bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major, trace and rare earth elemental geochemistry of Santonian–Campanian onland‐offshore transition in a Gilbert‐type deltaic setting, Cauvery Basin, southern India
Authors: Ramkumar Muthuvairavasamy , Fathima AL , Nagarajan Ramasamy , Santosh M. , Menier David
Published: June 2022

The spatially widely distributed and temporally protracted Santonian–Campanian stratigraphic records of the Sillakkudi Formation of the Ariyalur Group, Cauvery Basin, southern India represent an onland exposure of a Gilbert‐type delta. Here, we present geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic analyses of two composite stratigraphic sections, and evaluate the climatic, tectonic, and other factors that contributed to the spatio‐emporal uniqueness of this formation. A range of low to intensive weathering, simultaneous exhumation/erosion, physical transport, and chemical weathering, prevalent at different parts of the source region and or the existence of multiple channels that drained varied source regions and hence varied lithologies at exhumation surfaces which in turn experienced seasonally varied flow conditions were interpreted. The prevalence of physical erosion during the initial stages of the deposition of the Sillakkudi Formation that progressed towards higher intensities of chemical weathering, in tune with the increase in atmospheric temperature and sea‐level rise during the later stages of the formation, is evidenced. Occurrences of positive and negative Eu anomalies and a progression from active to passive tectonic setting of samples, concomitant with change from tectonic control to relative sea‐level and the sediment influx controlled nature of deposition from Santonian–Campanian is recorded. Together, three sets of related factors namely, tectonics, increase of atmospheric temperature and sea‐level rise operated independently, and the enforced transience of transformation of the source terrain from active to passive margin, the transformation of depositional setting from fluvial to estuarine/intertidal to open marine, and shifting of principal loci of deposition from onland to offshore, are documented. The causal link between the progressive increase of sea‐level control over the depositional system during the Santonian–Campanian as recorded by this study could be due to the rise in atmospheric temperature that in turn might have been influenced by the movement of the Indian Plate from low latitudes towards the equatorial region. The second implication of the results is that the studies attempting to document tectonic setting, provenance, and weathering, with the help of geochemical discriminant diagrams, should also consider the spatial and temporal changes in the source area as well as depositional setting.
Comparative evaluation of authorized drugs for treating Covid‐19 patients
Authors: Islam Towhidul , Hasan Moynul , Rahman Mohammad Saydur , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Vaccines are the first line of defense against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19). However, the antiviral drugs provide a new tool to fight the Covid‐19 pandemic. Here we aimed for a comparative evaluation of authorized drugs for treating Covid‐19 patients.

Methods

We searched in PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords and terms such as Covid, SARS‐CoV‐2, Coronavirus disease 2019, therapeutic management, hospitalized Covid‐19 patients, Covid‐19 treatment. We also gathered information from reputed newspapers, web portals, and websites. We thoroughly observed, screened, and included the studies relevant to our inclusion criteria. We included only the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized drugs for this review.

Results

We found that molnupiravir and paxlovid are available for oral use, and remdesivir is for only hospitalized patients. Paxlovid is a combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, nirmatrelvir is a protease inhibitor (ritonavir increases the concentration of nirmatrelvir), and the other two (remdesivir and molnupiravir) are nucleoside analog prodrugs. Remdesivir and molnupiravir doses do not need to adjust in renal and hepatic impairment. However, the paxlovid dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal or hepatic impaired patients. Also, the drug is not allowed for Covid‐19 patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. Preliminary studies showed oral antiviral drugs significantly reduce hospitalization or death among mild to severe patients. Moreover, the US FDA has approved four monoclonal antibodies for Covid‐19 treatment. Studies suggest that these drugs would reduce the risk of hospitalization or severity of symptoms. World Health Organization strongly recommended the use of corticosteroids along with other antiviral drugs for severe or critically hospitalized patients.

Conclusion

All authorized drugs are effective in inhibiting viral replication for most SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. Therefore, along with vaccines, these drugs might potentially aid in fighting the Covid‐19 pandemic.
Plasmodium falciparum coinfection is associated with improved IgE and IgG3 response against hookworm antigens
Authors: Sakyi Samuel A. , Wilson Michael D. , Adu Bright , Opoku Stephen , Brewoo Antwi , Larbi Amma , Baafour Emmanuel K. , Tchum Samuel K. , Saahene Roland O. , Aniagyei Wilfred , Sewor Christian , Courtin David , Cappello Michael , Gyan Ben , Amoani Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Background

Plasmodium falciparum and Hookworm infections are prevalent in West Africa and they cause iron deficiency anemia and protein malnutrition in Children. Immune response of these parasites interact and their interactions could have repercussions on vaccine development and efficacy. The current goal of hookworm eradication lies on vaccination. We evaluated the effect of P. falciparum coinfection and albendazole treatment on naturally acquired antibody profile against hookworm L3 stage larvae antigen.

Methods

In a longitudinal study, 40 individuals infected with Necator americanus only, 63 participants infected with N. americanus and P. falciparum, and 36 nonendemic controls (NECs) were recruited. The study was done in the Kintampo North Metropolis of Ghana. Stool and blood samples were taken for laboratory analyses. Serum samples were obtained before hookworm treatment and 3 weeks after treatment.

Results

The malaria‐hookworm (N. americanus and P. falciparum) coinfected subjects had significantly higher levels of IgE (β = 0.30, 95% CI = [0.12, 0.48], p = 0.023) and IgG3 (β = 0.15, 95% CI = [0.02, 0.52], p = 0.004) compared to those infected with hookworm only (N. americanus). The N. americanus groups had significantly higher levels of IgG3 (β = 0.39, 95% CI = [0.14–0.62], p = 0.002) compared to the control group. Similarly, N. americanus and P. falciparum coinfected participants had significantly higher levels of IgE (β = 0.35, 95% CI = [0.70–0.39], p = 0.002) and IgG3 (β = 0.54, 95% CI = [0.22–0.76], p = 0.002). Moreover, albendazole treatment led to a significant reduction in IgE, IgA, IgM, and IgG3 antibodies against hookworm L3 stage larvae (p < 0.05)

Conclusion

P. falciparum is associated with improved IgE and IgG response against hookworm L3 stage larvae. Treatment with single dose of albendazole led to reduction in naturally acquired immune response against hookworm infection. Thus, P. falciparum infection may have a boosting effect on hookworm vaccine effectiveness.
Eyes on you: Ensuring empathic accuracy or signalling empathy?
Authors: Wever Mirjam C.M. , van Houtum Lisanne A. E. M. , Janssen Loes H. C. , Spruit Iris M. , Tollenaar Marieke S. , aan het Rot Marije , Elzinga Bernet M.
Published: June 2022

The eye region is thought to play an important role in the ability to accurately infer others' feelings, or empathic accuracy (EA), which is an important skill for social interaction. However, most past studies used static pictures, including only visual information, and knowledge about the contribution of the eye region to EA when visual information is presented together with verbal content is lacking. We therefore examined whether eye gazing contributes to EA during videos of emotional autobiographical stories including both visual and verbal content. One hundred seven perceivers watched videos of targets talking about positive and negative life events and continuously rated the targets' feelings during the videos. Simultaneously, perceivers' eyes were tracked. After each video, perceivers reported on their feelings and the extent to which they empathized with and took the perspective of the targets. In contrast to studies using static pictures, we found that gazing to the eyes of targets during the videos did not significantly contribute to EA. At the same time, results on the association between the amount of gaze towards the eye region of targets and perceivers' state and trait empathy ratings suggest that eye gazing might signal empathy and social engagement to others.
Forgiveness, rumination, and depression in the United States and Korea: A cross‐cultural mediation study
Authors: Toussaint Loren , Lee Jiahn A. , Hyun Myoung Ho , Shields Grant S. , Slavich George M.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Although substantial research has separately investigated forgiveness, rumination, and depression in the United States, few studies have investigated all three constructs in the same sample and we know of no studies that have examined how forgiveness, rumination, and depression are interrelated across cultures.

Method

To address this issue, we conducted a cross‐cultural study wherein 204 and 297 healthy young adults from Korea and the United States, respectively, completed the Heartland Forgiveness Scale, Ruminative Response Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory‐II.

Results

Compared to US participants, Korean participants exhibited more forgiveness, similar levels of rumination, and slightly more depression. Two‐group structural equation models revealed that forgiveness was directly related to depressive symptoms, and that forgiveness was indirectly related to depressive symptoms through rumination, in both the United States (proportion mediated = 0.363) and Korea (proportion mediated = 0.394). This indirect association did not differ across cultures.

Conclusion

Considered together, these results suggest that forgiveness appears to have beneficial effects on depression that are mediated through forgiveness‐related reductions in rumination, and, importantly, that these effects are similar across cultures.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding During Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of Polypharmacy
Authors: Honda Taku , Abe Koichiro , Oda Minoru , Harada Fumito , Maruyama Kyohei , Aoyagi Hitoshi , Miura Ryo , Konno Kumiko , Arizumi Toshihiko , Asaoka Yoshinari , Kodashima Shinya , Kozuma Ken , Yamamoto Takatsugu , Tanaka Atsushi
Published: June 2022

Although concomitant medications have been raised as a factor affecting hemorrhage during direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy, details remain unelucidated. This study was conducted to clarify the relationship between concomitant medications with possible pharmacokinetic interactions and number of concomitant medications, and bleeding and embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation on DOACs. The subjects were 1010 patients prescribed DOACs from a single‐center at the Teikyo University Hospital between April 2011 and June 2018. This study was an exploratory analysis and investigated their course between the first prescription and December 2018, including the presence or absence of clinically relevant bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Impacts of medications were evaluated by the general linear model with inverse probability‐weighted propensity score. The observation period was 2272 patient‐years. The rate of bleeding was 4.7%/year, gastrointestinal bleeding was 2.8%/year, and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were 2.0%/year. Taking 10 or more oral medications concurrently was a significant risk for gastrointestinal bleeding (hazard ratio, 2.046 [95%CI, 1.188‐3.526]; P = .010). Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were the only significant risk for gastrointestinal bleeding. Clinicians should be aware of gastrointestinal bleeding when using DOACs with patients taking more than 10 medications and/or nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Sarcopenia as potential biological substrate of long COVID‐19 syndrome: prevalence, clinical features, and risk factors
Authors: Martone Anna Maria , Tosato Matteo , Ciciarello Francesca , Galluzzo Vincenzo , Zazzara Maria Beatrice , Pais Cristina , Savera Giulia , Calvani Riccardo , Marzetti Emanuele , Robles Maria Camprubi , Ramirez Maria , Landi Francesco ,   Gemelli Against COVID‐19 Post‐Acute Care Team
Published: June 2022

Background

Severe clinical pictures and sequelae of COVID‐19 disease are immune mediated and characterized by a ‘cytokine storm’. Skeletal muscle has emerged as a potent regulator of immune system function. The aim of the present study is to define the prevalence of sarcopenia among COVID‐19 survivors and the negative impact of sarcopenia on the post‐acute COVID‐19 syndrome and its related risk factors.

Methods

A total of 541 subjects recovered from COVID‐19 disease were enrolled in the Gemelli Against COVID‐19 Post‐Acute Care between April 2020 and February 2021. They underwent a multidisciplinary clinical evaluation and muscle strength and physical performance assessment.

Results

Mean age was 53.1 years (SD 15.2, range from 18 to 86 years), and 274 (51%) were women. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 19.5%, and it was higher in patients with a longer hospital stay and lower in patients who were more physically active and had higher levels of serum albumin. Patients with sarcopenia had a higher number of persistent symptoms than non‐sarcopenic patients (3.8 ± 2.9 vs. 3.2 ± 2.8, respectively; P = 0.06), in particular fatigue, dyspnoea, and joint pain.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia identified according to the EWGSOP2 criteria is high in patients recovered from COVID‐19 acute illness, particularly in those who had experienced the worst clinical picture reporting the persistence of fatigue and dyspnoea. Our data suggest that sarcopenia, through the persistence of inflammation, could be the biological substrate of long COVID‐19 syndrome. Physical activity, especially if associated with adequate nutrition, seems to be an important protective factor.
Connecting animal trainers and behavior analysts through loopy training
Authors: Kurland Alexandra , St. Peter Claire C.
Published: June 2022

The communities of behavior analysts and animal trainers remain relatively disconnected despite potentially beneficial links between behavioral principles and the practices of animal training. Describing existing links between research by behavior analysts and practices used by animal trainers may foster connections. In this paper, we describe an approach used by many clicker trainers, referred to as loopy training. Loopy training is a teaching process built around the concept of movement cycles. Interactions between the animal learner and the handler are refined into predictable, cyclical patterns that can be expanded into complex sequences. These sequences include cues, target responses, conditioned reinforcers, and consummatory responses. We link the foundations of loopy training to existing work in the experimental analysis of behavior, compare loopy training to other shaping approaches, and describe areas for future research. We conclude with a series of recommendations for further developing connections between behavior analysts and animal trainers, using loopy training as the foundation for our suggestions.
Assessment of dry and heavy rainfall days and their projected changes over Northeast Brazil in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models
Authors: de Medeiros Felipe Jeferson , de Oliveira Cristiano Prestrelo
Published: June 2022

The Northeast Brazil (NEB) is considered a region that is strongly vulnerable to extreme rainfall events due to climate change. In this context, this study evaluates the performance of 12 general circulation models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) in representing the number of dry (DD) and heavy rainfall days (HRD) over NEB in the historical period (1981–2005) and their projections for the near (2016–2040) and far future (2076–2100) under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0 and SSP5‐8.5) scenarios. For selection of extreme rainfall days, we used the absolute threshold of less than 1 mm for DD and the 99th percentile for HRD. The results indicate that four (three) models show an overall superior performance in reproducing the dry (heavy rainfall) days, being common in both aspects only the EC‐EARTH3. Thus, the skill of the CMIP6 models for NEB varies according to the extreme rainfall conditions analysed. For the future climate (near and far), results show that dry days are project to increase over the entire NEB territory, especially during DJF and MAM and more pronounce in the east coast, with projections that these conditions will be more severe under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario. The number of dry days may increase up to 15%. For HRD, although the results indicate that the number of days with heavy precipitation will be more frequent in the future (the increase can exceed 140%), the analysis show that under the low (SSP2‐4.5) or intermediate (SSP3‐7.0) forcing scenarios the HRD tends to be higher than in the most pessimistic scenario (SSP5‐8.5). Such result was explained according to the dryness of the atmosphere. Therefore, this study shows that it might either rain too much within a short range of time or the water scarcity will be longer‐lasting in the future in NEB.
A thin‐film transistor with no apparent channel for simplified, high aperture ratio pixel architectures
Authors: Wilson Joshua , Zhang Jiawei , Song Aimin
Published: June 2022

Advances in practical electronics often result from the quest to improve the scalability of fundamental components, but improvements in the scalability of thin‐film transistors (TFTs) have been frustrated by performance degradation at reduced dimensions. In particular, many of these scaling issues are tied to a common feature of all transistors, the semiconductor channel. Here, we introduce TFTs with source and drain materials in direct contact. In the absence of a channel, these TFTs maintain excellent performance including high effective mobility and low voltage saturation. Central to our design is the combination of the depleting properties of a Schottky source electrode with a quasi‐metallic drain material, in this case indium‐tin‐oxide. As an example application, we propose a simpler, more compact pixel architecture for realizing high‐resolution displays, which reduces transistor area by two thirds and can reduce pixel power consumption by almost 80% when compared to conventional TFT structures.
Adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved overall survival in select patients with Stage II colon cancer: A National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Grant Robert R. C. , Khan Tahsin M. , Gregory Stephanie N. , Coakley Brian A. , Hernandez Jonathan M. , Davis Jeremy L. , Blakely Andrew M.
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

Guidelines for Stage II colon cancer recommend adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) only for tumors with high‐risk features, but long‐term outcomes data are mixed. We aimed to determine if AC was associated with a survival benefit in this population.

Methods

Patients were identified from the National Cancer Database and included if they met the following criteria: diagnosis of Stage II colon cancer, surgery, survival data, and complete data on six high‐risk features. The cohort of 57 335 patients was stratified by receipt of AC. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients under the age of 65 years with no comorbidities. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint.

Results

An increasing number of high‐risk features was associated with significantly decreased median OS. AC was associated with significantly increased OS for patients with 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 high‐risk features. On subgroup analysis, receipt of AC was associated with a reduced risk of death (hazard ratio: 0.66; confidence interval: 0.59–0.74). For patients in the subgroup who had a T4 tumor, AC was associated with increased OS (92.7 vs. 83.6 months).

Conclusions

AC should be considered for all younger, healthy patients with Stage II colon cancer and may be associated with a survival benefit for patients with T4 disease.
Differential effects of the Affordable Care Act on the stage at presentation and receipt of treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hao Scarlett , Mitsakos Anastasios , Popowicz Patrycja , Irish William , Snyder Rebecca A. , Parikh Alexander A.
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

For pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) which lacks a recommended screening modality, the benefit of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may not be an earlier diagnosis, but rather improved rates of treatment. The objective of this study was to examine change in the stage of PDAC presentation and treatment disparities following the ACA.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients with primary PDAC identified in the 2004–2017 National Cancer Database was divided into pre‐ and post‐ACA, for which the primary outcomes of a stage of presentation, receipt of surgical resection, and systemic therapy (termed multimodality) (Stage I–II), and receipt of systemic therapy (Stage III–IV) were compared by multivariable analysis.

Results

228,015 patients were included. Odds of presenting with Stage I–II PDAC were significantly higher in 2011–2017 versus 2004–2010 (odds ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.40–1.47). Black patients with early‐stage disease had a lower likelihood of multimodality therapy and those with advanced disease were less likely to receive systemic therapy, before and after the ACA. Uninsured patients were less likely to receive any therapy compared with insured patients; this disparity increased in the post‐ACA period.

Conclusions

An earlier presentation of PDAC increased following the ACA. However, racial, insurance, and socioeconomic treatment disparities persist.
Relationships among phosphatase activities, functional genes and soil properties following amendment with the bacterium Burkholderia sp. ZP‐4
Authors: Liu Yaohui , Bai Shahla Hosseini , Wang Dianjie , Zhang Ling , Hu Dongnan , Wen Jie , Zhang Wenyuan , Zhang Manyun
Published: June 2022

Phosphorus (P) limitation is common in subtropical and tropical regions. Although phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can transform soil P fractions and enhance soil P availability, the mechanism regarding the linkage between PSB abundance and soil P fractions transformation were still unknown. In this study, Burkholderia sp. ZP‐4, a PSB strain, was inoculated into subtropical bamboo forest soil at the inoculation rates of 0% (bacterial suspension: soil weight = v: w, the control), 2% (2%IR), 6% (6%IR) and 10% (10%IR). The changes in soil P fractions, bacterial community, phosphatase activities, P transforming functional genes and soil properties were also determined after the PSB inoculation. Compared with the control, soil inorganic P extracted by deionized water (H2O‐Pi) and extracted by sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3‐Pi) in the 6%IR treatments were increased 45.35% and 16.05%, respectively. The lowest content of residual P (residual‐P) was in the 6%IR treatment among the four treatments. The 6%IR treatment contributed to stimulating and inducing soil acid phosphatase activity and P cycling genes (phoD and phoC) abundances, relative to the control. The PSB inoculation significantly decreased soil pH but increased soil available nitrogen P supplies among all treatments. Simultaneously, the PSB inoculation also significantly changed soil bacterial community. The transformation of P fractions in the 6%IR was more efficient than the other treatments, implying that 6% is the proper inoculation rate of functional Burkholderia for accelerating P cycling at subtropical bamboo forest soil. Our findings will provide a scientific guidance for the application of biofertilizer.
Adult‐Onset Neurodegeneration in Nucleotide Excision Repair Disorders (NERDND): Time to Move Beyond the Skin
Authors: Cordts Isabell , Önder Demet , Traschütz Andreas , Kobeleva Xenia , Karin Ivan , Minnerop Martina , Koertvelyessy Peter , Biskup Saskia , Forchhammer Stephan , Binder Johannes , Tzschach Andreas , Meiss Frank , Schmidt Axel , Kreiß Martina , Cremer Kirsten , Mensah Martin A. , Park Joohyun , Rautenberg Maren , Deininger Natalie , Sturm Marc , Lingor Paul , Klopstock Thomas , Weiler Markus , Marxreiter Franz , Synofzik Matthis , Posch Christian , Sirokay Judith , Klockgether Thomas , Haack Tobias B. , Deschauer Marcus
Published: June 2022

Background

Variants in genes of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway have been associated with heterogeneous clinical presentations ranging from xeroderma pigmentosum to Cockayne syndrome and trichothiodystrophy. NER deficiencies manifest with photosensitivity and skin cancer, but also developmental delay and early‐onset neurological degeneration. Adult‐onset neurological features have been reported in only a few xeroderma pigmentosum cases, all showing at least mild skin manifestations.

Objective

The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate the frequency and clinical features of patients with biallelic variants in NER genes who are predominantly presenting with neurological signs.

Methods

In‐house exome and genome datasets of 14,303 patients, including 3543 neurological cases, were screened for deleterious variants in NER‐related genes. Clinical workup included in‐depth neurological and dermatological assessments.

Results

We identified 13 patients with variants in ERCC4 (n = 8), ERCC2 (n = 4), or XPA (n = 1), mostly proven biallelic, including five different recurrent and six novel variants. All individuals had adult‐onset progressive neurological deterioration with ataxia, dementia, and frequently chorea, neuropathy, and spasticity. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed profound global brain atrophy in all patients. Dermatological examination did not show any skin cancer or pronounced ultraviolet damage.

Conclusions

We introduce NERDND as adult‐onset neurodegeneration (ND) within the spectrum of autosomal recessive NER disorders (NERD). Our study demonstrates that NERDND is probably an underdiagnosed cause of neurodegeneration in adulthood and should be considered in patients with overlapping cognitive and movement abnormalities. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A 5.91–8.94GHz phase‐locked loop in 65 nm CMOS for 5G applications
Authors: Zhou Pizeng , Li Chao , Kang Zehui , Zheng Shiyuan , Wu Liang , Xue Quan
Published: June 2022

A low‐noise fully‐integrated charge‐pump phase‐locked loop (CPPLL) for 5G applications is presented in this letter. The PLL architecture includes a phase and frequency detector (PFD), a charge pump (CP), a low‐pass filter (LPF), a voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO), and a programmable divider. To achieve low phase noise, class‐C VCO, TSPC logic, and other methods are employed in the PLL circuit design. Fabricated in 65 nm technology, the PLL measures a tuning range of 5.91–8.94 GHz. The minimum and maximum measured phase noise are −125 dBc/Hz and −116.6 dBc/Hz @1 MHz. The size of CPPLL core area is 0.8 mm by 0.95 mm without the pads while having a 50‐mW power consumption.
Broadband aperture‐coupled conducting sphere antenna
Authors: Kim Jeong P.
Published: June 2022

An aperture‐coupled conducting sphere antenna is proposed, whereby a signal is fed to the antenna from a microstrip feed line via an aperture on the ground plane. Broadband characteristics are achieved by the gradual change of spacing between the ground plane and the conducting sphere. An equivalent network was developed, with its associated circuit element values extracted both analytically and numerically. Based on the results of a parameter study, an X‐band antenna was designed for broadband, low loss, and highly efficient operation. It was then fabricated to validate the design. The measured S11, showing broadband characteristics, was found to be in reasonable agreement with predictions from the numerical simulation. In addition, far‐field radiation patterns were investigated. For applications involving arrays, the coupling characteristics along the E‐ and H‐planes were also examined and compared with other antenna configurations.
An experimental investigation on impact dynamics response of woven roved glass fiber reinforced polyester laminated composites
Authors: Balasubramani Veerappan , Boopathy Sadayan Rajendra , Stalin Balasubramaniam , Kavimani Vijayananth
Published: June 2022

This research deals with the effect of stacking sequence over, the mechanical behavior of laminates that includes tensile, flexural, fractography, area of impact damage, and residual tensile strength. The angle‐ply laminate specimens were analyzed theoretically and correlated with experimental results. The highest interlaminar shear strength 32.89 MPa was exhibited by (60/30/60/30)S with better transverse stiffness of 444 N/mm. Among the developed laminates, (60/30/60/30)S showed the highest rate of residual strength degradation of 0.271. It has been found that an increase in interlaminar shear strength decreases the impact damage resistance of the composites. The angle‐ply laminate composites exhibited superior residual tensile and impact resistant properties when compared with uniply laminate composites.
Facile synthetic method for peptoids bearing multiple azoles on side chains
Authors: Lee Yen Jea , Park Soyeon , Kim Yujeong , Kim Sun Hee , Seo Jiwon
Published: June 2022

Natural metalloenzymes stabilize metal centers by utilizing multiple imidazole moieties. Inspired by nature's design principles, the introduction of multiple azoles into ligands has been an effective method for constructing transition metal complexes. Herein, we describe a post‐synthetic modification of peptoids to incorporate multiple azoles on side chains. A simple substitution reaction between an azole (imidazole, pyrazole, 1,2,3‐triazole, and tetrazole) and a chloroalkyl‐containing peptoid provided access to a variety of azole‐containing peptoids. Ten azole‐containing peptoids were synthesized from a single chloroalkyl‐containing peptoid, and the efficiency of each azole for the substitution reaction was evaluated. We have identified that several of the azole‐containing peptoids are capable of binding with Cu(II) and Fe(III). Our synthetic approach can contribute to the expansion of peptoids' chemical diversity and the development of novel peptoids for metal recognition and catalysis.
Experimental Verification of Single‐Type Electron Population in Indium Tin Oxide Layers
Authors: Złotnik Sebastian , Pianelli Alessandro , Boguski Jacek , Kojdecki Marek A. , Moszczyński Paweł , Parka Janusz , Wróbel Jarosław
Published: June 2022

Accurate determination of electronic transport properties of individual transparent conductive oxide layers, namely indium tin oxide (ITO), is essential for further development and design of photonic devices with ITO layer as a tunable ultrafast optoelectronic component. Precise magnetotransport measurements are here implemented to achieve carrier mobility distribution that gives insight into types and characteristics of carrier species. ITO thin films with various sheet resistance of ≈10, 75, and 350 Ω sq−1, respectively, are examined at near‐room temperature. Unimodal mobility distribution is revealed in ITO films, independently on their resistivity, with no evidence of unseparated contributions from surface or interface states. The electron mobility varies depending on ITO's resistivity, ranging from 36.8 to 47.2 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 300 K. Importantly, no minority hole conduction is present. The ITO thin films exhibit solely bulk‐like conduction with an absence of parallel conductions. In addition, the existence of single‐type electron population in ITO that can be viewed as an important validation of exclusively donor‐type defects and/or impurities contributing to total ITO conductivity is experimentally confirmed. These results indicate that ITO can be viewed as an integrated counterpart for photonic metadevices.
Myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA vaccination in autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease patients: A single‐center experience
Authors: Patel Shreeya , Wu Emma , Mundae Maninder , Lim Keith
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The mRNA vaccines Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) and Spikevax (Moderna) are considered safe and highly effective against SARS‐COV2. However, they are also associated with a small increased risk of pericarditis and myocarditis. There is concern about an increased risk of these complications in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRD).

Case Report

We describe three patients with pre‐existing AIRD who developed myocarditis or pericarditis shortly after receiving their first dose of the Pfizer‐BioNTech vaccine. The first case is a 31‐year‐old female with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and anti‐phospholipid syndrome (APLS) who presented 7 days after receiving the Pfizer‐BioNTech vaccine and was diagnosed with myopericarditis following a positive troponin and abnormal transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). The second case is a 29‐year‐old man with seronegative inflammatory arthritis and APLS who presented 7 days after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer‐BioNTech vaccine. His troponin and TTE were unremarkable however his ECG showed widespread ST elevation. Lastly, the third case is a 34‐year‐old man with Behcet's disease with a history of recurrent pericarditis. He developed a recurrence of symptoms approximately 7 days after his Pfizer‐BioNTech vaccine and self‐commenced prednisolone at home. He had normal laboratory and radiological findings. All patients received prednisolone resulting in a quick recovery and resolution of symptoms.

Discussion

In this review we discuss the association between myocarditis, pericarditis and mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines, those who are at greatest risk and current clinical considerations. We also discuss the possible increased risk in AIRD patients and the current research supporting this.
Dampened autonomic nervous system responses to stress and substance use in adolescence
Authors: Rahal Danny , Alkon Abbey , Shirtcliff Elizabeth , Gonzales Nancy , Fuligni Andrew , Eskenazi Brenda , Deardorff Julianna
Published: June 2022

We investigated whether parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) responses to social‐evaluative threat at age 14 were related to the number of substances used between ages 14 and 16 among Mexican‐origin adolescents (N = 243; 70.4% had never used substances by 14). Participants completed the Trier Social Stress Test, while cardiac measures of parasympathetic and SNS activity were measured continuously using respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and pre‐ejection period (PEP), respectively. Participants reported whether they had ever used alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes, and had ever vaped nicotine in their lifetime at ages 14 and 16. Multilevel models were used to test associations between RSA and PEP responses at age 14 and substance use at 16. Among youth who had not used substances by 14, dampened RSA and PEP responses, and profiles of greater coinhibition and lower reciprocal SNS activation between RSA and PEP, at age 14 were associated with using substances by 16. Among youth who used by 14, exaggerated PEP responses were associated with using more substances by age 16. Taken together, dampened autonomic responses to social‐evaluative threat predicted initiation of substance use over two years, and difficulties with coordination of physiological responses may confer risk for substance use in adolescence.
Investigations of Formability and Dynamic Recrystallization Development of Titanium Alloys During Dieless Wire Drawing Processes
Authors: Hwang Yeong-Maw , Liu Han-Hsuan , Wang Yu-Ting
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the formability and grain size evolution during the dieless wire drawing process of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V. First, thermocompression tests of Ti–6Al–4V billets are conducted to obtain their flow stresses at different temperatures and strain rates. Dynamic recrystallization (DRX)‐related constants and grain size prediction models for titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V are established from the flow stress curves through regression analyses. Then, a finite element software DEFORM 2D coupled with the established DRX models is adopted for DRX volume fraction and grain size evolution simulations of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V during dieless wire drawing processes. The effects of various drawing conditions, such as drawing speed, drawing temperature, and area reduction, on the formability of the wire after the dieless drawing process are discussed. Finally, a dieless drawing machine with a high‐frequency induction heating apparatus and a cooling system is developed. A series of experiments of dieless drawing of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V wires at different drawing speeds, drawing temperatures, and cooling rates are conducted. The analytical forming limits of area reductions and grain sizes are compared with experimental values to validate the finite element analysis and DRX models.
A dehydration kinetic model of calcium silicate hydrates at high temperature
Authors: Wang Hui , Chen Xi , Yang Sha , Caggiano Antonio , Ai Qing , Koenders Eduardus , Yuan Yong
Published: June 2022

Dehydration of calcium silicate hydrates, the primary binding phase of cement paste, contributes significantly to the degradation of cementitious materials at high temperatures. Kinetics of the dehydration process is usually parameterized as the product of the classic Arrhenius equation and a kinetic expression, calibrating the influence of the temperature and the reaction degree, respectively. By means of the Exp‐function approximation, an improved kinetic expression is proposed and the differential equation is solved by utilizing the Mean‐value Theorem for integrals. The established dehydration model is validated by comparing with independent experimental measurements, concerning different heating regime and molar ratios of calcium‐to‐silicon. Both the temperature history and the calcium‐to‐silicon molar ratios influence the kinetics and the final status of the dehydration process. The established model provides access to further investigation of the microstructural evolution of heated concrete, containing supplementary cementitious materials.
Analysis of bovine postmortem condemnation data in France: Contributions from a comprehensive and standardised information system at the slaughterhouse
Authors: Collineau Eléonore , Corbière Fabien , Darnal Stéphanie , Holleville Nicolas , Salines Morgane
Published: June 2022

Background

The condemnation of carcases and offal unfit for human consumption is a regulatory requirement at the slaughterhouse. Condemnation data, if comprehensive and standardised, can be a valuable source of information for risk‐based inspection and decision making.

Methods

The aim of this study was to analyse postmortem condemnation data that were recorded in all bovine slaughterhouses in mainland France from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020 in a comprehensive and standardised information system. The rates of and reasons for condemnation, as well as factors influencing rate variation, were investigated through descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

The global, total and partial condemnation rates were 4.5%, 0.7% and 3.8% for adult cattle and 1.4%, 0.3% and 1.1% for calves, respectively. Reasons for condemnation varied with the animal category; for example, the three main reasons for total condemnation in adult cattle were serous infiltration of connective tissue (49% of condemned animals), congestive peritonitis (12.2%) and fibrinous peritonitis (10.9%), whereas the top three reasons for partial condemnation were unique abscess (21.9%), haemorrhagic infiltration (20.6%) and muscular sclerosis (17.4%). Condemnation rates were influenced by animal‐related factors (sex, age, type of breed) and slaughterhouse‐related factors (status, type, slaughter volume).

Conclusion

Our findings could usefully contribute to the continuous improvement of the harmonisation of inspection decisions and support the risk manager's strategy in the modernisation of official controls at the slaughterhouse.
European Union Law and National Law: A Common Legal System?
Authors: Rosas Allan
Published: June 2022

EU law and the national laws of the EU Member States are closely interwoven. From a historical point of view, they form two different legal orders, but they may today be viewed as forming part of the same legal system. The chapter explains the relationship between EU law and national law by looking first at the status of EU law in national law and then at the relevance of national law to EU law. The status and impact of EU law in domestic legal systems have already received a great deal of attention in the legal doctrine, and the chapter therefore particularly focuses on the second aspect, which has to date received far less attention. The role domestic laws play at the EU level is examined here by looking at the different functions that Member State national laws have in an EU law context by examining the relevance of national material (substantive) and procedural and institutional laws at the EU level. This chapter concludes that the relationship between EU law and domestic laws is fundamentally different from the traditional dichotomy between public international law and domestic law. Member State national laws have directly impacted, and continue to impact, the substance of EU law. Furthermore, the way in which EU law instrumentalises domestic laws—in particular domestic institutional law—for its own purposes and harnesses national administrative bodies to the same end suggests that EU law and national law are best understood as forming a single complex system of multi-level governance.
Strengthening the Right to Personal Autonomy and Protection of Vulnerable Adults: from Human Rights to Domestic and European legislation on Voluntary Measures
Authors: Karjalainen Katja
Published: June 2022

This chapter analyzes the formation of domestic law and European law from the perspective of voluntary measures and the representation of persons whose personal faculties are impaired or insufficient. It assesses the instruments of the Council of Europe (CoE), especially Recommendation No (1999)4 and Recommendation No (2009)11, and Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). It also looks at domestic solutions and the way in which they reflect goals and objectives set at the international level. The Finnish Act on Continuing Powers of Attorney (2007) and the British Columbian Representation Agreement Act (2000) are used as illustrative case studies on how endorsing human rights can take different forms. The comparative notions employed in this chapter concern the question of who is able to carry out a voluntary measure and, thus, of how jurisdictions address impairment in existing decision-making capacity, which is one of the most intriguing questions relating to voluntary measures following the conclusion of the UNCRPD. Furthermore, the chapter notes the possibility of the European Union (EU) implementing measures in the area of law dealing with the protection of vulnerable adults and, in particular, in relation to voluntary measures. In this context, the chapter highlights the intertwined work of different international actors in the formation of laws.
Host States’ Labour Regulation in the Aftermath of International Investment Disputes: Five Levels of Impact and Interaction
Authors: Silvander Johanna
Published: June 2022

International law in the form of international investment agreements (IIAs) and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) judgements provide impetus to changes in domestic labour and labour market related social regulation and policies in countries hosting foreign investment. The International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) has a leading role in defining the contents of international law in what comes to IIAs as it has administered the majority of known international investment cases and many IIAs include provisions directing investment disputes to be arbitrated through ICSID’s ad hoc tribunals. This chapter pinpoints a non-negligeable incidence of ISDS cases including labour-related claims and defenses. Irrespective of the labour related claims’ success in arbitration, the analysis finds five different levels of these cases’ impacts on domestic regulation in host states.
Ecological Sustainability Assessment of Water Distribution for the Maintenance of Ecosystems, their Services and Biodiversity
Authors: Schlattmann Anna , Neuendorf Felix , Burkhard Kremena , Probst Elisabeth , Pujades Estanislao , Mauser Wolfram , Attinger Sabine , von Haaren Christina
Published: June 2022

Water provision and distribution are subject to conflicts between users worldwide, with agriculture as a major driver of discords. Water sensitive ecosystems and their services are often impaired by man-made water shortage. Nevertheless, they are not sufficiently included in sustainability or risk assessments and neglected when it comes to distribution of available water resources. The herein presented contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) and Life on Land (SDG 15) is the Ecological Sustainability Assessment of Water distribution (ESAW-tool). The ESAW-tool introduces a watershed sustainability assessment that evaluates the sustainability of the water supply-demand ratio on basin level, where domestic water use and the water requirements of ecosystems are considered as most important water users. An ecological risk assessment estimates potential impacts of agricultural depletion of renewable water resources on (ground)water-dependent ecosystems. The ESAW-tool works in standard GIS applications and is applicable in basins worldwide with a set of broadly available input data. The ESAW-tool is tested in the Danube river basin through combination of high-resolution hydro-agroecological model data (hydrological land surface process model PROMET and groundwater model OpenGeoSys) and further freely available data (water use, biodiversity and wetlands maps). Based on the results, measures for more sustainable water management can be deduced, such as increase of rainfed agriculture near vulnerable ecosystems or change of certain crops. The tool can support decision making of authorities from local to national level as well as private enterprises who want to improve the sustainability of their supply chains.