bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and preliminary clinical tolerability of low‐field MRI‐guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Sze Christina , Singh Zorawar , Punyala Ananth , Satya Poorvi , Sadinski Molly , Narayan Ramkrishnan , Nacev Aleksander , Kumar Dinesh , Adams John , Nicholas Kathryn , Margolis Daniel , Chughtai Bilal
Published: February 2023

Objective

We evaluate the clinical feasibility of a portable, low‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for prostate cancer (PCa) biopsy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of men who underwent a 12‐core systematic transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy (SB) and a low‐field MRI guided transperineal targeted biopsy (MRI‐TB). Comparison of the detection of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) (Gleason Grade [GG] ≥ 2) by SB and low field MRI‐TB, stratified by Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System (PI‐RADS) score, prostate volume, and prostate serum antigen (PSA) was performed.

Results

A total of 39 men underwent both the MRI‐TB and SB biopsy. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 69.0 (61.5−73) years, body mass index (BMI) was 28.9 kg/m2 (25.3–34.3), prostate volume was 46.5 cc (32−72.7), and PSA was 9.5 ng/ml (5.5−13.2). The majority (64.4%) of patients had PI‐RADS ≥ 4 lesions and 25% of lesions were anterior on pre‐biopsy MRII. Cancer detection rate (CDR) was greatest when combining SB and MRI‐TB (64.1%). MRI‐TB detected 74.3% (29/39) cancers. Of which, 53.8% (21/39) were csPCa while SB detected 42.5% (17/39) csPCa (p = 0.21). In 32.5% (13/39) of cases, MRI‐TB upstaged the final diagnosis, compared to 15% (6/39) of cases in which SB upstaged the final diagnosis (p = 0.11).

Conclusion

Low‐field MRI‐TB is clinically feasible. Although future studies on the accuracy of MRI‐TB system are needed, the initial CDR is comparable to those seen with fusion‐based prostate biopsies. A transperineal and targeted approach may be beneficial in patients with higher BMI and anterior lesions.
Proportionality principle revisited – relationship between application rates and pesticide residue concentrations in food commodities
Authors: Gloe Dominik , Mielke Hans , Müller‐Graf Christine , Sieke Christian
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The proportionality principle has been broadly used for over 10 years in regulatory assessments of pesticide residues. It allows extrapolation of supervised field trial data conducted at lower or higher application rates compared to the use pattern under evaluation by adjustment of measured concentrations, assuming direct proportionality between the rates applied and the resulting residues. This work revisits the principle idea by using supervised residue trials sets conducted under identical conditions but with deviating application rates. Four different statistical methods were used to investigate the relationship between application rates and residue concentrations and to draw conclusions on the statistical significance of the direct proportionality assumed.

RESULTS

Based on over 5000 individual trial results, the assumption of direct proportionality was not confirmed to be statistically significant (P > 0.05) using three models: direct comparison of application rates and residue concentrations ratios and two linear log‐log regression models correlating application rate and residue concentration or only residue concentrations per se. In addition, a fourth model analysed deviations between expected concentrations following direct proportional adjustment and measured residue values from corresponding field trials. In 56% of all cases, the deviation was larger than ±25%, which represents the tolerance usually accepted for the selection of supervised field trials in regulatory assessments.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the assumption of direct proportionality between application rates and resulting residue concentrations of pesticides was not statistically significant. Although the proportionality approach is highly pragmatic in regulatory practice, its use should be considered carefully on a case‐by‐case basis. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Multistep Crystallization of Ge‐Rich GST Unveiled by In Situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Rahier Eloïse , Luong Minh-Anh , Ran Sijia , Ratel-Ramond Nicolas , Saha Sabyasachi , Mocuta Cristian , Benoit Daniel , Le-Friec Yannick , Claverie Alain
Published: February 2023

Among many phase change materials, Ge‐rich GeSbTe (GST) alloys are of considerable interest due to their high thermal stability, a specification required for the next generation of embedded digital memories. This stability results from the fact that these alloys do not crystallize congruently but experience phase separation forming Ge and GST‐225 nanocrystals upon crystallization. However, the details of the crystallization process remain unclear. Combining in situ X‐ray diffraction studies during isothermal annealing and ex situ (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) observations, the successive phases through which these alloys crystallize are identified. At low temperature (310 °C), the homogeneous amorphous material undergoes phase separation during wherein small regions of different Ge contents are formed. After a long incubation time, Pnma GeTe embryos first crystallize and trigger the heterogeneous crystallization of the Ge cubic phase. While the Ge phase progressively builds up through the addition of new small Ge crystals, cubic GeTe forms. At this point, the microstructure ceases to evolve, and Sb is still dispersed and contained within some remaining amorphous matrix surrounding Ge and GeTe crystals. Higher annealing temperatures (typically 400 °C) are needed to force Sb to diffuse and get incorporated into the GeTe grains to form cubic Ge2Sb2Te5.
Targeting SELPLG/P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 in preclinical ARDS: Genetic and epigenetic regulation of the SELPLG promoter
Authors: Sun Xiaoguang , Sammani Saad , Hufford Matthew , Sun Belinda L. , Kempf Carrie L. , Camp Sara M. , Garcia Joe G. N. , Bime Christian
Published: February 2023

We previously identified a missense single nucleotide polymorphism rs2228315 (G>A, Met62Ile) in the selectin‐P‐ligand gene (SELPLG), encoding P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL‐1), to be associated with increased susceptibility to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). These earlier studies demonstrated that SELPLG lung tissue expression was increased in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐ and ventilator‐induced lung injury (VILI) suggesting that inflammatory and epigenetic factors regulate SELPLG promoter activity and transcription. In this report, we used a novel recombinant tandem PSGL1 immunoglobulin fusion molecule (TSGL‐Ig), a competitive inhibitor of PSGL1/P‐selectin interactions, to demonstrate significant TSGL‐Ig‐mediated decreases in SELPLG lung tissue expression as well as highly significant protection from LPS‐ and VILI‐induced lung injury. In vitro studies examined the effects of key ARDS stimuli (LPS, 18% cyclic stretch to simulate VILI) on SELPLG promoter activity and showed LPS‐mediated increases in SELPLG promoter activity and identified putative promoter regions associated with increased SELPLG expression. SELPLG promoter activity was strongly regulated by the key hypoxia‐inducible transcription factors, HIF‐1α, and HIF‐2α as well as NRF2. Finally, the transcriptional regulation of SELPLG promoter by ARDS stimuli and the effect of DNA methylation on SELPLG expression in endothelial cell was confirmed. These findings indicate SELPLG transcriptional regulation by clinically‐relevant inflammatory factors with the significant TSGL‐Ig‐mediated attenuation of LPS and VILI highly consistent with PSGL1/P‐selectin as therapeutic targets in ARDS.
On‐chip purification of tetracycline from food matrices
Authors: Vanzetti Lia , Germanis Martina , Potrich Cristina , Lunelli Lorenzo
Published: February 2023

Antibiotics are widespread both to treat human and animal diseases and to improve growth in food animals. However, their overuse in food‐producing animals has led to critical issues for human health, such as the direct toxicity and the development of antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains. Therefore, the identification of traces of antibiotic in food before entering the market has became extremely important and brought out the need for novel bioanalytical methods and protocols. To meet this need, here, a microfluidic system was set up for the purification of tetracycline (TC) from raw milk, honey, and eggs. The system is based on the use of magnetic beads exposing copper ions, which are loaded in a microfluidic chamber and actuated by a ready‐made device. Tetracycline is captured by copper ions present on the microbeads, purified from the unwanted raw material present in the initial sample and recovered by a suitable elution solution. Different elution solutions were tested and results were evaluated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and visible spectrometry. The microfluidic system was successfully employed for the purification of TC from raw milk, honey, and eggs after an initial dilution in buffer. The overall protocol was, therefore, demonstrated to efficiently purify tetracycline, laying the bases for a future implementation of in‐field on‐chip tests.
Multivariate functional mixed model with MRI data: An application to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zou Haotian , Xiao Luo , Zeng Donglin , Luo Sheng ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and impairment in various domains. Recent AD studies, (ie, Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study), collect multimodal data, including longitudinal neurological assessments and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, to better study the disease progression. Adopting early interventions is essential to slow AD progression for subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It is of particular interest to develop an AD predictive model that leverages multimodal data and provides accurate personalized predictions. In this article, we propose a multivariate functional mixed model with MRI data (MFMM‐MRI) that simultaneously models longitudinal neurological assessments, baseline MRI data, and the survival outcome (ie, dementia onset) for subjects with MCI at baseline. Two functional forms (the random‐effects model and instantaneous model) linking the longitudinal and survival process are investigated. We use Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method based on No‐U‐Turn Sampling (NUTS) algorithm to obtain posterior samples. We develop a dynamic prediction framework that provides accurate personalized predictions of longitudinal trajectories and survival probability. We apply MFMM‐MRI to the ADNI study and identify significant associations among longitudinal outcomes, MRI data, and the risk of dementia onset. The instantaneous model with voxels from the whole brain has the best prediction performance among all candidate models. The simulation study supports the validity of the estimation and dynamic prediction method.
Nucleophilicity Parameters for Nitroalkyl Anions in Methanol and Structure‐Reactivity Analysis
Authors: Necibi Feriel , Ben Salah Saida , Hierso Jean‐Cyrille , Fleurat‐Lessard Paul , Ayachi Sahbi , Boubaker Taoufik
Published: February 2023

A kinetic study is reported for the addition of nitroalkyl anions 2 a–c at the C‐7 position of the 4‐nitrobenzochalcogenadiazoles 1 a–c in methanol at 20 °C. By using the Mayr approach, the nucleophilicity parameters N and the nucleophile specific parameters sN of these nitroalkyl anions 2 a–c have been determined and discussed. The structure‐reactivity relationships are discussed, and it is shown that the measured nucleophilicity parameters (N) of anions 2 a–c are linearly related (r2=0.9934) to their acidity constant (pKaHMeOH) in methanol. In addition, satisfactory linear correlation has been evidenced between the experimental nucleophilicity N parameter and the theoretical model of nucleophilicity ω−1 for the various nitroalkyl anions 2 a–c in methanol.
A study of refractory carbon deposits on Ni/Al2O3 catalysts for dry reforming of methane
Authors: Kwon Yongtak , Eichler J. Ehren , Floto Michael E. , Smith Lettie A. , Satkoski Aaron M. , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: February 2023

When investigating carbonaceous species on a catalyst via temperature‐programmed techniques, both the nature of the carbons and the possibility of the catalytic reaction of carbonaceous species should be considered. Here we examined CH4 decomposition (carbon deposition from CH4) and the reverse Boudouard reaction (carbon elimination by CO2) on the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst using sequential temperature‐programmed experiments. Carefully considering both the location and characteristics of carbon deposits formed on the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst, we conclude that carbons located on the Al2O3 support are challenging to remove by CO2 regardless of their nature, indicating the importance of support activity in reducing carbon deposits. In this study, the incorporation of cesium (Cs) into Al2O3 shows no effect on the prevention of carbon deposition from CH4 but does show an enhancement of carbon removal via the reverse Boudouard reaction, resulting in less coke formation on the Ni/Cs doped Al2O3 catalyst than the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst by 17 % for the dry reforming of methane.
High Activity and Selectivity towards Ethyl Methyl Carbonate through Optimizing Surface Acidity and Alkalinity of the Transesterification Catalyst
Authors: Yan Pinmei , Zhang Xin , Huang Yuanyuan , Liu Gengwei , Liu Peng , Li Chenjie , Pan Pengbin , Yao Yuangen
Published: February 2023

Ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) is the product of the partial transesterification of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) with ethanol (EtOH). How to modulate the catalyst with suitable acidity and alkalinity is of key importance for achieving both high activity and selectivity toward EMC. Herein, an Mg−Zn−P/AT‐ZSM‐5 catalyst with moderate basicity and moderate acidity was intelligently designed by the co‐doping of Mg−Zn−P after the desilication of ZSM‐5. Under the optimized reaction conditions, the EtOH conversion can reach 99.1 % with a high EMC selectivity of 96.3 %. Based on the results of multiple characterizations, the enhanced EtOH conversion and high EMC selectivity should be attributed to the well dispersed supported metal species, and enhanced metal‐support interactions, especially the suitable surface acidity and alkalinity property of the catalyst. Such work provides a more reasonable design strategy for the preparation of a catalyst used for the transesterification reaction of DMC and EtOH to selectively produce high‐valued EMC.
The Exact Morphology of Metal Organic Framework MIL‐53(Fe) Influences its Photocatalytic Performance**
Authors: Pazhand Hooman , Sabbagh Alvani Ali Asghar , Sameie Hassan , Salimi Reza , Poelman Dirk
Published: February 2023

Controllable synthesis of Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with well‐defined morphology, composition and size is of great importance towards understanding their structure‐property relationship in various applications. Herein, the effect of morphology of photocatalysts on their optical behavior and photocatalytic efficiency was identified utilizing physical synthetic parameters for methylene blue removal. For this purpose, MIL‐53(Fe) was fabricated as an efficient photocatalyst via solvothermal approach using chloride and nitrate salts as different secondary block unit (SBU) sources. Each of the powders obtained by two metal sources was synthesized at three different temperatures (120, 150, and 180 °C). The fabricated MOFs were methodically investigated and characterized in terms of structural, textural, morphological and optical. The obtained empirical data confirmed that the particles synthesized at 120 °C using iron chloride exhibit the highest efficiency for methylene blue removal. This could be associated to their high surface area and UV light absorption in comparison with other samples. These results can be considered in future research to maximize degradation of organic dyes as a serious pollutant in wastewater.
Exploring a Bis‐imine Derived Azide Containing Dinuclear Iron(III) Complex: Fluorescence Recognition of F− and Atmospheric CO2 Fixation
Authors: Taniya Seikh , Khanra Somnath , Salam Noor , Das Debasis
Published: February 2023

A bis‐imine derivative is used for the synthesis of a dinuclear Fe(III) complex (F2) in presence of azide ion, the structure of which is confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The F2 selectively recognizes F− via turn on fluorescence at micro‐molar level. In presence of F−, non‐fluorescent F2 assumes an average life time, 1.17 ns. In addition, preliminary studies on catalytic efficiency of F2 for fixation of atmospheric CO2 by transforming epoxide to cyclic carbonate is impressive with almost 99 % yield under optimum conditions.
Socio‐emotional adjustment throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic: A longitudinal study of elementary school‐aged children from low‐income neighbourhoods
Authors: Busch Julian , Haehner Peter , Spierling Sarah K. , Leyendecker Birgit
Published: February 2023

Children's socio‐emotional adjustment during the COVID‐19 pandemic could depend on their pre‐pandemic risk of heightened socio‐emotional distress and available resources. In a sample of elementary school‐aged children from low‐income neighbourhoods in Germany, we examined children's socio‐emotional adjustment throughout two pandemic‐related school closing periods of 5 months each and explored possible determinants of their adjustment. On three occasions before and after school closing, home‐room teachers reported on the distress of 365 children (Mage = 8.45, 53% female) and provided information on their family backgrounds and internal resources. We studied child pre‐pandemic risk of low socio‐emotional adjustment based on low basic care by families and group membership (i.e., recently arrived refugee, deprived Roma family). We studied child resources regarding families' home learning support during school closings and selected internal resources of the children (German reading skills, academic ability). Results showed that children's distress did not increase throughout the school closings. Instead, their distress remained at constant levels or even decreased. On pre‐pandemic risk, only low basic care was linked to higher levels of distress and worse trajectories. On child resources, home learning support, academic ability, and German reading skills were inconsistently linked to less distress and better trajectories depending on the school closing period. Our findings suggest better‐than‐expected socio‐emotional adjustment of children from low‐income neighbourhoods during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Developing Outstanding Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Rechargeable Zn‐Air Batteries Using High‐Purity Spinel‐Type ZnCo2Se4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Ramasamy Santhosh , Prabhakaran Sampath , Ramakrishnan Shanmugam , Karthikeyan S. C. , Kim Ae Rhan , Kim Do Hwan , Yoo Dong Jin
Published: February 2023

Zinc‐air batteries are gaining popularity as viable energy sources for green energy storage technologies. The cost and performance of Zn‐air batteries are mostly determined by the air electrodes in combination with an oxygen electrocatalyst. This research aims at the particular innovations and challenges relating to air electrodes and related materials. Here, a nanocomposite of ZnCo2Se4@rGO that exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction, ORR (E1/2 = 0.802 V), and oxygen evolution reaction, OER (η10 = 298 mV@10 mA cm−2) is synthesized. In addition, a rechargeable zinc‐air battery with ZnCo2Se4@rGO as the cathode showed a high open circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.38 V, a peak power density of 210.4 mW cm−2, and outstanding long‐term cycling stability. The electronic structure and oxygen reduction/evolution reaction mechanism of the catalysts ZnCo2Se4 and Co3Se4 are further investigated using density functional theory calculations. Finally, a perspective for designing, preparing, and assembling air electrodes is suggested for the future developments of high‐performance Zn‐air batteries.
Morphology‐Dependent Charge Carrier Dynamics and Ion Migration Behavior of CsPbBr3 Halide Perovskite Quantum Dot Films
Authors: Alosaimi Ghaida , Huang Chien‐Yu , Sharma Pankaj , Wu Tom , Seidel Jan
Published: February 2023

Exceptional electronic, optoelectronic, and sensing properties of inorganic Cs‐based perovskites are significantly influenced by the defect chemistry of the material. Although organic halide perovskites that have a polycrystalline structure are heavily studied, understanding of the defect properties at the grain boundaries (GB) of inorganic Cs‐based perovskite quantum dots (QDs) is still limited. Here, morphology‐dependent charge carrier dynamics of CsPbBr3 quantum dots at the nanoscale by performing scanning probe microscopy of thermally treated samples are investigated. The grain boundaries of defect‐engineered samples show higher surface potential than the grain interiors under light illumination, suggesting an effective role of GBs as charge collection and transport channels. The lower density of crystallographic defects and lower trap density at GBs specifically of heat‐treated samples cause insignificant dark current, lower local current hysteresis, and higher photocurrent, than the control samples. It is also shown that the decay rate of surface photovoltage of the heated sample is quicker than the control sample, which implies a considerable impact of ion migration on the relaxation dynamic of photogenerated charge carriers. These findings reveal that the annealing process is an effective strategy to control not only the morphology but also the optoelectrical properties of GB defects, and the dynamic of ion migration. Understanding the origin of photoelectric activity in this material allows for designing and engineering optoelectronic QD devices with enhanced functionality.
Cu Current Collector with Binder‐Free Lithiophilic Nanowire Coating for High Energy Density Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Abdul Ahad Syed , Adegoke Temilade Esther , Ryan Kevin M. , Geaney Hugh
Published: February 2023

Despite significant efforts to fabricate high energy density (ED) lithium (Li) metal anodes, problems such as dendrite formation and the need for excess Li (leading to low N/P ratios) have hampered Li metal battery (LMB) development. Here, the use of germanium (Ge) nanowires (NWs) directly grown on copper (Cu) substrates (Cu‐Ge) to induce lithiophilicity and subsequently guide Li ions for uniform Li metal deposition/stripping during electrochemical cycling is reported. The NW morphology along with the formation of the Li15Ge4 phase promotes uniform Li‐ion flux and fast charge kinetic, resulting in the Cu‐Ge substrate demonstrating low nucleation overpotentials of 10 mV (four times lower than planar Cu) and high Columbic efficiency (CE) efficiency during Li plating/stripping. Within a full‐cell configuration, the Cu‐Ge@Li – NMC cell delivered a 63.6% weight reduction at the anode level compared to a standard graphite‐based anode, with impressive capacity retention and average CE of over 86.5% and 99.2% respectively. The Cu‐Ge anodes are also paired with high specific capacity sulfur (S) cathodes, further demonstrating the benefits of developing surface‐modified lithiophilic Cu current collectors, which can easily be integrated at the industrial scale.
Phase Evolution on the Hydrogen Adsorption Kinetics of NiFe‐Based Heterogeneous Catalysts for Efficient Water Electrolysis
Authors: Xiong Tuzhi , Zhu Zhixiao , He Yanxiang , Balogun M.‐Sadeeq , Huang Yongchao
Published: February 2023

Transition metal layered double hydroxides, especially nickel‐iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe‐LDH) shows significant advancement as efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst but also plays a momentous role as a precursor for NiFe‐based hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts. Herein, a simple strategy for developing Ni‐Fe‐derivative electrocatalysts via phase evolution of NiFe‐LDH under controllable annealing temperatures in an argon atmosphere is reported. The optimized catalyst annealed at 340 oC (denoted NiO/FeNi3) exhibits superior HER properties with an ultralow overpotential of 16 mV@10 mA cm−2. Density functional theory simulation and in situ Raman analyses reveal that the excellent HER properties of the NiO/FeNi3 can be attributed to the strong electronic interaction at the interface of the metallic FeNi3 and semiconducting NiO, which optimizes the H2O and H adsorption energies for efficient HER and OER catalytic processes. This work will provide rational insights into the subsequent development of related HER electrocatalysts and other corresponding compounds via LDH‐based precursors.
Structural Compromise Between Conflicted Spatial‐Arrangements of Two Linkers in Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Lee Gihyun , Kwon Haejin , Lee Sujeong , Oh Moonhyun
Published: February 2023

The structural control of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is essential for the development of superlative MOFs because the structural features of MOFs and their components play a critical role in determining their properties, and ultimately, their applications. The best components to endow the desired properties for MOFs are available via the appropriate choice from many existing chemicals or synthesizing new ones. However, to date, considerably less information exists regarding fine‐tuning the MOF structures. Herein, a strategy for tuning MOF structures by merging two MOF structures into a single MOF, is demonstrated. Depending on the incorporated amounts and relative contributions of the two coexisting organic linkers, benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate (BDC2−) and naphthalene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate (NDC2−), which have conflicting spatial‐arrangement preferences within an MOF structure, MOFs are rationally designed to have a Kagomé or rhombic lattice. In particular, MOFs with rhombic lattices are constructed to have specific lattice angles by compromising the optimal structural arrangements between the two mixed linkers. The relative contributions of the two linkers during MOF construction determine the final MOF structures, and the competitive influence between BDC2− and NDC2− is effectively regulated to produce specific MOF structures with controlled lattices.
What makes a readable code? A causal analysis method
Authors: Mi Qing , Chen Mingjie , Cai Zhi , Jia Xibin
Published: February 2023

Context

Code readability is one of the most important quality attributes for software source code. To investigate which features affect code readability, most existing studies rely on correlation‐based methods. However, spurious correlations (a mathematical relationship wherein two variables appear to be causal but are not) involved in correlation‐based methods may affect research conclusions.

Objective

In order to remove spurious correlations and obtain conclusions from the perspective of causation as to what makes a readable code, we propose a causal theory‐based approach to analyze the relationship between code features and code readability scores.

Method

First, we adopt the PC algorithm and additive noise models to construct the causal graph on the basis of the selected code features. Then, we use the linear regression algorithm based on the back‐door criterion to obtain the causal effect of different features on code readability.

Result

We conduct a set of experiments on readability data labeled by human annotators. The experimental results show that the average number of comments positively impacts code readability, with each additional unit increasing the code readability score by 0.799 points. Whereas the average number of assignments, identifiers, and periods have a negative impact, with each additional unit decreasing the code readability score by 0.528, 0.281, and 0.170 points respectively.

Conclusion

We believe that our findings will provide developers with a better understanding of the patterns behind code readability, and guide developers to optimize their code as the ultimate goal.
Invasive neo‐species and how to name them
Authors: Montesinos Daniel
Published: February 2023

Range‐expansion and speciation are not new to life on Earth, but they have been scarcely observed contemporarily and, likely, never over several continents simultaneously. Evidence of incipient reproductive isolation between native and non‐native regions of some invasive alien species indicates that invasive speciation is closer than we expected. Some neo‐allopatric populations are likely to qualify as distinguishable subspecies already. Given their trajectory, whether they will become new species is not an if, but a when. I present two decision tables to help to (1) assess the coining of new invasive species or subspecies with the current taxonomical approach or (2), introduce the term “neo” to name invasive neo‐species resulting from synchronous allopatric speciation from a single, known, living ancestor. This latter case can be exemplified with the hypothetical names: “Ginkgo biloba neo americana”, “G. biloba neo europea”, etc.
Strategies for Promoting Catalytic Performance of Ru‐Based Electrocatalysts towards Oxygen/Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Chu Xianxu , Wang Lu , Li Junru , Xu Hui
Published: February 2023

Ru‐based materials hold great promise for substituting Pt as potential electrocatalysts toward water electrolysis. Significant progress is made in the fabrication of advanced Ru‐based electrocatalysts, but an in‐depth understanding of the engineering methods and induced effects is still in their early stage. Herein, we organize a review that focusing on the engineering strategies toward the substantial improvement in electrocatalytic OER and HER performance of Ru‐based catalysts, including geometric structure, interface, phase, electronic structure, size, and multicomponent engineering. Subsequently, the induced enhancement in catalytic performance by these engineering strategies are also elucidated. Furthermore, some representative Ru‐based electrocatalysts for the electrocatalytic HER and OER applications are also well presented. Finally, the challenges and prospects are also elaborated for the future synthesis of more effective Ru‐based catalysts and boost their future application.
A sustainable approach to the collection and transportation of solid waste of Dibrugarh city, Assam
Authors: Das Krishna , Bharti Ajay
Published: February 2023

Approaches for solid waste management (SWM) differ based on the local economy, living conditions, government systems, etc. Collect and transportation components are fundamental criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of various SWM methods and technologies. This approach consists of collection from sources and transportation to the disposal facility while stopping wherever necessary. It is important to develop a solution that would help in the effective transportation and collection of waste. The major concern is finding an alternative to the commonly practiced SWM system. In this paper, an improved framework of transportation routes for SWM of Dibrugarh city, Assam, has been attained. Three scenarios were designed; C0: the original route, C1: the exact work method used as in the original case with a change of sequencing of stopping points, C2: optimized route with a change of vehicles, and C3: change of vehicle and reallocation of stops. The efficiency of the collection and transportation route has been compared in terms of traveled distance, time allotment, human resources use, and fuel consumption. C3 is the best methodology with a change of vehicle, and reallocation with about 42.86%, 61.86%, 64.10%, and 50.65% reduction in various aspects such as workers, working time, travelled distance, and fuel consumption, respectively. These scenarios not only help in choosing the best routes for successful transportation but are also economical due to the reduced need for fuel and labor and environmentally friendly due to lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Atomistic insight into three-dimensional twin embryo growth in Mg alloys
Authors: Hu Yang , Kochmann Dennis M.
Published: February 2023

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are essential for industrial applications but poorly understood from a mechanistic perspective, while a comprehensive understanding of their mechanical behavior can guarantee a more efficient alloy design as well as a greater application potential. As one of the key deformation mechanisms in Mg and Mg alloys, twinning is investigated in this work. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to perform a systematic study of the effect of alloying elements and solute compositions on twin embryo growth in nine Mg alloys. The alloying elements include Al, Zn, Li, Ca, Pb, Nd, Ce, Sn, and Y, covering a wide range of element properties such as lattice constant, bulk/shear modulus, and cohesive energy. We demonstrate a faster migration of the dark side than the bright side of twin embryos in both pure Mg and Mg alloys. All solute atoms tested in this work exhibit a pinning effect on the motion of twin facets on the dark side. The motion of facets on the bright side, particularly twin boundaries, can be accelerated by solutes. Therefore, the majority of solutes can reduce the velocity difference between the dark side and the bright side of the twin. The overall twin embryo growth is restricted in most alloys except Mg–Y, Mg–Li and Mg–Nd with certain solute concentrations. Our results present important insight for tailoring twin structures and hence the mechanical properties of Mg alloys.

Graphical abstract
Construct Trip Graphs by Using Taxi Trajectory Data
Authors: Yu Hao , Guo Xi , Luo Xiao , Bian Weihao , Zhang Taohong
Published: February 2023

The trip graph, which can model the residents’ taxi demands, consists of vertices used to indicate trips and edges used to indicate the follow-up relationships between trips. A trip $$v_j$$

v
j

is a tight follow-up trip of another trip $$v_i$$

v
i

, if a taxi can arrive at the departure location of $$v_j$$

v
j

within a time threshold $$\delta$$
δ
after it finishes $$v_i$$

v
i

. However, for big cities, there are a large amount of trips every day and it is time consuming to construct a trip graph. In this paper, we propose efficient algorithms to construct trip graphs for big cities. When constructing a trip graph, the most expensive step is to connect the vertices if the tight follow-up relationships exist. To find out the tight follow-up trips fast, we design an index considering both spatial and temporal constraints. To designate appropriate search areas, we propose efficient methods to determine the distance-based search areas and the traffic-based search areas. We conduct experiments on real datasets, i.e., the taxi trajectories of Shanghai in 2015. The experimental results show that our algorithm can construct the trip graph about 40 times faster than the straightforward method. We also demonstrate the usages of the trip graph in green transportation applications, i.e., the minimum fleet analysis and the minimum total “idle” mileage analysis.
Efficient parameter estimation for parabolic SPDEs based on a log-linear model for realized volatilities
Authors: Bibinger Markus , Bossert Patrick
Published: February 2023

We construct estimators for the parameters of a parabolic SPDE with one spatial dimension based on discrete observations of a solution in time and space on a bounded domain. We establish central limit theorems for a high-frequency asymptotic regime. The asymptotic variances are shown to be substantially smaller compared to existing estimation methods. Moreover, asymptotic confidence intervals are directly feasible. Our approach builds upon realized volatilities and their asymptotic illustration as a response of a log-linear model with spatial explanatory variable. This yields efficient estimators based on realized volatilities with optimal rates of convergence and minimal variances. We demonstrate efficiency gains compared to previous estimation methods numerically and in Monte Carlo simulations.
Comparison of Commonly Carried Liquids Against Commercial Ultrasound Gel for Use in the Backcountry Setting
Authors: Wray Jennifer N. , Soucy Zachary P. , Daniel Nicholas J. , Weinberg Nicholas E. , Krauthamer G. Michael , Crockett Sarah C. , Pollack Catherine C. , Storn Johndavid M.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is utilized in austere environments because it is lightweight, durable, battery powered, and portable. In austere settings, weight and space constraints are limitations to carrying dedicated ultrasound gel. Few studies have assessed commonly carried liquids as gel alternatives. The study objective was to assess the suitability of common food and personal care products as ultrasound coupling agents compared with that of commercial gel.

Methods

A noninferiority study compared 9 products to commercial gel. Each substance was independently tested on 2 subjects by 2 sonographers covering 8 standardized ultrasound windows. Clips were recorded, blinded, and independently graded by 2 ultrasound fellowship-trained physicians on the ability to make clinical decisions and technical details, including contrast, resolution, and artifact. A 20% noninferiority margin was set, which correlates to levels considered to be of reliably sufficient quality by American College of Emergency Physicians’ guidelines. The substances included water, soap, shampoo, olive oil, energy gel, maple syrup, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and lotion.

Results

A total of 300 of 318 (94%) clips met the primary endpoint of adequacy to make a clinical decision. All media, except sunscreen, were noninferior to commercial gel in the ability to make a clinical decision (α=0.05). In terms of secondary outcomes, resolution, artifact, and contrast, all substances were noninferior to commercial gel (α=0.05). The sonographers concluded that all gel alternatives’ usability performed similarly to commercial gel, with the exception of energy gel.

Conclusions

Of the 9 substances tested, 8 were noninferior to commercial gels for clinical decisions. Our study indicates that several POCUS gel substitutes are serviceable to produce clinically adequate images.
Transport Barriers and Coherent Structures in Flow Data
Authors: Haller George
Published: February 2023

Transport barriers are observed inhibitors of the spread of substances in flows. The collection of such barriers offers a powerful geometric template that frames the main pathways, or lack thereof, in any transport process. This book surveys effective and mathematically grounded methods for defining, locating and leveraging transport barriers in numerical simulations, laboratory experiments, technological processes and nature. It provides a unified treatment of material developed over the past two decades, focusing on the methods that have a solid foundation and broad applicability to data sets beyond simple model flows. The intended audience ranges from advanced undergraduates to researchers in the areas of turbulence, geophysical flows, aerodynamics, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, flow visualization, computational mathematics and dynamical systems. Detailed open-source implementations of the numerical methods are provided in an accompanying collection of Jupyter notebooks linked from the electronic version of the book.
Intolerance of Uncertainty and Social Anxiety: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Saraff Pooja , Shikatani Bethany , Rogic Anna Maria , Dodig Erin Faith , Talluri Snigdha , Murray-Latin Heather
Published: February 2023

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a cognitive bias that leads to perception and intolerance of uncertainty and has associated negative cognitive, emotional, and behavioural responses. It plays a strong role in social anxiety disorder (SAD; Counsell et al., 2017). Our experimental study examined the impact of uncertainty related to a social stressor on SAD using a speech task. We examined features of SAD including anticipatory anxiety, anxiety during the task, willingness to perform the task, and avoidance of the task. Undergraduate students (N = 110, 88% female) with significant social anxiety completed a series of questionnaires, then were randomised to one of two conditions related to level of uncertainty about an impromptu speech task. The experimental condition (state IU) did not predict any of the outcome variables, while trait IU significantly predicted anxiety levels. Results indicate that increased uncertainty of a social situation does not impact acute anxiety levels in SAD and reinforce the strong role of trait IU as a transdiagnostic cognitive variable. Neither trait nor state IU predicted the willingness and avoidance variables. Results also highlighted the central role of the experience of anxiety on avoidance behaviours, above cognitive factors such as IU.
Probabilistic Truth, Relativism, and Objective Chance
Authors: Schimmelpfennig Svenja
Published: February 2023

In Probabilistic Knowledge Sarah Moss proposes that our credences and subjective probability judgments (SPJs) can constitute knowledge. Mossean probabilistic knowledge is grounded in probabilistic beliefs that are justified, true, and unGettiered. In this paper I aim to address and solve two challenges that arise in the vicinity of the factivity condition for probabilistic knowledge: the factivity challenge and the challenge from probabilistic arguments from ignorance (probabilistic AIs). I argue that while Moss's deflationary solution to the factivity challenge formally works, it leaves us ill-equipped to handle probabilistic AIs. An account of probabilistic knowledge that cannot overcome probabilistic AIs makes knowledge of thoroughly probabilistic contents a rare and unstable phenomenon, at best, or, at worst, impossible. I hold that establishing a metaphysically enriched account of probabilistic truth is therefore mandatory. I go on to develop a truth-conditional approach on probabilistic factivity that is relativistic in its nature and centers on objective chances. I show that while the approach is still compatible with Moss's overall semantics for probabilistic knowledge, it provides us with a simple but forceful answer to probabilistic AIs.
The Work of Retirement
Authors: Sklansky Jeffrey
Published: February 2023

In the past few decades, caregivers, such as nursing assistants and home health aides, have come to compose the fastest-growing segment of the paid workforce in the United States. At the same time, corporate caretakers of workers’ savings, such as pension funds and mutual funds, have become the nation's largest investors, bound by fiduciary duties of trust. And unprecedented numbers of elder employees and retirees have become the biggest supposed beneficiaries of both care labor and trust capital, depending on health workers and asset managers in their daily lives. At the center of this emerging structure of work, wealth, and welfare lies the pension system, a telling crucible of class relations in our time. Several recent books across different disciplines examine the shifting politics of pensions in the United States and around the world. The spate of new studies presents an opportunity to explore the remarkable role of retirement funds in reorganizing labor and finance over the past fifty years. Rather than offering a historiographical critique of current work, this expository essay surveys the main findings of a larger and longer body of scholarship on organized labor and investment related to pensions. Though focused on the United States, it places the American story in a comparative context. The survey points to a fertile field for further study: as retirees have increasingly relied on professional asset managers and caregivers, the finance and health sectors have undergone converging crises over fiduciary duty and elder care, posing parallel challenges for organized labor.
Evaluating the antagonistic effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus against Shiga toxigenic and non-toxigenic Escherichia coli strains in bioyogurt
Authors: Fahim Karima M. , Ali Zeinab I. , Ahmed Lamiaa I. , Hereher Faten E. , Taher Eman M.
Published: February 2023

This study was conducted to determine the effect of acidophilus yoghurt (yoghurt fortified with Lactobacillus acidophilus) in comparison to traditional plain yoghurt (St. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus starter cultures) on the survival of three pathogenic Escherichia coli strains; Shiga toxigenic O157 (STx O157), non-toxigenic O157 (Non-STx O157) and Shiga toxigenic non-O157 (STx O145). After six days of refrigerated storage of laboratory-manufactured yoghurt inoculated with the three strains of E. coli separately, all were eliminated in acidophilus yoghurt, while their survival extended in the traditional yoghurt along the storage period (17 d). Reduction percentages of the tested strains in acidophilus yoghurt were 99.93, 99.93 and 99.86%, with log reduction of 3.176, 3.176, and 2.865 cfu/g for Stx O157, Non-Stx O157, and Stx O145 E. coli, respectively, in comparison to 91.67, 93.33 and 93.33%, with log reduction of 1.079, 1.176 and 1.176 cfu/g in traditional yoghurt. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of acidophilus yoghurt in reducing the count of Stx E. coli O157 (P = 0.001), Non-Stx E. coli O157 (P < 0.01) and Stx E. coli O145 (P < 0.01) compared to the traditional yoghurt. These findings emphasize the potential use of acidophilus yoghurt as a biocontrol alternative method for eliminating pathogenic E. coli, as well as other similar applications in the dairy industry.
An assessment of marine turtle population status and conservation in Cambodia
Authors: Duffy Henry , McNamara Aylin , Mulligan Berry , West Kate , Leng Phalla , Vong Rylida , Murray Kieran , Kim Sour , Tiwari Manjula , Teoh Marianne
Published: February 2023

Cambodian waters historically supported significant nesting populations of marine turtles up to the early 20th century. However, although fishing and coastal development have intensified, marine turtle conservation has received little recent attention. We collate the available information on Cambodian marine turtles by summarizing NGO and government data from provincial consultations, fisheries surveys and nesting beach surveys, and synthesize our findings into recommendations for the conservation of marine turtles in Cambodia. The available data indicate that a small and highly threatened marine turtle population persists, despite significant declines driven by intense historical harvesting, widespread bycatch, loss of nesting habitat, marine wildlife trade and ongoing poor compliance with wildlife protection regulations. To improve the conservation status of Cambodian turtles, we recommend (1) revising relevant legislation to better protect marine turtle habitats whilst increasing compliance with gear restrictions and threatened species laws in priority sites, (2) trialling alternative fishing gear or gear modifications to reduce bycatch, (3) continuing capacity building for locally driven marine turtle conservation science, (4) identifying and mapping beaches with high nesting potential and protecting them from further coastal development, and (5) investing in transboundary collaborations to improve the monitoring and management of the turtle populations that range between Cambodia and neighbouring countries.
Neglecting the care of people with schizophrenia: here we go again
Authors: Pelosi Anthony J. , Arulnathan Vijay
Published: February 2023

Specialist early intervention teams consider clinician–patient engagement and continuity of care to be a driving philosophy behind the treatment they provide to people who have developed schizophrenia or a related psychotic illness. In almost all countries where this service model has been implemented there is a dearth of available data about what is happening to patients following time-limited treatment. Information on discharge pathways in England indicates that some early intervention specialists are discharging most of their patients from all psychiatric services after only 2 or 3 years of input. Some ex-patients will be living in a state of torment and neglect due to an untreated psychosis. In the UK, general practitioners should refuse to accept these discharge pathways for patients with insight-impairing mental illnesses.