bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed H∞ and passivity guaranteed cost proportional‐integral control for interval‐valued type‐2 fuzzy systems with input delay
Authors: Sakthivel Natarajan , Suruthi Sri Coimbatore Annamalai , Ma Yong‐Ki
Published: March 2022

The paper focuses on the problem of mixed and passivity guaranteed cost control of an interval‐valued type‐2 (IT‐2) fuzzy system with time‐varying input delay and exogenous disturbance. For this, an IT‐2 fuzzy‐model‐based system with a mismatched membership grade function is formulated. The main objective is to design a proportional‐integral controller that stimulates our system to attain its equilibrium state even with the occupancy of exogenous disturbance and input delay in the system. In addition, a quadratic cost function is constructed such that the cost function of the closed‐loop IT‐2 fuzzy system is lower than the upper‐bound cost index. Mixed and passivity performance indices are then calculated to address the exogenous disturbance in the system. A set of new criteria ensuring the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop IT‐2 fuzzy system with input delay are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities with the aid of Lyapunov stability theory and the employment of a Wirtinger‐based inequality. Finally, two example simulations are conducted to validate our theoretical results.
Effect of di‐halogen monomers embraced in main chain of low‐dielectric colorless fluorene‐based poly(aryl ether)s on their performance
Authors: Zhu Linyan , Zong Lishuai , Wang Chenghao , Liu Xiuli , Yuan Bo , Wang Jinyan , Jian Xigao
Published: March 2022

Di‐halogen monomer structures play crucial roles in determining the combined properties of high‐performance poly(aryl ether)s for microelectronic applications. In order to disclose such relationship in detail, 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl) fluorene (BHF) was utilized to polymerize with various di‐halogen monomers, bearing phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine, ketone, sulfone, nitrile, diketone moieties. Through solution nucleophilic substitution polymeri‐zation, a series of linear poly(fluorenyl aryl ether) (PFEX) was prepared. FTIR,1H‐NMR were resorted to confirm the polymer structure. PFEXs with high molecular weight exhibited a combination of excellent properties. Poly(fluorenyl aryl ether phenyl‐s‐triazine) (PFEP) and poly(fluorenyl aryl ether sulfone) (PFES) showed low dielectric constant of 2.59 and 2.43, respectively. Representatively, PFEP with Td5%value as high as 561 °C and Tgup to 302 °C showed high light transmittance (86.94%), and tensile strength up to 91 MPa. Based on free volume calculation by molecular dynamics method, it was found that rigid and bulky structures, such as phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine and sulfone groups, were proved to be beneficial for polymer thermal performance along with the dielectric property and light transparence. Robust polar group, for instance nitrile group, contributed more to thermal resistance, however, negatively affected the dielectric property. This work provide commendable suggestions for di‐halogen monomer selection for future low‐dielectric poly(aryl ether) developments.
Feasibility and safety of outpatient administration of ifosfamide and etoposide for pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma in a resource‐limited setting amid the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Sarfraz Saliha , Saeed Haleema
Published: March 2022

Background

To assess feasibility and safety of outpatient administration of ifosfamide and etoposide (IE) for pediatric Ewing sarcoma (EWS) patients in a resource‐limited setting amid the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study of patients with EWS who received outpatient IE from January 2020 until January 2021 at our institution. Ifosfamide 1800 mg/m2 was given for 5 days with MESNA (2‐mercaptoethane sulfonate sodium) infusion and additional boluses before and after 9 hours of hydration. Patients >10 years of age with the ability to drink orally at home, no pre‐existing renal dysfunction or history of hematuria were included. They were monitored for hemorrhagic cystitis with a urine dipstick before, midway, and at end of infusion. A urine analysis was done 24 hours after the last dose of ifosfamide.

Results

Forty‐seven (100%) cycles were given as outpatient during the study period. Thirty‐five (74%) cycles were given on time, two (4%) cycles were delayed due to mucositis, two (4%) due to delayed count recovery, and eight (18%) due to unavailability of outpatient appointments. The median interval between these cycles was 15 days (range 14–44 days). No episode of hemorrhagic cystitis was reported. Urine analysis was not done at 24 hours for 27 (58%) cycles, so microscopic hematuria may have been missed. This outpatient protocol saved 32% (USD 299) per cycle in cost and 282 days of hospitalization.

Conclusion

Outpatient administration of IE for pediatric patients with EWS is feasible, safe, and cost‐effective during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Nonisothermal crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/ramie fiber biocomposites
Authors: Li Guili , Hao Mingliang , Chen Yifei , Li Haimei , Lin Jun
Published: March 2022

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA/natural fiber composites are considered as environmentally friendly materials and are becoming one of the research hotspots. Many research achievements of PLA and its composites prefer to focus on modification and the macro‐properties of composites while there are few works on relationships between processing, structures, and properties. The ramie fiber (RF) reinforced PLA biological composites were prepared and PLA/RF injection‐molded samples were fabricated to investigate effects of RF percentage (0, 5 wt% RF, 10 wt% RF, 15 wt% RF, 20 wt% RF) on PLA crystallization, thermal and mechanical performance by experimental and numerical methods. Experimental and simulated results indicate that the RF serves as a kind of nucleation agent, accelerates the crystallization rate, shortens the half crystallization time of PLA. The degree of crystallinity is up to 16.2% when PLA is with 20 wt% RF. The half crystallization time of PLA with 5 wt% RF composite is reduced by up to 28%. Correspondingly, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the PLA composites are also improved by the RF without sacrificing thermal stability.
Relationship of anthropometric measurements and percent body fat mass to cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kivlehan Emily , Gaebler‐Spira Deborah , Chen Liqi , Garrett Ariane , Wysocki Nicole , Marciniak Christina
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) face high morbidity from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Of concern, classic screening parameters are inconsistent in identifying CVD risk in this population. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), which provides direct measurements of fat mass (FM), may be an alternative screening method.

Objective

To evaluate whether FM measurement with DEXA is feasible in screening adults with CP and compare FM and anthropometric measures to CVD risk factors.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Outpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

Forty‐seven adults with CP.

Main Outcome Measures

Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured; waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Blood pressure (BP), FM by DEXA, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and lipid measurements were obtained. Logistic regression models investigated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between anthropometric measurements/FM and CVD risk factors; correlations were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

Elevated BP or hypertension diagnosis was present in 47.8%; HbA1c ≥5.7% in 22.2%; and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) level below optimal for 33.3%. DEXA FM was obtained in 29 of 47 participants, as surgical metal and positioning limited many studies. Excess FM was noted in 75.9% versus 41.3% overweight/obese by BMI. WC correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.46, p = .002), HDL (r = −0.36, p = .018), and triglyceride (TG) levels (r = 0.30, p = .045); however at‐risk WC values were associated only with odds of elevated HbA1c (OR 8.53, 95% CI 1.46–50.05; p = .018). HC correlated with HbA1c levels (r = 0.38, p = .011) and systolic BPs (r = 0.35, p = .019); similarly, ORs for elevated HC were weakly associated with elevated HbA1c and BPs (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.16; p = .024 and OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.14; p = .024, respectively). WHR correlated with TGs; however few TG levels were elevated. FM measures were not associated with at‐risk lab values or BPs.

Conclusions

DEXA FM measurements may not be feasible for CVD screening in many adults with CP. Although CVD risk factors are frequently present, anthropometric measurements commonly used for general population screening may not translate well to adults with CP.
Helical bias in supramolecular polymers accounts for different stabilities of kinetically trapped states
Authors: Ślęczkowski Marcin L. , Mabesoone Mathijs F. J. , Preuss Marco D. , Post Yorick , Palmans Anja R. A. , Meijer E. W.
Published: March 2022

The idea to synthesize and self‐assemble nano‐graphenes with structural precision into supramolecular polymers is just one of Klaus Müllen's many pioneering contributions to the chemical sciences. To honor his impact in the field of polymer science, we here describe a study that combines experimental and computational methods in studying the stability of kinetically trapped states of supramolecular polymers. We show that the introduction of stereocenters in the sidechains allow helical supramolecular polymers based on chiral triphenylene‐2,6,10‐tricarboxamide monomers to escape a kinetic trap more efficiently than polymers based on their achiral analogs. Partial depolymerization of the kinetically trapped state by increasing the temperature followed by polymerization by lowering the temperature shows that monomers either polymerize on existing stacks or self‐nucleate to form the thermodynamically more stable state. Chiral monomers prefer the latter more than achiral monomers.
A psycho‐oncological online intervention supporting partners of patients with cancer (PartnerCARE): Results from a randomized controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Bodschwinna Daniela , Lorenz Inga , Bauereiß Natalie , Gündel Harald , Baumeister Harald , Hönig Klaus
Published: March 2022

Objective

Partners of cancer patients are the primary supporters and burdened at the same time. Support for partners is hitherto scarce and existing offers are rarely used. The PartnerCARE online intervention was specifically developed to address the caregiving partners' needs. This two‐arm parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of PartnerCARE.

Methods

Sixty German‐speaking partners of patients with various cancer entities were randomized into two conditions: intervention group (IG) with PartnerCARE (N = 30) or waitlist‐control group (N = 30). Participants completed online questionnaires at baseline (T0), post‐treatment (T1) and 4‐months follow‐up (T2). Feasibility and acceptability outcomes included dropout rates, use and acceptance of PartnerCARE, individual user/e‐coach feedback as well as negative effects. Relevant efficacy outcomes were assessed to test for potential intervention effects.

Results

Recruitment success illustrates demand for and acceptability of PartnerCARE. Satisfaction with the intervention was high (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire adapted to Internet‐based interventions, T1: M = 24.66, SD = 6.42) and 73.3% of participants completed the intervention. Study dropout rate was low (T1: 17%, T2: 29%). More positive than negative side effects of the intervention were identified, and negative ones were mainly related to ”intrapersonal change”. For efficacy outcomes we found effects over time, with strongest effects within the IG from T0 to T1 in psychological distress (d = 0.73, 95%‐CI: [0.34; 1.12]) and anxiety (0.66, [0.26; 1.04]), but no group effects were significant at T1 and T2.

Conclusions

PartnerCARE is feasible, acceptable and potentially efficacious. Based on received feedback, PartnerCARE is currently undergoing further development and subsequently efficacy will be investigated in a RCT.

Trial Registration: German Clinical Trial Registration: DRKS00017019. Registered on 08 April 2019.
The role of millets in attaining United Nation's sustainable developmental goals
Authors: Antony Ceasar Stanislaus , Maharajan Theivanayagam
Published: March 2022

Societal Impact Statement

Strengthening food and nutrient security is crucial to feeding the ever‐growing world population. Millets provide energy and nutrients for millions of poor people in low‐ and middle‐income countries of Asia and Africa. Millets require less fertilizer and pesticide, unlike mainstream cereals, for cultivation. Millets supply superior nutrients and possess excellent climate resilience properties. Therefore, promotion of millets could help attain the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN).
Chitosan‐basedorganic/inorganic composite engineered forUV light‐controlledsmartpH‐responsivepesticide throughin situphoto‐inducedgeneration of acid
Authors: Liu Bin , Chen Chaowen , Teng Guopeng , Tian Geng , Zhang Guilong , Gao Yujie , Zhang Lihong , Wu Zhengyan , Zhang Jia
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Confined by the volatile property, pesticides are overused and lost significantly during and after spraying, weakening the ecological microbalance among different species of lives. Acid‐responsive pesticide is a type of smartly engineered pesticides that contribute to the improvement of utilization efficiency of pesticidal active ingredients in acid‐controlled manner, whilst the implementation of acidic solutions may disturb the balance of microenvironment surrounding targeted plants or cause secondary pollution, underscoring the input of acid in a more precise strategy.

RESULTS

Chitosan was chemically modified with a photoacid generator (2‐nitrobenzaldehyde) serving as a light‐maneuvered acid self‐supplier, based on which a smart pesticide was formulated by the integration of attapulgite and organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos. Under the irradiation of UV light (365 nm), the modified chitosan would undergo a photolytic reaction to generate an acid and pristine chitosan, which seized the labile protons and facilitated the release of chlorpyrifos based on its inherent pH‐responsive flexibility. According to the pesticide release performance, the release rate of chlorpyrifos under UV light (27.2 mW/cm2) reached 78%, significantly higher than those under sunlight (22%, 4.2 mW/cm2) and in the dark (20%) within the same time, consistent with the pH reduction to 5.3 under UV light and no obvious pH change for the two other situations, exhibiting an attractive UV light‐controlled, acid‐propelled release behavior.

CONCLUSION

Compared to direct acid spray approach, the proposedin situphoto‐induced generation of acid locally on the spots of applied pesticide circumvents the problem of acid contamination to nontargets, demonstrating higher efficiency and biocompatibility for the controlled delivery of acid‐responsive pesticides and pest management. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) feeding incidence and survival on Bt maize in relation to maize in the landscape
Authors: Arends Benjamin R. , Reisig Dominic D. , Gundry Shawnee , Greene Jeremy K. , Kennedy George G. , Reay‐Jones Francis P.F. , Huseth Anders S.
Published: March 2022

Background

Characterizing Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) damage to maize (Zea mays L.) in relation to the spatiotemporal composition of Bt crops is essential to understand how landscape composition affects H. zea abundance. To examine this relationship, paired Bt (expressing Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2) and non‐Bt maize plots were sampled across North and South Carolina during 2017–2019. Kernel damage and larval exit holes were measured following larval development. To understand how maize abundance surrounding sample sites related to feeding damage and larval development, we quantified maize abundance in a 1 km buffer surrounding the sample site and examined the relationship between local maize abundance and kernel damage and larval exit holes.

Results

Across the years and locations, damage in Bt maize was widespread but significantly lower than in non‐Bt maize, indicating that despite the widespread occurrence of resistance to Cry toxins in maize, Bt maize still provides a measurable reduction in damage. There were negative relationships between kernel injury and ears with larval exit holes in both Bt and non‐Bt maize and the proportion of maize in the landscape during the current year.

Conclusion

Despite the widespread occurrence of resistance to Cry toxins in maize, this resistance is incomplete, and on average Bt maize continues to provide a measurable reduction in damage. We interpret the negative relationship between abundance of maize within 1 km of the sample location and maize infestation levels, as measured by kernel damage and larval exit holes, to reflect dispersion of the ovipositing moth population over available maize within the local landscape. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Detection of Hydrogen Dissolved in Liquid Media: A Review and Outlook
Authors: Castro-Carranza Alejandra , Vega-Hernández Pablo , Nolasco Jairo C. , Ladstätter-Weißenmayer Annette , Eickhoff Martin , Gutowski Jürgen
Published: March 2022

As hydrogen continues to become rather promising for the generation of clean and sustainable energy, effective and low‐cost sensors are progressively necessary to ensure safety and efficiency of H‐based energy generation processes. Although a wide variety of hydrogen sensors for the gas phase is available, there is still a lack of devices to detect, measure, and track dissolved hydrogen. Determining its concentration is environmentally, economically, and phenomenologically relevant for applications such as offshore transport pipelines, anaerobic generation reactors, and even in electrical transformers. Herein, the technologies for sensing hydrogen dissolved in liquid media are compiled and reviewed, providing a debrief on their operation mechanisms, applications, and features, as well as an outlook of the field to be explored with new functional materials for devices applied on it.
Paper as an alternative for collation shrink film
Authors: Roman Jannes , Nica Ward , Teerlinck‐Boelens Gilles , Slaets Peter , Juwet Marc
Published: March 2022

Collation shrink film is often used for bundling single packages of consumer goods. Like other plastic films, this type of film is currently under social pressure. Paper could be an environmentally friendly alternative if a suitable type of paper can be applied in such a way that the requirements for manipulation and transport of the bundles are met. In this study, the use of paper for bundling bottles is experimentally investigated. The study focuses on bundles of six PET bottles of 1.5 L containing flat water and sparkling water. Suitability of a paper‐based bundling method is evaluated in terms of rigidity of the bundle and in terms of resistance to horizontal inertial forces that inevitably occur during transport. Behaviour of collation shrink film‐based bundles is taken as a minimum performance level. The study shows that various paper‐based bundling methods can technically qualify as a replacement for collation shrink film and even offer additional benefits. A particular promising concept consists of a band of paper that is stretched around the bottles. It allows lifting the bottles by grasping two caps only, and it beats shrink film regarding resistance to varying horizontal inertia forces. Further research is necessary to optimise the concept and to adopt it for a wider range of products and for industrial use.
Biochemical, colour and sensory attributes of pasteurized sugarcane juice stored in high‐density polyethylene‐based nanocomposite films
Authors: Manikantan M. R. , Pandiselvam R. , Arumuganathan T. , Khanashyam Anandu Chandra , Varadharaju N.
Published: March 2022

The shelf life of the sugarcane juice (‘Mandya’ variety Co 62175), packed in high‐density polyethylene‐based nanocomposite films, was investigated for 60 days with 15 different combinations and thickness of nanoclay and compatibilizer. To assess the product's stability, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory tests were performed at 15‐day intervals. The bio‐chemical quality attributes, namely, total sugars, pH, total soluble solids and overall acceptability scores, were found to decline with regard to storage period under ambient conditions. The pH, total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar content varied from 5.18–4.83, 19.20–18.10°Brix and 18.21–17.54 g/100, respectively. The microbial quality of the stored juice was found to be depended on the quantity of compatibilizer, nanoclay and thickness of the packaging film. Among the developed nanocomposite high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) films, material E (with 2% and 5% of nanoclay and compatibilizer, with 100‐μm thickness) and material G (with 6% and 5% of nanoclay and compatibilizer, with 100‐μm thickness) showed better physiochemical stability with zero microbial population in the sugarcane juice.
A Multi‐Scale Interface Modeling Study of CNT/rGO Electrode for Lithium‐Oxygen Battery**
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Li Jie , Li Qiang , Zheng Yang , Yu Mingfu , Sun Hong
Published: March 2022

Lithium‐air batteries have high requirements for the structural characteristics and adsorptivity of catalytic electrodes. It is essential to clarify the functions of various materials in catalytic electrodes. In this paper, the mesoscopic mass transfer model and microscopic adsorption model of lithium‐oxygen battery electrodes are developed to study the mass transfer and adsorption process at the interface of the catalytic electrode. Diffusion coefficients, ionic conductivity, radial distribution function, adsorption energy, and charge distribution are analyzed. It is found that the improvement of the graphene mass ratio can promote the diffusion of Li+, oxygen and improve the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte. Meanwhile, graphene has a general absorption capacity for reactants. Adding a small number of carbon nanotubes can effectively enhance the adsorptivity of oxygen. In this way, the high mass transfer efficiency and effective adsorption of reactants required by the catalytic electrode can be met simultaneously. This plays a guiding role in optimizing the catalytic electrode of the lithium‐air battery.
V2O3/MnS Arrays as Bifunctional Air Electrode for Long‐Lasting and Flexible Rechargeable Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Rao Yuan , Li Weili , Chen Shan , Yue Qin , Zhang Yanning , Kang Yijin
Published: March 2022

Exploring highly efficient, stable, and cost‐effective bifunctional electrocatalysts is crucial for the wide commercialization of rechargeable Zn–air batteries. Herein, a vanadium‐oxide‐based hybrid air electrode comprising a heterostructure of V2O3 and MnS (V2O3/MnS) is reported. The V2O3/MnS catalyst shows a decent catalytic activity that is comparable to Pt/C toward the oxygen reduction reaction and acceptable toward oxygen evolution. The extraordinary stability as well as the low cost set the V2O3/MnS among the best bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts. In a demonstration of an assembled liquid‐state Zn–air battery using V2O3/MnS as cathode, high power density (118 mW cm−2), specific capacity (808 mAh gZn−1), and energy density (970 Wh kgZn−1), as well as the outstanding rechargeability and durability for 4000 cycles (>1333 h, i.e., >55 days) are enabled. The V2O3/MnS is also integrated into an all‐solid‐state Zn‐air battery to demonstrate its great potential as a flexible power source for next‐generation electronics. Density functional theory calculations further elucidate the origin of the intrinsic activity and stability of the V2O3/MnS heterostructure.
In Vivo Kidney Allograft Endothelial Specific Scavengers for On‐Site Inflammation Reduction under Antibody‐Mediated Rejection
Authors: Liu Chang , Yan Pengpeng , Xu Xiaoyu , Zhou Wenhui , Prakash Dhayakumar Rajan , Wang Shuqi , Zhou Junnian , Wang Rending , Huang Hongfeng , Chen Jianghua , Zhang Hongbo , Shen Jia
Published: March 2022

Kidney transplantation is the most effective therapy for patients with end‐stage renal disease. However, antibody‐mediated rejection (ABMR) threatens long‐term survival of renal grafts. Although ABMR can be controlled by donor‐specific antibody clearance and B‐ or (and) plasma‐cells inhibition, the treatment often causes severe side effects in patients. Therefore, there is need to explore site‐specific scavengers. In this study, a nanovehicle carrying an anti‐inflammatory drug is developed with complement component 4d targeting, a specific biomarker expressed on allograft endothelium under ABMR. Moreover, the nanovehicle is endowed with photothermal properties to control drug release. Analysis through systematic in vitro and in vivo toxicity, non‐invasive targeted imaging, and in situ remote controlled drug release show the nanovehicle specifically targets allograft kidney endothelium, releases an anti‐inflammatory drug, methylprednisolone, locally upon laser irradiation, and promotes recovery of injured endothelium, without affecting systemic inflammation or innate immune responses. This strategy has the potential for future clinical application in ABMR treatment.
Cation/Anion Dual‐Vacancy Pair Modulated Atomically‐Thin Sex‐Co3S4 Nanosheets with Extremely High Water Oxidation Performance in Ultralow‐Concentration Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Gu Xiangyao , Li Shuangshuang , Shao Wenqian , Mu Xueqin , Yang Yuxin , Ge Yu , Meng Weitao , Liu Guangxiang , Liu Suli , Mu Shichun
Published: March 2022

The density functional theory calculation results reveal that the adjacent defect concentration and electronic spin state can effectively activate the CoIII sites in the atomically thin nanosheets, facilitating the thermodynamic transformation of *O to *OOH, thus offering ultrahigh charge transfer properties and efficiently stabilizing the phase. This undoubtedly evidences that, for metal sulfides, the atom‐scale cation/anion vacancy pair and surface electronic spin state can play a great role in enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction. Inspired by the theoretical prediction, interconnected selenium (Se) wired ultrathin Co3S4 (Sex‐Co3S4) nanosheets with Co/S (Se) dual‐vacancies (Se1.0‐Co3S4‐VS/Se‐VCo) pairs are constructed by a simple approach. As an efficient sulfur host material, in an ultralow‐concentration KOH solution (0.1 m), Se1.0‐Co3S4‐VS/Se‐VCo presents outstanding durability up to 165 h and a low overpotential of 289.5 mV at 10 mA cm–2, which outperform the commercial Co3S4 nanosheets (NSs) and RuO2. Moreover, the turnover frequency of Se1.0‐Co3S4‐VS/Se‐VCo is 0.00965 s–1 at an overpotential of 0.39 V, which is 5.7 times that of Co3S4 NSs, and 5.8 times that of commercial RuO2. The finding offers a rational design strategy to create the multi‐defect structure in catalysts toward high‐efficiency water electrolysis.
Characterizing duplicate bugs: Perceptions of practitioners and an empirical analysis
Authors: Kucuk Berfin , Hanhan Idil , Tuzun Eray
Published: March 2022

Bug handling is an essential part of the software development process. Ideally, in a bug‐tracking system, bugs are reported, fixed, verified, and closed. In some cases, bugs have to be reopened mostly due to an incorrect fix. However, instead of reopening the existing bug report, users may submit a new report for a previously reported bug, which results in duplicate bug reports. Users might report duplicate bugs if they miss the previous bug report or if the previous bug is unresolved (i.e., in progress) and therefore cannot be reopened. These duplicate bug reports may cost extra maintenance efforts in triaging and bug fixing. There have been several studies on characterizing reopened bugs and duplicate bug reports; however, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no prior work on understanding the dynamics of their interaction, which ismissed reopenbugs. Our study is based on analyzing the difference between duplicate and nonduplicate bugs and further categorizing the duplicate bugs. In this regard, we categorize duplicate bugs according to the original bug's resolution status at the duplicate's creation time as Master‐Unresolved bugs and Master‐Resolved (Missed Reopen) bugs to distinguish their properties. We compare these two types of bugs in terms of their relationship to their master bug, bug surface time, bug fix time, bug's severity, and the number of users involved. We perform case studies using the Eclipse and Mozilla projects' bug repositories that include more than 165,500 and 394,000 bug reports, respectively. Additionally, we investigate the perceived importance, impact, and causes of duplicate bugs, as well as the difference between nonduplicate and duplicate bugs and its categories for practitioners in the software industry by conducting a survey.
Stabilisierung von Z‐Kantprofilen unter abhebenden Lasten
Authors: Krieglstein Tim , Lener Gerhard , Naujoks Bernd , Kühn Bertram
Published: March 2022

Sandwichelemente sind in der Lage, ihre Unterkonstruktion gegen Versagen infolge Stabilitätsverlusts zu stützen. Besonders für die im Metallleichtbau eingesetzten dünnwandigen Z‐Kantprofile als Dachpfette lassen sich praxisübliche Spannweiten häufig nur durch Berücksichtigung genannter Stabilisierung realisieren. Die Stabilisierung kann in der Mechanik als eine Kombination aus Schubfeld und Drehbettung beschrieben werden. Für die Lastkombination aus Eigengewicht und Windsog liegt jedoch i. d. R. das Schubfeld am unter Zugspannungen stehenden Gurt an, womit dem System lediglich marginale Stabilisierungseffekte zugeführt werden können. Zudem darf gem. deutschem NA zu DIN EN 1993‐1‐3 (NCI zu 10.1.5.2(2)) für zuvor genannte Lastkombination keine Stabilisierung infolge einer Drehbettung in Ansatz gebracht werden. Jüngste Untersuchungen zeigten zum einen, dass die in der Literatur angegebene Reduzierung der Drehbettung unter abhebenden Lasten zutrifft, bieten zum anderen jedoch abweichend von den in Fachkreisen kursierenden Ingenieurannahmen zwischen 100 % und 50 % Reduktion eine konkrete Quantifizierungsmöglichkeit. Somit wird eine qualifizierte Einschätzung der ansetzbaren Drehbettung unter abhebenden Lasten, begründet auf Bauteilversuchen sowie Berechnungen mithilfe der Methode der finiten Elemente, anhand eines mechanischen Modells ermöglicht. Die wissenschaftlichen Hintergründe hierzu sowie das mechanische Modell sind im nachfolgenden Aufsatz beschrieben.
Sleeping Beauties in Chemistry. Oosterhoff, Havinga and Schlatmann: Four Years Before “The Woodward‐Hoffmann Rules”†**
Authors: Seeman Jeffrey I.
Published: March 2022

Several forerunners to the Woodward‐Hoffmann rules appear in the chemical literature in the early 1960s. While these precedents refer to orbital symmetry and explain either electrocyclic reactions (Luitzen Oosterhoff, cited by Egbert Havinga and Jos Schlatmann inTetrahedronin 1961) or some cycloaddition reactions (Kenichi Fukui, in a book chapter published in 1964), they did not attract any attention and did not serve to initiate any research prior to the publication of the five Woodward and Hoffmann communications in 1965. Even Woodward and Hoffmann were unaware of these precedents (though Hoffmann knew of Fukui's frontier orbital theory) until after they had completed the relevant portions of their work. The Oosterhoff‐Havinga‐Schlatmann story will be told in this paper; the Fukui story will be told in the next paper in this series on the history of the development of the Woodward‐Hoffmann rules. Explanations for these precedents not being productive in solving the no‐mechanism problem are discussed.
Copy number variation of the CCDC39 gene is associated with growth traits in Chinese cattle
Authors: Hu Linyong , Yu Junjian , Huang Rong , Yang Peng , Zhang Zijing , Chai Yanan , Shi Qiaoting , Chen Fuying , Liu Xian , Li Zhiming , Ru Baorui , Wang Eryao , Lei Chuzhao , Peng Wei , Huang Yongzhen
Published: March 2022

Background

Copy number variation (CNV) has become an essential part of genetic structural variation. Coiled‐coil domain containing 39 (CCDC39) is a gene that related to the growth and development of organs and tissues. It is identified that it has a CNV region by animal genome resequencing.

Objective

In this study, we detected the phenotypic traits and different distributions of CCDC39 gene copy numbers in five Chinese cattle breeds (Qinchuan (QC) cattle, Yunling (YL) cattle, Xianan (XN) cattle, Pinan (PN) cattle and Jiaxian (JX) cattle).

Methods

Five hundred and six cattle were randomly selected for CNV distribution detection. Blood samples were taken and genomic DNA was extracted. Different tissues were obtained from adult (n = 3) XN cattle, including heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle and lung. The genome qPCR experiment was performed with SYBR Green in triplicate. CDNA qPCR was used to detect the expression level of CCDC39 in different tissues and varieties. Using SPSS v20.0 software, the relationship between CCDC39 CNV and the growth traits of PN, XN, QC, NY and YL cattle breeds was analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

The results showed that the expression of CCDC39 in lung was higher than that in other tissues. The expression in liver and kidney was similar, but the expression in heart and muscle was less. It can be seen that the duplication type of QC cattle CCDC39 CNV is higher than the deletion or normal in the height at hip cross. The normal type of PN cattle in body length and hip width was better than duplication and deletion (p < 0.05). In XN cattle, the deletion type of CNV had superior growth characteristics in heart girth and cannon bone circumference compared with the duplication type and the normal type (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study revealed a significant association between CNV of CCDC39 gene and growth traits in different Chinese cattle breeds.
Effect of averaging time windows on wind resource assessment of small wind turbines
Authors: Goit Jay Prakash , Taguchi Masakage , Tatsuno Junya , Kameda Takatsugu
Published: March 2022

In wind energy, the general practice in assessing the wind resource of a site is to employ a 10‐min averaging to measured wind data. However, small wind turbines (SWTs) with rotor diameters <15 m will have a shorter response time scale; thus, an averaging time window of 10 min is too long for accurate wind resource assessments. The current study investigates the effect of averaging time windows on wind resource assessment and power estimation of SWTs. To that end, wind data from a 1‐year measurement campaign is analysed using two short‐term averaging windows of 30 and 60 s and two long‐term averaging windows of 5 and 10 min. Although the average wind speed over the 1‐year period is 1.3 m/s with all four windows, when wind speeds higher than 3 m/s are considered, the average wind speed obtained using a 30‐s averaging window is 8% higher than that obtained using a 10‐min window. Power prediction using the 10 kW SWT shows that the predicted power using a 30‐s window is almost twice as large compared to that estimated using a 10‐min window. Finally, the rotational speed of the SWT obtained with short‐term averaging shows better agreement with that computed by direct modelling of the turbine with the measured wind speed as the input to the model. The study thus shows that the performance of SWTs will be better predicted if short‐term averaging windows are used.
On a three‐dimensional chemotaxis‐Stokes system with nonlinear sensitivity modeling coral fertilization
Authors: Zheng Pan , Yang Hanchun
Published: March 2022

This paper is concerned with the effects of nonlinear sensitivity on boundedness of solutions for the following chemotaxis‐Stokes system
in a smoothly bounded domain under no‐flux boundary conditions for and no‐slip boundary conditions for u, where n and m denote the densities of unfertilized sperms and eggs, respectively, c stands for the concentration of the signal, u represents the velocity of fluid, P is the pressure within the fluid and ϕ is the gravitational potential. This system describes the process of coral fertilization occurring in ocean flow. Based on the novel conditional estimates for c and u, it is proved that for all appropriately regular nonnegative initial data, this system possesses a unique globally bounded solution provided that satisfies with , which improves the known subcritical exponent under fluid‐free case.
Setting the Scene: How to Enhance the Knowledge and Practice of Transformation Literacy
Authors: Kuenkel Petra
Published: March 2022

This chapter looks at the scale and modes of transformations needed toward regenerative civilizations. Societal transformations have always happened in human history, and many have been consciously and actively promoted. What is new about the situation at the beginning of the twenty-first century is both scale and depth of transformations required. Institutional and political structures on which our globalized current systems are built, tend to perpetuate the status quo. It is therefore important to create new strategic and communicative structures in the form of cross-sector and cross-institutional collaboration that initiate and facilitate transformations. The chapter suggests that transformation agents need to act more consciously as part oftransformation systemsaround issues such as climate protection, regenerative pathways and economic systems change. The chapter elaborates three strategic core approaches that require conscious attention intransformation literacy:Collective stewardshipas the pro-active engagement for a regenerative future in mutually supportive strategies;visionary multiplicityas the acknowledgment of plural approaches to the quality of life; andnetwork leverageas the deliberate and reflective use of power across institutions. The chapter concludes with an overview of the different authors’ chapters.
Superpotentials of D-branes in Calabi-Yau manifolds with several moduli by mirror symmetry and blown-up
Authors: Li Xuan , Jing Yuan-Chun , Yang Fu-Zhong
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We study B-brane superpotentials depending on several closed- and open-moduli on Calabi-Yau hypersurfaces and complete intersections. By blowing up the ambient space along a curve wrapped by B-branes in a Calabi-Yau manifold, we obtain a blow-up new manifold and the period integral satisfying the GKZ-system. Via mirror symmetry to A-model, we calculate the superpotentials and extract Ooguri-Vafa invariants for concrete examples of several open-closed moduli in Calabi-Yau manifolds.
Systematics of perturbatively flat flux vacua
Authors: Carta Federico , Mininno Alessandro , Shukla Pramod
Published: March 2022

Abstract

In this article, we present a systematic analysis of the so-called perturbatively flat flux vacua (PFFV) for the mirror Calabi-Yau (CY) 3-folds ($$ {\overset{\sim }{X}}_3 $$

X
~

3

) with h1,1($$ {\overset{\sim }{X}}_3 $$

X
~

3

) = 2 arising from the Kreuzer-Skarke database of the four-dimensional reflexive polytopes. We consider the divisor topologies of the CY 3-folds for classifying the subsequent models into three categories; (i) models with the so-called Swiss-cheese structure, (ii) models with the K3-fibered structure, and (iii) the remaining ones which we call as models of “Hybrid type”. In our detailed analysis of PFFV we find that for a given fixed value of the D3 tadpole charge Nflux, the K3-fibered mirror CY 3-folds have significantly larger number of such PFFV as compared to those which have Swiss-cheese structure, while the Hybrid type models have a mixed behavior. We also compute the Gopakumar-Vafa invariants necessary for fixing the flat valley in the weak string-coupling and large complex-structure regime by using the non-perturbative effects, which subsequently reduce the number of physically trustworthy vacua quite significantly. Moreover, we find that there are some examples in which the PFFV are protected even at the leading orders of the non-perturbative effects due to the some underlying symmetry in the CY geometry, which we call as “Exponentially flat flux vacua”. We also present a new class of PFFV using the S-duality arguments.
Essential m-dissipativity and hypocoercivity of Langevin dynamics with multiplicative noise
Authors: Bertram Alexander , Grothaus Martin
Published: March 2022

We provide a complete elaboration of the $$L^2$$

L
2

-Hilbert space hypocoercivity theorem for the degenerate Langevin dynamics with multiplicative noise, studying the longtime behavior of the strongly continuous contraction semigroup solving the abstract Cauchy problem for the associated backward Kolmogorov operator. Hypocoercivity for the Langevin dynamics with constant diffusion matrix was proven previously by Dolbeault, Mouhot and Schmeiser in the corresponding Fokker–Planck framework and made rigorous in the Kolmogorov backwards setting by Grothaus and Stilgenbauer. We extend these results to weakly differentiable diffusion coefficient matrices, introducing multiplicative noise for the corresponding stochastic differential equation. The rate of convergence is explicitly computed depending on the choice of these coefficients and the potential giving the outer force. In order to obtain a solution to the abstract Cauchy problem, we first prove essential self-adjointness of non-degenerate elliptic Dirichlet operators on Hilbert spaces, using prior elliptic regularity results and techniques from Bogachev, Krylov and Röckner. We apply operator perturbation theory to obtain essential m-dissipativity of the Kolmogorov operator, extending the m-dissipativity results from Conrad and Grothaus. We emphasize that the chosen Kolmogorov approach is natural, as the theory of generalized Dirichlet forms implies a stochastic representation of the Langevin semigroup as the transition kernel of a diffusion process which provides a martingale solution to the Langevin equation with multiplicative noise. Moreover, we show that even a weak solution is obtained this way.
Surface chemistry of metal oxide nanoparticles: NMR and TGA quantification
Authors: Kunc Filip , Gallerneault Mary , Kodra Oltion , Brinkmann Andreas , Lopinski Gregory P. , Johnston Linda J.
Published: March 2022

Surface functionalization is widely used to control the behavior of nanomaterials for a range of applications. However, methods to accurately quantify surface functional groups and coatings are not yet routinely applied to nanomaterial characterization. We have employed a combination of quantitative NMR (qNMR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to address this problem for commercial cerium, nickel, and iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) that have been modified to add functional coatings with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), stearic acid, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The qNMR method involves quantification of material that is released from the NPs and quantified in the supernatant after removal of NPs. Removal of aminopropylsilanes was accomplished by basic hydrolysis whereas PVP and stearic acid were removed by ligand exchange using sodium hexametaphosphate and pentadecafluorooctanoic acid, respectively. The method accuracy was confirmed by analysis of NPs with a known content of surface groups. Complementary TGA studies were carried out in both air and argon atmosphere with FT-IR of evolved gases in argon to confirm the identity of the functional groups. TGA measurements for some unfunctionalized samples show mass loss due to unidentified components which makes quantification of functional groups in surface-modified samples less reliable. XPS provides information on the presence of surface contaminants and the level of surface hydroxylation for selected samples. Despite the issues associated with accurate quantification using TGA, the TGA estimates agree reasonably well with the qNMR data for samples with high surface loading. This study highlights the issues in analysis of commercial nanomaterials and is an advance towards the development of generally applicable methods for quantifying surface functional groups.

Graphical abstract
Platelet Activation Markers in Children with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Awad Abdulhalim , Elnemr Shimaa , Hodeib Hossam , El Amrousy Doaa
Published: March 2022

The study aimed to evaluate mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platecrit in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD), to assess the predictive value of these platelet activation markers for adverse outcomes, and to correlate their levels with various data in these patients. This prospective cohort study included 60 children with PAH-CHD as group I and 60 children with CHD and no PAH as group II. Another 60 healthy children of matched age and sex served as the control group. All included children were evaluated by echocardiography. MPV, PDW, and platecrit were also measured using an automated blood counter. All patients were followed up for death or readmission for 6 months. MPV, PDW, and platecrit were significantly higher in group I compared to group II and the control group and they correlated well with increasing severity of PAH. MPV, PDW, and platecrit positively correlated with right ventricular diameter and mean pulmonary artery pressure, however they correlated negatively with right ventricular systolic and diastolic function. The best cut-off of platelet activation markers levels to predict poor prognosis in group I was > 11.2 FL with 75% sensitivity and 96.6% specificity for MPV, > 12.7 FL with 75% sensitivity and 61.5% specificity for PDW, and > 0.505% with 75% sensitivity and 93.2% specificity for platecrit. MPV, PDW, and platecrit were elevated in children with PAH-CHD and found to be good predictive markers for poor prognosis in these children.
Synovial fluid calprotectin in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection: A meta-analysis
Authors: Hantouly Ashraf T. , Salameh Motasem , Toubasi Ahmad A. , Salman Loay A. , Alzobi Osama , Ahmed Abdulaziz F. , Hameed Shamsi , Zikria Bashir , Ahmed Ghalib
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most debilitating complications following joint replacement surgery. Synovial biomarkers, such as Calprotectin, have become valuable in the diagnosis of PJI. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the role of synovial Calprotectin as a diagnostic test in PJI.

Methods

This meta-analysis was conducted with adherence to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched until February 2022. Inclusion criteria were as follows: all studies in which the patients with joint replacements were evaluated for PJI; synovial Calprotectin was the biomarker of choice to diagnose PJI; standardized guidelines were used as the gold standard for the diagnosis; and a comparison between the guidelines and Calprotectin results was made. Diagnostic parameters such as sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for the included studies to evaluate synovial Calprotectin for PJI diagnosis.

Results

The total number of the included patients was 618 from eight studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of Calprotectin test were 92% (95%CI: 84%-98%), 93% (95%CI: 84%-99%), and 187.61 (95%CI: 20.21–1741.18), respectively. The results showed that the negative and positive likelihood ratios of the Calprotectin test were 0.07 (95%CI: 0.02–0.22) and 9.91 (95%CI: 4.11–23.93), respectively. The SROC showed that the area under the curve for Calprotectin test was 0.935.

Conclusion

Synovial Calprotectin is a valuable biomarker as it provides a reliable and rapid diagnosis of PJI. It has the potential to be used in clinical practice due to its high sensitivity and specificity that are comparable to the other utilized biomarkers. Another advantage is its low cost relative to other biomarkers.