bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral Ligand‐Driven Systematic Synthesis of Coordination Polymers with Non‐centrosymmetric Structures
Authors: Kuk Yunseung , Kee Joonhyuk , Ok Kang Min
Published: January 2022

Chirality is an important concept in chemistry revealing intriguing optical properties such as circular dichroism (CD), circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), etc. As one of the non‐centrosymmetric (NCS) classes, chiral materials with extended structures may exhibit unique nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, such as second‐harmonic generation (SHG). In this Concept article, a series of recently discovered NCS coordination polymers (CPs) from use of carefully designed chiral organic ligands are reviewed. Combining several metal cations such as lanthanides, lead, zinc, and cadmium with rigid chiral ligands has resulted in interesting CPs with both polar and nonpolar structures. Detailed structures, SHG properties, and structure‐property relationships are provided. The importance of hyperpolarizability formed by intermolecular hydrogen boding interactions to SHG is emphasized.
Pre‐ and on‐treatment lactate dehydrogenase as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in advanced non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Tjokrowidjaja Angelina , Lord Sarah J. , John Thomas , Lewis Craig R. , Kok Peey‐Sei , Marschner Ian C. , Lee Chee K.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The survival outcomes of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are variable. This study investigated whether pre‐ and on‐treatment lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) could better prognosticate and select patients for ICI therapy.

METHODS

Using data from the POPLAR and OAK trials of atezolizumab versus docetaxel in previously treated advanced NSCLC, the authors assessed the prognostic and predictive value of pretreatment LDH (less than or equal to vs greater than the upper limit of normal). They further examined changes in on‐treatment LDH by performing landmark analyses and estimated overall survival (OS) distributions according to the LDH level stratified by the response category (complete response [CR]/partial response [PR] vs stable disease [SD]). They repeated pretreatment analyses in subgroups defined by the programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) status.

RESULTS

This study included 1327 patients with available pretreatment LDH. Elevated pretreatment LDH was associated with an adverse prognosis regardless of treatment (hazard ratio [HR] for atezolizumab OS, 1.49; P = .0001; HR for docetaxel OS, 1.30; P = .004; P for treatment by LDH interaction = .28). Findings for elevated pretreatment LDH were similar for patients with positive PD‐L1 expression treated with atezolizumab. Persistently elevated on‐treatment LDH was associated with a 1.3‐ to 2.8‐fold increased risk of death at weeks 6, 12, 18, and 24 regardless of treatment. Elevated LDH at 6 weeks was associated with significantly shorter OS regardless of radiological response (HR for CR/PR, 2.10; P = .04; HR for SD, 1.50; P < .01), with similar findings observed at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

In previously treated advanced NSCLC, elevated pretreatment LDH is an independent adverse prognostic marker. There is no evidence that pretreatment LDH predicts ICI benefit. Persistently elevated on‐treatment LDH is associated with worse OS despite radiologic response.
Influence of input values on the prediction model error using artificial neural network based on Taguchi's orthogonal array
Authors: Rankovic Nevena , Rankovic Dragica , Ivanovic Mirjana , Lazic Ljubomir
Published: January 2022

Rapid and accurate assessment of software project development using artificial intelligence tools can be essential for success in the software industry. This article has two objectives: to reduce the magnitude relative error (MRE) value in estimating the effort and cost of software development using the proposed artificial neural network architecture based on the Taguchi method and examine the influence of input variables on the change in relative error value. Clustering and fuzzification methods further mitigate the heterogeneous structure of the different project values of the datasets used. Taguchi method contributes to the reduction of the number of iterations by 99%, which achieves a significant reduction in estimation and value of MRE. By monitoring additional criteria, such as prediction, correlation, and comparing two activation functions, such as sigmoid and radial basis function, the proposed model's correctness, reliability, and stability are confirmed. Significantly better results are expected using the sigmoid activation function and a decrease in the value of the mean (MRE).
Protein phosphatase 1 regulatory inhibitor subunit 14C promotes triple‐negative breast cancer progression via sustaining inactive glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta
Authors: Jian Yunting , Kong Lingzhi , Xu Hongyi , Shi Yawei , Huang Xinjian , Zhong Wenjing , Huang Shumei , Li Yue , Shi Dongni , Xiao Yunyun , Yang Muwen , Li Siqi , Chen Xiangfu , Ouyang Ying , Hu Yameng , Chen Xin , Song Libing , Ye Runyi , Wei Weidong
Published: January 2022

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is fast‐growing and highly metastatic with the poorest prognosis among the breast cancer subtypes. Inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) plays a vital role in the aggressiveness of TNBC; however, the underlying mechanism for sustained GSK3β inhibition remains largely unknown. Here, we find that protein phosphatase 1 regulatory inhibitor subunit 14C (PPP1R14C) is upregulated in TNBC and relevant to poor prognosis in patients. Overexpression of PPP1R14C facilitates cell proliferation and the aggressive phenotype of TNBC cells, whereas the depletion of PPP1R14C elicits opposite effects. Moreover, PPP1R14C is phosphorylated and activated by protein kinase C iota (PRKCI) at Thr73. p‐PPP1R14C then represses Ser/Thr protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) to retain GSK3β phosphorylation at high levels. Furthermore, p‐PPP1R14C recruits E3 ligase, TRIM25, toward the ubiquitylation and degradation of non‐phosphorylated GSK3β. Importantly, the blockade of PPP1R14C phosphorylation inhibits xenograft tumorigenesis and lung metastasis of TNBC cells. These findings provide a novel mechanism for sustained GSK3β inactivation in TNBC and suggest that PPP1R14C might be a potential therapeutic target.
Gain improvement of THz antenna using semicircular slot and modified ground plane
Authors: Aathmanesan T.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, gain improvement and impedance matching of THz patch antenna by using semicircular slot and modified ground plane are discussed. The proposed antenna consists of a simple rectangular patch configuration. The novelty of the proposed antenna is its semicircular slot, and modified ground structures are used to enhance the gain and impedance matching of the proposed antenna. Design evolution along with parametric studies is also offered in this paper along with the return loss comparisons. Surface current distributions that are presented for the validation of proposed antenna's operation are controlled by the slots. The effect of slots on performance of the proposed antenna is also offered in this paper. The proposed antenna is designed and simulated on CST software. The proposed antenna occupies a compact area of 100 × 150 × 10 μm3, which in terms of wavelength can be given by 0.33
0.5
0.03
where
is the free space wavelength at 1 THz. The proposed antenna has a resonant frequency of 1 THz with a realized peak gain of 8.87 dBi and efficiency of 87%, respectively. The proposed antenna can be a suitable candidate for 1‐THz applications.
Dual‐band compact split‐ring resonator‐shaped fractal antenna with defected ground plane for sub‐6‐GHz 5G and global system for mobile communication applications
Authors: Patel Upesh , Upadhyaya Trushit , Desai Arpan , Pandey Rajat , Pandya Killol
Published: January 2022

In this article, a split‐ring resonator‐inspired fractal antenna for the GSM and sub‐6‐GHz 5G applications is presented. The antenna geometry uses a combination of square‐shaped split‐ring resonators arranged in a Sierpinski fractal arrangement that is realized on a low‐cost FR4 substrate. The overall dimension of the proposed antenna is 0.35λ × 0.35λ mm2 (lowest frequency). The antenna resonates at a dual‐frequency band spanning from 1.75 to 2.0 (13.36%) and 3.01 to 4.18 GHz (33.42%) with a peak gain of 1.5 and 2.05 dBi at respective resonant peaks that correlate satisfactorily with the measured values. The proposed antenna uses Sierpinski fractal geometry on the top and the partial ground plane at the back with dipole‐shaped radiation patterns, and an efficiency of around 80% makes the antenna commercially suited for the GSM and sub‐6‐GHz 5G communication applications.
Structure identification and analysis of the suspected chemical precursor of 2‐fluorodeschloroketamine and its decomposition products
Authors: Luo Xuan , Zhang Di , Luo Qiulian , Huang Kejian , Liu Xiaofeng , Yang Ning , Qin Zuzeng , Feng Chunli , Li Junbo
Published: January 2022

In this work, 1‐[(2″‐fluorophenyl)(methylimino)methyl]cyclopentan‐1‐ol (2‐fluorodeschlorohydroxylimine) was identified as a suspected chemical precursor of 2‐fluorodeschloroketamine (2‐FDCK) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography‐quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC‐Q/TOF‐MS) and comparing the data with those of ketamine and its chemical precursor, hydroxylimine. Furthermore, the entire fragmentation pathway of 2‐fluorodeschlorohydroxylimine was theorized from the GC–MS spectrum recorded using an electron ionization (EI) source, and the mechanisms and decomposition pathways of 2‐fluorodeschlorohydroxylimine were elucidated. In protic solvents, the nitrogen atom in the C═N group of 2‐fluorodeschlorohydroxylimine underwent a protonation reaction. Thereafter, the traces of water present in protic solvents promoted the hydrolysis of the protonated imine, and a carbon cation was obtained following the loss of methylamine. The carbon cation could follow the classical decomposition mechanism of imines and yield an α‐hydroxyl ketone, which was the major decomposition product, (2′‐fluorophenyl)(1″‐hydroxycyclopentyl)methanone. The cation could also undergo a loop expansion rearrangement and yield another α‐hydroxyl ketone, 2‐(2′‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐hydroxycyclohexan‐1‐one. The structures of the two aforementioned decomposition products were elucidated using several techniques including theoretical calculation, GC–MS, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the prediction and assistance elucidation functions of ACDLabs‐Structure Elucidator Suite, and the virtual separation technology of diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy. The aforementioned study revealed important information about the chemical precursor of 2‐FDCK and its decomposition. Furthermore, a set of methods for the qualitative analysis of 2‐fluorodeschlorohydroxylimine were established, which facilitated accurate analysis of 2‐fluorodeschlorohydroxylimine samples following decomposition or destruction.
Risk factors for low back pain outcome: Does it matter when they are measured?
Authors: Klyne David Murray , Hall Leanne Marie , Nicholas Michael K. , Hodges Paul William
Published: January 2022

Background

The early identification of factors that increase risk of poor recovery from acute low back pain (LBP) is critical to prevent the transition to chronicity. Although most studies of risk factors for poor outcome in LBP tend to investigate the condition once it is already persistent, there is evidence to suggest that this differs from risk factors measured during the early‐acute stage. This study aimed to identify early risk factors for poor outcome in the short‐ and long‐term in individuals with acute LBP, and to compare this with factors identified at 3 months in the same cohort.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐three individuals were recruited within 2 weeks of an acute LBP episode and completed questionnaires related to their sociodemographic, psychological, clinical and history/treatment status at baseline and 3 months later, and their pain‐level fortnightly for 12 months.

Results

Of the 133 participants recruited, follow‐up data were provided by 120 at 3 months, 97 at 6 months, 85 at 9 months and 94 at 12 months. Linear regression identified various factors at baseline (acute phase) and 3 months later that predicted short‐ and long‐term outcome (pain level, change in pain). Key findings were that: (1) depressive symptoms at baseline most consistently predicted worse outcome; (2) psychological factors in general at 3 months were more predictive of outcome than when measured at baseline; (3) early health care utilization predicted better outcome, whereas use of pain medication later (3 months) predicted worse outcome; and (4) sex and BMI predicted outcome inconsistently over 12‐months.

Conclusions

The results highlight the multidimensional nature of risk factors for poor outcome in LBP and the need to consider time variation in these factors.

Significance

This study attempts to consider the impact of time variation of candidate risk factors on long‐term outcome from the very early onset of acute low back pain. Risk factors across domains (sociodemographic, psychological, clinical, history/treatment) were identified, but their relationship with outcome often depended on when (acute phase vs. 3 months later) they were measured after back pain onset. Findings highlight the need to consider both a diverse range of factors and their potential time variance when assessing risk of poor outcome.
Introduction to the special issue “Redesigning the hypotheses for drug‐resistant epilepsy”
Authors: Rocha Luisa
Published: January 2022

Drug‐resistant epilepsy represents an important neurological condition. Its prevalence is not modified in spite of the different hypotheses established to understand the mechanisms involved. The special issue “Redesigning the hypotheses for drug‐resistant epilepsy” represents an effort of different investigators to discuss the limitations of the hypotheses that explain the drug resistance in epilepsy. In addition, new paradigms and novel strategies to control drug‐resistant epilepsy are pointed out to understand this condition.
Emerging polymeric electrospun fibers: From structural diversity to application in flexible bioelectronics and tissue engineering
Authors: Wan Xingyi , Zhao Yunchao , Li Zhou , Li Linlin
Published: January 2022

Electrospinning (e‐spin) technique has emerged as a versatile and feasible pathway for constructing diverse polymeric fabric structures, which show potential applications in many biological and biomedical fields. Owing to the advantages of adjustable mechanics, designable structures, versatile surface multi‐functionalization, and biomimetic capability to natural tissue, remarkable progress has been made in flexible bioelectronics and tissue engineering for the sensing and therapeutic purposes. In this perspective, we review recent works on design of the hierarchically structured e‐spin fibers, as well as, the fabrication strategies from one‐dimensional individual fiber (1D) to three‐dimensional (3D) fiber arrangements adaptive to specific applications. Then, we focus on the most cutting‐edge progress of their applications in flexible bioelectronics and tissue engineering. Finally, we propose future challenges and perspectives for promoting electrospun fiber‐based products toward industrialized, intelligent, multifunctional, and safe applications.
Enduring effect of abuse: Childhood maltreatment links to altered theory of mind network among adults
Authors: Pang Yajing , Zhao Shanshan , Li Zhihui , Li Nan , Yu Jiarui , Zhang Rui , Lu Fengmei , Chen Heng , Wu Fengchun , Zheng Wei , Gao Jingjing , Yang Yongfeng , Wu Huawang , Wang Jiaojian
Published: January 2022

Childhood maltreatment (CM) confers a great risk of maladaptive development outcomes later in life, however, the neurobiological mechanism underlying this vulnerability is still unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the long‐term consequences of CM on neural connectivity while controlling for psychiatric conditions, medication, and, substance abuse. A sample including adults with (n = 40) and without CM (n = 50) completed Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), personality questionnaires, and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan were recruited for the current study. The whole‐brain functional connectivity (FC) was evaluated using an unbiased, data‐driven, multivariate pattern analysis method. Relative to controls, adults with CM suffered a higher level of temperament and impulsivity and showed decreased FC between the insula and superior temporal gyrus (STG) and between inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and middle frontal gyrus, STG, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), while increased FC between IPL and cuneus and superior frontal gyrus (SFG) regions. The FCs of IPL with dACC and SFG were correlated with the anxious and cyclothymic temperament and attentional impulsivity. Moreover, these FCs partially mediated the relationship between CM and attentional impulsivity. Our results suggest that CM has a significant effect on the modulation of FC within theory of mind (ToM) network even decades later in adulthood, and inform a new framework to account for how CM results in the development of impulsivity. The novel findings reveal the neurobiological consequences of CM and provide new clues to the prevention and intervention strategy to reduce the risk of the development of psychopathology.
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Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Wenqing , Dai Jianying , Sun Mingzi , Zhao Jun , Ji Lifei , Chen Lin , Zeng Fanlong , Yang Fengchun , Huang Bolong , Dai Liming
Published: January 2022

Since most electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), except for precious metal oxides RuO2 and IrO2, are unstable in harsh acidic solutions, it is highly desirable to develop high‐performance OER electrocatalysts for acidic media. Herein, authors (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12273)report a simple strategy to produce carboxyl‐enriched multiwalled carbon nanotubes that exhibit stable and high electrocatalytic activities for OER in acidic solutions. As far as we are aware, these results represent the best OER performance for metal‐free electrocatalysts, even comparable to those of RuO2 and IrO2.

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Authors: Ng Sue‐Faye , Foo Joel Jie , Ong Wee‐Jun
Published: January 2022

Solar‐driven CO2‐to‐fuel conversion has become a promising avenue towards tackling the exponential rise in global CO2 emissions. As a class of metal‐free nanomaterial, graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has been widely studied for solar‐driven CO2 reduction with its allotropes (e.g. C3N5. C2N) rising in popularity recently. External‐field assisted methods have incited much interest due to their synergistic contribution to the photochemical CO2 reduction reaction. The rise of viable solar technology paves a sustainable alternative to the current fuel source to close the carbon cycle and achieve a circular carbon economy. DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12279

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A subquadratic algorithm for the simultaneous conjugacy problem
Authors: Brodnik Andrej , Malnič Aleksander , Požar Rok
Published: January 2022

The ‐Simultaneous Conjugacy problem in the symmetric group asks whether there exists a permutation such that holds for all , where and are given sequences of permutations in . The time complexity of existing algorithms for solving the problem is . We show that for a given positive integer the ‐Simultaneous Conjugacy problem in can be solved in time. Our algorithm solves a number of problems from various fields of mathematics and computer science.
The mechanism of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Zhao Wenbin , Li Hanmeng , Li Jianghua , Xu Bin , Xu Jian
Published: January 2022

In late 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) arose, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). This disease rapidly became a public health event of international concern. In addition to the most typical symptoms of dyspnea, numerous patients with COVID‐19 exhibited systemic symptoms, such as cardiovascular disease, liver and kidney failure, and disorders in coagulation. At present, clinical data indicates that numerous patients who are critically ill die from multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS). Moreover, the entry of SARS‐CoV‐2 into cells causing severe pathology and progressive organ failure is precisely mediated by the human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 protein. This plays a role in maintaining both fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, ensuring the stability of the internal environment. Therefore, the present review aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of MODS caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection based on the current clinical data and previous studies.
Assessing soil organic carbon, N and P stocks and its relation to soil properties in artificial canopy gaps in a managed oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) forest#
Authors: Amolikondori Alireza , Abrari Vajari Kambiz , Feizian Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Background

In the Hyrcanian temperate forests, different canopy gaps sizes have been created by logging under silvicultural methods. Understanding the effects of gaps on forest ecosystems can help in the planning and decision‐making of forestry practices. Variations in ecological conditions caused by canopy gaps may have an impact on the forest stand, particularly soil nutrients.

Aims

The purpose of the present research was to investigate the changes in soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stocks under different gap sizes in the Hyrcanian oriental beech forest.

Methods

We measured SOC, N and P stocks of soil at the depth of 0–20 cm among 15 artificial gaps along with adjacent closed stand which was created by single‐tree selection system in oriental beech stand, northern Iran. In the center and four cardinal positions of the edge of gaps as well as in the four adjacent closed canopy forests at the distance of 20 m from gaps, the soil sampling was performed.

Results

The difference in C, N and P stocks among the artificial canopy gaps was statistically significant, and higher mean values were observed in large gaps. No significant difference was observed between gaps and adjacent closed stands with regard to soil C, N and P stocks. At artificial gaps and closed stands, the SOC stock was negatively correlated with clay and positively correlated with bulk density, sand, N and OC. With increasing bulk density, sand, N, P, and OC, N stock was increased in gaps. In gaps, SOC and P stocks were both positively related to soil microbial C and soil microbial P, respectively.

Conclusion

Generally, it can be stated that there are similar relative ecological conditions between artificial gaps and closed stands, and the interaction among soil properties in gaps demonstrates gap dynamics in deciduous, broad‐leaved beech forest.
Predicted distribution of plains spotted skunk in Arkansas and Missouri
Authors: LaRose Summer H. , MacPherson Maggie P. , Lesmeister Damon B. , Mundy Hackett H. , Perry Roger W. , Blake Sasse D. , Gompper Matthew E.
Published: January 2022

The plains spotted skunk (Spilogale interrupta) is of conservation concern because of widespread population declines and is being considered for listing under the United States Endangered Species Act. Although the taxon is relatively rare and difficult to study, recent research and reports provided some information about spotted skunks in Arkansas and Missouri, USA. Using this information, we employed full and simplified multivariate species distribution models to evaluate cover type associations and identify regions of high predicted presence for plains spotted skunks. The simple model contained percent forest and percent development within 5 km, land cover category, and distance to water. Percent forest within 5 km was the most important variable based on permutation importance in both models, indicating that plains spotted skunk habitat may persist in contiguous forest at the landscape scale. Regions predicted to have high presence occurred in northern, western, and southern Arkansas and southern Missouri, totaling >300,000 ha. The resulting plains spotted skunk distribution map can be used for research and management efforts in areas of high probability of occurrence, and future statewide survey efforts may validate our results.
Changes in the permafrost environment under dual impacts of climate change and human activities in the Hola basin, northern Da Xing'anling Mountains, Northeast China
Authors: He Ruixia , Jin Huijun , Luo Dongliang , Huang Yadong , Ma Futing , Li Xiaoying , Wang Hongwei , Li Yan , Jia Ning , Li Xinyu , Jin Xiaoying , Serban Raul‐David , Serban Mihaela , Zhou Chuanfang , Liang Zhongkai , Sun Yanfeng
Published: January 2022

The Hola basin in the northern Da Xing'anling Mountains in Northeast China has been extensively developed for coal mining since the 1980s, resulting in a significantly degrading permafrost environment. However, the changing thermal state of permafrost under the boreal forest remains unclear. Based on ground temperature records from nine monitoring boreholes at three areas (disturbed, backfilled, and undisturbed areas) from 2015 to 2020, the thermal state of permafrost under the dual influences of climate change and human activities were evaluated. It is found that the temperatures at the depth of zero annual amplitude (TZAA) in the disturbed area increased by 0.2–0.5°C during the past 6 years, turning the cold permafrost (TZAA ≤ −1.0°C) into a warm one (−1 ≤ TZAA ≤ 0°C). Additionally, the permafrost table was lowered by 0.8–7.0 m. As a result, subaerial supra‐permafrost talik occurred. However, TZAA in the undisturbed areas lowered by 0.03–0.11°C, possibly due to the lagged response of the local climate cooling during 2001–2010. In the meantime, TZAA rose sharply in the disturbed areas, indicating more significant influences of intense human activities on permafrost in comparison with that of climate change. As the permafrost degrades, the boreal permafrost eco‐environment has changed dramatically, as revealed by the draining and drying up of the Yueya'hu Lake in the southern Hola basin. These results help reveal the physical mechanisms, evaluate the rates and amplitudes of environmental changes, and manage the boreal forest environment and resources in a sustainable manner.
Health plans, insurers failing in delivering parity in MH, SUD benefits
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2022

A new report from the U.S. Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury finds that health plans and insurance companies are out of compliance with the federal parity law. The 2022 report on the 2008 Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), issued to Congress last week, suggests health plans and health insurance issuers are failing to provide the proper mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) benefits to those under coverage.
Sufficiency for nephroid starlikeness using hypergeometric functions
Authors: Swaminathan Anbhu , Wani Lateef Ahmad
Published: January 2022

Let
consists of analytic functions
satisfying
. Let
be the recently introduced Ma–Minda type functions family associated with the two‐cusped kidney‐shaped nephroid curve
given by

In this paper, we adopt a novel technique that uses the geometric properties of hypergeometric functions to determine sharp estimates on β so that each of the differential subordinations

imply p (z) ≺ φNe(z), where p (z) is analytic satisfying
. As applications, we establish conditions that are sufficient to deduce that
is a member of
.
Some results on OMP algorithm for MMV problem
Authors: Zhang Xiwen , Xie Liejun , Wang Jinping
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the robustness of the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm for multiple measurement vector (MMV) problem under the restricted isometry property (RIP) is presented. Moreover, it is shown that the OMP algorithm can exactly recover K‐row sparse matrices in K iterations under the RIP condition we have presented. Furthermore, the condition is sharp.
Magnetic resonance elastography with guided pressure waves
Authors: Tardieu Marion , Salameh Najat , Souris Line , Rousseau David , Jourdain Laurène , Skeif Hanadi , Prévot François , de Rochefort Ludovic , Ducreux Denis , Louis Bruno , Garteiser Philippe , Sinkus Ralph , Darrasse Luc , Poirier‐Quinot Marie , Maître Xavier
Published: January 2022

Magnetic resonance elastography aims to non‐invasively and remotely characterize the mechanical properties of living tissues. To quantitatively and regionally map the shear viscoelastic moduli in vivo, the technique must achieve proper mechanical excitation throughout the targeted tissues. Although it is straightforward, ante manibus, in close organs such as the liver or the breast, which practitioners clinically palpate already, it is somewhat fortunately highly challenging to trick the natural protective barriers of remote organs such as the brain. So far, mechanical waves have been induced in the latter by shaking the surrounding cranial bones. Here, the skull was circumvented by guiding pressure waves inside the subject's buccal cavity so mechanical waves could propagate from within through the brainstem up to the brain. Repeatable, reproducible and robust displacement fields were recorded in phantoms and in vivo by magnetic resonance elastography with guided pressure waves such that quantitative mechanical outcomes were extracted in the human brain.
Impact of training modes on fitness and body composition in women with obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Davis Mary E. , Blake Catherine , Perrotta Carla , Cunningham Caitriona , O’Donoghue Gráinne
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of different exercise modalities and determine the optimal exercise prescription for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and metabolic health of women with obesity.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1988 and October 2020 was conducted. The RCTs were screened using the following inclusion criteria: 1) participants: women aged 18 to 65 years with BMI > 30 kg/m2and without comorbidities; 2) intervention: exercise; 3) comparison: non‐intervention control; and 4) outcomes measures: cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen consumption), body composition (i.e., body weight, percentage body fat), and/or metabolic measures (i.e., blood pressure, cholesterol).

Results

A total of 20 RCTs with a total of 2,062 participants were included. Although the results showed that any form of exercise was more effective than control, improvements in fitness and body composition were modest. Aerobic exercise (vigorous and moderate intensity) appeared most promising for improving fitness and body weight, whereas low‐load resistance training resulted in the largest improvements in body fatness.

Conclusions

In women living with obesity, aerobic exercise was consistently effective in improving fitness and body composition. Although both resistance training and combined exercise interventions appear promising, more research is needed to evaluate their efficacy and determine an optimal exercise prescription for this population.
Stability analysis and comparative study on different eco‐epidemiological models: Stage structure for prey and predator concerning impulsive control
Authors: Jose Sayooj Aby , Ramachandran Raja , Cao Jinde , Alzabut Jehad , Niezabitowski Michal , Balas Valentina E.
Published: January 2022

The asymptotic behavior of four integrated pest management models with stage structure is analyzed in this article. Stage structuring is suggested because almost all pests pass through two stages in their lives, namely immature larvae and mature adults. It is believed that immature susceptible pests and exposed pests are targeted by a natural enemy and infected pests that make them exposed are contacted by susceptible pests (immature and mature). After fixed times, infected pests, and natural enemies are infused impulsively. And we have also integrated the effects of nontarget pests here. The stability analysis of the periodic pest extinction solution is obtained by the floquet theory, the method of small amplitude perturbation, and the comparison theorem. The results obtained provide some valid theoretical results for successful management of pests and also established the threshold time limit for the impulsive release of various controls. A comparative analysis with computational simulation offers a good idea of each model and our primary outcomes.
Self‐assembly and antistatic property of ionic liquid crystalline polymers
Authors: Tang Xinqiao , Yan Guiyang , Wang Jiwei , Cui Luan , Jiang Beihong , Zhu Boyan , Meng Fanbao
Published: January 2022

Series of ionic liquid crystalline polymers (ILCPs) containing bipyridinium groups were synthesized by ionic self‐assembly technology, and the chemical structure, self‐assembly behavior, liquid crystalline property, and antistatic property were investigated by various techniques. All the polymers exhibit good thermotropic liquid crystal on heating cycle. The precursor bromo‐polyesters displayed nematic phase, but the ILCPs (IPPy‐Br, IPP‐BF4and IPP‐PF6series) containing bipyridine groups and different counter‐anions showed smectic C phase. The effects of different counter‐ions on liquid crystalline behavior were discussed in this study. The antistatic properties of these ILCPs were investigated by a four‐probe measuring instrument. The surface resistivity was slight sensitivity to the surface water absorption due to the special structure of conductive channels of these ILCPs. It was found that all these ILCPs exhibited superior antistatic performance and ionic conductivity properties. In these ILCPs containing Br−, BF4−and PF6−counter‐ions, the IPPy‐BF4series of polymers with BF4−showed the maximum conductivity due to the influence of the BF4−anion in the ordered structure.
Sampling in the case‐time‐control design among drug users when outcome prevents further treatment
Authors: Madsen Jeppe Ekstrand Halkjær , Hallas Jesper , Delvin Thomas , Scheike Thomas , Pipper Christian
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The objective of this article is to advocate a new way of sampling controls in the case‐time‐control design in a cohort of drug users when the studied outcome prevents further treatment.

Methods

Mathematically we demonstrate how a standard sampling of controls, where controls are sampled among all subjects without an event at end‐of‐study, leads to a biased effect estimate. We propose to add the requirement that controls initiate treatment before the calendar time of event of their matched case to circumvent this. The standard and proposed sampling methods are compared in a simulation study and in an empirical data example examining the effect of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug usage on the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Results

When the controls are sampled the standard way, the case‐time‐control design confers a bias because cases and controls have a different time‐trend of exposure.

The bias has been upwards in all the scenarios we have investigated. The requirement we add to be a potential control ensures that cases and controls have the same time‐trend of exposure when treatment and outcome are independent. The simulation study confirms that the proposed sampling method removes the bias between treatment and outcome. The proposed sampling method lowered the odds‐ratio estimate from 3.72 to 3.26 in the data example.

Conclusion

The proposed sampling method makes it possible to use the case‐time‐control design in a cohort of subjects with registered use of a drug when outcome prevents further treatment.
Patient, caregiver, and oncologist predictions of quality of life in advanced cancer: Accuracy and associations with end‐of‐life care and caregiver bereavement
Authors: Hoerger Michael , Gramling Robert , Epstein Ronald , Fenton Joshua J. , Mohile Supriya G. , Kravitz Richard L. , Mossman Brenna , Prigerson Holly G. , Alonzi Sarah , Malhotra Kirti , Duberstein Paul
Published: January 2022

Background

Informed treatment decision‐making necessitates accurate prognostication, including predictions about quality of life.

Aims

We examined whether oncologists, patients with advanced cancer, and caregivers accurately predict patients’ future quality of life and whether these predictions are prospectively associated with end‐of‐life care and bereavement.

Materials & Methods

We conducted secondary analyses of clinical trial data. Patients with advanced cancer (n = 156), caregivers (n = 156), and oncologists (n = 38) predicted patient quality of life 3 months into the future. Patients subsequently rated their quality of life 3 months later. Medical record data documented chemotherapy and emergency department (ED)/inpatient visits in the 30 days before death (n = 79 decedents). Caregivers self‐reported on depression, anxiety, grief, purpose, and regret 7‐months post‐mortem. In mixed‐effects models, patient, caregiver, and oncologist quality‐of‐life predictions at study entry were used to predict end‐of‐life care and caregiver outcomes, controlling for patients’ quality of life at 3‐month follow‐up, demographic and clinical characteristics, and nesting within oncologists.

Results

Caregivers (P < 0.0001) and oncologists (P = 0.001) predicted lower quality of life than what patients actually experienced. Among decedents, 24.0% received chemotherapy and 54.5% had an ED/inpatient visit. When caregivers’ predictions were more negative, patients were less likely to receive chemotherapy (P = 0.028) or have an ED/inpatient visit (P = 0.033), and caregivers reported worse depression (P = 0.002), anxiety (P = 0.019), and grief (P = 0.028) and less purpose in life (P < 0.001) 7‐months post‐mortem.

Conclusion

When caregivers have more negative expectations about patients’ quality of life, patients receive less intensive end‐of‐life care, and caregivers report worse bereavement outcomes.
Lanthanum‐Induced Morphotropic Phase Boundary in BiFeO3–BaTiO3‐Based Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Bai Xudong , Pan Yongqi , Li Guannan , Xu Zunping , Chen Yi
Published: January 2022

0.71Bi1.05(1−x)LaxFe0.98Ga0.02O3–0.29BaTiO3 + 0.1wt%MnO2 ceramics are fabricated via a traditional solid‐state reaction route. Rietveld refinement analysis of X‐ray diffraction data shows that all the studied ceramics consist of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases. The La‐free samples are dominated by rhombohedral phase, the proportion of which, however, gradually decreases with the addition of La. And in 0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.02, the ceramics have approximately equal proportions of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases, showing the characteristics of typical morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). The optimal piezoelectric properties (d33 = 178 pC N−1 and kp = 0.31) are achieved at x = 0.005, owing to the MPB. A more apparent relaxor behavior is found to be induced with the addition of La. Furthermore, the ceramics also exhibit good insulation properties and high‐temperature stability of piezoelectric properties, which is very important for practical uses, especially for those in high‐temperature environments.
Parallel Gate Operations Fidelity in a Linear Array of Flip‐Flop Qubits
Authors: Rei Davide , Ferraro Elena , De Michielis Marco
Published: January 2022

Quantum computers based on silicon are promising candidates for long term universal quantum computation due to the long coherence times of electron and nuclear spin states. Furthermore, the continuous progress of micro‐ and nano‐electronics, also related to the scaling of metal–oxide–semiconductor systems, makes it possible to control the displacement of single dopants thus suggesting their exploitation as qubit holders. Flip‐flop qubit is a donor based qubit where interactions between qubits are achievable for distance up to several hundred nanometers. In this work, a linear array of flip‐flop qubits is considered and the unwanted mutual qubit interactions due to the simultaneous application of two one‐qubit and two two‐qubit gates are included in the quantum gate simulations. In particular, by studying the parallel execution of couples of one‐qubit gates, namely and , and of couples of two‐qubit gate, that is, , a safe inter‐qubit distance is found where unwanted qubit interactions are negligible thus leading to parallel gates fidelity up to 99.9%.
Tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis‐associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis: A 1‐year follow‐up case report
Authors: Huang Jia , Chen Zhen , Zhao Like , Cheng Yongjing , Gao Ming , Huang Cibo , Wang Zheng , Wang Fang
Published: January 2022

Clinical case

We report a case of rheumatoid arthritis‐associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) successfully treated with tocilizumab. Despite being treated with systemic corticosteroids and several disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, evern though received corneal transplantation, the patient was still going to lose her sight. Tocilizumab resulted in a good response with control of her systemic illness and preventing the progress of corneal lesions.

Discussion

Tocilizumab may be an additional tool for the patients with rheumatoid arthritis associated PUK that is refractory to other drugs.
Carbon Dot Therapeutic Platforms: Administration, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, Toxicity, and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Truskewycz Adam , Yin Hong , Halberg Nils , Lai Daniel T. H. , Ball Andrew S. , Truong Vi Khanh , Rybicka Agata Marta , Cole Ivan
Published: January 2022

Ultrasmall nanoparticles are often grouped under the broad umbrella term of “nanoparticles” when reported in the literature. However, for biomedical applications, their small sizes give them intimate interactions with biological species and endow them with unique functional physiochemical properties. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are an emerging class of ultrasmall nanoparticles which have demonstrated considerable biocompatibility and have been employed as potent theragnostic platforms. These particles find application for increasing drug solubility and targeting, along with facilitating the passage of drugs across impermeable membranes (i.e., blood brain barrier). Further functionality can be triggered by various environmental conditions or external stimuli (i.e., pH, temperature, near Infrared (NIR) light, ultrasound), and their intrinsic fluorescence is valuable for diagnostic applications. The focus of this review is to shed light on the therapeutic potential of CQDs and identify how they travel through the body, reach their site of action, administer therapeutic effect, and are excreted. Investigation into their toxicity and compatibility with larger nanoparticle carriers is also examined. The future of CQDs for theragnostic applications is promising due to their multifunctional attributes and documented biocompatibility. As nanomaterial platforms become more commonplace in clinical treatments, the commercialization of CQD therapeutics is anticipated.
Review on Microscale Sensors with 3D Engineered Structures: Fabrication and Applications
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Qu Menglong , Fu Xiuqing , Lin Jian
Published: January 2022

The intelligence of modern technologies relies on perceptual systems based on microscale sensors. However, because of the traditional top‐down fabrication approaches performed on planar silicon wafers, a large proportion of existing microscale sensors have 2D structures, which severely restricts their sensing capabilities. To overcome these restrictions, over the past few decades, increasing efforts have been devoted to developing new fabrication methods for microscale sensors with 3D engineered structures, from bulk chemical etching and 3D printing to molding and stress‐induced assembly. Herein, the authors systematically review these fabrication methods based on the applications of the resulting 3D sensors and discuss their advantages compared to their 2D counterparts. This is followed by a perspective on the remaining challenges and possible opportunities.
Erläuterungen zur aktuell überarbeiteten Richtlinie 805 zur Bewertung von Ingenieurbauwerken der Deutschen Bahn
Authors: Steffen Sascha , Niemann Peter , Geißler Karsten
Published: January 2022

Für die Nachrechnung und Bewertung von Eisenbahnbrücken hat sich die seit ca. 30 Jahren angewandte Richtlinie 805 sehr gut bewährt. Im Rahmen der aktuellen, durch die DB Netz AG vorgenommenen Überarbeitung der Richtlinie wird eine gewisse Angleichung an die europäischen Normen, insbesondere bei den charakteristischen Werten, Sicherheitsfaktoren und Kombinationsbeiwerten angestrebt. Allerdings muss sehr sensibel mit den normativen Regelungen umgegangen werden, da eine Neubauvorsorge für die Bestandsbewertung nicht möglich und auch nicht notwendig ist – im Gegenteil, diese würde zu volkswirtschaftlich relevanten Fehlbewertungen von Bauwerken mit ausreichender Zuverlässigkeit führen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden zu den einzelnen Modifikationen der Richtlinie 805 hinsichtlich Festlegungen von Einwirkungen, Sicherheitselementen sowie Nachweisen im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit und der Ermüdung die wesentlichen Hintergründe erläutert.
‘Because you’re all covered up’: Islamophobia in the ELT Classroom
Authors: Yaghi Esra , Ryan Jonathon
Published: January 2022

Applied linguists have increasingly focused on how the lives of English language teachers and learners are shaped by race and its intersections with other marginalized identities (e.g. Von Esch et al, 2020). Curiously overlooked, however, are the experiences of one particularly stigmatized group in English‐majority countries: Muslim women veiled in niqab or hijab. In a global climate wary of displays of Muslim identity, such women are particularly visible, misunderstood and disproportionately targeted. The present study explored ESL classroom‐based experiences of Islamophobia in the stories of twelve Saudi women sojourning in New Zealand. Presented here are stories related to encounters with classmates that were perceived by the women to be hostile or discriminatory. Analysis included a focus on recurring features of interactional conduct, which were interpreted as expressions of underlying discourses and ideologies. Among other findings, the women reported condescending interrogations of their lives and Muslim identities, with appeals to discourses such as that of ‘imperiled Muslim women’. Also reported were incidents of verbal aggression, whether bald or masked as ‘joking’. While arguing for tolerance, the authors urge the importance of recognizing, monitoring and addressing classroom‐based Islamophobia.
Numerical integration of loop integrals through local cancellation of threshold singularities
Authors: Kermanschah D.
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We propose a new approach that allows for the separate numerical calculation of the real and imaginary parts of finite loop integrals. We find that at one-loop the real part is given by the Loop-Tree Duality integral supplemented with suitable counterterms and the imaginary part is a sum of two-body phase space integrals, constituting a locally finite representation of the generalised optical theorem. These expressions are integrals in momentum space, whose integrands were specially designed to feature local cancellations of threshold singularities. Such a representation is well suited for Monte Carlo integration and avoids the drawbacks of a numerical contour deformation around remaining singularities. Our method is directly applicable to a range integrals with certain geometric properties but not yet fully generalised for arbitrary one-loop integrals. We demonstrate the computational performance with examples of one-loop integrals with various kinematic configurations, which gives promising prospects for an extension to multi-loop integrals.