bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insect allies—Assessment of a viral approach to plant genome editing
Authors: Pfeifer Kevin , Frieß Johannes L. , Giese Bernd
Published: January 2022

The Insect Allies program of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has already sparked scientific debate concerning technology assessment-related issues, among which the most prevalent is that of dual use. Apart from the issues concerning peaceful applications, the technology also provides the blueprint for a potential bioweapon. However, the combination of a virus-induced genetic modification of crop plants in the field using genetically modified insect vectors poses a greater risk than the hitherto existing use of genetically modified organisms. The technology's great depth of intervention allows a number of sources for hazard and a tendency towards high exposure, but it is also encumbered with notable deficits in knowledge. These issues call for a thorough technology assessment. This article aims to provide an initial characterization from a technology assessment perspective, focusing on potential sources of risk for this novel invasive environmental biotechnology at an early stage of research and development. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1488–1499. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

In comparison to the hitherto existing use of genetically modified organisms, the high depth of intervention of the Horizontal Environmental Genetic Alteration Agents (HEGAA) enables a number of sources for hazard and a tendency towards high exposure. At the current stage of development, the most critical aspect is the compromised reliability of the HEGAA approach, mainly due to its complex design with three different species. Although some alternative approaches are advantageous, it remains an open question whether modified HEGAA can become a manageable technology for rapid and large-scale interventions for peaceful applications with acceptable risk potential.
Breviarium de Motu Simulato Ad Atomos Pertinenti
Authors: Parrinello Michele
Published: January 2022

In this paper I will present a personal recollection of the development of molecular‐dynamics‐based atomistic simulations in the last forty years. The paper is not meant as a historical account but rather a personal and certainly biased view of the ideas that have underpinned the author's research, allowing ever more complex systems to be studied in an ever more realistic way.
Automatic diagnosis of pneumonia using backward elimination method based SVM and its hardware implementation
Authors: Bodasingi Nalini , Balaji Narayanam , Jammu Bhaskara Rao
Published: January 2022

In this paper, an efficient automatic diagnosis system for pneumonia classification is developed using extracted textural features obtained from appropriate wavelet transformation. For feature extraction and analysis in the classification of pneumonia, different wavelet families such as Db3.3, Rbio3.3, Rbio3.5, and Rbio 3.7 are explored. The optimum feature extraction for distinguishing pneumonia infected lungs from normal lungs comes from combining the Db3.3 and Rbio3.7 wavelet families. The features extracted from Db3.3 and Rbio3.7 wavelets are analyzed by feeding to different supervised learning classifiers. It is observed that SVM with RBF kernel is attaining maximum accuracy of 97.5% within the classification. The RBF kernel, on the other hand, is hampered by its lengthy testing computation time. This paper introduces a novel backward elimination based SVM (BESVM) in order to reduce computation time. The suggested method's experimental findings demonstrate the trade‐off between classification speed and performance. This was also noticed when targeting a real‐time hardware software codesign FPGA environment. The amount of support vectors is optimized using the BESVM technique, resulting in a 30% reduction in resource utilization and a 590 ns delay while maintaining accuracy. In terms of area, latency, and hardware efficiency, the suggested BESVM‐based hardware design demonstrates its efficacy.
Qualimetry Essentials Applied to Embedded Software Development
Authors: Argotti Yann , Baron Claude , Esteban Phillipe
Published: January 2022

With the initial goal of filling gaps in the definition, assessment, control, and prediction of automotive embedded software quality, including standards and regulatory compliance constraints, a three‐year research study was conducted. The multiple contributions of the study to theoretical and applied qualimetry have helped to define a theoretical framework for quality control and monitoring of engineering and product development processes. Then, demonstrating the practicality of this solution, this study was applied on a real example from the automotive industry. This framework initially developed in the scope of embedded software is also applicable to systems and embedded systems, and makes these contributions have an impact on all industrial sectors.
Simulation System Design Methodology in Extended Enterprise Context
Authors: Leroux‐Beaudout Renan , Bruel Jean‐Michel , Ober Ileana , Pantel Marc
Published: January 2022

The use of Model‐Based Systems Engineering and early Verification and Validation through simulations offers an effective way to manage the complexity of real‐world industrial development projects. However, the modeling and simulation activities are often conducted in parallel, based on a common core of requirements. This can lead to a product model that does not conform to the simulation model, and vice versa, due to potential misinterpretation of requirements. To fill this gap and meet the objective of the simulation conformed to the model, we propose a new approach that considers communication between stakeholders of the Extended Enterprise and also between the simulations platforms.
Trust in data‐requesting organizations—A quantitative analysis on cultural antecedents and individual‐level perceptions
Authors: Jenkner Clara Sophie , Ravi Nirmal , Gabel Marie , Vogt Jacqueline‐Charlene
Published: January 2022

Interactions in situations involving the disclosure of personal information require trust‐based relationships. However, trust manifests in different ways, depending on the cultural and contextual environment. An in‐depth understanding of how culture influences trust is therefore of considerable importance to managing situations that require the disclosure of sensitive health information, both from an academic and practical perspective. Drawing on the Model of National Culture and the Development of Trust, our study investigates culture as a determinant of trust in data‐requesting organizations. We link the model's three cultural dimensions (relation to self, risk, and authority) with Hofstede's study cultural dimensions and the privacy calculus (Laufer and Wolfe's study). To test our hypotheses, we analyze survey data collected in Nigeria, in cooperation with a non‐governmental organization working on data‐driven healthcare solutions. Our results confirm an influence of culture on trust in data‐requesting organizations which is, however, dependent on the cultural dimension. In addition, we show that perceived benefits increase trust significantly and provide a theoretical starting point for extending the Model of National Culture and the Development of Trust by the dimension relation to benefit.
A comprehensive profiling of soluble immune checkpoints from the sera of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Peng Ying , Zhang Chen , Rui Zhilian , Tang Weiming , Xu Yan , Tao Xiaoxin , Zhao Qi , Tong Xin
Published: January 2022

Background

Immunotherapy was widely used for the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, whether inhibition of immune checkpoints individually or simultaneously could improve the therapeutic efficacy of NSCLC remains to be investigated. Here, we explored the aberrant levels of several checkpoints and evaluated their potential diagnostic values for NSCLC.

Methods

Serum samples of 89 NSCLC patients and 57 healthy donors were collected from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between November 2019 and July 2020. Fourteen human immune checkpoints were quantified by Procarta‐Plex Human Immuno‐Oncology Checkpoint Panel.

Results

The expression levels of sTIM‐3, sCD137, sCD27, sLAG‐3, sIDO, sPD‐L2, sCD152, sCD80, and sPD‐1 were all significantly increased in serum of NSCLC patients. Especially, sLAG‐3 was significantly elevated in serum of NSCLC patients at early‐stage (stages I and II), TIM‐3, CD137, and CD27 were significantly higher in the advanced NSCLC patients (stages III and IV) than in the early‐stage groups. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) results showed that except for PD‐1, all the other immune checkpoint proteins had potential diagnostic values for NSCLC. sTIM‐3 had the highest diagnostic accuracy, followed by sLAG‐3. Combining sTIM‐3, sLAG‐3, and sCD137 could increase the accuracy to a higher level. Moreover, sCD27 was correlated with NSCLC cancer type, age, sex, and disease stage, while sCD137 was correlated with age and disease stage. sTIM‐3 and sIDO were correlated with stage and age, respectively.

Conclusions

TIM‐3 and LAG‐3 were independent biomarkers for the early diagnosis of NSCLC. The combination of TIM‐3, LAG‐3, and CD137 could increase the diagnostic accuracy.
Eikenella corrodens infections in human: Reports of six cases and review of literatures
Authors: Li Li , Shi Yu‐bo , Weng Xing‐bei
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To investigate clinical characteristics of six cases of Eikenella corrodens infection in Ningbo First Hospital in China in recent 2 years.

Methods

We retrospectively analyze medical records of six cases of E. corrodens infection in Ningbo First Hospital from 2020 to 2021. And we describe the gender, age, clinical manifestations, antimicrobial administration, and treatment of the six patients.

Results

Five of the patients had deep infection and they were treated with surgical drainage or abscess resection plus antimicrobial administration. After treatment, five patients were discharged and recovered well, and another patient was transferred to another hospital for further treatment. All the six cases were in line with the reports on the clinical characteristics of patients infected with E. corrodens at home and abroad before 2021.

Conclusion

Eikenella corrodens is a part of the normal flora of human oropharynx, but it can migrate to other parts of the human body to cause severe invasive disease in humans. Although it is susceptible to most antimicrobials, it needs debridement in the treatment of deep infection.
Adolescent cannabis use and later development of schizophrenia: An updated systematic review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Godin Shea‐Lee , Shehata Sherif
Published: January 2022

Background

The study aimed to review recent literature not included in previous reviews and ascertain the correlation between early marijuana use among adolescents, between 12 and 18 years of age, and the development of schizophrenia in early adulthood. A further aim was to determine if the frequency of use of marijuana demonstrated any significant effect on the risk of developing schizophrenia in early adulthood.

Methods

Five hundred and ninety‐one studies were examined; six longitudinal cohort studies were analyzed using a series of nonparametric tests and meta‐analysis.

Results

Nonparametric tests, Friedman tests, and Wilcoxon signed tests showed a highly statistically significant difference in odds ratios for schizophrenia between both high‐ and low‐cannabis users and no‐cannabis users.

Conclusion

Both high‐ and low‐frequency marijuana usage were associated with a significantly increased risk of schizophrenia. The frequency of use among high‐ and low‐frequency users is similar in both, demonstrating statistically significant increased risk in developing schizophrenia.
The roles of sex and gender in child and adolescent mental health
Authors: Martin Joanna , Hadwin Julie A.
Published: January 2022

Neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders are common in children and young people, and frequently continue to be impairing into adulthood. Biological sex and gender identity are important factors in the likelihood of the development, referral and diagnosis of these disorders, as well as sources of clinical heterogeneity. In this editorial, we highlight that the aetiology of neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders in young people is complex and multi‐faceted. Emerging evidence has implicated sex and gender as playing an important role in understanding the onset and course of psychopathology in childhood and adolescence. Here, we underline the significance of continuing to actively study the roles of sex and gender in the context of outlining potential future research directions and understanding how best to support children and young people.
Recent progress and perspectives on atomic‐layer‐deposited semiconducting oxides for transistor applications
Authors: Cho Min Hoe , Choi Cheol Hee , Jeong Jae Kyeong
Published: January 2022

This paper reviews recent developments in the fabrication of high‐performance n‐channel metal‐oxide thin‐film transistors (TFTs) through atomic‐layer deposition (ALD), which are now attracting attention due to their potential for use in augmented and virtual reality, ultra‐high‐definition organic light‐emitting diodes, and flexible electronics. Recent trends in research on TFT backplanes for display applications are provided in the introduction. In the main section, ALD‐derived n‐type oxides serving as active layers are classified into binary, ternary, and quaternary systems, and recent developments and critical issues in n‐channel oxide TFTs are described. The performance of n‐channel oxide TFTs can be boosted through advanced architectures, including stacked heterojunction channels using two‐dimensional electron gases, and the introduction of high‐k dielectric such as ALD‐derived hafnium oxide, which is highlighted in this review. Finally, progress in p‐channel ALD‐derived oxide TFTs is briefly addressed with respect to complementary metal–oxide‐semiconductor applications.
Investigation of the effects of surface roughness on stress distribution and moment carrying capacity at shrink‐fitted joints
Authors: Saraç İ.
Published: January 2022

An important design parameter in shrink‐fitted joints is the average surface roughness values of the shaft and hub. During assembly, the surface roughness is crushed and the theoretical tightness value decreases between the shaft and the hub. The decrease in the tightness value negatively affects the joint performance. In this study, six models with six different surface roughnesses were created using ANSYS finite element analysis program. Then, the effects of surface roughness on the stress distribution and moment bearing capacity of the shaft‐hub joints are examined numerically and analytically. Lame equations were used in the analytical study. As a result of the study, it was determined that the surface roughness values significantly affect the stress distribution and moment bearing capacity in the shaft‐hub joints
Corrosion behavior of zinc and copper coated structural steels in soil environments
Authors: Palsson N. , Khamsuk P. , Sorachot S. , Wongpinkaew K. , Thaiwirot W. , Phaebua K. , Klomjit P.
Published: January 2022

Corrosion behavior of structural carbon steels grade SS400 coated with copper and zinc exposed to soil sample extracted from the central part of Thailand is studied using weight loss analyses and electrochemical methods, including open circuit potential monitoring for 3600 seconds, electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analyses and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. Bare carbon steels are also examined as a reference. Open circuit potential and polarization resistance of all samples are measured on (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 77 and 91) days of exposure. Corrosion potential is monitored only on the first and last days. After 91 days, corrosion rate in millimeter per year is calculated from weight loss and corrosion product is characterized. Effects of coating material, thickness and process on corrosion resistance of carbon steel subjected to soil environment are reported and discussed.
Subepidermal Schwann cell counts correlate with skin innervation – an exploratory study
Authors: Özdağ Acarlı Ayşe Nur , Klein Thomas , Egenolf Nadine , Sommer Claudia , Üçeyler Nurcan
Published: January 2022

Introduction/Aims

Schwann cell clusters have been described at the murine dermis‐epidermis border. We quantified dermal Schwann cells in the skin of patients with small‐fiber neuropathy (SFN) compared with healthy controls to correlate with the clinical phenotype.

Methods

Skin punch biopsies from the lower legs of 28 patients with SFN (11 men, 17 women; median age, 54 [range, 19‐73] years) and 9 healthy controls (five men, four women, median age, 34 [range, 25‐69] years) were immunoreacted for S100 calcium‐binding protein B as a Schwann cell marker, protein‐gene product 9.5 as a pan‐neuronal marker, and CD207 as a Langerhans cell marker. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and subepidermal Schwann cell counts were determined.

Results

Skin samples of patients with SFN showed lower IENFD (P < .05), fewer Schwann cells per millimeter (P < .01), and fewer Schwann cell clusters per millimeter (P < .05) than controls. When comparing SFN patients with reduced (n = 13; median age, 53 [range, 19‐73] years) and normal distal (n = 15, median age, 54 [range, 43‐68] years) IENFD, the number of solitary Schwann cells per millimeter (p < .01) and subepidermal nerve fibers associated with Schwann cell branches (P < .05) were lower in patients with reduced IENFD. All three parameters correlated positively with distal IENFD (P < .05 to P < .01), whereas no correlation was found between Schwann cell counts and clinical pain characteristics.

Discussion

Our data raise questions about the mechanisms underlying the interdependence of dermal Schwann cells and skin innervation in SFN. The temporal course and functional impact of Schwann cell presence and kinetics need further investigation.
Incomplete bladder emptying and urinary tract infections after botulinum toxin injection for overactive bladder: Multi‐institutional collaboration from the SUFU research network
Authors: Reynolds William Stuart , Suskind Anne M. , Anger Jennifer T. , Brucker Benjamin M. , Cameron Anne P. , Chung Doreen E. , Daignault‐Newton Stephanie , Lane Giulia I. , Lucioni Alvaro , Mourtzinos Arthur P. , Padmanabhan Priya , Reyblat Polina X. , Smith Ariana L. , Tenggardjaja Christopher F. , Lee Una J. ,   The SUFU Research Network
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Onabotulinumtoxin A (BTX‐A) is an effective therapy for overactive bladder (OAB), however, adverse events may prevent patients from initiating therapy. The study objective was to report real‐world rates of incomplete emptying and urinary tract infection (UTI) in men and women undergoing BTX‐A for OAB.

Methods

Eleven clinical sites performed a retrospective study of adults undergoing first‐time BTX‐A injection (100 units) for idiopathic OAB in 2016. Exclusions included: postvoid residual (PVR) > 150 ml, prior BTX‐A, pelvic radiation, or need for preprocedure catheterization. Primary outcomes at 6 months were incomplete emptying (clean intermittent catheterization [CIC] or PVR ≥ 300 ml without the need for CIC); and UTI (symptoms with either positive culture or urinalysis or empiric treatment). We compared rates of incomplete emptying and UTI within and between sexes, using univariate and multivariable models.

Results

278 patients (48 men and 230 women) met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 65.5 years (range: 24–95). 35% of men and 17% of women had incomplete emptying. Men had 2.4 (95% CI: 1.04–5.49) higher odds of incomplete emptying than women. 17% of men and 23.5% of women had ≥1 UTI, the majority of which occurred within the first month following injection. The strongest predictor of UTI was a history of prior UTI (OR: 4.2 [95% CI: 1.7–10.3]).

Conclusions

In this multicenter retrospective study, rates of incomplete emptying and UTI were higher than many previously published studies. Men were at particular risk for incomplete emptying. Prior UTI was the primary risk factor for postprocedure UTI.
Scholarly activity training in pediatric pulmonology fellowship programs
Authors: Weiss Pnina , Rama Jennifer , Gerber Linda M. , Qiu Yuqing , Li Su‐Ting T. , Duncan Jennifer G. , Naifeh Monique M. , Stevenson Michelle D. , Mauer Elizabeth , Abramson Erika L.
Published: January 2022

Background

Scholarly activity training is a required component of pediatric pulmonology fellowship programs. However, there are no data on resources and barriers to training and factors associated with fellow productivity.

Methods

We surveyed US pediatric pulmonology fellowship program directors (FPDs) between March and October 2019. Our primary outcome was fellow productivity (>75% of fellows in the past 5 years had a manuscript accepted in a peer‐reviewed journal). Analyses included descriptive statistics, χ2 and Fisher's exact tests for categorical values, and t‐test or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test for numerical values.

Results

Sixty‐one percent (33/54) of FPDs completed the survey. Seventy‐nine percent reported that most fellows completed clinical, basic science, or translational research. However, only 21% reported that most fellows pursued research positions after graduation; academic clinical positions were more common. For 21%, lack of funding and competing clinical responsibilities were barriers to completing the scholarly activity. Only 39% had highly productive programs; those FPDs were more likely to be highly satisfied with fellow scholarly activity products (p = 0.049) and have >6 publications in the previous 3 years (p = 0.03). Fifty‐two percent of FPDs believed that pediatric pulmonary training should be shortened to 2 years for those pursuing clinical or clinician‐educator careers.

Conclusions

Barriers to scholarly activity training in pediatric pulmonology programs threaten the pipeline of academic pediatric pulmonologists and physician‐investigators. Aligning fellow scholarly activity and clinical training with the skills required in their postgraduate positions could optimize the utilization of limited resources and better support career development.
Vitamins A, D, E status as related to supplementation and lung disease markers in young children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Lai HuiChuan J. , Chin Lyanne H. , Murali Sangita , Bach Taiya , Sander Danielle , Farrell Philip M. ,   FIRST Study Group
Published: January 2022

Background

The variable response to fat‐soluble vitamin supplementation in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF), and factors contributing to this variability, remain under‐investigated.

Objective

To determine if recommended supplement doses normalize serum vitamins A (retinol), D (25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D, 25OHD), and E (α‐tocopherol), and identify factors predictive of achieving sufficiency, in children with CF in the first 3 years of life.

Design

We studied 144 infants born during 2012–2017 and diagnosed with CF through newborn screening. Serum retinol, 25OHD, α‐tocopherol and plasma cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were measured in early infancy and yearly thereafter. Vitamin supplement intakes and respiratory microbiology were assessed every 1–2 months in infancy and quarterly thereafter.

Results

The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (<30 ng/ml) at all ages combined was significantly higher (22%) compared to vitamin A (<200 ng/ml, 3%) and vitamin E (<5 µg/ml, 5%). All children were vitamin A sufficient by age 2 years. Vitamin E insufficiency was rare. Only 42% were early responders of vitamin D and 17% remain insufficient despite high supplement intakes. IL‐6 was positively correlated, while IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α were negatively correlated, with retinol and 25OHD. Multiple regression analysis revealed that supplement dose, season, α‐tocopherol, pancreatic insufficiency, respiratory infections and IL‐10 were significant predictors of 25OHD.

Conclusion

Diagnosis through newborn screening coupled with supplementation normalized serum retinol and α‐tocopherol in almost all infants with CF by age 3 years. However, response to vitamin D supplements in young children with CF occurred later and variably despite early and sustained supplementation.
Insect growth regulators elicit transovarial effects on Teleonemia scrupulosa (Hemiptera: Tingidae)
Authors: Joseph Shimat V
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Lantana lace bug, Teleonemia scrupulosa Stål (Hemiptera: Tingidae), is an important insect pest of lantana (Lantana camara L.). The adults and nymphs feed on the leaves, gradually deteriorating the quality of leaf tissue, as the affected leaves appear brown and desiccated. Infestations of T. scrupulosa reduce the market value of container plants in nurseries and the aesthetic value of ornamental landscapes. Because T. scrupulosa typically is managed using neonicotinoids and concerns related to the nontargeted effects of neonicotinoids on pollinators are mounting, practitioners are seeking alternative options to manage T. scrupulosa infestations. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) elicit transovarial activity, where adults exposed to IGRs produce nonviable eggs, but this effect has not been documented for T. scrupulosa.

RESULTS

A significantly lower number of T. scrupulosa nymphs was produced when adults were sprayed topically with novaluron and pyriproxyfen than nontreated adults. The number of T. scrupulosa nymphs produced was not significantly different when adults were exposed to a lower dose (0.125×) and a maximum dose (1.0×) of novaluron.

CONCLUSION

Novaluron and pyriproxyfen elicited transovarial effects on T. scrupulosa when adults were exposed to these IGRs. Evidence of transovarial effects was demonstrated when T. scrupulosa adults were exposed to lower doses (≤0.125×) than the maximum label dose, as densities of nymphs were similar between the lower doses and the maximum label dose of novaluron. © 2022 The Author. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Predicting model‐informed precision dosing: A test‐case in tacrolimus dose adaptation for kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Faelens Ruben , Luyckx Nicolas , Kuypers Dirk , Bouillon Thomas , Annaert Pieter
Published: January 2022

Before investing resources into the development of a precision dosing (model‐informed precision dosing [MIPD]) tool for tacrolimus, the performance of the tool was evaluated in silico. A retrospective dataset of 315 de novo kidney transplant recipients was first used to identify a one‐compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model with time‐dependent clearance. MIPD performance was subsequently evaluated by calculating errors to predict future concentrations, which is directly related to dosing precision and probability of target attainment (PTA). Based on the identified model residual error, the theoretical upper limit was 45% PTA for a target of 13.5 ng/ml and an acceptable range of 12–15 ng/ml. Using empirical Bayesian estimation, this limit was reached on day 5 post‐transplant and beyond. By incorporating correlated within‐patient variability when predicting future individual concentrations, PTA improved beyond the theoretical upper limit. This yielded a Bayesian feedback dosing algorithm accurately predicting future trough concentrations and adapting each dose to reach a target concentration. Simulated concentration‐time profiles were then used to quantify MIPD‐based improvement on three end points: average PTA increased from 28% to 39%, median time to three concentrations in target decreased from 10 to 7 days, and mean log‐squared distance to target decreased from 0.080 to 0.055. A study of 200 patients was predicted to have sufficient power to demonstrate these nuanced PK end points reliably. These simulations supported our decision to develop a precision dosing tool for tacrolimus and test it in a prospective trial.
Epitaxial Growth of CaMnO3–y Films on LaAlO3(112¯0) by Pulsed Direct Current Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Ekström Erik , Elsukova Anna , Grasland Justine , Palisaitis Justinas , Ramanath Ganpati , Persson Per O. Å , Paul Biplap , Eriksson Fredrik , Febvrier Arnaud le , Eklund Per
Published: January 2022

CaMnO3 is a perovskite with attractive magnetic and thermoelectric properties. CaMnO3 films are usually grown by pulsed laser deposition or radio frequency magnetron sputtering from ceramic targets. Herein, epitaxial growth of CaMnO3–y (002) films on a ‐oriented LaAlO3 substrate using pulsed direct current reactive magnetron sputtering is demonstrated, which is more suitable for industrial scale depositions. The CaMnO3–y shows growth with a small in‐plane tilt of <≈0.2° toward the (200) plane of CaMnO3–y and the () with respect to the LaAlO3 substrate. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the electronic core levels shows an oxygen deficiency described by CaMnO2.58 that yields a lower Seebeck coefficient and a higher electrical resistivity when compared to stoichiometric CaMnO3. The LaAlO3 substrate promotes tensile‐strained growth of single crystals. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy reveal antiphase boundaries composed of Ca on Mn sites along <101> and <002>, forming stacking faults.
Stabilization of two kinds of nonhomogeneous Markovian jump systems via sliding mode control
Authors: Sun Hui‐Jie , He Ping , Shi Peng
Published: January 2022

In this article, the stabilization is addressed for the continuous‐time nonhomogeneous nonlinear Markovian jump system (MJS) with parameter uncertainty and stochastic disturbance via sliding mode control (SMC) technique. By using a piecewise homogeneous Markov chain to describe its time‐varying characteristics, the considered nonhomogeneous MJS is established by two kinds of piecewise homogeneous MJSs. After that, an integral sliding mode function is constructed. Then, by applying the SMC theory, two control schemes are proposed to force the states of the piecewise homogeneous MJSs onto the designed sliding surface. Sufficient conditions are given to assure the stochastic stability of the sliding mode dynamics. In addition, the reachability of the system states under the developed SMC law is discussed via Lyapunov stability theory. Lastly, some simulation results are provided to show the effectiveness of the presented SMC methods.
Thermodynamic Studies on the Adsorption of Organophosphate Pesticides (Diazinon) onto ZnO/Polyethersulfone Nanocomposites
Authors: Mahmoodi Zahra , Abhari Abbas Rajabi , Lalehloo Rahman Shakibaei , Bakr Zinab H. , Ali Gomaa A. M.
Published: January 2022

This study reports experimental analyses of adsorption thermodynamics using the polymeric adsorbent surface, polyethersulfone (PES), with different molar ratios of ZnO nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were performed to study the adsorbent structure and morphology. FTIR results showed that both PES and ZnO nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into the nanocomposite, while the XRD analysis showed that the crystal adsorbent characteristics did not change. FESEM of the ZnO exhibits the formation of aggregates in the form of small spherical grains, and the sizes were in the range of 45–65 nm. The effects of different parameters (contact time, pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and diazinon concentrations) were investigated to find the optimal conditions of the prepared adsorbents. The equilibrium data for diazinon adsorption onto PES and ZnO/PES were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin‐Radushkevich, Jovanovic, and Flory‐Huggins models. Based on the values of the correlation coefficient, Langmuir and pseudo‐second‐order were found to be the best‐fitting model. In addition, adsorption at different temperatures (288.15–303.15 K) was used to determine thermodynamic parameters such as free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes. Finally, these results allow designing different processing units for pollution removal.
Facile Preparation and Controllable Absorption of a Composite Based on PMo12/Ag Nanoparticles: Photodegradation Activity and Mechanism”
Authors: Yu Haihui , Zhu Jiayu , Qiao Run , Zhao Nan , Zhao Mingyu , Kong Li
Published: January 2022

To overcome the low photocatalytic activity and efficiently harvest solar energy, a new type of composite photocatalyst PMo12/AgNPs is constructed based on polymolybdate (PMo12) and Ag nanosheets as the co‐active ingredient, and the composite material is characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, EDS, SEM, UV‐vis, EIS and PL. In this study, the controllable absorption range silver nanosheets with different sizes and morphologies are prepared by regulating the reaction condition, and the nanosheets further combined with PMo12 polyoxoanion to construct composite photocatalyst with efficient visible‐light response and photocatalytic activity. The EIS plots, Bode plots and PL spectra analysis results indicate that the PMo12/28 h‐AgNPs hybrid material exhibits excellent interfacial charge transfer efficiency and potential photocatalytic application. The photodegradation experiment of rhodamine B (RhB) is selected as the model reaction to evaluate the catalytic activity of PMo12/28 h‐AgNPs hybrid material under simulate visible light, in which the photocatalytic degradation98.75 % with pH=5 for PMo12/28 h‐AgNPs is higher than that of others. The .O2− and h+ are detected as active groups by different scavengers tests, and the possible photocatalytic mechanism of the composites is investigated.
Phytobiological Investigation and In Silico Docking Study of Secondary Metabolites from Saussurea lappa Roots
Authors: Moustafa Mahmoud , Zaghloul Mona G. , Sabry Mohamed A. , Aboelmaaty Walaa S. , Hamed Refaat B. , Ebada Sherif S. , Ebrahim Weaam
Published: January 2022

Chromatographic exploration of methanol extract derived from Saussurea lappa roots yielded four sesquiterpene lactones, santamarin (1), dehydrocostuslactone (2), costunolide (3) and zaluzanin C (4) along with the well‐known triterpene, β‐sitosterol (5). Chemical structures were determined based on extensive 1D/2D NMR analyses. In antiviral assay, compounds 1–5 showed % antiviral activity ranging from 2.18±3.1 to 53.7±10.05 % and from 15.39±4.83 to 92.91±2.47 % when tested against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), respectively. Molecular docking simulation studies against (HSV‐1) DNA polymerase and (HAV) 3 C proteinase enzymes showed similar binding interactions as for acyclovir. Compounds (1 and 3–5) showed moderate to potent antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 (MIC values between 7.9 and 31.25 μg/ml) whereas, dehydrocostuslactone (2) and costunolide (3) exhibited comparable antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 90274 (MIC values=125 μg/ml) compared to gentamicin as a positive control. In cytotoxicity assay against human colorectal carcinoma (HCT‐116) and human epithelioid cervical carcinoma (HeLa), compounds 1 and 4 exhibited weak to moderate activities. Compound 1 showed IC50 values of 46.05 μg/ml (185.44 μM) and 59.38 μg/ml (239.1153 μM) whereas compound 4 showed IC50 values of 36.08 μg/ml (146.48 μM) and 46.59 μg/ml (189.175 μM), respectively.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activities and Molecular Docking of Methoxycarboxylated Chalcone Derived Pyrazoline and Pyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Farooq Saba , Ngaini Zainab
Published: January 2022

The synthesis of effective antimicrobial therapeutics has become a challenge due to the occurrence of genetic mutations in microbes that reduced the efficiency of drugs. A new series of heterocyclic chalcone derivatives (1 a‐g, 2 a‐g, 3 a‐g, 4 a‐g) were designed with 52.64‐93.69 % yield under microwave and scrutinized for their antimicrobial activities on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) via turbidimetric and disc diffusion method. Carboxylated pyrazoline derivatives (3 a‐g) gave strong interaction potency with the zone inhibition of 12–16 mm compared to the reference drug of ampicillin (11 mm). Among all synthesized compounds, phenyl carboxyl pyrazoline (3 d) gave the highest antimicrobial activity with inhibition zone 16 mm compared to other carboxylated chalcone derivatives (1 a‐g) (6‐11 mm) and phenyl carboxylated pyrazole derivatives (4 a‐g) (8‐13 mm) against S. aureus bacteria. The molecular docking analysis of compounds (1 d), (3 d), and (4 e) exhibited the binding affinity −7.4 kcal/mol, −7.7 kcal/mol, −7.6 kcal/mol respectively, which significantly conclude the pyrazoline derivatives have better antimicrobial activity than chalcone and pyrazole derivatives. This research on effective and safe drug designing is beneficial for the medicinal field and pharmaceutical industry.
Ionically Active MXene Nanopore Actuators
Authors: Mojtabavi Mehrnaz , Tsai Wan‐Yu , VahidMohammadi Armin , Zhang Teng , Gogotsi Yury , Balke Nina , Wanunu Meni
Published: January 2022

Reversible electrochemical intercalation of cations into the interlayer space of 2D materials induces tunable physical and chemical properties in them. In MXenes, a large class of recently developed 2D carbides and nitrides, low intercalation energy, high storage capacitance, and reversible intercalation of various cations have led to their improved performance in sensing and energy storage applications. Herein, a coupled nanopore‐actuator system where an ultrathin free‐standing MXene film serves as a nanopore support membrane and ionically active actuator is reported. In this system, the contactless MXene membrane in the electric field affects the cation movement in the field through their (de)intercalation between individual MXene flakes. This results in reversible swelling and contraction of the membrane monitored by ionic conductance through the nanopore. This unique nanopore coupled to a mechanical actuation system could provide new insights into designing single‐molecule biosensing platforms at the nanoscale.
Screening and Understanding Lattice Silicon‐Controlled Catalytically Active Site Motifs from a Library of Transition Metal‐Silicon Intermetallics
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Mingcheng , Zhang Kexin , Li Zhenyu , Liang Xiao , Ai Xuan , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: January 2022

A joint theoretical and experimental study is reported to systematically explore over a library of transition metal‐silicon intermetallics for understanding silicon‐controlled active site motifs and discovering hydrogen‐evolving electrocatalysts. On the one hand, every low‐index surface termination of 115 transition metal (M)‐silicon (Si) intermetallics is enumerated, followed by cataloging of stable adsorption sites and prediction of catalytic activities on the main exposed facets. It is theoretically found that silicon atoms in silicon‐rich structures (especially MSi2 and MSi) show a strong site‐isolating effect, which can eliminate M‐M‐M hollow and M‐M bridge sites with too strong hydrogen‐binding ability and thereby provide great opportunities for the exposure of novel highly active sites (e.g., M‐top and Si‐related sites). On the other hand, solid‐state redox reactions are developed to synthesize a set of 24 silicides containing 5 MSi, 13 MSi2, and 6 others, most of which are phase‐pure samples. The experimental studies demonstrate that too rich silicon content in silicides (e.g., MSi2) leads to adverse effects, such as the formation of amorphous SiOx layers on the silicide surface, masking the presence of active sites during electrocatalysis. Finally, 5 MSi (M = Rh, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir) as highly active hydrogen‐evolving electrocatalysts are identified.
Assessment of Native Fish Passage through Brandon Road Lock and Dam, Des Plaines River, Illinois, Using Fin Ray Microchemistry
Authors: Snyder Claire E. , Oliver Devon C. , Knights Brent C. , Pescitelli Stephen M. , Whitledge Gregory W.
Published: January 2022

This study examined evidence of native fish passage through Brandon Road Lock and Dam (BRLD) on the Des Plaines River, Illinois, in light of proposed modifications to prevent the upstream passage of invasive carps. Direct evidence of upstream passage by native fishes at BRLD is lacking and could help to inform assessment of the impacts of barrier technology installation. Fin ray microchemistry was used to assess upstream BRLD passage in the native taxa Centrarchidae, Catostomidae, Ictaluridae, and Lepisosteidae. The fin ray edge strontium : calcium ratio (Sr:Ca) of fish sampled from the Des Plaines River upstream of BRLD and in rivers downstream of BRLD was used to characterize ranges of river‐specific fin ray Sr:Ca for each taxon. These were applied to Sr:Ca data along a transect from fin ray core to edge to infer the environmental history of individual fish that were captured upstream from BRLD and to estimate the proportion of fish that had passed upstream through BRLD. Depending on the taxon, 6–37% of individuals sampled upstream from BRLD exhibited fin ray Sr:Ca indicating prior residency in rivers downstream of BRLD and therefore upstream passage through BRLD. Upstream passage was indeterminate for 19–91% of individuals in each taxon due to uncertainty in environmental history inferred from fin ray Sr:Ca. These results provide the first definitive evidence of upstream native fish passage at BRLD and suggest that the installation of barrier technology could have an impact on native fish.
Evolution of Phthalocyanine Structures as Photodynamic Agents for Bacteria Inactivation
Authors: Spesia Mariana B. , Durantini Edgardo N.
Published: January 2022

Phthalocyanine derivatives have been proposed as photosensitizers for the treatment of several microbial infections. In this review, the progress in the structures of phthalocyanines was analyzed, considering that these compounds can easily functionalize and can form complexes with various metal ions. In this sense, different substituents were used to increase the interaction with the microorganisms, improving their photodynamic inactivation. Furthermore, these photosensitizers absorb strongly at phototherapeutic window, emit red fluorescence, and efficiently produce the formation of reactive oxygen species. Subsequently, the influence of binding, bacteria types, cell density, washing effect, and media on photoinactivation was remarked to elimination of microbes. Finally, photokilling of bacterial biofilm by phthalocyanines and the mechanism of action were discussed. Therefore, this review brings together the main features of phthalocyanines as antimicrobial phototherapeutic agents.
Introduction: The Pursuit of “Integration” and “Robustness” in Japan’s Peacekeeping Policy
Authors: Fujishige Hiromi Nagata , Uesugi Yuji , Honda Tomoaki
Published: January 2022

Here we will present two research questions: first, why did Japan suddenly discontinue a quarter-century history of troop contribution to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKOs) in 2017; second, is there any possibility of resuming large-scale military deployment. Hypothetically, we will argue that Japan’s retreat from South Sudan in 2017 should be regarded not as the revival of old anti-militarism but as a recent tendency of reluctance among the Global North countries, concerning the personnel deployment to the UNPKOs. Since the start in 1992, Japan had deployed only the limited personnel contribution under the strict constitutional ban. To overcome this situation, Japan had tried to trace the global trends of “robustness” and “integration”: the former encourages more proactive use of arms for peacekeepers to remove obstacles for the UNPKOs, while the latter promotes peacebuilding-like military roles along with the cooperation with civilians. In the late 2010s, however, Japan could no longer accommodate the recent international trends, mainly due to the increasing insecurity in the UNPKOs today. Likewise, the other Global North countries had also become hesitant for the personnel contribution to the UNPKOs. We will argue that Japan’s retreat falls in the common trend among the Global North countries.
The Historical Background to Japan’s Peacekeeping Policy from the Early Postwar Era to the Establishment of the PKO Act 1945–1992
Authors: Fujishige Hiromi Nagata , Uesugi Yuji , Honda Tomoaki
Published: January 2022

In this chapter, we will review the evolution of Japan’s peacekeeping policy from the immediate aftermath of Japan’s defeat in 1945 to the enactment of the Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) Act in 1992. In the first section, we will look at the historical background during the postwar period (in this book, the term “postwar” denotes the period in Japan from its defeat in World War II in 1945 to the end of the Cold War in around 1990), including the rise of anti-militarism, the hidden rearmament, the establishment of the de facto ban on overseas military dispatch, the rejection of the UN’s request for the Self-Defense Forces’ (SDF’s) deployment to a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation (UNPKO) and the aborted plan to dispatch a minesweeper to the Persian Gulf. This section will also examine the Government of Japan’s legal standpoint about the possibility of SDF deployment to a UNPKO. In the second section, we will clarify how the Gulf Crisis/War in 1990–1991 made Japan abandon the taboo against overseas military dispatch. Then, we will review the course of the challenging lawmaking process of the PKO Act, which was finally passed in June 1992. Lastly, we will see the restrictions inserted into the PKO Act, such as the so-called Five Principles.
On loop corrections to integrable 2D sigma model backgrounds
Authors: Alfimov Mikhail , Litvinov Alexey
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We study regularization scheme dependence of β-function for sigma models with two-dimensional target space. Working within four-loop approximation, we conjecture the scheme in which the β-function retains only two tensor structures up to certain terms containing ζ3. Using this scheme, we provide explicit solutions to RG flow equation corresponding to Yang-Baxter- and λ-deformed SU(2)/U(l) sigma models, for which these terms disappear.
Exact WKB methods in SU(2) Nf = 1
Authors: Grassi Alba , Hao Qianyu , Neitzke Andrew
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We study in detail the Schrödinger equation corresponding to the four dimensional SU(2) $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SQCD theory with one flavour. We calculate the Voros symbols, or quantum periods, in four different ways: Borel summation of the WKB series, direct computation of Wronskians of exponentially decaying solutions, the TBA equations of Gaiotto-Moore-Neitzke/Gaiotto, and instanton counting. We make computations by all of these methods, finding good agreement. We also study the exact quantization condition for the spectrum, and we compute the Fredholm determinant of the inverse of the Schrödinger operator using the TS/ST correspondence and Zamolodchikov’s TBA, again finding good agreement. In addition, we explore two aspects of the relationship between singularities of the Borel transformed WKB series and BPS states: BPS states of the 4d theory are related to singularities in the Borel transformed WKB series for the quantum periods, and BPS states of a coupled 2d+4d system are related to singularities in the Borel transformed WKB series for local solutions of the Schrödinger equation.