bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexible and tailorable quasi‐solid‐state rechargeable Ag/Zn microbatteries with high performance
Authors: Bi Songshan , Wan Fang , Wang Shuai , Jia Shunhan , Tian Jinlei , Niu Zhiqiang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe recent boom in flexible and wearable electronics requires their power sources not only to be adequately compact but also could undergo extreme deformation without significant degradation in performance. Here, flexible and tailorable quasi‐solid‐state microsized Ag/Zn batteries (micro‐AZBs) were designed by combining mask‐assisted spray printing and electrochemical deposition strategies. The micro‐AZBs display ultrastable output voltage, excellent energy, and power densities, as well as stable cycling performance. Furthermore, the micro‐AZBs with desired shapes can be designed in series or in parallel on a flexible chip to output improved voltage or current with the internal connection. More importantly, the microelectrodes could be sprayed on various substrates. Flexible micro‐AZBs could be achieved on flexible substrates and tailorable micro‐AZBs are obtained when they are fabricated on clothes. They exhibit stable electrochemical performance even under bending or cutting states. The novel design of such quasi‐solid‐state micro‐AZBs would pave a way for the miniaturization and integration of energy storage devices.
Research on single chip microcomputer teaching platform based on wireless communication
Authors: Liqiang Guo 
Published: July 2020

SummaryIn view of the contradiction between the increasingly extensive application of single‐chip microcomputer technology in home appliances, digital products, medical equipment, automobile industry, aerospace and other fields, and the long learning cycle of the technology, which is not easy to master, a new single‐chip microcomputer teaching platform for high school students is designed. The teaching platform adopts the processing of completely transparent and moderately encapsulated in technical details, and learners can easily use the software and hardware resources to develop projects. This teaching platform can meet the learning needs of different levels of students in general technology courses of ordinary high school, play a positive role in improving the technical literacy of middle school students and enhancing the ability of technology application, and lay a good foundation for high school students to participate in student scientific research activities in colleges and universities in the future.
On proportional fairness of uplink spectral efficiency in cell‐free massive MIMO systems
Authors: Quoc Pham Viet , Hoang Kha Ha , Ty Khanh Le 
Published: July 2020

SummaryThis paper is concerned with the proportional fairness (PF) of the spectral efficiency (SE) maximization of uplinks in a cell‐free (CF) massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) system in which a large number of single‐antenna access points (APs) connected to a central processing unit (CPU) serve many single‐antenna users. To detect the user signals, the APs use matched filters based on the local channel state information while the CPU deploys receiver filters based on knowledge of channel statistics. We devise the maximization problem of the SE PF, which maximizes the sum of the logarithm of the achievable user rates, as a jointly nonconvex optimization problem of receiver filter coefficients and user power allocation subject to user power constraints. To handle the challenges associated with the nonconvexity of the formulated design problem, we develop an iterative algorithm by alternatively finding optimal filter coefficients at the CPU and transmit powers at the users. While the filter coefficient design is formulated as a generalized eigenvalue problem, the power allocation problem is addressed by a gradient projection (GP) approach. Simulation results show that the SE PF maximization not only offers approximately the achievable sum rates as compared to the sum‐rate maximization but also provides an improved trade‐off between the user rate fairness and the achievable sum rate.
Expression of synaptophysin and BDNF in the medial prefrontal cortex following early life stress and neonatal hypoxia‐ischemia
Authors: Tata Despina A. , Dandi Evgenia , Spandou Evangelia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study aims at investigating whether early stress interacts with brain injury due to neonatal hypoxia‐ischemia (HI). To this end, we examined possible changes in synaptophysin (SYN) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of maternally separated rats that were subsequently exposed to a HI episode. Rat pups (n = 11) were maternally separated during postnatal days 1 to 6 (3hr/day), while another group was left undisturbed (n = 11). On postnatal day 7, a subgroup (n = 12) from each postnatal manipulation was exposed to HI. Synaptophysin and BDNF expression was estimated in mPFC prelimbic and anterior cingulate subregions of the ipsilateral and contralateral to the occluded common carotid artery hemispheres. Maternally separated rats expressed significantly less BDNF and SYN in both hemispheres. Neonatal HI significantly reduced BDNF and SYN expression in the ipsilateral mPFC only and this reduction was not further altered by early stress. Our findings indicate the enduring negative effect of a short period of maternal separation on the expression of mPFC SYN and BDNF. They, also, reveal that the HI‐associated decreases in these markers are limited to the ipsilateral mPFC and are not exacerbated by early stress. These decreases may have important functional implications given the role of prefrontal area in high‐order cognition.
Systems Theory Principles and Complex Systems Engineering Concepts for Protection and Resilience in Critical Infrastructure: Lessons from the Nuclear Sector
Authors: Williams Adam D. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTPart of the Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD‐21) (PPD 2013) mandate includes evaluating safety, security, and safeguards (or nonproliferation) mechanisms traditionally implemented within the nuclear reactors, materials, and waste sector of critical infrastructure—including a complex, dynamic set of risks and threats within an all‐hazards approach. In response, research out of Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) explores the ability of systems theory principles (hierarchy and emergence) and complex systems engineering concepts (multidomain interdependence) to better understand and address these risks and threats. This Sandia research explores the safety, safeguards, and security risks of three different nuclear sector‐related activities—spent nuclear fuel transportation, small modular reactors, and portable nuclear power reactors—to investigate the complex and dynamic risk related to the PPD‐21‐mandated all‐hazards approach. This research showed that a systems‐theoretic approach can better identify inter‐dependencies, conflicts, gaps, and leverage points across traditional safety, security, and safeguards hazard mitigation strategies in the nuclear reactors, materials, and waste sector. As a result, mitigation strategies from applying systems theoretic principles and complex systems engineering concepts can be (1) designed to better capture interdependencies, (2) implemented to better align with real‐world operational uncertainties, and (3) evaluated as a systems‐level whole to better identify, characterize, and manage PPD‐21's all hazards strategies.
Microgrids—A Watershed Moment
Authors: Baker George H. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTMicrogrids are rapidly transitioning from research and test beds into commercial markets and installations. The application of microgrids to replace significant portions of Puerto Rico's electric grid in the aftermath of 2017 hurricanes Harvey and Maria show the maturity of the technology. Microgrids offer many benefits including enhanced reliability, reduced life cycle costs, improvements in power quality and efficiency, demand reduction, reduction in fossil fuel emissions by using renewable and nuclear generation, and installation flexibility for both urban and rural applications. Experts forecast the microgrid market to reach USD 31 billion by 2027.However, microgrids might not be a silver bullet solution for problems associated with the larger electric power “macrogrid.” Because of their organic digital monitoring and control systems, microgrid networks are highly susceptible to cyberattacks and accidental or intentional electromagnetic interference‐caused debilitation. Energy storage technology supporting renewable energy systems is expensive and can fail catastrophically. Furthermore, integration of microgrids into the larger existing electric power networks, without attention to protection engineering, actually increases the vulnerability of the resulting network of electric power systems. We must take care in the design and installation of microgrids because of the complexity they add to the larger electric power system including added cyberattack vectors, transient current and voltage surges engendered by rapid changes in solar and wind generation output, and microgrid component susceptibility to nuclear and directed energy electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threats. We are at a historic technological juncture with distributed microgrid energy sources gaining momentum in displacing bulk electric power. We must now ensure that we incorporate combined physical security, cybersecurity, and EMP protection engineering into the initial designs of microgrids to avoid increasing the vulnerability of our electric power networks.
Schizandrin A inhibits cellular phenotypes of breast cancer cells by repressing miR‐155
Authors: Yan Huiling , Guo Meng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsSchizandrin A (SchA) is a type of lignan with biological properties against oxidation, inflammation, and cancer. Here, we aimed to sustain the bioactive properties of SchA in proliferative and motional phenotypes of MDA‐MB‐231 cells and their molecular mechanism.MethodsMDA‐MB‐231 cells were exposed to SchA. At 24 h after SchA treatment, the viability and proliferation were measured using CCK‐8 and BrdU incorporation methods, respectively. Propidium iodide/Annexin V‐FITC staining was carried out for detecting apoptotic cells. Migration and invasion were detected by 24‐Transwell assay. Proteins expression was evaluated by Western blotting. MDA‐MB‐231 cells were transfected with microRNA (miR)‐155 mimic, and miR‐155 was detected by qRT‐PCR.ResultsSchA weakens the viability of MDA‐MB‐231 cells in a dose‐relative way (0–40 μM). Furthermore, 30 μM SchA significantly suppresses proliferation, enhances apoptosis, and inhibits migration and invasion. SchA strikingly decreases miR‐155. Exogenous miR‐155 counteracts the inhibitory effects that SchA confers on proliferative and motional activities. Finally, SchA was observed to blunt PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β‐catenin while miR‐155 mimic reverses the effects.ConclusionTaken together, SchA downregulates miR‐155 and results in the suppression of proliferation and motility in breast cancer cells. Our findings proposed that SchA might be used as an underlying therapeutic agent.
The impact of a pharmacist‐designed mobile application on blood pressure control and medication adherence in patients with hypertension
Authors: Manigault Kendra R. , McKinley DeAngelo , Patel Sweta , Truong Ca , Nguyen Sim , Akil Ayman , Newsom Lydia , Murnane Kevin S. , Thurston Maria Miller 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionMobile applications (apps) may improve adherence and disease state‐related outcomes in patients with uncontrolled chronic diseases, including hypertension.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using a pharmacist‐designed app to improve blood pressure (BP) and promote adherence to antihypertensive medications.MethodsThis study was a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized to an intervention or control group for 3 months. The intervention was a pharmacist‐designed mobile app. Antihypertensive medication refill history was assessed 3 months before, during study, and 3 months after study completion. Continuous outcome measures investigated were systolic/diastolic BP and medication refill history using the cumulative medication gap (CMG). Statistical analysis comparing median difference in BPs and CMGs between groups was conducted using Theil‐Sen Siegel regression.ResultsThe propensity score adjusted population consisted of 78 patients (n = 39 for both groups). No significant difference was observed in the conditional median difference in CMG between groups at the 3‐month follow‐up visit (−0.06 [P = .70]). No significant difference was observed in the conditional median difference in systolic and diastolic BP between groups at the 3‐month follow‐up visit (−2.00 [P = .07] and −1.00 mmHg [P = .39] systolic and diastolic, respectively). Upon subgroup analysis, those nonadherent at baseline in the intention to treat population experienced a significant improvement in outcomes (−0.06 P = .03] and −12.00 mmHg [P = .002] CMG and systolic BP, respectively).ConclusionA pharmacist‐designed mobile app did not result in improved medication adherence or BP control, but may be beneficial in patients with hypertension who struggle with medication adherence.
Adhesive pads of gecko and anoline lizards utilize corneous and cytoskeletal proteins for setae development and renewal
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe formation of the complex pattern of setae in adhesive pads of geckos and anoline lizards has been analyzed by ultrastructural, autoradiographic, and immunohistochemical methods. Setae terminate with spatulated ends responsible for adhesion that allow these lizards to climb vertical substrates and conquer arboreal niches. Setae derive from a complex interfaced molding between two specialized epidermal layers of the shedding complex that determines the cyclical skin molting, Oberhautchen and clear layers. Setae result from the action of setae cytoskeleton and the surrounding cytoplasm of clear cells. An intense protein synthesis, indicated by histidine and proline autoradiography, takes place during setae formation. Corneous and cytoskeletal proteins such as beta‐proteins (CBPs), intermediate filament keratins (IFKs), actin, RhoV, tubulin, plakophilin‐1, are produced during setae formation. Microfilaments of actin and microtubules of tubulin grow inside the elongating setae. Microtubules associated with filaments of unknown IKFs are produced in the cytoplasm of clear cells, forming a helical cytoskeleton that surrounds the growing setae. Oberhautchen and clear cells are tightly joined by numerous desmosomes and plakophilin‐1 is mainly localized along the perimeter of these cells. These observations suggest that actin and tubulin are present in a dynamic form in the forming setae and in the surrounding cytoplasm of clear cells. Aside the localized micro‐deformations of the cell membranes leading to setae formation the cytoskeleton determines the accumulation of CBPs inside the growing setae and the spatula. How the genome determines the specific pattern of cytoskeletal organization with the resulting species‐specific setae branching remains unknown.
An expedient and straightforward solvent‐free synthesis of 1,8‐dioxo‐octahydroxanthenes using eco‐friendly aluminized polyborate catalyst
Authors: Aute Dilip , Kshirsagar Akshay , Uphade Bhagwat , Gadhave Anil 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe present work deals with a catalytic application of aluminized polyborate as a mild solid acid catalyst for multicomponent synthesis of 1,8‐dioxo‐octahydroxanthenes under solvent‐free condition at 100°C‐110°C. It involves selective domino Knoevenagel‐Michael reaction of 1 mole of aromatic aldehyde with 2 moles dimedone. The aluminized polyborate is simply synthesized by using boric acid and aluminum trichloride and characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, SEM and EDAX techniques. The mild Lewis acidity, crystalline solid nature, stability and recyclability are significant features of the catalyst. The solvent‐free condition, clean reaction profile, inexpensive and non‐toxic catalyst, operational simplicity, good to excellent product yields, reduced reaction time and applicability to wide range of substrate are crucial features of this protocol.
Lrrk2 modulation of Wnt signaling during zebrafish development
Authors: Wint Jinelle M. , Sirotkin Howard I. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMutations in leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (lrrk2) are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease. Difficulty in elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms resulting from disease‐associated Lrrk2 variants stems from the complexity of Lrrk2 function and activities. Lrrk2 contains multiple protein–protein interacting domains, a GTPase domain, and a kinase domain. Lrrk2 is implicated in many cellular processes including vesicular trafficking, autophagy, cytoskeleton dynamics, and Wnt signaling. Here, we generated a zebrafish lrrk2 allelic series to study the requirements for Lrrk2 during development and to dissect the importance of its various domains. The alleles are predicted to encode proteins that either lack all functional domains (lrrk2sbu304), the GTPase, and kinase domains (lrrk2sbu71) or the kinase domain (lrrk2sbu96). All three lrrk2 mutants are viable, morphologically normal, and display wild‐type‐like locomotion. Because Lrrk2 modulates Wnt signaling in some contexts, we assessed Wnt signaling in all three mutant lines. Analysis of Wnt signaling by studying the expression of target genes using whole mount RNA in situ hybridization and a transgenic Wnt reporter revealed wild‐type domains of Wnt activity in each of the mutants. However, we found that Wnt pathway activation is attenuated in lrrk2sbu304/sbu304, which lacks both scaffolding and catalytic domains, but not in the other alleles during late embryogenesis. This supports a model in which Lrrk2 scaffolding functions are key to a context‐dependent role in promoting canonical Wnt signaling.
Comparing the performance of drought indicators in Australia from 1900 to 2018
Authors: Askarimarnani Sara S. , Kiem Anthony S. , Twomey Callum R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDrought is a complex natural hazard caused by a combination of atmospheric and hydrological processes. Many different drought indicators have been developed, with each indicator varying in its calculation and its focus on different types of drought (e.g., meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, socio‐economic, etc.). Despite this, drought still remains poorly understood. The objective of this study is to compare different drought indicators and highlight their similarities, differences, strengths and weaknesses. To do this, 11 drought indicators were calculated for different parts of Australia, a country that is prone to droughts. Three periods of major drought including the Federation drought (1895–1902), World War II drought (1937–1945), and the Millennium drought (1997–2010) were examined in detail. The results demonstrate that different indicators say very different things about the onset, severity, and end of drought conditions for a given location or area. This is especially the case for drought indicators that use precipitation as their only input and highlights that drought is more than just a lack of rainfall. Further, the use of varying temporal resolution in the calculated drought indicators also leads to large differences in the quantification of drought persistence. Our ability to manage the impact of drought on society and the environment is dependent on our ability to successfully identify and characterize drought. As such, it is important to understand sensitivities and uncertainties associated with: (a) the choice of drought indicator(s) and (b) the choice of time step used to calculate the drought indicator(s). To properly characterize drought, and to successfully quantify and manage the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of drought, the drought indicators employed must realistically capture all the different types of drought and how they evolve.
Moisture flows on Southeast Brazil: Present and future climate
Authors: Penna Ana Caroline , Torres Roger Rodrigues , Garcia Sâmia Regina , Marengo José Antônio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe characterization of the moisture flows over South America, with a special focus on the Southeast Brazil (SEB), was performed through the analysis of 21 Earth System Models (ESMs) belonging to the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) for the present climate (1971–2000) and projections for the late 21st century (2071–2100) using a scenario of high radiative forcing (RCP 8.5). The results show that the ESMs simulate well the spatial distribution of the flow and the divergence of moisture in the present climate, when compared with the 20CRv2c reanalysis, although some biases have been identified. In relation to the magnitude of the moisture flow, the models underestimate the moisture convergence mainly on the central, south and southeast regions of South America. On SEB, the simulations show that the main sources of moisture for the region come from the north and east edges, confirming the contribution of moisture from the Amazon Basin and the South Atlantic Ocean. Climate change projections indicate an increase in moisture flow across South America, and regions of moisture convergence (divergence) in the present climate are projected to be even more convergent (divergent) in the future climate. In addition, the moisture flow over the SEB also showed to be more intensified on all lateral edges, as well as the moisture balance. This result is consistent with some studies on projections of climate change towards the end of the 21st century, which indicate that there will be an intensification of meteorological systems such as the Low Level Jet and the South American Monsoon System, contributing to the increase of moisture transport to the SEB region.
Relationship With Calcium, Nutrition Risk, QTc Interval, Tp‐e Interval, and Tp‐e/QTc Ratio of Critical Care Patients
Authors: Avci Begüm Şeyda , Kuvvetli Adnan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo our knowledge, there are studies related to QTc interval in critical care patients whose nutrition scores are evaluated but no studies evaluating T‐wave peak and end interval (Tp‐e interval), Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio, used to evaluate cardiac arrhythmia risk and ventricular repolarization change rates. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether there is a change in Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio in patients whose nutrition scores are evaluated.MethodsThis study was planned as a retrospective cross‐sectional study. Forty‐four patients with a risk score of ≤3 were defined as low‐risk group, and 45 patients with a score of ≥4 were defined as high‐risk group. Forty‐five healthy patients of similar age and gender were included in the control group. All patients underwent 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG). The Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were measured on ECG. The study data were grouped as patients with high Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002) risk score, low NRS‐2002 risk score, and healthy control.ResultsQTc interval, Tp‐e interval, and Tp‐e/QTc ratios were significantly higher in patients with high nutrition risk. In a correlation analysis, Tp‐e interval and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were found to be independently associated with calcium, corrected calcium, and serum albumin level.ConclusionQTc interval, Tp‐e interval, and Tp‐e/QTc ratios are significantly increased in patients with high nutrition risk score compared with healthy people and are independently associated with calcium and serum albumin levels; thus, they can be used more effectively in the follow‐up of cardiac fatal arrhythmias.