bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Capacity Adsorption—Dominated Potassium and Sodium Ion Storage in Activated Crumpled Graphene
Authors: Lee Byeongyong , Kim Myeongjin , Kim Sunkyung , Nanda Jagjit , Kwon Seok Joon , Jang Hee Dong , Mitlin David , Lee Seung Woo
Published: February 2020

Structurally and chemically defective activated‐crumbled graphene (A‐CG) is employed to achieve unique synergy of large reversible potassium (K) and sodium (Na) ion storage capacity with fast charging and extended cyclability. A‐CG synthesis consists of low temperature spraying of graphene oxide slurry, followed by partial reduction annealing and air activation. For K storage, the reversible capacities are 340 mAh g−1 at 0.04 A g−1, 261 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, and 210 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1. For Na storage, the reversible capacities are 280 mAh g−1 at 0.04 A g−1, 191 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, and 151 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1. A‐CG shows a stable intermediate rate (0.5 Ag−1) cycling with both K and Na, with minimal fade after 2800 and 8000 cycles. These are among the most favorable capacity—rate capability—cyclability combinations recorded for potassium‐ion battery and sodium‐ion battery carbons. Electroanalytical studies (cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, b‐value) and density functional theory (DFT) reveal that enhanced electrochemical performance originates from ion adsorption at various defects, such as Stone–Wales defects. Moreover, DFT highlights enhanced thermodynamic stability of A‐CG with adsorbed K versus with adsorbed Na, explaining the unexpected higher reversible capacity with the former.
The choice of marketing channel and farm profitability: Empirical evidence from small farmers
Authors: Lee Brian , Liu Jhih‐Yun , Chang Hung‐Hao
Published: February 2020

One longstanding research issue in agricultural marketing is the relationship between farm marketing channels and farm profitability. Due to the increasing consumer demand for food safety, direct‐to‐consumer marketing channels have been promoted. However, recent evidence shows that the adoption rate of farms that use direct‐to‐consumer marketing channels is still low, and it is not clear whether they can increase farm profitability. This study contributes to this issue in several ways. First, we examine whether the choice of different marketing channels, including sales to wholesalers, wholesale markets, and direct‐to‐consumer outlets by farm households affects farm profitability. Second, we discuss the mechanism behind these evident effects. We construct a large‐scale sample of fruit and vegetable farms drawn from the 2015 Taiwanese Agriculture Census Survey and estimate a semiparametric multivalued treatment effect model. Although the government is promoting direct marketing, we find that wholesale markets are the most profitable marketing channel for farms in Taiwan. Furthermore, results from the quantile analysis shows that this finding is more pronounced for farms with higher profits. With respect to the mechanism behind these observed effects, we find that profit differentials between marketing channels are likely attributable to the use of pesticides and fertilizers on farm production. [EconLit Citations: Q12, Q13].
A novel flow field with controllable pressure gradient to enhance mass transport and water removal of PEM fuel cells
Authors: Xing Lei , Xu Yuanxiang , Penga Željko , Xu Qian , Su Huaneng , Shi Weidong , Barbir Frano
Published: February 2020

An easily machined novel flow field with controllable pressure gradient across adjacent channels was designed and a two dimensional, across‐the‐channel, two‐phase model was developed to study the gas transport and water removal of the novel configuration. The effect of channel‐rib width ratio, GDL thickness and pressure gradient on the profiles of oxygen concentration and water saturation within the GDL were investigated. Special attention was paid to the mechanisms of the promoted mass transport and water removal rates under a pressure gradient. The model was validated by experiments with various channel‐rib ratios and GDL thicknesses at different operating pressure. The results revealed that, oxygen concentration was increased, and the water saturation was reduced under the rib with a pressure gradient generated across the adjacent channels. The optimal pressure gradient is between 0.1 to 0.2 atm for the studied channel geometry and configuration. The mechanisms of the improved cell performance were elucidated.
Symmetry‐Protected Quantum Adiabatic Evolution in Spontaneous Symmetry‐Breaking Transitions
Authors: Zhuang Min , Huang Jiahao , Ke Yongguan , Lee Chaohong
Published: February 2020

Quantum adiabatic evolution describes the dynamical evolution of a slowly driven Hamiltonian. In most systems undergoing spontaneous symmetry‐breaking transitions, the symmetry‐protected quantum adiabatic evolution can still appear, even when the two lowest eigenstates become degenerate. Here, a general derivation to revisit the symmetry‐dependent transition and the symmetry‐dependent adiabatic condition (SDAC) is given. Further, based on the SDAC, an adiabatic‐parameter‐fixed sweeping scheme is used for achieving fast adiabatic evolution, which is more efficient than the linear sweeping scheme. In the limit of small adiabatic parameter, an analytic inequality is obtained for the ground state fidelity only dependent on the adiabatic parameter. The general statements are then demonstrated via two typical systems. Besides, the robustness of the symmetry‐dependent adiabatic evolution against weak symmetry‐breaking sources is studied. The findings can be tested via the techniques in quantum annealing and may provide promising applications in practical quantum technologies.
Amphiphilic poly(ionic liquid)/Wells–Dawson‐type phosphovanadomolybdate ionic composites as efficient and recyclable catalysts for the direct hydroxylation of benzene with H2O2
Authors: Li Xinzhong , Xue Hanyu , Lin Qi , Yu Aimin
Published: February 2020

Three novel amphiphilic poly(ionic liquid) (PIL)/Wells–Dawson‐type phosphovanadomolybdate (V‐POM) ionic composites with tunable oxidative catalytic activity and unique nanostructure were synthesized using carboxylic acid‐functionalized PIL and H7[P2Mo17VO62], H8[P2Mo16V2O62] and H9[P2Mo15V3O62] as synthetic units via self‐assembly in water. The results of characterization indicated that V‐POM anions were finely dispersed in the PIL cation framework, and their structures were well preserved. The three composites are amorphous V‐POM salts of PIL cation with a considerable thermal stability, and an open three‐dimensional network structure with hierarchical porosity. The as‐synthesized composites were found to be efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the direct hydroxylation of benzene to phenol with H2O2 in the liquid phase. Under optimum conditions, a phenol yield of 37.3% was achieved with selectivity of 100%. The high catalytic performance could be attributed to the synergistic catalytic effect between V‐POM anion and carboxylic acid‐functionalized PIL cation framework, and good benzene adsorption and phenol desorption ability of amphiphilic micropores in the structure of the composites. Additionally, these composites exhibited high stability under the reaction conditions and could be easily recovered and reused at least six times without noticeably loss of activity.
Fuel Classification based on Flame Characteristics using a Time Series Analysis with Fuzzy Support Vector Machine Algorithm
Authors: Annadurai Swaminathan , Arock Michael
Published: February 2020

Flame monitoring and categorization become important in efficient power generation and energy conservation sectors. Flicker Frequency Range (FFR) is considered as the key factor to monitor flames and fuel identification. The fluctuation of combustion arises due to the varying quality of fuel, which causes the overlapping of FFR for different fuels leading to misclassification. In this work, we attempt to classify fuels based on flame characteristics output from a Digital Flame Scanner. A new model is proposed by combining Time Series Analysis with Fuzzy Support Vector Machine (TSA‐FSVM) for training, classification, and prediction of fuel types. With the help of 12,000 real‐time data collected from the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Tuticorin branch (a public sector company, which manufactures power plant equipment), a comparative analysis is performed using different Machine Learning algorithms with the proposed technique. From the results, it is found that TSA‐FSVM outperforms existing as well as other Machine Learning methods by increasing the accuracy of predicting the right fuel. Thus, it helps to avoid the boiler system explosion/OFF state, which leads to conserving the energy, increases electricity production, and cost‐efficiency.
One polymer, one layer, and two opposite functions: Using a pH‐switchable polymer to fabricate a hydrophilic–hydrophobic fibrous membrane
Authors: Gorji Mohsen , Mazinani Saeedeh , Farokhmehr Alireza , Varsei Mehdi
Published: February 2020

Thanks to their permissibility of vapor transmitting and resistance to water penetration, hydrophilic–hydrophobic membranes (HHMs) are a critical factor in so many applications. Current strategies focus on electrospinning hybrid layers from two different hydrophilic–hydrophobic polymers. Here, we report a new generation of HHMs by electrospinning one layer of pH‐switchable polymers followed by a simple post‐treatment. In doing so, a hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate)‐co‐poly(N,N‐diethylaminoethylmethacrylate) (PMMA‐co‐PDEAEMA) membrane is fabricated using the electrospinning method. Then, hydrochloric acid (HCl) vapor is used to convert one face of the membrane to a hydrophilic state. Field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, drop test, water contact angle (WCA), moisture management test (MMT), tensile strength, water vapor permeability (WVP), air permeability (AP), and cytotoxicity test were used to characterize the obtained membrane. The results show that by HCl vapor exposure, one side of the membrane gets successfully converted into a hydrophilic state, with the other side still remaining hydrophobic. The drop test and the WCA test showed that the optimal exposure time is only 5 min. This trigger has a small effect on the morphology and, subsequently, on water and air permeability as well as on the mechanical behavior of the membrane. This new generation of membranes can have applications in protective clothing and wound dressing.
Effects of oral maintenance chemotherapy and predictive value of circulating EBV DNA in metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Han , Lu Tianzhu , Guo Qiaojuan , Chen Yan , Chen Mengwei , Chen Yansong , Lin Yingying , Chen Chuanben , Ma Liqin , Xu Yun , Lin Shaojun , Pan Jianji
Published: February 2020

Background/Objectives

Oral maintenance chemotherapy can effectively prolong overall survival (OS) in many types of metastatic cancer, but its role in metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC) is unclear. In this study, the efficacy of oral maintenance chemotherapy in mNPC and the effectiveness of circulating tumor EBV‐DNA for screening patients were evaluated.

Methods

Between June 2016 and December 2017, 141 patients with mNPC who received platinum‐based systemic chemotherapy were included (median follow‐up time, 21 months). Patients were classified into two groups according to the administration of oral maintenance chemotherapy. Plasma samples were collected before, during, and after treatment for the measurement of circulating EBV DNA.

Results

The 2‐year OS was higher for patients who received maintenance chemotherapy than for patients without maintenance chemotherapy (78.9% vs 62.7%, P = .016). Patients with undetectable posttreatment EBV‐DNA after 4‐6 cycles of systemic chemotherapy (n = 73) had a higher 2‐year OS than that of patients with detectable EBV‐DNA (n = 68) (82.16% vs 51.45%, P = .001). For patients with undetectable posttreatment EBV‐DNA, OS was better for those with maintenance chemotherapy than for those without (86.7% vs 73%, P = .027). For patients with detectable posttreatment EBV‐DNA, maintenance chemotherapy did not improve outcomes (49.5% vs 55.4%, P = .824). The most common acute events were hematological toxicity, and all were tolerable and curable.

Conclusions

Oral maintenance chemotherapy with S1 or capecitabine can improve OS in mNPC. Posttreatment EBV‐DNA was not only an independent prognosis factor for mNPC but also can screen out beneficiaries of maintenance chemotherapy.
Meta‐analysis of bivalirudin versus heparin in transradial coronary interventions
Authors: Kheiri Babikir , Rao Sunil V. , Osman Mohammed , Simpson Timothy F. , Barbarawi Mahmoud , Zayed Yazan , Dhillon Harsukh N. , Alkhouli Mohamad , Golwala Harsh , Zahr Firas , Bhatt Deepak L. , Stone Gregg W. , Cigarroa Joaquin E.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin versus heparin in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing transradial artery coronary intervention (TRI).

Background

Bivalirudin and radial artery access are independently associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. However, data supporting a strategy of combining both to achieve additive improvements in cardiovascular outcomes provide conflicting results.

Methods

A systematic search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of bivalirudin, in which vascular access sites were reported. The primary outcome was net adverse clinical events (NACE) at 30 days. Secondary outcomes were long‐term NACE, short‐, and long‐term major adverse cardiovascular events, all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularization, stent thrombosis, and major bleeding.

Results

We identified 10 RCTs, including 16,328 patients who underwent TRI (mean age 64.6 ± 15.7 years, 72.5% male). Bivalirudin use was associated with decreased 30‐day NACE compared with heparin (6.3 vs. 7.4%; risk ratio [RR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76–0.99; p = .04; number needed to treat = 91). No significant interactions were observed based on clinical presentation, administration of P2Y12 inhibitors, or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa‐receptor inhibitors (GPI) use. There were no significant differences between groups in any prespecified secondary outcomes. There was, however, a significant reduction of major bleeding in the bivalirudin group compared with heparin when used in combination with routine GPI (RR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.19–0.90; p = .03).

Conclusions

Among patients undergoing TRI, use of bivalirudin was associated with significantly reduced 30‐day NACE compared with heparin. There was no significant difference in long term NACE, ischemic, or bleeding events compared with heparin.
Recycling von marinen Sekundärrohstoffen
Authors: Chairopoulou Makrina A. , Schreiber Alex , Kratzer Fabian , Wolf Sebastian , Teipel Ulrich
Published: February 2020

Austernschalen stellen als Abfallprodukt eine große Umweltbelastung dar und die Wiederverwendung des Materials gewinnt zunehmend an Bedeutung. Da der Zerkleinerungsprozess beim Recycling von Sekundärrohstoffen die Eigenschaften des Materials definiert, wurden Austernschalen mit einer Planetenkugelmühle und einer Schlagradmühle zerkleinert und die gewonnenen Fraktionen in Bezug auf Größe und Form analysiert und miteinander verglichen. Ein Zerkleinerungsmaterial der Schlagradmühle wurde für eine Reihe von Benetzungsversuchen verwendet, die dazu beitrugen, die freie Oberflächenenergie des Materials nachzuweisen.
Physical activity and quality of life in African American cancer survivors: The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors study
Authors: Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L. , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Harper Felicity W. K. , Baird Tara M. , Finlay David G. , Rundle Andrew G. , Pandolfi Stephanie S. , Hastert Theresa A. , Schwartz Kendra L. , Bepler Gerold , Simon Michael S. , Mantey Julia , Abrams Judy , Albrecht Teri L. , Schwartz Ann G.
Published: February 2020

Background

The benefit of regular exercise in improving cancer outcomes is well established. The American Cancer Society (ACS) released a recommendation that cancer survivors should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) per week; however, few report meeting this recommendation. This study examined the patterns and correlates of meeting ACS PA recommendations in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort of African American cancer survivors.

Methods

Detroit ROCS participants completed baseline and yearly follow‐up surveys to update their health and health behaviors, including PA. This study examined participation in PA by select characteristics and reported health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) as measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy and Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System instruments.

Results

Among the first 1500 ROCS participants, 60% reported participating in regular PA, with 24% reporting ≥150 min/wk. Although there were no differences by sex, prostate cancer survivors were the most likely to report participating in regular PA, whereas lung cancer survivors were the least likely (P = .022). Survivors who reported participating in regular PA reported higher HRQOL (P < .001) and lower depression (P = .040).

Conclusions

Just 24% of African American cancer survivors reported meeting the ACS guidelines for PA at the baseline, but it was encouraging to see increases in activity over time. Because of the established benefits of regular exercise observed in this study and others, identifying and reducing barriers to regular PA among African American cancer survivors are critical for improving outcomes and minimizing disparities.
Effect of Milling Methods on Particulate Properties and Structure of Clinoptilolite
Authors: Nguyen Vinh Dinh , Bui Quy Minh , Kynicky Jindrich , Vsiansky Dalibor
Published: February 2020

The effects of ultrasonic milling, dry and wet ball milling, and vibro‐milling on the particulate properties, crystalline characteristics, morphology, and surface area of clinoptilolite (Cpt) have been investigated. Laser beam scattering technique, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption at 77 K are used to characterize the initial and ground Cpt powders. Results show that Cpt particle size is significantly reduced by all carried out milling methods in which vibro‐milling could produce particles with diameter less than 100 nm. The size distribution of Cpt is remarkably narrowed by using vibro‐ and wet ball milling. The crystallinity of Cpt noticeably decreases for the samples obtained by ball milling while vibro‐ and ultrasonic millings show a negligible effect on crystallinity. The specific surface area of Cpt is enhanced by all four milling methods.
360‐μW 4.1‐dB NF CMOS MedRadio receiver RF front‐end with current‐reuse Q‐boosted resistive feedback LNA for biomedical IoT applications
Authors: Kim Taejong , Im Donggu , Kwon Kuduck
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a low‐power low‐noise complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) receiver RF front‐end (RFFE) that employs a current‐reuse Q‐boosted resistive feedback low‐noise amplifier (RFLNA) is proposed for 401 to 406 MHz medical device radio‐communication service band IoT applications. By employing a series RLC input matching network, the proposed RFLNA has the advantages of both the conventional RFLNA and the inductively degenerated common‐source LNA without using large on‐chip spiral inductors at the sources of the main transistors. The proposed active mixer utilizes a current‐reuse transconductor, in which a p‐channel metal‐oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor performs a current‐bleeding function to reduce direct current (DC) and flicker noise in the switching stage of the active mixer. The proposed receiver RFFE is implemented in a 65‐nm CMOS process and achieves a voltage gain of 30.9 dB, noise figure of 4.1 dB, S11 of less than −10 dB, and IIP3 of −22.9 dBm. It operates at a supply voltage of 1 V with bias currents of 360 μA. The active die area is 0.4 mm × 0.35 mm.
A Mixed Ether Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Anode Protection in Working Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chen Wei-Jing , Zhao Chang-Xin , Li Bo-Quan , Jin Qi , Zhang Xue-Qiang , Yuan Tong-Qi , Zhang Xitian , Jin Zhehui , Kaskel Stefan , Zhang Qiang
Published: February 2020

Lithium‒sulfur (Li–S) battery is considered as a promising energy storage system to realize high energy density. Nevertheless, unstable lithium metal anode emerges as the bottleneck toward practical applications, especially with limited anode excess required in a working full cell. In this contribution, a mixed diisopropyl ether‐based (mixed‐DIPE) electrolyte was proposed to effectively protect lithium metal anode in Li–S batteries with sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) cathodes. The mixed‐DIPE electrolyte improves the compatibility to lithium metal and suppresses the dissolution of lithium polysulfides, rendering significantly improved cycling stability. Concretely, Li | Cu half‐cells with the mixed‐DIPE electrolyte cycled stably for 120 cycles, which is nearly five times longer than that with routine carbonate‐based electrolyte. Moreover, the mixed‐DIPE electrolyte contributed to a doubled life span of 156 cycles at 0.5 C in Li | SPAN full cells with ultrathin 50 μm Li metal anodes compared with the routine electrolyte. This contribution affords an effective electrolyte formula for Li metal anode protection and is expected to propel the practical applications of high‐energy‐density Li‒S batteries.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Tetrafluoridochlorates(III) A[ClF4] (A = K, Rb, Cs)
Authors: Scheibe Benjamin , Ivlev Sergei I. , Karttunen Antti J. , Kraus Florian
Published: February 2020

Single‐crystalline tetrafluoridochlorates(III) A[ClF4] (A = K, Rb, Cs) were synthesized from solvolysis reactions of alkali metal fluorides in liquid chlorine trifluoride. The structures were examined by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. K[ClF4] crystallizes in the K[BrF4] structure type, whereas the Rb and Cs compounds crystallize in the Li[AuF4] structure type. The compounds were further characterized by Raman and IR spectroscopy. Solid‐state quantum‐chemical calculations with hybrid density functional methods reproduced the experimental structures and enabled the interpretation of the experimental Raman and IR spectra.
Coating for preventing nonspecific adhesion mediated biofouling in salty systems: Effect of the electrostatic and van der waals interactions
Authors: Etha Sai Ankit , Sivasankar Vishal Sankar , Sachar Harnoor Singh , Das Siddhartha
Published: February 2020

Development of anti‐biofouling coating has attracted immense attention for reducing the massively detrimental effects of biofouling in systems ranging from ship hulls and surgical instruments to catheters, implants, and stents. In this paper, we propose a model to quantify the role of electrostatic and van der Waals (vdW) forces in dictating the efficacy of dielectric coating for preventing the nonspecific adhesion mediated biofouling in salty systems. The model considers a generic charged lipid‐bilayer encapsulated vesicle‐like structure representing the bio‐organism. Also, we consider the fouling caused by the nonspecific adhesion of the bio‐organism on the substrate, without accounting for the explicit structures (e.g., pili, appendages) or conditions (e.g., surface adhesins secreted by the organisms) involved in the adhesion of specific microorganism. The model is tested by considering the properties of actual coating materials and biofouling causing microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae). Results show that while the electrostatic‐vdW effect can be significant in anti‐biofouling action for cases where the salt concentration is relatively low (e.g., saline solution for surgical instruments), it might not be effective for marine environment where the salt concentration is much higher. The findings, therefore, point to a hitherto unexplored driving mechanism of anti‐biofouling action of the coating. Such an identification will also enable the appropriate choices of the coating materials (e.g., possible dielectric material with volume charge) and other system parameters (e.g., salinity of the solution for storing the surgical instruments) that will significantly improve the efficiency of the coatings in preventing the nonspecific adhesion mediated biofouling.
Fabrication of antigen‐containing nanoparticles using microfluidics with Tesla structure
Authors: Qiu Yao , Liu Yun , Xu Yuhong , Li Zhenzhen , Chen Jian
Published: February 2020

The polyethyleneimine (PEI)‐based antigen delivery system has been proved valuable for therapeutic vaccines. However, the previous bulk mixing method is not ideal to prepare PEI‐base antigen‐ containing nanoparticles. The wide‐size distribution and poor reproducibility limit its further application. In this research, we developed a microfluidic method to prepare nanopolyplexes on chips with Tesla structure to improve the fabrication. The structure and bioactivity of protein were not hampered by the shearing force in microfluidics. Comparison between physiochemical parameters suggested that the polyplexes prepared by Tesla chips were more uniform than those prepared by bulk mixing and non‐Tesla chips. The reproducibility was improved obviously. The preparation was not influence much by the operating parameters such as flow rates, reagents concentration, and switching of inlets. The results indicated that it was a robust and reliable method. The data that were obtained from BMDC model demonstrated that the nanopolyplexes with optimal weight ratio had higher antigen cross‐presentation efficiency than those in free antigen group. In conclusion, Tesla structured microfluidics offers a better method over bulk mixing in the preparation of PEI‐based antigen‐containing nanopolyplexes. It greatly expands the scope of our study and increases the potential of PEI‐based antigen delivery system.
Velocity profiles and basal stresses in natural debris flows
Authors: Nagl Georg , Hübl Johannes , Kaitna Roland
Published: February 2020

The internal deformation within debris flows holds essential information on dynamics and flow resistance of such mass‐wasting processes. Systematic measurements of velocity profiles in real‐scale debris flows are not yet available. Additionally, data on basal stresses of the solid and the fluid phase are rare. Here, we present and analyse measurements of vertical velocity profiles in two debris flows naturally occurring in the Gadria Creek, Italy. The method is based on cross‐correlation of paired conductivity signals from an array of sensors installed on a fin‐shaped wall located in the middle of the channel. Additionally, we measure normal stress and pore fluid pressure by two force plates with integrated pressure transducers. We find internal deformation throughout the flows. Only at the very front was some en‐bloc movement observed. Velocity profiles varied from front to tail and between flows. For one debris flow, pore fluid pressure close to normal stress was measured, whereas the other flow was less liquefied. The median shear rates were mostly less than 5 s−1 and Savage numbers at the basal layer ranged from 0.01 to 1. Our results highlight the variable nature of debris flows and provide quantitative data on shear rate and basal stress distribution to help guide model development for hazard assessment and landscape evolution. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Orostachys japonicus extract inhibits the lipopolysaccharide‐induced pro‐inflammatory factors by suppression of transcription factors
Authors: Lee Hyeong‐Seon
Published: February 2020

Orostachys japonicus (O. japonicus) was extracted with ethanol (EtOH) and sequentially separated with organic solvents, including n‐hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n‐butanol (BuOH), and water (H2O). All the fractions were confirmed for anti‐inflammatory activity in an inflammatory condition. The DCM fraction showed the highest anti‐inflammatory ability. Here, we examined the effect of DCM fraction and investigated the intracellular signaling pathways in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The DCM fraction significantly inhibited the mRNA levels of pro‐inflammatory mediators and cytokines including iNOS, COX‐2, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, and IP‐10 in LPS‐stimulated cells. Also, the treatment of DCM fraction excellently reduced the expression of the proteins of AP‐1 (phospho‐c‐Jun and phospho‐c‐Fos) and phospho‐IRF3 as transcription factors. As a result, it suppressed LPS‐induced inflammatory mediator and cytokines via inhibition of transcription factors. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that DCM fraction has a strong anti‐inflammatory activity that improves the inflammatory state.
Anti‐inflammatory effect from extracts of Red Chinese cabbage and Aronia in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Kwak Jung Hyun , Kim Yoonji , Ryu Soo In , Lee Minho , Lee Hyo‐Jeong , Lim Yong Pyo , Paik Jean Kyung
Published: February 2020

A chronic inflammatory environment facilitates tumor growth and proliferation. Fruits and vegetables are important sources of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and other biologically active substances that can favorably affect the pathogenesis of cancer. The objective of the study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects of Red Chinese cabbage (RC) and mixture of commercial Red Chinese cabbage leaves and Aronia fruits (ARC) in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The RAW 264.7 cells were cultured and measured the cytotoxicity by using an MTT assay. The inflammatory markers, such as nitrite, IL‐6, and TNF‐alpha expression, were evaluated using ELISA, and protein expression of inflammatory markers like iNOS and COX‐2 was analyzed using Western blot. MTT assays showed that pretreatment of RAW 264.7 cells with RC and ARC did not change cell growth or cytotoxicity. We also found that ARC extracts reduced inflammation‐related biomarker (TNF‐a, IL‐6, and NO) production and gene expression (iNOS, COX‐2). Our results suggested that ARC has good anti‐inflammatory properties compared with RC that maybe used as potential nutrients for treating inflammatory diseases.
Investigating the temporal dynamics of electroencephalogram (EEG) microstates using recurrent neural networks
Authors: Sikka Apoorva , Jamalabadi Hamidreza , Krylova Marina , Alizadeh Sarah , van der Meer Johan N. , Danyeli Lena , Deliano Matthias , Vicheva Petya , Hahn Tim , Koenig Thomas , Bathula Deepti R. , Walter Martin
Published: February 2020

Electroencephalogram (EEG) microstates that represent quasi‐stable, global neuronal activity are considered as the building blocks of brain dynamics. Therefore, the analysis of microstate sequences is a promising approach to understand fast brain dynamics that underlie various mental processes. Recent studies suggest that EEG microstate sequences are non‐Markovian and nonstationary, highlighting the importance of the sequential flow of information between different brain states. These findings inspired us to model these sequences using Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) consisting of long‐short‐term‐memory (LSTM) units to capture the complex temporal dependencies. Using an LSTM‐based auto encoder framework and different encoding schemes, we modeled the microstate sequences at multiple time scales (200–2,000 ms) aiming to capture stably recurring microstate patterns within and across subjects. We show that RNNs can learn underlying microstate patterns with high accuracy and that the microstate trajectories are subject invariant at shorter time scales (≤400 ms) and reproducible across sessions. Significant drop in the reconstruction accuracy was observed for longer sequence lengths of 2,000 ms. These findings indirectly corroborate earlier studies which indicated that EEG microstate sequences exhibit long‐range dependencies with finite memory content. Furthermore, we find that the latent representations learned by the RNNs are sensitive to external stimulation such as stress while the conventional univariate microstate measures (e.g., occurrence, mean duration, etc.) fail to capture such changes in brain dynamics. While RNNs cannot be configured to identify the specific discriminating patterns, they have the potential for learning the underlying temporal dynamics and are sensitive to sequence aberrations characterized by changes in metal processes. Empowered with the macroscopic understanding of the temporal dynamics that extends beyond short‐term interactions, RNNs offer a reliable alternative for exploring system level brain dynamics using EEG microstate sequences.
Test–retest reliability and minimal detectable change of corticospinal tract integrity in chronic stroke
Authors: Lewis Allison F. , Myers Makenzie , Heiser Jenny , Kolar Melissa , Baird Jessica F. , Stewart Jill C.
Published: February 2020

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to index white matter integrity of the corticospinal tract (CST) after stroke; however, the psychometric properties of DTI‐based measures of white matter integrity are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine test–retest reliability as determined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and calculate minimal detectable change (MDC) of DTI‐based measures of CST integrity using three different approaches: a Cerebral Peduncle approach, a Probabilistic Tract approach, and a Tract Template approach. Eighteen participants with chronic stroke underwent DTI on the same magnetic resonance imaging scanner 4 days apart. For the Cerebral Peduncle approach, a researcher hand drew masks at the cerebral peduncle. For the Probabilistic Tract approach, tractography was seeded in motor areas of the cortex to the cerebral peduncle. For the Tract Template approach, a standard CST template was transformed into native space. For all approaches, the researcher performing analyses was blind to participant number and day of data collection. All three approaches had good to excellent test–retest reliability for fractional anisotropy (FA; ICCs >0.786). Mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were less reliable than FA. The ICC values were highest and MDC values were the smallest for the most automated approach (Tract Template), followed by the combined manual/automated approach (Probabilistic Tract) then the manual approach (Cerebral Peduncle). The results of this study may have implications for how DTI‐based measures of CST integrity are used to define impairment, predict outcomes, and interpret change after stroke.
Return to work after oropharyngeal cancer treatment—Highlighting a growing working‐age population
Authors: Granström Brith , Tiblom Ehrsson Ylva , Holmberg Erik , Hammerlid Eva , Beran Martin , Tano Krister , Laurell Göran ,   Swedish Head and Neck Cancer Register (SweHNCR)
Published: February 2020

Background

To describe the frequency of patients returning to work after treatment for oropharyngeal cancer and to identify predictors and physical barriers that might interfere with the return to work process.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study including 295 patients. Data were collected regarding work/sick leave situation at 1 month before diagnosis and 15 months after diagnosis. The situation before diagnosis was retrospectively recalled by the patients. Two subscales and two single items from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐H&N35 were used. Data were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Fifteen months after diagnosis, 212 patients (72%) were working. To be working 15 months after diagnosis was associated with working before diagnosis. Swallowing difficulties, problems talking on the telephone, and physical appearance were negatively associated with returning to work.

Conclusions

The large number of individuals returning to work is encouraging for patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer.
Hemostatic Alterations in Patients With Cirrhosis: From Primary Hemostasis to Fibrinolysis
Authors: Zermatten Maxime G. , Fraga Montserrat , Moradpour Darius , Bertaggia Calderara Debora , Aliotta Alessandro , Stirnimann Guido , De Gottardi Andrea , Alberio Lorenzo
Published: February 2020

In the setting of liver cirrhosis (LC), profound hemostatic changes occur, which affect primary hemostasis, coagulation, and fibrinolysis. They involve prohemorrhagic and prothrombotic alterations at each of these steps. Patients with cirrhosis exhibit multifactorial thrombocytopenia and in vitro thrombocytopathy, counterbalanced by increased von Willebrand factor. The resultant shift is difficult to assess, but overall these changes probably result in a rebalanced primary hemostasis. Concerning coagulation, the reduced activity of coagulation factors is counterbalanced by an increase in factor VIII (produced by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells), a decrease of the natural anticoagulants, and complex changes, including changes in circulating microparticles, cell‐free DNA, and neutrophil extracellular traps. Overall, these alterations result in a procoagulant state. As for fibrinolysis, increased tissue‐type and urokinase‐type plasminogen activators, a relatively decreased plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and decreased levels of thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and α2‐antiplasmin are counterbalanced by decreased plasminogen and a decreased fibrin clot permeability. Whether and how these changes shift fibrinolysis remains to be determined. Overall, the current consensus is that in patients with cirrhosis, the hemostasis is shifted toward a procoagulant state. We review the published evidence for the concept of LC as a prothrombotic state, discuss discordant data, and highlight the impact of the underlying cause of LC on the resultant imbalance.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of natural convection and heat transfer from multiple heated blocks
Authors: Rahim K. M. Zamilur , Ahmed Jamil , Nag Preetom , Molla Md. Mamun
Published: February 2020

This study is aimed to investigate the natural convection heat transfer from discrete heat sources (similar to heated microchips) using Bhatnagar‐Gross‐Krook lattice Boltzmann method via graphics process unit computing. The simulation is carried out separately for three and six heated blocks model for different Rayleigh numbers and fixed Prandtl number, (air). The uniformly heated blocks are placed at the bottom wall inside a rectangular enclosure. The enclosure is maintained by the cold temperature at its left and right walls. The top and bottom surface is maintained by adiabatic conditions apart from the regions where blocks are attached to the bottom wall. The numerical code is validated with the benchmark heat transfer problem of side‐heated square cavity as well as with an experimental study for one discrete heat source. The rate of heat transfer is presented in terms of the local Nusselt and average Nusselt number for each block. It is found that the heat transfer rate becomes maximized in the leftmost and rightmost blocks due to the adjacent cold walls. It is found that the number of blocks and their positions play a substantial role in determining their collective performance on the heat transfer rate.
Permissionless reputation‐based consensus algorithm for blockchain
Authors: Bou Abdo Jacques , El Sibai Rayane , Kambhampaty Krishna , Demerjian Jacques
Published: February 2020

Reputation‐based consensus algorithms are one of the most promising, but least investigated types of consensus algorithms. Its limitation to persmissioned node identity management shades its potential and causes many applications to find blockchain unsuitable. In this paper, we upgrade PoRX, an existing consensus algorithm, into becoming the first permissionless pure reputation‐based consensus algorithm. This upgrade is highly potential since it only affects the admission process and does not intervene with the consensus process, thus can be extended into other types of consensus algorithms.
Benchmarking of mainstream SDN controllers over open off‐the‐shelf software‐switches
Authors: Silva João Batista , Silva Felipe S. Dantas , Neto Emídio P. , Lemos Marcilio , Neto Augusto
Published: February 2020

The decoupling of the data plane and the control plane that became real through the advent of the Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) paradigm, has made possible the fast and flexible customized prototyping of testbed environments. One of the critical challenges that must be faced is the deployment of low‐cost high‐performance open testbeds. Our group built a low‐cost testbed that is highly flexible and customizable, and able to leverage a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the minimal combination of components needed to achieve more efficient outcomes in specific scenarios. In light of this, we assessed the use of ONOS, Floodlight, and Ryu mainstream SDN controllers, on top of low‐cost open routers/switches platforms in which both OpenWrt and LEDE operating systems are embedded, to provide in‐depth discussions on different aspects of the subject. When measured in terms of (a) throughput and (b) network topology discovery time, the results of the assessment provided unpublished performance and scalability perspectives about the relationship between the controller and the operating system.
Origin of pressure‐induced insulator‐to‐metal transition in the van der Waals compound FePS3 from first‐principles calculations
Authors: Evarestov Robert A. , Kuzmin Alexei
Published: February 2020

Pressure‐induced insulator‐to‐metal transition (IMT) has been studied in the van der Waals compound iron thiophosphate (FePS3) using first‐principles calculations within the periodic linear combination of atomic orbitals method with hybrid Hartree–Fock‐DFT B3LYP functional. Our calculations reproduce correctly the IMT at ∼15 GPa, which is accompanied by a reduction of the unit cell volume and of the vdW gap. We found from the detailed analysis of the projected density of states that the 3p states of phosphorus atoms contribute significantly at the bottom of the conduction band. As a result, the collapse of the band gap occurs due to changes in the electronic structure of FePS3 induced by relative displacements of phosphorus or sulfur atoms along the c‐axis direction under pressure.
Molecular dynamics analysis of Mg2+‐dependent cleavage of a pistol ribozyme reveals a fail‐safe secondary ion for catalysis
Authors: Joseph Newlyn N. , Roy Raktim N. , Steitz Thomas A.
Published: February 2020

Pistol ribozymes comprise a class of small, self‐cleaving RNAs discovered via comparative genomic analysis. Prior work in the field has probed the kinetics of the cleavage reaction, as well as the influence of various metal ion cofactors that accelerate the process. In the current study, we performed unbiased and unconstrained molecular dynamics simulations from two current high‐resolution pistol crystal structures, and we analyzed trajectory data within the context of the currently accepted ribozyme mechanistic framework. Root‐mean‐squared deviations, radial distribution functions, and distributions of nucleophilic angle‐of‐attack reveal insights into the potential roles of three magnesium ions with respect to catalysis and overall conformational stability of the molecule. A series of simulation trajectories containing in silico mutations reveal the relatively flexible and partially interchangeable roles of two particular magnesium ions within solvated hydrogen‐bonding distances from the catalytic center.
CircAP2A2 acts as a ceRNA to participate in infantile hemangiomas progression by sponging miR‐382‐5p via regulating the expression of VEGFA
Authors: Yuan Xiaoqi , Xu Yanan , Wei Zhiqiang , Ding Qi
Published: February 2020

Background

Increasing evidences reveal that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial functions in cancer development. However, the expression pattern and roles of circRNAs in infantile hemangiomas (IH) remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, qRT‐PCR was performed to determine the expression of circAP2A2, miR‐382‐5p, and VEGFA in IH tissues and cell lines. Moreover, MTT assay, colony formation, transwell assay, and Western blot analysis were conducted to assess the function of circAP2A2 or miR‐382‐5p on cell proliferation, and migration in vitro, respectively. Also, dual luciferase assay was used to confirm the interactions among circAP2A2, miR‐382‐5p, and VEGFA.

Results

CircAP2A2 was confirmed to be highly expressed in IH. CircAP2A2 knockdown or miR‐382‐5p overexpression decreased the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of HemECs and HUVEC cells.

Conclusion

CircAP2A2 could promote proliferation and invasion of IH by regulating miR‐382‐5p/VEGFA axis.
What do the Universal Test and Treat trials tell us about the path to HIV epidemic control?
Authors: Havlir Diane , Lockman Shahin , Ayles Helen , Larmarange Joseph , Chamie Gabriel , Gaolathe Tendani , Iwuji Collins , Fidler Sarah , Kamya Moses , Floyd Sian , Moore Janet , Hayes Richard , Petersen Maya , Dabis Francois ,   on behalf of the (Universal Test, Treat Trials) UT3 Consortium
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Achieving HIV epidemic control globally will require new strategies to accelerate reductions in HIV incidence and mortality. Universal test and treat (UTT) was evaluated in four randomized population‐based trials (BCPP/Ya Tsie, HPTN 071/PopART, SEARCH, ANRS 12249/TasP) conducted in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) during expanded antiretroviral treatment (ART) eligibility by World Health Organization guidelines and the UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 campaign.

Discussion

These three‐year studies were conducted in Botswana, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa in settings with baseline HIV prevalence from 4% to 30%. Key observations across studies were: (1) Universal testing (implemented via a variety of home and community‐based testing approaches) achieved >90% coverage in all studies. (2) When coupled with robust linkage to HIV care, rapid ART start and patient‐centred care, UTT achieved among the highest reported population levels of viral suppression in SSA. Significant gains in population‐level viral suppression were made in regions with both low and high baseline population viral load; however, viral suppression gains were not uniform across all sub‐populations and were lower among youth. (3) UTT resulted in marked reductions in community HIV incidence when universal testing and robust linkage were present. However, HIV elimination targets were not reached. In BCPP and HPTN 071, annualized HIV incidence was approximately 20% to 30% lower in the intervention (which included universal testing) compared to control arms (no universal testing). In SEARCH (where both arms had universal testing), incidence declined 32% over three years. (4) UTT reduced HIV associated mortality by 23% in the intervention versus control communities in SEARCH, a study in which mortality was comprehensively measured.

Conclusions

These trials provide strong evidence that UTT inclusive of universal testing increases population‐level viral suppression and decreases HIV incidence and mortality faster than the status quo in SSA and should be adapted at a sub‐country level as a public health strategy. However, more is needed, including integration of new prevention interventions into UTT, in order to reach UNAIDS HIV elimination targets.