bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imputation of Missing SST Observation Data Using Multivariate Bidirectional RNN
Authors: Shin YongTak , Kim Dong-Hoon , Kim Hyeon-Jae , Lim Chaewook , Woo Seung-Buhm
Published: August 2022

The data of the missing section among the vertex surface sea temperature observation data was imputed using the Bidirectional Recurrent Neural Network(BiRNN). Among artificial intelligence techniques, Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), which are commonly used for time series data, only estimate in the direction of time flow or in the reverse direction to the missing estimation position, so the estimation performance is poor in the long-term missing section. On the other hand, in this study, estimation performance can be improved even for long-term missing data by estimating in both directions before and after the missing section. Also, by using all available data around the observation point (sea surface temperature, temperature, wind field, atmospheric pressure, humidity), the imputation performance was further improved by estimating the imputation data from these correlations together. For performance verification, a statistical model, Multivariate Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE), a machine learning-based Random Forest model, and an RNN model using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) were compared. For imputation of long-term missing for 7 days, the average accuracy of the BiRNN/ statistical models is 70.8%/61.2%, respectively, and the average error is 0.28 degrees/0.44 degrees, respectively, so the BiRNN model performs better than other models. By applying a temporal decay factor representing the missing pattern, it is judged that the BiRNN technique has better imputation performance than the existing method as the missing section becomes longer.
Educação superior para o desenvolvimento sustentável: perspectiva brasileira dos cursos de graduação na área ambiental
Authors: Da Silva Junior Monaldo Begot , Mendes Ronaldo Lopes Rodrigues , Soares Monique Helen Cravo
Published: August 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o papel da educação superior para o desenvolvimento sustentável. Para isso, pretende-se investigar a trajetória dos cursos de graduação na área ambiental, os quais possuem em seu bojo a construção de conhecimentos e habilidades interdisciplinares para a formação e aprendizagem ambiental, no Brasil. Propõe-se identificar a oferta de cursos de graduação na área ambiental, considerando a disponibilidade destes cursos; os candidatos inscritos; e os discentes concluintes. Além disso, dedica-se ao debate da sustentabilidade no ensino superior por meio da problematização das questões ambientais em cursos de graduação nesta área. Este artigo tem caráter bibliográfico-documental, quantitativo, descritivo e exploratório, utiliza-se de estatística simples, abrange o período de 2001 a 2017, e se utiliza de dados públicos da Sinopse Estatística da Educação Superior, do Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira, do Ministério da Educação. A análise da trajetória dos cursos de graduação na área ambiental demonstra um grande crescimento da disponibilidade destes cursos, dos candidatos inscritos e dos discentes concluintes, desde o ano de 2001 até o ano de 2012. A partir daí, a análise apresenta como característica um sucessivo decrescimento, tanto da disponibilidade de cursos, quanto dos candidatos inscritos e dos discentes concluintes, até o ano de 2017. Conclui-se que a educação superior na área ambiental é fundamental para a promoção do desenvolvimento sustentável no Brasil, logo, o país poderia fortalecer o ensino superior nesta área.
Imagem e educação: uso da fotografia no processo de ensino-aprendizagem de Botânica
Authors: SILVA VANESSA THOMAZINI DA , Aoyama Elisa Mitsuko Aoyama
Published: August 2022

No contexto atual, grande parte das pessoas que passam pela educação básica vê a botânica como matéria escolar árida, entediante e fora do contexto moderno. As plantas, apesar de nos cercarem e nos servirem a todo momento, raramente são enxergadas, identificas ou usadas como exemplo de seres vivos. Compreendendo que imagem antecede outros signos na construção de ideias, sendo um dos primeiros canais de percepção do ser humano, e que o avanço tecnológico e o crescimento das redes sociais têm expandido cada vez mais o papel da fotografia na sociedade, nos questionamos sobre utilidade deste recurso para o ensino de biologia vegetal. Neste panorama este estudo tem por objetivo compreender as possibilidades de uso linguagem fotográfica no ensino de Botânica. O estudo foi realizado por meio de revisão bibliográfica, as informações levantadas foram tratadas por meio de análise de conteúdo, em uma abordagem qualitativa. O referencial teórico pautou-se em estudos sobre temas como: o ensino de botânica na educação básica, os instrumentos de ensino de botânica, imagem e contemporaneidade, contexto histórico, multiplicidade e usos pedagógicos da fotografia. Considerando os pressupostos teóricos foi possível demonstrar que são grandes as potencialidades do uso da fotografia para o ensino de Botânica, podendo ser empregadas também em diversas outras áreas. Evidenciamos que a imagem fotográfica pode ser em si uma fonte de aprendizagem, podendo ser utilizada como meio de pesquisa, levantamento de conhecimentos prévios e até mesmo como exercício de avaliação.
Perfil‌ ‌e‌ ‌estratégias‌ ‌de‌ ‌famílias‌ de ‌escolas‌ ‌privadas‌ ‌de‌ ‌Belo‌ ‌Horizonte‌ ‌durante‌ ‌a‌ ‌pandemia‌ de COVID-19 ‌
Authors: Quadros João Eduardo
Published: August 2022

O‌ ‌texto‌ ‌apresenta‌ ‌pesquisa‌ ‌acerca‌ ‌das‌ ‌estratégias‌ ‌educativas‌ ‌empregadas‌  por‌ ‌famílias‌ ‌cujos‌ ‌filhos‌ ‌estavam‌ ‌matriculados‌ ‌em‌ ‌escolas‌ ‌privadas‌ ‌de‌ ‌Belo‌ Horizonte‌ ‌durante‌ ‌o‌ ‌ano‌ ‌de‌ ‌2020,‌ ‌no‌ ‌contexto‌ ‌do‌ ‌ensino‌ ‌remoto‌ ‌imposto‌ ‌pela‌ pandemia‌ ‌de‌ ‌COVID-19.‌ ‌Primeiramente,‌ ‌foi‌ ‌utilizado‌ ‌um‌ ‌questionário‌ ‌digital,‌ objetivando‌ ‌traçar‌ ‌um‌ ‌perfil‌ ‌sociológico‌ ‌dos‌ ‌sujeitos.‌ ‌Em‌ ‌seguida,‌ ‌foram‌ ‌realizadas‌ entrevistas‌ ‌semiestruturadas‌ ‌que‌ ‌visaram‌ ‌conhecer‌ ‌detalhes‌ ‌das‌ ‌estratégias‌ ‌que‌ as‌ ‌famílias‌ ‌utilizavam‌ ‌para‌ ‌lidar com ‌essa‌ ‌modalidade‌ atípica‌ ‌de‌ ‌educação‌ ‌em‌ ‌ambiente‌ ‌doméstico.‌ ‌Os‌ ‌resultados‌ ‌indicam‌ ‌que‌ ‌as‌ ‌famílias‌ convertem‌ ‌as‌ ‌vantagens‌ ‌proporcionadas‌ ‌pelos‌ ‌seus‌ ‌capitais‌ ‌em‌ ‌estratégias‌ educacionais‌ ‌de‌ ‌dimensão‌ ‌material‌ ‌e‌ ‌cultural‌ ‌decisivas‌ ‌para‌ ‌melhor‌ ‌lidar‌ ‌com‌ ‌o‌ contexto‌ ‌adverso‌ ‌do‌ ‌ensino‌ ‌remoto.‌ ‌
Associations Between Genetic Risk for Adult Suicide Attempt and Suicidal Behaviors in Young Children in the US
Authors: Lee Phil H. , Doyle Alysa E. , Silberstein Micah , Jung Jae-Yoon , Liu Richard T. , Perlis Roy H. , Roffman Joshua , Smoller Jordan W. , Fava Maurizio , Kessler Ronald C.
Published: August 2022

Importance

Suicide rates have been increasing among youth in the US. While the heritability of suicide risk is well established, there is limited understanding of how genetic risk is associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young children.

Objective

To examine whether genetic susceptibility to suicide attempts (SAs) is associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case-control study examined data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a population-based longitudinal study of 11 878 US children enrolled at age 9 and 10 years from September 2016 to November 2018. Youth reports of suicidal ideation (SI) and SAs were obtained from the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia at baseline and 2 subsequent years. After conservative quality control of genotype data, this analysis focused on 4344 unrelated individuals of European ancestry. Data analysis was conducted from November 2020 to February 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Children’s lifetime experiences of SI and SAs were assessed each year from ages 9 to 10 years to ages 11 to 12 years. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for SAs were calculated for ABCD study participants based on the largest genome-wide association study of SA cases and controls of European ancestry (total sample n = 518 612).

Results

Of 4344 children of European ancestry (2045 [47.08%] female; mean [SD] age, 9.93 [0.62] years), significant associations were found between children’s SA PRSs and their lifetime SAs with the most robust association in the follow-up year 2 (odds ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.18-1.75]; corrected P = 1.85 × 10−3; Nagelkerke pseudo R2 = 1.51%). These associations remained significant after accounting for children’s sociodemographic backgrounds, psychopathology symptoms, parental histories of suicide and mental health, and PRSs for major depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (likelihood ratio test P < .05). Children’s depressive mood and aggressive behavior were the most significant partial mediators of SA genetic risk on SAs (mediation analysis P < 1 × 10−16). Children’s behavioral problems, such as attention problems, rule-breaking behavior, and social problems, also partially mediated the association of SA PRSs with SAs (mediation analysis false discover rate < 0.05).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study’s findings indicate that there may be genetic factors associated with SA risk across the life span and suggest behaviors and conditions through which the risk could be mediated in childhood. Further research is warranted to examine whether incorporating genetic data could improve the identification of children at risk for suicide.
Practical Approaches to Foster Diversity in Surgical Faculty Recruitment
Authors: Massick Susan , King KMarie , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: August 2022

This Viewpoint discusses a targeted and purposeful approach to help standardize the process to identify, recruit, and hire diverse talent.
Many‐Body Molecular Interactions in a Memristor
Authors: Rath Santi P. , Thompson Damien , Goswami Sreebrata , Goswami Sreetosh
Published: August 2022

Electronic transitions in molecular‐circuit elements hinge on complex interactions between molecules and ions, offering a multidimensional parameter space to embed, access, and optimize material functionalities for target‐specific applications. This opportunity is not cultivated in molecular memristors because their low‐temperature charge transport, which is a route to decipher molecular many‐body interactions, is unexplored. To address this, robust, temperature‐resilient molecular memristors based on a Ru complex of an azo aromatic ligand are designed, and current–voltage sweep measurements from room temperature down to 2 K with different cooling protocols are performed. By freezing out or activating different components of supramolecular dynamics, the local Coulombic interactions between the molecules and counterions that affect the electronic transport can be controlled. Operating conditions are designed where functionalities spanning bipolar, unipolar, nonvolatile, and volatile memristors with sharp as well as gradual analog transitions are captured within a single device. A mathematical design space evolves, thereof comprising 36 tuneable parameters in which all possible steady‐state functional variations in a memristor characteristic can be attainable. This enables a deterministic design route to engineer neuromorphic devices with unprecedented control over the transformation characteristics governing their functional flexibility and tunability.
Strategies for Improving Solubility of Redox‐Active Organic Species in Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries: A Review
Authors: Wang Xiao , Gautam Rajeev K. , Jiang Jianbing “Jimmy”
Published: August 2022

Redox flow batteries (RFB) have emerged as one of the most promising technologies for large‐scale energy storage owing to their high safety, long operation life, and decoupled design of energy and power. However, the problems of high cost and low energy density restrict their further development. The cost merit and tunable structure of organic redox‐active materials have prompted the development of organic RFBs. The solubility of the redoxmer is recognized as a parameter that contributes directly to the energy density. Herein, we focus on strategies for enhancing the solubility of organic redoxmers in aqueous RFBs. The effects of incorporating different hydrophilic functional groups on the solubility of the redoxmer and its effect on the performance of other batteries are systematically and exhaustively described. Other strategies, such as molecular symmetry tuning and employing more soluble counterions and cosolvents, are also summarized. The development trends and prospects for organic RFBs are also discussed.
All‐in‐one microfluidic design to integrate vascularized tumor spheroid into high‐throughput platform
Authors: Kim Youngtaek , Ko Jihoon , Shin Nari , Park Seonghyuk , Lee Seung‐Ryeol , Kim Suryong , Song Jiyoung , Lee Seokjun , Kang Kyung‐Sun , Lee Jeeyun , Jeon Noo Li
Published: August 2022

The development of a scalable and highly reproducible in vitro tumor microenvironment (TME) platform still sheds light on new insights into cancer metastasis mechanisms and anticancer therapeutic strategies. Here, we present an all‐in‐one injection molded plastic array three‐dimensional culture platform (All‐in‐One‐IMPACT) that integrates vascularized tumor spheroids for highly reproducible, high‐throughput experimentation. This device allows the formation of self‐assembled cell spheroids on a chip by applying the hanging drop method to the cell culture channel. Then, when the hydrogel containing endothelial cells and fibroblasts is injected, the spheroid inside the droplet can be patterned together in three dimensions along the culture channel. In just two steps above, we can build a vascularized TME within a defined area. This process does not require specialized user skill and minimizes error‐inducing steps, enabling both reproducibility and high throughput of the experiment. We have successfully demonstrated the process, from spheroid formation to tumor vascularization, using patient‐derived cancer cells (PDCs) as well as various cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we performed combination therapies with Taxol (paclitaxel) and Avastin (bevacizumab), which are used in standard care for metastatic cancer. The All‐in‐One IMPACT is a powerful tool for establishing various anticancer treatment strategies through the development of a complex TME for use in high‐throughput experiments.
Modeling of Batch Organic Dye Adsorption Using Modified Metal‐Organic Framework‐5
Authors: Dahlan Irvan , Wan Mazlan Wan Hamizan , Mulkan Andi , Zwain Haider M. , Hassan Siti Roshayu , Aziz Hamidi Abdul , Hasan Harahsheh Yazeed Ahmad , Zekker Ivar
Published: August 2022

Modeling and simulation of batch adsorption of the organic dye methylene blue (MB) by modified metal‐organic framework‐5 (MOF‐5) were investigated. The reported data on the adsorption of MB dye onto Wells‐Dawson acids (H6P2W18O62)‐immobilized MOF‐5 were employed. The film‐pore diffusion model was developed based on external mass transfer coefficient and pore diffusion coefficient that govern the mass transfer process in batch organic dye adsorption. Applying the estimated parameters, the MB adsorption by using modified MOF‐5 was examined to evaluate the effects of MOF‐5 modification, initial dye concentration, temperature, and the dosage of adsorbent. The adsorption capacity of modified MOF‐5 (H6P2W18O62/MOF‐5) was higher than pure MOF‐5. Besides, a lower initial MB dye concentration, higher temperature, and lower adsorbent dosage resulted in higher MB dye adsorption capacity.
Computational Insights of Selective Intramolecular O‐atom Transfer Mediated by Bioinspired Copper Complexes
Authors: Gamboa‐Ramirez Stefani , Faure Bruno , Réglier Marius , Simaan A. Jalila , Orio Maylis
Published: August 2022

The stereoselective copper‐mediated hydroxylation of intramolecular C−H bonds from tridentate ligands is reinvestigated using DFT calculations. The computational study aims at deciphering the mechanism of C−H hydroxylation obtained after reaction of Cu(I) precursors with dioxygen, using ligands bearing either activated (L1) or non‐activated (L2) C−H bonds. Configurational analysis allows rationalization of the experimentally observed regio‐ and stereoselectivity. The computed mechanism involves the formation of a side‐on peroxide species (P) in equilibrium with the key intermediate bis‐(μ‐oxo) isomer (O) responsible for the C−H activation step. The P/O equilibrium yields the same activation barrier for the two complexes. However, the main difference between the two model complexes is observed during the C−H activation step, where the complex bearing the non‐activated C−H bonds yields a higher energy barrier, accounting for the experimental lack of reactivity of this complex under those conditions.
Microfluidics‐Based Urine Biopsy for Cancer Diagnosis: Recent Advances and Future Trends
Authors: Wang Yanping , Gao Yanfeng , Song Yujun
Published: August 2022

Urine biopsy, allowing for the detection, analysis and monitoring of numerous cancer‐associated urinary biomarkers to provide insights into cancer occurrence, progression and metastasis, has emerged as an attractive liquid biopsy strategy with enormous advantages over traditional tissue biopsy, such as non‐invasiveness, large sample volume, and simple sampling operation. Microfluidics enables precise manipulation of fluids in a tiny chip and exhibits outstanding performance in urine biopsy owing to its minimization, low cost, high integration, high throughput and low sample consumption. Herein, we review recent advances in microfluidic techniques employed in urine biopsy for cancer detection. After briefly summarizing the major urinary biomarkers used for cancer diagnosis, we provide an overview of the typical microfluidic techniques utilized to develop urine biopsy devices. Some prospects along with the major challenges to be addressed for the future of microfluidic‐based urine biopsy are also discussed.
Doping Mo into NiFe LDH/NiSe Heterostructure to Enhance Oxygen Evolution Activity by Synergistically Facilitating Electronic Modulation and Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Gan Yonghao , Li Zhi , Ye Ying , Dai Xiaoping , Nie Fei , Yin Xueli , Ren Ziteng , Wu Baoqiang , Cao Yihua , Cai Run , Zhang Xin , Song Weiyu
Published: August 2022

It is of great significance to design highly efficient electrocatalysts with abundant earth elements instead of precious metals for water splitting. Herein, Mo‐doped NiFe‐layered double hydroxides/NiSe heterostructure (Mo‐NiFe LDH/NiSe) was fabricated by coupling Mo‐doped NiFe LDH and NiSe on nickel foam (NF). The heterostructure electrocatalyst showed ultra‐low overpotential (250 mV) and remarkable durability for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at 150 mA cm−2. Both theoretical and experimental results confirmed that Mo doping and interfacial synergism induced the interfacial charge redistribution and the lifted d‐band center to weaken the energy barrier (EB) of the formation of OOH*. Mo doping also facilitated the surface reconstruction of NiFe LDH into Ni(Fe)OOH as the active sites under electro‐oxidation process. This work provides a facile strategy for electronic modulation and surface reconstruction of OER electrocatalyst by transition metal doping and heterostructure generation.
Dealloying‐Derived Porous Spinel Oxide for Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis and Rechargeable Zinc‐Air Batteries: Promotion of Activity Via Hereditary Al‐Doping
Authors: Wang Mei , Long Yi , Zhao Huifang , Zhang Wenjuan , Wang Liyong , Dong Ruifeng , Hou Hua , Wang Huiqi , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: August 2022

The large‐scale fabrication of highly efficient and low‐cost bifunctional catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical to the development of rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a scalable dealloying strategy was proposed to obtain hierarchically porous spinel‐type oxide with minor hereditary Al doping. Benefiting from the well‐structured porosity and native dopant, O‐np‐Ni5Co10(Al), namely Al−NiCo2O4, exhibited excellent electrocatalytic ORR and OER activities, giving a small potential gap of 0.71 V. The rechargeable ZAB with O‐np‐Ni5Co10(Al) as cathode catalyst delivered a high specific capacity of 757 mAh g−1, a competitive peak power density of 142 mW cm−2, and a long‐term discharge‐charge cycling stability. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations evidenced that appropriate Al doping into NiCo2O4 could significantly reduce the Gibbs free energy difference to 1.71 eV. This work is expected to inspire the design of performance‐oriented bifunctional electrocatalysts for wider applications in renewable energy systems.
Implementation of hardware‐in‐loop for DC‐link voltage balancing in hybrid ac/dc microgrid using interlinking converter
Authors: Vasantharaj Subramanian , Indragandhi Vairavasundaram
Published: August 2022

Bipolar hybrid ac/dc microgrid (MG) controls a DC and AC bus at the same time, supplies local loads with local resources, and offers multiple levels of dc voltages to resources and services. The applications are getting more popular in power systems. Due to its vital tasks in numerous applications, the interlinking converter (ILC) is an utmost crucial portion of the MG system. From this study, a 10‐switch converter is provided as an ILC for a hybrid MG, which gains from both two‐level (2L) and three‐level (3L) converters at the same time, and it can be used to a wider range of power levels. This work provides a space vector modulation (SVM) for a 10‐switch converter to maximize dc‐link voltage consumption and minimize total harmonic distortion (THD) compared with other modulation techniques. The behaviour of the suggested SVM is compared with that of sinusoidal PWM. The suggested SVM was evaluated using OPAL‐RT to show that it used DC bus voltage more reliably and produced significantly less THD than existing techniques. Furthermore, grid‐tied ILC's architecture is improved to reduce low‐order harmonics and used for dc‐link voltage balancing. A real‐time (RT) digital simulator (OP‐5700) was used to test the inverter control technique. In MG, this hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation provides an excellent environment for designing and verifying system‐level control algorithms. Simulations were run in a MATLAB/Simulink environment and confirmed using an RT simulator to validate the feasibility of the suggested topology.
Preserving avian blood and DNA sampled in the wild: A survey of personal experiences
Authors: Di Lecce Irene , Sudyka Joanna , Westneat David F. , Szulkin Marta
Published: August 2022

Collecting and storing biological material from wild animals in a way that does not deteriorate DNA quality for subsequent analyses is instrumental for research in ecology and evolution. Our aims were to gather reports on the effectiveness of methods commonly used by researchers for the field collection and long‐term storage of blood samples and DNA extracts from wild birds. Personal experiences were collected with an online survey targeted specifically at researchers sampling wild birds. Many researchers experienced problems with blood sample storage but not with DNA extract storage. Storage issues generated problems with obtaining adequate DNA quality and sufficient DNA quantity for the targeted molecular analyses but were not related to season of blood sampling, access to equipment, transporting samples, temperature, and method of blood storage. Final DNA quality and quantity were also not affected by storage time before DNA extraction or the methods used to extract DNA. We discuss practical aspects of field collection and storage and provide some general recommendations, with a list of pros and cons of different preservation methods of avian blood samples and DNA extracts.
The association between obesity with serum levels of liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma‐glutamyl transferase in adult women
Authors: Jalili Vahideh , Poorahmadi Zohreh , Hasanpour Ardekanizadeh Naeemeh , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Ajami Marjan , Houshiarrad Anahita , Hajipour Azadeh , Shafie Fatemeh , Alizadeh Atiyeh , Mokhtari Zohreh , Shafaei Hanieh , Esmaeili Mina , Doaei Saeid
Published: August 2022

Background

Obesity‐induced inflammation may independently disturb the function of critical organs such as liver. This study aimed to investigate the association of obesity with serum levels of biomarkers of liver function including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) in adult women.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out on 360 adult women in the summer of 2020 in Tehran, Iran. The participants were categorized into two groups based on their body mass index (BMI≤29.9 and BMI > 30). The serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP and GGT were measured. Logistic regression method was used to assess the association between BMI and liver enzymes after adjusting for the confounders.

Results

The mean BMI in non‐obese and obese groups was 26.32 ± 2.61 and 33.40 ± 2.80 kg/m2, respectively (p = .01). A significant association was found between BMI with ALT (β = .16, p = .002) and GGT (β = .19, p = .01) enzymes after adjustment for age. The association between BMI and GGT remained significant after further adjustments for smoking, alcohol use, physical activity and educational status. There was no significant association between BMI and liver enzymes after adjustment for dietary intake.

Conclusions

Obesity was associated with the level of serum liver enzymes. However, adjustment for dietary intake disappeared the significant results. Further studies are needed to determine the independent effects of obesity on the liver function.
Automated technique for building high‐frequency equivalent circuits of motors based on electromagnetic field analysis
Authors: Maki Kohji
Published: August 2022

To estimate in advance the high‐frequency impedance of a motor, and its internal voltage distribution when an inverter surge is applied, a technique to derive the circuit constants of various parts of a motor based on electromagnetic field analysis and build its high‐frequency equivalent circuit, where each turn of the coils is separately modeled, has been developed. By switching between 2D and 3D analyses and between 1‐slot and 1‐pole models to accelerate the calculation method and by automating them in parallel, the developed technique even enables non‐experts to build an accurate high‐frequency equivalent circuit of a motor. Based on the accuracy verification, the shared voltage of coils can be estimated with an error of 20% or less by considering the frequency characteristics of the resistance and inductance of each turn of the coils and modeling a lead wire in the measurement setup.
Neuroendocrine hormone status and diuretic response to atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Matsumoto Shingo , Nakamura Norihito , Konishi Masaaki , Shibata Atsushi , Kida Keisuke , Ishii Shunsuke , Ikeda Takanori , Ikari Yuji
Published: August 2022

Aims

Given the various effects of sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure, a deeper understanding of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) actions is warranted. Natriuresis is a fundamental action of ANP in acute heart failure (AHF), whereas the diuretic effect of ANP is different in each patient according to the diversity of renal response to ANP, which is affected by baseline plasma ANP status and deficiency of circulating ANP. Meanwhile, associations between other neuroendocrine hormones and the diuretic response to ANP are unclear. This study investigated the impact of pivotal neuroendocrine hormones on the diuretic effects of exogenous ANP, carperitide.

Methods and results

Plasma ANP, renin, aldosterone, and vasopressin levels and the diuretic effect of 0.0125 μg/kg/min of carperitide alone for the first 6 h were prospectively evaluated in 75 patients with AHF. Lower ANP levels were significantly associated with a greater diuretic response to exogenous ANP (r = −0.35, P = 0.002). Additionally, higher vasopressin levels were significantly related to the poor diuretic effects of exogenous ANP (r = −0.54, P < 0.001). Plasma ANP and vasopressin concentrations were not significantly correlated (r = 0.19, P = 0.10). Baseline systolic blood pressure, renal function, and prior use of loop diuretics did not predict the diuretic response to exogenous ANP, whereas vasopressin levels independently predicted a diuretic response to exogenous ANP (P < 0.001), as well as lower plasma ANP levels (P = 0.027).

Conclusions

Vasopressin status was significantly associated with the diuretic response to exogenous ANP in AHF, independent of plasma ANP status. The results may provide a better understanding of the actions of sacubitril/valsartan.
Contributory factors to truck crashes considering enforcement types, accounting for the enforcement endogeneity
Authors: Rezapour Mahdi , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: August 2022

The U.S. economy depends on trucking industry for timely delivery of goods and product. However, the performance of the industry has been crippled by the tremendous costs of crashes. Despite the efforts in studying factors leading to truck crashes, a comprehensive study considering enforcement efforts on the safety of the trucking industry is very limited. Thus, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by studying underling factors causing truck crashes, while considering various types of citations. To account for subjectivity of the highway patrol in allocating their resources to specific locations, such as adjustment of their locations to better capture the violators, we considered the interaction terms between citation types and various geometric characteristics. That is especially important as the majority of past studies ignored the endogeneity of highway patrol in allocating the resources to particular locations. Also, to account for both aspects of truck crashes, including severity and frequency, equivalent property damage only were used as the response. The results highlighted, for instance, that interaction terms between commercial motor vehicle citations and presence of horizontal curve, or the interaction between the curve length and speed‐related citations are factors impacting the safety of truck‐related crashes. The results provided evidence that indeed highway patrol allocates their resources to locations with particular geometric characteristics, and ignoring those interaction terms is likely to result in biased point estimates. We discuss the implications of the findings that solely highlighting that the enforcement resources are negatively or positively correlated with crashes could not provide much information, and the inclusion of particular enforcement types with related interaction term could help highway patrol to amend their performance based on their discretion.
Parameter analysis of coupling characteristics and load‐sharing law of arch‐chord coupled anti‐sliding structure
Authors: Hu Guoping , Xia Yingzhi , Ruan Xiaoxue , Zheng Mingxin
Published: August 2022

Arch‐chord coupled anti‐sliding structure is a new type of anti‐sliding structure composed of multiple single piles in a specific form. The coupling effect of pile and soil is the most important key point. In this article, the factors that affect the coupling bearing capacity and load sharing ratio of the arch‐chord coupled anti‐sliding structure are screened out, and the rule that the evaluation index is affected by each factor is analyzed. The results show that, with the increase of pile diameter, the value of structural coupling ultimate bearing capacity increases exponentially, but the growth rate slows down gradually. With the increase of pile spacing, the value of structural coupling ultimate bearing capacity decreases. With the increase of soil cohesion around the pile, the value of structural coupling ultimate bearing capacity increases linearly. The coupling ultimate bearing capacity and load sharing ratio of the anti‐sliding structure are the most sensitive to the change of the internal friction angle of the soil around the pile, and the pile diameter has little effect on the evaluation indexes.
Elucidation and modulation of active sites in holey graphene electrocatalysts for H2O2 production
Authors: Koh Ki Hwan , Bagherzadeh Mostaghimi Amir Hassan , Chang Qiaowan , Kim Yu Joong , Siahrostami Samira , Han Tae Hee , Chen Zheng
Published: August 2022

Selective electrochemical oxygen reduction (ORR) toward a two‐electron (2e−) pathway is an eco‐friendly alternative method for H2O2 synthesis to replace the energy‐intensive anthraquinone oxidation process. Carbon‐based electrocatalysts (CBEs) show great potential for practical H2O2 synthesis. However, their complex structures make it challenging to determine the nature of active sites and to precisely control them. Herein, we show that precise modulation of the chemistry and structures of holey graphene with edge sites enriched by oxygen‐containing functional groups can facilitate 2e− ORR. These combined functionalities could improve ORR performance under various pH conditions, for example, resulting in an average of 95% H2O2 selectivity, ~97% Faraday efficiency, high productivity of 2360 mol kgcat−1 h−1 in alkaline media. Density functional theory calculations on the oxygen functional groups at the edge sites revealed the most active site for 2e− ORR is a synergy between ether (COC) and carbonyl (CO) functional groups with nearly zero overpotential.

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Experimental investigation on using adsorbent for post‐combustion carbon dioxide capture from CI engine exhaust
Authors: Ravi Maniarasu , Rathore Sushil Kumar , Sivalignam Murugan
Published: August 2022

An unpredictable rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a primary concern to the global scientific community. It is directly related to the rapid expansion of the human population and associated with the immense energy demand. The combustion of hydrocarbon fuels in internal combustion (IC) engines releases a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is one of the causes of GHG emissions. Mitigation of CO2 emissions is a significant challenge to the world. Although several researchers have focused on capturing CO2 from power plants, some researchers have taken initiatives in recent times to capture CO2 in IC engines. This study particularly explored the possibility of using a biomass based‐adsorbent to capture CO2 in the exhaust of a diesel engine. Initially, activated carbon was obtained from palm shells by adopting the preparation methods such as (i) carbonization and (ii) chemical activation. Then, the produced activated carbon was analyzed to examine its physicochemical characteristics and surface textural properties by adopting characterization techniques. The adsorbent sample was loaded in an in‐house fabricated adsorption chamber which was attached to the exhaust of a single‐cylinder, four‐stroke, naturally aspirated, air‐cooled, direct injection (DI), constant speed diesel test engine. The performance of palm shell‐based activated carbon was evaluated as a potential adsorbent for CO2 capture when the engine was operated with two distinct fuels, (i) 100% diesel (D100) and (ii) an optimum biodiesel‐diesel blend (JME20) comprising 80% D100 and 20% Jatropha Methyl Ester (JME). The experimental results showed that an average of about 30% and 37% of CO2 was captured by using palm shell‐based adsorbent in D100 and JME 20 operations, respectively.
Environmental Impact of Triclopyr on Habitat Quality in Boreal Rights-of-Way
Authors: Voinorosky Chelsea L. , Standen Katherine M. , Stewart Katherine J.
Published: August 2022

The indirect effects of herbicides on habitat quality in boreal ecoregions remain poorly understood. Herbicides are commonly applied on boreal rights-of-way to control vegetation below power lines, where they can indirectly enter the soil ecosystem after leaf abscission. Key soil processes such as litter decomposition and soil nutrient cycling can be influenced by altering litter chemistry and/or impacting decomposer species. Disruption of these soil processes could lead to changes in ecosystem health of boreal systems. The indirect impacts of triclopyr on habitat quality of treated boreal rights-of-way were examined through litter mass loss and quality (carbon-to-nitrogen ratios) and the response of boreal invertebrates (Folsomia candida and Oppia nitens) in microcosms and avoidance tests. Litter breakdown rates were not significantly different within a year of treatment. However, we did observe nitrogen profile differences between field-treated and untreated samples, which likely resulted from triclopyr-induced repression of natural leaf senescence processes. At field application rates, there were no differences in survival and reproduction rates of F. candida, which is key in litter breakdown. The triclopyr concentrations that caused 50% of tested F. candida and O. nitens to avoid treated litter were above field application rates. Therefore, field application rates of triclopyr are not expected to impair habitat quality and ecosystem services of boreal ecoregions based on the parameters we evaluated. Our study improves understanding of the effects of herbicide application on habitat quality and is critical for responsible herbicide use on boreal rights-of-way. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2955–2967. © 2022 SETAC
Antifibrotic effect and long‐term outcome of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with NAFLD complicated by diabetes mellitus
Authors: Arai Taeang , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Mikami Shigeru , Haruki Uojima , Yoshikata Keiichiro , Ono Hiroki , Kawano Tadamichi , Yoshida Yuji , Tanabe Tomohide , Okubo Tomomi , Hayama Korenobu , Nakagawa‐Iwashita Ai , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Kaneko Keiko , Nagao Mototsugu , Inagaki Kyoko , Fukuda Izumi , Sugihara Hitoshi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: August 2022

The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to clarify the antifibrotic effect and long‐term outcome of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2‐Is) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Of the 1262 consecutive patients with T2DM who recently received SGLT2‐Is, 202 patients with NAFLD had been receiving SGLT2‐Is for more than 48 weeks and were subjected to this analysis. Furthermore, 109 patients who had been on SGLT2‐I therapy for more than 3 years at the time of analysis were assessed for the long‐term effects of SGLT2‐Is. Significant decreases in body weight, liver transaminases, plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index were found at week 48. Overall, the median value of FIB‐4 index decreased from 1.42 at baseline to 1.25 at week 48 (p < 0.001). In the low‐risk group (FIB‐4 index < 1.3), there was no significant change in the FIB‐4 index. In the intermediate‐risk (≥1.3 and <2.67) and high‐risk (≥2.67) groups, the median levels significantly decreased from 1.77 and 3.33 at baseline to 1.58 and 2.75 at week 48, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). Improvements in body weight, glucose control, liver transaminases, and FIB‐4 index were found at 3 years of SGLT2‐I treatment. In the intermediate‐risk and high‐risk groups (≥1.3 FIB‐4 index), the FIB‐4 index maintained a significant reduction from baseline throughout the 3 years of treatment. Conclusion: This study showed that SGLT2‐Is offered a favorable effect on improvement in FIB‐4 index as a surrogate marker of liver fibrosis in patient with NAFLD complicated by T2DM, especially those with intermediate and high risks of advanced fibrosis, and this antifibrotic effect is sustained for the long term.
The use of Design Science and Agile Methodologies for improved information systems in the Tanzanian Higher Education context
Authors: Kayanda Anna , Busagala Lazaro , Oyelere Solomon , Tedre Matti
Published: August 2022

There was no known effective approach to implementing information systems in Tanzanian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) because the requirements of users change frequently and HEIs vary in their requirements. Theoretically, the agile software development process and Design Science Research (DSR) could deliver software that suits such a context, yet no testing had been done priorly. Therefore, this study aimed on investigating the suitability of the combination of Agile Methodologies and the DSR in developing information systems for Tanzania's HEIs. The study used eXtreme Programming as one of the Agile Methodologies and the DSR to develop a timetabling software which easily integrates into the existing academic information system of the College of Business Education for better decision making. Likewise, the evaluation of the developed artifact confirmed that the resulting product raised the user satisfaction with the information system in HEIs. In this regard, the current study advances the frontier of knowledge on using the DSR framework and Agile Methodologies in designing and developing software in Tanzania's HEIs and beyond.
China's OFDI and the economic growth: From the perspective of natural resource
Authors: Feng Ling , Ge Lulan
Published: August 2022

Using a country‐level panel data set of China's outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) during 2003–2015, we find that China increases its direct investment in an economy endowed with natural resources, which increases the exports of the resources to China. Facilitated by the industry‐level data between 2003 and 2008, we further show that the increase of China's OFDI in the economies abundant in natural resources would boost the output of Chinese industries which use the resources intensively but shrink the industries that are less intensive in the resources. These findings are consistent with the Rybczynski theorem and suggest that China's OFDI increases its domestic supply of natural resources.
Proteomic evaluation of human osteoblast responses to titanium implants over time
Authors: Romero‐Gavilán Francisco , Cerqueira Andreia , García‐Arnáez Iñaki , Azkargorta Mikel , Elortza Félix , Gurruchaga Mariló , Goñi Isabel , Suay Julio
Published: August 2022

Titanium is widely used in bone prostheses due to its excellent biocompatibility and osseointegration capacity. To understand the effect of sandblasted acid‐etched (SAE) Ti implants on the biological responses of human osteoblast (HOb), their proteomic profiles were analyzed using nLC‐MS/MS. The cells were cultured with the implant materials, and 2544 distinct proteins were detected in samples taken after 1, 3, and 7 days. Comparative analyses of proteomic data were performed using Perseus software. The expression of proteins related to EIF2, mTOR, insulin‐secretion and IGF pathways showed marked differences in cells grown with SAE‐Ti in comparison with cells cultured without Ti. Moreover, the proteomic profiles obtained with SAE‐Ti were compared over time. The affected proteins were related to adhesion, immunity, oxidative stress, coagulation, angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and extracellular matrix formation functions. The proliferation, mineralization and osteogenic gene expression in HObs cultured with SAE‐Ti were characterized in vitro. The results showed that the osteoblasts exposed to this material increase their mineralization rate and expression of COLI, RUNX2, SP7, CTNNB1, CAD13, IGF2, MAPK2, and mTOR. Overall, the observed proteomic profiles can explain the SAE‐Ti osteogenic properties, widening our knowledge of key signaling pathways taking part in the early stages of the osseointegration process in this type of implantations.
Variation in the risk of death due to COVID‐19: An international multicenter cohort study of hospitalized adults
Authors: Quinn Kieran L. , Abdel‐Qadir Husam , Barrett Kali , Bartsch Emily , Beaman Andrea , Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Colacci Michael , Cressman Alex , Detsky Allan , Gosset Alexi , Lassen Mats H. , Kandel Chris , Khaykin Yaariv , Lapointe‐Shaw Lauren , Lovblom Erik , MacFadden Derek R. , Perkins Bruce , Rothman Kenneth J. , Skaarup Kristoffer G. , Stall Nathan , Tang Terence , Yarnell Chris , Zipursky Jonathan , Warkentin Matthew T. , Fralick Mike ,   the COVID‐ACE Group
Published: August 2022

Background

There is wide variation in mortality among patients hospitalized with COVID‐19. Whether this is related to patient or hospital factors is unknown.

Objective

To compare the risk of mortality for patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 and to determine whether the majority of that variation was explained by differences in patient characteristics across sites.

Design, Setting, and Participants

An international multicenter cohort study of hospitalized adults with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 enrolled from 10 hospitals in Ontario, Canada and 8 hospitals in Copenhagen, Denmark between January 1, 2020 and November 11, 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Inpatient mortality. We used a multivariable multilevel regression model to compare the in‐hospital mortality risk across hospitals and quantify the variation attributable to patient‐level factors.

Results

There were 1364 adults hospitalized with COVID‐19 in Ontario (n = 1149) and in Denmark (n = 215). In Ontario, the absolute risk of in‐hospital mortality ranged from 12.0% to 39.8% across hospitals. Ninety‐eight percent of the variation in mortality in Ontario was explained by differences in the characteristics of the patients. In Denmark, the absolute risk of inpatients ranged from 13.8% to 20.6%. One hundred percent of the variation in mortality in Denmark was explained by differences in the characteristics of the inpatients.

Conclusion

There was wide variation in inpatient COVID‐19 mortality across hospitals, which was largely explained by patient‐level factors, such as age and severity of presenting illness. However, hospital‐level factors that could have affected care, including resource availability and capacity, were not taken into account. These findings highlight potential limitations in comparing crude mortality rates across hospitals for the purposes of reporting on the quality of care.
Virome analysis provides new insights into the association between viruses and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Deng Li , Fu Ping , Ding Ling , Duan Xianlai , Feng Song , Peng Yousong
Published: August 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a kind of neurodegenerative disease that causes a huge burden to society. Previous studies have suggested the association between PD and multiple viruses. However, there is still a lack of a virome study about PD. This study systematically identified viruses from the public RNA‐sequencing data of more than 700 samples from both PD patients and the control group (most were healthy people). Only nine viruses such as human betaherpesvirus 5 and Merkel cell polyomavirus have been detected in several human brain tissues of the central nervous system, the appendix, and blood of PD patients, and all of these viruses were also detected in the control group. Most viruses were observed to have low abundance in no more than three tissues. No statistically significant differences were observed between the virus abundance in the PD patients and the control group for all viruses. The positive rates of most viruses in PD patients were higher or similar to that in the control group, although those were less than 5% for most viruses. Overall, this is the first study to systematically investigate the virome in PD patients, and provides new insights into the association between viruses and PD.