bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energetics and Spectroscopic Properties of Low‐lying CaC6H2 Isomers: An Astrochemical Perspective
Authors: Ghosh Avik , Banerjee Soumadip , Sarkar Subhendu , Debnath Tanay , Ash Tamalika , Roy Ria Sinha , Das Abhijit K.
Published: June 2022

The spectroscopic constants and molecular properties of low‐lying isomers of CaC6H2 have been studied using dispersion‐corrected density functional theory, MP2 and high‐level coupled‐cluster (CC) methods. 60 isomers have been identified, among which three low‐lying isomers having energy differences within 1 eV have been re‐optimized at MP2/cc‐pVTZ level. Isomer 1 (1‐calciacyclohepta‐4‐en‐2,6‐diyne) is found to be the most stable one, followed by isomer 3 (3‐calciahepta‐1,4,6‐triyne) and isomer 2 (1‐calciacyclohepta‐2,3,4‐trien‐6‐yne) that lie 20.9 and 19.7 kcal/mol above 1, respectively at MP2/cc‐pVTZ level. All three isomers are polar with a permanent electric dipole moment. Molecular properties like electron affinity, ionization potential as well as GCRD parameters, i. e., chemical potential, global hardness, etc. have been calculated at ae‐CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ level. NBO and AIM analyses have been performed to predict the nature of bonds in the isomers. The spectroscopic constants such as rotational and centrifugal distortion constants, inertial axis dipole moment components, etc. have been calculated using the frozen core (fc)‐CCSD(T) and all electron (ae)‐CCSD(T) methods with cc‐pVTZ basis. The ae‐CCSD(T) method with cc‐pwCVTZ‐X2C basis set has also been used to calculate spectroscopic constants. The predicted spectroscopic constants and molecular properties will facilitate in detecting these isomers in the laboratory as well as in interstellar medium (ISM).
An Electrochemical Sensor Based on Molecularly‐Imprinted‐Polymer‐Modified Carbon Quantum Dots@hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets Nanocomposites for Triclosan Determination
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Wu Haiyan , He Yuhao , Yan Yu , Zhou Wenjuan , Zhang Guohua , Liu Dan , Ye Zhaolian , Qiu Fengxian
Published: June 2022

An electrochemical sensor based on carbon quantum dots@hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets nanocomposites (CQDs@HBNNS‐NCs) and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was proposed for the triclosan (TCS) analysis. The CQDs@HBNNS‐NCs were utilized as the modifier, which exhibited excellent electrochemical properties. The MIP film was prepared in situ in the presence of template (TCS) and monomer (o‐phenylenediamine) to provide the specific molecular recognition. The CQDs@HBNNS‐NCs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under the optimal conditions, the current response was linear with the logarithmic value of TCS concentration in the range of 2 nM–0.1 mM, and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 0.005 μM (S/N=3). Furthermore, the proposed electrochemical sensor showed favorable selectivity, stability, and was used for the TCS analysis in tap water samples with decent accuracy.
Co‐N as a Promoter towards Modulation Surface Chemistry of PtCo Alloy on 2D Thin Layer Hierarchical Porous Nitrogen‐Carbon for the Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhao Jinyu , Lian Jie , Chen Xu , Zhu Qijia , Wang Xiaomin
Published: June 2022

To clarify the mechanism of active site conversion and utilization of the Pt−M alloy complexed with nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) catalysts (Pt−M/NC) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), we synthesized the two‐dimensions thin‐layer hierarchical porous nitrogen‐carbon for supporting PtCo nanoparticles (2D PtCo/TNC) and applied to alkaline ORR. The self‐assembled thin layer of carbon nitride (TL‐C3N4) was thermally fused with commercial carbon black (C) to form a 2D‐TNC, which can conduct the optimal mass transfer. Therewith, PtCo nanoparticles were anchored on this carrier through a thermal injection strategy, promoting the formation of Co−N and achieving low Pt loading (2 wt%). As a promoter, the Co−N favours the lattice distortion of PtCo alloys and facilitates the in‐situ adsorption‐diffusion process of oxygen‐containing species. Thus, the obtained catalyst demonstrates an excellent ORR activity in alkaline electrolytes, with a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.885 V and electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 111 m2/g, lower Tafel slope of 66 mV/dec.
A New Type of Terpene‐Based D2‐Symmetric Macrocycles, Capable of Selectively Extracting Au, Pd and Pt from Complex Mixtures
Authors: Bizyaev Sergey N. , Gatilov Yuri V. , Zubricheva Darya V. , Tikhova Vera D. , Tkachev Alexey V.
Published: June 2022

C2‐symmetric terpene‐based bis(α‐amine oximes) prepared from monoterpene hydrocarbons (+)‐3‐carene, (−)‐α‐pinene and (+)‐limonene, when treated with methylene chloride under phase‐transfer conditions, undergo inter‐ and intramolecular cross‐linking at oxime groups to form D2‐symmetric macrocycles in relatively good preparative yields (35–64 %). The structure of the new compounds was solved by spectroscopic methods and proved by X‐ray crystallography. D2‐symmetric macrocycles are crystalline solids which are well soluble even in small amounts of low‐polar organic solvents. Using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry the new compounds was found to be able to selectively extract some noble metals (PtIV, AuIII, PdII) from aqueous solutions with pH=1.2 containing complex mixtures of transition elements at with no noticeable extraction of d‐elements (CrVI, MnII, FeIII, CoII, NiII, CuII, ZnII) and other noble metals (RuIII, RhIII, IrIII).
In‐situ Electrochemical Activation Enhances the OER Catalytic Performance of Ag NWs@ZIF‐67 in Alkaline Simulated Seawater
Authors: Wang Mengzhen , Lian Xiao , Wu Mingzai , Zheng Fangcai , Niu Helin
Published: June 2022

Modification of MOFs by in‐situ electrochemical activation is a simple and convenient way. Two dimenstional Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐67 (the following is abbreviated as 2D‐ZIF 67) nanosheets were grown on the surface of silver nanowires using a bottom‐up concentration‐controlled method. Due to the inductive effect of the solvent, the nanosheets grow in the direction favorable for the OER catalytic reaction, so the material exhibits an overpotential of 250 mV in both alkaline aqueous solution and alkaline simulated seawater at a current density of 10 mA.cm−2, not subject to CER competition. After in‐situ electrochemical activation in alkaline simulated seawater, oxygen vacancies and reactive sites were generated on the surface of the composites by the synergistic effect of current and electrolyte. Under the same effect, AgCl@Co(OH)2 heterogeneous interface were formed between the Ag nanowires and 2D‐ZIF67 nanosheets. As a result, the OER catalytic performance was further improved, and the overpotential was only 222 mV in alkaline simulated seawater.
Chirality Transformation in Metathesis Reactions of Salicylaldehyde/Pyridoxal‐Based Imines
Authors: Ji Rui‐Xue , Shen Jiang‐Shan
Published: June 2022

Although imine metathesis has been extensively studied, how to take imine metathesis as a new way to generate racemates has never been achieved. In this work, it is the first report that chiral imines, such as (S)‐1 and (R)‐2 or (R)‐1 and (S)‐2, were used to produce two pairs of racemates via imine metathesis, when the metathesis reaction reaches its equilibrium state, in the presence of catalytic amounts of the amine employed to synthesize the corresponding chiral imines.
Naphthalenediimide‐Benzothiazole‐Based Chemodosimeter for Selective and Sensitive Chromogenic for Cyanide Ion
Authors: More Vishal G. , Nadimetla Dinesh N. , Shaikh Dada B. , Puyad Avinash L. , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: June 2022

A new receptor based on naphthalene diimide‐benzothiazole(NDI‐1)conjugate was designed and synthesized. The nucleophilic addition of cyanide ion to theNDI‐1exhibited naked‐eye, a colorimetric change is an optical response. The addition of CN−ion to theNDI‐1solution display change in red color to green. The UV‐Vis spectroscopy measurements establish for the sensing of CN−in chloroform solution. Moreover,NDI‐1exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity towards CN−ions in the presence of the interfering other anions such as F−, Cl−, I−, Br−, HSO4−, H2PO4−, OAc−, ClO4−and HCO3−. The detecting mechanism was established by1H NMR, DFT calculations and Job's plot analysis. Moreover,NDI‐1exhibited very low limit of detection 85 nM.
Peritraumatic distress across the lifespan: Clinical implications of age differences during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Omar Romain Hassan , Fortin Justine , Rivest‐Beauregard Marjolaine , Lonergan Michelle , Brunet Alain
Published: June 2022

The Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) is a well‐known self‐report questionnaire indexing the distress experienced during and shortly after a most stressful or traumatic event. Although sociodemographic factors contributing to peritraumatic distress have been previously investigated, no research has examined the nature and severity of peritraumatic distress reactions in a non‐clinical, community sample as a function of age. An international sample of 5621 adult participants were grouped according the World Health Organization's age stratification protocol. Mean scores and item endorsement on the PDI were compared across groups with respect to their worst experience of the COVID‐19 pandemic. A significant between‐group difference was found, F(55,615) = 30.74, p < 0.001, n2 = 0.027 whereby participants aged 18–39 years old reported the highest levels of peritraumatic distress. This group also endorsed a higher proportion of items on the PDI's two main factors (emotional distress and physical reactions), and were more likely to endorse feelings of helplessness, than older participants. It appears that severity of peritraumatic distress during the pandemic has affected younger people the most. Results are discussed in light of clinical implications.
Hybrid Nanofibrous Composites with Anisotropic Mechanics and Architecture for Tendon/Ligament Repair and Regeneration
Authors: Li Jun , Xue Chao , Wang Hao , Dong Shiyan , Yang Zhaogang , Cao Yuting , Zhao Binan , Cheng Biao , Xie Xianrui , Mo Xiumei , Jiang Wen , Yuan Hengfeng , Pan Jianfeng
Published: June 2022

Rupture of tendons and ligaments (T/L) is a major clinical challenge due to T/L possess anisotropic mechanical properties and hierarchical structures. Here, to imitate these characteristics, an approach is presented by fabricating hybrid nanofibrous composites. First, hybrid fiber‐reinforced yarns are fabricated via successively electrospinning poly(L‑lactide‑co‑ε‑caprolactone) (PLCL) and gelatin (Ge) nanofibers onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers to improve biodurability and biocompatibility. Then, by comparing different manufacturing methods, the knitted structure succeeds in simulating anisotropic mechanical properties, even being stronger than natural ligaments, and possessing comfort compliance superior to clinically used ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) ligament. Moreover, after inoculation with tendon‐derived stem cells and transplantation in vivo, hybrid nanofibrous composites are integrated with native tendons to guide surrounding tissue ingrowth due to the highly interconnected and porous structure. The knitted hybrid nanofibrous composites are also ligamentized and remodeled in vivo to promote tendon regeneration. Specifically, after the use of optimized anisotropic hybrid nanofibrous composites to repair tendon, the deposition of tendon‐associated extracellular matrix proteins is more significant. Thus, this study indicates a strategy of manufacturing anisotropic hybrid nanofibrous composites with superior mechanical properties and good histocompatibility for clinical reconstruction.
Complex Coacervation and Compartmentalized Conversion of Prebiotically Relevant Metabolites
Authors: Smokers Iris B. A. , van Haren Merlijn H. I. , Lu Tiemei , Spruijt Evan
Published: June 2022

The front cover artwork is provided by the Spruijt group from the Radboud University in Nijmegen. The image shows a metabolic reaction pathway projected over a microscopy image of metabolite coacervates. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/syst.202200004.
Hyperthermia in a Chow Chow under general anaesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Jones Heather , Robson Katherine
Published: June 2022

A 5‐year 7‐month‐old, entire, male Chow Chow presented with paraparesis and ataxia due to a previously diagnosed T11–T12 spinal diverticulum. Due to the progression of clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging was indicated to reassess the lesion. Preoperative rectal temperature was unable to be assessed due to temperament; however, it was likely the patient would be hyperthermic as it had been hyperthermic (40.6°C) under general anaesthesia 4 months earlier. Consequently, measures were taken to attempt to reduce body temperature before general anaesthesia. While under general anaesthesia for imaging, the patient was confirmed to be markedly hyperthermic. This report details the management of a patient with hyperthermia under general anaesthesia. The patient was gradually cooled before recovery from anaesthesia. Once recovered from anaesthesia and normothermic, the patient was discharged home the same day. Follow‐up confirmed no adverse effects.
No evidence of a prospective relationship between serum zinc and venous thromboembolism in Caucasian men: a cohort study
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Jae Sae Young , Laukkanen Jari A.
Published: June 2022

Serum zinc has been implicated as an important mediator of haemostasis and thrombosis. However, the nature and magnitude of any potential relationship between serum zinc and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the prospective association between serum zinc and VTE risk. We analyzed data involving 2472 men aged 42–61 years without a history of VTE in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease population-based cohort study, with the assessment of serum zinc concentrations using atomic absorption spectrometry. Hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for incident VTE were estimated. A total of 166 VTE cases occurred during a median follow-up of 27.1 years. The risk of VTE per 1 standard deviation increase in serum zinc in analysis adjusted for systolic blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking status, histories of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, medication for dyslipidaemia, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and socioeconomic status was (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.86–1.22), which remained similar (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.87–1.23) following further adjustment for inflammation and history of cancer. Comparing the extreme tertiles of serum zinc, the corresponding adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 0.92 (0.63–1.36) and 0.94 (0.64–1.39), respectively. Imputed results based on 2682 participants and 176 VTE events were consistent with the observed results. In middle-aged and older Finnish men, serum zinc is not associated with future VTE risk. Other large-scale prospective studies conducted in other populations are needed to confirm or refute these findings.
Exploring the social implications of buying and selling cyber security
Authors: Harkin Diarmaid , Molnar Adam
Published: June 2022

Governments, businesses, private citizens and even organised crime are increasingly investing in cyber security, with the cyber security industry growing in size and relevance. This paper demonstrates that markets for the buying and selling of cyber security should be subject to many of the same critical inquiries typically targeted at the private security industry. Using a number of illustrative examples of emerging trends in the commodification of cyber security it will be highlighted how these markets create significant social impacts and present similar dilemmas of democracy, justice, sovereignty, and deleterious side-effects for wider society. Key conceptual differences between cyber security commodities and ‘conventional’ security commodities will also be considered before arguing for an inter-disciplinary research agenda into the considerable social implications of the buying and selling of cyber security commodities.
Photonic Crystal Resonator in the Millimeter/Terahertz Range as a Thin Film Sensor for Future Biosensor Applications
Authors: Zhao Yixiong , Vora Kunj , Liu Xuan , Bögel Gerd vom , Seidl Karsten , Balzer Jan C.
Published: June 2022

With recent developments, terahertz (THz) technology has attracted great interest in many different fields of research and application. In particular, biosensors that detect a thin film of captured pathogens are in high demand for rapid diagnosis. Based on the interaction between analytes under test and electromagnetic (EM) field, THz resonators are sensitive to changes in the permittivity of the analyte and have the potential to become sensitive thin-film sensors. However, conventional metamaterial methods have low Q factors, leading to small amplitude variations and ambiguous detection. Here, we present a photonic crystal (PhC)–based resonator with a high Q factor that is sensitive to a monolayer of beads in the µm size range. The PhC resonator made of high resistivity silicon (HRSi) shows a Q factor of 750, which is much higher compared to metamaterial-based methods. Its resonance shift is linearly related to the coverage of the micron-sized beads on its surface. Moreover, simulation results with a thin film model of a single layer of the beads showed agreement with the experimental results. Although the achieved sensitivity needs to be improved by enhancing the field concentration on the analyte, our results suggest that THz PhC resonators with high Q factor are promising for biosensing applications. We anticipate our work to be a starting point for biochips with improved sensing capabilities and more functionality.
When Happiness is Both Joy and Purpose: The Complexity of the Pursuit of Happiness and Well-Being is Related to Actual Well-Being
Authors: Krasko Julia , Intelisano Sabrina , Luhmann Maike
Published: June 2022

People differ in how they define and pursue happiness and well-being (HWB). Previous studies suggested that the best way to achieve a high level of well-being might be to pursue different facets of HWB simultaneously. We expand on this idea and introduce the concept of complexity of HWB definitions to describe how many HWB definitions people endorse simultaneously, and the complexity of HWB-related intentions to describe how many unique facets of HWB people intend to pursue in everyday life. To operationalize these novel concepts, we developed two parallel measures that integrate psychological and philosophical definitions of HWB. In two independent studies (total N = 542), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed eight reliable and valid factors for both parallel scales: absence of negativity, positive attitude, tranquility, personal development, luck, joy and desires, purpose, and belonging. Complexity of HWB-related intentions was positively associated with all facets of well-being, whereas complexity of HWB definitions was only positively associated with some facets of well-being. HWB-related intentions and their complexity emerged as more important for the experience of well-being than HWB definitions and their complexity. These studies highlight the importance of a multifaceted conceptualization of HWB when investigating how the pursuit of HWB is related to actual levels of well-being.
Improving the Stability of the Variable Selection with Small Datasets in Classification and Regression Tasks
Authors: Cateni Silvia , Colla Valentina , Vannucci Marco
Published: June 2022

Within the design of a machine learning-based solution for classification or regression problems, variable selection techniques are often applied to identify the input variables, which mainly affect the considered target. The selection of such variables provides very interesting advantages, such as lower complexity of the model and of the learning algorithm, reduction of computational time and improvement of performances. Moreover, variable selection is useful to gain a profound knowledge of the considered problem. High correlation in variables often produces multiple subsets of equally optimal variables, which makes the traditional method of variable selection unstable, leading to instability and reducing the confidence of selected variables. Stability identifies the reproducibility power of the variable selection method. Therefore, having a high stability is as important as the high precision of the developed model. The paper presents an automatic procedure for variable selection in classification (binary and multi-class) and regression tasks, which provides an optimal stability index without requiring any a priori information on data. The proposed approach has been tested on different small datasets, which are unstable by nature, and has achieved satisfactory results.
Rate constants of chlorine atom reactions with organic molecules in aqueous solutions, an overview
Authors: Wojnárovits László , Wang Jianlong , Chu Libing , Takács Erzsébet
Published: June 2022

Rate constants of chlorine atom (Cl•) reactions (kCl•) determined using a large variation of experimental methods, including transient measurements, steady-state and computation techniques, were collected from the literature and were discussed together with the reaction mechanisms. The kCl• values are generally in the 108–109 mol−1 dm3 s−1 range when the basic reaction between the Cl• and the target molecule is H-atom abstraction. When Cl• addition to double bonds dominates the interaction, the kCl• values are in the 1 × 109–2 × 1010 mol−1 dm3 s−1 range. In the kCl• = 1 × 1010–4 × 1010 mol−1 dm3 s−1 range, single-electron-transfer reactions may also contribute to the mechanism. The Cl• reactions with organic molecules in many respects are similar to those of •OH, albeit Cl• seems to be less selective as •OH. However, there is an important difference, as opposed to Cl• in the case of •OH single-electron-transfer reactions have minor importance. The uncertainty of Cl• rate constant determinations is much higher than those of •OH. Since Cl• reactions play very important role in the emerging UV/chlorine water purification technology, some standardization of the rate constant measuring techniques and more kCl• measurements are recommended.
Key Modulators of the Stress Granule Response TIA1, TDP-43, and G3BP1 Are Altered by Polyglutamine-Expanded ATXN7
Authors: Niss Frida , Piñero-Paez Laura , Zaidi Wajiha , Hallberg Einar , Ström Anna-Lena
Published: June 2022

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) and other polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are caused by expansions of polyQ repeats in disease-specific proteins. Aggregation of the polyQ proteins resulting in various forms of cellular stress, that could induce the stress granule (SG) response, is believed to be a common pathological mechanism in these disorders. SGs can contribute to cell survival but have also been suggested to exacerbate disease pathology by seeding protein aggregation. In this study, we show that two SG-related proteins, TDP-43 and TIA1, are sequestered into the aggregates formed by polyQ-expanded ATXN7 in SCA7 cells. Interestingly, mutant ATXN7 also localises to induced SGs, and this association altered the shape of the SGs. In spite of this, neither the ability to induce nor to disassemble SGs, in response to arsenite stress induction or relief, was affected in SCA7 cells. Moreover, we could not observe any change in the number of ATXN7 aggregates per cell following SG induction, although a small, non-significant, increase in total aggregated ATXN7 material could be detected using filter trap. However, mutant ATXN7 expression in itself increased the speckling of the SG-nucleating protein G3BP1 and the SG response. Taken together, our results indicate that the SG response is induced, and although some key modulators of SGs show altered behaviour, the dynamics of SGs appear normal in the presence of mutant ATXN7.
The socioeconomic factors of investment-induced petroleum consumption: case of fast developing Chinese economy
Authors: Sajid Muhammad Jawad , Yu Zhang , Rehman Syed Abdul
Published: June 2022

Capital investment stimulates a sizable portion of petroleum consumption, especially in emerging economies. However, investment-embedded petroleum consumption (IEPC) and the socioeconomic factors that influence it are not well studied. Our study's objective is to close this research gap. Our article estimates the effects of petroleum intensity, technology, investment structure, and economic development on China's IEPC using input–output and bipolar structural decomposition analysis. Additionally, our article develops a previously mostly unknown index of investment intensity. The findings indicated that, on average, between 1990 and 2016, investment induced nearly 30% of China's total final demand-embedded petroleum consumption. On average, petroleum intensity had the most significant decreasing effect on the Chinese IEPC. Averagely, technology had a positive impact, but from 2010 to 2016, it had a noticeable negative impact (− 1.51 exajoule). Both investment intensity and economic development had a significant upward effect. The impact of investment intensity was the smallest of all the factors. Disaggregation of the effects of socio-economic factors at the sectoral level revealed distinct patterns. Thus, by focusing on the socioeconomic dynamics of key sectors, the factors' current decreasing effects can be maximized, and their increasing effects minimized.
Atrial fibrillation cardiac radioablation target visibility on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lydiard Suzanne , Pontré Beau , Lowe Boris S. , Keall Paul
Published: June 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided cardiac radioablation (CR) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a promising treatment concept. However, the visibility of AF CR targets on MRI acquisitions requires further exploration and MRI sequence and parameter optimization has not yet been performed for this application. This pilot study explores the feasibility of MRI-guided tracking of AF CR targets by evaluating AF CR target visualization on human participants using a selection of 3D and 2D MRI sequences.MRI datasets were acquired in healthy and AF participants using a range of MRI sequences and parameters. MRI acquisition categories included 3D free-breathing acquisitions (3Dacq), 2D breath-hold ECG-gated acquisitions (2DECG-gated), stacks of 2D breath-hold ECG-gated acquisitions which were retrospectively interpolated to 3D datasets (3Dinterp), and 2D breath-hold ungated acquisitions (2Dreal-time). The ease of target delineation and the presence of artifacts were qualitatively analyzed. Image quality was quantitatively analyzed using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and non-uniformity. Confident 3D target delineation was achievable on all 3Dinterp datasets but was not possible on any of the 3Dacq datasets. Fewer artifacts and significantly better SNR, CNR and non-uniformity metrics were observed with 3Dinterp compared to 3Dacq. 2Dreal-time datasets had slightly lower SNR and CNR than 2DECG-gated and 3Dinterp n datasets. AF CR target visualization on MRI was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated. The study findings indicate that AF CR target visualization is achievable despite the imaging challenges associated with these targets, warranting further investigation into MRI-guided AF CR treatments.
Examining procedural fairness in anti-doping disputes: a comparative empirical analysis
Authors: Star Shaun , Kelly Sarah
Published: June 2022

While the principles of procedural fairness apply in anti-doping disputes pursuant to Article 8 of the Word Anti-Doping Code, 2021 (the Code), there has been limited research assessing whether due process requirements are applied consistently by national anti-doping tribunals. This paper investigates the extent to which the procedural requirements set out under the Code are followed in practice, with a focus on India, New Zealand and Canada, facilitating comparison between developed and developing jurisdictions. By providing an evidence-based examination of first instance anti-doping procedures, this study confirms existing theories on the overall lack of harmonization in anti-doping procedures. We undertook a frequency analysis on the full-text awards handed down by first instance anti-doping tribunals in the comparative jurisdictions and the findings highlight inconsistent application of timeliness requirements and access to legal representation. Critically, in India, disputes take significantly longer to be resolved than in Canada and New Zealand, while far fewer Indian athletes are represented by legal counsel. In all jurisdictions, athletes who were represented by counsel were more likely to see a reduction in their sanctions. The study provides empirical evidence of systemic issues associated with timeliness and access to justice in anti-doping tribunals across jurisdictions and reinforces the need to focus on capacity building and enforcement of procedural safeguards, especially in developing countries. Practical recommendations include strategies to better achieve compliance and harmonization in protecting the procedural rights of athletes, particularly those athletes affected by the current application of the Code where cultural and socio-economic barriers may exacerbate procedural issues.
Computerized tomography texture analysis of pheochromocytoma: relationship with hormonal and histopathological data
Authors: De Leo A. , Vara G. , Paccapelo A. , Balacchi C. , Vicennati V. , Tucci L. , Pagotto U. , Selva S. , Ricci C. , Alberici L. , Minni F. , Nanni C. , Ambrosi F. , Santini D. , Golfieri R. , Di Dalmazi G. , Mosconi C.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Pheochromocytomas are rare tumors which can present with heterogeneous secretion profiles, clinical manifestations, and radiologic appearance. Under a histopathological point of view, they can be characterized as more or less aggressive with the Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal gland Scaled Score (PASS) and the Grading system for Adrenal Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma (GAPP) score. The aim of this study is to analyze the texture analysis characteristics of pheochromocytoma and identify whether the texture analysis can yield information aiding in the diagnosis and the characterization of those tumors.

Methods

Radiological, biochemical, and histopathological data regarding 30 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed pheochromocytoma were analyzed. Images obtained in the unenhanced, late arterial, venous, and delayed phases were used for the texture analysis.

Results

Urinary epinephrine and metanephrine levels showed a significant correlation (R2 = 0.946; R2 = 699) in the multivariate linear model with texture features, as well as Ki-67 (R2 = 0.397), PASS score (R2 = 0.182), GAPP score (R2 = 0.705), and cellularity showed a significant correlation (R2 = 0.389). The cluster analysis based on radiomic features resulted in 2 clusters, with significative differences in terms of systolic and diastolic blood pressure values at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.025), GAPP score (4 vs 6, p = 0.05), histological pattern (1–2, p = 0.039), and comedonecrosis (0% vs 50%, p = 0.013).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study provides the proof of concept for the use of texture analysis on contrast-enhanced CT images as a noninvasive, quantitative tool for helping in the characterization of the clinical, biochemical, and histopathological features of pheochromocytoma.
Climate change and armed conflicts in Africa: temporal persistence, non-linear climate impact and geographical spillovers
Authors: Cappelli Federica , Conigliani Caterina , Consoli Davide , Costantini Valeria , Paglialunga Elena
Published: June 2022

The paper focuses on the nexus between climate change and armed conflicts with an empirical analysis based on a panel of 2653 georeferenced cells for the African continent between 1990 and 2016. Our econometric approach addresses unobservable heterogeneity in predicting the probability of violent events and the persistency of conflicting behaviour over time. The proposed strategy also accounts for both changes in climatic conditions and spatial dynamics. The two main findings carry policy-relevant implications. First, changes in climatic conditions influence the probability of conflicts over large spatial ranges, thus suggesting that the design of adaptation policies to reduce climate vulnerability should account for multiple spatial interrelations. Second, the persistency of violence calls for planning adaptation strategies for climate resilience jointly designed with measures in support of peacekeeping.
Adhesive solutions for cast glass assemblies: ground rules emerging from built case studies on adhesive selection and experimental validation
Authors: Oikonomopoulou Faidra , Bristogianni Telesilla
Published: June 2022

Cast glass is a promising, three-dimensional expression of the material for architectural and structural applications, particularly for the creation of all-transparent, self-supporting structures and envelopes. Typically applied in the form of solid blocks, cast glass components can be used as repetitive units to comprise fully-transparent, cast glass masonry walls. To maximize transparency and ensure an even load distribution, the glass blocks are bonded together by a colourless adhesive. Currently, there is a lack of standardized structural specifications, strength data and building guidelines for such adhesively-bonded cast glass-block systems. As a result, any new application is accompanied by experimental testing to select the adhesive and certify the adhesively bonded system. Since the choice of adhesive is highly dependent on the prerequisites set for each case-study -such as the structural and visual performance, available budget, the structure’s geometry and climate conditions- the preselection of the most prominent adhesive family at an early project stage can prevent an excessive budget and construction complications. This paper, therefore, aims to shed light on the selection process of adhesives for cast glass assemblies by first providing an overview of the most suitable bonding media families for such systems; these include stiff adhesives, flexible adhesives and cement-based mortars. Following, the paper reviews the research & development process of the adhesively-bonded glass-block systems in three distinct built projects, in which the TU Delft team has been involved: TheCrystal Houses façade(NL), theLightVault, a robotically assembled glass vault (UK) and theQaammat pavilionin the arctic circle (GL). The adhesive requirements for each of the three case studies are discussed in terms of structural and visual performance and ease-of-assembly (constructability). These criteria are decisive in pointing out the most promising bonding media family per case-study. The final shortlist of adhesive candidates within that bonding media family is subject to the full list of performance criteria, but also to market availability. The shortlist of adhesive candidates are typically experimentally evaluated, first via application testing and then via strength tests in order to choose the most suitable candidate. Based on the above, the review concludes in proposing guidelines for the effective selection, design and experimental verification of adhesively-bonded cast glass assemblies.
Fourier Transforms of Some Special Functions in Terms of Orthogonal Polynomials on the Simplex and Continuous Hahn Polynomials
Authors: Güldoğan Lekesiz Esra , Aktaş Rabia , Area Iván
Published: June 2022

In this paper, Fourier transform of multivariate orthogonal polynomials on the simplex is presented. A new family of multivariate orthogonal functions is obtained using the Parseval’s identity and several recurrence relations are derived.
Childbearing intention and childbearing behavior in low fertility society: evidence from Shanghai
Authors: Chen Rong , Gu Baochang
Published: June 2022

Exploring the patterns of population change under low fertility is a historical mission for demographic research in the 21st century. Taking Shanghai as an example, this paper discusses the new patterns and characteristics of people’s childbearing intention and behavior under low fertility settings. The results show that Shanghai, as a typical society with ultra-low fertility, people’s childbearing intention and behavior demonstrate the characteristics such as “downward inconsistency” between childbearing intention and childbearing behavior, “convergence” of childbearing intention and childbearing behavior between different sub-groups, “inversion” in childbearing intention and childbearing behavior with education and income, and the “decoupling” between marriage and childbearing. The childbearing intention and behavior of low fertility society as seen in the case of Shanghai show the patterns as somehow different from what was observed in a high fertility society. It suggests that many of the childbearing patterns shown in the high-fertility era may not necessarily be applicable in low fertility settings, and urges more research to be carried out in this regard.
Collective acoustic electronic excitations in LaH10 as a factor in boosting of the critical temperature of superconducting transition
Authors: Pashitskii Ernst A. , Pentegov Vsevolod I. , Semenov Alexei V.
Published: June 2022

The nearly room-temperature superconductivity that had been predicted theoretically for lanthanum and yttrium superhydrides at megabar pressures has been recently achieved experimentally in several superhydride compounds, including lanthanum decahydride with $$T _{c}$$

T
c

of about 250 K under high pressure of about 150 GPa. Though superconductivity should be governed by the phonon mechanism in these compounds, which is evident due to the measured deuterium isotope effect in LaD10, we believe that the choice of small values of the effective Coulomb constant, used in theoretical calculations of the critical temperature, merits farther substantiation. We discuss the possibility for the collective acoustic electronic excitations (acoustic plasmons) to appear in the collective spectra of superhydrides thus facilitating the suppression of the Coulomb repulsion. In LaH10 the conditions for such mechanism arise due to the hybridization of La 4f and H 1s states near the Fermi level in the vicinity of the L-point of the Brillouin zone. A simple model approximation for the resulting conducting band allows us to show that in a certain portion of quasimomentum space an acoustic branch should appear in the spectrum of the collective electronic excitations in LaH10, arguably reducing the effective Coulomb constant.
An Improvement Heuristic Based on Variable Neighborhood Search for Dynamic Orienteering Problems with Changing Node Values and Changing Budgets
Authors: Le Hoang Thanh , Middendorf Martin , Shi Yuhui
Published: June 2022

We study the Dynamic Orienteering Problem (DOP) with changing node values and changing budgets. It is a complex combinatorial optimization problem with many applications, e.g., in tour planning. To solve the DOP, an improvement heuristic based on Variable Neighborhood Search$$\mathrm {VNS}_{\mathrm {DOP}}$$VNSDOPis proposed. In addition, three methods for handling solutions that became invalid by budget changes are presented. Heuristic$$\mathrm {VNS}_{\mathrm {DOP}}$$VNSDOPis experimentally compared with two improvement heuristics based on state-of-the-art algorithms for the static Orienteering Problem. In addition, the influence of the three invalid solution handling methods on the algorithms’ optimization behavior is evaluated experimentally. For the experiments, benchmark instances as well as instances generated from existing road networks are used. As a quality measure for the algorithms, their performance over time is used. The results show that both types of dynamic changes, i.e., changes in the node values and changes in the budget, lead to higher volatility in the results for all compared algorithms. However, the latter type has a more negative effect on the performance. Out of the compared algorithms, the proposed heuristic$$\mathrm {VNS}_{\mathrm {DOP}}$$VNSDOPobtains the best results in most cases on a variety of problem instances with dynamic node values and dynamic budgets, showing that it has a high performance over time in dynamic environments and is able to deal with different levels of dynamic changes. For DOPs with changing budgets, the invalid solution handling method that repairs solutions by fixing the violation of the budget constraint as fast as possible performs best for the considered algorithms.
Neurological Associations Among COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Radwan Nashwa , Mahmoud Nagla , Alkattan Abdullah , Alfaifi Amal , Alabdulkareem Khaled
Published: June 2022

Background

The global threat of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has reached a high level and the outbreak has been declared as a pandemic. This disease affects different organs and systems including the central nervous system. In this study, we aimed to clarify the development of neurological complications in patients with COVID-19 and the factors associated with these conditions.

Methodology

Two authors independently searched the Cochrane, Trip, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases from January 2020 to February 2021. The literature search included studies written in English and related to neurological complications in COVID-19 patients. Then, the two authors independently determined the characteristics and risk of bias of the included studies. Finally, we analyzed the data using odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

This review involved 4401 patients with COVID-19 from six observational studies. Overall, low to moderate heterogeneity was recorded among the included studies. A high risk of bias was not detected in any of the domains studied, although there were some low risks of bias and heterogeneity. Of the included patients, 8.24% developed neurological manifestations, including delirium (84.3%), myalgia (44.8%), headache (37.7%), encephalopathy (31.8%), dizziness (29.7%), dysgeusia (15.9%), anosmia (11.45), acute ischemic stroke (4.6%), cerebrovascular disease (1.78%), and intracerebral hemorrhage (0.5%). The severity of COVID-19 and the association of underlying comorbidity (predominantly hypertension) increased the risk of neurological complications among COVID-19 patients by fourfold (OR 4.30, CI 2.54–7.29 and OR 4.01, CI 1.05–15.36, respectively). Patients with heart diseases, diabetes, and dyslipidemia had a twofold higher risk of developing neurological complications (OR 2.53, CI 1.01–6.33; OR 2.31, CI 1.15–4.65; and OR 2.13, CI 1.52–3.00, respectively).

Conclusion

Our analysis indicated that neurological complications were uncommon in patients with COVID-19. Age, male sex, smoking, the severity of disease, and underlying comorbidity, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, were identified as significant risk factors for neurological complications in COVID-19 patients.
Transformative Experience, Awareness Growth, and the Limits of Rational Planning
Authors: Steele Katie , Stefánsson H. Orri
Published: June 2022

Laurie Paul argues that, when it comes to many of your most significant life-changing decisions, the principles of rational choice are silent. That is because, in these cases, you anticipate that one of your choice options would yield a transformative experience. We argue that such decisions are best seen as ones in which you anticipate awareness growth. You do not merely lack knowledge about which possible outcome will arise from a transformative option; you lack knowledge about what are the possible outcomes. We show how principles of rational choice can be extended to cases of anticipated awareness growth.
A NOTE ON THE NUMBER OF SOLUTIONS OF TERNARY PURELY EXPONENTIAL DIOPHANTINE EQUATIONS
Authors: FUJITA YASUTSUGU , LE MAOHUA , TERAI NOBUHIRO
Published: June 2022

Let a, b, c be fixed coprime positive integers with
$\min \{a,b,c\}>1$
. We discuss the conjecture that the equation
$a^{x}+b^{y}=c^{z}$
has at most one positive integer solution
$(x,y,z)$
with
$\min \{x,y,z\}>1$
, which is far from solved. For any odd positive integer r with
$r>1$
, let
$f(r)=(-1)^{(r-1)/2}$
and
$2^{g(r)}\,\|\, r-(-1)^{(r-1)/2}$
. We prove that if one of the following conditions is satisfied, then the conjecture is true: (i)
$c=2$
; (ii) a, b and c are distinct primes; (iii)
$a=2$
and either
$f(b)\ne f(c)$
, or
$f(b)=f(c)$
and
$g(b)\ne g(c)$
.
A dual-drive four joint time-sharing control walking power-assisted flexible exoskeleton robot system
Authors: Li Jinke , He Yong , Sun Jianquan , Li Pengfei , Wu Xinyu
Published: June 2022

Exoskeleton robot can assist people and reduce energy consumption when they walk with heavy weight, so as to protect their health and travel longer distances. This work analyzes the cross gait during walking and designs a dual-drive four joint time-sharing assistance exoskeleton system, which controls the four joints through two motors to realize the assistance to the wearer’s movement process. The control curve and adaptive control algorithm are designed to help different people with various walking gaits and speeds, the effectiveness of exoskeleton system is proved by testing metabolism. When the exoskeleton wearer carries 25 kg weight (load equal to 36% of body mass) and travels at the average speed of 5 km/h, the metabolic rate of the exoskeleton wearers decreases by an average of 7.79%, the reduction magnitude is comparable to the effect of taking off 7.33 kg during walking.
Betahistine Attenuates Seizures, Neurodegeneration, Apoptosis, and Gliosis in the Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus in a Mouse Model of Epilepsy: A Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Biochemical Study
Authors: Shalaby Amany Mohamed , Sharaf Eldin Heba EM , Abdelsameea Ahmed Ahmed , Abdelnour Hanim Magdy , Alabiad Mohamed Ali , Elkholy Mahmoud Ramadan , Aboregela Adel Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Epilepsy is a prevalent and chronic neurological disorder marked by recurring, uncontrollable seizures of the brain. Chronic or repeated seizures produce memory problems and induce damage to different brain regions. Histamine has been reported to have neuroprotective effects. Betahistine is a histamine analogue. The current research investigated the effects of convulsions on the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of adult male albino mice and assessed the possible protective effect of betahistine. Four groups of 40 adult male mice were organized: control, betahistine (10 mg/kg/day), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (40 mg/kg/ on alternate days), and Betahistine-PTZ group received betahistine 1 h before PTZ. PTZ induced a substantial rise in glutamate level and a considerable decrease in histamine level. Structural changes in the cerebral cortex and cornu ammonis (CA1) of the hippocampus were detected in the pattern of neuron degeneration. Some neurons were shrunken with dark nuclei, and others had faintly stained ones. Focal accumulation of neuroglial cells and ballooned nerve cells of the cerebral cortex were also detected. Cleaved caspase-3, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 showed substantial increases, while synaptophysin expression was significantly reduced. Interestingly, these changes were less prominent in mice pretreated with betahistine. In conclusion, betahistine had shown neuroprotective properties against brain damage induced by convulsions.