bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic dissimilarity index: Correcting for intra‐ and interindividual variability when quantifying phenotypic variation
Authors: Puglielli Giacomo , Carmona Carlos P. , Varone Laura , Laanisto Lauri , Ricotta Carlo
Published: July 2022

In trait‐based ecology, phenotypic variation (PVar) is often quantified with measures expressing average differences between populations standardized in the range 0–1. However, these measures disregard the within‐population trait variability. In addition, some of them cannot be partitioned between populations. These aspects can either alter their interpretation or limit their applicability. To overcome these problems, we propose a new measure, the phenotypic dissimilarity (PhD) index, to quantify PVar between populations in scenarios of varying within‐population interindividual trait variability. PhD can also quantify within‐population PVar while accounting for intraindividual trait variability. Using simulated and real data, we show that using the PhD index becomes important when the within‐population trait variability is not negligible, as in all ecological studies. By accounting for within‐population trait variability, the PhD index does not overestimate PVar across an environmental gradient compared to other estimators. Traits inherently vary within species. Accounting for such variability is essential to understanding species’ phenotypic responses to environmental cues. The proposed PhD index will provide ecologists with a tool for quantifying PVar within species and compare it between species at different levels of biological organization. We provide an R function to calculate the PhD index.
Efficacy and safety of vericiguat in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction treated with sacubitril/valsartan: insights from the VICTORIA trial
Authors: Senni Michele , Alemayehu Wendimagegn G. , Sim David , Edelmann Frank , Butler Javed , Ezekowitz Justin , Hernandez Adrian F. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Pieske Burkert , Ponikowski Piotr , Roessig Lothar , Voors Adriaan A. , Westerhout Cynthia M. , McMullan Ciaran , Armstrong Paul W. ,   for the VICTORIA Study Group
Published: July 2022

Aim

We assessed a subset of the 5040 patients in VICTORIA receiving sacubitril/valsartan, either at randomization (n = 731) or post‐randomization drop‐in use (n = 425), to evaluate the relationship between the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with vericiguat.

Methods and results

The efficacy of vericiguat on the primary composite endpoint, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and all‐cause mortality was assessed. Safety outcomes included symptomatic hypotension, syncope, worsening renal function, and hyperkalaemia. At randomization, 731 patients received sacubitril/valsartan; they were more frequently from Western Europe or North America, had lower ejection fraction and systolic blood pressure, and more use of triple background HF therapy (65.9% vs. 58.6%), biventricular pacemakers (17.9% vs. 14.1%), or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (42.3% vs. 25.3%). For patients on versus not on sacubitril/valsartan at randomization, adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for vericiguat's treatment effect on the primary composite outcome, cardiovascular death, and HF hospitalization were 0.92 (0.71–1.19) versus 0.89 (0.80–0.98), 0.71 (0.45–1.12) versus 0.95 (0.82–1.11), and 0.98 (0.74–1.29) versus 0.87 (0.78–0.98), respectively. No significant interaction existed between sacubitril/valsartan and vericiguat's treatment effect (p‐values for interaction: 0.81, 0.23 and 0.47, respectively). Post‐randomization, more drop‐in sacubitril/valsartan use occurred in those assigned to placebo (n = 238) versus vericiguat (n = 187) (p = 0.007). Symptomatic hypotension (21.0% vs. 23.1%; p = 0.41), renal dysfunction (29.9% vs. 31.9%; p = 0.50), and hyperkalaemia (10.3% vs. 7.9%; p = 0.20) in patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan (n = 992) for ≥3 months were not different by treatment arm.

Conclusions

Concomitant use of sacubitril/valsartan for at least 3 months did not alter the efficacy of vericiguat and was similarly safe and tolerated in both study arms. Sacubitril/valsartan was initiated more frequently after randomization in patients assigned to placebo versus vericiguat.

Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02861534.
An international Delphi consensus regarding best practice recommendations for hyperkalaemia across the cardiorenal spectrum
Authors: Burton James O. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Palmer Biff F. , Piña Ileana L. , Rosano Giuseppe , Sood Manish M. , Zieroth Shelley
Published: July 2022

Aims

Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) are guideline‐recommended therapy for individuals with cardiorenal disease. They are associated with increased risk of hyperkalaemia, a common and life‐threatening disorder for this population. RAASi‐induced hyperkalaemia often leads to dose reduction or discontinuation, reducing cardiorenal protection. Guideline recommendations differ between specialties for the clinical management of hyperkalaemia. Using a modified Delphi method, we developed consensus recommendations for optimal management of hyperkalaemia in adults with cardiorenal disease.

Methods and results

An international steering group of cardiologists and nephrologists developed 39 statements regarding hyperkalaemia care, including risk factors and risk stratification, prevention, correction, and cross‐specialty coordination. Consensus was determined by agreement on an online questionnaire administered to cardiorenal specialists across Europe and North America. The threshold for consensus agreement was established a priori by the steering group at 67%. Across November 2021, 520 responses were received from Canada (n = 50), France (n = 50), Germany (n = 54), Italy (n = 58), Spain (n = 57), the UK (n = 49), and the US (n = 202); 268 from cardiologists and 252 from nephrologists. Twenty‐nine statements attained very high agreement (≥90%) and 10 attained high agreement (≥67%–<90%), with strong alignment between cardiologists and nephrologists.

Conclusion

A high degree of consensus regarding hyperkalaemia evaluation and management exists among healthcare professionals. Based on high levels of agreement, the steering group derived six key recommendations for hyperkalaemia prevention and management in people with cardiorenal disease. Future studies examining the quality of hyperkalaemia care delivery are required.
Influence of Isovalent Partial Sulfur Substitution on the Structural, Thermal, Electrical and Spectroscopic Properties of La2Mo2O9 Oxide Ion Conductors
Authors: Dammak Khouloud , Mhadhbi Noureddine , Tozri Anowar , Naïli Houcine
Published: July 2022

Partial substitution of molybdenum by sulfur on the solid solution La2Mo2‐ySyO9 (0.1≤y≤0.3) is carried out by using the lanthanum oxysulfate (La2SO6) via a solid‐state reaction. Substitution rates are 5 mol % S, 10 mol % S and 15 mol % S. Structural and vibrational characteristics of La2Mo2‐ySyO9 are revealed via XRD, thermal analysis, electrical properties as well as spectroscopic investigations. Results show the alteration of the reversible first order phase transition that commonly happens in La2Mo2O9 at around 580 °C from a monoclinic ordered α form at low temperature to a cubic disordered β phase at high temperature. Crystallization of the studied LAMOX specimens occurs in the non‐centrosymmetric space group P213. The sintered samples’ annealing occurs at 850 °C and they are shaped into pellets for electrical properties determination. The Arrhenius law is activated below 580 °C. Above this thermal threshold, a Vogel Tamman Fulcher behavior is depicted. In addition, conductivity decreases in all samples as compared to the undoped composite. Ultimately, the observed vibrational modes in Raman and IR are assigned to the vibrations of molybdate MoO42− and sulfate SO42− groups.
High Performance Cobalt‐Vanadium Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets for Photoelectrochemical Reduction of Nitrogen
Authors: Ye Wen , He Chengyou , Asim Mushtaq Muhammad , Lin Kun , Xing Xianran
Published: July 2022

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) nitrogen reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions is an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional Haber‐Bosch process. However, ambient nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) still faces numerous challenges like high reaction barrier, onset of competitive hydrogen evolution reaction at low potential, low ammonia yields, and poor selectivities. Herein, for the first time, we take advantage of the nanosheet structure of layered double hydroxide (LDH) materials to develop CoV‐LDH nanosheet arrays as PEC NRR catalytic materials. By tuning the Co/V ratio, the optimized Co2V1‐LDH nanosheet material is capable to accelerate the N≡N bond cleavage, providing a large number of exposed active sites, and improving the catalytic activity. The developed Co2V1‐LDH photocathode attained a high NH3 yield rate (8.97×10−7 mol h−1 cm−2) and high Faradaic efficiency (52.4 %) at −0.2 V vs. RHE. Notably, Co2V1‐LDH exhibits excellent durability over five consecutive reaction cycles. Therefore, this work provides a basis to further design and explore the efficient materials for ambient photoelectrocatalytic nitrogen fixation.
Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Reactions and Solid‐Phase Synthesis: A Convenient Blend
Authors: Cornier Patricia G. , Delpiccolo Carina M. L. , Martiren Nadia L. , Mata Ernesto G. , Mendez Luciana , Squizatto Caterina Permingeat , Pizzio Marianela G.
Published: July 2022

Transition metal‐catalyzed, C−C and C−N bond‐forming reactions have made an enormous impact in the way complex molecules are assembled. The benefits of solid‐phase chemistry soon made this type of reaction applicable to solid‐supported processes. In this review, we report the most recent applications and possibilities of this combination. Remarkably, the solid‐phase CuAAC and ring‐closing metathesis have demonstrated an important role in synthetic biology, alike more traditional Pd‐catalyzed reactions, such as Suzuki‐Miyaura, Heck, Sonogashira, which are valuable tools for accessing libraries of biologically relevant small molecules. Examples proved the validity of solid‐phase transition metal‐catalyzed reactions as a practical and fast strategy to cover the current organic chemistry demands.
Base‐Catalysed (4+2)‐Annulation Between 2‐Nitrobenzofurans and N‐Alkoxyacrylamides: Synthesis of [3,2‐b]Benzofuropyridinones
Authors: Rao Gunda Ananda , Gurubrahamam Ramani , Chen Kwunmin
Published: July 2022

An efficient protocol for base‐catalysed (4+2) annulation between 2‐nitrobenzofuran and N‐alkoxyacrylamide was developed. The corresponding 1‐alkoxy‐3,4‐dihydrobenzofuro[3,2‐b]pyridin‐2(1H)‐ones were obtained in high to excellent yields by organic base catalysis. In addition, a dearomative nitrotetrahydrobenzofuro[3,2‐b]pyridin‐2(3H)‐ones were also obtained in high yields in the presence of an inorganic base. The advantages of this methodology include easily accessible starting materials, simple operational procedures, broad substrate scope, and synthetically useful yields at milder reaction conditions.
Coupling solar‐driven interfacial evaporation with forward osmosis for continuous water treatment
Authors: Song Xiangju , Dong Weichao , Zhang Yajing , Abdel‐Ghafar Hamdy Maamoun , Toghan Arafat , Jiang Heqing
Published: July 2022

Forward osmosis (FO) driven by osmotic pressure difference has great potential in water treatment. However, it remains a challenge to maintain a steady water flux at continuous operation. Herein, a FO and photothermal evaporation (PE) coupling system (FO‐PE) based on high‐performance polyamide FO membrane and photothermal polypyrrole nano‐sponge (PPy/sponge) is developed for continuous FO separation with a steady water flux. The PE unit with a photothermal PPy/sponge floating on the surface of draw solution (DS) can continuously in situ concentrate DS by solar‐driven interfacial water evaporation, which effectively offsets the dilution effect due to the injected water from FO unit. A good balance between the permeated water in FO and the evaporated water in PE can be established by coordinately regulating the initial concentration of DS and light intensity. As a consequence, the polyamide FO membrane exhibits a steady water flux of 11.7 L m–2 h–1 over time under FO coupling PE condition, effectively alleviating the decline in water flux under FO alone. Additionally, it shows a low reverse salt flux of 3 g m–2 h–1. The FO‐PE coupling system utilizing clean and renewable solar energy to achieve a continuous FO separation is significantly meaningful for practical applications.
Algorithmic trading and market quality: Evidence from the Taiwan index futures market
Authors: Chang Ya‐Kai , Chou Robin K.
Published: July 2022

This study examines the effects of different algorithmic traders on market quality and the price discovery process, considering the impact of different trading strategies and market conditions. Algorithmic foreign institutions and proprietary firms act strategically, by monitoring market conditions. During stable market conditions, they supply liquidity, and this strategic activity both improves price efficiency and increases fundamental volatility. In more turbulent market conditions, algorithmic foreign institutions and proprietary firms instead demand liquidity, and their trading activity leads to an increase in price efficiency and a decrease in excessive volatility. Overall, algorithmic trades do not harm market quality.
Numerical study of saturated boiling heat transfer over the flat and curved surfaces
Authors: Kushwaha Naveen , Kumar Vimal
Published: July 2022

In boiling phenomena, the heater surface gets covered by a vapor, which results in a decrease in the overall heat transfer coefficient (HTC). The curvature of the surface helps to reduce this vapor blanketing by vapor sliding over the curved surface. The sliding generates fluid circulation and makes the heater surface available for boiling liquid. Therefore, in the present work, the vapor dynamics, nucleation and growth, pinch‐off of the bubble, and heat transfer characteristics over smooth and uniform surfaces with different curvature ratios (δ = 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.15, and 0.25) are numerically studied. Also, the effect of the degree of superheat (ΔT = 10, 20, 30, and 40 K) on the bubble formation, vapor sliding, and fluid recirculation over the curved surface have been observed. Furthermore, investigated the dome formation and multiple pinch‐off of the bubble on the heated curved surfaces. The dominance of the curvature and degree of superheat on the bubble departure has been investigated using PDF of FFT of vapor void fraction at the surface. At higher curvature of the surface, there is less significance of the degree of superheat on the departure frequency of vapor bubbles. Furthermore, it is found that there is an increase in the average HTC with an increase in the curvature ratio, while the pinch‐off time of the bubble decreases. The HTC is enhanced by 86% with curved surfaces as compared to flat surfaces. Furthermore, the curved surface with a curvature (δ) of 0.15 showed better performance than the curved surface with δ = 0.25. Boiling over a curved surface leads to vapor sliding and recirculation of the fluid, leading to enhancement in surface renewal and an increase in HTC.
Statistically based soil–climate exposure scenarios for aquatic pesticide fate modeling and exposure assessment in the Pampa Region of Argentina
Authors: Brodeur Julie Céline , D'Andrea María Florencia , Dip Cecilia
Published: July 2022

Although pesticides are used intensively in Argentina's Pampa region, the possibility of performing an environmental risk assessment (ERA) remains limited due to the absence of readily available databases to run pesticide fate models and the lack of standardized realistic worst-case scenarios. The aim of the present study was to further advance capacities for performing probabilistic ERAs in the Pampa region by dividing and parameterizing the region into functional soil–climate mapping units (SCU) and defining statistically based, worst-case soil–climate exposure scenarios. Results obtained demonstrate that the SCU selected for a specific modeling exercise should depend on the dissociation constant (Kd) of the pesticide evaluated and whether short- or long-term pesticide fate modeling and risk assessment are needed. Four regionally representative SCUs were specifically identified for modeling the fate of pesticides with low, high, and intermediate values of Kd. Fate modeling of pesticides with an intermediate Kd requires the use of a different SCU for short- versus long-term pesticide modeling, whereas this distinction is not necessary for pesticides with both low and high Kd. The current definition of realistic, worst-case, soil–climate scenarios represents a crucial step toward better pesticide fate modeling and exposure assessment in Argentina's Pampa region. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:626–637. © 2022 SETAC
Social alienation of adolescents with obesity in classrooms: A multilevel approach
Authors: Chen Duan‐Rung , Lu Hsin‐Hui
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Adolescents with obesity are more likely to be isolated by peers, but whether they also choose to disengage from their peers remains unclear.

Methods

This study examined a sample of 646 adolescents between the age of 13 and 16 across 34 classrooms in 3 junior high schools in Taiwan, with data collected from May to June 2019. The sociometric network nomination method assessed peer relationships, such as unpopularity, unsociability, and alienation. Multilevel models were applied to explore the extent to which the class‐level prevalence of overweight and obesity and peer support moderate the relationship between student‐level obesity and peer relationships.

Results

Overall, students with obesity were more likely to experience unpopularity, unsociability, and alienation from their peers in classroom settings (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.904, 2.208, 2.777, p < .05). Regardless of their obesity status, students in high classroom peer support were less likely to report unsociability (AOR = 0.124, p < .05). No cross‐level interactions were observed, indicating that students with obesity did not experience a reduction of peer rejection in high peer support classrooms. Neither did obese students in classrooms with higher rates of overweight and obesity.

Conclusions

Students with obesity were more likely to experience interpersonal problems. Classroom peer support can increase peer acceptance for typical students but has no beneficial influence on adolescents with weight problems. Classroom peer support needs to be directed to become adequate support for students with obesity.
Simian virus 40 DNA in immunocompetent children with respiratory disease
Authors: Kiasari Bahman Abedi , Fallah Fatemeh Hoda , Koohi Mohammad kazem , Duarte Phelipe Magalhães , Tazerji Sina Salajegheh , Fawzy Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Evidence of Simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA sequences or gene products has been reported in a variety of organ systems in humans. However, the route of transmission and the significance of SV40 polyomavirus infection in human are unknown. The aim of study was to characterize the frequency of SV40 infection in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients with respiratory diseases. Respiratory specimens from patients with respiratory tract illness obtained from nasopharyngeal aspirates (n = 280) were screened for SV40 polyomavirus using real‐time PCR; coinfection with other viruses was examined. Positive results were confirmed with sequencing. Of the 280 samples analysed, 2 (0.71%) were positive for SV40. SV40 was identified in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from children aged 8 and 14 months who were immunocompetent. Both patients had upper or lower respiratory tract infection. Coinfections with other viruses were found in 50% of the SV40 positive samples. The data suggest that SV40 can infect respiratory tract, that respiratory tract may represent a route of transmission or a site for virus persistence, and that with the high rate of co‐infection, SV40 may not involved in respiratory diseases.
Viral load of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron is not high despite its high infectivity
Authors: Yuasa Sonoka , Nakajima Jun , Takatsuki Yuna , Takahashi Yuta , Tani‐Sassa Chihiro , Iwasaki Yumi , Nagano Katsutoshi , Sonobe Kazunari , Yoshimoto Tomoyo , Nukui Yoko , Takeuchi Hiroaki , Tanimoto Kousuke , Tanaka Yukie , Kimura Akinori , Ichimura Naoya , Tohda Shuji
Published: July 2022

Patients infected with the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has increased worldwide since the beginning of 2022 and the variant has spread more rapidly than the Delta variant, which spread in the summer of 2021. It is important to clarify the cause of the strong transmissibility of the Omicron variant to control its spread. In 694 patients with coronavirus disease 2019, the copy numbers of virus in nasopharyngeal swab‐soaked samples and the viral genotypes were examined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR‐based melting curve analysis, respectively. Whole‐genome sequencing was also performed to verify the viral genotyping data. There was no significant difference (p = 0.052) in the copy numbers between the Delta variant cases (median 1.5 × 105 copies/μl, n = 174) and Omicron variant cases (median 1.2 × 105 copies/μl, n = 328). During this study, Omicron BA.1 cases (median 1.1 ×105 copies/μl, n = 275) began to be replaced by BA.2 cases (median 2.3 × 105 copies/μl, n = 53), and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.33). Our results suggest that increased infectivity of the Omicron variant and its derivative BA.2 is not caused by higher viral loads but by other factors, such as increased affinity to cell receptors or immune escape.
Behaving green.. who takes the lead? The role of responsible leadership, psychological ownership, and green moral identity in motivating employees green behaviors
Authors: Ismail Sherif Said Metwally , Hilal Omnia Abdelazeem
Published: July 2022

There has been a growing interest in the organizational and individual factors that affect employees green behaviors. However, it is necessary to examine their interactive effect in order to help clarify the mechanism by which such behaviors are developed and how they could be better reinforced. To address this issue, we have developed and tested a dynamic model of the interactions among responsible leadership, psychological ownership, and green moral identity in predicting employees green behavior. Empirical data were collected from 292 employees working in one of the holding companies, Egypt. The results support the hypothesized model, in which responsible leadership is a significant predictor of employees green behaviors. Moreover, it was found that psychological ownership significantly mediates the relationship between responsible leadership and such behaviors, while green moral identity significantly moderated that relationship. The theoretical and managerial implications of results are discussed. Primarly, organizations should reinforce leaders’ sense of commitment toward protecting the environment. In turn, leaders should instil the concept of environmentalism as a continuous way of life in workplace culture.
An effective and flexible method for improving the full grayscale uniformity of mini‐LED display
Authors: Xia Daxue , Yang Jianfeng , Wang Jie , Li Dishan , Xie Renli , Tian Qichong
Published: July 2022

As a new display technology, mini‐LED has more and more broad prospects. However, there are some difficult problems associated with mass transfer, yield, uniformity of brightness, and chroma. In order to improve the uniformity, especially in case of the low grayscale, we propose a fine full grayscale correction method, which includes precise pixel‐by‐pixel brightness and chroma extraction algorithm and level‐by‐level full grayscale correction algorithm. To ensure the uniformity inside the cabinet and between the cabinets, a full‐color viewing angle compensation and an adaptive cabinet seam correction algorithm are also proposed to achieve the arbitrary splicing of the cabinets.
Application of sub‐/supercritical fluid chromatography for the fingerprinting of a complex therapeutic peptide
Authors: Neumann Jonas , Schmidtsdorff Sebastian , Schmidt Alexander H. , Parr Maria K.
Published: July 2022

The application area of supercritical fluid chromatography expanded tremendously over the last years and more polar analytes such as biomolecules have become accessible. The growing interest in biopharmaceuticals and associated regulatory requirements demand alternative analytical tools. The orthogonal nature of supercritical fluid chromatography compared to reversed‐phase liquid chromatography meets these needs and makes it a useful option during research and development.

In this study, we present a systematic approach for the development of a supercritical fluid chromatography method for fingerprinting of tyrothricin, a complex therapeutic peptide covering a mass range from 1200 to 1900 Da. The substance was chosen due to the presence of cyclic and linear peptides and isomeric or highly similar amino acid sequences. Different column chemistries covering neutral, basic, and zwitterionic functionalities in combination with acidic, basic, and neutral additives were screened. Subsequently, Design‐of‐Experiments principles were utilized to perform optimization of the chromatographic parameters. The final mass spectrometry‐compatible gradient method using a diol stationary phase, carbon dioxide, and a modifier consisting of methanol/water/methanesulfonic acid (100:2:0.1, v:v:v) was found to provide orthogonality and superior resolution to other methods published. Isomeric peptide compounds coeluting in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography were resolved by applying the final method.
Pelagic and ice‐associated microalgae under elevated light and pCO2: Contrasting physiological strategies in two Arctic diatoms
Authors: Wolf Klara K. E. , Rokitta Sebastian D. , Hoppe Clara J. M. , Rost Björn
Published: July 2022

Sea ice retreat, changing stratification, and ocean acidification are fundamentally changing the light availability and physico‐chemical conditions for primary producers in the Arctic Ocean. However, detailed studies on ecophysiological strategies and performance of key species in the pelagic and ice‐associated habitat remain scarce. Therefore, we investigated the acclimated responses of the diatoms Thalassiosira hyalina and Melosira arctica toward elevated irradiance and CO2 partial pressures (pCO2). Next to growth, elemental composition, and biomass production, we assessed detailed photophysiological responses through fluorometry and gas‐flux measurements, including respiration and carbon acquisition. In the pelagic T. hyalina, growth rates remained high in all treatments and biomass production increased strongly with light. Even under low irradiances cells maintained a high‐light acclimated state, allowing them to opportunistically utilize high irradiances by means of a highly plastic photosynthetic machinery and carbon uptake. The ice‐associated M. arctica proved to be less plastic and more specialized on low‐light. Its acclimation to high irradiances was characterized by minimizing photon harvest and photosynthetic efficiency, which led to lowered growth. Comparably low growth rates and strong silification advocate a strategy of persistence rather than of fast proliferation, which is also in line with the observed formation of resting stages under low‐light conditions. In both species, responses to elevated pCO2 were comparably minor. Although both diatom species persisted under the applied conditions, their competitive abilities and strategies differ strongly. With the anticipated extension of Arctic pelagic habitats, flexible high‐light specialists like T. hyalina seem to face a brighter future.
On the quotient of Milnor and Tjurina numbers for two‐dimensional isolated hypersurface singularities
Authors: Almirón Patricio
Published: July 2022

In this paper we give a complete answer to a question posed by Dimca and Greuel about the quotient of the Milnor and Tjurina numbers of a plane curve singularity. We put this question into a general framework of the study of the difference of Milnor and Tjurina numbers for isolated complete intersection singularities showing its connection with other problems in singularity theory.
Mixed ownership reforms and the transparency of nonstate‐owned enterprises: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Yueyang , Mao Jinzhou
Published: July 2022

This paper takes Chinese Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐share nonstate‐owned listed companies from 2008 to 2019 as samples to study the impact and mechanism of state‐owned capital participation on the transparency of nonstate‐owned enterprises. The results show that state‐owned capital participation has a significant positive impact on the transparency of nonstate‐owned enterprises. In terms of the mechanism of action, state‐owned capital participation positively impacts corporate transparency by increasing investors' attention. Further research finds that the positive effect of state‐owned capital participation on foreign‐funded enterprises and enterprises with few financing constraints is more prominent.
Measured, calculated, and egs_brachy I‐125 dose distributions in a gold plaque for retinoblastoma treatment
Authors: Trauernicht Christoph J. , van Eeden Déte , du Plessis Frederik C. P.
Published: July 2022

Background

This study measured and calculated dose distributions around a unique gold plaque for whole‐eye radiotherapy (to treat retinoblastoma). The applicator consists of a pericorneal ring attached to the four extraocular muscles and four legs, each loaded with I‐125 seeds. They are inserted beneath the conjunctiva in‐between each pair of muscles and attached anteriorly to the ring. The applicator was designed in such a way that the dose is directed toward the middle of the eye while sparing surrounding tissues.

Purpose

(I) To compare the measured and calculated data obtained by thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) in a solid–water phantom, a Gafchromic film in a solid–water phantom, the treatment planning systems, and Monte Carlo simulations; (II) to use Monte Carlo simulations for the determination of the dose to the organs at risk by taking the gold shielding and the anisotropy into account.

Methods

The dose around the applicator was measured using TLDs and Gafchromic EBT2 film in eye‐shaped solid–water phantoms. Dose calculations were performed with the TheraPlan Plus and BrachyVision planning system and Monte Carlo simulations with egs_brachy code. A computer‐aided design drawing of the applicator was created and used to create the input file for the Monte Carlo simulations.

Results

Monte Carlo calculated dose to the optic nerve is 64.8% of the central dose in the eye, whereas the planned dose is 93.7%. The Monte Carlo lens dose varies from 72.0% to 86.1%, whereas the planned dose varies from 73.0% to 84.3%. Monte Carlo–calculated dose to the bony orbit is 11.3%, whereas the planned dose is as high as 54.7% compared to the dose in the center region of the eye.

Conclusions

The measured and Monte Carlo–simulated dose distributions matched well, whereas planned dose distributions showed discrepancies in some areas of the eye and outside of the eye due to their ignorance of the shielding effects of the plaque.
A deep learning–based automatic system for intracranial aneurysms diagnosis on three‐dimensional digital subtraction angiographic images
Authors: Ou Chubin , Qian Yi , Chong Winston , Hou Xiaoxi , Zhang Mingzi , Zhang Xin , Si Weixin , Duan Chuan‐Zhi
Published: July 2022

Background

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are a life‐threatening disease. Their rupture can lead to hemorrhagic stroke. Most studies applying deep learning for the detection of aneurysms are based on angiographic images. However, critical diagnostic information such as morphology and aneurysm location are not captured by deep learning algorithms and still require manual assessments.

Purpose

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for aneurysm diagnosis. To facilitate the fully automatic diagnosis of aneurysms, we proposed a comprehensive system for the detection, morphology measurement, and location classification of aneurysms on three‐dimensional DSA images, allowing automatic diagnosis without further human input.

Methods

The system comprised three neural networks: a network for aneurysm detection, a network for morphology measurement, and a network for aneurysm location identification. A cross‐scale dual‐path transformer module was proposed to effectively fuse local and global information to capture aneurysms of varying sizes. A multitask learning approach was also proposed to allow an accurate localization of aneurysm neck for morphology measurement.

Results

The cross‐scale dual‐path transformer module was shown to outperform other state‐of‐the‐art network architectures, improving segmentation, and classification accuracy. The detection network in our system achieved an F2 score of 0.946 (recall 93%, precision 100%), better than the winning team in the Cerebral Aneurysm Detection and Analysis challenge. The measurement network achieved a relative error of less than 10% for morphology measurement, at the same level as human operators. Perfect accuracy (100%) was achieved on aneurysm location classification.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that a comprehensive system can automatically detect, measure morphology and report the aneurysm location of aneurysms without human intervention. This can be a potential tool for the diagnosis of IAs, improving radiologists’ performance and reducing their workload.
Quantitative analysis of UV protective additives in polyethylene films by solvent extraction coupled with UV spectrophotometry
Authors: Weizman Orli , Uziel A. , Mead Joey , Dodiuk Hanna , Ophir Amos , Kenig Shmeul
Published: July 2022

Commercial UV protective additives based on UV stabilizers (UVSs) and UV absorbers (UVAs) are used to enhance the durability of polymeric materials exposed to outdoor weathering, ultraviolet (UV) light, and heat, as in the case of agriculture films for greenhouses and water reservoirs. It is important to quantitatively study, analyze, and control the loss of these protective additives by migration and depletion from polymeric films under accelerated photodegradation and humid environments. In this study, an UVA (Tinuvin 326) and two UVSs (Chimassorb 944 FDL, and Chimassorb 911) were loaded separately in linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) film and exposed to an accelerated weathering environment with ultraviolet radiation (QUV chamber). The concentration of the additives in the film before and after accelerated weathering was determined using accelerated solvent extraction and quantitatively analyzed using UV spectrophotometry. Direct quantification by FTIR spectroscopy was used on the solid films to trace the changes in the amount of the UVA and UVSs in the films following accelerated weathering exposure. Good correlation was obtained between the two methods. Using these techniques and determining each additive's loss profile, the lifetimes of polymeric films used for agriculture applications can be predicted.
Investigation on basic properties and durability of metakaolin based geopolymer modified with silane
Authors: Feng Bowen , Liu Jiesheng , Chen Yaohua , Zhang Man , Tan Xiaoming
Published: July 2022

Durability is of great importance property in the sustainable development of green building materials. In this paper, metakaolin based geopolymer was used as control group and modified geopolymer specimens were prepared by adding different dosages (1–4 wt%) of APTES (3‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane) to study the effect of silane on basic properties and durability of metakaolin based geopolymer. Meanwhile, microscopic tests were used to reveal the mechanism of geopolymer modified with silane on durability performance. Basic properties and durability experiments included fluidity, consistency, mechanical strength, sulfate wet‐dry cycles, and freeze–thaw cycles. Microscopic experiments included SEM, XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption for characterization. The results showed that 1–2 wt% APTES modified geopolymer specimens improved the fluidity and consistency. However, excessive dosages inhibited fluidity and consistency of specimens. On the other hand, with the increase of APTES contents, mechanical strength under 7th days and 28th days showed a trend of first rise and then fall. Sulfate dry‐wet cycles experiments under 28th days and 56th days indicated that with the increase of APTES dosages, the weight loss of modified geopolymer decreased firstly and then increased compared to the control group, while coefficient of sulfate resistance showed the opposite trend. The 25 times and 50 times freeze–thaw cycles experiments were consistent with the changes of sulfate dry‐wet cycles results. Microscopic experiments were used to characterize the control and modified groups and to reveal the mechanism on basic properties and durability of geopolymer modified with silane.
Associations of surrogates' death‐preparedness states with decisional conflict and heightened decisional regret over cancer patients' last 6 months of life
Authors: Wen Fur‐Hsing , Chou Wen‐Chi , Hou Ming‐Mo , Su Po‐Jung , Shen Wen‐Chi , Chen Jen‐Shi , Chang Wen‐Cheng , Hsu Mei Huang , Tang Siew Tzuh
Published: July 2022

Objective

Preparing family surrogates for patient death and end‐of‐life (EOL) decision making may reduce surrogate decisional conflict and regret. Preparedness for patient death involves cognitive and emotional preparedness. We assessed the associations of surrogates' death‐preparedness states (that integrate both cognitive and emotional preparedness for patient death) with surrogates' decisional conflict and regret.

Methods

Associations of 173 surrogates' death‐preparedness states (no, cognitive‐only, emotional‐only, and sufficient preparedness states) with decisional conflict (measured by the Decision Conflict Scale) and heightened decisional regret (Decision Regret Scale scores >25) were evaluated using hierarchical linear modeling and hierarchical generalized linear modeling, respectively, during a longitudinal observational study at a medical center over cancer patients' last 6 months.

Results

Surrogates reported high decisional conflict (mean [standard deviation] = 41.48 [6.05]), and 52.7% of assessments exceeded the threshold for heightened decisional regret. Surrogates in the cognitive‐only preparedness state reported a significantly higher level of decisional conflict (β = 3.010 [95% CI = 1.124, 4.896]) than those in the sufficient preparedness state. Surrogates in the no (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] [95% CI] = 0.293 [0.113, 0.733]) and emotional‐only (AOR [95% CI] = 0.359 [0.149, 0.866]) preparedness states were less likely to suffer heightened decisional regret than those in the sufficient preparedness state.

Conclusions

Surrogates' decisional conflict and heightened decisional regret are associated with their death‐preparedness states. Improving emotional preparedness for the patient's death among surrogates in the cognitive‐only preparedness state and meeting the specific needs of those in the no, emotional‐only, and sufficient preparedness states are actionable high‐quality EOL‐care interventions that may lessen decisional conflict and decisional regret.
Comparison between impulse oscillometry parameters and spirometry for the diagnosis of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children and adolescents
Authors: Correia Junior Marco Aurélio de Valois , Filho Edil de Albuquerque Rodrigues , Tenório Ricardo César Espinhara , Albuquerque Claudio Gonçalves de , Barbosa Laienne Carla , Quirino Polyanna Guerra Chaves , Sarinho Emanuel , Medeiros Décio , Rizzo José Ângelo
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Impulse oscillometry (IOS) parameters are obtained more easily and effortlessly in comparison to forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1).

Objective

To compare IOS parameters to FEV1 in exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) diagnosis.

Methods

Seventy‐four (60.8% male; 39.2 female) young asthmatics aged between 7 and 17 years (mean 12.6 ± 2.8 years) were evaluated. EIB was defined as a reduction in FEV1 ≥ 10% compared with basal after standardized challenge by treadmill running (TR). IOS parameters and FEV1 were obtained at baseline and 5,15, and 30 min after TR. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated from the reduction in FEV1 ≥ 10% to evaluate the best psychometric characteristics of IOS parameters.

Results

Twenty‐four individuals (32.4%) were diagnosed with EIB. A moderate inverse correlation was found between the IOS and FEV1 variables immediately after the TR, with resistance at 5 Hz (R5Hz), resonant frequency (Fres), and reactance area (AX), (r = −0.64, r = −0.53 and r = −0.69, respectively, all with p < 0.05). An increase of 25 kPa/l/s in R5 Hz, of 19k Pa/l/s in AX and 21 Hz in Fres were found to best correlate with EIB diagnosis by FEV1 (sensitivity 67% and specificity 62%, sensitivity 84% and specificity 50%, and sensitivity 84% and specificity 60%, respectively).

Conclusion

IOS parameters have a significant inverse correlation with FEV1. This study presents cut‐off points for EIB diagnosis for R5Hz, AX, and Fres, however, the findings in IOS parameters should be used and interpreted carefully if the goal is to replace spirometry.
Effects of Glycerol Tribenzoate on the Mechanical Properties and Reaction Characteristics of Al/THV Reactive Materials Prepared by Extrusion‐Injection Molding
Authors: Xu Shupeng , Wang Yinjie , Zhao Xiuchen , Yang Zenglin , Ning Xianjin , Tan Chengwen
Published: July 2022

The metal/fluoropolymer reactive material, Al/THV composites, can be prepared effectively into different shapes by extrusion injection molding. In this study, glycerol tribenzoate (GTB) plasticizer was introduced into Al/THV (35/65 wt %) prepared by extrusion and injection molding. The addition of GTB significantly affected certain properties of the matrix (THV), which consequently affected the mechanical properties and impact energy‐release characteristics of the reactive material. Research shows that the addition of GTB can improve the plasticity of Al/THV(/GTB) composites under quasi‐static compression and strain rate sensitivity under 2000–6000 s−1 dynamic compression. Besides, the addition of GTB caused the Al/THV/GTB composites to ignite later than the Al/THV composite. The impact ignition threshold of Al/THV(/GTB) composites increased from 5100 to 5550 s−1 with an increased GTB content. The impact ignition delay and increased impact ignition threshold of Al/THV/GTB were demonstrated through the temperature rise theory at the tip of crack propagation. In addition, under dynamic compression, more “hot spots”(origins of the reaction) in the Al/THV/GTB composites than in Al/THV composite caused by a rapid crack propagation increased the reaction percentage and improved the combustion duration of impact‐triggered reactions.
All‐Dielectric Terahertz Metasurface with Giant Extrinsic Chirality for Dual‐Mode Sensing
Authors: Peng Jin , Hou Junyong , Tang Tingting , Li Jie , Chen Zhenyi
Published: July 2022

Metasurface‐based sensors, with their planar compact structure and excellent sensing performance, have become one of the emerging technologies in metasurface and nanophotonics in recent years. In particular, chiral metasurfaces show unique advantages for chiral molecule detection and enantiomer identification. Herein, a scheme of dual‐mode sensing based on all‐dielectric terahertz metasurface via chiral and achiral spectroscopy is proposed. The proposed achiral meta‐atoms show great extrinsic chirality. The transmitted linearly polarized spectrum and the circular dichroism (CD) can be used as the sensing indicator under normal and oblique incidence of the terahertz waves, respectively. Among them, the working mode based on linear polarization spectrum only needs to measure the transmission spectrum once, which means wide applicability. The other mode using CD can eliminate the achiral terahertz absorption of the analyte through multiple measurements and has a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio. The results show that the maximum refractive index–frequency change rates of the two operating modes are −128.5 GHz/RIU and −124.7 GHz/RIU, respectively. In addition, there are two resonant peaks available in both working states, for both high‐precision and wide‐range refractive index detection. This new scheme is expected to be applied in industrial fields such as terahertz biochemical detection.
Effects of Hydrogen Incorporation on Mg Diffusion in GaN‐Doped with Mg Ions via Ultra‐High‐Pressure Annealing
Authors: Narita Tetsuo , Uedono Akira , Kachi Tetsu
Published: July 2022

Magnesium (Mg) diffusion in gallium nitride (GaN) is assessed using various Mg dosages and annealing durations at 1300 °C under nitrogen at 500 MPa. Low Mg dosages of 3 × 1013 cm−2 result in diffusion based on Fick's law and a diffusion coefficient of 1.36 × 10−14 cm2 s−1. Ambient hydrogen atoms are also introduced into the specimens during annealing. Hydrogen has a larger diffusion coefficient than Mg but the hydrogen concentration is limited by the surface Mg concentration. After hydrogen atoms reach the Mg diffusion front, they enhance Mg diffusion by forming the Mg–hydrogen complexes. The more rapid Mg diffusion at higher Mg dosages above 1014 cm−2 can be explained by diffusive species involving vacancies and hydrogen.
Exploring factors that impact physical science doctoral student role identities through a multiple case study approach
Authors: McAlister Anne M. , Lilly Sarah , Chiu Jennifer L.
Published: July 2022

We explore how physical science doctoral students navigate their role identities throughout their graduate programme. Physical science doctoral students take on many academic roles in addition to the role of scientist, including researcher, educator, and student. When social expectations of roles become internalized, they become role identities. We examined doctoral students' academic role identities as a complex system to unpack factors that constrain the behavior and define the nature of doctoral students' academic role identities. This multiple case study used open‐ended reflective questions and narrative‐style interviews with eight physical science doctoral students to explore how physical science doctoral students navigate their role identities throughout their graduate programme and the factors that may influence these identities. Responses to the reflective questions and narrative interview transcripts were qualitatively coded and salient themes are drawn through cross‐case analysis. Themes were compared across data sources to further validate the findings. Participants ascribed the most value to researcher and student identities and the least value to an educator identity. Time spent in a role, institutional recognition, advisor relationships, community in graduate school, and interest were factors that participants perceived to influence their role identities, along with the gender identity of women. Implications highlight the ways in which institutions may be able to support doctoral students in graduate school, including increased support for time management, equitable opportunities for authentic research experiences, equitable support in advisor relationships, and the importance of intentionally fostering community within science departments.