bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid peroxidation biomarkers associated with height and obesity measures in the opposite direction in women
Authors: Li Mengjie , Zhao Yingya , Dai Qi , Milne Ginger , Long Jirong , Cai Qiuyin , Chen Qingxia , Zhang Xianglan , Lan Qing , Rothman Nathaniel , Gao Yu‐Tang , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Zheng Wei , Yang Gong
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether and how lipid peroxidation markers are associated with height and obesity measures.

Methods

In two independent samples of women (Study 1: n = 1,005; Study 2: n = 1,158), systemic levels of lipid peroxidation were assessed by urinary markers F2‐isoprostanes (F2‐IsoPs) and its major metabolite (F2‐IsoP‐M), with gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry assays. Anthropometric parameters were directly measured and genetically estimated, and they were used in the primary analysis and in a Mendelian randomization analysis in relation to lipid peroxidation, respectively, with general linear models.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, it was found that measured adult height was inversely associated with levels of F2‐IsoPs (β = −0.89, p < 0.001) and F2‐IsoP‐M (β = −0.71, p = 0.003), whereas obesity measures were positively associated with F2‐IsoP‐M (β = 1.81, p < 0.001 for BMI; and β = 0.77, p < 0.001 for waist circumference). Results were consistent between the two study samples. The opposite associations were further replicated when using genetically determined measures of height and obesity in the Mendelian randomization analysis. Moreover, analyses mutually adjusted for height and obesity measures suggested that these associations were independent of one another.

Conclusions

This study, for the first time, to our knowledge, reveals that a shared biological process (lipid peroxidation) is associated with both height and obesity measures but in the opposite direction.
Chemical comparison and discrimination of two plant sources of Angelicae dahuricae Radix, Angelica dahurica and Angelica dahurica var. formosana, by HPLC‐Q/TOF‐MS and quantitative analysis of multiple components by a single marker
Authors: Shi Huan , Chang Ya‐Qing , Feng Xie , Yang Gui‐Ya , Zheng Yu‐Guang , Zheng Qian , Zhang Lan‐Lan , Zhang Dan , Guo Long
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Angelica dahurica(BZ) and Angelica dahurica var. formosana(HBZ) are two plant sources of Angelicae dahuricae Radix. Although BZ and HBZ are commonly used herbal medicines with great medicinal and dietary values, study on their phytochemicals and bioactive compositions is limited.

Objective

To compare the chemical compositions of BZ and HBZ and find the chemical makers for discrimination and quality evaluation of the two botanical origins of Angelicae dahuricae Radix.

Methodology

A high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was established for chemical profiling of BZ and HBZ. Then, a quantitative analysis of multiple components by a single marker method was developed for simultaneous determination of nine bioactive coumarins (xanthotoxol, oxypeucedanin hydrate, byakangelicin, xanthotoxin, bergapten, oxypeucedanin, phellopterin, imperatorin and isoimperatorin). Moreover, chemometrics were performed to compare and discriminate BZ and HBZ samples.

Results

A total of 30 coumarins compounds were identified, and the chemical compositions in BZ and HBZ were quite similar. The quantitative analysis showed that there were significant differences in the contents of bioactive coumarins, and the chemometric analysis indicated five coumarins (xanthotoxol, xanthotoxin, bergapten, phellopterin and isoimperatorin) were responsible for the significant differences between BZ and HBZ, which could be used as chemical markers to distinguish the two original plant sources of Angelicae dahuricae Radix.

Conclusion

The present work provided useful information for understanding the chemical differences between BZ and HBZ and also provided feasible methods for quality evaluation and discrimination of herbal medicines originating from multiple botanical sources.
ISPD 2021 debate ‐ All in vitro fertilization cycles should involve pre‐implantation genetic testing to improve fetal health and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Wilkins‐Haug Louise , Amor David J. , Savulescu Julian
Published: April 2022

For 3 decades, couples at increased risk for a genetic disorder have been offered preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Simultaneously, PGT for aneuploidy (PGT‐A) to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes was introduced, but evidence of value‐added remains inconsistent. Recently, lower genetic testing costs and shorter turnaround time have reinvigorated PGT‐A. Additionally, a shift from blastomere (day 3) to blastocyst (day 5) transfer and embryo freezing advances support PGT without the time constraints of immediate transfer. PGT‐A transformed from a time‐constrained analysis of 1‐2 cells to an “add on” study for all IVF. But should it be offered to all IVF patients? And if not, under what conditions? Pre‐debate polling found 64% opposed to PGT for all IVF cycles with concerns voiced about cost, informed consent, and a “slippery slope”. Leaving aside the inconsistent evidence of IVF improvement whether measured as miscarriage or livebirths with PGT‐A, the debaters grappled with patient and provider desires versus the ethical concerns for the unborn child. However, the audience was not swayed; two thirds remained opposed to PGT for all IVF cycles.
Evaluating the population‐level effects of oxycodone restrictions on prescription opioid utilization in Ontario
Authors: Rudoler David , Kurdyak Paul , Gomes Tara , Huang Anjie , Jones Wayne , Littleford Stephanie , Paracha Nabiha , Fischer Benedikt
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To investigate the impact of restrictions on access to long acting oxycodone on prescription opioid use and opioid‐related harms.

Methods

Administrative health data from Ontario, Canada was used to measure differences in opioids dispensed and emergency department (ED) visits for opioid‐related overdose, poisoning, or substance use following provincial restrictions on access to publicly insured OxyContin (February 29, 2012) and OxyNeo (February 28, 2013). This study focused on the cohort of provincial drug insurance eligible people (people 65+ and select low‐income populations) who were dispensed oxycodone prior to the restrictions. Difference‐in‐differences models with a propensity score matched comparison group of people who were dispensed non‐oxycodone opioids were used to estimate the main effects.

Results

In 6 months following the delisting of OxyContin, milligrams of morphine equivalents (MMEs) per person per week for all opioids fell by an average of 7.5% in people dispensed oxycodone relative to the comparison group, and an average of 13.8% in chronic recipients of oxycodone. In the 6 months following the restrictions on OxyNeo, MMEs per person per week fell by an average of 3.1% in all people dispensed oxycodone, and 25.2% in chronic oxycodone recipients. The decline in oxycodone dispensing among chronic oxycodone recipients corresponded with an increase in dispensing of other opioid formulations, particularly hydromorphone and fentanyl. No important differences were observed for ED visits related to opioid poisoning, overdose, or substance use disorder.

Conclusions

Province‐wide restrictions on access to long acting oxycodone had an impact on quantities of all opioids dispensed to chronic recipients of oxycodone, but small impacts on the full population of people dispensed oxycodone; the decline in use was partially offset by increases in use of other publicly‐funded opioid formulations. This study suggests that policies limiting access to specific prescription opioids led to overall reductions in publicly funded prescription opioid use, particularly in chronic oxycodone recipients, without immediate evidence of changes in opioid‐related ED visits.
Population pharmacokinetics for oral paclitaxel in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors
Authors: He Jimmy , Jackson Christopher G. C. A. , Deva Sanjeev , Hung Tak , Clarke Katriona , Segelov Eva , Chao Tsu‐Yi , Dai Ming‐Shen , Yeh Hsien‐Tang , Ma Wen Wee , Kramer Douglas , Chan Wing‐Kai , Kwan Rudolf , Cutler David , Zhi Jay
Published: April 2022

Oraxol consists of an oral dosage form of the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel administered with a novel P‐glycoprotein inhibitor encequidar methanesulfonate monohydrate (formerly named HM30181A), which allows oral treatment of cancers that would otherwise be treated with intravenous paclitaxel. Here we describe the population pharmacokinetics (popPK) analyses for oral paclitaxel in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors to characterize pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles and quantify sources of PK variability. The best fit popPK model for oral paclitaxel, based on data from seven clinical studies (197 patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors), involves a linear two‐compartment structural model containing first‐order absorption with a short lag time and first‐order elimination as well as a log additive error. In this popPK model, lower population estimates of central volume for Asian patients versus Caucasian patients did not translate into clinical meaningful differences in oral paclitaxel exposure. Age, sex, body weight or surface area, mild hepatic impairment, and mild to moderate renal impairment had no clinically meaningful effects on the systemic exposure of oral paclitaxel. Simulations were performed on clinical therapeutic dose (oral paclitaxel 205 mg/m2 once daily ×3 days per week) to predict exposure of oral paclitaxel and to support treatment benefits observed in a pivotal phase III trial.
Local structure analysis of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 by X‐ray fluorescence holography
Authors: Shirakata Sho , Kitamura Yuma , Happo Naohisa , Hosokawa Shinya , Hayashi Kouichi
Published: April 2022

X‐ray Fluorescence Holography (XFH) study of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 single crystals has been performed using an inverse mode. Energies of incident X‐ray are from 9.2 to 13.2 keV. The Cu‐Kα X‐ray fluorescence hologram has been constructed, and atomic images were reconstructed using Barton's algorithm. Dependence of fluorescent X‐ray, either Cu or Ga, on the reconstructed atomic images of CuIn0.2Ga0.8Se2 was examined. The atomic image of CuIn0.2Ga0.8Se2 was compared with that of CuIn0.8Ga0.2Se2. The reconstructed atomic images of the cation (Cu, Ga, and In) plane and that of the anion (Se) plane are discussed in terms of the alloy composition.
Composition‐ratio control of CZTS films deposited by PLD
Authors: Kotani Masahiro , Miura Hiroki , Shim Yong‐Gu , Wakita Kazuki
Published: April 2022

The control of the composition of the CZTS polycrystals has been examined. CZTS poly‐crystal, ZnS, and SnS powders were mixed for adjusting the composition and were sintered at temperature of 400 °C. We evaluated polycrystal with the molar ratios of Cu/(Zn+Sn) = 0.79, Zn/Sn = 1.04, and S/(Cu+Zn+Sn) = 0.95. Then, we prepared CZTS film by PLD method using the CZTS polycrystal as a target. Composition content of the film was also evaluated to be the molar ratios of Cu/(Zn+Sn) = 1.14, Zn/Sn = 1.04, and S/(Cu+Zn+Sn) = 0.69. The film indicats slightly Cu‐rich, and S‐poor compositions, and no change of Zn/Sn rate. Definitely, we successfully performed composition control and improvement of composition uniformity for polycrystals by using the source materials of CZTS, ZnS, and SnS. Additionally, we prepared homogeneous CZTS film with either a kesterite or a stannite structure by PLD method.
The doping mechanism and electrical performance of polyethylenimine‐doped MoS­2transistor
Authors: Hong Seongin , Yoo Geonwook , Kim Dong Hak , Song Won Geun , Le Ong Kim , Hong Young Ki , Takahashi Kaito , Omkaram Inturu , Son Do Ngoc , Kim Sunkook
Published: April 2022

We present a systematic investigation of polyethylenimine (PEI) doping mechanism and its effects on the multilayer MoS2field effect transistors (FETs). The threshold voltages of MoS2FETs before (i.e., pristine) and PEI doping are observed at 3.7 and 0.72 V, respectively. This negative threshold voltage shift clearly reveals that the PEI molecules effectively act as n‐type dopants. The electrical properties are improved by absorption of PEI molecules onto MoS2channel because the width of Schottky barrier (SB) is narrowed by the induced interfacial dipole between PEI molecules and MoS2layers. Through the density function theory (DFT) calculation and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, we confirm that formation of MoN bond generates new energy state into the bandgap. Consequently, the hole carriers can easily tunnel through the barrier under negative gate voltage. Furthermore, PEI doping improve photoresponsivity and time‐resolved photo‐switching characteristics because of the new energy state. Our studies demonstrate the PEI doping method has a great potential for improving electrical and optical properties of MoS2‐based devices.
Cathodoluminescence study of killer defects in GaN wafers on sapphire substrates
Authors: Sekiguchi Takashi , Lee Woong , Luo Xianjia , Kimura Takashi , Cho Yujin
Published: April 2022

GaN films grown on sapphire substrates were characterized using cathodoluminescence (CL) to identify killer defects in GaN wafers. Dislocations and two types of hexagonal pit, V‐pits and U‐pits, were observed. The optical properties of these pits were clarified by planar observation. The generation and annihilation of the pits were elucidated from the cross sectional observation.

The cross sectional CL image to identify generation and annihilation of pit‐type defects.
Cross‐plane thermal conductivity of tungsten diselenide
Authors: Norouzzadeh Payam , Singh David J.
Published: April 2022

The cross‐plane thermal conductivity of WSe2 is investigated using reverse nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (RNEMD) and a recently developed Stillinger‐Weber potential. It is found that the cross‐plane thermal conductivity of WSe2 is strongly size dependent and saturates around 80 layers. Moreover, it is shown that even at 1000 K, ordered crystalline WSe2 does not reach the phonon glass‐like limit in the cross‐plane direction.
The structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of LiAlB4 under pressure from first principles
Authors: Tayran Ceren , Aydin Sezgin
Published: April 2022

The structural, elastic, mechanical, and electronic properties of lithium aluminum tetraboride (LiAlB4) under hydrostatic pressure have been investigated by using first‐principles density functional theory calculations. The effects of pressure on the lattice parameters, volume, and bond lengths are studied. It is indicated from the calculated elastic constants that LiAlB4 compound is mechanically stable on 0–40 GPa pressure range. And, by means of these elastic constants set, some mechanical properties such as bulk, shear and Young's moduli, and then Poisson's ratio are determined as a function of pressure. Also, the ductile or brittle nature of LiAlB4 is examined. Additionally, using the first‐principles data obtained from the geometry optimizations, the hardness of LiAlB4 is calculated, and its nature is investigated under pressure. Furthermore, in order to reveal the effects of pressure on the electronic and binding behavior of the compound, band structures, total and partial density of states, charge densities, Mulliken atomic charges, and bond overlap populations are searched as a function of pressure. To check the stability of the compound, phonon dispersion curves are calculated. And, the results are compared with the other convenient borides.
High amplitude internal friction in monocrystalline germanium‐doped silicon
Authors: Kurashvili Ia , Darsavelidze Giorgi , Bokuchava Guram
Published: April 2022

The internal friction and shear modulus of the monocrystalline Si‐Ge alloys with Ge with 0.5 to 2 at.% content grown by Czochralski technique were studied as functions of strain amplitude at the temperatures of 20 and 600 °C. It is shown that internal friction and shear modulus are characterized by one critical value of strain amplitude at which dislocation segments breakaway from weak point centers begins. Measurements at 600 °C show additional second critical strain amplitude and intensive hysteresis‐type change of the internal friction and shear modulus in high strain amplitude range. First and second critical strain amplitudes reveal the tendency of reduction with Ge content increase in Si‐Ge alloys.
Excitons in tunnel coupled CdTe and (Cd,Mn)Te quantum wells
Authors: Terletskii Oleg , Ryabchenko Sergiy , Sugakov Volodymyr , Vertsimakha Ganna , Tereshchenko Oleksandr , Karczewski Grzegorz
Published: April 2022

The photoluminescence (PL) from structures containing Cd0.95Mn0.05Te and CdTe quantum wells (QWs) separated by a narrow (1.94 nm) barrier was studied. The PL lines of comparable intensities from several possible exciton states were observed simultaneously at energy distances substantially exceeding kT. This means that the energy transfer in the studied systems is slower than the radiative recombination of the confined excitons. For the CdTe QW width of about 8.7–9 nm, indirect excitons with the electron and heavy hole chiefly localized in the CdTe and Cd1−xMnxTe QWs, respectively, were detected in the magnetic field. These indirect excitons have PL energy of about 10–20 meV above the PL line of the direct excitons in the CdTe QW. The observation of the PL from the indirect excitons which are not the lowest excitations in the structure is a distinctive feature of the system.

Photoluminescence intensity dependence on the energy and the magnetic field.
Characterization of CuIn0.7Ga0.3Se2 Thin Films Deposited by Single Stage Thermal Evaporation Process
Authors: Karaagac Hakan , Peksu Elif , Behzad Hamed , Akgoz Sare , Parlak Mehmet
Published: April 2022

Single phase CuIn0.7Ga0.3Se2 (CIGS) thin films are successfully deposited on glass substrates via a single stage thermal evaporation from a stoichiometric powder of CIGS. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal the existence of Cu‐ and Ga‐rich surface of the as‐grown CIGS thin films. The post‐growth annealing process lead to migration of the metallic atoms from the surface region into the bulk during the crystallization process, which subsequently causes a significant reduction in the reflection and a change in the mechanism of conduction. From the photoconductivity measurements it was deduced that the deposited CIGS films demonstrated a drastic decrease in resistivity under different illumination intensities. The post‐growth annealing effect on the morphology and structure of CIGS thin films is investigated by means of the atomic force microscopy and X‐ray diffraction measurements, respectively. Results show that there is a significant change in surface roughness as well as in degree of crystallinity of the films following the annealing process at different temperatures.
Spatially‐Resolved Spectroscopic Characterization of Reflective and Transparent Materials at a Micro‐Meter Scale Using Coherence Scanning Interferometry
Authors: Claveau Rémy , Montgomery Paul C. , Flury Manuel
Published: April 2022

The development of new technologies and innovative products today is often accompanied by the emergence of new micro and nanomaterials. Due to their wider use in many applications, performing accurate characterization of these materials is becoming essential. The high performance of coherence scanning interferometry for materials characterization in terms of topographic, roughness and thickness measurements as well as for tomographic analysis of transparent layers has already been well demonstrated. However, demands regarding the spectral characterization of these materials requires new operation modes using the combination of spectral measurements with high resolution imaging. In this work we present a technique for local spectral measurements by careful processing of the entire interferometric signal over the scanned depth at each pixel in the image, so providing spatially resolved measurements in both the lateral and axial directions. Being a far‐field technique, and because the sample is illuminated with a white light source, spectral information is obtained over large areas (150 × 150 μm2) at the same time and for all the wavelengths. Spectroscopic mapping of a sample consisting of four different materials (Si, Al, Ag, Ti) and depth‐resolved measurements performed through a thin layer of PDMS are reported. Spectral measurements are made over an area of about 1–2 μm2, with an axial resolution of 1 μm, these features being dependent on the optical parameters of the system.
Local Formation of InAs Nanocrystals in Si by Masked Ion Implantation and Flash Lamp Annealing
Authors: Rebohle Lars , Wutzler René , Prucnal Slawomir , Hübner René , Georgiev Yordan M. , Erbe Artur , Böttger Roman , Glaser Markus , Lugstein Alois , Helm Manfred , Skorupa Wolfgang
Published: April 2022

The integration of high‐mobility III–V compound semiconductors emerges as a promising route for Si device technologies to overcome the limits of further down‐scaling. In this work, we investigate the possibilities to form InAs nanocrystals in a thin Si layer at laterally defined positions with the help of masked ion beam implantation and flash lamp annealing. In detail, a cladding layer was deposited on a silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) wafer and patterned by electron beam lithography in order to serve as an implantation mask. The wafer was subsequently implanted with As and In, followed by flash lamp annealing leading to the formation of InAs nanoparticles in the implanted areas. The structures were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy as well as energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Depending on the size of the implantation window, several, one or no nanoparticle is formed. Finally, the perspectives for using this technique for the local modification of Si nanowires are discussed.
Formation and Strain Analysis of Stacked Ge Quantum Dots With Strain‐Compensating Si1−xCx Spacer
Authors: Itoh Yuhki , Kawashima Tomoyuki , Washio Katsuyoshi
Published: April 2022

To stack Ge quantum dots (QDs) in a multilayer structure without undesirable enlargement of the QDs, the effects of both Si1−xCx spacer on a strain compensation of the embedded QDs and a sub‐monolayer (ML) carbon (C) mediation on a formation of the Volmer‐Weber (VW)‐mode Ge QDs on the Si1−xCx spacer were investigated. In a Si1−xCx/Ge/Si(100) structure, lattice rexation of the embedded QDs was kept about 80% at x = 0.015. This maintaining the state of high relaxation attributed to a tensile strain from the Si1−xCx layer grown on a surface of a Si substrate around the QDs. In addition, by utilizing an analysis of Kelvin probe force microscopy, it was revealed that the sub‐ML C mediation of 0.25 ML and over is effective to form the VW‐mode Ge QDs on the Si1−xCx spacer. This is because the promotion of subdivision effect for the formation of the QDs via C mediation was also effective on the Si1−xCx surface. At C = 0.25 and 0.5 ML, diameter and density of second QDs were about 22 nm and 1.5 × 1011 cm−2, respectively. These results pave the way to stack the VW‐mode Ge QDs in the multilayer structure without enlargement of the QDs.
The Nitrogen Acceptor in 2H‐Polytype Synthetic MoS2: Frequency and Temperature Dependent ESR Analysis
Authors: Schoenaers Ben , Stesmans Andre , Afanas'ev Valery V.
Published: April 2022

In extending on recent electron spin resonance (ESR) work which has revealed the N acceptor (N substituting for S site) in 2H‐polytype bulk synthetic MoS2, the dopant is extensively analyzed in terms of its frequency, temperature (T), and magnetic field B angular dependent ESR spectral characteristics. For B∥c‐axis, the multi‐frequency analysis confirms the ESR spectrum as being composed of a 14N hyperfine (hf) triplet with hf splitting constant A∥ = 14.7 ± 0.2 G (B∥c‐axis) and making up ≈74% of the total spectrum intensity, superimposed on a central line centered at about equal g‐value [g∥ = 2.032(2)]. The presence of the latter signal, points to some non‐uniformity in dopant distribution, that is, clustering, with about ≈26% of the total N response not originating from N incorporated in the preferred “isolated” dopant configuration. Angular dependent measurements reveal distinct anisotropy of the hf matrix, whereas ESR probing over a wide T‐range exposes drastic signal broadening with increasing T above ≈150 K. Detailed study of the N acceptor signal intensity versus T at Q‐band reveals an activation energy Ea = 50 ± 10 meV, herewith consolidating the value reported initially. Besides unveiling the S‐site substitutional N impurity as an appropriate p‐type dopant for MoS2, the total of the ESR work establishes a basic frame of the N acceptor ESR characteristics, giving way for further in‐depth theoretical perusal.
Systematic Theoretical Investigations of Polytypism in AlN
Authors: Ito Tomonori , Akiyama Toru , Nakamura Kohji
Published: April 2022

Polytypes of AlN in bulk form is systematically investigated using ab initio calculations. The calculated results imply that AlN strongly favors the 2H. However, the energy differences among 3C, 6H, 4H, and 2H structured AlN with Al‐vacancy (VAl) and N‐vacancy (VN) suggests that 4H becomes competitive with 2H in AlN with VN. Moreover, it is found that Al‐rich condition producing VN tends to relatively favor the 4H‐AlN, while the 2H‐AlN is preferable under N‐rich condition suppressing VN formation. This is consistent with experimental results. The stability of graphitic AlN is also discussed in terms of bond order and bond length. These results are compared with those of other III‐N compounds such as BN stabilizing graphitic structure, GaN, and InN favoring 2H in terms of ionicity.
Femtosecond‐Laser Irradiation onto Sapphire Substrates in an N2 Ambient Atmosphere
Authors: Miyagawa Reina , Goto Kenzo , Eryu Osamu
Published: April 2022

Herein, a new technique is proposed for forming nitrogen‐related bonds anywhere on a substrate using a femtosecond laser. Laser‐induced periodic structures with a minimum periodicity of <50 nm are formed on a sapphire substrate. Nitrogen‐related bonds are formed at the sapphire surface by laser irradiation in N2 ambient. This technique is applicable to periodic polarization inversion in nitride semiconductors for nonlinear optical devices.
Event‐based secure leader‐following consensus for cyber‐physical systems under denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Li Qing , Ding Da‐Wei , Xie Xiangpeng
Published: April 2022

This article studies secure leader‐following consensus for cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) under energy‐limited denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. First, an event‐based data update strategy is designed to reduce the communication occupancy rate of limited bandwidth. In particular, both Zeno behavior and singular triggering are excluded. Second, the irregular topological combinations caused by DoS attacks are transformed into switching topologies subject to a Markov chain. On this basis, a novel distributed resilient control strategy is proposed to ensure that agent group can achieve secure leader‐following consensus. Besides, an explicit analysis of DoS frequency and duration is provided to describe attack characteristics. Finally, simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) as a Kindergarten Predictor of Future Reading in English: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: McWeeny Sean , Choi Soujin , Choe June , LaTourrette Alexander , Roberts Megan Y. , Norton Elizabeth S.
Published: April 2022

Rapid automatized naming (RAN) has been shown to be a strong correlate of reading abilities. RAN also predicts future reading across different ages, ability levels, and languages, and is often used in literacy screening. Thus, understanding the specific relations between early RAN and later reading difficulties is important, particularly for screening. This systematic review and meta‐analysis (with N = 60 samples; k = 373 effect sizes; n = 10,513 participants), was the first to test the extent to which measures of RAN assessed before grade school predict future reading performance in English‐speaking children. We also tested whether characteristics of the RAN tasks, reading measures, or sample demographics moderate this relationship. We found that overall, kindergarten/preschool RAN is correlated with grade‐school reading at r = −.38, similar in magnitude to previous concurrent meta‐analyses that included various ages and languages. We found that alphanumeric RAN tasks were more strongly related to future reading than were non‐alphanumeric tasks, as well as that RAN significantly predicts all types of reading measures tested, but more strongly predicts real word than nonword reading. To assess the role of RAN’s unique predictive power, we also meta‐analyzed the semipartial correlations of early RAN with later reading when controlling for phonological awareness (PA); the result of rsp = −.25 demonstrates RAN’s significant, unique contribution beyond PA. These results support shared cognitive resource models in which the similarity between RAN and reading tasks accounts for their correlation. We provide practical guidelines for based on these data for early screening for reading difficulties and dyslexia.
Mexican agricultural frontier communities differ in forest dynamics with consequences for conservation and restoration
Authors: Lohbeck Madelon , DeVries Ben , Bongers Frans , Martinez‐Ramos Miguel , Navarrete‐Segueda Armando , Nicasio‐Arzeta Sergio , Siebe Christina , Pingarroni Aline , Wies Germán , Decuyper Mathieu
Published: April 2022

Forest regrowth is key to achieve restoration commitments, but a general lack of understanding when it occurs and how long secondary forests persist hampers effective upscaling. We quantified spatiotemporal forest dynamics in a recently colonized agricultural frontier in southern Mexico, and tested how temporal variation in climate, and cross‐community variation in land ownership, land quality and accessibility affect forest disturbance, regrowth and secondary forest persistence. We consistently found more forest loss than regrowth, resulting in a net decrease of 45% forest cover (1991–2016) in the study region. Secondary forest cover remained relatively constant while secondary forest persistence increased, suggesting that farmers are moving away from shifting cultivation. Temporal variation in disturbance was explained by annual variation in climatic variables and key policy and market interventions. We found large differences in forest characteristics across communities, and these were explained by differences in land ownership and soil quality. Forests were better conserved on communal land, while secondary forest was more persistent when farms were larger and soil quality is better. At the pixel‐level both old forest and secondary forests were better represented on low‐quality lands indicating agricultural concentration on productive land. Both old forest and secondary forest were less common close to the main road, where secondary forests were also less persistent. We demonstrate the suitability of timeseries analyses to quantify forest disturbance and regrowth and we analyse drivers across time and space. Communities differ in forest dynamics, indicating different possibilities, needs and interests. We warrant that stimulating private land ownership may cause remaining forest patches to be lost and that conservation initiatives should benefit the whole community. Forest regrowth competes with agricultural production and ensuring farmers have access to restoration benefits is key to restoration success.
From pandemic to endemic pedagogy: Being CLEAR in our teaching
Authors: Felten Peter
Published: April 2022

In this chapter, I consider what might happen if the pandemic acts as a portal for teaching and learning in higher education. I suggest the need to make commitments to five interlocking characteristics of post‐pandemic pedagogy: Context, Learning, Equity, Agency, and Relationships. The future of teaching and learning, in short, is CLEAR.
Exploring experiential learning processes in the context of an international school–university partnership
Authors: Virtue David C.
Published: April 2022

This chapter uses Kolb's (1984) theory of experiential learning to examine the learning process in two related contexts: A university‐facilitated study tour for in‐service English teachers from Norway and a short‐term study‐abroad program to Norway for US preservice teachers.
The Mean Field Approach for Populations of Spiking Neurons
Authors: La Camera Giancarlo
Published: April 2022

Mean field theory is a device to analyze the collective behavior of a dynamical system comprising many interacting particles. The theory allows to reduce the behavior of the system to the properties of a handful of parameters. In neural circuits, these parameters are typically the firing rates of distinct, homogeneous subgroups of neurons. Knowledge of the firing rates under conditions of interest can reveal essential information on both the dynamics of neural circuits and the way they can subserve brain function. The goal of this chapter is to provide an elementary introduction to the mean field approach for populations of spiking neurons. We introduce the general idea in networks of binary neurons, starting from the most basic results and then generalizing to more relevant situations. This allows to derive the mean field equations in a simplified setting. We then derive the mean field equations for populations of integrate-and-fire neurons. An effort is made to derive the main equations of the theory using only elementary methods from calculus and probability theory. The chapter ends with a discussion of the assumptions of the theory and some of the consequences of violating those assumptions. This discussion includes an introduction to balanced and metastable networks and a brief catalogue of successful applications of the mean field approach to the study of neural circuits.
The Psychology of Music Learning
Authors: Pozo Juan Ignacio
Published: April 2022

If we asked any music teacher or even any student what you must actually learn to be a good musician or, specifically, to play an instrument well, we would perhaps find there was some agreement that you have to learn to technically master musical language and the actual instrument in question.
Pediatric major burns: a monocentric retrospective review of etiology and outcomes (2008–2020)
Authors: García-Díaz Antonio , Gacto-Sánchez Purificación , Durán-Romero Antonio José , Carrasco-García Salvador , Ruiz-Moya Alejandro , Molina-Morales Julia , Sánchez-Tatay María-Victoria , Gómez-Cía Tomás , Pereyra-Rodríguez José-Juan
Published: April 2022

Background

Burns are one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity among children. This study aims to assess the epidemiology of pediatric major burns in a third level hospital in Spain to evaluate demographics, etiology, and outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study was held by the Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery department of the hospital. We included 147 patients under 18 admitted to hospital between January 2008 and December 2020 who meet the inclusion criteria: partial thickness burns > 10% total body surface area (TBSA) in patients < 18 years old. Clinical data extracted included age, gender, date of admission, %TBSA, burn types, severity and sites of burn, length of stay, length of ventilator support, intensive care admission, blood transfusion, surgical interventions, and complications.

Results

Three groups of age were analyzed. The average %TBSA was 18.7 (SE 0.9). Scalds were the main mechanism of injury (70.1%) and upper extremity was the most frequent location affected (68%). The 28.6% of patients suffered some complication, but the mortality rate was low (0.7%). In our series, the group aged 13–18 showed significantly higher %TBSA, more number of surgeries and blood transfusions.

Conclusions

Scald burns are the most frequent mechanism of injury in pediatric burns. However, teenagers suffer more severe burns and complications, usually caused by flame. Despite the low mortality rates, more measures of prevention should be taken to increase children security.

Level of evidence: Level IV, Risk/Prognostic.
Implementierung des Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) im Masterstudiengang Pflegewissenschaft – Pilotprojekt zur Prüfung der ethischen Kompetenz in Pflegepraxis und -forschung
Authors: Dunger Christine , Schnell Martin W.
Published: April 2022

Die Vermittlung ethischer Kompetenzen ist wesentlicher Bestandteil in berufsqualifizierenden und postgraduellen Studiengängen. Dabei werden praktisch-ethische Problemlösungskompetenzen, je nach Studiengang aber auch die forschungsethische Betrachtung von Studien thematisiert. Die Überprüfung dieser ethischen Kompetenzen stellt sich als Herausforderung dar. Das schriftliche oder mündliche Abfragen von Lehrinhalten greift zu kurz, da somit lediglich Wissen, jedoch nicht Fertigkeiten oder gar Haltung erfasst werden können.

Bei der Reakkreditierung des Masterstudiengangs Pflegewissenschaft an der Universität Witten/Herdecke wurde dieser Herausforderung mit der Umsetzung eines für die postgraduelle Ausbildung innovativen Prüfungsformats begegnet. Für das Modul „Ethik in der Pflegepraxis und -forschung“ wurde ein Format ausgearbeitet, welches sich an den „Objective Structured Clinical Examinations“ orientiert und somit die erworbenen Fertigkeiten und Haltungen der Studierenden mit einbezieht. Der Beitrag zeigt auf, wie das OSCE-Prüfungsformat (kurz: OSCE) konzipiert und eine Adaption erfolgt ist.
The RAPID3 questionnaire as a screening tool to reduce the number of outpatient clinic visits: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wiegel J. , Seppen B. F. , ter Wee M. M. , Nurmohamed M. T. , Boers M. , Bos W. H.
Published: April 2022

Background

Treat-to-target strategies require frequent on-site evaluations of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), burdening patients and caregivers. However, this frequency may not be required in patients in a stable low disease activity state. The Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) is a reliable tool to detect such states in groups but has not been tested to reduce the frequency of on-site evaluations in individual patient care. In Reade, an outpatient rheumatology clinic, patients can complete the questionnaire online prior to consultation, and the results are directly fed into the electronic patient record. Focusing on low disease activity, we retrospectively studied the test characteristics of RAPID3 and its agreement with the DAS28 in our database of routine patient care.

Objective

To assess the test characteristics and agreement between de DAS28 and the RAPID3 in patients with RA, with a focus on the low disease activity categories.

Methods

We performed a retrospective database study with available clinical data collected as part of usual care from the electronic medical record at Reade Amsterdam. The dataset comprised RAPID3 assessments followed by a DAS28 within 2 weeks, obtained between June 2014 and March 2021. We dichotomized the disease activity categories for both the RAPID3 and DAS28 into low (remission and low disease activity) and high (moderate and high disease activity). With cutoff values of 2.0 for RAPID3 and 3.2 for DAS28, we calculated test characteristics and agreement (Cohen’s kappa).

Results

A total of 5009 combined RAPID3 and DAS28 measurements were done at Reade in 1681 unique RA patients. The mean age was 60 years, and 76% of patients were female with a median disease duration of 4 years. Agreement was considered fair (kappa = 0.26). In total, 1426 (28%) of the RAPID3 measurements were classified as low and could be potentially targeted to skip their consultations. The sensitivity to detect low disease activity was 0.39, specificity was 0.93, and the positive predictive value was 0.92.

Conclusion

We showed that when the RAPID3 classifies a patient into low disease activity state, the accuracy is 92%. Of all consultations, 28% could possibly be postponed following the screening with RAPID3.

Key Points• Most studies conclude that the RAPID3 alone is insufficient to monitor the disease activity of RA due to its general overestimation of the disease activity compared with the DAS28.• Our results show that in 92% of the cases patients with a RAPID3 ≤ 2.0 have a DAS28 ≤ 3.2.• We propose a system where the RAPID3 is used to screen for patients in remission/low disease activity, in order to postpone consultations of these patients and reduce the number of unnecessary outpatient clinic visits.
A systematic managerial perspective on the environmentally sustainable construction practices of UK
Authors: Maqbool Rashid , Amaechi Ifeanyi Echezona
Published: April 2022

Construction industry, though is the backbone of any economy, still add a significant portion of emissions, utilising energy supplies, and reasoning in bulk of waste production. The sustainable construction practices are the only solution considering the global climatic challenges. Owing its enormous benefits, a lot of sustainable constructions projects are built around the world, both in developed and developing countries. However, considering the innovative material and technological involvement, and lack of knowledge and expertise, such sustainable construction projects are not always successful. This research aims to investigate the barriers and factors impacting sustainability in the construction projects. More specifically, its primary purpose is to have the perspective of managers on the actors and barriers of sustainable construction in the UK. A mixed method was used to collect the data, one in the mean of questionnaire survey, and the second through the case study. To acquire quantitative data, a snowball sampling was applied to collect the questionnaire survey based data from 128 UK construction managerial positions, such as system managers, sustainability managers, project managers and construction managers, etc. The quantitative acquired data was analysed using mean analysis, relevant importance index (RII), correlation and multiple hierarchical regression. The RII analysis discovered that sustainable construction designs is a top drivers of sustainable construction practices, whereas excessive concentration on price is found as the top impediment of sustainable construction practices. It was also shown by the hierarchical regression analysis that stakeholders factors, project management factors and technological factors significantly impact to sustainable construction practice. However, surprisingly the role of barriers was not observed in the sustainable construction practices of the UK. The same findings were also confirmed with the case study analysis of the Kier Group plc, which believes in the sustainable construction practices. Hence, it is needful for the positive sides of these factors be considered and duly exploited. The research findings provide interesting industrial insights towards sustainable construction projects, while providing useful directions to the industrialists, policymakers and construction professionals, not only by reducing the unfavourable effects, but also by proposing the intention of restoring factors of the environment, economic and social sustainability.
Obesity as a premature aging phenotype — implications for sarcopenic obesity
Authors: Nunan Emily , Wright Carson L. , Semola Oluwayemisi A. , Subramanian Madhan , Balasubramanian Priya , Lovern Pamela C. , Fancher Ibra S. , Butcher Joshua T.
Published: April 2022

Obesity and aging have both seen dramatic increases in prevalence throughout society. This review seeks to highlight common pathologies that present with obesity, along with the underlying risk factors, that have remarkable similarity to what is observed in the aged. These include skeletal muscle dysfunction (loss of quantity and quality), significant increases in adiposity, systemic alterations to autonomic dysfunction, reduction in nitric oxide bioavailability, increases in oxidant stress and inflammation, dysregulation of glucose homeostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review is organized by the aforementioned indices and succinctly highlights literature that demonstrates similarities between the aged and obese phenotypes in both human and animal models. As aging is an inevitability and obesity prevalence is unlikely to significantly decrease in the near future, these two phenotypes will ultimately combine as a multidimensional syndrome (a pathology termed sarcopenic obesity). Whether the pre-mature aging indices accompanying obesity are additive or synergistic upon entering aging is not yet well defined, but the goal of this review is to illustrate the potential consequences of a double aged phenotype in sarcopenic obesity. Clinically, the modifiable risk factors could be targeted specifically in obesity to allow for increased health span in the aged and sarcopenic obese populations.
The limitations of bioeconomy LCA studies for understanding the transition to sustainable bioeconomy
Authors: Talwar Nishtha , Holden Nicholas M.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Transition to bioeconomy requires all actors and stakeholders to measure the impact of systems that use bioresources and technologies to provision society. There are however some challenges with integrating LCA into business development and management, which have important implications for bioeconomy. There have been many LCA studies published in the twenty-first century, but the question must be answered: how useful are these LCA studies to help understand and manage transition to sustainable bioeconomy?

Method

This research used a structured literature review to identify 83 bioeconomy LCA studies published from January 2006 to June 2021 (excluding bioenergy). The studies were analysed for compliance with the ISO 14044 standard, with specific reference to the goal, commissioning perspective, system boundary, function and functional unit, impact methods and categories.

Results and discussions

It was found that more than 85% of the studies reviewed failed to present the required goal statement and a description of the function of the system. Nearly 13% of the studies did not define the system boundary, and only 17% included a full life cycle including raw material extraction, production, use and end-of-life stages. The majority of the LCA studies surveyed from 2006 to 2021 were either (i) not in compliance with the ISO standards or (ii) space and style limitations of the publication process prevented competent practitioners from properly conveying their work. This suggests that the value and integrity of the literature are undermined by not rigorously addressing the first and most important stage of an LCA study.

Conclusion

When interpreting the results, a major shortcoming noted was that most studies did not consider the industrial symbiosis needed between feedstock, technology, primary products, side streams, downstream valorisation and long-term circularity in order to properly understand the transition pathways required. Bioeconomy technologies were imagined as displacers for feedstocks and processes to adapt business as usual, rather than as transformers of the system to a sustainable footing.

Recommendation

If LCA studies are going to provide meaningful information for actors and stakeholders to assess whether a system will be able to operate sustainably, studies should include a full, integrated system, standards should be adhered to and approaches should perhaps go beyond mere eco-efficiency, or doing less harm, as these are not necessarily indicative of sustainability. Historical bioeconomy LCA studies do not provide great insight into the transition to sustainable bioeconomy.