bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The gain and noise figure comparison of single‐pass, double‐pass, and dual‐stage triple‐pass thulium‐doped fiber amplifiers in S‐band with thulium‐doped fiber optimization
Authors: Yucel Murat , Dincer Ayten
Published: June 2022

This study presents a comparison of three different S‐band thulium‐doped fiber amplifiers (TDFA) designs. The gain performances of the amplifiers are analyzed based on each scheme, separately. With −20 dBm input power, to provide ground‐state and excited‐state absorptions, the 1050 nm pump is used in all designs. The thulium‐doped fiber (TDF) lengths are optimized for maximum gain by using the single parameter single result optimization of Optisystem 18.0 software. A reflector is integrated into the double‐pass and dual‐stage triple‐pass TDFA to allow double propagation. Compared to double‐pass TDFA, in dual‐stage triple‐pass TDFA design, gain values increased without changing the stable bandwidth. 42.77 dB gain is demonstrated for two optimized TDF lengths; L1: 5 m and L2: 4.8 m, while noise figure values are higher than the other schemes. This comparison is important to show that the dual‐stage triple‐pass TDFA design could be suitable for obtaining higher gain in wider stable bandwidth in the fiber optic communication systems.
A nonconforming SO‐DGTD method with local time‐stepping for the simulation of nanophotonic
Authors: Liu Bingqi , Xu Li , Wang Hao , Yang Siyi , Liu Hangxin , Huang Shucheng , Huang Tao , Li Bin
Published: June 2022

This letter introduces an efficient shift operator discontinuous Galerkin time domain (SO‐DGTD) method with both nonconforming and local time stepping techniques for the simulation of nanophotonic problems. In this method, the constitutive relation of metallic properties is described by introducing the shift operator method (SO) and the relation of electric field and electric displacement can be obtained in the time domain. To make the nanophotonic simulation more efficient, we introduce the non‐conforming technique based on upwind numerical flux to SO‐DGTD method. In addition, we further introduce the local time stepping technique to SO‐DGTD method to improve the computational efficiency for nanophotonic problems with complex structures. Finally, some numerical examples are given to show the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
A novel design for frequency reconfigurable antennas
Authors: Row Jeen‐Sheen , Chen Jun‐Yan
Published: June 2022

A design of frequency reconfigurable patch antennas is presented. The antenna has a radiating patch perpendicular to the ground plane, and it can be regarded as a one‐dimensional suspended patch antenna. By placing two varactors between the radiating patch and ground plane, the operation frequency of the antenna can be tuned from 3.3 to 4.2 GHz, and a stable broadside radiation pattern with low cross‐polarization can be obtained within the operation bandwidth. A prototype of the proposed reconfigurable antenna is constructed. Both measured and simulated results of the prototype are given, and the differences between them are shown.
On the far‐field sampling strategies for reliable Bayesian compressive diagnosis of planar arrays
Authors: Salucci Marco
Published: June 2022

Dealing with the detection of the faulty elements of planar antenna arrays with a probabilistic Bayesian compressive sensing (BCS) approach, a key asset for the reliable prediction of the actual status of the antenna under test is the sampling strategy to remotely collect the far‐field (FF) data. The aim of this letter is to provide insights into the effectiveness and the reliability of different FF sampling strategies to collect the input data for a state‐of‐the‐art array diagnosis method based on a multitask BCS technique. Representative results are shown to verify the impact of each sampling strategy on the achievable reconstructions.
Salient deformable network for abdominal multiorgan registration
Authors: Rao Yi , Zhou Yihao , Wang Yi
Published: June 2022

Background

Image registration has long been an active research area in the society of medical image computing, which is to perform spatial transformation between a pair of images and establish a point‐wise correspondence to achieve spatial consistency.

Purpose

Previous work mainly focused on learning complicated deformation fields by maximizing the global‐level (i.e., foreground plus background) image similarity. We argue that taking the background similarity into account may not be a good solution, if we only seek the accurate alignment of target organs/regions in real clinical practice.

Methods

We, therefore, propose a novel concept of and introduce a novel deformable network equipped with a saliency module. Specifically, a multitask learning‐based saliency module is proposed to discriminate the salient regions‐of‐registration in a semisupervised manner. Then, our deformable network analyzes the intensity and anatomical similarity of salient regions, and finally conducts the salient deformable registration.

Results

We evaluate the efficacy of the proposed network on challenging abdominal multiorgan CT scans. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed registration network outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods, achieving a mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 40.2%, Hausdorff distance (95 HD) of 20.8 mm, and average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) of 4.58 mm. Moreover, even by training using one labeled data, our network can still attain satisfactory registration performance, with a mean DSC of 39.2%, 95 HD of 21.2 mm, and ASSD of 4.78 mm.

Conclusions

The proposed network provides an accurate solution for multiorgan registration and has the potential to be used for improving other registration applications. The code is publicly available at https://github.com/Rrrfrr/Salient‐Deformable‐Network.
Performance evaluation of side‐by‐side optically coupled monolithic LYSO crystals
Authors: Freire Marta , Echegoyen Sara , Gonzalez‐Montoro Andrea , Sanchez Filomeno , Gonzalez Antonio J.
Published: June 2022

Background

Significant interest has been recently shown for using monolithic scintillation crystals in molecular imaging systems, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scanners. Monolithic‐based PET scanners result in a lower cost and higher sensitivity, in contrast to systems based on the more conventional pixellated configuration. The monolithic design allows one to retrieve depth‐of‐interaction information of the impinging 511 keV photons without the need for additional hardware materials or complex positioning algorithms. However, the so‐called edge‐effect inherent to monolithic‐based approaches worsens the detector performance toward the crystal borders due to the truncation of the light distribution, thus decreasing positioning accuracy.

Purpose

The main goal of this work is to experimentally demonstrate the detector performance improvement when machine‐learning artificial neural‐network (NN) techniques are applied for positioning estimation in multiple monolithic scintillators optically coupled side‐by‐side.

Methods

In this work, we show the performance evaluation of two LYSO crystals of 33 × 25.4 × 10 mm3optically coupled by means of a high refractive index adhesive compound (Meltmount, refractive indexn = 1.70). A 12 × 12 silicon photomultiplier array has been used as photosensor. For comparison, the same detector configuration was tested for two additional coupling cases: (1) optical grease (n = 1.46) in between crystals, and (2) isolated crystals using black paint with an air gap at the interface (named standard configuration). Regarding 2D photon positioning (XY plane), we have tested two different methods: (1) a machine‐learning artificial NN algorithm and (2) a squared‐charge (SC) centroid technique.

Results

At the interface region of the detector, the SC method achieved spatial resolutions of 1.7 ± 0.3, 2.4 ± 0.3, and 2.6 ± 0.4 mm full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) for the Meltmount, grease, and standard configurations, respectively. These values improve to 1.0 ± 0.2, 1.2 ± 0.2, and 1.2 ± 0.3 mm FWHM when the NN algorithm was employed. Regarding energy performance, resolutions of 18 ± 2%, 20 ± 2%, and 23 ± 3% were obtained at the interface region of the detector for Meltmount, grease, and standard configurations, respectively.

Conclusions

The results suggest that optically coupling together scintillators with a high refractive index adhesive, in combination with an NN algorithm, reduces edge‐effects and makes it possible to build scanners with almost no gaps in between detectors.
On Elegant Solutions in PRE: Moment Equations for the Chain Length Distribution of Coordination Polyolefins
Authors: Soares João B. P.
Published: June 2022

The method of moments has been used for a long time to describe the chain length averages of polymers made via different mechanism. This article describes a mathematical analysis method to derive the simplest general expression for the moments of the chain length distribution of linear polyolefins made with single‐site‐type coordination catalysts. It also shows how to use this general solution for polyolefins made with multiple‐site‐type coordination catalysts. More importantly, this article advocates the use of elegant solutions in polymerization reaction engineering, which are deceivingly simple mathematical equations that capture the most essential information about complex polymerization systems. Elegant solutions shine more light on the phenomena they are modeling than more complex and computational demanding methods.
Dietary Sodium Butyrate Supplementation Attenuates the Detrimental Effects of High-Fat Diets on Growth Performance, Liver Health, and Disease Resistance in Grass Carp
Authors: Gao Shiyang , Zhao Xiaoyu , Niu Ben , Chang Kuo , Chen Weijun
Published: June 2022

An 8-week experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (NaBT) inclusion in high-fat (HF) diets on growth performance, liver health, and disease resistance in Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella. Three diets (Control diet containing crude lipid at 58 g/kg, HF diet with 108-g/kg crude lipid, and NaBT diet with 108-g/kg crude lipid and 1-g/kg NaBT) were randomly assigned to nine tanks with 30 fish (9.50 ± 0.06 g) in each tank. After the feeding trial, disease resistance was assessed by injecting the fish with Aeromonas hydrophila. Compared to the Control diet group, the HF diet group showed lower specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and survival rate (15.7%) after the A. hydrophila challenge; significantly higher activity levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in plasma; higher malondialdehyde content; higher messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of interleukin-8, cysteinyl aspartate specific protease (caspase) 9, and caspase 3; lower activity level of glutathione peroxidase; and lower mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in liver. However, the NaBT diet significantly increased fish growth performance and survival rate (39.7%) after the A. hydrophila challenge and reduced hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis compared to the HF diet. In conclusion, NaBT can ameliorate the detrimental effects of HF diets on fish growth performance and fish health.
Establishment to measure oxycodone in plasma with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ito Suguru , Mori Masato , Matsuo Momoka , Yamasaki Rio , Oida Yasuhisa , Soda Midori , Kitaichi Kiyoyuki
Published: June 2022

Oxycodone (OXY) is classified as a “strong opioid” in the World Health Organization system of cancer pain treatment. However, OXY also causes severe adverse reactions, such as respiratory depression. Thus, in order to adjust the dosage of OXY for well‐managed pain relief with less toxicity, we tried establishing and validating a system for measuring plasma concentrations of OXY using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Human pooled plasma samples containing OXY diluted with 0.1% formic acid solution and internal standard (papaverine) were used for solid‐phase extraction. The eluents were injected into LC–MS/MS with Unison UK‐Silica column (100 × 2 mm, 3 μm, Imtakt). Mobile phase was a mixture of 1 mM ammonium formate solution and acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid (50:50). OXY in plasma could be measurable with good linearity in a concentration range of 2–100 ng/ml by using 100 μl of plasma within 4 min. Relative standard deviations of all validation results were within ±15%. These results suggest that our established method using LC–MS/MS to measure OXY in plasma would be useful to adjust the dosage of OXY in order to obtain its efficacy and to avoid its adverse reactions.
Electropalatographic study of connected speech in lateral misarticulation
Authors: Takei Yoshiko , Yamashita Yukari , Mori Kimie , Tatara Hiroko , Hasegawa Kazuko , Nozue Shinji , Ihara Yoshiaki , Harada Yuka , Takahashi Koji
Published: June 2022

Aim

Lateral misarticulation (LM) is a speech sound disorder in which air escapes laterally during speech. In LM speech therapy, errors often remain in conversational speech, even when single syllables are produced correctly. However, previous studies have used syllables, words, and phrases as speech samples and have not analyzed conversational speech. In this study, electropalatography (EPG) was used to observe tongue–palate contact patterns in a sentence that is similar to conversational speech and thereby clarify the articulatory dynamics of LM in connected speech.

Methods

The participants included 30 patients with LM and 10 typical speakers. Tongue–palate contact patterns were recorded simultaneously with speech sounds. A global pattern (GP) for each participant was created by accumulating all the EPG patterns during the sentence production. The contact rates of cumulative global patterns (CGP) for each group were examined.

Results

The GP for each participant revealed that typical speakers displayed continuous contact in the bilateral posterolateral region and less contact in the central region, whereas patients with LM exhibited less contact in the posterolateral region and more contact in the central region. The CGP for each group indicated that the LM group tended to have a lower contact rate in the posterolateral region and a higher contact rate in the anterior‐central region than the typical group.

Conclusion

Lateral bracing in the posterolateral region and groove formation in the central region are important for patients with LM to consistently produce correct sounds in connected speech.
Novel mosquito repellent fiber mat containing nepeta essential oil prepared by coaxial electrospinning
Authors: Zhang Zhongkai , Yang Kongtan , Han Xiao , Yu Xiaobin , Cheng Zhiqiang
Published: June 2022

Nepeta essential oil (NEO) is considered to have good mosquito repellent properties, the poor stability of which limits the application. This work was aimed at using coaxial electrospinning technology to wrap NEO into Polylactic acid (PLA) fibers to extend the service life of NEO. Under the best test conditions, NEO load capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) is (20.20 ± 0.35%) and (84.18 ± 1.46%), respectively. According to morphology analysis, the concentration of PLA solution and the flow rate of NEO will affect the morphology and properties of the fibers, and the minimum average diameter of the obtained fibers is 740 nm. Release test indicates that using coaxial electrospinning technology can significantly slow down the NEO release rate, in the mosquito avoidance test, the coaxial fiber mat maintained about 80% mosquito repellent rate within 72 h, which is superior to the commercially available N,N‐diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide (DEET) repellent, indicating its potential in the field of mosquito repellent.
Positron annihilation lifetime study of subnano level free volume features of grafted polymer electrolyte membranes for hydrogen fuel cell applications
Authors: Tap Tran Duy , Long Tran Hoang , Hieu Dinh Tran Trong , Hao Lam Hoang , Phuong Huynh Truc , Luan Le Quang , Van Man Tran
Published: June 2022

The subnano level free‐volume hole features of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSSA) grafted poly(ethylene‐co‐tetrafluoroethylene) polymer electrolyte membranes (ETFE‐PEMs) are investigated using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The hole sizes are formed mainly at the graft‐polymerization step and are not altered dramatically at the sulfonation. With increasing grafting degree, τ4, standing for the annihilation of ortho‐positronium (o‐Ps) in the larger free‐volume holes of the mobile amorphous layers and the PSSA grafts outside of the lamellae, decreases monotonously, whereas τ3, representing for that in the smaller free‐volume holes of the lamellar amorphous regions, the PSSA grafts, and the interface zones inside the lamellae, only shows a slight decrease. From the viewpoint of free‐volume hole sizes, gas molecules are predicted to pass dominantly through the mobile amorphous phases and the PSSA grafts outside of the lamellae. Specifically, the limited hole concentration induced by confining lamellae at the interfacial zones is observed. Thus, the obtained results are associated with a significant reduction of gas passing and the moderate or higher tensile strength for the ETFE‐PEMs in comparison to Nafion‐212.
Thrombosis and hemorrhage experienced by hospitalized children with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or MIS‐C: Results of the PICNIC registry
Authors: Tehseen Sarah , Williams Suzan , Robinson Joan , Morris Shaun K. , Bitnun Ari , Gill Peter , Tal Tala El , Yeh Ann , Yea Carmen , Ulloa‐Gutierrez Rolando , Brenes‐Chacon Helena , Yock‐Corrales Adriana , Ivankovich‐Escoto Gabriela , Soriano‐Fallas Alejandra , Papenburg Jesse , Lefebvre Marie‐Astrid , Scuccimarri Rosie , Nateghian Alireza , Aski Behzad Haghighi , Dwilow Rachel , Bullard Jared , Cooke Suzette , Restivo Lea , Lopez Alison , Sadarangani Manish , Roberts Ashley , Forbes Michelle , Saux Nicole Le , Bowes Jennifer , Purewal Rupeena , Lautermilch Janell , Bayliss Ann , Wong Jacqueline K. , Leifso Kirk , Foo Cheryl , Panetta Luc , Kakkar Fatima , Piche Dominique , Viel‐Theriault Isabelle , Merckx Joanna , Lieberman Lani
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Coagulopathy and thrombosis associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection are well defined in hospitalized adults and leads to adverse outcomes. Pediatric studies are limited.

Methods

An international multicentered (n = 15) retrospective registry collected information on the clinical manifestations of SARS‐CoV‐2 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS‐C) in hospitalized children from February 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021. This sub‐study focused on coagulopathy. Study variables included patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, hospital course, laboratory parameters, management, and outcomes.

Results

Nine hundred eighty‐five children were enrolled, of which 915 (93%) had clinical information available; 385 (42%) had symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, 288 had MIS‐C (31.4%), and 242 (26.4%) had SARS‐CoV‐2 identified incidentally. Ten children (1%) experienced thrombosis, 16 (1.7%) experienced hemorrhage, and two (0.2%) experienced both thrombosis and hemorrhage. Significantly prevalent prothrombotic comorbidities included congenital heart disease (p‐value .007), respiratory support (p‐value .006), central venous catheter (CVC) (p = .04) in children with primary SARS‐CoV‐2 and in those with MIS‐C included respiratory support (p‐value .03), obesity (p‐value .002), and cytokine storm (p = .012). Comorbidities prevalent in children with hemorrhage included age >10 years (p = .04), CVC (p = .03) in children with primary SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and in those with MIS‐C encompassed thrombocytopenia (p = .001) and cytokine storm (p = .02). Eleven patients died (1.2%), with no deaths attributed to thrombosis or hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Thrombosis and hemorrhage are uncommon events in children with SARS‐CoV‐2; largely experienced by those with pre‐existing comorbidities. Understanding the complete spectrum of coagulopathy in children with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection requires ongoing research.
The role of prenatal exposure to antidepressants, anxiolytic, and hypnotics and its underlying illness on the risk of miscarriage using BIFAP database
Authors: Kitchin Álvaro , Huerta Consuelo , Llorente‐García Ana , Martínez David , Ortega Paloma , Cea‐Soriano Lucía
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Despite the notable increase on the prescription of antidepressants and anxiolytics during pregnancy, recommendation on maintaining the treatment during prenatal period is still controversial. We aimed to separately assess the role of effects of the antidepressants and anxiolytic and the underlying illness, controlled by potential confounding associated with miscarriage onset.

Methods

We used data from a validated pregnant cohort aged 15–49 years from 2002 to 2016 using BIFAP database. All confirmed miscarriages were used to perform a nested control analysis using conditional logistic regression. Women were classified according to use of each drug of interest into four mutually exclusive groups: nonusers, users only during prepregnancy, continuers, and initiators during first trimester. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for major confounders during pregnancy such as number of visits to primary care practitioners visits, obesity, smoking, HTA, diabetes with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results

Compared with nonusers, antidepressants continuers had the highest increased risk of miscarriage aOR (95%) of 1.29 (1.13–1.46), being continuers of paroxetine and fluoxetine the antidepressants with the strongest association. Likewise, continuers of anxiolytics and initiators showed an increased risk of 1.19 (1.04–1.37) and 1.30 (1.13–1.50). When separating the effect between the condition itself or the treatment, women exposed during first trimester, regardless treatment duration and/or the underlying illness, had the highest risk 1.27 (1.08–1.51) for antidepressants and 1.25 (1.13–1.39) for anxiolytics.

Conclusions

Our analysis showed an association between prenatal exposure to antidepressants and anxiolytics and miscarriage onset after controlling by potential confounding adjusting for confounders and the underlying illness. This association was not supported for hypnotic medications. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the risk of miscarriage among subpopulation of pregnant women requiring these medications.
Systematically exploring repurposing effects of antihypertensives
Authors: Shahn Zach , Spear Phoebe , Lu Helen , Jiang Sharon , Zhang Suki , Deshmukh Neil , Xu Shenbo , Ng Kenney , Welsch Roy , Finkelstein Stan
Published: June 2022

With availability of voluminous sets of observational data, an empirical paradigm to screen for drug repurposing opportunities (i.e., beneficial effects of drugs on nonindicated outcomes) is feasible. In this article, we use a linked claims and electronic health record database to comprehensively explore repurposing effects of antihypertensive drugs. We follow a target trial emulation framework for causal inference to emulate randomized controlled trials estimating confounding adjusted effects of antihypertensives on each of 262 outcomes of interest. We then fit hierarchical models to the results as a form of postprocessing to account for multiple comparisons and to sift through the results in a principled way. Our motivation is twofold. We seek both to surface genuinely intriguing drug repurposing opportunities and to elucidate through a real application some study design decisions and potential biases that arise in this context.
Proteomic alterations in extracellular vesicles induced by oncogenic PIK3CA mutations
Authors: Saraswat Mayank , Garapati Kishore , Kim Jinyong , Budhraja Rohit , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: June 2022

PIK3CA is one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancers, with the two most prevalent activating mutations being E545K and H1047R. Although the altered intracellular signaling pathways in these cells have been described, the effect of these mutations on their extracellular vesicles (EVs) has not yet been reported. To study altered cellular physiology and intercellular communication through proteomic analysis of EVs, MCF10A cells and their isogenic mutant versions (PIK3CA E545K and H1047R) were cultured and their EVs enriched by differential ultracentrifugation. Proteins were extracted, digested with trypsin and the peptides labeled with tandem mass tag (TMT) reagents and analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Four thousand six hundred and fifty‐five peptides were identified from 579 proteins of which 522 proteins have been previously described in EVs. Relative quantitation revealed altered levels of EV proteins including several cell adhesion molecules. Mesothelin, E‐cadherin, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule were elevated in both mutant cell‐derived EVs. Markers of tumor invasion and progression like galectin‐3 and transforming growth factor beta induced protein were increased in both mutants. Overall, activating mutations in PIK3CA result in altered EV composition with characteristic changes associated with these hotspot mutations.
Extended Positron–Positronium Trapping Defects in the MgAl2O4 Spinel Ceramics
Authors: Klym Halyna , Hadzaman Ivan , Vila Rafael , Popov Anatoli I.
Published: June 2022

Extended free‐volume positron trapping defects (positron trapping channel) and nanopores (positronium decaying channel) in the initial and modified MgAl2O4 ceramics sintered at 1200, 1300, and 1400 °C are investigated using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy within four‐component fitting procedure. It is established that the number and size of extended defects near grain boundaries (described by the second component) decrease with increasing sintering temperature of ceramics, which correlates with the content of additional phases in the materials. The agglomeration of nanopores occurs in the initial ceramics (described by the third component) and the decrease of number and size of nanopores in the modified ceramics. The corresponding processes of the evolution of nanopores described by the fourth component are reflected mainly in their reduction, except for ceramics sintered at 1400 °C. Such changes are associated with the evolution of porous structure and increased contact area between the grains of ceramics.
Degradation‐based reliability analysis of magnetic jack type control rod drive mechanism
Authors: Yu Tianda , Wu Hao , Chen Xinan , Tang Jiankai , Fu Guo‐Zhong
Published: June 2022

The magnetic jack type control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) is the key actuator in the nuclear power plant reactor. The latch assembly of the CRDM acts as the execution component to lift, insert, and release the control rod assembly to accomplish the reactor startup, power regulation, and shutdown, etc. The accuracy and the timeliness of CRDM latch assembly action will directly determine the safety operation of the reactor. Considering the time variation of the structural strength deterioration in the latch assembly, the time‐dependent reliability of CRDM's lift action is evaluated based on the Gamma degradation process. P‐S‐N curve is introduced to model the shape function and the scale parameter of the Gamma process. The stress subjected to the key structure of the latch assembly is calculated by a multi‐physics field coupling simulation scheme with utilization of MATLAB to transfer simulated results between the ANSYS and ADAMS software. Finally, the time‐dependent reliability is calculated based on the Monte Carlo simulation method. In this paper, the lift pole thread of the assembly is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
On entropy measures for molecular structure of remdesivir system and their applications
Authors: Feng Caicai , Muhammad Mehwish Hussain , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Kirmani Syed Ajaz K. , Manzoor Shazia , Hanif Muhammad Farhan
Published: June 2022

In medical sciences, the molecular structure is discussed under the consideration of the topological index, and related biological, pharmaceutical, medical and chemical properties of various drugs are examined by computing topological indices. Many scientific experiments are ongoing for the medication of COVID‐19 by using redeliver. In this paper, our objective is to calculate the degree‐based temperature indices and their respective temperature entropies for the molecular graph of remdesivir R. In this study, we derived some degree‐based temperature descriptors. Also, we computed temperature entropies of molecular structure by constructing the relation of degree‐based temperature descriptors with the help of specific information functions. Moreover, we analyzed and provided a graphical comparison of the calculated outcomes. These computed results maybe lead to the discovery of more effective drugs and modified vaccines for the overcome with COVID‐19.
Experimental Quantum‐Enhanced Machine Learning in Spin‐Based Systems
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Lin Zidong , Che Liangyu , Chen Hanyu , Lu Dawei
Published: June 2022

With the advancement of computing power and algorithms, machine learning has been a powerful tool in numerous applications nowadays. However, the hardware limitation of classical computers and the increasing size of datasets urge the community to explore new techniques for machine learning. Quantum‐enhanced machine learning is such a rapidly growing field. It refers to quantum algorithms that are implemented in quantum computers, which can improve the computational speed of classical machine learning tasks and often promises an exponential speedup. In the past few years, the development of experimental quantum technologies leads to many experimental demonstrations of quantum‐enhanced machine learning in diverse physical systems. Here, the recent experimental progress in this field in two typical spin‐based quantum systems—nuclear magnetic resonance and nitrogen‐vacancy centers in diamond—is reviewed, and the ongoing challenges are discussed.
The Perceived Stress Scale for Kids (PeSSKi): Initial development of a brief measure for children aged 7–11 years
Authors: Davis Christina , Turner‐Cobb Julie M.
Published: June 2022

Perceived stress, a known risk factor for poor health, has been extensively assessed in adult populations. Yet an equivalent assessment tool for measurement of global perceived stress in children is lacking. This study aimed to develop and provide initial validation of a scale to measure perceived stress in children aged 7–11 years. Using a two‐phase design, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with thirteen child‐parent dyads for development of items. In a sample of 123 children (age range 7–11 years, Mage = 9 years 7 months, 54.5% male) we administered the resulting Perceived Stress Scale for Kids (PeSSKi). Exploratory factor analysis of the 10‐item PeSSKi yielded support for both a one‐factor and a two‐factor solution (negative, positive item wording). The PeSSKi was associated positively with the Penn‐State Worry Questionnaire for Children (r = 0.748, p < 0.001) and negatively with the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (r = 0.381, p < 0.001) indicating strong convergent/divergent validity respectively. Girls showed higher scores on the PeSSKi than boys with no effects observed by age. Initial psychometrics suggest the PeSSKi provides a robust scale for assessment of perceived stress in children. Further validation is needed across different child populations, over time and with physical measures of stress and health outcomes.
Crossover From Individual to Collective Magnetism in Dense Nanoparticle Systems: Local Anisotropy Versus Dipolar Interactions
Authors: Sánchez Elena H. , Vasilakaki Marianna , Lee Su Seong , Normile Peter S. , Andersson Mikael S. , Mathieu Roland , López‐Ortega Alberto , Pichon Benoit P. , Peddis Davide , Binns Chris , Nordblad Per , Trohidou Kalliopi , Nogués Josep , De Toro José A.
Published: June 2022

Dense systems of magnetic nanoparticles may exhibit dipolar collective behavior. However, two fundamental questions remain unsolved: i) whether the transition temperature may be affected by the particle anisotropy or it is essentially determined by the intensity of the interparticle dipolar interactions, and ii) what is the minimum ratio of dipole–dipole interaction (Edd) to nanoparticle anisotropy (KefV, anisotropy⋅volume) energies necessary to crossover from individual to collective behavior. A series of particle assemblies with similarly intense dipolar interactions but widely varying anisotropy is studied. The Kef  is tuned through different degrees of cobalt‐doping in maghemite nanoparticles, resulting in a variation of nearly an order of magnitude. All the bare particle compacts display collective behavior, except the one made with the highest anisotropy particles, which presents “marginal” features. Thus, a threshold of KefV/Edd ≈ 130 to suppress collective behavior is derived, in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. This translates into a crossover value of ≈1.7 for the easily accessible parameter TMAX(interacting)/TMAX(non‐interacting) (ratio of the peak temperatures of the zero‐field‐cooled magnetization curves of interacting and dilute particle systems), which is successfully tested against the literature to predict the individual‐like/collective behavior of any given interacting particle assembly comprising relatively uniform particles.
Sparse covariance matrix estimation for ultrahigh dimensional data
Authors: Liang Wanfeng , Wu Yue , Chen Hui
Published: June 2022

We introduce a Covariance matrix Refitted Cross Validation (CovRCV) estimation procedure without requiring the Gaussian assumption. Specifically, we first use the modified Cholesky decomposition(MCD) to transform the problem of covariance matrix estimation to that of coefficient estimation in the regression setting. Then, we use an estimation method based on RCV to mitigate the prevalent spurious correlation in the ultrahigh dimensional regression. The proposed procedure is easy to implement. Furthermore, we establish the consistency of the proposed CovRCV estimation and show the rate of convergence without assuming the banded structure in Bickel and Levina (2008). The finite sample performance of our method is assessed via an intensive numerical study. Our numerical comparison shows that the CovRCV estimation outperforms the existing ones in various interesting scenarios. The advantages of our method are further illustrated by a real case study.
The virtual consulting company: Teaching statistical consulting through simulated experience
Authors: Shilane David , Lorenzetti Nicole L. , Di Crecchio Nicole , Kreutter David K.
Published: June 2022

Training students to become effective consultants is an important goal of statistical education. The pedagogical models include drop‐in consulting, workshops, long‐term projects and theory‐based courses based on case studies. This study performs a comparison of the curricular designs. We then introduce a virtual model for a statistical consulting course based on simulated experience. The virtual model creates a semester‐long simulation with the roles of consultants, managers and clients adopted by members of the class. The course includes classroom instruction on the technical skills and styles of communication that can facilitate collaborations. The students complete a series of consulting projects for a range of virtual clients. This study demonstrates the benefits of the virtual model of teaching statistical consulting. The simulation allows students to gain experience in collaborations without a dependence on external clients. The consulting projects allow for full development of statistical investigations, communication with a range of stakeholders and opportunities to present proposals to clients. With a designed curriculum, the consulting experience and lessons of the course are more repeatable and uniform across the students. As a result, the virtual model is a promising alternative to the other curricular models for statistical consulting.
Cooking, Sensory Properties, Curcumin Retention, and In vitro Digestibility of Rice as Affected by Polishing and Turmeric Concentration
Authors: Qadir Nafiya , Wani Idrees Ahmed
Published: June 2022

The high digestibility of cooked rice causes an abrupt increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, efforts are being made to find out means of lowering the digestibility of cooked rice. In the present study, brown and polished variants of four Kashmiri rice cultivars (SR‐4, K‐39, Mushq Budij, and Pigmented) are cooked with turmeric powder at varying concentrations (0, 1, and 2% w/w, rice basis) using the excess water method. The prepared rice is evaluated for cooking, sensory properties, curcumin retention, and in‐vitro digestibility to understand the effect of polishing and turmeric concentration on various properties. The addition of turmeric to rice leads to significant improvement in minimum cooking time and cooked length breadth ratios of samples irrespective of polishing. However, gruel solids loss in cooked rice decreases significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with the addition of turmeric powder. The best overall acceptability score of cooked rice samples is observed after the addition of turmeric at 1% concentration. With an increase in the amount of turmeric addition  an increase in RS contents of cooked rice is observed. Therefore, rice cooked with turmeric powder can be considered as functional food for the diabetic population.
Silica nanoparticle exposure inhibits surfactant protein A and B in A549 cells through ROS‐mediated JNK/c‐Jun signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Xiaojing , Yang Pan , Zhang Jing , Yang Yushan , Xiong Min , Shi Fan , Li Ning , Jin Yulan
Published: June 2022

Exposure to silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) is related to the dysregulation of pulmonary surfactant that maintains lung stability and function. Nevertheless, there are limited studies concerning the interaction and influence between SiNPs and pulmonary surfactant, and the damage and mechanism are still unclear. Herein, we used A549 cells to develop an in vitro model, with which we investigated the effect of SiNPs exposure on the expression of pulmonary surfactant and the potential regulatory mechanism. The results showed that SiNPs were of cytotoxicity in regarding of reduced cell viability and promoted the production of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, the JNK/c‐Jun signaling pathway was activated, and the expression of surfactant protein A (SP‐A) and surfactant protein B (SP‐B) was decreased. After the cells being treated with N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC), we found that the ROS content was effectively downregulated, and the expression of proteins related to JNK and c‐Jun signaling pathways was suppressed. In contrast, the expression of SP‐A and SP‐B was enhanced. Furthermore, we treated the cells with JNK inhibitor and c‐Jun‐siRNA and found that the expression of protein related to JNK and c‐Jun signaling pathways, as well as SP‐A and SP‐B, changed in line with that of NAC treatment. These findings suggest that SiNPs exposure can upregulate ROS and activate the JNK/c‐Jun signaling pathway in A549 cells, thereby inhibiting the expression of SP‐A and SP‐B proteins.
Circular RNA regulation of fat deposition and muscle development in cattle
Authors: Gao Yuhong , Wang Shuzhe , Ma Yanfen , Lei Zhaoxiong , Ma Yun
Published: June 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important transcriptional regulatory RNA molecule that can regulate the transcription of downstream genes by competitive binding of miRNAs or coding proteins or by blocking mRNAs translation. Numerous studies have shown that circRNAs are extensively involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, gene transcription and signal transduction. Fat deposition and muscle development have important effects on beef traits. CircRNAs are involved in regulating bovine fat and muscle cells and are differentially expressed in the tissues composed of these cells, suggesting that circRNAs play an important role in regulating bovine fat formation and muscle development. This review describes differential expression of circRNAs in bovine fat and muscle tissues, research progress in understanding how circRNAs regulate the proliferation and differentiation of bovine fat and muscle cells through competing endogenous RNAs networks, and provide a reference for the subsequent research on the molecular mechanism of circRNAs in regulating fat deposition and muscle development in cattle.
Minor cutting edge angles of sawing teeth: effect on cutting forces in wood
Authors: Meulenberg Vanessa , Ekevad Mats , Svensson Mikael
Published: June 2022

Optimising the cutting tool geometries can reduce waste while increasing timber yield. The industry is moving towards thin-kerf bandsawing of timber, and therefore, the geometry of the minor cutting edge and minor first flanks of cutting teeth become more important. Six cutting teeth with varying minor cutting edge angles ($$0^{\circ }$$

0
∘

, $$2^{\circ }$$

2
∘

, $$4^{\circ }$$

4
∘

, $$6^{\circ }$$

6
∘

) and minor cutting edge clearance angles ($$2^{\circ }$$

2
∘

, $$4^{\circ }$$

4
∘

, $$6^{\circ }$$

6
∘

) were tested by cutting into the heartwood and sapwood of frozen and non-frozen Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Single cutting tooth tests were conducted, and the cutting and feeding forces were measured. The cutting forces were higher for Scots pine due to its higher density. Frozen sapwood resulted in higher cutting forces. The feeding force of frozen sapwood stood out as it was highly negative (i.e. self-feeding) compared to frozen heartwood, non-frozen heartwood and non-frozen sapwood. An increase in the minor cutting edge angle and minor cutting edge clearance angles, and therefore more room for elastic spring-back, can lead to up to less friction and 40% lower cutting forces. Higher minor cutting edge angles and minor cutting edge clearance angles resulted in less-negative feeding forces (i.e. less self-feeding) for frozen sapwood but remained relatively unchanged for the other wood conditions.
Sequential topology and shape optimization framework to design compliant mechanisms with boundary stress constraints
Authors: Dev Chaitanya , Stankiewicz Gabriel , Steinmann Paul
Published: June 2022

We present a sequential topology and shape optimization framework to design compliant mechanisms with boundary stress constraints. In our approach, a density-based topology optimization method is used to generate the configuration of the mechanisms. Afterwards, a node-based shape optimization is invoked to obtain an exact boundary representation. A specialized, optimality criteria-based design update is formulated for the shape optimization. To avoid impractical hinges with point connections, stress constraints are imposed. The stress constraints are imposed using two strategies: Local stress constraints on the nodes of the boundary or global P-norm stress constraints in the domain. Further, an adaptive shape refinement strategy is adopted to increase the design space of shape optimization and to capture the fine-scale details of the geometry. Finally, numerical experiments are presented, showing that the proposed approach can be effectively applied to the design of compliant mechanisms with stress constraints.
Volar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures: did variable-angle plates make difference?
Authors: Abdel-Wahed Mohamed , Khater Ahmed Abdel-Zaher , El-Desouky Mahmoud Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Two different locking plate designs are now being used for volar plating of the distal radius fractures based on the freedom of screw direction; the fixed-angle, and the variable-angle (polyaxial) plates. We investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of both designs.

Methods

We reviewed 96 patients with 113 unstable distal radius fractures that were operated on with volar locking plates. The patients’ mean age was 41 years. Fixed-angle volar locking plates were utilized in 65 fractures and variable-angle volar locking plates in 48 fractures through modified Henry approach or extended carpal tunnel approach. Full clinical and radiographic evaluation was done for all patients with a mean follow-up of 14 months.

Results

All patients had acceptable clinical and radiographic parameters. The overall functional results (Mayo score, Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Q-DASH) score, Range of motion (ROM), and grip strength) were in favor of the variable-angle plate. The radiographic parameters were better with the variable-angle group. The variable-angle group recorded less operative time but more mean image intensifier exposure time. There were two cases of flexor tendon rupture with the fixed-angle group. Fixation with the fixed-angle system needed K-wire augmentation more than the variable-angle group. There was a positive correlation between hand dominance and the final score.

Conclusion

Distal radius volar locking plates yield satisfactory results comparable among different designs. In our series, the variable-angle system showed slightly better function and radiographic outcomes. Supplementary K-wires were needed more frequently with the fixed-angle system.
The Nonsmooth Dynamics of Combined Slip and Spin Motion Under Dry Friction
Authors: Antali Mate , Varkonyi Peter L.
Published: June 2022

We investigate the motion of rigid bodies subject to combined slipping and spinning over a rough flat surface in the presence of dry friction. Integration of Coulomb friction forces over the contact area gives rise to a dynamical system with an isolated discontinuity of codimension 3. Recent results about such vector fields are applied to the motion of flat bodies under the assumption of known, time-independent distributions of normal contact forces and to general bodies where kinematic constraints enforce a state-dependent normal contact force distribution with a discontinuity at the sticking state. In both cases, the equations of motion are transformed into a smooth slow–fast dynamical system. The fixed points of the fast flow indicate the possible directions of combined slip–spin motion immediately before a body stops. We also introduce an approximation of the frictional forces and moments by the leading-order term of a spherical harmonic expansion, which allows for an explicit formulation of the equations of motion. The approximate model captures important empirically observed features of the motion. It is proven analytically and illustrated by examples that the number of fixed points in the approximate model is 2, 4, or 6.
A Matrix Schrödinger Approach to Focusing Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations with Nonvanishing Boundary Conditions
Authors: Demontis Francesco , van der Mee Cornelis
Published: June 2022

We relate the scattering theory of the focusing AKNS system with equally sized nonvanishing boundary conditions to that of the matrix Schrödinger equation. This (shifted) Miura transformation converts the focusing matrix nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation into a new nonlocal integrable equation. We apply the matrix triplet method of solving the Marchenko integral equations by separation of variables to derive the multisoliton solutions of this nonlocal equation, thus proposing a method to solve the reflectionless matrix NLS equation.
Stochastic orders and measures of skewness and dispersion based on expectiles
Authors: Eberl Andreas , Klar Bernhard
Published: June 2022

Recently, expectile-based measures of skewness akin to well-known quantile-based skewness measures have been introduced, and it has been shown that these measures possess quite promising properties (Eberl and Klar in Comput Stat Data Anal 146:106939, 2020; Scand J Stat, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1111/sjos.12518). However, it remained unanswered whether they preserve the convex transformation order of van Zwet, which is sometimes seen as a basic requirement for a measure of skewness. It is one of the aims of the present work to answer this question in the affirmative. These measures of skewness are scaled using interexpectile distances. We introduce orders of variability based on these quantities and show that the so-called weak expectile dispersive order is equivalent to the dilation order. Further, we analyze the statistical properties of empirical interexpectile ranges in some detail.