bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subtle side chain modification of triphenylamine‐based polymer hole‐transport layer materials produces efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xie Yue‐Min , Yao Qin , Xue Qifan , Zeng Zixin , Niu Tianqi , Zhou Yingzhi , Zhuo Ming‐Peng , Tsang Sai‐Wing , Yip Hin‐Lap , Cao Yong
Published: April 2022

Polymer hole‐transport layers (HTLs) are critical components of inverted perovskite solar cells (IPVSCs). Triphenylamine derivatives PTAA (poly[bis(4‐phenyl)(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine]) and Poly‐TPD (poly[N,N′‐bis(4‐butylphenyl)‐N,N′‐bis(phenyl)benzidine]) have been widely adopted as hole‐transport materials due to their perovskite passivation effects and suitable energy levels. However, the passivation mechanism (i.e., the functional group responsible for perovskite passivation) of triphenylamine derivative polymers remains unclear, hindering the development and application of this polymer type. Here, we develop a novel Poly‐TPD derivative, S‐Poly‐TPD, by replacing the n‐butyl functional group of Poly‐TPD with an isobutyl group to explore the influence of alkyl groups on HTL performance and top‐deposited perovskite properties. Compared with Poly‐TPD, the increased CH3‐terminal unit density and the decreased spatial distance between the –CH–CH3 and –CH2–CH3 units and the benzene ring in S‐Poly‐TPD not only enhanced the hole‐transport ability but also improved the perovskite passivation effect, revealing for the first time the role of the alkyl groups in perovskite passivation. As a result, the S‐Poly‐TPD‐based IPVSCs demonstrated high power‐conversion efficiencies of 15.1% and 21.3% in wide‐bandgap [MAPbI2Br(SCN)0.12] and normal‐bandgap [(FAPbI3)0.92(MAPbBr3)0.08] devices, respectively.
Estimating dermal contact soil exposure for amphibians
Authors: Purucker S. Thomas , Snyder Marcía N. , Glinski Donna A. , Van Meter Robin J. , Garber Kristina , Chelsvig Emma A. , Cyterski Michael J. , Sinnathamby Sumathy , Paulukonis Elizabeth A. , Henderson W. Matthew
Published: April 2022

Chemical exposure estimation through the dermal route is an underemphasized area of ecological risk assessment for terrestrial animals. Currently, there are efforts to create exposure models to estimate doses from this pathway for use in ecological risk assessment. One significant limitation has been insufficient published data to characterize exposure and to support the selection and parameterization of appropriate models, particularly for amphibians in terrestrial habitats. Recent publications measuring pesticide doses to terrestrial-phase amphibians have begun to rectify this situation. We collated and summarized available measurements of terrestrial amphibian dermal exposure to pesticides from 11 studies in which researchers measured tissue concentrations associated with known pesticide experimental application rates. This data set included tissue concentrations in 11 amphibian species and 14 different pesticides. We then compared the results of two screening exposure models that differed based on surface area scaling approaches as a function of body weight (one based on birds as surrogates for amphibians and another amphibian-specific) to the measured tissue residue concentrations. We define a false-negative rate for each screening model as the proportion of amphibians for which the predicted concentration is less than the observed concentration (i.e., underestimate), contrary to the intent of screening models, which are intended to have a bias for higher exposure concentrations. The screening model that uses birds as surrogates did not have any instances where estimated expected avian doses were less than measured amphibian body burdens. When using the amphibian-specific exposure model that corrected for differences between avian and amphibian surface area, measured concentrations were greater than model estimates for 11.3% of the 1158 comparisons. The database of measured pesticide concentrations in terrestrial amphibians is provided for use in calculating bioconcentration factors and for future amphibian dermal exposure model development. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:9–16. © 2022 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone for metastatic patients starting hormone therapy: 5‐year follow‐up results from the STAMPEDE randomised trial (NCT00268476)
Authors: James Nicholas D. , Clarke Noel W. , Cook Adrian , Ali Adnan , Hoyle Alex P. , Attard Gerhardt , Brawley Christopher D. , Chowdhury Simon , Cross William R. , Dearnaley David P. , de Bono Johann S. , Diaz‐Montana Carlos , Gilbert Duncan , Gillessen Silke , Gilson Clare , Jones Rob J. , Langley Ruth E. , Malik Zafar I. , Matheson David J. , Millman Robin , Parker Chris C. , Pugh Cheryl , Rush Hannah , Russell J. Martin , Berthold Dominik R. , Buckner Michelle L. , Mason Malcolm D. , Ritchie Alastair W. S. , Birtle Alison J. , Brock Susannah J. , Das Prantik , Ford Dan , Gale Joanna , Grant Warren , Gray Emma K. , Hoskin Peter , Khan Mohammad M. , Manetta Caroline , McPhail Neil J. , O'Sullivan Joe M. , Parikh Omi , Perna Carla , Pezaro Carmel J. , Protheroe Andrew S. , Robinson Angus J. , Rudman Sarah M. , Sheehan Denise J. , Srihari Narayanan N. , Syndikus Isabel , Tanguay Jacob S. , Thomas Carys W. , Vengalil Salil , Wagstaff John , Wylie James P. , Parmar Mahesh K. B. , Sydes Matthew R. ,   for the STAMPEDE Trials Collaborative Group
Published: April 2022

Abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone (AAP) previously demonstrated improved survival in STAMPEDE, a multiarm, multistage platform trial in men starting long‐term hormone therapy for prostate cancer. This long‐term analysis in metastatic patients was planned for 3 years after the first results. Standard‐of‐care (SOC) was androgen deprivation therapy. The comparison randomised patients 1:1 to SOC‐alone with or without daily abiraterone acetate 1000 mg + prednisolone 5 mg (SOC + AAP), continued until disease progression. The primary outcome measure was overall survival. Metastatic disease risk group was classified retrospectively using baseline CT and bone scans by central radiological review and pathology reports. Analyses used Cox proportional hazards and flexible parametric models, accounting for baseline stratification factors. One thousand and three patients were contemporaneously randomised (November 2011 to January 2014): median age 67 years; 94% newly‐diagnosed; metastatic disease risk group: 48% high, 44% low, 8% unassessable; median PSA 97 ng/mL. At 6.1 years median follow‐up, 329 SOC‐alone deaths (118 low‐risk, 178 high‐risk) and 244 SOC + AAP deaths (75 low‐risk, 145 high‐risk) were reported. Adjusted HR = 0.60 (95% CI: 0.50‐0.71; P = 0.31 × 10−9) favoured SOC + AAP, with 5‐years survival improved from 41% SOC‐alone to 60% SOC + AAP. This was similar in low‐risk (HR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.41‐0.76) and high‐risk (HR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.43‐0.69) patients. Median and current maximum time on SOC + AAP was 2.4 and 8.1 years. Toxicity at 4 years postrandomisation was similar, with 16% patients in each group reporting grade 3 or higher toxicity. A sustained and substantial improvement in overall survival of all metastatic prostate cancer patients was achieved with SOC + abiraterone acetate + prednisolone, irrespective of metastatic disease risk group.
Impact of capital account liberalization on stock market crashes
Authors: Khalid Rizwan , Shehzad Choudhry Tanveer , Naqvi Bushra
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the effect of capital account liberalization on the frequency of stock market crashes. We use de jure and de facto measures of capital account liberalization and employ a negative binomial random effect model to analyse the relationship. Using a sample of 65 countries for 1973–2016, we show that with restricted capital account liberalization, an increase in capital flows leads to a decrease in stock market crashes. With a more liberalized capital account convertibility, higher capital flows lead to a rise in stock market crashes. The main key finding supports the notion that free and unregulated capital flows induce more volatility in the stock market, and crashes in these markets are more likely to happen. These results are also robust to different sub‐samples comprising of high‐income OECD countries and non‐OECD countries. Our results are also robust to change in the specification of stock market crashes and changes in capital flows' specification.
Information diversity and household portfolio diversification
Authors: Liu Zhifeng , Li Kaixin , Zhang Tingting
Published: April 2022

This study focuses on the role of information diversity in household portfolio diversification, using data from the China Household Financial Survey. We first propose a novel information diversity index which incorporates both information channels and information fields (i.e., information topics people pay attention to). Subsequently, empirical tests demonstrate that information diversity significantly affects households' participation in stock, fund and insurance markets. We further construct a household portfolio diversification index and find that information diversity also has a significant positive effect on portfolio diversification. Furthermore, a positive relationship between information diversity and portfolio returns is confirmed. Finally, this study identifies the crucial role of economic and financial information; if this information is lacking, information diversity does not have the same positive impact in some cases.
Systems Modeling Language (SysML v2) Support for Digital Engineering
Authors: Bajaj Manas , Friedenthal Sanford , Seidewitz Ed
Published: April 2022

The OMG Systems Modeling Language™ (SysML®) was adopted in 2006 and has been used by many organizations to support their efforts to transition to a model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) approach. SysML v2 is the next generation Systems Modeling Language and is intended to address many of the limitations of SysML v1. This paper highlights how the SysML v2 language and the new standard Application Programming Interface (API) can enable MBSE and digital engineering.

SysML v2 is being developed by the SysML v2 Submission Team (SST) in response to requirements issued by the Object Management Group (OMG). The final submission to the OMG is planned for 2022. The draft SysML v2 specifications and the open‐source SysML v2 pilot implementation can be found at https://github.com/Systems-Modeling.
Versatile Test Reactor Open Digital Engineering Ecosystem
Authors: Ritter Christopher , Browning Jeren , Suyderhoud Peter , Hays Ross , Marshall AnnMarie , Han Kevin , Ashbocker Taylor , Darrington John , Nelson Lee
Published: April 2022

Modern design of nuclear facilities represents unique challenges: enabling the design of complex advanced concepts, supporting geographically dispersed teams, and supporting first‐of‐a‐kind system development. Errors made early in design can introduce silent errors. These errors can cascade causing unknown risk of complex engineering programs. The Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) Program uses digital‐engineering principles for design, procurement, construction, and operation to reduce risk and improve efficiencies. Digital engineering is an integrated, model‐based approach which connects proven digital tools such as building information management (BIM), project controls, and systems‐engineering software tools into a cohesive environment.

The VTR team hypothesizes using these principals can lead to similar risk and cost reductions and schedule efficiencies observed in other engineering industries. This research investigates the use of a digital engineering ecosystem in the design of a 300‐MWt sodium‐cooled fast reactor. This ecosystem was deployed to over 200 engineers and used to deliver the conceptual design of the VTR. We conclude that initial results show significant reductions in user latency (1000x at peak use), the possibility of direct finite‐element‐analysis (FEA) integrations to computer‐aided design (CAD) tools, and nuclear reactor system design descriptions (SDDs) that we can fully link throughout design in data‐driven requirements‐management software. These early results led to the VTR maintaining milestone performance during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Digital Engineering Measures Correlated to Digital Engineering Lessons Learned from Systems Engineering Transformation Pilot
Authors: Blackburn Mark R. , McDermott Tom , Kruse Benjamin , Dzielski John , Hagedorn Tom
Published: April 2022

This paper discusses analysis that correlates Digital Engineering Success Measure (DESM) categories with lessons learned benefits observed during the NAVAIR Surrogate Pilot that applied Digital Engineering (DE) methods and tools using an Authoritative Source of Truth by modeling everything to demonstrate the art‐of‐the‐possible. The analysis correlated rating from seventeen lesson learned categories to 22 DESMs grouped into four metrics categories.
Nicotine exposure of male mice protects offspring against carbon tetrachloride‐induced acute liver injury
Authors: Zhang Dong , Dai Jingbo , Cao Yong , Wang Zhaoxia , Qiao Zhiguang , Qiao Zhongdong
Published: April 2022

Paternal nicotine exposure can cause a phenotypic change in offspring. To study whether paternal nicotine exposure influences acute liver injury and repair of the offspring, we established a paternal nicotine exposure model in mice and treated the offspring mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce acute liver injury. After the treatment of CCl4, the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in offspring serum of paternal nicotine exposed mice are about 37.44%, and 30.21% lower than the control mice, respectively. Transcription profiling screen and bioinformatics analysis of differently expressed genes in F1 mice liver revealed that the Wnt pathway was altered. The results demonstrate that nicotine exposure in male mice could enhance the activation of the Wnt pathway in F1 mice liver. The Wnt pathway facilitates cell proliferation and tissue repair. In conclusion, our findings showed that nicotine exposure of male mice protects hepatic against CCl4‐induced acute injury in offspring by activating the Wnt pathway in the F1 liver.
Metal–organic framework‐based heterojunction photocatalysts for organic pollutant degradation: design, construction, and performances
Authors: Belousov Artem S , Fukina Diana G , Koryagin Andrey V
Published: April 2022

Heterogeneous photocatalysis has been considered one of the most attractive alternative routes to transforming naturally abundant, clean, and sustainable solar energy into chemical energy. Nowadays, the most popular heterogeneous photocatalyst, titanium dioxide, has already found applications for water splitting to produce hydrogen and oxygen, for the degradation of organic pollutants, for air purification, and for the creation of self‐cleaning coatings. However, TiO2 has a significant limitation: a large band gap (3.0–3.4 eV) that makes it impossible to use anything other than ultraviolet illumination to initiate photocatalytic processes. With a focus on efficient solar‐energy utilization, the development of new photocatalysts that are sensitive to visible light is an important direction in the theory and practice of heterogeneous photocatalysis. In this regard, the use of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is an attractive route; they have emerged as an interesting class of materials for applications in photoreactions due to their flexible tunability in composition, structure, and functional properties, along with their facilitated adsorption towards chemicals and their efficient light absorption. Moreover, they can be composed with other semiconductors to produce heterojunctions (e.g., type‐II, Z‐scheme, and S‐scheme), whose effectiveness in photogenerated charge separation has already been proven by many examples. The present critical review reports progress over the last 5 years in the preparation and activity of metal–organic framework‐based heterojunction photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Impact of putamen inhibition byDREADDson schedule‐induced drinking in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Grant Kathleen A. , Newman Natali N. , Gonzales Steven W. , Cuzon Carlson Verginia C.
Published: April 2022

The putamen is a nucleus within the sensory‐motor striatal network that is involved in automatic, habitual actions. Schedule‐induced polydipsia (SIP) is highly automated behavior, reliably occurring under intermediate interval schedules of reinforcement. The effect of putamen inhibition in mediating SIP of water and ethanol (4% w/v) under a Fixed Time 5‐min (FT‐5 min) schedule for food delivery was tested in 12 rhesus monkeys (6 male, 6 female). Water and ethanol SIP sessions ended after set volumes were consumed. Baseline patterns of SIP intake differed between water and ethanol SIP in volume but not in pattern of drinking. Activation of the designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug (DREADD: hM4Di) with deschloroclozapine (DCZ; 300 μg/kg, i.m.) administered 30 min prior to the onset of the SIP session, for four consecutive sessions. DCZ administration increased the postpellet drink volume and reduced the time to drink both water and ethanol. Although the effect of DCZ treatment was similar for increasing SIP with either water or ethanol, post‐DCZ return to baseline SIP rates of differed, perhaps highlighting the effect of a state dependency with ethanol SIP. Overall, the study shows that targeting the putamen with the inhibitory DREADD produces a reversible, reproducible and reliable increase in adjunctive drinking.
Taxonomic significance of palynological studies for identification of two morphologically similar Malva species
Authors: Ahmad Farooq , Hameed Mansoor , Ahmad Muhammad Sajid Aqeel
Published: April 2022

Pollen studies can assist in distinguishing different plant taxa on the basis of pollen diameter, exine thickness, spines length, spine shape, number of rows of spines between colpi, shape of pollen, P/E ratio, pollen class and aperture type. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to compare and differentiate two Malva species on the basis of different pollen characteristics. Pollen in Malva neglecta and Malva parviflora had punctate and subpsilate, and, granulate and verrucate sculpturing between spines respectively. Both species pollen had bulbous spine base, but were more swollen in M. parviflora. M. neglecta had more pollen size, spine length and distance between spine base and spine apex, except spine base and pore diameter. The scatterplot matrix showed a wide variation among sculpturing types and other pollen attributes of both species. In PCA biplot, pore diameter and spine length were linked to M. parviflora while other pollen attributes were clearly linked to M. neglecta, indicating the taxonomic significance of the observed characters. It was concluded that the palynological studies can act as an identification tool and are of great significance in delimiting Malva and different plant taxa.

Research Highlights

Taxonomic identifications is a big problem in morphologically identical Malva neglecta and Malva parviflora.

The usefulness of pollen morphology (pollen diameter and exine thickness) and wall ornamentation in identification through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was confirmed.

Pollen of M. neglecta can be differentiated from M. parviflora by its sculpturing patterns.

Spine base and pore diameter of M. parviflora is a taxonomically important feature.
A serendipitous journey to a promoter variant: The c.‐106C>A variant and its role in late‐onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency
Authors: Hertzog Ashley , Selvanathan Arthavan , Halligan Rebecca , Fazio Timothy , de Jong Gerard , Bratkovic Drago , Bhattacharya Kaustuv , Tolun Adviye Ayper , Bennetts Bruce , Fisk Katrina
Published: April 2022

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is an X‐linked urea cycle disorder characterised by reduced or absent OTC enzyme activity, resulting in the accumulation of neurotoxic ammonia. Approximately 80%–90% of the causative variants are identified by Sanger sequencing or multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) of the OTC gene. A 23‐year‐old male with biochemical evidence of OTCD was referred for molecular analysis. Initial Sanger sequencing yielded no pathogenic variants. MLPA testing raised suspicion of a mosaic deletion of exon 1; however, high‐resolution microarray did not identify a copy number variant on the X chromosome. Sequencing over the suspected breakpoint detected a hemizygous likely pathogenic promoter variant, c.‐106C > A, which was located within the MLPA probe binding site. Subsequently, historical patients referred to our centre, without a molecular aetiology for their OTCD, were re‐sequenced with these primers and this variant was also identified in two additional unrelated males. All three patients described in this case series have the late‐onset disease. Two presented at 5 years of age with vomiting, whilst the other was managed from birth based on a family history of late‐onset OTCD. One patient required liver transplantation due to recurrent decompensations; the other two are managed with a protein‐restricted diet. All three patients have not sustained any significant neurological insults and are functioning well as adults. These cases support screening of the promoter region within the OTC gene, particularly if a molecular basis has not been elucidated by MLPA or sequencing of the coding regions.
Admission hyperglycemia in acute myocardial infarction is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Trongtorsak Angkawipa , Kewcharoen Jakrin , Thangjui Sittinun , Yanez‐Bello Maria Adriana , Sous Mina , Prasai Paritosh , Navaravong Leenhapong
Published: April 2022

Background

Admission hyperglycemia (AH) has shown to be associated with higher mortality rates in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Malignant arrhythmia is one of the causes of death in AMI; however, it is unclear whether AH is associated with an increased arrhythmia risk. We conducted this systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the association between AH and arrhythmias in AMI.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, and Embase databases from inception to September 2021 to identify studies that compared arrhythmia rates between AMI patients with AH and those without. Arrhythmias of interest included ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VA), atrial fibrillation (AF), and atrioventricular block.

Results

Thirteen cohort studies with a total of 12,898 patients were included. AH was associated with a higher risk of overall arrhythmias (18% vs 10.3%, pooled odds ratio [OR] = 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–2.56, P < .001), VA (16.4% vs 11.1%, pooled OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.11–2.18, P = .01), and new onset AF (17.8% vs 6.4%, pooled OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.4–3.25, P < .0010. Subgroup analysis of diabetes status regarding overall arrhythmias showed that the increased risk of arrhythmias in the AH group was consistent in both patients with a history of diabetes (18% vs 12.5%, pooled OR = 2.33, 95%CI: 1.2–4.52, P = .004) and without (15.7%. vs 9% pooled OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.1–1.66, P = .013).

Conclusion

Admission hyperglycemia in AMI was associated with the increased risk of arrhythmias, regardless of history of diabetes mellitus.
Dynamic Volumetric Computed Tomography Angiography is an Effective Method to Evaluate Tracheomalacia in Children
Authors: Koenigs Maria , Young Cody , Lillis Anna , Morrison Jessica , Kelly Natalie , Elmaraghy Charles , Krishnamurthy Rajesh , Chiang Tendy
Published: April 2022

Objective

Standard methods to evaluate tracheal pathology in children, including bronchoscopy, may require general anesthesia. Conventional dynamic proximal airway imaging in noncooperative children requires endotracheal intubation and/or medically induced apnea, which may affect airway mechanics and diagnostic performance. We describe a technique for unsedated dynamic volumetric computed tomography angiography (DV‐CTA) of the proximal airway and surrounding vasculature in children and evaluate its performance compared to the reference‐standard of rigid bronchoscopy.

Methods

Children who had undergone DV‐CTA and bronchoscopy in one‐year were retrospectively identified. Imaging studies were reviewed by an expert reader blinded to the bronchoscopy findings of primary or secondary tracheomalacia. Airway narrowing, if present, was characterized as static and/or dynamic, with tracheomalacia defined as >50% collapse of the tracheal cross‐sectional area in exhalation. Pearson correlation was used for comparison.

Results

Over a 19‐month period, we identified 32 children (median age 8 months, range 3–14 months) who had undergone DV‐CTA and bronchoscopy within a 90‐day period of each other. All studies were unsedated and free‐breathing. The primary reasons for evaluation included noisy breathing, stridor, and screening for tracheomalacia. There was excellent agreement between DV‐CTA and bronchoscopy for diagnosis of tracheomalacia (κ = 0.81, p < 0.001), which improved if children (n = 25) had the studies within 30 days of each other (κ = 0.91, p < 0.001). CTA provided incremental information on severity, and cause of secondary tracheomalacia.

Conclusion

For most children, DV‐CTA requires no sedation or respiratory manipulation and correlates strongly with bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of tracheomalacia.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:410–416, 2023
Fock and Hardy spaces: Clifford Appell case
Authors: Alpay Daniel , Diki Kamal , Sabadini Irene
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we study a specific system of Clifford–Appell polynomials and, in particular, their product. Moreover, we introduce a new family of quaternionic reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces in the framework of Fueter regular functions. The construction is based on a general idea which allows us to obtain various function spaces by specifying a suitable sequence of real numbers. We focus on the Fock and Hardy cases in this setting, and we study the action of the Fueter mapping and its range.
Framed motivic Donaldson–Thomas invariants of small crepant resolutions
Authors: Cazzaniga Alberto , Ricolfi Andrea T.
Published: April 2022

For an arbitrary integer , we compute r‐framed motivic DT and PT invariants of small crepant resolutions of toric Calabi–Yau 3‐folds, establishing a “higher rank” version of the motivic DT/PT wall‐crossing formula. This generalises the work of Morrison and Nagao. Our formulae, in particular their relationship with the theory, fit nicely in the current development of higher rank refined DT invariants.
Profiling of circulating chromosome 21‐encoded microRNAs, miR‐155, and let‐7c, in down syndrome
Authors: Pérez‐Villarreal Jesús Manuel , Aviña‐Padilla Katia , Beltrán‐López Evangelina , Guadrón‐Llanos Alma Marlene , López‐Bayghen Esther , Magaña‐Gómez Javier , Meraz‐Ríos Marco Antonio , Varela‐Echavarría Alfredo , Angulo‐Rojo Carla
Published: April 2022

Background

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal survival aneuploidy. The increase in DS life expectancy further heightens the risk of dementia, principally early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD risk in DS is higher, considering that this population may also develop metabolic diseases such as obesity, dyslipidemias, and diabetes mellitus. The extra genetic material that characterizes DS causes an imbalance in the genetic dosage, including over‐expression of AD's key pathophysiological molecules and the gene expression regulators, the microRNAs (miRNAs). Two miRNAs, chromosome 21‐encoded, miR‐155, and let‐7c, are associated with cognitive impairment and dementia in adults; but, expression dynamics and relationship with clinical variables during the DS's lifespan had remained hitherto unexplored.

Methods

The anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, and profile expression of circulating miR‐155 and let‐7c were analyzed in a population of 52 control and 50 DS subjects divided into the young group (Aged ≤20 years) and the adult group (Aged ≥21 years).

Results

The expression changes for miR‐155 were not significant; nevertheless, a negative correlation with HDL‐Cholesterol concentrations was observed. Notably, let‐7c was over‐expressed in DS from young and old ages.

Conclusion

Overall, our results suggest that let‐7c plays a role from the early stages of DS's cognitive impairment while overexpression of miR‐155 may be related to lipid metabolism changes. Further studies of both miRNAs will shed light on their potential as therapeutic targets to prevent or delay DS's cognitive impairment.
On hyponormal and dissipative correct extensions and restrictions
Authors: Kakharman Nurbek , Tulenov Kanat , Zhumanova Lyazzat
Published: April 2022

The main aim of this paper is to study hyponormal and dissipative correct restrictions and extensions as well as their applications to differential operators.
Analysis of etalon filter in quantum memory
Authors: Li Ruiyang , Lei Xing , Ma Lixia , Yan Zhihui , Jia Xiaojun
Published: April 2022

For quantum on‐demand storage and retrieval of nonclassical light, the memory noise at shot noise limit is a necessary condition. And an optical filter is widely used to filter out the strong control mode when the signal mode is maintained. Thus we construct and analyze an etalon filter with the planar monolithic geometry. The signal mode resonant with the etalon is selected and the unwanted modes are filtered out by precisely controlling the etalon temperature. The noise suppression factor for control mode is 0.053 while the transmissivity for signal mode is 97% with a fluctuation of 1.7% within 30 min. Our analysis can provide a direct reference for optimizing the performance of quantum memory.
Photo‐isomerization, photodimerization, and photodegradation polyimides for a liquid crystal alignment layer
Authors: Sugiyama Hitoshi , Sato Shuichi , Nagai Kazukiyo
Published: April 2022

We review the important features of LC orientation for the alignment layer, namely, production method, alignment mechanisms, and required properties. Photoalignment, which could eliminate the disadvantages of the rubbing method is explored. Applicable materials and techniques for photoalignment are also examined. Many materials for photoalignment layers have been proposed, but polyimide‐based materials are commonly used because of their transparency and insulation properties, which are needed for optical electronic devices. Furthermore, photoisomerization, photodimerization, and photodecomposition as photoalignment methods are reviewed, and specific photoreactive groups and alignment mechanisms are used to induce LC alignment. In summary, polyimides cause photodecomposition and have the following disadvantages; (1) requirement of relatively short‐wavelength ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, (2) difficulty in reorienting polymer chains owing to their rigid polymer matrix, and (3) low‐photo reactivities. The solutions for each disadvantage are already proposed, but the required properties should be determined during material design. Polyimide‐based materials introduced with the azobenzene and cinnamate groups are proposed and found to have the ability of fulfilling the required properties. The mechanism of polyimide photodecomposition is not fully understood. It likely has the advantage in terms of LC alignment stability because of the absence of E/Z isomerization. Therefore, the alignment mechanism and availabilities should be further explored.
Fetal central nervous system anomalies: When should we offer exome sequencing?
Authors: Baptiste Caitlin , Mellis Rhiannon , Aggarwal Vimla , Lord Jenny , Eberhardt Ruth , Kilby Mark D. , Maher Eamonn R. , Wapner Ronald , Giordano Jessica , Chitty Lyn
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the detection of pathogenic variants using exome sequencing in an international cohort of fetuses with central nervous system (CNS) anomalies.

Methods

We reviewed trio exome sequencing (ES) results for two previously reported unselected cohorts (Prenatal Assessment of Genomes and Exomes (PAGE) and CUIMC) to identify fetuses with CNS anomalies with unremarkable karyotypes and chromosomal microarrays. Variants were classified according to ACMG guidelines and association of pathogenic variants with specific types of CNS anomalies explored.

Results

ES was performed in 268 pregnancies with a CNS anomaly identified using prenatal ultrasound. Of those with an isolated, single, CNS anomaly, 7/97 (7.2%) had a likely pathogenic/pathogenic (LP/P) variant. This includes 3/23 (13%) fetuses with isolated mild ventriculomegaly and 3/10 (30%) fetuses with isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum.

Where there were multiple anomalies within the CNS, 12/63 (19%) had LP/P variants. Of the 108 cases with CNS and other organ system anomalies, 18 (16.7%) had LP/P findings.

Conclusion

ES is an important tool in the prenatal evaluation of fetuses with any CNS anomaly. The rate of LP/P variants tends to be highest in fetuses with multiple CNS anomalies and multisystem anomalies, however, ES may also be of benefit for isolated CNS anomalies.
Evidence for isokinetic and functional testing in return to sport decisions following ACL surgery
Authors: Rivera‐Brown Anita M. , Frontera Walter R. , Fontánez Richard , Micheo William F.
Published: April 2022

The rupture and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee are associated with an increased risk of functional instability, a reduction in sports performance, and a higher risk of future additional injuries. Competitive athletes who participate in sports that require pivoting, cutting, and jumping are at particularly high risk for ACL rupture. The return to sport progression continuum after surgery includes sports‐specific rehabilitation, evaluation of strength and function, gradual participation in exercise training with progressively challenging activities in the field of play, participation in sports at a lower level, and finally a return to preinjury‐level sports competition. This narrative review evaluates the evidence that supports the use of quadriceps and hamstrings isokinetic strength testing and sports‐specific functional skills assessments to evaluate progress with rehabilitation after ACL surgery. Strength evaluations, hop tests, agility tests, and the limb symmetry index are described, as well as the associations of quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength and functional test results with successful return to sports and the risk of ACL graft rupture and contralateral knee injuries. Suggestions for future research directions are presented including the importance of presurgery testing, standardization of test batteries, and comparison of test results with normative data.
Noncommutativity and Nonassociativity of Type II Superstring with Coordinate Dependent RR Field
Authors: Nikolić B. , Obrić D. , Sazdović B.
Published: April 2022

In this paper we will consider noncommutativity that arises from bosonic T‐dualization of type II superstring in presence of Ramond‐Ramond (RR) field, which linearly depends on the bosonic coordinates . The derivative of the RR field is infinitesimal. We will employ generalized Buscher procedure that can be applied to cases that have coordinate dependent background fields. Bosonic part of newly obtained T‐dual theory is non‐local. It is defined in non‐geometric space spanned by Lagrange multipliers . We will apply generalized Buscher procedure once more on T‐dual theory and prove that original theory can be salvaged. Finally, we will use T‐dual transformation laws along with Poisson brackets of original theory to derive Poisson bracket structure of T‐dual theory and nonassociativity relation. Noncommutativity parameter depends on the supercoordinates , and , while nonassociativity parameter is a constant tensor containing infinitesimal .
Effects of anti‐Leishmania compounds in the behavior of the sand fly vector Lutzomyia longipalpis
Authors: Ferreira Tainá Neves , Brazil Reginaldo Peçanha , McDowell Mary Ann , Cunha‐Júnior Edézio Ferreira , Costa Paulo Roberto Ribeiro , Netto Chaquip Daher , Santos Eduardo Caio Torres , Genta Fernando Ariel
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Leishmaniasis is an infectious parasitic disease caused by pathogens of the genus Leishmania transmitted through the bite of adult female sand flies. To reduce case numbers, it is necessary to combine different control approaches, especially those aimed at the sand fly vectors. Innovative forms of control with the use of attractive sugar baits explored the fact that adult sand flies need to feed on sugars of plant origin. Leishmania parasites develop in the gut of sand flies, interacting with the sugars in the diet of adults. Recent studies have shown that sugar baits containing plant‐derived compounds can reduce sand fly survival, the number of parasites per gut, and the percentage of infected sand flies. Several synthetic compounds produced from naphthoquinones and pterocarpans have anti‐parasitic activity on Leishmania amazonensis and/or Leishmania infantum in cell culture. This work aimed to assess the inclusion of these compounds in sugar baits for blocking transmission, targeting the development of the Leishmania parasite inside the sand fly vector.

RESULTS

We evaluated the attractant or repellent properties of these compounds, as well as of the reference compound N,N′‐diethyl‐m‐toluamide (DEET), in sugar baits. We also observed changes in feeding preference caused by these compounds, looking for anti‐feeding or stimulation of ingestion. Pterocarpanquinone L4 and pentamidine showed attractant and repellent properties, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on the effects in feeding preference and intake volume, pterocarpanquinone L6, and the pyrazole‐derived compound P8 were chosen as the most promising compounds for the future development of anti‐Leishmania sugar baits. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Quantitative methods and modeling to assess COVID‐19‐interrupted in vivo pharmacokinetic bioequivalence studies with two reference batches
Authors: Gong Yuqing , Feng Kairui , Zhang Peijue , Lee Jieon , Pan Yuzhuo , Zhang Zhen , Ni Zhanglin , Bai Tao , Yoon Miyoung , Li Bing , Kim Carol Y. , Fang Lanyan , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has presented unprecedented challenges to the generic drug development, including interruptions in bioequivalence (BE) studies. Per guidance published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the COVID‐19 public health emergency, any protocol changes or alternative statistical analysis plan for COVID‐19‐interrupted BE study should be accompanied with adequate justifications and not lead to biased equivalence determination. In this study, we used a modeling and simulation approach to assess the potential impact of study outcomes when two different batches of a Reference Standard (RS) were to be used in an in vivo pharmacokinetic BE study due to the RS expiration during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Simulations were performed with hypothetical drugs under two scenarios: (1) uninterrupted study using a single batch of an RS, and (2) interrupted study using two batches of an RS. The acceptability of BE outcomes was evaluated by comparing the results obtained from interrupted studies with those from uninterrupted studies. The simulation results demonstrated that using a conventional statistical approach to evaluate BE for COVID‐19‐interrupted studies may be acceptable based on the pooled data from two batches. An alternative statistical method which includes a “batch” effect to the mixed effects model may be used when a significant “batch” effect was found in interrupted four‐way crossover studies. However, such alternative method is not applicable for interrupted two‐way crossover studies. Overall, the simulated scenarios are only for demonstration purpose, the acceptability of BE outcomes for the COVID19‐interrupted studies could be case‐specific.
A critical review on clinical evidence of the efficacy of lavender in sleep disorders
Authors: Luo Jing , Jiang Wubian
Published: April 2022

Sleep disorders are one of the most prevalent psychiatric diseases. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder amongst the general population. It is also one of the most frequent complaints in primary healthcare centers. Lavender is called “the broom of the brain” in different oriental traditional medicines. It is one of the most used plants for patients with sleep disorders. This study reviews what is currently known about the use of lavender for sleep disorders in patients with different diseases, from cancers and end‐stage renal disease to neurological‐psychiatric diseases (e.g., depression, dementia, and autism), respiratory, cardiac, and metabolic diseases. Additionally, its most used administration route is the inhalation of its essential oil (i.e., aromatherapy) alone or in combination by massage. Some limitations of the reviewed literature were discussed briefly. Overall, this critical review provides promising evidence of the lavender efficacy for sleep disorders in a wide variety of populations and diseases. However, further clinical studies with robust design and longer durations of intervention are necessary for more evidence‐based judgment on its effect on sleep problems and to investigate its mechanism of action.
Reliability assessment of a system with multi‐shock sources subject to dependent competing failure processes under phase‐type distribution
Authors: Lyu Hao , Qu Hongchen , Ma Li , Wang Shuai , Yang Zaiyou
Published: April 2022

For a system affected by multiple shock sources, the system usually experiences not only one failure process. This paper develops a reliability model for systems with multi‐shock sources subject to dependent competing failure processes (DCFPs). DCFPs consist of two failure modes: soft and hard failures. Multiple shock sources act on the system as follows: assuming there aremshock sources in total, thekth shock source works on the system at first until the system fails, and then the next shock source re‐acts on the system. Unlike the methods in other papers, the phase‐type distribution is used to build the hard failure reliability model in this paper. We consider the time lag of impacts and assume that the impact magnitudes do not exceed the hard failure threshold as an element in the transition matrix. At the same time, consider these two situations to establish a reliability model. In addition, we divide shock magnitudes into three areas: dead, nondeadly, and safe zones. An application example of a micro‐engine is studied to describe the availability of the developed reliability model. And we conduct the sensitivity analysis to exemplify the influence of the performance of the micro‐engine with parameter changing. With the proposed model, the reliability analysis is more efficient with multi‐shock sources subject to DCFPs
De Novo Asymmetric Approach to Aspergillide‐C: Synthesis of 4‐epi‐seco‐Aspergillide‐C
Authors: Xing Yalan , O'Doherty George A.
Published: April 2022

An asymmetric approach toward the synthesis of the marine natural product aspergillide‐C has been developed. The convergent asymmetric synthesis uses two asymmetric Noyori transfer hydrogenations to enantioselectively prepare the two key fragments, aC‐1 toC‐7 pyranone fragment and aC‐8 toC‐14β‐keto‐sulfone fragment. The absolute stereochemistry of the pyranone fragment was established by a Noyori reduction ofβ‐furylketoester to form a furyl alcohol. An Achmatowicz rearrangement was used to stereoselectively convert the furyl alcohol in to the key pyranone fragment. The absolute stereochemistry of theβ‐keto‐sulfone fragment was established by a Noyori reduction of an ynone to form a propargyl alcohol. An alkyne zipper isomerization was used to stereospecifically convert the propargyl alcohol in to theβ‐keto‐sulfone fragment. Finally, a Pd‐catalyzedC‐glycosylation was used to diastereoselectively couple the two fragments, which when combined with a reduction and Julia‐Kocienski type elimination formed a protected variant of the 4‐epi‐seco‐acid of aspergillide‐C.
Zooming in or zooming out: Entrants' product portfolios in the nascent drone industry
Authors: Shermon Anavir , Moeen Mahka
Published: April 2022

Research Summary

Faced with demand uncertainty and heterogeneity in a nascent industry, entrants often consider how many customer segments to serve by tailoring the usage breadth of their product portfolios. Portfolio usage breadth is the extent to which products in a portfolio collectively span distinct customer segments. We suggest that when entrants have use experience in contexts that are potential users of the new product, their portfolios exhibit low usage breadth, due to demand‐oriented cognition and knowledge. The relationship is stronger for diversifying entrants relative to startups. The empirical context is the U.S. commercial drone industry, wherein entrants need to adapt their product portfolios for five robust and distinct customer segments of photography, short‐distance inspection, long‐distance surveying, agriculture, and aerial supply chain management.

Managerial Summary

New industries often serve multiple customer segments, each with different preferences. Entrants can either launch products catering to the specific preferences of customers in a small number of segments or launch products targeting numerous segments. Evidence from the U.S commercial drone industry shows that when entrants have experience in one of the customer segments adopting the new industry's product, they tend to introduce products targeting fewer segments. By recognizing the impact of prior experiences on product portfolio development, entrepreneurial leaders gain insights to assess whether their cognitive alignment with a customer segment has restricted their broader exploration of the demand environment, or whether their superior demand knowledge about a customer segment has created a competitive advantage.
High‐Voltage Induced Surface and Intragranular Structural Evolution of Ni‐Rich Layered Cathode
Authors: Liu Hanshuo , Xie Zhong , Qu Wei , Dy Eben , Niketic Svetlana , Brueckner Shawn , Tsay Ken , Fuller Eric , Bock Christina , Zaker Nafiseh , Botton Gianluigi A.
Published: April 2022

Layered Ni‐rich lithium transition metal oxides are promising cathode materials for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries. These cathodes, however, suffer from rapid performance decay under high‐voltage operation. In this work, the electrochemical properties and structural evolution of the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode upon high‐voltage cycling are investigated. The results show that the NMC811 cathode not only experiences surface evolution with the formation of Li‐deficient rock‐salt layers, but also suffers from drastic intragranular structural changes inside bulk grains after high‐voltage cycling. Direct evidence for the formation of transition‐metal/Li disordering domains with uneven Li content and lattice plane distortion at the internal grains of 4.6 V‐cycled NMC811 are provided with their atomic ordering and spatial distribution clearly resolved. The complex intragranular structural changes impede Li+ diffusion inside bulk material, resulting in kinetic limitation and capacity loss. The results demonstrate that the high‐voltage cycling would induce severe structural degradation at the grain interior of the cathode material beyond surface evolution, which contributes significantly to the rapid performance decay of the NMC811 cathode. The findings provide new insights for developing effective countermeasures to mitigate this degradation pathway.