation from subduction to continental collision occurred at ~240 Ma. Combining these data with regional geological observations, we conclude that the Daheba volcanic rocks formed in an active continental margin setting related to the subduction of the Palaeo‐Tethys oceanic plate beneath the E‐KOB.
Petrogenesis and tectonic implication of the Late Jurassic Kunyushan granitic complex in the Jiaodong Peninsula, eastern China
Authors: He JiangTao , Li JunJian , Fu Chao , Zhou HongYing , Li XiuZhang , Dang ZhiCai , Tian JiePeng , Tang WenLong
Published: February 2021

The Kunyushan granitic complex in the Jiaodong Peninsula, East China, is located in the northeast part of the Sulu UHP metamorphic belt. It is the transition belt of the North China Craton and Sulu UHP metamorphic belt. Field relationship and dating results revealed five intrusive phases of the Kunyushan granitic complex were modified into gneissic fine‐grained garnet‐bearing monzogranite (G1), gneissic medium‐ to fine‐grained monzogranite (G2), medium‐ to coarse‐grained monzogranite (G3), medium‐grained monzogranite (G4), and porphyritic coarse‐ to medium‐grained monzogranite (G5). All these phases have similar rock assemblages of peraluminous, calc‐alkaline, I‐type monzogranites. The monzogranites had primitive mantle‐normalized patterns enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and lithophile elements (Sr, Ba, and Rb), but depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREE) and high‐field‐strength elements (Nb, P, and Ti). LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating shows that the crystallization age of the Kunyushan granitic complex extends at least from 157.7–142.0 Ma. The weighted average ages of G1‐G5 were 145.6 ± 1.9 Ma, 145.8 ± 0.5 Ma, 147.2 ± 0.7 Ma, 154.2 ± 0.6 Ma, and 155.0 ± 0.7 Ma, respectively. G5 to G1, from the middle to the edge shows a trend of gradually becoming younger. Zircon grains from different phases have similar 176Hf/177Hf values from 0.281917 to 0.282298, and εHf(t) values from −27.6 to −14.0, with a weighted average of −22.6 ± 0.5, typical of crustal‐derived origin. The corresponding two‐stage model ages TCDM are from 2,910 to 2,066 Ma, with a weighted average of 2,603 ± 31 Ma. Hf–Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes and inherited zircons suggest that the parental magma of the Kunyushan granitic complex was derived from melting of basement rocks of the North China Craton and the Yangtze Craton. The magmatism presumably took place under the background of subduction and back‐arc extension of the Palaeo‐Pacific plate. We infer that the Kunyushan granitic complex was produced by partial melting of the thickened lower crust, through delamination of the thickened lower crust during the Late Jurassic. This magmatic event may mark the beginning of the extensive Mesozoic thinning of the lithosphere in East China.
Partial microglial depletion is associated with impaired hippocampal synaptic and cognitive function in young and aged rats
Authors: Yegla Brittney , Boles Jake , Kumar Ashok , Foster Thomas C.
Published: February 2021

The role of microglia in mediating age‐related changes in cognition and hippocampal synaptic function was examined by microglial depletion and replenishment using PLX3397. We observed age‐related differences in microglial number and morphology, as well as increased Iba‐1 expression, indicating microglial activation. PLX3397 treatment decreased microglial number, with aged rats exhibiting the lowest density. Young rats exhibited increased expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines during depletion and repopulation and maintenance of Iba‐1 levels despite reduced microglial number. For aged rats, several cytokines increased with depletion and recovered during repopulation; however, aged rats did not fully recover microglial cell number or Iba‐1 expression during repopulation, with a recovery comparable to young control levels rather than aged controls. Hippocampal CA3–CA1 synaptic transmission was impaired with age, and microglial depletion was associated with decreased total synaptic transmission in young and aged rats. A robust decline in N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐receptor‐mediated synaptic transmission arose in young depleted rats specifically. Microglial replenishment normalized depletion‐induced synaptic function to control levels; however, recovery of aged animals did not mirror young. Microglial depletion was associated with decreased context‐object discrimination memory in both age groups, which recovered with microglial repopulation. Aged rats displayed impaired contextual and cued fear memory, and microglial replenishment did not recover their memory to the level of young. The current study indicates that cognitive function and synaptic transmission benefit from the support of aged microglia and are hindered by removal of these cells. Replenishment of microglia in aging did not ameliorate age‐related cognitive impairments or senescent synaptic function.
Financial development and business cycle volatility nexus in theUAE: Evidence fromnon‐linear regime‐shiftand asymmetric tests
Authors: Abosedra Salah , Fakih Ali , Ghosh Sajal , Kanjilal Kakali
Published: February 2021

This paper analyses the dynamics of financial deepening and the volatility of business cycle in the United Arab of Emirates (UAE). We use cointegration tests of regime‐shift with one and two endogenous structural breaks, respectively, using Gregory and Hansen, Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, 1996, 58, 555–560 and Hatemi‐J, Empirical Economics, 2008, 35, 497–505 approaches. The asymmetry in the underlying relationship of the concerned variables are examined following NARDL model over the period 1974–2016. The findings suggest the presence of regime shifts in the cointegrating relationship and asymmetry between growth volatility and financial deepening. Furthermore, the paper provides evidence of a significant difference in the response of business cycle to negative or positive changes in the financial deepening, which are more pronounced in the short run. Therefore, the obtained asymmetry suggests that business cycle responses are quick and adverse to changes in the financial system in the UAE. The empirical findings of this paper have potential policy implications in this emerging country that is aiming to establish an international reputation in its financial market and become a regional financial hub.
Inside Cover
Authors: Lu Tong , Chen Tingting , Gao Feng , Sun Biao , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Li Jiao
Published: February 2021

In optoacoustic imaging methods, measurement strategies are commonly implemented under limited‐view conditions, leading to artifacts and distortions in reconstructed optoacoustic images. We propose a hybrid data‐driven deep learning approach, termed as LV‐GAN, to efficiently recover high quality images from limited‐view optoacoustic images. The feasibility of LV‐GAN for artifact removal in biological applications and the portability of LV‐GAN was validated by ex vivo experiments based on two different optoacoustic imaging systems.

Further details can be found in the article by Tong Lu, Tingting Chen, Feng Gao, Biao Sun, Vasilis Ntziachristos, and Jiao Li (e202000325).

image
Postoperative Chronic Hypoparathyroidism and Quality of Life After Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Jørgensen Camilla Uhre , Homøe Preben , Dahl Morten , Hitz Mette Friberg
Published: February 2021

Chronic hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) is a common complication after total thyroidectomy and it impacts affected patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the QoL in patients with chronic HypoPT independently from their concurrent hypothyroidism and other comorbidities. For this purpose a follow‐up study was performed, including 14 patients who developed chronic HypoPT after total thyroidectomy and 28 age‐ and sex‐matched patients who had intact parathyroid function after total thyroidectomy. We used the RAND Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) to compare the QoL between patients with or without chronic HypoPT. Chronic HypoPT patients had lower QoL scores in all domains of the RAND‐SF‐36 questionnaire and significant impairment in six of eight domains after adjustment for relevant confounders. They were more often operated because of a toxic diagnosis (p = .01), often being Graves disease. Additionally adjusting for surgical indications resulted in three of eight domains being significant affected. Chronic HypoPT is associated with significantly impairment of QoL, independently of the concurrent disease of hypothyroidism, comorbidities, and prospective values of TSH and serum (se)‐ionized‐Ca++. There is a need for more focus and better treatment of patients experiencing chronic HypoPT after surgery. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Longitudinal Changes of Circulating miRNAs During Bisphosphonate and Teriparatide Treatment in an Animal Model of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Weigl Moritz , Kocijan Roland , Ferguson James , Leinfellner Gabriele , Heimel Patrick , Feichtinger Xaver , Pietschmann Peter , Grillari Johannes , Zwerina Jochen , Redl Heinz , Hackl Matthias
Published: February 2021

MicroRNAs regulate bone homeostasis, and circulating microRNAs have been proposed as novel bone biomarkers. The effect of anti-osteoporotic treatment on circulating microRNAs has not been described in detail. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of microRNA serum levels in ovariectomized (OVX) and sham-operated (SHAM) rats over 12 weeks of antiresorptive or osteoanabolic treatment. Forty-two Sprague Dawley rats underwent SHAM surgery (n = 10) or ovariectomy (n = 32). After 8 weeks, OVX rats were randomized to antiresorptive treatment with zoledronate (n = 11), osteoanabolic treatment with teriparatide (n = 11), or vehicle treatment (n = 10). Serum samples were collected at weeks 8, 12, 16, and 20 after surgery. A total of 91 microRNAs were analyzed by RT-qPCR in serum samples collected at week 20. Based on the results, 29 microRNAs were selected for longitudinal analysis at all four study time points. Changes in bone mineral density and microstructure were followed up by in vivo micro-CT and ex vivo nano-CT. Ovariectomy resulted in the loss of trabecular bone, which was reversed by osteoanabolic and antiresorptive treatment. Differential expression analysis identified 11 circulating miRNAs that were significantly regulated after treatment. For example, miR-107 and miR-31-5p increased in vehicle-treated OVX animals, whereas they decreased during teriparatide treatment. Additional miRNAs were identified that showed significant correlations to bone microstructure or bone miRNA expression, including miR-203a-3p, which exhibited a significant negative correlation to vertebral and tibial trabecular bone volume fraction (%). Longitudinal analysis confirmed eight microRNAs with significant changes in serum over time that were prevented by teriparatide and zoledronate treatment (miR-34a-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-30d-3p, miR-378a-5p) or teriparatide treatment only (miR-375-3p, miR-183-5p, miR-203a-3p, miR-203b-3p). Gene target network analysis identified WNT and Notch signaling as the main signaling pathways controlled by these miRNAs. Thus, ovariectomy results in time-dependent deregulation of circulating miRNAs compared with SHAM animals. Anti-osteoporotic treatments can rescue this effect, showing that bone-related miRNAs might act as novel biomarkers for treatment monitoring. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Association of Urine Platinum With Acute Kidney Injury in Children Treated With Cisplatin for Cancer
Authors: Lebel Asaf , Chui Hayton , McMahon Kelly R. , Lim Yong Jin , Macri Joseph , Wang Stella , Devarajan Prasad , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D. , Zappitelli Michael , Urquhart Bradley L.
Published: February 2021

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent highly excreted in urine and known to cause acute kidney injury (AKI). As AKI diagnosis by serum creatinine (SCr) is usually delayed, endeavors for finding early AKI biomarkers continue. This study aims to determine if urine platinum (UP) concentration 24 hours after cisplatin infusion is associated with AKI, and to evaluate the association between urine platinum and tubular damage biomarkers: neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1). Children treated with cisplatin in 12 Canadian centers (April 2013 to December 2017) were included. Urine from the morning after the first cisplatin infusion of the first or second cisplatin cycle was measured for urine platinum, NGAL, and KIM‐1. SCr and serum electrolytes were used to detect AKI by either SCr elevation or urinary electrolyte wasting (potassium, magnesium, phosphate). The associations of urine platinum with AKI, NGAL, and KIM‐1 were assessed. A total of 115 participants (54% boys, median age, 8.5 years; interquartile range, 4.0‐13.4) were included, of which 29 (25%) and 105 (91%) developed AKI defined by SCr and electrolyte criteria, respectively. Higher urine platinum was associated with higher cisplatin dose (Spearman rho, 0.21) and with younger age (Spearman rho, –0.33). Urine platinum was not associated with postinfusion AKIor KIM‐1, but was weakly associated with NGAL, particularly in participants without SCr AKI (Pearson's r, 0.22). Urine platinum may be a marker of mild tubular injury but is not likely to be a useful biomarker of clinically evident AKI.
Development and application of sensitive, specific, and rapid CRISPR‐Cas13‐based diagnosis
Authors: Shihong Gao David , Zhu Xiaodong , Lu Binfeng
Published: February 2021

Nucleic acid detection is a necessary part of medical treatment and fieldwork. However, the current detection technologies are far from ideal. A lack of timely and accessible testing for identifying cases and close contacts has allowed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative virus of the ongoing coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, to spread uncontrollably. The slow and expensive detection of mutations—predictors for chronic diseases such as cancer—form a barrier to personalized treatment. A recently developed diagnostic assay is ideal and field‐ready—it relies on CRISPR‐Cas13. CRISPR‐Cas13 works similarly to other CRISPR systems: Cas13 is guided by a crRNA to cleave next to a specific RNA target sequence. Additionally, Cas13 boasts a unique collateral cleavage activity; collateral cleavage of a fluorescent reporter detects the presence of the target sequence in sample RNA. This system forms the basis of CRISPR‐Cas13 diagnostic assays. CRISPR‐Cas13 assays have >95% sensitivity and >99% specificity. Detection is rapid (<2 h), inexpensive ($0.05 per test), and portable—a test using lateral flow strips is akin to a pregnancy test. The recent adaptation of micro‐well chips facilitates high‐level multiplexing and is high‐throughput. In this review, we cover the development of CRISPR‐Cas13 assays for medical diagnosis, discuss the advantages of CRISPR‐Cas13‐based diagnosis over the traditional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and present examples of detection from real patient samples.
Biochemical modulations in açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) under vegetative stages in an agroforestry system of the Amazon
Authors: de Sousa Gizele Odete , Viégas Ismael de Jesus Matos , Galvão Jessivaldo Rodrigues , Conceição Susana Silva , Yakuwa Tiago Kesajiro Moraes , Pacheco Mauro Junior Borges , Viana Thiago Costa
Published: February 2021

Background: The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is a species native to the Amazon region, where the largest stock of these palms is located in the state of Pará, Brazil. This species occurs predominantly spontaneously in the plateau and plains areas of the Amazonian estuary. Water deficit is the main limiting factor of plants, negatively regulating the growth, metabolism and productivity of crops.

Aim: This study aimed to deepen the ecophysiological and biochemical responses of Euterpe oleracea Mart. to a water deficiency condition in agroforestry systems.

Methods: The study was carried out in a defined period of lowest rainfall in the region, which runs from July to October, averaging 58.6 mm for those months, such as location, age, uniformity, health, development, height and diameter of the stipe, in order to determine the biochemical variables. Responses to biochemical components under water deficit such as starch, sucrose and carbohydrates increased for rachis and fruits.

Results: The concentrations of ammonia and proteins increased in stems and fruits. For amino acids, the structures that accumulated these organic compounds were fruits and arrow. One of the most representative amino acids against water deficiency is proline, and its increase in plant tissues is due to osmoprotein function, especially for structures such as rachis, fruit and petioles + rachis.

Conclusions: Therefore, Euterpe oleracea Mart. presents excellent physiological plasticity to deal with stressful conditions as well as adaptive behavior to overcome this deficiency.
Preferential loss of Yukon River delta colored dissolved organic matter under nutrient replete conditions
Authors: Clark J. Blake , Mannino Antonio
Published: February 2021

The Yukon River exports a large amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), much of which is colored, absorbing visible and ultraviolet light. Yukon River water typically has low total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), with an average DOC : TDN ratio of 21.1 (mol C mol N−1) ~ 200 km upstream from the coast at Pilot Station, Alaska. TDN has been correlated to the bioavailability of DOC, but a direct estimate of the dependence of DOC reactivity on nutrient availability has not been conducted in the Yukon River delta. The biodegradability of DOC and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) was assessed along a gradient within the Yukon River delta and into the coastal ocean. Samples were dark incubated at 20°C and half of the incubations were amended with inorganic nutrients. At five time points through 27 d, CDOM absorption and DOC concentration were measured. Initial DOC concentration was 113–830 μmol C L−1 and CDOM absorption at 443 nm (a443) ranged from 0.16 to 7.8 m−1 from the ocean to a high CDOM lake. DOC was relatively unreactive, with 3–6% of DOC degrading in riverine samples and little difference between nutrient amended and control incubations. Control river delta a443 decreased 3–10%, while nutrient amended treatments saw a 6–22% decline over 27 d. In the nutrient amended riverine stations, CDOM absorption loss was greater at blue wavelengths and CDOM degradation was greater than total DOC loss. DOC was resistant to biodegradation in both nutrient amended and ambient conditions, while CDOM was preferentially degraded when nutrients were replete.
On solutions of the Newell–Whitehead–Segel equation and Zeldovich equation
Authors: Ur Rehman Hamood , Asjad Imran Muhammad , Ullah Naeem , Akgül Ali
Published: February 2021

In this study, we present new solutions of Newel–Whitehead–Segel and Zeldovich equations via the new extended direct algebraic method (EDAM) by taking the special values to involved parameters in the method. The novel exact and soliton solutions are extracted in form of generalized trigonometric and hyperbolic functions. These acquired results reveal the supremacy of the new EDAM. For more illustration of our retrieved solutions, some distinct kinds of 2D and 3D graphs are presented.
Multi‐component relaxation modelling in human Achilles tendon: Quantifying chemical shift information in ultra‐short echo time imaging
Authors: Anjum Muhammad A. R. , Gonzalez Felix M. , Swain Anshuman , Leisen Johannes , Hosseini Zahra , Singer Adam , Umpierrez Monica , Reiter David A.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To examine multi‐component relaxation modelling for quantification of on‐ and off‐resonance relaxation signals in multi‐echo ultra‐short echo time (UTE) data of human Achilles tendon (AT) and compare bias and dispersion errors of model parameters to that of the bi‐component model.

Theory and Methods

Multi‐component modelling is demonstrated for quantitative multi‐echo UTE analysis of AT and supported using a novel method for determining number of MR‐visible off‐resonance components, UTE data from six healthy volunteers, and analysis of proton NMR measurements from ex vivo bovine AT. Cramer‐Rao lower bound expressions are presented for multi‐ and bi‐component models and parameter estimate variances are compared. Bias error in bi‐component estimates is characterized numerically.

Results

Two off‐resonance components were consistently detected in all six volunteers and in bovine AT data. Multi‐component model exhibited superior quality of fit, with a marginal increase in estimate variance, when compared to the bi‐component model. Bi‐component estimates exhibited notable bias particularly in in the presence of off‐resonance components.

Conclusion

Multi‐component modelling more reliably quantifies tendon matrix water components while also providing quantitation of additional non‐water matrix constituents. Further work is needed to interpret the origin of the observed off‐resonance signals with preliminary assignments made to chemical groups in lipids and proteoglycans.
Recitation of quran and music to reduce chemotherapy‐induced anxiety among adult patients with cancer: A clinical trial
Authors: Al‐Jubouri Mohammed Baqer Abbas , Isam Safad Riyadh , Hussein Shaymaa Mohammed , Machuca‐Contreras Felipe
Published: February 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of listening to music or Quran in reducing cancer patients’ anxiety before chemotherapy administration. Reducing anxiety in people with cancer, prior to chemotherapy administration, is a crucial goal in nursing care.

Design

An experimental comparative study was conducted.

Methods

A simple randomization sampling method was applied. Two hundred thirty‐eight people with cancer who underwent chemotherapy were participated. They are assigned as Quran, music and control groups.

Results

The overall score of Arabic State Anxiety Inventory in all groups revealed that there was a significant difference between pre‐test and post‐test among participants. Listening to Quran or music reduced the chemotherapy‐induced anxiety. There was no difference between these two ways to reduce anxiety in people with cancer. Listening to Quran or music can be added in nursing care plans prior chemotherapy administrations to reduce cancer patients’ anxiety.
Find alternatives to enhance student well‐being during COVID‐19
Authors: Parks Rodney , Taylor Alexander
Published: February 2021

Over the past few months following the arrival of COVID‐19, the traditional strategic enrollment management playbook for higher education has been thrown out. Institutional leaders are struggling to address student concerns about taking classes remotely and trying to create a stable environment for students to thrive. Students are experiencing heightened levels of stress and anxiety (see https://www.jmir.org/2020/9/e21279/) related to the pandemic.
Discrete‐time state‐feedback control of polytopic LPV systems
Authors: Pereira Renan L. , de Oliveira Matheus S. , Kienitz Karl H.
Published: February 2021

This paper focuses on a new state‐feedback control synthesis for discrete‐time polytopic linear parameter‐varying (LPV) systems. The synthesis conditions have been derived using an approach less conservative than those currently found in the literature, which allows to deal with polytopic LPV systems subject to time‐varying parameters in all matrices of its state‐space representation. Based on parameter‐dependent Lyapunov functions, a set of linear matrix inequalities‐based conditions is provided to obtain a discrete‐time state‐feedback controller. Another significant advantage of the proposed conditions is the ability to include the poly‐quadratic condition as a particular case, presenting a solution to this so far unresolved problem. In addition, using the same concept, an improved condition for quadratic control synthesis is given. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed state‐feedback control design method is assessed and compared to that of similar approaches by means of numerical examples.
A bilingual dietary intervention early in treatment is feasible and prevents weight gain in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Walters Michelle , Mowbray Catriona , Jubelirer Tracey , Jacobs Shana , Kelly Kara M. , Smith Karen , Yao Yujing , Jin Zhezhen , Ladas Elena J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric malignancy. The onset of obesity during childhood ALL has been well established and is associated with inferior survival rates and increased treatment‐related toxicities. This pilot study sought to determine if a dietary intervention is feasible and minimizes weight gain during the initial phases of treatment for ALL.

Methods

Participants were recruited from four institutions, fluent in English or Spanish, between 5 and 21 years old, and enrolled within 3 days of starting induction therapy. Participants were counseled for 6 months to follow a low glycemic diet. Dietary and anthropometric data were collected at diagnosis, end of induction, and end of month 6 (NCT03157323).

Results

Twenty‐three of 28 participants (82.1%) were evaluable and included in the analysis. Dietary changes targeted by the nutrition intervention were successful; sugar intake declined (P = .003), whereas vegetable intake increased (P = .033). The majority of participants were able to adhere to the dietary principles prescribed: ≥70.0% reduced glycemic load and ≥60.0% increased fiber intake and decreased sugar intake. Importantly, we did not observe an increase in body mass index z‐score during induction or over the 6‐month intervention period. Most families found the nutrition intervention easy to follow (60%) and affordable (95%) despite simultaneous initiation of treatment for ALL.

Conclusions

A 6‐month nutrition intervention initiated during the initial phase of treatment for childhood ALL is feasible and may prevent weight gain. Our preliminary findings need to be confirmed in a larger clinical trial.
Dynamic and static stability in para‐athletes with cerebral palsy considering their impairment profile
Authors: Reina Raul , Barbado David , Hernández‐Davó Héctor , Roldan Alba
Published: February 2021

Background

Balance impairment is a common feature in people with cerebral palsy (CP), affecting the performance of daily‐life and physical activities.

Objectives

To (1) explore the absolute and relative intrasession reliability of two balance tests to assess dynamic and static balance in ambulant para‐athletes with CP; (2) explore the relationships between the two balance tests to determine potential application in sport classification; (3) assess the differences between CP profiles (ie, spastic diplegia, athetosis/ataxia, and spastic hemiplegia) in comparison to those with a minimum impairment; and (4) compare the outcomes of the static and dynamic balance of ambulant para‐athletes with CP regarding controls.

Methods

A group of 129 male well‐trained para‐footballers with CP, classified as Level I according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System, participated in the present study. Static balance was assessed using the One‐Leg Stance test, performed bilaterally on a force platform, and the dynamic balance was assessed in two conditions of the Tandem Walk test (TW): walking heel‐toe contact over a 5 ‐m straight line and performing 10 steps.

Results

Moderate‐to‐excellent intrasession reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.60–0.98) was obtained for all the measurements and groups. However, only small to moderate correlations were found between the dynamic and the static measurements of balance for the CP group when performing the One‐Leg Stance test with the unimpaired or dominant leg (0.23 < r < 0.30; P < .01). The TW performed over 10 steps revealed more sensitivity to discriminate between CP profiles. Those para‐athletes with ataxia/athetosis performed worse in all the tests whereas all CP profiles performed worse than the control group (P < .01).

Conclusions

Balance performance and postural control are constrained to a higher extent in those with impaired voluntary control due to ataxia or with involuntary contractions of the muscles due to athetosis.
Proline‐catalyzed Transition‐Metal‐free Access to 1‐Substituted‐4‐Quinazolinones
Authors: Tokumoto Kento , Makiyama Kouhei , Sonoda Motohiro , Tanimori Shinji
Published: February 2021

A facile and general transition‐metal‐free access to 1‐substituted‐4‐quinazolinones 2 has been achieved based on the proline‐mediated cyclization of carbamoylbenzamides 1 in the presence of potassium t‐butoxides in DMSO at 100 °C within several hours. The gram‐scale synthesis of 1‐phenyl‐4‐quinazolinone 2 a has also been achieved without the loss of efficiency. The one‐pot synthesis of 1‐phenyl‐4‐quinazolinone 2 a has proven to be possible starting from 2‐bromobenzamide and phenylisocyanate in an acceptable yield. The present reactions were assumed to proceed through radical intermediates as the major path and also the SNAr route as a minor path based on several control experiments.
Kinetics of the Reactions of Methyl Radical with Hydrogen, Methyl and Ethyl Peroxides
Authors: Cao Fei , Shi Gai , Song Jinou , Tian Pengzhen , Li Zhijun
Published: February 2021

The HOOH+CH3, CH3OOH+CH3 and CH3CH2OOH+CH3 reactions were characterized using accurate ab initio methods with reliable basis sets. The reaction rate constants were calculated by canonical variational transition state theory as applied to a complex mechanism involving the formation of reactant complexes. The formation of aldehyde or formaldehyde was observed when the CH3 radical attacks on the CH2 group in CH3CH2OOH or on the CH3 group in CH3OOH. The results showed that the channels of H‐abstraction from OH group are dominant channels at low temperature, while the channels of OH‐transfer to CH3 become predominant with increasing temperature. For the CH3OOH+CH3 reaction, the channel producing CH2O+OH and the OH‐transfer channel have a similar rate coefficient.
Dual‐Active Sites Engineering of N‐Doped Hollow Carbon Nanocubes Confining Bimetal Alloys as Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts for Flexible Metal–Air Batteries
Authors: Xie Dengyu , Yu Deshuang , Hao Yanan , Han Silin , Li Guanghua , Wu Xiaoli , Hu Feng , Li Linlin , Chen Han‐Yi , Liao Yen‐Fa , Peng Shengjie
Published: February 2021

Since the sluggish kinetic process of oxygen reduction (ORR)/evolution (OER) reactions, the design of highly‐efficient, robust, and cost‐effective catalysts for flexible metal–air batteries is desired but challenging. Herein, bimetallic nanoparticles encapsulated in the N‐doped hollow carbon nanocubes (e.g., FeCo‐NPs/NC, FeNi‐NPs/NC, and CoNi‐NPs/NC) are rationally designed via a general heat‐treatment strategy of introducing NH3 pyrolysis of dopamine‐coated metal–organic frameworks. Impressively, the resultant FeCo‐NPs/NC hybrid exhibits superior bifunctional electrocatalytic performance for ORR/OER, manifesting exceptional discharging performance, outstanding lifespan, and prime flexibility for both Zn/Al–air batteries, superior to those of state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C and RuO2 catalysts. X‐ray absorption near edge structure and density functional theory indicate that the strong synergy between FeCo alloy and N‐doped carbon frameworks has a distinctive activation effect on bimetallic Fe/Co atoms to synchronously modify the electronic structure and afford abundant dual‐active Fe/Co–Nx sites, large surface area, high nitrogen doping level, and conductive carbon frameworks to boost the reversible oxygen electrocatalysis. Such N‐doped carbon with bimetallic alloy bonds provides new pathways for the rational creation of high‐efficiency energy conversion and storage equipment.
Degradable Photonic Synaptic Transistors Based on Natural Biomaterials and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ou Qingqing , Yang Ben , Zhang Junyao , Liu Dapeng , Chen Tianqi , Wang Xin , Hao Dandan , Lu Yang , Huang Jia
Published: February 2021

Artificial synaptic devices have potential for overcoming the bottleneck of von Neumann architecture and building artificial brain‐like computers. Up to now, developing synaptic devices by utilizing biocompatible and biodegradable materials in electronic devices has been an interesting research direction due to the requirements of sustainable development. Here, a degradable photonic synaptic device is reported by combining biomaterials chlorophyll‐a and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Several basic synaptic functions, including excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), paired pulse facilitation (PPF), transition from short‐term memory (STM) to long‐term memory (LTM), and learning and forgetting behaviors, are successfully emulated through the chlorophyll‐a/SWCNTs synaptic device. Furthermore, decent synaptic behaviors can still be achieved at a low drain voltage of −0.0001 V, which results in quite low energy consumption of 17.5 fJ per pulse. Finally, the degradability of this chlorophyll‐a/SWCNTs transistor array is demonstrated, indicating that the device can be environmentally friendly. This work provides a new guide to the development of next‐generation green and degradable neuromorphic computing electronics.
Transfer of 1D Photonic Crystals via Spatially Resolved Hydrophobization
Authors: Däntl Marie , Guderley Susanna , Szendrei‐Temesi Katalin , Chatzitheodoridou Dimitra , Ganter Pirmin , Jiménez‐Solano Alberto , Lotsch Bettina V.
Published: February 2021

1D photonic crystals (1DPCs) are well known from a variety of applications ranging from medical diagnostics to optical fibers and optoelectronics. However, large‐scale application is still limited due to complex fabrication processes and bottlenecks in transferring 1DPCs to arbitrary substrates and pattern creation. These challenges were addressed by demonstrating the transfer of millimeter‐ to centimeter‐scale 1DPC sensors comprised of alternating layers of H3Sb3P2O14 nanosheets and TiO2 nanoparticles based on a non‐invasive chemical approach. By depositing the 1DPC on a sacrificial layer of lithium tin sulfide nanosheets and hydrophobizing only the 1DPC by intercalation of n‐octylamine via the vapor phase the 1DPC can be detached from the substrate by immersing the sample in water. Upon exfoliation of the hydrophilic sacrificial layer, the freestanding 1DPC remains at the water–air interface. In a second step, it can be transferred to arbitrary surfaces such as curved glass. In addition, the transfer of patterned 1DPCs is demonstrated by combining the sacrificial layer approach with area‐resolved intercalation and etching. The fact that the sensing capability of the 1DPC is not impaired and can be modified after transfer renders this method a generic platform for the fabrication of photonic devices.
The Effect of Potassium Fluoride Postdeposition Treatments on the Optoelectronic Properties of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Single Crystals
Authors: Ramírez Omar , Bertrand Maud , Debot Alice , Siopa Daniel , Valle Nathalie , Schmauch Jörg , Melchiorre Michele , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: February 2021

The power conversion efficiency boost of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 in the past years has been possible due to the incorporation of heavy alkali atoms. Their addition through postdeposition treatments results in an improvement of the open‐circuit voltage, the origin of which has been associated with grain boundaries. Herein, the effect of potassium fluoride postdeposition treatments on the optoelectronic properties of a series of sodium‐free Cu(In,Ga)Se2 single crystals with varying Cu and Ga content is discussed. Results suggest that improvement of the quasi‐Fermi level splitting can be achieved in the absence of grain boundaries, being greater in low‐gallium Cu‐poor absorbers. Secondary ion mass spectrometry reveals the presence of potassium inside the bulk of the films, suggesting that transport of potassium can occur through grain interiors. In addition, a type inversion from n to p in potassium fluoride‐treated low‐gallium Cu(In,Ga)Se2 is observed, which along with study of the carrier lifetime demonstrates that potassium can act as a dopant. The fact that potassium on its own can alter the optoelectronic properties of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 single crystals demonstrates that the effect of postdeposition treatments goes beyond grain boundary passivation.
Grain Boundary Defect Passivation in Quadruple Cation Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Reza Khan Mamun , Gurung Ashim , Bahrami Behzad , Chowdhury Ashraful Haider , Ghimire Nabin , Pathak Rajesh , Rahman Sheikh Ifatur , Laskar Md Ashiqur Rahman , Chen Ke , Bobba Raja Sekhar , Lamsal Buddhi Sagar , Biswas Liton Kumar , Zhou Yue , Logue Brian , Qiao Quinn
Published: February 2021

Development of high‐performance wide‐bandgap perovskites is a key component to enable tandem solar cells with either a silicon or low‐bandgap perovskites. However, the presence of defects in the Br‐rich wide‐bandgap perovskites, especially in the grain boundaries (GBs) has been particularly challenging and limits its performance. Herein, to accomplish the passivation of these defects, a combination of cation management with rubidium (Rb) introduction into the triple cation combination of cesium/formamidinium/methylammonium (CsFAMA) is exercised. Passivation is further enhanced by secondary growth (SG) using guanidinium iodide. In‐depth assessments of GB defect passivation are performed using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and nanoscale charge‐carrier dynamics mappings provide insightful details on the presence of GBs defects and their suppression by the cation management and SG techniques. Reduction of unreacted PbX2 to realize a highly crystalline perovskite surface is achieved after incorporating Rb and SG treatment. As a result, a champion cell for 1.78 eV (FA0.79MA0.16Cs0.05)0.95Rb0.05Pb(I0.6Br0.4)3 wide‐bandgap perovskite with an efficiency of 17.71% along with enhancement in all photovoltaic parameters is achieved. This study introduces a new way to analyze GB defects and reveals the consequence of defect passivation on charge‐carrier dynamics for realizing efficient perovskites.
Scalable and Ultrathin High‐Temperature Solar Selective Absorbing Coatings Based on the High‐Entropy Nanoceramic AlCrWTaNbTiN with High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency
Authors: He Cheng-Yu , Gao Xiang-Hu , Qiu Xiao-Li , Yu Dong-Mei , Guo Hui-Xia , Liu Gang
Published: February 2021

High‐entropy ceramics, especially high‐entropy alloy nitrides (HEANs), have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their unique structural characteristics that result in their potential use in correlated high‐temperature structural materials. However, research on their optical properties, especially the spectral selectivity, is still in its infancy. According to Carnot efficiency, which demands an extremely high working temperature to elevate the performance of a concentrating solar power (CSP) system, excellent thermal stability is valuable to meet the requirements of solar selective absorbing coatings (SSACs). Herein, the high‐entropy ceramic AlCrWTaNbTiN is introduced as effective absorption layers by adjusting the nitrogen content to design and fabricate an ultrathin multilayer solar absorbing coating, which exhibits a high solar absorptance of 93% and a low emittance of 6.8% at 82 °C. Coating design (CODE) software is used to design and optimize the multilayer solar absorbing coating. Moreover, the optical properties, microstructure, thermal stability, and failure mechanism are investigated. Finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) calculations are used to understand the nature of the optical absorption consisting of intrinsic absorption and extinction absorption.