bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily snowfall events on the Eurasian continent: CMIP6 models evaluation and projection
Authors: Lin Wenqing , Chen Huopo
Published: March 2022

This study evaluated the performance of 23 models participating in Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in simulating snowfall variation across the Eurasian continent. The results show that the CMIP6 multi‐model ensemble (MME) can reasonably capture the climate means of snowfall indices for 1995–2014 period and has high pattern correlations with observations. However, most of CMIP6 models generally overestimate snowfall amounts, snowfall days and snowfall duration, and the overestimation is much clearer in spring. The performance of these models in simulating snowfall events with different grades (including light snowfall, moderate snowfall, heavy snowfall and snowstorm) becomes gradually poorer with higher snowfall levels. On the whole, the comprehensive model ranks implied that NorESM2‐MM, NorESM2‐LM and CESM2‐WACCM models showed the best performances. In addition, the CMIP6 MME outperforms individual models in terms of both spatial–temporal features and interannual variability; thus, the MME is used to project the snowfall change in the 21st century. Further evaluations show that by the end of this century, snowfall will decrease in most of Eurasia with an average value of 16.7% (31.3%) under the SSP2‐4.5 (SSP5‐8.5) scenarios, and snowfall days will decrease by 12.6 days (25.0 days); the snowfall duration will shorten further due to the first date of snowfall occurrence will postpone by 12.7 days (23.0 days) and the last date further advance by 15.0 days (26.7 days). Additionally, heavy snowfall, snowstorms and their number of days will increase over part of Northern Asia, the Tibetan Plateau and Central Asia, where the risk of snowfall extremes will increase. However, large inter‐model and scenario uncertainties also exist in the CMIP6 model projection of snowfall events, which requires further improvement.
Diagnostics of observed dry trends in Caribbean precipitation
Authors: Zermeño‐Díaz David Maximiliano
Published: March 2022

During the last decades, the variability of the Caribbean precipitation has been characterized by dry trends over land. Aiming to gain insights into their drivers from an observational perspective, in this study such trends are diagnosed in relation to their concomitant low‐tropospheric circulation by applying linear regressions and Canonical Correlation Analysis to different datasets, but particularly using GPCP and ERA5 for the 1979–2019 period. During this period, two multidecadal modes of natural variability exhibited one‐signed trends: the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) exhibited a positive trend, and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) exhibited a negative trend. However, as shown by the results, the influence of these large‐scale trends cannot be directly associated with the dry precipitation trends: their influence would explain a pattern of anomalous low‐tropospheric westerlies that typically tends to cause episodes of above‐average rainfall. Also, the observed dry trends cannot be associated with two circulation features that cause dry episodes in the region: an intrusion of the North Atlantic subtropical high, and an intensified Caribbean Low‐Level Jet. On the other hand, the results suggest that the dry trends might have been intensified by the land–sea contrast trend that has characterized the effects of global warming on the low‐tropospheric pressure fields during the last decades; land–sea contrast would increase the vertical stability over land, suppressing convection. From these results, the influence of the AMO and the PDO is speculated to have been instrumental in preventing even drier trends. These insights suggest that dry trends in the region might be expected to worsen in the coming decades since the AMO and the PDO are expected to change their phase, and the land–sea contrast trend is expected to continue with a positive trend.
Strategic behavior for hotel standby upgrade programs: Empirical evidence and pricing implications
Authors: Yılmaz Övünç , Ferguson Mark , Pekgün Pelin , Shang Guangzhi
Published: March 2022

Many hotels have recently started to offer room upgrades digitally after the completion of booking to replace traditional front‐desk upselling during check‐in. Quickly becoming popular for upselling the premium rooms that may otherwise go unsold, standby upgrade—an availability‐based, discounted premium room upgrade—is a prominent example. However, customers, in particular loyalty members, may become knowledgeable about standby upgrades through repeated interactions with this technology, and act strategically, that is, initially choose a standard room with the expectation of being offered a premium room discount through standby upgrades. Consequently, while enjoying the benefits of this program, hotels may face the potential cannibalization of premium sales due to such strategic behavior and need to adjust their pricing accordingly. Using a major hotel chain's 16‐month booking and standby upgrades data, we empirically investigate the existence and extent of strategic customers in the context of standby upgrades. After showing preliminary evidence of potential strategic behavior, we develop a maximum likelihood estimator to estimate the percentage of customers who are strategic. This estimator captures the sequential nature of customer decision‐making for standby upgrades (booking decision, clicking the standby upgrades offer, and requesting an upgrade) through a Sequential Logit Model. We find evidence of strategic behavior in three (out of eight) hotels examined. Considering both a weak‐form and a strong‐form strategic behavior, our estimates suggest that 12%–42% of the loyalty customers act strategically in these three properties. We then propose a new pricing policy to help hoteliers maximize their premium room revenues from direct bookings and standby upgrade requests. This policy recommends a discounted full price, but also a higher standby upgrade price for loyalty customers, which can bring a revenue improvement of up to 19% over a policy ignoring the strategic behavior and 34% over a policy assuming that all customers are strategic—two reasonable benchmarks without an estimate of the fraction of strategic customers. Our research, thus, provides insights for technology managers on the potential customer behavioral challenges that a hotel may face with the adoption of a disruptive digital technology, and how existing policies may need to be adjusted for the technology to be successful.
Preparative chromatography behavior of palmitoleic acid on octadecyl stationary phases with different densities
Authors: Jin Gaowa , Liu Lijie , Yang Yuanliu , Zhang Yan , Zhao Ping , Yu Dongping , Zhou Yongzheng , Guo Zhimou , Wang Hui , Liang Xinmiao
Published: March 2022

The availability of various high‐purity unsaturated fatty acids has a wide range of needs due to their different activities. The nonlinear preparative chromatography behavior and principle for purification of palmitoleic acid with octadecyl bonded stationary phases were studied. The peak broadening and the concentration distribution of the target compounds were used to compare different C18 stationary phases. In preparative liquid chromatography, the C18 stationary phases with low, medium, and high bonding density showed different peak broadening and concentration distribution results. Medium bonding density C18 was suitable for the purification of ethyl palmitoleic acid. The forward broadening was much greater than the backward broadening on medium bonding density C18 column. And the highest concentration distribution of impurities and the main peak was not crossed in this column. Due to the low content of crude ethyl palmitoleic acid sample, a two‐step purified method yields an oily product with purity of 96.57% in the GC method. This method would be universal and extensible for constructing purification method for other unsaturated fatty acids.
Enantioseparation of five racemic N‐alkyl drugs by reverse phase HPLC using sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin as a chiral mobile phase additive
Authors: Chen Ben , You Haibo , Fang Liqun , Lin Tingting , Xu Ping , Chu Chu , Tong Shengqiang
Published: March 2022

Analytical enantioseparations of five N‐alkyl drugs, fluoxetine hydrochloride, labetalol, venlafaxine hydrochloride, trans‐paroxol, and atropine sulfate, were investigated by reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin as chiral mobile phase additive. Effects of various factors such as composition of mobile phase, concentration of cyclodextrins, and column temperature on retention and enantioselectivity were studied. Apparent formation constant between methanol, acetonitrile, and sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin were determined to be 2.90 × 10−3 and 1.00 × 10−4 L mmol−1 under 25°C using UV‐spectrophotometry. Van't Hoff plots were used to investigate thermodynamic parameters for enantiomers–stationary phase interaction and formation of inclusion complex. Two retention models were employed individually for evaluation of inclusion complexation between five racemates and sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin. The second model with complex adsorption was more accord with the retention behavior of fluoxetine hydrochloride, labetalol, and venlafaxine hydrochloride enantiomers, while the first model was more consistent with the retention behaviors of trans‐paroxol and atropine sulfate. In the selected mobile phase, stoichiometric ratio for both of inclusion complex was found to be 1:1.
Estimating the complex patterns of survey availability for loggerhead turtles
Authors: Hatch Joshua M. , Haas Heather L. , Sasso Christopher R. , Patel Samir H. , Smolowitz Ronald J.
Published: March 2022

Successful management strategies are important for conservation and allow accurate surveying and monitoring of populations for presence, abundance, and trend. This becomes challenging for cryptic, low‐density species, and for animals that have complicated life histories where not every stage of the life cycle can be surveyed effectively. We used information from animal‐borne data loggers to characterize the dive‐surfacing behavior of cryptic loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the northwest Atlantic from 2009–2018. Our data covered a large geographic area off the east coast of North America, and allowed us to present estimates for and variation in 3 metrics that can be used to assess availability bias affecting visual surveys: average dive duration, average surface duration, and the proportion of time at the surface. We used a stochastic partial differential equation approach to construct spatiotemporal regression models for the availability bias metrics. Model predictions showed pronounced individual, spatial, and spatiotemporal (seasonal) variation among the 245 turtles. Overall, we estimated an average dive duration of 14.5 ± 1.36 minutes (SE), an average surface duration of 15.1 ± 2.77 minutes, and an average proportion of time at the surface of 0.50 (95% CI = 0.41–0.59). We made predictions of the 3 availability bias metrics on a 20‐km × 20‐km grid and further used predictions to explore seasonal variations. Our results contribute new insights into loggerhead turtle behavior and provide information that enables survey counts to be translated into more accurate abundance estimates.
Ultrasound‐targeted cationic microbubbles combined with the NFκB binding motif increase SDF‐1α gene transfection: A protective role in hearts after myocardial infarction
Authors: Yu Cai‐Gui , Deng Qing , Cao Sheng , Zhao Zhi‐Yu , Mei Dan‐E , Feng Chuang‐Li , Zhou Qing , Chen Jin‐Ling
Published: March 2022

Treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) remains a major challenge. The chemokine family plays an important role in cardiac injury, repair, and remodeling following MI, while stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 alpha (SDF‐1α) is the most promising therapeutic target. This study aimed to increase SDF‐1α expression using a novel gene delivery system and further explore its effect on MI treatment. In this study, two kinds of plasmids, human SDF‐1α plasmid (phSDF‐1α) and human SDF‐1α‐ nuclear factor κB plasmid (phSDF‐1α‐NFκB), were constructed and loaded onto cationic microbubble carriers, and the plasmids were released into MI rabbits by ultrasound‐targeted microbubble destruction. The transfection efficiency of SDF‐1α and the degree of heart repair were further explored and compared. In the MI rabbit models, transfection with phSDF‐1α‐NFκB resulted in higher SDF‐1α expression in peri‐infarct area compared with transfection with phSDF‐1α or no transfection. Upregulation of SDF‐1α was shown beneficial to these MI rabbit models, as demonstrated with better recovery of cardiac function, greater perfusion of the myocardium, more neovascularization, smaller infarction size and thicker infarct wall 1 month after treatment. Ultrasound‐targeted cationic microbubbles combined with the NFκB binding motif could increase SDF‐1α gene transfection, which would play a protective role after MI.
Recovery trends of reef carbonate budgets at remote coral atolls 6 years post‐bleaching
Authors: Lange Ines D. , Perry Chris T. , Stuhr Marleen
Published: March 2022

Coral bleaching events and resultant changes in benthic community composition and population size structure can diminish the important geo‐ecological functions reefs provide, including habitat provision and carbonate production to support reef accretion. Net reef carbonate budgets, the balance between carbonate production and erosion processes, are thus important functional indicators of reef health. This study quantifies changes in coral community composition and colony size structures, and the resultant reef carbonate budget trajectories after the 2015/2016 bleaching event in the remote Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean. ReefBudget surveys were conducted at 12 sites across three atolls in 2015, 2018, and 2021, with calculations of biological carbonate production and erosion supported by locally obtained calcification and bioerosion rates. Carbonate budgets (in G = kg CaCO3 m−2 yr−1) shifted from net positive states in 2015 (mean ± SD: 3.8 ± 2.6 G) to net negative states in 2018 (−2.4 ± 1.4 G) in response to bleaching‐driven mass coral mortality. By 2021, all sites were on a trajectory of recovery, but net budgets differed significantly between atolls (−2.0 ± 1.7 to 2.2 ± 1.4 G). At Salomon atoll, the threefold faster recovery of carbonate production and return to positive reef budget states only 6 yr post‐bleaching was associated with the persistence of high structural complexity and the rapid recovery of fast growing tabular Acropora spp. Inter‐atoll differences in colony size distributions furthermore illustrate that coral identity and size class are more important predictors of reef functions and post‐disturbance recovery speed than coral cover alone.
An ultrawideband TEM horn with dielectric filling characteristics investigation with the dependence on an aperture angle
Authors: Bobreshov Anatoly M. , Uskov Grigory K. , Lysenko Nikolay A. , Smuseva Ksenia V. , Sbitnev Nikita S.
Published: March 2022

This article presents a study on the optimal aperture angle for the ultrawideband TEM horn with the dielectric filling. The electromagnetic simulation is performed at a wide range of frequencies and angles. Comparison of the considered parameters, such as radiation pattern and voltage standing wave ratio of the horn with and without dielectric filling allows defining optimal angles of the antenna.
A hybrid photonic link for concurrent transmission of millimeter wave and Sub 6 Ghz wave using polarization modulator
Authors: J. M. Sruthi , Chandrasenan Archa , Sreeni K. G. , Jeena R. S. , Zacharias Joseph
Published: March 2022

A stable, simple, compact, and economical photonic link which enables the sending of millimeter‐wave (mm‐wave) along with Sub‐6 GHz wave signal simultaneously is proposed in this study. Instead of using the conventional high‐cost Mach Zehnder modulation‐based link, here a cost‐efficient polarization modulator is used. The polarization modulator is used to obtain the tuneable frequency response and also to get a better performance compared to the Mach Zehnder modulator‐based system which is widely used. The concept of free space optics is introduced in this proposed system to guarantee a higher power efficiency and a higher data transmission. The advantages of mm‐wave signals and Sub‐6 GHz wave signals can be obtained in parallel by the simultaneous transmission of both signals through the multiplexed link. A 16‐QAM modulation is employed for RF signal in both mm‐wave and Sub6 GHz signal. The performance of the designed link is verified by bit error rate (BER) and the simulation gives a very small value of BER which indicates the least probability of error.
To capitalise on the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, we need institutional redesign to empower advances in restoration ecology and rewilding
Authors: Jepson Paul R.
Published: March 2022

The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration signifies the ambition to move beyond a defensive focus on biodiversity protection towards a proactive agenda of restoring ecosystems to generate value for people and nature.

The international nature regime, based on the linked concepts of biodiversity and sustainable development, has achieved much. However, its institutions are built on a ‘compositional’ approach to ecology that ‘locks in’ arbitrary ecological baselines and constrains an ambitious approach to ecosystem restoration.

Rewilding and the wider field of restoration ecology foreground the dynamic nature of ecosystems, the need to consider system function and the importance of trophic networks for ecosystem recovery. Rewilding science extends these new directions with a focus on restoring the functional effects of large megafauna and random biotic and abiotic disturbance.

I argue that historic processes of institutional reductionism, which enabled the construction of a strong protective biodiversity regime, have created institutions that lack the flexibility and innovation culture needed to create new policy and practice to support the recovery of ecosystem integrity and open‐ended restoration processes such as rewilding.

Given this, we need to initiate ordered and effective processes of institutional redesign. To this end, I have proposed five actions for discussion, namely: (a) adopt and embed a positive, hopeful and empowering narrative of nature recovery; (b) create ‘nature recovery innovation zones’, where existing policy and regulations are relaxed and new approaches are developed and tested; (c) develop functional classifications of nature to support the design of ‘new generation’ policy instruments; (d) create markets for ecosystem recovery based on units of ecosystem change to support the emergence of a nature recovery land economy; and (e) introduce programs of professional training in the science, principles and opportunities of ecosystem recovery at all levels in government and non‐government conservation agencies.

The world of 2050 will be very different from that of today. We have extremely well‐educated and skilled younger generations, with the motivation and ability to redesign nature institutions. It is time to act and empower them.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Chirality of proteinoid nanoparticles made of lysine and phenylalanine
Authors: Lugasi Liroy , Otis Gil , Oliel Matan , Margel Shlomo , Mastai Yitzhak
Published: March 2022

Proteinoid nanoparticles composed ofl‐lysine andl‐phenylalanine were prepared and showed enantioselective adsorption ofl‐amino acids at various pH values, emphasizing the chiral nature of the particles. The adsorption was examined using circular dichroism, isothermal titration calorimetry and ζ‐potential measurements. Positively charged ammonium moieties on the proteinoid surface are most likely responsible for the enantioselective adsorption owing to their chirality which originates froml‐lysine. Accordingly, a higher enantiomeric excess was found for amino acids such as alanine with a more negative charge.
High‐strength and antistatic PET/CNTs bead foams prepared by scCO2 foaming and microwave sintering
Authors: Ma Wenjie , Liu Pengju , Xu Dawei , Wang Qi
Published: March 2022

This paper reported the high strength and antistatic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bead foam with a typical segregated structure prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) foaming and microwave selective sintering. Firstly, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were coated on the surface of PET pellets, and then the composite foam with segregated structure was prepared via scCO2 foaming in a confined mold. The interfaces among PET foamed beads were further sintered by utilizing the selective heating behaviors of microwave, which greatly enhanced the interfacial strength and thus the overall mechanical strength of bead foam. The final composite foam showed an electrical conductivity of 0.004 S/m with an extremely low CNTs loading of 0.138 vol%, and its mechanical strength reached as high as 10.44 MPa, far superior to the composite without microwave treatment. Thus, the problem in the welding of PET bead foams and antistatic properties could be solved. The effect of the foaming conditions on the structure and properties of PET foam were systematically investigated, providing a novel method for the preparation of high strength and antistatic engineering plastics composite foam.
Pluronic F127‐modified BaTiO3 for ceramic/polymer nanocomposite dielectric capacitor with enhanced energy storage performance
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhou Chuang , Cai Wei , Huang Fuxiang , Zhang Chunyan , Cao Liangliang , Meng Fancheng
Published: March 2022

Ceramic/polymer nanocomposites have been extensively explored for dielectric capacitor application due to their high energy storage performance and ease of processing, flexibility, and low cost. However, improving compatibility between inorganic and organic materials is of great significance and has been a long‐standing challenge. In this work, the polymer surfactant Pluronic™ F127 was employed to perform surface modification of BaTiO3 through a facile solution process. The compatibility between BaTiO3 nanoparticles and P (VDF‐HFP) can be remarkably strengthened by the affinity between F127 polymer chains and the organic matrix. Structural defects such as pores, cracks, and agglomeration of inorganic particles were obviously reduced, and interfacial polarization has been significantly enhanced. The discharged energy density Ud and charge–discharge efficiency η reach up to 5.0 J/cm3 and 58.1% under the breakdown strength of 3740 kV/cm for the nanocomposite containing 1 vol% BT@F127. These dielectric properties are clearly better than the nanocomposite using unmodified BT, as well as similar hybrids reported previously.
Effects of residual wax content on the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Gudiño Rivera Javier , Hernández Gámez José Francisco , Borjas Ramos José Javier , Salinas Hernández Myrna , Sánchez Martínez Deidré Itandehui
Published: March 2022

The influence of residual wax content on the thermal, rheological, and mechanical behavior of two high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) samples from different lots of the same supplier was characterized. HDPE with a low wax content presented a higher melting temperature and a wider melting endotherm. A decrease in the degree of crystallinity and thermal stability of HDPE with a higher wax content was observed. Thermograms obtained by DSC indicated a small additional exothermic transition associated with the exclusion of residual wax. A higher wax content in HDPE produces a decrease in its viscosity due to a lubricating effect, which allows the sliding of HDPE chains of high molecular weight. In contrast, HDPE with lower wax content achieves greater elongational viscosity and melt strength. The mechanical testing results show that HDPE with higher wax content presented lower Young's modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break, and Izod impact strength than HDPE with lower wax content. The results obtained show that a relatively slight difference in wax content significantly affects HDPE properties.
Pain, obesity, and physical function in Mexican American older adults during 20 years of follow‐up
Authors: Afunugo Wilma E. , Li Chih‐Ying , Chou Lin‐Na , Ward Frank , Al Snih Soham
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Pain remains largely undertreated in older adults irrespective of health care setting. Mexican American adults in the United States have a high age‐adjusted prevalence of obesity. However, the association of pain and obesity with physical function is understudied in this population.

Objective

To examine the association of co‐occurring pain and obesity with physical function over 20 years of follow‐up in a cohort of older Mexican Americans who scored ≥7 (moderate to high) in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test and were nondisabled at baseline.

Design

Longitudinal population‐based study.

Setting

Community‐dwelling older adults from Southwestern United States.

Participants

Mexican American adults age 65 years and older.

Interventions

Not Applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Physical function was assessed with the SPPB test (standing balance, timed 8‐ft walk, and five repeated timed chair stands). Participants at baseline were divided into four groups: no pain–no obesity (n = 869), obesity only (n = 282), pain only (n = 216), and pain‐obesity (n = 159). Generalized Estimating Equation models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of lower performance in physical function over 20 years as a function of pain‐obesity grouping.

Results

Participants with pain only (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.34–1.95) and with co‐occurring pain and obesity (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.83–2.95) had significantly greater odds of physical function impairment over those with no pain–no obesity or obesity only, after controlling for all covariates.

Conclusion

Older Mexican American adults were at high risk for physical function impairment over time if they had pain or co‐occurring pain and obesity. Early assessment and proper pain management as well as maintaining a healthy weight may reduce declines in physical function in older Mexican American adults.
Importance of higher‐level excited species in argon remote plasma sources: Numerical modeling with consideration of detailed chemical reaction pathways
Authors: Cheon Cheongbin , Yoon Jung Hwan , Jo Sanghyun , Kim Ho Jun , Lee Hae June
Published: March 2022

Stable plasma ignition of remote plasma sources (RPSs) for various plasma processes is essential to ensure the stability of the discharge, steady operating conditions, and high plasma density. In an RPS in which the gas pressure exceeds 1 Torr, the reaction paths leading to the high‐level excited state play an essential role in the power balance and energy cascade at high applied input power. In this study, 97 chemical reactions in a detailed reaction set involving argon discharge are investigated in the steady‐state to understand the extent to which the dominant reactions are affected by variations in the process parameters. We observed that the stepwise ionization process of the argon 4p excited state significantly contributes to sustaining high‐density plasmas in the near 1 Torr regime.
Respiratory physiotherapy in patients with cystic fibrosis and upper limb deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Israeli Tomer , Eisenstadt Iris , Shoseyov David , Armoni Shoshana , Gileles‐Hillel Alex , Cremisi Galit , Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena , Breuer Oded
Published: March 2022

We report physiotherapy management of two patients with severe cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease and upper limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These patients were admitted due to a pulmonary exacerbation. Following peripherally inserted central catheters, they were diagnosed with an upper limb DVT. Due to their underlying lung disease, physiotherapy was mandatory for improvement. However, the DVT and anticoagulation treatment raised concerns for pulmonary emboli and hemoptysis. A framework for physiotherapy management in these patients, using a set of precautions and restrictions to maintain airway clearance while minimizing the risk for pulmonary emboli and hemoptysis, was established. Using this set of instructions, the patients experienced no major adverse events while maintaining sufficient airway clearance to allow respiratory improvement. These precautions were continued until the upper limb DVTs were resolved. To our knowledge, there are currently no guidelines or expert opinions available. Therefore, this framework can help guide physiotherapy management
The impact of trade liberalization on individual fertility intention: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Li Hongyang , Shao Min , Shi Xinjie
Published: March 2022

How trade liberalization affects a country's fertility has been verified by some studies, but little is known about how export trade liberalization impacts individual fertility intention. Using China Health and Nutrition Survey data from 1997 to 2011 and regression analysis, this study finds that a decline in the average external tariff significantly improves the fertility intentions of married women. This conclusion remains robust after overcoming endogeneity problems using an alternative external proxy variable, adopting different average tariff calculation methods, adding other control variables, and considering the son preference. The mechanism test shows that export trade liberalization can affect married women's fertility intentions by affecting family income; moreover, the income effect dominates the substitution and intra‐marital income gap effects. This study provides a new perspective for understanding changes in fertility intention in developing countries. This perspective can promote academic research progress in this field and be of great significance in formulating effective policies to improve fertility intention.
A two‐stage adaptive clinical trial design with data‐driven subgroup identification at interim analysis
Authors: Johnston Sarah E. , Lipkovich Ilya , Dmitrienko Alex , Zhao Yan Daniel
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we consider randomized controlled clinical trials comparing two treatments in efficacy assessment using a time to event outcome. We assume a relatively small number of candidate biomarkers available in the beginning of the trial, which may help define an efficacy subgroup which shows differential treatment effect. The efficacy subgroup is to be defined by one or two biomarkers and cut‐offs that are unknown to the investigator and must be learned from the data. We propose a two‐stage adaptive design with a pre‐planned interim analysis and a final analysis. At the interim, several subgroup‐finding algorithms are evaluated to search for a subgroup with enhanced survival for treated versus placebo. Conditional powers computed based on the subgroup and the overall population are used to make decision at the interim to terminate the study for futility, continue the study as planned, or conduct sample size recalculation for the subgroup or the overall population. At the final analysis, combination tests together with closed testing procedures are used to determine efficacy in the subgroup or the overall population. We conducted simulation studies to compare our proposed procedures with several subgroup‐identification methods in terms of a novel utility function and several other measures. This research demonstrated the benefit of incorporating data‐driven subgroup selection into adaptive clinical trial designs.
Poly (ethylene terephthalate) nonwoven fabrics‐based membranes modified by electrospinning of thermoplastic polyurethane, nano SiO2 and Ag particles as medical packing materials
Authors: Liu Rongkun , Qu Meijie , Qiu Xuewen , Wang Hai , Fan Mingshuai , Zhang Ali , Chen Qiushan , Bin Yuezhen
Published: March 2022

Aiming at development of novel medical packings, poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)‐based membranes with hydrophobic and antibacterial properties were prepared by electrostatic spinning of a blend of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), nano SiO2 and Ag particles on PET nonwoven. In cooperation with electro‐spun TPU/SiO2 layer, the water contact angle (WCA) of PET nonwoven fabric was improved from 60° to 115–130°, and the water vapour transmission rate was 2200–2500 g/m2/24 h. It indicates that the modified PET nonwoven membrane exhibits a much better water resistance, highly increased hydrophobicity and moderate water permeability. Nano‐silver provided excellent antibacterial properties for this non‐cytotoxic PET/TPU/SiO2/Ag composite membranes. The PET/TPU/SiO2/Ag composite membranes had high mechanical properties, which exhibited a tensile strength of 56 MPa in the longitudinal direction and 35 MPa in the transversal direction, and tear strength of 30 kN/m in the longitudinal direction and 48 kN/m in the transversal direction. This new PET/TPU/SiO2/Ag composite membranes showed broad application prospects in the medical packaging industry.
COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine‐related interstitial lung disease: Two case reports and literature review
Authors: So Clara , Izumi Shinyu , Ishida Akane , Hirakawa Ryo , Kusaba Yusaku , Hashimoto Masao , Ishii Satoru , Miyazaki Hideki , Iikura Motoyasu , Hojo Masayuki
Published: March 2022

The Pfizer‐BioNTech mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2) is an effective and well‐tolerated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine. However, rare adverse events have been reported. We report two cases of COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine‐related interstitial lung disease (ILD). A 67‐year‐old man and a 70‐year‐old man with underlying ILD presented to our hospital with a few days of fever and respiratory symptoms after receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine. Drug‐related pneumonitis due to the COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine was diagnosed. One case was diagnosed with lymphocytic alveolitis by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and transbronchial lung cryobiopsy. Both patients were successfully treated with corticosteroids, and they attended outpatient clinics thereafter. Although the safety and efficacy of COVID‐19 vaccines have been established, further studies are needed to estimate long‐term data and reports of rare adverse reactions. We present the clinical course of two cases, review previously published case reports on COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine‐related ILD and discuss the relevant findings.
Holistic versus analytic thinking orientation and its relationship to the bullwhip effect
Authors: Brauch Manuel , Größler Andreas
Published: March 2022

Previous research has shown that decision‐makers contribute with individually varying intensity to the bullwhip effect, which refers to the amplification of demand variability along supply chains. This article examines whether differences in decision‐makers’ holistic versus analytic thinking orientation are related to these variations. The hypothesis is put forward that a stronger holistic thinking orientation is negatively correlated with the bullwhip effect. We also hypothesize that holistic thinkers report a higher use of information and that reported use of information is negatively correlated with the bullwhip effect. While no relationship was found between the overall thinking orientation and the bullwhip effect, a negative relationship was observed between one subdomain of the holistic versus analyic thinking orientation and the bullwhip effect. Furthermore, the results show that holistic thinking is not correlated with reported use of information and that only reported use of specific information is negatively related to the bullwhip effect. © 2022 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Synthesis of Ethynyl‐Thiophene Derivatives, Antioxidant Properties and ADME Analysis
Authors: Konus Metin , Algso Muheb , Yilmaz Can , Khorsheed Bahzad Ahmed , Köroğlu Aslı , Çetin Doğan , Ergin Derya , Kivrak Arif
Published: March 2022

Herein, novel alkyne based organic compounds, 2‐((2‐(methylthio)phenyl)ethynyl)thiophene (MAT) and 2‐ethynyl‐3‐(phenylethynyl)thiophene (DAT), were designed and synthesized via Pd‐catalyst cross‐coupling reactions. The isolated yields of MAT and DAT were obtained as 77 % and 96 %, respectively. After chemical characterization, radical scavenging activities and reduction power capacities of them were determined by DPPH, TEAC, phosphomolybdenum and reducing power methods. MAT showed higher radical scavenging activities than DAT, and comparable with the standard. Moreover, basic ADME properties were calculated in silico. Both of the newly synthesized derivatives were reported with the same moderate to good drug score of 0.42; and, having potential to pass through BBB and GI with no appointed toxic effects.
Funding ventures similar to one of us: How status dynamics within heterogeneous groups affect venture evaluation
Authors: Shen Xirong (Subrina) , Kim Heeyon , Li Jizhen
Published: March 2022

Research Summary

We examine how status dynamics in heterogeneous evaluator groups affect the evaluation of a target venture where some evaluators resemble the venture team while some do not. Using data from a funding competition in China, we theorize and empirically show that the emergence of a status hierarchy among evaluator group members based on top‐university affiliation leads non‐top‐university members to favor top‐university venture teams by (a) increasing the visibility and positive value of top‐university affiliation as a quality signal and (b) suppressing challenging questions directed at top‐university teams. By introducing small group status dynamics as an explanation for similarity bias in venture evaluation, we contribute to the literature on resource mobilization in early‐stage entrepreneurship.

Managerial Summary

Despite the wide use of heterogeneous teams in venture evaluation, similarity bias—a preference for venture teams that resemble the members of an evaluation group—is still prevalent. This study shows that, under certain conditions, heterogeneous evaluation teams might not be a solution for similarity bias. We identify a group‐level source of similarity bias—the emergence of a status hierarchy among evaluators based on affiliation with top universities—which makes top‐university affiliation a more salient and positive quality signal in venture evaluation, particularly for evaluators who are not affiliated with top universities.
Do managers capture the value they create? Drivers of managers' value capture in a large retail chain
Authors: De Stefano Federica , Bidwell Matthew , Camuffo Arnaldo
Published: March 2022

Research Summary

We investigate the relationship between value creation and value capture among frontline managers. Using longitudinal data from a restaurant chain, we find that those managers who persistently create more value for the firm capture just 0.5% of that extra value through their pay. We explore the reasons for this limited managerial value capture using an abductive approach. We find some evidence that value capture may be limited by lack of alternative employment opportunities. More extensive evidence suggests that the employer often struggled to identify individual contributions to value creation, limiting managerial rewards. We discuss the theoretical implications of such limited managerial value capture for the strategic human capital literature.

Managerial Summary

Frontline managers can differ in how much they contribute to firm profitability. Do those managers who contribute the most to firm performance also capture those benefits back through higher pay? In a study of restaurant managers, we find that managers differ substantially in the profits that they create, but that the most profitable managers only capture 0.5% of the extra profits they create. We also find evidence that the firm often fails to identify which managers are the most persistently profitable, potentially reducing the rewards paid to those managers. By demonstrating that differences in performance are not balanced by differences in pay, we show how high‐performing managers can be an important strategic resource for organizations.
Protocells: Milestones and Recent Advances
Authors: Gözen Irep , Köksal Elif Senem , Põldsalu Inga , Xue Lin , Spustova Karolina , Pedrueza‐Villalmanzo Esteban , Ryskulov Ruslan , Meng Fanda , Jesorka Aldo
Published: March 2022

The origin of life is still one of humankind's great mysteries. At the transition between nonliving and living matter, protocells, initially featureless aggregates of abiotic matter, gain the structure and functions necessary to fulfill the criteria of life. Research addressing protocells as a central element in this transition is diverse and increasingly interdisciplinary. The authors review current protocell concepts and research directions, address milestones, challenges and existing hypotheses in the context of conditions on the early Earth, and provide a concise overview of current protocell research methods.
Incorporating Boron into Niobic Acid Nanosheets Enables Generation of Multiple Reactive Oxygen Species for Superior Antibacterial Action
Authors: Ran Bei , Ran Lei , Hou Jungang , Peng Xiaojun
Published: March 2022

Photocatalytic therapy is an alternative antibacterial pathway but most photocatalysts are limited by light absorption, charge transfer and insufficient production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, the authors utilize boron doped niobic acid nanosheets (B‐HNbO3 NSs) as a superior photocatalytic antibacterial platform. The experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) confirm that superior photocatalytic therapy activity is mainly due to boron doping, which not only promotes the generation and separation of electrons and holes, but also enhances the adsorption of water and oxygen molecules on B‐HNbO3 NSs. Consequently, multiple ROS including hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide radicals (•O2−), and singlet oxygen (1O2) are generated under light irradiation, resulting in outstanding bacterial killing ability of B‐HNbO3 NSs. Besides, oxygen is produced during the therapy process, thus alleviating the inflammatory response caused by hypoxia. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations verify that the nanosheet structure makes it possess strong electrostatic attraction for bacterial cell membranes, leading to physical insertion and damage to bacterial cells. Therefore, bactericidal rates for four types of bacteria are all more than 99%, proving its excellent and broad‐spectrum antibacterial capacity. Moreover, B‐HNbO3 NSs could be applied to treat biofilm‐coated medical devices in vivo, suggesting its possibility in practical application.
Liquefied Polysaccharides‐Based Polymer with Tunable Condensed State Structure for Antimicrobial Shield by Multiple Processing Methods
Authors: Yuan Hua , Yang Shiwen , Yan Hao , Guo Jiayi , Zhang Wenchao , Yu Qiao , Yin Xianze , Tan Yeqiang
Published: March 2022

The phase behavior of biomolecules containing persistent molecular entities is generally limited due to their characteristic size that exceeds the intermolecular force field. Consequently, favorable properties normally associated with the liquid phase of a substance, such as fluidity or processability, are not relevant for the processing of biomolecules, thus hindering the optimal processing of biomolecules. The implied problem that arises is how to convert folded biomolecules to display a richer phase behavior. To alleviate this dilemma, a generic approach to liquefied polysaccharides‐based polymers is proposed, resulting in a polysaccharide fluid with a tunable condensed state structure (solid‐gel‐liquid). Polysaccharide biobased fluids materials transcend the limits of the physical state of the biobased material itself and can even create completely new properties (different processing methods as well as functions) in a variety of polymeric structures. Considering the solvent incompatible high and low‐temperature applications, this method will have a great influence on the design of nanostructures of biomolecular derivatives and is expected to transform biomass materials such as polysaccharide biopolymers from traditional use to resource use, ultimately leading to the efficient use of biomass materials and their sustainability.
Advancing to 4.6 V Review and Prospect in Developing High‐Energy‐Density LiCoO2 Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Si‐Dong , Qi Mu‐Yao , Guo Si‐Jie , Sun Yong‐Gang , Tan Xin‐Xin , Ma Pei‐Zhong , Li Jin‐Yang , Yuan Rong‐Zhong , Cao An‐Min , Wan Li‐Jun
Published: March 2022

Layered LiCoO2 (LCO) is one of the most important cathodes for portable electronic products at present and in the foreseeable future. It becomes a continuous push to increase the cutoff voltage of LCO so that a higher capacity can be achieved, for example, a capacity of 220 mAh g–1 at 4.6 V compared to 175 mAh g–1 at 4.45 V, which is unfortunately accompanied by severe capacity degradation due to the much‐aggravated side reactions and irreversible phase transitions. Accordingly, strict control on the LCO becomes essential to combat the inherent instability related to the high voltage challenge for their future applications. This review begins with a discussion on the relationship between the crystal structures and electrochemical properties of LCO as well as the failure mechanisms at 4.6 V. Then, recent advances in control strategies for 4.6 V LCO are summarized with focus on both bulk structure and surface properties. One closes this review by presenting the outlook for future efforts on LCO‐based lithium ion batteries (LIBs). It is hoped that this work can draw a clear map on the research status of 4.6 V LCO, and also shed light on the future directions of materials design for high energy LIBs.
Die Zweite Hinterrheinbrücke Reichenau – eine 100 Jahre jüngere Schwester
Authors: Galmarini Andreas , Ludin Matthias , Sidler Roman , Firth Ian , Savery Trojaborg Steen
Published: March 2022

Die Zweite Hinterrheinbrücke ist eine preisgekrönte neue, 200 m lange, eingleisige Eisenbahnbrücke über den Rhein und die Autobahn A 13 in einem malerischen Tal in den Schweizer Alpen. Die vierfeldrige Brücke liegt unmittelbar neben einer historischen Stahlfachwerk‐Eisenbahnbrücke von 1896. Als Zubringer dieses historischen Bauwerks überspannt eine neue, 50 m lange Brücke die Autobahn A 13. Die beiden Brücken wurden an einem sowohl aus Sicht der Verkehrsinfrastruktur als auch der Landschaft und des Kulturerbes äußerst bedeutenden und sensiblen Standort sorgfältig geplant. Die Träger haben einen identischen Trogquerschnitt mit zwei seitlichen trapezförmigen Stahlkästen und einer halb versenkten, quer ausgesteiften Fahrbahnplatte. Die Träger wurden in der Werkstatt in Segmenten hergestellt und auf der Baustelle zu bis zu 50 m langen Einhubsegmenten zusammengesetzt. Das letzte Segment wurde auf den bereits erbauten Teil der Brücke gehoben und über die Autobahn geschoben. Auf der fertigen Brücke wurden vor der Inbetriebnahme mit zwei Lokomotiven Belastungstests durchgeführt. Der Entwurf Sora Giuvna war der Gewinner eines internationalen Wettbewerbs im Jahre 2015.