bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR‐340‐5p alleviates neuroinflammation and neuronal injury via suppressing STING in subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Song Ning , Song Rong , Ma Peiliang
Published: August 2022

Background

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe acute neurological disorder. SAH causes neuroinflammation and leads to early brain injury (EBI) and secondary injury. MicroRNAs are crucial regulators in a variety of neurological diseases. This study was performed to decipher how miR‐340‐5p functions in SAH.

Methods

An experimental mouse model with SAH was established by the intravascular perforation, and the in vitro SAH model was constructed by exposing cocultured primary neurons and microglia to oxyhemoglobin. After overexpression of miR‐340‐5p in mice, the neurobehavioral disorders were evaluated by Garcia test; brain edema was evaluated by wet–dry method; blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage was detected with Evan's blue staining; levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. After miR‐340‐5p was transfected in to microglia, Iba‐1 expression was detected by Western blot, and neuronal apoptosis were detected with flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between miR‐340‐5p and STING was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay.

Results

MiR‐340‐5p was significantly inhibited in the brain tissues of mice with SAH and microglia of SAH model, and neurological impairment, brain edema, BBB injury, and neuroinflammation were significantly alleviated in mice after overexpressing miR‐340‐5p. STING was identified as a target of miR‐340‐5p, and STING overexpression could counteract the effects of miR‐340‐5p overexpression on neurons.

Conclusion

MiR‐340‐5p can attenuate EBI caused by SAH‐induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting STING.
Toward holistic corporate sustainability—Developing employees' action competence for sustainability in small and medium‐sized enterprises through training
Authors: Schröder Sophia , Wiek Arnim , Farny Steffen , Luthardt Philip
Published: August 2022

To advance holistic corporate sustainability in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) requires employees to fully engage in sustainability efforts, which, in return, means to develop employees' action competence for sustainability. Little empirical evidence, however, exists on how to do this considering well‐known constraints SMEs face (time, expertise, resources). We present a transdisciplinary project that developed, delivered, and evaluated a sustainability training for the workforce of the Bohlsener Mühle, an SME that has pioneered corporate sustainability in Germany. The training was piloted for the business' apprentices and combined different learning modes to build participants' sustainable action competence. The pre‐post evaluation, supported by observations and qualitative interviews, revealed that employees' action competence for sustainability can be fostered through such trainings and is most effective if organizational factors that enable a corporate culture of sustainability are aligned. We conclude that a human‐centered and action‐oriented approach to training is needed to unleash the full potential of the workforce to advance corporate sustainability.
Adsorption of Cr(VI) Using a Hybrid Evolutionary Differential and Multivariable Quadratic Technique
Authors: Sahu Jaya Narayan , Karri Rama Rao , Meikap Bhim Charan
Published: August 2022

Chromium is released by process industries and natural activities into water bodies. The compounds are highly toxic and possess harmful effects on human beings and aquatic life. A low‐cost agricultural biomass waste (sugarcane bagasse)‐derived sorbent was utilized for enhanced Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions, applying hybrid differential evolutionary optimization for isotherm/kinetic models and a multivariable quadratic technique for sorption process optimization. To improve the sorption efficacy, a novel inverse modeling approach was employed to evaluate the isotherm and kinetic model parameters. The model predictions from the multivariable quadratic model were well validated with the experimental values.
A new streamlined bubble‐cap distributor for high gas–liquid ratio and the liquid distribution mechanisms
Authors: Mo Hanyang , Yong Yumei , Yu Kang , Chen Wenqiang , Yang Chao
Published: August 2022

The bubble‐cap distributor is the most commonly used and critical internal for trickle bed reactors but holds the inherited disadvantage of liquid central aggregation when operating at a high gas–liquid ratio. A new bubble‐cap distributor with a streamlined downcomer was developed in this paper to counter back the liquid aggregation and improve its comprehensive performance. The effect of the streamline parameters of the new distributor on liquid distribution was systematically explored by the coupled Euler–Euler‐population balance equation (PBE) model. Compared with the classical and polyline converging–diverging structures, the results showed that the streamlined downcomer was a key to generating radial velocity of two‐phase flow and reducing the liquid central aggregation for the bubble‐cap distributor. The mechanism of well‐distribution was explored for the new distributor. Lower converging and diverging angles enhance the distribution performance. A downcomer with a small converging angle and a 30° diverging angle was recommended for dispersing the central aggregated liquid column and acquiring the high distribution uniformity and spray covering circle. These data would be helpful to the optimal design and scale‐up of the bubble‐cap distributor in further industrial applications.
A Functional Central Limit Theorem for Polaron Path Measures
Authors: Betz Volker , Polzer Steffen
Published: August 2022

The application of the Feynman‐Kac formula to Polaron models of quantum theory leads to the path measure of Brownian motion perturbed by a pair potential that is translation invariant both in space and time. An important problem in this context is the validity of a central limit theorem in infinite volume. We show both the existence of the relevant infinite volume limits and a functional central limit theorem in a generality that includes the FrÃ¶hlich Polaron for all coupling constants. The proofs are based on an extension of a novel method by Mukherjee and Varadhan. © 2022 Courant Institute of Mathematics and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Impact of analgesic techniques on early quality of recovery after prostatectomy: A 3‐arm, randomized trial
Authors: Beilstein Christian M. , Huber Markus , Furrer Marc A. , Löffel Lukas M. , Wuethrich Patrick Y. , Engel Dominique
Published: August 2022

Background

Prostatectomy is associated with relevant acute postoperative pain. Optimal analgesic techniques to minimize pain and enhance recovery are still under investigation. We aimed to compare the effect of three different analgesic techniques on quality of recovery.

Methods

This investigator‐initiated, prospective, randomized, three‐arm, parallel‐group, active‐controlled, interventional superiority trial was performed in a Swiss teaching hospital from 2018 to 2021. Consecutive patients undergoing open or robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy were randomized to spinal anaesthesia (SSS, bupivacaine 0.5% + fentanyl), bilateral transversus abdominis plane block (TAP, ropivacaine 0.375% + clonidine) or systemic administration of lidocaine (SA, lidocaine 1%) in addition to general anaesthesia. Primary outcome was quality of recovery 15 (QoR‐15) score on postoperative day one compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were QoR‐15 at discharge, postoperative nausea and vomiting, pain scores, return of gastrointestinal function and use of rescue analgesia.

Results

From 133 patients, 40 received spinal anaesthesia, 45 TAP block and 48 systemic analgesia. QoR‐15 scores did not differ on day 1 (p = 0.301) or at discharge (p = 0.309) when compared to baseline. QoR‐15 changes were similar in all groups. At discharge, median QoR‐15 scores were considered as good (>122) in all groups: SSS 134 [IQR 128–138]; TAP 129 [IQR 122–136] and SA 128 [IQR 123–136]. There were no significant differences in the other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Quality of recovery on postoperative day one compared to baseline did not differ if spinal anaesthesia, TAP block or systemic administration of lidocaine was added to general anaesthesia.

Significance

Optimal analgesic techniques to enhance recovery after prostatectomy are still under investigation. In this 3‐arm randomized controlled trial, addition of spinal anaesthesia or transversus abdominis plane block to general anaesthesia did not improve quality of recovery after radical prostatectomy compared to less invasive intravenous lidocaine infusion (standard of care/control group). Quality of recovery at the time of discharge was considered as good in all three groups.
Differing associations between sex determination and sex-linked inversions in two ecotypes ofLittorina saxatilis
Authors: Hearn Katherine E. , Koch Eva L. , Stankowski Sean , Butlin Roger K. , Faria Rui , Johannesson Kerstin , Westram Anja M.
Published: August 2022

Sexual antagonism is a common hypothesis for driving the evolution of sex chromosomes, whereby recombination suppression is favored between sexually antagonistic loci and the sex-determining locus to maintain beneficial combinations of alleles. This results in the formation of a sex-determining region. Chromosomal inversions may contribute to recombination suppression but their precise role in sex chromosome evolution remains unclear. Because local adaptation is frequently facilitated through the suppression of recombination between adaptive loci by chromosomal inversions, there is potential for inversions that cover sex-determining regions to be involved in local adaptation as well, particularly if habitat variation creates environment-dependent sexual antagonism. With these processes in mind, we investigated sex determination in a well-studied example of local adaptation within a species: the intertidal snail, Littorina saxatilis. Using SNP data from a Swedish hybrid zone, we find novel evidence for a female-heterogametic sex determination system that is restricted to one ecotype. Our results suggest that four putative chromosomal inversions, two previously described and two newly discovered, span the putative sex chromosome pair. We determine their differing associations with sex, which suggest distinct strata of differing ages. The same inversions are found in the second ecotype but do not show any sex association. The striking disparity in inversion-sex associations between ecotypes that are connected by gene flow across a habitat transition that is just a few meters wide indicates a difference in selective regime that has produced a distinct barrier to the spread of the newly discovered sex-determining region between ecotypes. Such sex chromosome-environment interactions have not previously been uncovered in L. saxatilis and are known in few other organisms. A combination of both sex-specific selection and divergent natural selection is required to explain these highly unusual patterns.
Ore genetic implications of pyrite and sphalerite compositions fromRajpura‐Daribaand ZawarmalaPb‐Zndeposits, Northwestern India
Authors: Bhuyan Niraj , Hazarika Pranjit
Published: August 2022

Pb–Zn mineralization at Rajpura‐Dariba and Zawarmala, India, is hosted in the Palaeoproterozoic meta‐volcano‐sedimentary sequence of Aravalli‐Delhi Belt. We have studied different generations of pyrite (Py‐I, II and III) and sphalerite (Sph‐I, II and III), associated with ore mineralization and remobilization stages, from both the deposits. In Rajpura‐Dariba, high concentrations of the majority of trace elements in syngenetic Py‐I and Sph‐I suggest their formation from trace element enriched hydrothermal fluid in SEDEX environment. Enrichment of lattice bound elements in Py‐II (As, Co, Ni) and Sph‐II (Mn, Hg and Cd) during metamorphic recrystallization of early pyrite and sphalerite indicates their local derivation from host rocks. The Pb, Tl, Ag and Sb rich Py‐III and Sph‐III in discordant ore indicate their crystallization from low melting‐point chalcophile elements enriched sulfide melt. In Zawarmala, the trace element poor natures of diagenetic banded Py‐I and Sph‐I suggest that the initial ore‐forming fluid was depleted in trace elements. Enrichment of trace elements in Py‐II (As, Mn, Tl, Cu) and Sph‐II (Mn, Hg, As, Ga) in sphalerite‐pyrite vein ore signify their derivation from carbonate host rocks. The high abundance of trace elements in Py‐III and Sph‐III indicates their precipitation at lower temperatures from a trace element enriched hydrothermal fluid during the massive galena‐sphalerite ore formation. Pyrite and sphalerite from global SEDEX are trace elements enriched as compared to MVT deposits, where their compositions have remarkably correlation with host rocks. Our study highlights the influence of host rock in pyrite and sphalerite compositions and their ore genetic implications.
Comparison of traditional and upper thoracic epidural analgesia after off‐pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A Quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Saha Sanjoy Kumar , Ranjan Redoy , Adhikary Asit Baran
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

Surgical trauma initiates changes in central and peripheral nervous systems that need to be treated therapeutically to facilitate postoperative pain. The quality of postoperative analgesia is expected to affect clinical outcomes positively. Albeit optimal pain relief following cardiac surgery is often complex, researchers have tried to explore several techniques other than conventional ones during the last decade to find a unique analgesic method for postcardiac surgical patients. This study aims to find a unique analgesic approach that maximizes patient satisfaction after off‐pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCABG) surgery.

Methods

The current study will compare the analgesic effect of upper thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) with conventional analgesia after OPCAB graft surgery. For this, we will use a Quasi‐experimental study design. Patients admitted for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery will be assigned into two groups. The control group (conventional) will receive intravenous opioids and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory medications, and the study (case) group (TEA) will receive Inj. Bupivacaine 0.25% as an infusion through the epidural catheter. Physiologic parameters like hemodynamic and respiratory variables and pain scores will be recorded in predesigned format periodically.

Results

We expect to analyze a total of 130 consecutive off‐pump CABG surgery patients in Group A (Case, 65 patients) and Group B (Control, 65 patients). Study variables will be the visual analog scale score, hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and respiratory parameters (respiratory rate, PaO2, PaCO2, PEFR, FEV1). After data collection, the result will be analyzed and published in the public domain and in journals.

Conclusion

We expect thoracic epidural analgesia with local anesthetics will be a reliable postoperative analgesic option.
Comparative analysis of dermal collagen and lipids in cereblon ablated mice using a multimodal nonlinear optical system
Authors: Park Chang Woo , Jeon Seungje , Kwon Seong‐Hoon , Jung Jun‐Hyung , Seol Jung Eun , Park Chul‐Seung , Cho Steve K. , Ko Do‐Kyeong
Published: August 2022

By utilizing a multimodal nonlinear optical system that combines coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering and second harmonic generation to investigate biological characteristics of dermal tissues ex vivo, we demonstrate the potential feasibility of using this optical approach as a powerful new investigative tool for future biomedical research. For this study, our optical system was utilized for the first time to analyze lipid and collagen profiles in cereblon knockout (KO) mouse skin, and we were able to discover significant alterations in the number of carbon–carbon double bonds (wild‐type vs. cereblon KO; NCC: 0.75 vs. 0.85) of skin fatty acids in triacylglycerides as well as changes in dermal collagen fibers (25% reduction in cereblon KO). By adopting our optical system to biological studies, we provide researchers with another diagnostic approach to validate their experimental results, which will significantly advance the state of biomedical research.
Study on combination therapy for lung cancer through pemetrexed‐loaded mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Jian , Xu Wei , Wang Zhiqiang , Jiang Yuequan
Published: August 2022

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, and surgical resection is the optimal choice for the primary lung tumor. But for the secondary lung cancer, chemotherapy and combined radiotherapy still are the main strategies. To realize the combined treatment for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in this work, a nanoplatform based on pemetrexed (PE)‐loaded mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) nanoparticles were investigated. PE, a special therapeutic drug for NSCLC, was loaded into the MPDA nanoparticles via electrostatic attraction and was encapsulated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The results showed that, when irradiating with 808 nm near‐infrared light, the PE loaded MPDA (MPDA@PE@PVP) nanoparticles have excellent photothermal conversion properties, which would result in increase of ambient temperature and could accelerate the release of PE. In vitro cell experiments proved that MPDA@PE@PVP nanoparticles have excellent killing ability for NSCLC A549 cells by the functions of PE and photothermal ability of MPDA nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the intra‐cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of A549 cells in the MPDA@PE@PVP nanoparticle‐treated group could be promoted significantly after irradiation, leading to the death of A549 cells. In vivo animal model results showed that MPDA@PE@PVP nanoparticles could gather at the tumor site by enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and have significant inhibition ability for lung tumor by synergistic therapy of chemotherapy, photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy.
Hydrogen storage capacity of Be2(NLi)2cluster with ultra‐shortberyllium–berylliumdistance
Authors: Sarmah Kangkan , Kalita Amlan J. , Konwar Dimpul , Guha Ankur K.
Published: August 2022

Quantum chemical calculations have been carried out to investigate the hydrogen storage capacity of Be2(NLi)2cluster. Calculations reveal that the cluster can take up to eight H2molecules reaching a maximum gravimetric density of 21.04 wt%. Six H2molecules bind at the Li atoms and two H2bind at the Be atoms with moderate binding energy which is required for reversible storage of H2. Symmetry‐adapted perturbation analysis reveals the significant contribution of electrostatic and induction and very minor contribution of dispersion toward the total interaction energy. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the H2molecules are strongly bound at 77 K and get slowly released at elevated temperatures.
Prevalence of multiple human papillomavirus infections and association with cervical lesions among outpatients in Fujian, China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Yusha , Li Suyu , Zheng Jinwen , Xue Huifeng , Chen Jiancui , Zheng Xiangqin
Published: August 2022

Multiple human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are common, but their impact on cervical lesions remains controversial. A total of 6225 female patients who underwent colposcopies/conization following abnormal cervical cancer screening results were included in the study. The final pathological diagnosis was determined by the most severe pathological grade among the cervical biopsy, endocervical curettage, and conization. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between multiple HPV infections and cervical lesions, adjusting for age, HPV genotype, gravidity and parity. In total, 33.3% (n = 2076) of the study population was infected with multiple HPV genotypes. Multiple HPV infections were more prevalent in patients younger than 25 years and older than 55 years, with the rate of multiple HPV infections at 52.8% and 44.3%, respectively. HPV16\52\18\58 are the most common HPV genotypes and usually appear as a single infection. Compared to single HR‐HPV infection, multiple HR‐HPV infections do not increase the risk of HSIL+, while single HR‐HPV coinfected with LR‐HPV seems to reduce the risk of HSIL+ (odds ratio = 0.515, confidence interval: 0.370–0.719, p < 0.001). Multiple HR‐HPV infections cannot be risk‐stratified for triage of HR‐HPV‐positive women.
Factors affecting age at primiparity in black bears
Authors: Wightman Noah E. , Howe Eric , Satura Abbygail , Northrup Joseph M.
Published: August 2022

Effective wildlife management requires an understanding of the factors affecting population vital rates. Age at primiparity can be an important determinant of population growth rates. Thus, understanding the factors influencing age at primiparity in wild populations is important for their management and conservation. American black bears (Ursus americanus) are widely distributed in North America and show considerable variation in age at primiparity across their range. We tested hypotheses regarding top‐down and bottom‐up drivers of age at primiparity in black bears across the province of Ontario, Canada. We obtained estimates of age at primiparity using cementum patterns in 1,033 bear teeth collected as part of regulated harvest in 2018 and 2019. We compared mean ages at primiparity between 2 distinct forest regions in Ontario using a Wilcoxon test. To quantify the effects of multiple putative drivers of variation in primiparity (e.g., harvest density, food availability, land use, climate), we paired yearly probability of primiparity data with environmental covariates in a mixed effects logistic regression model. Age at primiparity was significantly lower in the more productive forest region, likely reflecting broad‐scale patterns of food availability. Further, there was a significant positive effect of growing degree days (annual sum of daily mean degrees >5°C) on probability of primiparity, likely related to its influence on ecosystem productivity. Harvest density was negatively related to the probability of primiparity, possibly because harvest is positively correlated with bear density at this broad scale, and competition for food resources increases with bear density. Overall, temporal variation in food availability had a positive effect on probability of primiparity in a model fit to data for which we had the highest confidence in age estimates from cementum. Mean age at primiparity was older (5.57 yr) than in other more southernly populations, and most harvested bears (53%) were harvested prior to reproducing. Our analysis suggests that black bear age at primiparity is primarily driven by bottom‐up forces related to climate and vegetation differences that lead to greater food availability in the south. The relatively old age at primiparity and high apparent mortality rate of young animals in this population suggests that harvest can limit recruitment substantially, which needs to be considered when making management decisions.
A Progress Review on Solid‐State LiDAR and Nanophotonics‐Based LiDAR Sensors
Authors: Li Nanxi , Ho Chong Pei , Xue Jin , Lim Leh Woon , Chen Guanyu , Fu Yuan Hsing , Lee Lennon Yao Ting
Published: August 2022

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors enable precision sensing of an object in 3D. LiDAR technology is widely used in metrology, environment monitoring, archaeology, and robotics. It also shows high potential to be applied in autonomous driving. In traditional LiDAR sensors, mechanical rotator is used for optical beam scanning, which brings about limitations on their reliability, size, and cost. These limitations can be overcome by a more compact solid‐state solution. Solid‐state LiDAR sensors are commonly categorized into the following three types: flash‐based LiDAR, microelectromechanical system (MEMS)‐based LiDAR, and optical phased array (OPA)‐based LiDAR. Furthermore, advanced optics technology enables novel nanophotonics‐based devices with high potential and superior advantages to be utilized in a LiDAR sensor. In this review, LiDAR sensor principles are introduced, including three commonly used sensing schemes: pulsed time of flight (TOF), amplitude‐modulated continuous wave TOF, and frequency‐modulated continuous wave. Recent advances in conventional solid‐state LiDAR sensors are summarized and presented, including flash‐based LiDAR, MEMS‐based LiDAR, and OPA‐based LiDAR. The recent progress on emerging nanophotonics‐based LiDAR sensors is also covered. A summary is made and the future outlook on advanced LiDAR sensors is provided.
Er:YAG laser brain surgery with vascular specific coagulation
Authors: Katta Nitesh , Estrada Arnold D. , McElroy Austin B. , Milner Thomas E.
Published: August 2022

Background and Objective

Erbium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Er:YAG) laser ablation can effectively resect water‐bearing tissues. Application of Er:YAG resection in neurosurgery is complicated by unpredictable bleeding in surgical field. Recently, an integrated theranostic system combining a dual‐wavelength laser surgery system using a thulium (Tm) fiber‐laser for coagulation and Er:YAG for resection, combined with optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance was demonstrated for the in vivo resection of tumor tissue. However, lateral thermal spread in the range of 100s of micrometers is common due to lack of vascular specificity using a Tm fiber‐laser for coagulation. In this study, a vascular specific ytterbium (Yb) fiber‐laser is utilized for enhanced photocoagulation during in vivo neurosurgery improving the precision of Er:YAG tissue resection with minimal lateral thermal spread.

Methods

Mice underwent stereotactic laser surgery with the proposed Yb/Er:YAG dual wavelength vascular specific neurosurgery in vivo. An OCT system (wavelength range 1310 ± 70 nm) and OCT derived angiography  images were used to record cortical images to confirm the coagulation of blood vessels and guide subsequent Er:YAG resection steps. After the laser surgery, mice were killed, and histological analysis was carried out using hematoxylin and eosin staining and Nissl staining to compare the lateral thermal spread with our previously reported Tm/Er:YAG neurosurgery where a continuous wave  Tm fiber‐laser was used for coagulation.

Results

Coagulation scheme using a Yb fiber‐laser allowed stoppage of blood flow in disparately sized blood vessels encountered in the mice brain. Histological analysis of murine brain slices post Yb/Er:YAG laser surgery yielded lower thermal spread compared with Tm/Er:YAG laser surgery, maximizing the efficiency in both hemostasis (blood flow stoppage) and maximizing tissue ablation efficiency with minimal residual thermal damage zone.

Conclusion

In this study, a vascular specific coagulation scheme with Yb/Er:YAG dual‐wavelength surgery is presented for neurosurgery. Additionally, Yb/Er:YAG study results are compared with that of a tissue coagulation approach in Tm/Er:YAG surgery previously reported to highlight improved coagulation, reduced nonspecific thermal damage and limited lateral thermal spread. Experimental results suggest that the developed dual‐wavelength laser system can effectively resect neural tissues with high localization, minimal lateral thermal spread at the micrometer level while maintaining a bloodless surgical field.
Synthesis ofN‐Substituted Maleimides and Poly(styrene‐co‐N‐maleimide) Copolymers and Their Potential Application as Photoresists
Authors: Eken Gozde Aktas , Käfer Florian , Yuan Chenyun , Andrade Ivan , Ober Christopher K.
Published: August 2022

Poly(styrene‐co‐N‐maleimide) copolymers bearingtert‐butoxycarbonyl (t‐BOC)‐protected amine groups attached to side chains of varying lengths are synthesized via activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET‐ATRP) and investigated from the perspective of photoresist applications. The length of the alkyl substituents enables control of thermal properties as well as hydrophobicity, which are critically important for resist processing. Removal of the acid labilet‐BOC group during deep‐UV (DUV)exposure shifts solubility in the exposed areas and well‐defined line space patterns of 1 µm are obtained for the selected copolymers. The correlation between glass transition temperature (Tg) and solubility contrast determines the lithographic performance where the copolymers with shorter alkyl chains exhibit promising results.
Knowledge‐based planning algorithm for lung SBRT with robust Bayesian stochastic frontier analysis and missing data management
Authors: Kroshko Angelika , Morin Olivier , Archambault Louis
Published: August 2022

Purpose

A knowledge‐based planning technique is developed based on Bayesian stochastic frontier analysis. A novel missing data management is applied in order to handle missing organs‐at‐risk and work with a complete dataset.

Methods

Geometric metrics are used to predict DVH metrics for lung SBRT with a retrospective database of 299 patients. In total, 16 DVH metrics were predicted for the main bronchus, heart, esophagus, spinal cord PRV, great vessels, and chest wall. The predictive model is tested on a test group of 50 patients.

Results

Mean difference between the observed and predicted values ranges between 1.5 ± 1.9 Gy and 4.9 ± 5.3 Gy for the spinal cord PRV D0.35cc and the main bronchus D0.035cc, respectively.

Conclusions

The missing data model implanted in the predictive model is robust in the estimation of the parameters. Bayesian stochastic frontier analysis with missing data management can be used to predict DVH metrics for lung SBRT treatment planning.
One‐dimensional consolidation for multilayered unsaturated ground under multistage depth‐dependent stress
Authors: Chen Yang , Wang Lei , Shen Sidong , Li Tianyi , Xu Yongfu
Published: August 2022

Due to the phenomenon of stress decay in space, the total vertical stress varies with depth in the layered soil stratum. The physical properties of unsaturated soil stratum and the nonuniformity of external load in vertical direction pose significant effects upon the consolidation process, while related works have viewed modest development at present. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to explore the one‐dimensional (1D) consolidation patterns of multilayered unsaturated ground considering depth‐dependent stress by a semi‐analytical procedure. According to the 1D consolidation theory of unsaturated soils put forward by Fredlund and Hasan, the semi‐analytical solutions of excess pore pressures and settlement are derived with the combination of Laplace transform and matrix transfer method. Crump's method is then adopted to obtain the analytical solutions in the time domain, and the corresponding computing programs are compiled. Furthermore, the validity work of proposed solutions is conducted by comparing the current solutions in this paper with degenerated ones under constant load in existing literature. Concentrating on the double‐layered unsaturated ground, and by considering different physical parameters of separate layer, the 1D consolidation characteristics under depth‐varying stress resulting from two‐stage load are investigated. The major conclusion can be drawn as that the settlement with constantly distributed stress along depth is overestimated compared with that considering the depth‐varying stress.
Positioning patients for robotic‐assisted surgery: A qualitative study of operating room nurses' experiences
Authors: Bjøro Benedikte , Ballestad Ingvild , Rustøen Tone , Fosmark Monica Hetlesæther , Bentsen Signe Berit
Published: August 2022

Aim

One of the challenges of robotic‐assisted surgery is related to positioning of the patient on the operating table. Technological developments place increased demands on operating room nurses' competence to prevent positioning injuries and ensuring care quality. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe operating room nurses' experiences when positioning the patients for robotic‐assisted surgery.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design.

Methods

Seven operating room nurses with experience in robotic‐assisted surgery were included at a university hospital. Data were obtained through individual interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research COREQ checklist was used.

Results

We identified three categories, (a) patient positioning is challenging during robotic‐assisted surgery, (b) operating room nurses take responsibility for patient positioning during robotic‐assisted surgery, but teamwork is important and (c) operating room nurses aim to achieve safe patient positioning during robotic‐assisted surgery.
The comparative performance of land sharing, land sparing type interventions on place‐based human well‐being
Authors: Carmenta Rachel , Steward Angela , Albuquerque Adrielly , Carneiro Renan , Vira Bhaskar , Estrada Carmona Natalia
Published: August 2022

Environment‐facing interventions impact the distribution, use of and access of natural resources and have important implications for all dimensions (material, relational, quality of life) of human well‐being (HWB). Yet conventional impact metrics routinely surpass the non‐material impacts which may be particularly salient in rural contexts where small‐scale farmers depend directly on the land and biodiversity. Furthermore, little is known about the comparative performance of distinct interventions along a land‐sharing, versus land sparing gradient, on local definitions of HWB.

We address this knowledge gap, adopting a perception‐based impact evaluation within communities across four intervention types representing the land sparing, sharing gradient: intensified industrial soy production (n = 60 HHs), a protected area (n = 70), an extractive reserve (n = 70) and a national forest (n = 70) in Pará in the Brazilian Amazon. We collected data using the Global Person Generated Index (GPGI) with household heads (n = 270) in eight communities (two per intervention type). Focus group discussions (n = 8) solicited residents' perceptions of impact pathways.

Our findings highlight the important contribution of relational and subjective dimensions to HWB and call in to question the dominance of material measures in standard impact appraisals.

Furthermore, we show that single sector and integrated approaches generate ‘polarized impact footprints’ in which integrated approaches achieve (a) more impact, which is (b) more often positive and (c) locally salient, the inverse is true for single‐sector sparing style approaches.

Areas of well‐being that matter locally (culture, health and social relations), but are not impacted by interventions are relational, and point towards the potential of rights‐based conservation to empower rural smallholders to remain in their communities while flourishing.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Preparation, properties, self crosslinking mechanism, and characterization of UV initiated polyacrylic acid superabsorbent resins
Authors: Sawut Amatjan , Simayi Rena , Zhang Xiaohui , Jiang Menghao , Zhu Ziwen , Wu Tongmeng
Published: August 2022

The self crosslinking polyacrylic acid (PAAsc) superabsorbent resins were prepared by UV irradiation without crosslinking agents and initiators. The effects of reaction factors on water absorbency and gel content of resins were investigated. The mechanism of self crosslinking polymerization was studied by means of 1H NMR and ESR, while the structure and morphology of the resins were characterized by IR, NMR, and SEM. The results show that the polymerization mechanism and structure of PAAsc superabsorbent resins polymerized through light radiation is significantly different from those polymerized by initiators. The main chain of PAAsc contains double bonds and polar functional groups such as ether groups and ester groups, which improves the hydrophilicity of the main chain and significantly improves the liquid absorption ability of the superabsorbent material. Moreover, the swelling kinetics, salt‐resistance, pH sensitivity, and water retention capacity of the PAAsc superabsorbents were studied. Owing to the remarkable water absorbency, salt resistance property and water retention capacity, this superabsorbent material has a broad application prospect in agriculture.
Synthesis of porous polymers by polymerization‐induced phase separation in the addition reaction of multifunctional isocyanates and dithiol compounds
Authors: Naga Naofumi , Arai Riku , Naruse Yutaka , Ahmed Kumkum , Nageh Hassan , Nakano Tamaki
Published: August 2022

Porous polymers have been successfully obtained by an addition reaction of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) trimer, isocyanurate type (IHDI), biuret type (BHDI), adduct type (AHDI), and dithiol compounds in toluene using triethyl amine (TEA) as a base catalyst. The feed ratio of TEA and the molecular structure of monomers affect the surface morphology and mechanical properties of the resulting porous polymers. In the case of the porous polymers obtained from the reactions with IHDI, aggregated or connected particles of about 1–1.7 μm in diameters were observed in scanning electron microscopy images. The porous polymers obtained from IHDI and dithiol compounds having long and/or flexible backbones showed low Young's modulus in the compression test. The Young's modulus of the AHDI‐1,6‐hexanedithiol (HDT) porous polymer was lower than that of the corresponding IHDI‐HDT and BHDI‐HDT porous polymers, and two‐steps deformation derived from compression of the particles and filling of vacant space in the porous structure was observed. The addition reactions of polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (PMDI) and alkane dithiol compounds also yielded the porous polymers, whose surface morphology was formed by connected small particles with diameters of about 0.5 μm. The porous polymers obtained from higher molecular weight PMDI showed higher Young's modulus.
‘Strange eyes’: Immigrant perceptions of racism during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Newbold K. Bruce , Vrabic Kaylah , Wayland Sarah , Wahoush Olive , Weerakoon Yudara
Published: August 2022

As the COVID‐19 pandemic emerged, instances of anti‐immigrant racism and more specifically anti‐Asian racism appeared to increase across Canada. Recognising the need to further explore and document racism and its link with the COVID‐19 pandemic, this paper explores the impact of COVID‐19 on the experiences of racism and discrimination. Using neoracism as a theoretical framework, the research is set in the city of Hamilton, Ontario, a city that has struggled with high levels of racism and discrimination in recent years. The paper draws upon both an online survey as well as interviews that explored the lived experiences of racialized individuals within the city and their experiences with racism as the pandemic progressed. Results note that individuals felt that racism and discrimination increased during the pandemic and was experienced in housing, the labour force and other public situations.
How to identify and typify arrival spaces in European cities—A methodological approach
Authors: Gerten Christian , Hanhörster Heike , Hans Nils , Liebig Simon
Published: August 2022

In the context of increasing mobility in recent decades, numerous studies have analysed the impact of migration on urban spaces. International immigration is mainly concentrated in certain urban areas, with these so‐called arrival spaces offering important opportunities for migrants to gain a foothold in their new surroundings. However, the current state of research provides just limited ways of identifying and typifying these spaces. On the one hand, there are no transferable, quantitative concepts. On the other hand, current discussions tend to focus on socio‐economically deprived spaces, neglecting more affluent areas. To identify a city's different (and partly newly emerging) arrival neighbourhoods and to adapt local policies to the specific needs of their residents, we have developed a methodological approach to identifying and typifying arrival spaces on a small‐scale level. Using the case study of Dortmund in Germany, this paper presents this approach and its transferability to other European cities.
Event‐triggered positive L1 filter design for positive Markovian jump systems with quantization
Authors: Zhang Di , Du Baozhu , Jing Yuanwei
Published: August 2022

This paper is concerned with the design of positive filter for positive Markovian jump systems (PMJSs) with adaptive event‐triggered mechanism and quantization. Considering the mode jump of the system, a new adaptive event‐triggered condition is established, which not only can regulate the communication threshold according to the error of dynamic systems, but also can avoid the asynchronous phenomenon between the system mode and the filter mode. In order to further reduce the burden of communication, a new positive filter with the quantized measure system output is developed, and the design condition which ensures the filter error system to be stochastically stable with performance is presented which can be solved in terms of linear programming (LP) technique. It is illustrated that there is no Zeno phenomenon. The proposed results are applied to the power allocation in a mobile telecommunication system, and it is shown that compared with the existing results, the event‐triggered filter of this paper has some advantages.
From sustainable development to resilience? (Dis)continuities in climate and development policy governance discourse
Authors: Ferguson Peter , Wollersheim Linda
Published: August 2022

‘Resilience’ has become a central, albeit ambiguous, concept in environmental and development governance discourse since the mid‐2000s. However, whether this constitutes merely the updating of the language of sustainable development or a new discourse of environmental and development governance is unclear. Resilience is often characterised as a form of neoliberal governmentality that seeks to individualise the mitigation of ecological risks, implying that it is simply an extension of neoliberal sustainable development. However, this elides other possible articulations of resilience within environmental and development governance discourse more broadly. By developing and applying an innovative discourse analysis method, this article clarifies the relationship between sustainable development and resilience across these wider fields. We find that resilience is also articulated as a response to the failure of neoliberal sustainable development; as an integrating discourse of climate security and sustainable development; as a prerequisite for sustainable development; and as qualitatively different to sustainable development.
A flexible approach for causal inference with multiple treatments and clustered survival outcomes
Authors: Hu Liangyuan , Ji Jiayi , Ennis Ronald D. , Hogan Joseph W.
Published: August 2022

When drawing causal inferences about the effects of multiple treatments on clustered survival outcomes using observational data, we need to address implications of the multilevel data structure, multiple treatments, censoring, and unmeasured confounding for causal analyses. Few off‐the‐shelf causal inference tools are available to simultaneously tackle these issues. We develop a flexible random‐intercept accelerated failure time model, in which we use Bayesian additive regression trees to capture arbitrarily complex relationships between censored survival times and pre‐treatment covariates and use the random intercepts to capture cluster‐specific main effects. We develop an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to draw posterior inferences about the population survival effects of multiple treatments and examine the variability in cluster‐level effects. We further propose an interpretable sensitivity analysis approach to evaluate the sensitivity of drawn causal inferences about treatment effect to the potential magnitude of departure from the causal assumption of no unmeasured confounding. Expansive simulations empirically validate and demonstrate good practical operating characteristics of our proposed methods. Applying the proposed methods to a dataset on older high‐risk localized prostate cancer patients drawn from the National Cancer Database, we evaluate the comparative effects of three treatment approaches on patient survival, and assess the ramifications of potential unmeasured confounding. The methods developed in this work are readily available in the package .
Substantive model compatible multilevel multiple imputation: A joint modeling approach
Authors: Quartagno Matteo , Carpenter James R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Substantive model compatible multiple imputation (SMC‐MI) is a relatively novel imputation method that is particularly useful when the analyst's model includes interactions, non‐linearities, and/or partially observed random slope variables.

Methods

Here we thoroughly investigate a SMC‐MI strategy based on joint modeling of the covariates of the analysis model. We provide code to apply the proposed strategy and we perform an extensive simulation work to test it in various circumstances.

We explore the impact on the results of various factors, including whether the missing data are at the individual or cluster level, whether there are non‐linearities and whether the imputation model is correctly specified. Finally, we apply the imputation methods to the motivating example data.

Results

SMC‐JM appears to be superior to standard JM imputation, particularly in presence of large variation in random slopes, non‐linearities, and interactions. Results seem to be robust to slight mis‐specification of the imputation model for the covariates. When imputing level 2 data, enough clusters have to be observed in order to obtain unbiased estimates of the level 2 parameters.

Conclusions

SMC‐JM is preferable to standard JM imputation in presence of complexities in the analysis model of interest, such as non‐linearities or random slopes.
Photo Stabilization of p‐i‐n Perovskite Solar Cells with Bathocuproine: MXene
Authors: Yakusheva Anastasia , Saranin Danila , Muratov Dmitry , Gostishchev Pavel , Pazniak Hanna , Di Vito Alessia , Le Thai Son , Luchnikov Lev , Vasiliev Anton , Podgorny Dmitry , Kuznetsov Denis , Didenko Sergey , Di Carlo Aldo
Published: August 2022

Interface engineering is one of the promising strategies for the long‐term stabilization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), preventing chemical decomposition induced by external agents and promoting fast charge transfer. Recently, MXenes–2D structured transition metal carbides and nitrides with various functionalization (O, ‐F, ‐OH) have demonstrated high potential for mastering the work function in halide perovskite absorbers and have significantly improved the n‐type charge collection in solar cells. This work demonstrates that MXenes allow for efficient stabilization of PSCs besides improving their performances. A mixed composite bathocuproine:MXene, that is, (BCP:MXene) interlayer, is introduced at the interface between an electron‐transport layer (ETL) and a metal cathode in the p‐i‐n device structure. The investigation demonstrates that the use of BCP:MXene interlayer slightly increases the power conversation efficiency (PCE) for PSCs (from 16.5 for reference to 17.5%) but dramatically improves the out of Glove‐Box stability. Under ISOS‐L‐2 light soaking stress at 63 ± 1.5 °C, the T80 (time needed to reduce efficiency down to 80% of the initial one) period increases from 460 to > 2300 hours (h).