bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fear of childbirth and use of labor analgesia: A nationwide register‐based analysis in Finland
Authors: Vaajala Matias , Kekki Maiju , Mattila Ville M. , Kuitunen Ilari
Published: April 2023

Objective

To calculate the rates of labor analgesia among women with fear of childbirth (FOC) in multiparous and nulliparous women, because FOC might be associated with higher rates of labor analgesia.

Methods

In this retrospective register‐based cohort study, data from the National Medical Birth Register was used to evaluate the usage of labor analgesia in pregnancies with FOC, when compared with those without. The analgesia methods were stratified into neuraxial analgesia, pudendal, paracervical, nitrous oxide, other medical, other non‐medical, and no analgesia.

Results

A total of 19 285 pregnancies with diagnosed maternal FOC were found during our study period. The control group consisted of 757 997 pregnancies without diagnosed maternal FOC. Nulliparous women with diagnosed FOC had a higher rate of epidural analgesia (70.2% vs 67.1%), spinal analgesia (12.3% vs 7.6%), and pudendal block (17.6% vs 9.6%). Multiparous women with FOC had a notably higher rate for epidural analgesia (47.0% vs 29.0%).

Conclusion

The main finding in this study was that women with diagnosed FOC had a higher rate of labor analgesia. The results of this study can be used by midwives, obstetricians, and anesthesiologists to provide optimal pain relief for mothers with FOC.
Epidemiology of Malignant Melanoma, Worldwide Incidence, and Etiologic Factors
Authors: Brozena Stephen J. , Fenske Neil A. , Perez Ileana R.
Published: April 2023

Malignant melanoma is increasing at an alarming rate, exceeding that of any other cancer in the United States today. Genetic susceptibility and exposure to ultraviolet radiation are thought to be the two most important risk factors for development of the neoplasm. While genetic factors cannot be altered, minimizing exposure to ultraviolet light, especially intermittent intense type, and photoprotective measures may significantly reduce the development of this ominous cutaneous malignancy.
Diagnosis and Management of Early Melanoma: A Consensus View
Authors: Sober Arthur J.
Published: April 2023

The inefficacy of treatments for advanced melanoma have shifted the focus toward the recognition of early melanoma which is associated with a much more favorable outcome. In January 1992 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) held a Consensus Conference to establish definitions and therapeutic recommendations for the management of early melanoma. Early melanoma was defined as either in situ or invasive melanoma < 1 mm in depth. Surgical margins of 0.5 cm for in situ melanoma and 1 cm for invasive melanoma ≤ 1 mm thick were recommended. The pathology reports should include as a minimum the diagnosis of melanoma, the maximum tumor thickness, and the status of the margins. Elective nodal dissection as well as high‐tech radiologic procedures were not recommended. Follow‐up of patients for the development of second primaries and of family members who may be at increased risk for melanoma was also recommended. Public education programs were suggested to inform the public of the increasing melanoma risk and improved survival through early detection.
Digital Epiluminescence Microscopy in the Evaluation of Pigmented Lesions: A Brief Review
Authors: Sober Arthur J.
Published: April 2023

Epiluminescence microscopy (ELM) is the application of oil followed by compression by a transparent material and examination under tangential illumination with magnification. This technique reduces the reflected light from the irregular surface of the stratum corneum and makes the epidermis more transparent so that structures at the dermal epidermal junction and upper dermis may be visualized. Digital ELM is the capture of ELM images by a television camera attached to a computer. The ELM approach results in improved diagnostic accuracy for pigmented lesions in the order of 20%. Advantages of digital ELM over standard ELM are the ability to capture images in an almost endless array of colors and hues, permanence of recording without degradation over time, the ability to transmit information electronically over long distances, and the ability to enhance certain features through electronic manipulation. Among the potential applications of digital ELM are assistance in establishing the diagnosis of melanoma during screening, maintenance and retrieval of images in patients who are being followed clinically with pigmented lesions, and better understanding of clinical histopathologic correlations.
Histopathologic Study of Recurrent Clark Level II Melanomas
Authors: Glass L. Frank , Guffey Jean M. , Schroer Kenneth R. , Reintgen Douglas
Published: April 2023

Overall, the prognosis for thin lesions of melanoma (less than 0.76 mm) is excellent. However, a number of melanoma patients with seemingly innocuous lesions have been reported to develop recurrences. For this reason, we examined histologic sections taken from eight cases of Clark level II melanoma that unexpectedly recurred, and compared their histopathologic features with an equal number of nonrecurrent lesions in whom reliable clinical follow‐up data were available. Prognostic variables including Breslow thickness, mitotic rate, ulceration, the presence or absence of regression, a vertical growth phase component, and an associated banal nevus were evaluated in a double blind manner.

When attempts were made to predict outcome based on one or more prognostic variables, the only correlation of statistical significance was the Breslow thickness (P= 0.04). A Breslow thickness greater than 0.4 mm was associated with a significantly shorter disease free interval than a thickness below 0.4 mm. There was no significant correlation between predicted outcome based on the histologic features examined and the eventual outcome based on history of recurrence (P= 0.36).

These data indicate that although prognostic models that predict outcome in melanoma are generally reliable, there is a sizable population of patients with thin melanomas that do worse than would be expected.
Malignant Melanoma and the Prognostic Implications of Pregnancy, Oral Contraceptives, and Exogenous Hormones
Authors: Slingluff Craig L. , Reintgen Douglas
Published: April 2023

The co‐existence of melanoma and pregnancy present unique questions about patient management. There have been conflicting reports over the past several decades about the implications to melanoma of pregnancy and reproductive hormones. Several recent studies, have, however, produced a reasonable consensus.
Psychrometric Studies
Authors: Henry H. C. , Epstein N.
Published: April 2023

The overall or macroscopic psychrometric ratios have been measured for naphthalene, p‐dichlorobenzene and d‐camphor cylinders and spheres sublimating into both air and helium gas streams in low intensity turbulent flow. The macroscopic psychrometric ratio was found to be independent of gas temperature level, gas velocity and particle diameter, in line with theoretical expectations. The results for cylinders in cross‐flow and spheres were identical and could best be represented, along with data from the literature to a total of eighteen gas‐vapor systems, by an equation similar to that of Bedingfield and Drew. The upper limit of Lewis number was extended by the present correlation from 3.7 to 7.2.

Two simple theoretical equations are presented for predicting the “limiting” psychrometric ratio of a sphere, cylinder or flat plate under conditions of pure molecular diffusion of heat and mass. These equations bracket the actual wet‐bulb data obtained for both naphthalene and p‐dichlorobenzene cylinders and spheres sublimating into a quiescent air atmosphere.

On a mesuré les rapports psychrométriques globaux ou macroscopiques dans le cas de cylindres et sphères de naphthaline, paradichlorobenzène et camphre‐d qui sublimaient dans des courants d'air et d'hélium gazeux dans des conditions de débit lent et de faible intensité. On a constaté, conformément aux prédictions théoriques, que le rapport psychrométrique macroscopique était indépendant du degré de température du gaz ainsi que de sa vélocité et du diamètre de ses particules. On a trouvé que les résultats relatifs aux cylindres dans un écoulement transversal et aux sphères étaient identiques et pouvaient être le mieux représentés (avec des données obtenues dans la littérature et s'étendant à un total de 18 systèmes de gaz et vapeur) par une équation semblable à celle de Bedingfield et Drew. La corrélation présente a permis l'extension de la limite supérieure du nombre de Lewis de 3.7 à 7.2. On présente deux équations théoriques simples pour prédire le rapport psychrométrique limite d'une sphère, d'un cylindre ou d'une plaque plate dans des conditions de diffusion moléculaire pure de chaleur et de masse. Ces équations appuient les résultats pour bulbes humides qu'on a en fait obtenus dans le cas de cylindres et sphères de naphthaline et paradichlorobenzène qui sublimaient dans une atmosphère tranquille d'air.
The Role of β‐glucosidase in the Bioconversion of Cellulose to Ethanol
Authors: Pemberton M. S. , Brown R. D. , Emert G. H.
Published: April 2023

The activity of β‐glucosidasc from Trichoderma reesei was studied with respect to its inhibition by ethanol and its role in the degradation of cellulose. Ethanol and other alcohols were shown to increase the rate of hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside by acting as acceptor molecules for the glucosyl cation. Presence of ethanol resulted in the formation of ethyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosidc. Ethanol was shown to inhibit the activity of the complete cellulasc system, but the extent of inhibition was less than for glucose or cellobiose. Addition of Aspergillas niger β‐glucosidase to a simultaneous saccharification/fermentation: resulted in a 20% increase in percent conversion of cellulose to ethanol while addition to saccharification resulted in a 53% increase in percent conversion.

On a étudié l'activité de l'enzyme β‐glucosidase (provenant de Trichoderma reesei) en rapport avec son inhibition par l'alcool éthylique et son rôle dans la dégradation de la cellulose. On a trouvé que l'alcool éthylique et d'autres alcools augmentaient la vitesse d'hydrolyse du nitrophényl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside en agissant comme molécule accepteur pour la cation glucosyl. La présence d'alcool éthylique a eu pour résultat la formation de l'éthyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside. On a constaté que l'alcool éthylique produisait l'inhibition de l'activité de tous le système de la cellulase, mais que cette inhibition était moindre que dans le cas du glucose ou du cellobiose. L'addition de l'enzyme β‐glucosidase (provenant de Aspergellus niger) à une saccharification‐fermentation simultanées, a produit une augmentation de 20% dans le pourcentage de conversion de la cellulose en alcool éthylique, alors que l'addiition de la même enzyme la saccharification seule, produit une augmentation de 53% du pourcentage de conversion.
Bench Scale Research in Biomass Liquefaction by the CO‐Steam Process
Authors: Elliott Douglas C.
Published: April 2023

The CO‐Steam process, which was originally developed for low‐rank coal liquefaction, has been applied to the conversion of biomaseto liquid fluels. Bench scale research, in the form of batch autoclave experiments, has been performed as support for a three ton per day process development unit. Experiments have been done to study the effects of parameters such as pressure, temperature, feedstock, catalyst concentration, water concentration and reaction time, as well as process modifications such as varying the cover gas composition, changing the catalyst addition technique, and the use of hydrogen donor solvents through side stream hydrogenation of the recycle oil.

On a appliqué le procédé dit “CO‐Vapeur d'eau”, initialement mis au point pour la liquéfaction de charbons de faible qualité, à la transformation d'une biomasse en combustibles liquides. On a effectué un travail de recherche à l'échelle du laboratoire, qui consistait en des essais discontinus en autoclave, pour aider à la mise au point d'une unité à l'échelle de trois tonnes jour. On a étudier les effets de paramètres tels que pression, température, charge d'alimentation, concentration du catalyseur et temps de réaction, ainsi que des modifications du procédé telles que la variation de l'atmosphère gazeuse, le changement de la méthode d'addition du catalyseur et l'emploi de solvants donneurs d'hydrogène pour l'hydrogénation du courant latéral de l'huile recyclée.
Structure determination and magnetic studies of triazole chelated Co(II) coordination polymers
Authors: Chen Bo‐Hao , Xu Jun‐Jia , Lai Wei‐Ren , Chang Chung‐Kai , Chen Jeng‐Lung , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Chen Jin‐Ming , Sheu Hwo‐Shuenn , Lee Jey‐Jau , Kubota Yoshiki , Chiang Ming‐Hsi , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Chuang Yu‐Chun , Hsu I‐Jui
Published: April 2023

Two cobalt(II) halide complexes with 1,2,4‐triazole as a ligand were synthesized. Their structures were determined by extended x‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and powder x‐ray diffraction (XRD). Both complexes [Co(Htrz)Cl2]n (1) and {[Co(Htrz)2(trz)]BF4}n (2) form one‐dimensional polymeric chain and the distances of Co⋯Co are 3.3521(2) Å and 3.8629(2) Å, respectively. The Htrz and Cl− are bridging ligands to connect two Co(II) ions in 1, and the local environment of Co site is in a distorted octahedron with {CoN2Cl4} core. In complex 2, two Htrz and one trz are bridging ligands to connect two Co(II) ions, and the local geometry of Co is in a pseudo octahedron with {CoN6} core. The analysis of Co LII,III‐edge XAS indicates that the Co(II) of both complexes are at high spin state with t2g5eg2 configuration and the crystal field strength (10Dq) is about 1.2 eV. The broken‐symmetry DFT calculations indicate that antiferromagnetic coupling state of Co⋯Co is the most stable state in both complexes; and the coupling constants of 1 and 2 are −0.32 cm−1 and −3.70 cm−1, respectively. Based on the distances of Co⋯Co and coupling constants, such antiferromagnetic interaction is achieved through triazole ligands.
Reference‐dependent preferences in flat penalty service‐level contracts
Authors: Duhaylongsod Jose Benedicto , Papier Felix , Onculer Ayse
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates a supply chain governed by a flat penalty service‐level contract in which missing the target fill rate can lead to costly operational disruption. We focus on near‐miss bias: (1) the preference for near‐miss events, that is, risky production quantities that reach the target but narrowly avoid disruption; and (2) riskier decision‐making due to such preferences. We propose a reference‐dependent behavioral model that explains the near‐miss bias. The findings of a laboratory experiment show that production quantities are evaluated based on realized profits and are below the optimal model prediction. Contracts associated with lower perceived severity, that is, the ratio of flat penalty to wholesale price, result in lower production quantities than those with higher perceived severity, even though the standard model does not predict any effect. A structural estimation analysis indicates that the behavioral model performs better than the standard model in terms of predictive accuracy and goodness of fit. Our analysis provides insights for managers who design supply chain contracts in settings with considerable risk of disruption due to a shortage of critical parts.
Ultrasound‐assisted phosphorylation of goose myofibrillar proteins: improving protein structure and functional properties
Authors: Zhou Yan , Sun Yangying , Pan Daodong , Xia Qiang , Zhou Changyu
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Goose meat is rough and embedded with dense connective tissue, impairing protein solubility. Therefore, to improve the functional properties of goose myofibrillar protein (GMP), ultrasound was used to assist the phosphorylation of GMP.

RESULTS

The fact that GMP attached covalently with the phosphate group of sodium tripolyphosphate (GMP‐STP) was disclosed directly by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, ultrasound significantly improved the hydrophobicity and solubility of GMP‐STP, which could be attributed to the conversion of α‐helix to β‐sheet, β‐turns, and random coils by sonication. The spatial stabilization of the protein phosphorylation process was boosted by ultrasound, making the droplets more dispersed, and thus an improvement in the functional properties of GMP‐STP was observed. Water‐holding capacity, oil‐binding capacity, and emulsifying and foaming properties were best at an ultrasound power of 400 W.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound‐assisted phosphorylation has great potential to modulate the structure–function relationship of proteins. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Changes in quality components and antioxidant activity of peony seed soy sauce during low‐salt solid‐state fermentation
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Jun , Sun Gui‐Jin , Li Ying‐Qiu , Zhao Xiang‐Zhong , He Jin‐Xing , Hua Dong‐Liang , Chen Lei , Mo Hai‐Zhen
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

In this study, the fermentation conditions of peony seed soy sauce (PSSS) koji were optimized by response surface method, and the quality components and antioxidant activity of PSSS were investigated at different low‐salt solid‐state fermentation stages.

RESULTS

Results of response surface method showed that the optimal fermentation conditions were 460.6 g kg−1 water content, 48.6 h culture time, 31.5 °C culture temperature and ratio 2.1:1 (w/w) of peony seed meal:wheat bran, with the highest neutral protease activity (2193.78 U g−1) of PSSS koji. PSSS had the highest amino acid nitrogen (7.69 g L−1), salt‐free soluble solids (185.26 g L−1), total free amino acids (49.03 g L−1), essential free amino acids (19.58 g L−1) and umami free amino acids (16.64 g L−1) at 20 days of fermentation. The highest total phenolics were 5.414 g gallic acid equivalent L−1 and total flavonoids 0.617 g rutin equivalent L−1, as well as the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (86.19%) and reducing power (0.8802, A700) of PSSS fermented at 30 days. Sensory evaluation showed that fermentation of 20 days and 25 days could produce a better taste and aroma of PSSS than 15 days and 30 days.

CONCLUSION

PSSS had the highest quality components in the middle of fermentation (20 days) and the highest antioxidant activity in the late fermentation period (30 days). These results demonstrated that peony seed meal could be used to produce high‐quality soy sauce with high antioxidant activity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Novel cholesteric liquid crystal films creating angle insensitive reflective colors
Authors: Sano Haruka , Ishii Akihiro , Mizuno Tomohiro , Takasago Rie , Kato Syunya , Ishiguro Makoto , Hayata Yuichi , Nagai Michio , Ito Yoji
Published: April 2023

We have developed novel cholesteric liquid crystal (Ch‐LC) films creating angle insensitive reflective colors. The wavy alignment formed by rapid change of the helical twisting power (HTP) enables the suppression of color shift with different incident angles of light. These films open the door to create various decorative films for innovative applications.
Integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services to identify ecological priorities for an ecologically fragile city in China
Authors: Liu Yuexin , Zhang Zhonghao , Lu Qingling , Cui Lihan , Gao Yang , Nie Tiantian
Published: April 2023

A high rate of urbanization comes with high environmental costs, leading to reductions in biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES). How to maximize the efficiency and representation of BES in cities is of utmost urgency. However, in the process of spatial prioritization identification, it remains unclear whether a preference for ecosystem services (ES) promotes or detracts from biodiversity. In this study, a Marxan‐based spatial conservation prioritization framework is provided to achieve a win–win situation for ES provision and biodiversity protection. Using Hohhot city, China as a study case, it sets up different weighting scenarios with species and five ES to determine the optimal protected area network for each possible combination. At the same time, it tests the conservation costs, protected features, and spatial overlap of different scenarios with existing protected areas to quantify their conservation efficiency. We found that (1) closed deciduous broadleaved forests, closed evergreen needle‐leaved forests, and deciduous shrublands could support both high biodiversity and abundant ES at altitudes of 1600–2000 m. (2) Although a positive association is found between ES and biodiversity, there is some spatial variation. The geographical overlap rate with biodiversity prioritization was only 29.72% when only ES were considered. (3) Conservation of ecological hotspots by increasing the weight of ES can reduce conservation expenses by 0.69%–20.32% compared to meeting solely biodiversity targets. Our analyses highlight the need for an appropriate weighting of ES in decisions seeking to identify protected areas. This study provides methodological support for the integration of ES and biodiversity, facilitating more comprehensive conservation planning decisions.
Generalized spherical Aluthge transforms and binormality for commuting pairs of operators
Authors: Djordjević Slaviša , Kim Jaewoong , Yoon Jasang
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we introduce the notion of generalized spherical Aluthge transforms for commuting pairs of operators and study nontrivial joint invariant (resp. hyperinvariant) subspaces between the generalized spherical Aluthge transform and the original commuting pair. Next, we study the norm continuity through generalized Aluthge transform maps. We also study how the Taylor spectra and the Fredrolm index of commuting pairs of operators behave under the spherical Duggal transform. Finally, we introduce the notion of Campbell binormality for commuting pairs of operators and investigate some of its basic properties under spherical Aluthge and Duggal transforms. Moreover, we obtain new set inclusion diagrams among normal, quasinormal, centered, and Campbell binormal commuting pairs of operators.
Predictors of Future Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery in de novo Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Lang Stefan , Vetkas Artur , Conner Christopher , Kalia Lorraine V. , Lozano Andres M. , Kalia Suneil K.
Published: April 2023

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is offered to a subset of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. It is unclear if there are features at diagnosis that predict future DBS surgery.

Objective

To assess predictors of eventual DBS surgery in de novo PD patients.

Methods

Subjects from the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) database with newly diagnosed, sporadic PD (n = 416) were identified and stratified by their eventual DBS status (DBS+, n = 43; DBS‐, n = 373). A total of 50 baseline clinical, imaging, and biospecimen features were extracted for each subject and cross‐validated lasso regression was used for feature reduction. Multivariate logistic regression assessed their relationship with DBS status and a receiver operating characteristic curve evaluated model performance. Linear mixed effect models assessed disease progression over 4 years in DBS+ and DBS‐ patients.

Results

Age at symptom onset, Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage, tremor score, and ratio of CSF Tau to amyloid‐beta 1–42 (Tau: Ab) were identified as important baseline features for predicting DBS surgery. Each independently predicted DBS surgery (area under the curve = 0.83). DBS‐ patients had faster memory decline (P < 0.05), while DBS+ patients had faster decline in H&Y stage (P < 0.001) and motor scores (P < 0.05) prior to surgery.

Conclusion

The identified features may be used for early identification of patients who may be surgical candidates during the course of their disease. Disease progression in these groups reflects surgical eligibility criteria, with DBS‐ patients having more rapid decline in memory while DBS+ patients experienced a faster decline in motor scores prior to DBS surgery.
The Stefan problem in a thermomechanical context with fracture and fluid flow
Authors: Roubíček Tomáš
Published: April 2023

The classical Stefan problem, concerning mere heat‐transfer during solid‐liquid phase transition, is here enhanced towards mechanical effects. The Eulerian description at large displacements is used with convective and Zaremba‐Jaumann corotational time derivatives, linearized by using the additive Green‐Naghdi's decomposition in (objective) rates. In particular, the liquid phase is a viscoelastic fluid while creep and rupture of the solid phase is considered in the Jeffreys viscoelastic rheology exploiting the phase‐field model and a concept of slightly (so‐called “semi”) compressible materials. The
‐theory for the heat equation is adopted for the Stefan problem relaxed by allowing for kinetic superheating/supercooling effects during the solid‐liquid phase transition. A rigorous proof of existence of weak solutions is provided for an incomplete melting, employing a time discretization approximation.
Iterative approximation of common fixed points of two nonself asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in CAT(0) spaces with numerical examples
Authors: Kratuloek Kanokwan , Kumam Poom , Amnuaykarn Kittisak , Nantadilok Jamnian , Salisu Sani
Published: April 2023

In this manuscript, we investigate and approximate common fixed points of two nonself asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in the setting of CAT(0) spaces. We provide three examples and conduct numerical experiments to show the implementation of the approximation schemes. Our results extend and improve the related results in the literature.
A novel wideband dual‐polarized heptagonal magnetoelectric dipole antenna loaded with inverted L‐shaped structures
Authors: Xu Yanhong , Yan Yan , Wang Anyi , Hou Jianqiang
Published: April 2023

A novel dual linearly‐polarized magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna with wide bandwidth is presented in this letter, where two orthogonally placed Г probes are utilized to realize dual polarizations. In particular, four heptagonal patches are first adopted in lieu of the four conventional rectangular patches to obtain a wider bandwidth. In the sequel, four inverted L‐shaped parasitic elements are loaded on the periphery of the four patches to further enhance the bandwidth of ME dipole antenna. A prototype is fabricated and measured to verify the properties of the proposed antenna. The simulated and measured results show that the overlapped 10 dB bandwidth of 99.2% can be achieved ranging from 1.2 to 3.56 GHz, and the available peak gain can be as high as 12 dBi. Meanwhile, its cross‐polarization level (CRPL) is lower than −22 dB, and the isolation between the two ports is larger than 20 dB across the operating frequency.
A compact quasi‐omnidirectional slot antenna for Wi‐Fi 6E application
Authors: Xiao Yang , Liu Qiang , Du Guangxing , Li Guolin , Cheng Dong , Zhu Yu , Qi Yihong
Published: April 2023

This letter presents a compact wideband slot antenna for Wi‐Fi 6E application. It evolved from the full wave bow‐tie slot antenna, and four short slits are loaded on the metal plate with conjugate reactance to improve impedance matching at the extended 6 GHz band. The dimension of the proposed antenna is 39 × 39 mm, which is 0.32 × 0.32 λ at 2.45 GHz. The antenna has omnidirectional radiation at 2.45 GHz band, and it remains quasi‐omnidirectional radiation at 5 and 6 GHz bands with vertically polarized radiation. The prototype antenna is fabricated and measured for verification. The result shows that the wide bandwidth for return loss (RL) better than 10 dB is 104% from 2.35 to 7.44 GHz, and the radiation efficiencies are nearly 80% at the triple bands.
Estimates of Predator Densities Using Mobile DIDSON Surveys: Implications for Survival of Central Valley Chinook Salmon
Authors: Henderson Mark J. , Loomis Chris M. , Michel Cyril J. , Smith Joe M. , Iglesias Ilysa S. , Lehman Brendan M. , Demetras Nicholas J. , Huff David D.
Published: April 2023

The Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (hereafter, “the Delta”) is one of the estuaries with the most invasive species in the world, and nonnative predators may be a major factor in the observed decline of Central Valley Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha over recent decades. In order for managers to take actions that might reduce predation-related mortality for these ecologically, culturally, and economically valuable fish, it is important to understand the factors influencing the distribution and abundance of piscivores in the Delta. In this study, we used a dual-frequency identification sonar (i.e., DIDSON) to conduct mobile surveys to quantify the abundances of piscivores in the Delta. We then used these data to identify the habitat features that are correlated with the abundance of piscivores. Prior to conducting the surveys, we used DIDSON data from captured fish to develop an algorithm to distinguish piscivores from nonpiscivores with high confidence (98% accuracy). A generalized linear mixed-effects model fit to these survey data indicated that predator abundances were most associated with areas of increased submerged aquatic vegetation patches, and channels that are straighter, with increased bathymetric complexity. When applied to the entire survey area, this model was successfully able to predict known areas of high predator densities. These results indicate that one approach to reduce predator densities in key locations throughout the Delta, and improve juvenile salmonid outmigration survival, is to reduce the extent of invasive submerged aquatic vegetation. Because experimental predator removals have been largely ineffective in the Delta, efforts to manipulate habitat to discourage nonnative predator recruitment and favor native species recruitment may provide a more effective solution to improve salmonid survival rates.
Imaging angiogenesis in an intracerebrally induced model of brain macrometastasis using αvβ3‐targeted iron oxide microparticles
Authors: Buck Jessica , Perez‐Balderas Francisco , Zarghami Niloufar , Johanssen Vanessa , Khrapitchev Alexandre A. , Larkin James R. , Sibson Nicola R.
Published: April 2023

Brain metastasis is responsible for a large proportion of cancer mortality, and there are currently no effective treatments. Moreover, the impact of treatments, particularly antiangiogenic therapeutics, is difficult to ascertain using current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. Imaging of the angiogenic vasculature has been successfully carried out in solid tumours using microparticles of iron oxide (MPIO) conjugated to a Arg‐Gly‐Asp peptide (RGD) targeting integrin αvβ3. The aim of this study was to determine whether RGD‐MPIO could be used to identify angiogenic blood vessels in brain metastases in vivo. A mouse model of intracerebrally implanted brain macrometastasis was established through intracerebral injection of 4T1‐GFP cells. T2*‐weighted imaging was used to visualise MPIO‐induced hypointense voxels in vivo, and Prussian blue staining was used to visualise MPIO and endogenous iron histologically ex vivo. The RGD‐MPIO showed target‐specific binding in vivo, but the sensitivity of the agent for visualising angiogenic vessels per se was reduced by the presence of endogenous iron‐laden macrophages in larger metastases, resulting in pre‐existing hypointense areas within the tumour. Further, our data suggest that peptide‐targeted MPIO, but not antibody‐targeted MPIO, are taken up by perivascular macrophages within the macrometastatic microenvironment, resulting in additional nonspecific contrast. While pre‐MPIO imaging will circumvent the issues surrounding pre‐existing hypointensities and enable detection of specific contrast, our preliminary findings suggest that the use of antibodies rather than peptides as the targeting ligand may represent a preferable route forward for new angiogenesis‐targeted molecular MRI agents.
On concurrent multiscale topology optimization for porous structures under hygro‐thermo‐elastic multiphysics with considering evaporation
Authors: Al Ali Musaddiq , Shimoda Masatoshi
Published: April 2023

Lightweight polymeric and natural composite materials are extensively used in modern structures, especially with the demands for environmentally friendly products as well as lowering energy consumption. Furthermore, a high performance‐to‐weight ratio can be attained by utilizing porous composites. However, hygral and thermally induced loads are limiting the robustness of polymeric and natural composite materials, therefore; in this research, concurrent multiscale multiphysics topology optimization is used to design lightweight porous composite structures that have resilience toward mechanical as well as hygral and thermal loads. By establishing two independent representations of the design problem, that is, macro and microscale domains, a concurrent topology optimization framework is implemented, and the effective properties of the microscale (i.e., elastic, thermal conductivity, moisture diffusivity tensors, and hygral as well as thermal expansion coefficients) are calculated and used as the hygro‐thermo‐elastic properties of the macroscale using in‐house MATLAB codes. For hygral physics, moisture transport, as well as evaporation, are simultaneously considered in this study. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on the multiphysics concurrent optimization scheme in order to account for the coupling of macro and microstructure, as well as hygro‐thermo‐elastic physics. Multiple numerical cases were examined, which included different loading and boundary conditions, as well as various spatial configurations. The results showed attaining a high stiffness‐to‐weight ratio for the multiscale optimized porous structure compared to the single‐scale solid structure. Furthermore, a study was conducted on multiple microstructure subsystems to examine the impact of microstructure systems on macrostructure dependence. By combining several microstructures into a single macro design domain, design flexibility was enhanced and the performance‐to‐weight ratio was improved. The study was expanded to include the evaluation of hygro‐thermo‐elastic multiscale multiphysics with an evaporation problem, which was demonstrated through several numerical examples. The introduced formulations showed a successful application of the concurrent multiscale optimization formulations and good coupling on the macro and microscale. Also, the formulations demonstrated a strong influence between the macro and the microscale of the design problem for the topology optimization methods. The successful application of the concurrent multiscale optimization method in this research highlights its potential for designing more efficient and effective structures in the future.
Expansion of consistent particle method to solve solid mechanics problems
Authors: Li Shi‐Tong , Koh Chan Ghee , Chow Yean Khow
Published: April 2023

Originally developed for solving fluid dynamics problems, a Lagrangian particle method called the consistent particle method (CPM) is expanded to solid mechanics problems in this article. The motions of particles are governed by the mass conservation and dynamics equations which are solved by the second‐order predictor–corrector time stepping scheme. The spatial derivatives of variables required in solving the governing equations and computing strain increments are obtained by Taylor series expansion. Stress components are updated from strain components according to the material constitutive relation. The physical density of material is directly computed without using particle number density. No additional particles are needed for the simulation of boundaries. For boundary surface that is partially loaded, the inverse distance weighting method is applied to deal with the stress singularity problem due to sudden change of stresses. Numerical examples including shock wave propagation and large deformation of footing penetration are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of CPM in solving solid mechanics problems.
Tests on a scale for measuring the core competencies of paediatric specialist nurses: An exploratory quantitative study
Authors: Tang Qian , Zhang Dahua , Chen Jianjun , Liu Meihua , Xiang Yuqiong , Luo Tingwei , Zhu Lihui
Published: April 2023

Aim

This study aimed to develop a tool to measure paediatric specialist nurses' core competencies and examine the scale's validity and reliability.

Design

An exploratory quantitative study.

Methods

This study was performed in April 2022 with 302 paediatric specialist nurses in mainland China. Items were created through a literature review, a qualitative interview, and the Delphi method. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, independent sample t‐test, explanatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and split‐half reliability.

Results

The final scale consisted of five factors and 32 items. The factors were communication, coordination and judgement abilities; professional technology mastery ability; specialist knowledge mastery ability; medical‐related processes; and evidence‐based nursing competencies. The explained total variance of the five factors was 62.216%. The scale‐level and item‐level CVI of this scale was 1.00, and the mean CVR of the total scale was 0.788. The Pearson correlation coefficients of each dimension and the total dimension of the scale was 0.709–0.892, and within each dimension, it was 0.435–0.651. The Cronbach's α of this scale was 0.944, and its split‐half reliability was 0.883.
About Roy Glauber
Authors: Friedrich Bretislav , Kleppner Daniel , Herschbach Dudley
Published: April 2023

We recount the life, work, and legacy of the theoretical physicist Roy Glauber (1925–2018). Admitted to Harvard at age 16, called upon to participate in the Manhattan Project at age eighteen, and appointed to the Harvard Physics faculty at age 29, Glauber is credited with seminal contributions to three separate fields of physics: nuclear scattering, statistical physics, and foundational work in quantum optics, which earned him the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics. Over decades, Glauber was also a dedicated teacher of high‐school, college, and graduate students. His pedagogical gifts are reflected in his lucid papers that read as if they were written yesterday.

Key points

perspective on the life, work, and legacy of the 2005 Physics Nobel laureate Roy Glauber (1925–2018)

impact of Glauber's contributions on large swaths of physics, from nuclear to optical to condensed matter

Glauber's work in quantum optics has nurtured burgeoning areas of quantum science and engineering
Insights into self‐healing performance of epoxidized deproteinized natural rubber/graphene oxide composite
Authors: Nguyen Lam Ba , Van Nguyen Hoang , Vu Cuong Quoc , Cao Ha Hong , Van Nguyen Anh , Kawahara Seiichi , Nghiem Thuong Thi
Published: April 2023

The self‐healing performance of epoxidized deproteinized natural rubber (EDPNR) and EDPNR/graphene oxide (GO) composites was investigated. Composites of EDPNR25 and EDPNR50 with GO contents of 0.5 and 1.0 phr were prepared by adding a GO dispersion into a EDPNR latex and the product was subsequently cast into films. Tensile strengths of the original samples and after self‐healing were used to evaluate self‐healing performance. The tensile strength of EDPNR25 after self‐healing achieved about 65% of tensile strength of original EDPNR25. The recovery of tensile strength for the composite increased to 81% for EDPNR25/GO0.5 and 105% for EDPNR25/GO1.0 for self‐healing at 25°C for 24 h. At 70°C, EDPNR25/GO0.5 and EDPNR25/GO1.0 composite achieved ~100% recovery after 24 h. On the other hand, the tensile strength recoveries of EDPNR50, EDPNR50/GO0.5, and EDPNR50/GO1.0 were relatively low (33%, 28%, and 24%, respectively) at 25°C. At 70°C, recoveries increased to 63%, 67%, and 52%, respectively. This result demonstrated that the interdiffusion of epoxidized natural rubber molecules plays a key role in the self‐healing performance rather than hydrogen bonds between GO and functional groups on EDPNR molecules.
Multi‐pronged degradation analysis of a photovoltaic power plant after 9.5 years of operation under hot desert climatic conditions
Authors: Daher Daha Hassan , Aghaei Mohammadreza , Quansah David A. , Adaramola Muyiwa S. , Parvin Parviz , Ménézo Christophe
Published: April 2023

Long‐term reliability assessment of photovoltaic (PV) modules is key to ensuring the economic viability of PV systems. This paper presents a multi‐pronged performance degradation analysis of a 62.1 kWp solar PV power plant after 9.5 years of operation. For this purpose, various diagnosis techniques, namely, visual inspection, infrared thermography (IR), ultraviolet fluorescence (UVFL) and current‐voltage (I‐V) characterization, have been performed to evaluate the performance and degradation of the solar PV power plant. The visual characterization results show that the PV strings are affected by different mechanisms with different degrees of occurrences. The degradation mechanisms observed and the level of occurrence among the modules were found to be, encapsulant discolouration (100%), degraded frame adhesive (57%), degraded junction box adhesive (39%), snail trails (30%), burn marks (3%), cell cracks (2%) and delamination (0.4%). Although discolouration of the encapsulant was the most common possible degradation mechanism observed, the main causes of the power loss were snail trails and cracks in the PV cells. Furthermore, the IR thermography and UVFL analysis provided better understanding on snail trails phenomenon and crack mechanism on the affected PV modules. Besides imaging techniques, to assess the electrical performance of the system, we performed current‐voltage (I‐V) and power‐voltage (P‐V) characterization of the entire PV plant from which the degradation rates of the electrical parameters were determined. Our results show that the degradation rates for the maximum power and the fill factor are 0.84%/year and 0.66%/year, respectively, over the operating period of the installation. The estimated maximum power degradation rate for this installation could be considered as a realistic degradation rate for PV modules installed in harsh and hot desert climatic conditions. Additionally, our work has raised doubts about the validity of the warranties proposed by the manufacturers.
PBP‐based bioprinting of hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Jia Yongliang , Liu Junyu , Tan Ziwei , Luo Dongmei , Fu Xinyu , Hou Ruxia , Li Peiwen , Chen Yurou , Wang Xiangyu
Published: April 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing of hydrogels to form complex structures has been widely used in tissue engineering. Projection‐based 3D printing (PBP) has faster printing, lower cell damage, and higher printing resolution compared with other 3D printing methods, providing a potential strategy for printing elaborate 3D hydrogel structures. In this review, we introduced the composition and printing process of PBP. We then discuss the study of hydrogels for PBP, including chemical structure modification and property optimization. More importantly, we highlight the potential applications of PBP‐based hydrogels in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, and discuss the current challenges and future prospects of PBP‐based hydrogels. Ideas are provided for the study of PBP, hydrogel bioinks, and related fields.
Hierarchical biopolymer‐based materials and composites
Authors: Fredricks Jeremy L. , Jimenez Andrew M. , Grandgeorge Paul , Meidl Rachel , Law Esther , Fan Jiadi , Roumeli Eleftheria
Published: April 2023

The mass production and disposal of non‐degradable fossil‐based plastics is responsible for alarming environmental and social issues when not managed responsibly. Towards manufacturing environmentally‐friendly materials,biopolymers, that is, polymers synthesized by living organisms, emerge as promising sustainable alternatives as they combine attractive mechanical properties, compostability, and renewable sourcing. In this review, we analyze the structural and mechanical properties of three of the most studied biopolymer classes: cellulose, chitin, and protein beta‐sheet structures. We first discuss the hierarchical structure of the biopolymers and how their rich interaction networks induce appealing mechanical properties. Then, we review different fabrication and processing methods to translate these attractive properties into macroscopic materials and composites. Finally, we discuss a nascent approach, which leverages the direct use of microorganisms, in the form of intact cells, tissues or dissociated biological matter (biomatter), as meso‐scale material building blocks. These non‐ or little pre‐processed biomatter building blocks are composed of the biopolymer structural elements (molecular‐nano scale), but also inherit the higher‐scale hierarchical characteristics. Processing‐structure–property relationships for biomatter‐based materials are discussed, emphasizing on the role of hierarchical arrangement, processing‐induced transformations, and intermolecular bonding, on the macroscopic mechanical properties. Finally, we present a perspective on the role of biopolymers in a circular economy.
Finite‐time exponentially extended dissipative filtering for singular time‐delay Markov jump systems with quantized outputs based on hidden Markov mode
Authors: Zhao Yong , Wu Bingyu , Zhang Weihai
Published: April 2023

This article investigates finite‐time exponentially extended dissipative filtering for singular Markov jump systems with time‐varying delays and quantized outputs. The filter and quantizer are both mode‐dependent and their modes are asynchronous with the system modes, which are described by hidden Markov model. A more general performance index named as finite‐time exponentially extended dissipativity is employed to make the concept of extended dissipativity in infinite‐time domain suitable for the finite‐time case. With the aid of a series of novel and effective schemes, sufficient conditions are established to guarantee that the filtering error dynamics are finite‐time stochastically bounded with the exponentially extended dissipative performance. An asynchronous filter is successfully designed by solving a set of linear matrices inequalities. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed methods.
A coping model for school psychological counsellors: A qualitative study
Authors: Kılıç Memur Hale Nur , Sezgin Osman
Published: April 2023

This study analyzed the coping processes of psychological counsellors working in high schools in Turkey in the face of the challenges experienced in counselling sessions. The study used a qualitative research design: grounded theory. Semistructured interviews conducted with 33 high school counsellors were analyzed following Strauss and Corbin's analysis guidelines to create a coping model. The core category in the model was ‘coping’ while ‘actions/reactions’ explained what counsellors do to cope. Finally, ‘environmental factors’ and ‘personal factors’ influenced their coping processes. The findings are discussed in light of the existing literature to provide suggestions for school counsellors to develop self‐care/coping strategies, increase their resilience and decrease their burnout.