bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of vaginal birth after cesarean in China
Authors: Rao Jiaming , Fan Dazhi , Li Pengsheng , Li Yiying , Hu Pengzhen , Wu Zhaoxia , He Jieyun , Liu Xinjuan , Peng BingJie , Guo Xiaoling , Liu Zhengping
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aimed to develop and validate a prediction model of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) in China.

Methods

A nomogram for effective prediction of VBAC of singleton, cephalic and one previous low‐transverse cesarean section deliveries was created by comparing the combinations of ultrasonographic and non‐ultrasonographic factors from five hospitals between 2018 and 2019.

Results

A total of 1066 women were included. Of the women who underwent trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), 854 (80.1%) had a VBAC. Ultrasound factors included reached a higher area under the curve (AUC) combined with non‐ultrasonographic factors. Of the three ultrasonographic factors analyzed, the best predictive factor for successful TOLAC was fetal abdominal circumference. A nomogram was generated with eight validated factors, including maternal age, gestational week, height, previous vaginal delivery, Bishop score, dilatation of the cervix at the time of admission, body mass index at delivery, and fetal abdominal circumference by ultrasound. The trained and validated AUC were 0.719 (95% confident interval 0.674–0.764) and 0.774 (95% confident interval 0.712–0.837), respectively.

Conclusion

Our VBAC nomogram based on obstetric factors and fetal abdominal circumference obtained by ultrasound could be used to counsel women who are considering TOLAC.
Quantitative microbiome profiling reveals the developmental trajectory of the chicken gut microbiota and its connection to host metabolism
Authors: Feng Yuqing , Zhang Meihong , Liu Yan , Yang Xinyue , Wei Fuxiao , Jin Xiaolu , Liu Dan , Guo Yuming , Hu Yongfei
Published: April 2023

Revealing the assembly and succession of the chicken gut microbiota is critical for a better understanding of its role in chicken physiology and metabolism. However, few studies have examined dynamic changes of absolute chicken gut microbes using the quantitative microbiome profiling (QMP) method. Here, we revealed the developmental trajectory of the broiler chicken gut bacteriome and mycobiome by combining high‐throughput sequencing with a microbial load quantification assay. We showed that chicken gut microbiota abundance and diversity reached a plateau at 7 days posthatch (DPH), forming segment‐specific community types after 1 DPH. The bacteriome was more impacted by deterministic processes, and the mycobiome was more affected by stochastic processes. We also observed stage‐specific microbes in different gut segments, and three microbial occurrence patterns including “colonization,” “disappearance,” and “core” were defined. The microbial co‐occurrence networks were very different among gut segments, with more positive associations than negative associations. Furthermore, we provided links between the absolute changes in chicken gut microbiota and their serum metabolite variations. Time‐course untargeted metabolomics revealed six metabolite clusters with different changing patterns of abundance. The foregut microbiota had more connections with chicken serum metabolites, and the gut microbes were closely related to chicken lipid and amino acid metabolism. The present study provided a full landscape of chicken gut microbiota development in a quantitative manner, and the associations between gut microbes and chicken serum metabolites further highlight the impact of gut microbiota in chicken growth and development.
Analysis of cyantraniliprole residues in beetroot and beet top using LC‐MS/MS, dietary exposure assessment, and evaluation of decontamination techniques
Authors: Naveenprakash Paul Ganesan , Suganthi Angappan , Bhuvaneswari Kaithamalai , Kumar Manivasagam Senthil , Patil Santosh Ganpati , Karthik Palanisamy
Published: April 2023

A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method was standardized for the analysis of cyantraniliprole residues in beetroot and beet top (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris L.) using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned up by dispersive solid phase extraction. Acceptable recovery of 84.74%–104.24% for beetroot and 80.19%–118.55% for beet top matrix was achieved at fortification levels ranging from 0.02 to 0.025 μg g−1, with relative standard deviation <20% that signified the application of the method for detecting cyantraniliprole residues. A field experiment was conducted to determine the half‐life and preharvest interval for cyantraniliprole residues in beetroot and beet top. The half‐life obtained was 1.86–2.7 days for beetroot and 3.65–5.33 days for beet top. The preharvest interval calculated was 9.12–12.90 and 22.12–37.98 days for beetroot and top, respectively. The dietary exposure assessment at studied doses found cyantraniliprole residues below acceptable daily contact limits. Among different decontamination techniques evaluated, peeling + tap water washing resulted in a higher reduction of residues while cooking and juicing resulted in moderate removal of residues.
An examination of psychosocial and professional effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on genetic counselors
Authors: Gostic Nicole , Groepper Daniel , Trinkle‐Tucker Megan , Johnson Malynnda , Niendorf Kristin B.
Published: April 2023

For healthcare workers, recognized professional challenges associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic include changes to service delivery models, increased burnout, furlough, and loss of income. The main goal of this study was to more clearly define the impact on mental health and quality of life of genetic counselors during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the contexts of their personal, professional, and social lives. Eligible genetic counselors (GCs) (n = 283) responded to an online survey that incorporated validated instruments: Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Professional Quality of Life, and the In Charge Financial Distress/Financial Well‐Being Scale. Additionally, original questions were developed from previous qualitative research on COVID‐19 challenges for healthcare workers. Results showed 62% of respondents felt their mental health was impacted for the worse, 45% found it more difficult to achieve work/life balance, 16.8% scored within moderate‐to‐severe depression severity, 19.2% scored within moderate‐to‐severe anxiety, 26.3% reported high burnout, and 7% had high financial distress. GCs reported generally lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to healthcare workers and the general population. Thematic analysis identified feelings of isolation and difficulties balancing professional/personal responsibilities with more remote work. However, some participants reported greater flexibility in their schedule and more time with family. Self‐care activities increased, with 93% engaging in more meditation and 54% began exercising. There were similar themes reported in this survey compared to other healthcare workers’ experiences. There is also a dichotomy in positive and negative impacts with some GCs appreciating the flexibility of working from home but others reporting this blurs the line between personal and professional responsibilities. These results suggest consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic will continue to impact the field of genetic counseling and understanding these changes will be instrumental in addressing the needs of GCs to practice effectively.
Meniscal degeneration is prognostic of destabilzing meniscal tear and accelerated knee osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Ward Robert J. , Driban Jeffrey B. , MacKay James W. , McAlindon Timothy E. , Lu Bing , Eaton Charles B. , Lo Grace H. , Barbe Mary F. , Harkey Matthew S.
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic potential of magnetic resonance (MR)‐detected meniscal degeneration in relation to incident destabilizing meniscal tears (radial, complex, root, or macerated) or accelerated knee osteoarthritis (AKOA). We used existing MR data from a case‐control study of three groups from the Osteoarthritis Initiative without radiographic KOA at baseline: AKOA, typical KOA, and no KOA. From these groups, we included people without medial and lateral meniscal tear at baseline (n = 226) and 48‐month meniscal data (n = 221). Intermediate‐weighted fat‐suppressed MR images annually from baseline to the 48‐month visit were graded using a semiquantitative meniscal tear classification criterion. Incident destabilizing meniscal tear was defined as progressing from an intact meniscus to a destabilizing tear by the 48‐month visit. We used two logistic regression models to assess whether: (1) presence of medial meniscal degeneration was associated with an incident medial destabilizing meniscal tear, and (2) presence of meniscal degeneration in either meniscus was associated with incident AKOA over the next 4 years. People with the presence of a medial meniscal degeneration had three times the odds of developing an incident destabilizing medial meniscal tear within 4 years compared with a person without medial meniscus degeneration (odds ratio [OR]: 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40–6.59). People with meniscal degeneration had five times the odds of developing incident AKOA within 4 years compared with a person without meniscal degeneration in either meniscus (OR: 5.04; 95% CI: 2.57–9.89). Meniscal degeneration on MR is clinically meaningful as it relates to future poor outcomes.
Minimally invasive management of pathologic fractures of the pelvis and sacrum: Tumor ablation and fracture stabilization
Authors: Lee Linus , Schutz Makena , Myhre Sue Lynn , Tasse Jordan , Blank Alan T. , Brown Anthony , Lerman Daniel M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Pathologic fractures of the pelvis/sacrum due to metastatic bone disease (MBD) cause pain and dysfunction due to mechanical instability of the pelvic ring. This study presents our multi‐institutional experience with percutaneous stabilization of pathologic fractures and osteolytic lesions from MBD throughout the pelvic ring.

Methods

The records of patients undergoing this procedure from 2018 to 2022 were reviewed retrospectively from two institutions. Surgical data and functional outcomes were recorded.

Results

Fifty‐six patients underwent percutaneous stabilization, with a median operative duration of 119 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 92.8, 167) and median estimated blood loss of 50 mL (IQR: 20, 100). The median length of stay was 3 days (IQR: 1, 6), and 69.6% (n = 39) of patients were discharged home. Early complications included one partial lumbosacral plexus injury, three acute kidney injuries, and one case of intra‐articular cement extravasation. Late complications included two infections and one revision stabilization procedure for hardware failure. Mean Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores improved from 3.02 (SD 0.8) preoperatively to 1.86 (SD 1.1) postoperatively (p < 0.001). Ambulatory status also improved (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Percutaneous stabilization of pathologic fractures and osteolytic defects of the pelvis and sacrum is a procedure that improves patient function, ambulatory status and is associated with a limited complication profile.
Community assembly processes of soil bacteria and fungi along a chronosequence of rice paddies cultivated on saline‐sodic land
Authors: Xu Shangqi , Luo Shasha , Ma Lina , Zhou Jihai , Huang Yongjie , Zhang Jie , Wang Lilong , Guo Lingling , Tian Chunjie
Published: April 2023

Saline‐alkali soils cover an area of more than 900 million ha and pose an acute threat to global food security. Rice cultivation is an effective method of saline‐sodic soil amelioration in the Songnen Plain in northeastern China. However, the changes in soil microbial communities that follow rice cultivation are largely unknown. In this study, soil bacterial and fungal communities were investigated using high‐throughput sequencing along a chronosequence of rice paddies cultivated in saline‐sodic soils. The results showed that soil fungi and bacteria become more diverse and abundant after rice cultivation compared with uncultivated saline‐sodic soil, in combination with the decreased pH and increased soil organic matter, indicating the amelioration of saline‐sodic soil. The processes of microbial succession following rice cultivation can be divided into two stages: shorter than and longer than 10 years. Moreover, soil fungi and bacteria exhibited distinct variation patterns as they were dominated by different influential factors. The results indicated that bacteria were more strongly dominated by soil properties than fungi, while the latter were more dependent on vegetation. As rice cultivation continued, fungi exhibited better adaptation and faster succession than bacteria in response to environmental shifts after rice cultivation. Therefore, measures that can enhance plant–microbe interactions may be a viable approach for promoting saline‐sodic soil amelioration. This study provided novel insights into the microbial assembly processes following rice cultivation on saline‐sodic lands.
Coordinative enhancement of ecological security and the aesthetic viewing service in the ecological restoration of mining landscapes
Authors: Wang Chenxu , Liu Yanxu , Yu Jiarui
Published: April 2023

An important issue in the United Nations plan for the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is how to enhance the overall social–ecological benefits by optimizing the spatial and temporal arrangements of ecological restoration. However, there was a lack of a benefit assessment system combining ecological, social, and economic indicators, and the methodology for identifying directions for ecological restoration remains controversial, especially in mining landscapes. By integrating the aesthetic viewing service into assessments of ecological restoration benefits on mining landscapes, four benefit objectives were evaluated, including habitat conservation, climate regulation, residential viewsheds, and conservation cost, and a multi‐objective optimization for ecological restoration of mining landscapes was performed. The results demonstrated that multiobjective ecological restoration could provide comprehensive ecological–social–economic benefits compared with a single‐objective restoration, since selecting the top 50% of the multiobjective restoration areas would achieve 80% climate regulation, 63% habitat protection, and 54% residential viewshed benefits and would result in 295%, 200%, and 114% higher benefits, respectively, than the minimization cost objective. The restoration priority map showed that only 17% of the landscape needed to be restored to forest among the top 30% of degraded areas that need to be restored. In conclusion, ecological restoration of mining landscapes required attention to win–win situations with multiobjectives. Coordinated arrangement of restoration of different ecosystems in different ages was the key to obtaining maximum socioecological benefits.
Simultaneously Improved Thermal Conductivity and Dielectric Properties of NBR Composites by Constructing 3D Hybrid Filler Networks
Authors: Xie Xing , Yang Dan
Published: April 2023

This work aims to address the heat accumulation issue in electronic components during high‐frequency operation through the preparation of novel thermally conductive composites. First, polydopamine (PDA) and in‐situ growth of silver (Ag) nanoparticles are applied for the surface modification of graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotube (CNT) to prepare pGO@Ag and pCNT@Ag hybrid filler, respectively. Then, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is chosen as the polymeric matrix and simultaneously incorporated with both pGO@Ag and pCNT@Ag to prepare polymeric composites with excellent thermal conductivity (TC) and dielectric constant (ɛr). Due to the construction of 3D heat conduction networks by utilizing 2D pGO@Ag and 1D pCNT@Ag, the fabricated NBR composites achieved the maximum TC of 1.0112 W/(mK), which is 636% higher than that of neat NBR (0.1373 W (mK)−1). At the filler loading of 9 vol%, the TC of pGO@Ag/pCNT@Ag/NBR composite is 152% that of GO/CNT/NBR composite (0.6660 W (mK)−1). Moreover, due to electron polarization effect of GO and CNT and micro‐capacitor effect of Ag nanoparticles, a large ɛr of 147.12 is attained at 10 Hz for NBR composites. Overall, the development of dielectric polymer materials with high TC is beneficial for enhancing the service life and safety stability of the electronic components.
Multiphasic Membranes/Scaffolds for Periodontal Guided Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Zhu Yuwei , Zhao Lei , Ngai To
Published: April 2023

Periodontal disease can lead to severe degeneration of periodontium tissue and the global prevalence is continuously increasing with the growth and aging of population. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) therapy with an occlusive membrane represents a golden standard in the dental clinic. Given the complex anatomy of the natural periodontium comprising alveolar bone, periodontal ligament (PDL) and cementum, GTR membrane/scaffolds with advanced multiphasic design are put forward to potentially repair the entire periodontium and restore its normal function. In principle, the multiphasic GTR membranes/scaffolds aim to coordinate the responses of both hard and soft tissues during the defect‐healing process, augment multi‐tissue regeneration, and optimize the formation of new periodontal attachment. In the past few decades, a diversity of GTR membranes/scaffolds with biphasic, triphasic, or gradient structures have been developed and demonstrated a substantial success in periodontal regeneration. This review covers the recent advancements in design of multiphasic GTR membranes/scaffolds from the aspects of materials, functional agents, and fabrication procedures, as well as their therapeutic efficacy assessed in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the limitations in current GTR therapy are discussed and future directions on the material design are also included accordingly.
Basic functional properties of certain scale of rearrangement‐invariant spaces
Authors: Turčinová Hana
Published: April 2023

We define a new scale of function spaces governed by a norm‐like functional based on a combination of a rearrangement‐invariant norm, the elementary maximal function, and powers. A particular instance of such spaces surfaced recently in connection with optimality of target function spaces in general Sobolev embeddings involving upper Ahlfors regular measures; however, a thorough analysis of these structures has not been carried out. We present a variety of results on these spaces including their basic functional properties, their relations to customary function spaces and mutual embeddings, and, in a particular situation, a characterization of their associate structures. We discover a new one‐parameter path of function spaces leading from a Lebesgue space to a Zygmund class and we compare it to the classical one.
Monodisperse Hyperbranched Polytriazoles as Unimolecular Nanocontainers for Encapsulation of Functional Payloads
Authors: Ma Kangling , Jin Xiuyu , Gao Haifeng
Published: April 2023

In this work, a series of polytriazole‐based unimolecular nanocontainers (UNs) with good water solubility, uniformity, and colloidal stability via a bottom‐up chain‐growth copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (co)polymerization that features tunable size, degree of branching (DB), and functionality of the UNs is developed. A broad selection of hydrophobic payload molecules, including Nile red (NR), camptothecin, pyrene, 1‐pyrenemethanol, and IR676, are successfully encapsulated to demonstrate the high versatility of these polymers as UNs. Using NR as a probe guest, the relationship between the encapsulation performance and the structural properties of UNs, including size and DB, is investigated. Furthermore, the localization and dispersity of encapsulated NR are explored and the dependence of payload's dispersity on the DB of UNs is revealed. The payload encapsulated in UNs exhibits tunable release kinetics, determined by either adjusting release conditions or including pH‐responsive structural units in the UNs. Meanwhile, the dyes encapsulated in UNs exhibit improved photostability and stronger resistance to photobleaching. It is expected that these explorations address the size and stability issues widely encounter in current drug/dye nanocarriers and provide a versatile platform of polytriazole‐based UNs for suitable payloads in various applications, including drug delivery and bio‐imaging.
A 28 GHz fully integrated GaN enhanced single‐sideband time‐modulated MMIC for phased array system
Authors: Cao Hanzhang , Hu Chun , Guo Runnan , Wu Xia , Wang Yi , Ge Fengchun , Jin Saisai , Wang Chong , Shen Hongchang , Tao Hongqi , Huang Tongde , Wu Wen
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a 28 GHz GaN enhanced single‐sideband time‐modulated phased array (ESTMPA), based on a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC), including both a time‐modulated circuit and an RF front‐end module (FEM). The time‐modulated circuit mainly consists of a numerically controlled attenuator to balance the amplitude, compact phase shifters to generate balanced signals, a reconfigurable power divider, and a quadrature power divider. The FEM mainly consists of a low noise amplifier and a power amplifier, featuring codesign of input/output networks. Based on the in‐phase/quadrature (I/Q) composite modulation technique, a stepped modulation waveform, realized by the time‐modulated circuit, is used to enable a weighted array of phases. This helps generate a scanned beam at the first positive sideband and eliminate the undesired sidebands. The final MMIC‐based four‐element ESTMPA shows a relative suppression level of −16 dB at the positive fifth sideband and −13 dB at the zeroth sideband, and a much higher level at the other undesired sidebands. As a result, a wider signal bandwidth and a higher harmonic efficiency are achieved. In addition, the ESTMPA shows a beam sweeping angle from −30° to 30° in far‐field measurement.
Incidence and risk factors of intimate partner violence among patients with gynaecological cancer in China
Authors: Meng Yingtao , Shang Meimei , Cai Tingting , Wang Xingli , Wang Qian , Yang Rong , Zhao Di , Qu Yuxin
Published: April 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to examine the incidence and risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) among patients with gynaecological cancer.

Design

A cross‐sectional study design was employed.

Methods

Patients with gynaecological cancer were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Shandong, China. Eligible patients completed a survey including questions regarding their demographic and cancer‐related characteristics, IPV experience and dyadic coping.

Results

A total of 429 patients were surveyed, 31% of them reported previous experiences with IPV, and negotiation was the most common type reported. The following variables were associated with IPV: a husband, wife and child/children family structure; a husband, wife, child/children and parent‐in‐law family structure; an annual household income ≥¥50,000 ($7207); and a similar or greater income earned by the patient than by her partner.

Patient or Public Contribution

IPV in patients with gynaecological cancer is investigated in this study.
Robust weighted fusion Kalman estimators for systems with uncertain noise variances, multiplicative noises, missing measurements, packets dropouts and two‐step random measurement delays
Authors: Yang Chunshan , Zhao Ying , Liu Zheng , Wang Jianqi
Published: April 2023

For multisensor networked systems with uncertain noise variances, multiplicative noises and multiple networked‐induced uncertainties including missing measurements, packets dropouts and two‐step random measurement delays, the robust weighted fusion estimation problem is addressed in this article. More precisely, the system noise variances are assumed to be uncertain but bounded, the other four uncertainties are compensated into fictitious white noise by the proposed model transformation method, which includes the augmented method and extended fictitious noise technique. Then local multi‐model system is obtained, for which robust local Kalman estimator is obtained based on the minimax robust estimation principle and unified estimation method. Based on this, the six robust weighted fusion time‐varying Kalman estimators are presented in a unified form, which include robust weighted fusers weighted by matrices, diagonal, scalars, and a robust covariance intersection (CI) fuser and two fast CI (FCI) fusers. The robustness proving method, including the extended Lyapunov equation approach with two kinds of generalized Lyapunov equations, non‐negative matrix factorization and elementary transformation of matrix, is presented to prove that the actual estimation error variances are guaranteed to have minimal upper bounds for all admissible uncertainties. The accuracy relations are proved. Further, the robust local and fused steady‐state Kalman estimators are presented. Finally, a simulation example applied to Internet‐based three tank water system is given to demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed results.
Critical disease burdens of Australian adults with cystic fibrosis: Results from an online survey
Authors: Ward Anastasia , Mauleon Ramil , Arellano Jacinta , Ooi Chee Y. , Rosic Nedeljka
Published: April 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to conduct a web‐based questionnaire to investigate self‐reported phenotypes and disease burdens of individuals living in Australia and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) using a case–control study design.

Methods

An online questionnaire was distributed to individuals with CF and healthy control subjects. Overall health rating, medications, family history, education, clinical indicators of disease, and symptoms, including their severity and frequency, were evaluated.

Results

There was a total of 119 respondents consisting of 59 people living with CF and 60 controls. The CF cohort had significantly lower tertiary educational levels compared to controls. The analysis specific to the CF cohort depicted a significant correlation between the frequency of hospitalizations and the level of education in the CF cohort. Of the 26 self‐reported symptoms of CF that were analyzed, 14 were significantly higher in the people living with CF. The CF cohort reporting symptoms of chronic pain (25%) described an increase in the burden of disease, depicting a 30% longer mean hospitalization, increased consumption of medications and significant relationships with four other symptoms, including muscle aches, digestive issues, pancreatic insufficiency, and abdominal swelling.

Conclusions

The nationwide survey identified a diverse range of clinical manifestations experienced by the Australian CF population. Chronic pain, linked to aging and the changing landscape of disease, was a significant indicator of the burden of disease. A comprehensive understanding of the phenotypic profiles and symptom variability will contribute to future research and provide insights into the impacts of disease and the burden of therapy, particularly in children, at the start of their health journey.
Procedural anxiety among children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis and their parents
Authors: Kimball Hayley , Cobham Vanessa E. , Sanders Matthew , Douglas Tonia
Published: April 2023

Background

Procedural anxiety involves acute distress around medical procedures and may lead to avoidance or resistance behaviors that interfere with effective cystic fibrosis (CF) care and health outcomes. While individuals with CF commonly endure uncomfortable and/or distressing medical procedures, procedural anxiety among children and adolescents with CF has received little research attention. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of procedural anxiety among individuals with CF aged 6–18 and their parents.

Method

Eighty‐nine parents of children with CF completed surveys examining child procedural anxiety, anxiety, and health behaviors (including treatment adherence); and parent vicarious procedural anxiety.

Results

Seventy‐five percent of participants rated at least one CF‐related procedure as “extremely” anxiety‐inducing for their child. Parental vicarious procedural anxiety was reported in 80.9% of participants. Procedural anxiety significantly correlated with child anxiety, treatment‐resistive behaviors, and parent‐vicarious procedural anxiety. Procedural anxiety was associated with younger age and frequency of distressing procedures, but not with forced expiratory volume in 1 s, body mass index, hospitalizations, or exposure to general anesthesia.

Conclusion

Procedural anxiety is common among children, adolescents, and caregivers, and is associated with child anxiety and treatment resistance, emphasizing the importance of screening and interventions for procedural anxiety as part of routine CF care from early childhood. Implications for screening and intervention are discussed.
Size‐Controllable Synthesis of Submicro Spherical Yttrium Carbonate and In Situ Doping of Europium to Prepare Y2O3: Eu3+ Phosphor
Authors: Zou Zhou , Zhang Dengwei , Murali Arun , Chen Chaoyi , Liu Li , Lan Yuanpei , Zhang Junshan , Liu Fengyuan , Chu Zhiyao , Ning Deyang , Li Junqi
Published: April 2023

Herein, size‐controllable spherical yttrium carbonate powders with D50 in range from 225 to 743 nm are synthesized from Y(NO3)3·6H2O and urea. With the rise of the concentration ratio of urea/Y3+, temperature, and extension of aging time, diameter of yttrium carbonate spheres increases. When the urea/Y3+ is 40: 1 and ages for 4 h at 90 °C, the D50 of synthesized powder, which has been determined as Y(OH)CO3·1.3H2O, has the largest D50 of 743 nm with (D90–D10)/2D50 of 0.22. After decomposition, the D50 of formed Y2O3 decreases to 632 nm, the (D90–D10)/2D50 is 0.24, and the D50 of Y2O3 is in the range of 126–632 nm. Then, 6 mol. % Eu3+ is homogeneously doped into Y(OH)CO3·1.3H2O and Y2O3: Eu3+ spherical powder is obtained after roasting, which exhibits a strong emission peak at 613 nm. The developed synthetic method and the obtained size‐controllable spherical Y(OH)CO3·1.3H2O, Y2O3, and Y2O3: Eu3+ with a uniform size distribution own various potential applications.
Dipolar Energy as an Electrical Power Source: Dipole Rotation in Solids Enables a New Source for the Triboelectric Generator
Authors: Taguchi Dai , Manaka Takaaki , Iwamoto Mitsumasa
Published: April 2023

Herein, the concept of triboelectric generators using dipolar polarization energy as an electrical power source is introduced. Dipolar polarization energy is stored in dielectric films by rubbing, and is conveyed to external circuits for use during the depolarization process. Pyromellitic dianhydride‐4,4’‐oxydianiline polyimide films are used as a possible candidate for triboelectric generators, where polarization is formed by rubbing owing to the orientational alignment of polar molecular groups. The current–voltage measurements are used to evaluate the equivalent‐circuit parameters of the generator. The current source is 0.07 nA at 30 °C, which is enhanced to 0.13 nA at 110 °C. It is indicated in these results that the depolarization process proceeds in a short time at higher temperatures, causing an increase in the current. Consequently, the maximum power increases from 18 nW (30 °C) to 33 nW (110 °C). The enhancement of the output power at higher temperatures well supports the idea of using dipolar polarization energy as a power source of triboelectric generators.
Influence of 120 MeV Au Ion Irradiation on Phase Transition, Surface, and Optical Properties of Lead‐Free (K,Na)NbO3 Films
Authors: Shyam Radhe , Negi Deepak , Shekhawat Komal , Singh Fouran , Ojha Sunil , Umapathy Ganjigatte Ramachandrappa , Vashishtha Pargam , Gupta Govind , Pandey Subingya , Dobbidi Pamu , Nelamarri Srinivasa Rao
Published: April 2023

High energy ion beam irradiation is an important tool to engineer the properties of multifunctional materials for diverse applications. The present study reports the impact of 120 MeV Au ion beam irradiation on structural and luminescence properties of (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) films. The increase in ion fluence has resulted in crystalline‐to‐crystalline and crystalline‐to‐amorphous phase transitions at room temperature. The dense grain‐like morphology of crystalline films gets transformed into clusters of nano‐sized grains after irradiation, and the grain boundaries are diffused at higher fluence. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate the evaporation of K‐species from the surface after irradiation. The relative elemental ratio and film's thickness were estimated using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and subsequently, KNN/Si interface analysis was also carried out. The increase in optical band gap after irradiation is correlated to the suppression of extended band tails. An intense photoluminescence emission in the UV region is observed, and the intensity increases abruptly after the crystalline‐to‐amorphous phase transition, where the grain boundaries merge with nearby ones. The impact of high electronic energy loss in KNN enhanced the probability of radiative recombination. The obtained results demonstrate the possible use of KNN for optoelectronic applications.
A data‐based event‐triggered control for switching topology nonlinear multiagent systems with DoS attacks
Authors: Liu Zeyi , Cao Liang , Liang Hongjing , Tan Lihua
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a secure cooperative control strategy which integrates the data‐driven control method and the backstepping framework is proposed for a class of discrete‐time nonlinear multiagent systems with denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. First, by designing special index functions, we overcome the algebraic loop problem in the backstepping framework to propose a data‐driven backstepping control method which does not use the Lyapunov theory to design the controller. Second, the problem of DoS attacks in communication channels is solved by switching topology strategy. Then, an event‐triggered mechanism based on synchronization error is used to save communication resources, which does not have a great negative impact on the control performance. Moreover, an event‐triggered cooperative strategy is constructed to ensure that all signals and tracking errors of the closed‐loop system are bounded. Finally, two simulation examples verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
FlexBeamOpt: Hybrid solution methodologies for high‐throughput GEO satellite beam laydown and resource allocation
Authors: Gaudry Angus , Li Ryan , Mak‐Hau Vicky
Published: April 2023

Modern satellite communication systems are required to serve heterogeneous and geographically dispersed user demands with limited resources. In this paper, we investigate methodologies for dynamic resource allocation in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) High‐throughput Satellite (HTS) systems. We designed three solution approaches FlexBeamOpt v1, FlexBeamOpt v2, and FlexBeamOpt v3, each as a hybridization of custom heuristics, integer linear programming, and/or constraint programming. We test the performance of the three approaches on 12 test instances that vary in user distribution (realistic, random, and clustered), user numbers (500 vs. 5000 users), and demand distribution (uniform vs. random). We observed that FlexBeamOpt v1  consistently outperformed FlexBeamOpt v2  and FlexBeamOpt v3  in terms of demand coverage and number of users covered for realistic and random user distribution test instances but at the cost of computation time. FlexBeamOpt v3  is the fastest in these instances. For clustered user distribution instances, FlexBeamOpt v3  performed better in terms of demand coverage and number of users covered, at the cost of using more beams. For these test instances, FlexBeamOpt v2  is the fastest in terms of computation time while providing a comparable solution quality.
Saddlepoint approximations to score test statistics in logistic regression for analyzing genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Johnsen Pål V. , Bakke Øyvind , Bjørnland Thea , DeWan Andrew Thomas , Langaas Mette
Published: April 2023

We investigate saddlepoint approximations of tail probabilities of the score test statistic in logistic regression for genome‐wide association studies. The inaccuracy in the normal approximation of the score test statistic increases with increasing imbalance in the response and with decreasing minor allele counts. Applying saddlepoint approximation methods greatly improve the accuracy, even far out in the tails of the distribution. By using exact results for a simple logistic regression model, as well as simulations for models with nuisance parameters, we compare double saddlepoint methods for computing two‐sided ‐values and mid‐‐values. These methods are also compared to a recent single saddlepoint procedure. We investigate the methods further on data from UK Biobank with skin and soft tissue infections as phenotype, using both common and rare variants.
Self‐Assembled Protein Nanofilm Regulating Uniform Zn Nucleation and Deposition Enabling Long‐Life Zn Anodes
Authors: Zhou Bin , Miao Bianliang , Gao Yue , Yu Aishui , Shao Zhengzhong
Published: April 2023

Rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (RZIBs) have gained promising attention as a feasible alternative for large‐scale energy storage by the virtue of their intrinsic security, environmental benignity, low cost, and high volumetric capacity (5849 mAh cm−3). Nevertheless, the deep‐rooted issues of dendrite formation and side reactions in unstable Zn metal anode have impeded RZIBs from being dependably deployed in their proposed applications. Herein, silk fibroin (SF) and lysozyme (ly), as natural biomacromolecules with abundant polar groups arranged in polypeptide backbones, are in situ self‐assembled on the Zn anode surface to construct a homogeneous and compact protein nanofilm. Such protein nanofilm protecting layer presents a negative charge surface and significantly regulates Zn2+ deposition behavior. Meanwhile, synergistic flexible and robust features of protein nanofilm function as artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI), accommodates the dynamic volume deformation during deposition/dissolution, and blocks corrosion of side reactions. Consequently, the electrochemical stability of protein nanofilm‐modified Zn anode is greatly improved, with an excellent extended lifespan of over 1100 h at a high current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a high cycling capacity of 10 mAh cm−2, corresponding to a high depth of discharge (83% DODZn). Furthermore, the highly reversible Zn electrode remarkably improved the overall performance of MnO2||Zn full‐cells.
Spontaneous Desaturation of the Solvation Sheath for High‐Performance Anti‐Freezing Zinc‐Ion Gel‐Electrolyte
Authors: Li Mengchao , Xi Chenpeng , Wang Xiaofeng , Li Long , Xiao Yuanbin , Chao Yu , Zheng Xinyu , Liu Zheyuan , Yu Yan , Yang Chengkai
Published: April 2023

In recent years, gel‐electrolyte becomes pivotal in preventing hydrogen evolution, reducing dendrite growth, and protecting the zinc metal anode for zinc‐ion batteries. Herein, a polyvinyl alcohol‐based water–organic hybrid gel electrolyte with Agar and dimethyl sulfoxide is designed to construct the spontaneous desaturation of the solvation sheath for reducing hydrogen evolution and dendrite growth at room temperature and even low temperature. According to experimental characterization and theoretical calculations, the well binding between multihydroxy polymer and H2O is achieved in the hybrid desaturated gel‐electrolyte to regulate the inner and outer sheath. The ionic conductivity of hybrid gel‐electrolyte reaches 7.4 mS cm−1 even at −20 °C with only 0.5 m zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate (Zn(OTf)2). The Zn symmetric cells cycle over 1200 h under 26 and −20 °C with improved mechanical properties and electrochemical performance. The asymmetric Zn || Cu cell with hybrid gel electrolyte reaches ≈99.02% efficiency after 250 cycles. The capacity of full cell is maintained at around 74 mAh g−1 with almost unchanged retention rate from 50 to 300 cycles at −20 °C. This work provides an effective strategy for desaturated solvation to reach anti‐freezing and high‐density Zn energy storage devices.
Chitosan‐Linked Dual‐Sulfonate COF Nanosheet Proton Exchange Membrane with High Robustness and Conductivity
Authors: Li Ping , He Bo , Li Xuan , Lin Yunfei , Tang Shaokun
Published: April 2023

2D materials that can provide long‐range ordered channels in thin‐film form are highly desirable for proton exchange membranes (PEMs). Covalent organic framework nanosheets (CONs) are promising 2D materials possessing intrinsic porosity and high processability. However, the potential of CONs in PEMs is limited by loose sheet stacking and interfacial grain boundary, which lead to unsatisfied mechanical property and discontinuous conduction pathway. Herein, chitosan (CS), a natural polymer with rich NH2 groups, is designed as the linker of dual‐sulfonate CONs (CON‐2(SO3H)) to obtain CON‐2(SO3H)‐based membrane. Ultrathin CON‐2(SO3H) with high crystallinity and large lateral size is synthesized at water–octanoic acid interface. The high flexibility of CS chains and their electrostatic interactions with SO3H groups of CON‐2(SO3H) enable effective connection of CON‐2(SO3H), thus endowing membrane dense structure and exceptional stability. The stacked CON‐2(SO3H) constructs regular hydrophilic nanochannels containing high‐density SO3H groups, and the electrostatic interactions between CON‐2(SO3H) and CS form interfacial acid–base pairs transfer channels. Consequently, CON‐2(SO3H)@CS membrane simultaneously achieves superior proton conductivity of 353 mS cm−1 (under 80 °C hydrated condition) and tensile strength of 95 MPa. This work highlights the advantages of proton‐conducting porous CON‐2(SO3H) in advanced PEMs and paves a way in fabricating robust CON‐based membranes for various applications.
Renal pathology in wild European rabbits
Authors: Lamalle Alice , Haverson Victoria A. , Hughes Katherine
Published: April 2023

Background

There is a relative paucity of data examining the prevalence of renal pathology in wild rabbits.

Methods

Sixty‐two wild rabbits that had been shot for population control in Cambridgeshire, UK, underwent postmortem examination, including macroscopic and microscopic renal assessment.

Results

The majority (82%) of the animals had macroscopically and microscopically normal kidneys. One animal (1.6%) had severe perirenal abscessation. Pasteurella spp. was isolated from this lesion. Ten rabbits (16%) had microscopic renal pathology comprising minimal to mild renal inflammation or fibrosis. No Encephalitozoon cuniculi organisms were detected histologically.

Limitations

The sample population was composed of shot rabbits, so the probability of detecting moribund individuals was reduced. Extrapolation of these data to the wider UK wild rabbit population may be limited as rabbits were shot at two sites within a 3 km radius of each other.

Conclusion

Renal pathology is rare in the population examined.
Diversity of dung beetle‐associated yeasts from pristine environments of Botswana
Authors: Nwaefuna Anita E. , Boekhout Teun , Garcia‐Aloy Mar , Vrhovsek Urska , Zhou Nerve
Published: April 2023

Yeast–insect interactions are increasingly becoming an attractive source of discovery for previously unknown, unique, diverse, and industrially relevant yeast species. Despite a wealth of studies that have recently focused on yeasts in symbiotic association with Hymenopteran insects, yeasts associated with Coleopteran insects, such as lignocellulosic‐rich dung‐dependent beetles, remain poorly studied. Trends in yeast discovery suggest that species richness and diversity can be attributed to the ecological niche of the insect. Here, we considered the potential of dung beetles inhabiting the extreme environments of Botswana, characterized by desert‐like conditions (semi‐arid to arid and hot) as well as protected pristine environments, as possible attribute niches that can shape the extremophilic and diverse life history strategies of yeasts. We obtained a total of 97 phylogenetically diverse yeast isolates from six species of dung beetles from Botswana's unexplored environments, representing 19 species belonging to 11 genera. The findings suggest that the guts of dung beetles are a rich niche for non‐Saccharomyces yeast species. Meyerozyma and Pichia were the most dominant genera associated with dung beetles, representing 55% (53 out of 97) of the yeast isolates in our study. Trichosporon and Cutaneotrichosporon genera represented 32% (31 out of 97) of the isolates. The remaining isolates belonged to Apiotrichum, Candida, Diutina, Naganishia, Rhodotorula, and Wickerhamiella genera (12 out of 97). We found out that about 62% (60 out of 97) of the isolates were potentially new species because of their low internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence similarity when compared to the most recent optimal species delineation threshold. A single isolate was unidentifiable using the ITS sequences. Using an in silico polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism approach, we revealed that there was genetic diversity within isolates of the same species. Our results contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the diversity of dung beetle‐associated yeasts.
Netherlands: Teachers’ Perspectives and Practices in Chinese and Polish Language and Culture Teaching
Authors: Kroon Sjaak , Li Jinling , Dreef Agnieszka
Published: April 2023

The Netherlands has a long history of immigration. One of the oldest groups are the Chinese and one of the most recent ones are migrants from Poland. Both groups have created clear infrastructures for functioning in the Netherlands. One element thereof are complementary schools, i.e., community run schools that teach Chinese/Polish language and culture to Chinese/Polish students with a migration background, mainly on Saturdays. The teachers in these schools are generally community members who are not necessarily qualified as language or culture teachers. An ethnographic approach to these teachers’ classroom practices and perspectives shows that their professional practical knowledge as reflected in the operational and perceived curriculum domain are oriented more toward highlighting and promoting their home country’s national history, identity, ideology and values than to preparing their students for living in the superdiverse society of the Netherlands in which Dutch language and culture, also for many Chinese-Dutch and Polish-Dutch students are dominant.
White College Students’ Cognitive Dissonance When Taught by Immigrant Professor of Color
Authors: Zaier Amani , Maina Faith
Published: April 2023

This study investigated whether White college students experience cognitive dissonance when taught by immigrant professors of color and if so, how do they restore harmony and balance in order to complete the course successfully. Cognitive dissonance refers to feelings of discomfort that arise when a person’s behavior or attitude is in conflict with the person’s values and beliefs, or when new information contrary to their beliefs is presented to them. The participants in this study were 321 preservice teachers who were enrolled in a culturally and linguistically diversity course and a bilingual education course at a large, predominantly White university in the southwestern United States Using three archival instruments including anonymous questions, a guessing activity, a mid-term and end-of-semester evaluations, the students manifested dissonance by “othering” the professor through cultural and racial profiling, questioned the professor’s qualification, professionalism and credentials, and expressed anger and anxiety towards the course. These processes have significant implications for the career trajectory of the immigrant professor of color, while at the same time impacting the knowledge access for White college students.