bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated fractional donor‐derived cell‐free DNA during subclinical graft injury after liver transplantation
Authors: Baumann Anna K. , Beck Julia , Kirchner Theresa , Hartleben Björn , Schütz Ekkehard , Oellerich Michael , Wedemeyer Heiner , Jaeckel Elmar , Taubert Richard
Published: April 2022

Personalized immunosuppression (IS) promises to improve the balance of necessary control of alloreactivity and dose‐dependent adverse effects of long‐term IS such as kidney insufficiency, infections, and malignancies. The majority of liver transplantation (LT) recipients exhibit graft injuries (graft inflammation and/or fibrosis) that are not eligible for an IS reduction according to current Banff criteria, even when liver enzymes are normal or only marginally elevated. This cross‐sectional study evaluated the noninvasive prediction of such subclinical graft injuries in surveillance liver biopsies via donor‐derived cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA). Absolute and fractional dd‐cfDNA increased stepwise from patients without histological signs of rejection (n = 26) over subclinical graft injury (n = 61), including subclinical T cell–mediated rejection to clinical overt T cell–mediated rejection (n = 21). Thus, fractional plasma dd‐cfDNA was significantly elevated paired to surveillance biopsies with relevant subclinical graft injury according to 2016 Banff criteria compared with those with minimal or absent histological graft injury. In contrast, the presence of donor‐specific anti–human leukocyte antigen antibodies was not associated with the amount of dd‐cfDNA. The sensitivity and specificity of fractional dd‐cfDNA to noninvasively predict relevant subclinical graft injury was rather limited with 73% and 52% at the cutoff value of 2.1% fractional dd‐cfDNA. The positive predictive value of fractional dd‐cfDNA above 2.1% was 76% to noninvasively predict subclinical graft injury, calculated on the prevalence of graft injury in our prospective surveillance biopsy program, whereas the negative predictive values was not predictive (47%). In conclusion, dd‐cfDNA has a rather limited diagnostic fidelity in addition to other noninvasive markers for the assessment of subclinical graft injury in personalized IS approaches after LT in a cross‐sectional setting.
Toward infinite‐dimensional Clifford analysis
Authors: Bernstein Swanhild
Published: April 2022

Clifford analysis is a higher dimensional function theory and a refinement of harmonic analysis. We will extend Clifford analysis to the infinite‐dimensional setting. To do that, we have to introduce infinite‐dimensional Clifford algebras and the infinite‐dimensional Dirac operator. The paper's main result is the Wiener chaos decomposition in Clifford analysis. We apply the decomposition to white noise and Brownian motion.
Some exact wave solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations by means of comparison with certain standard ordinary differential equations
Authors: Ghose‐Choudhury A. , Garai Sudip
Published: April 2022

We consider applications of a comparison method for obtaining some exact solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) through their traveling wave reductions. The method, proposed by N. A. Kudryashov, 39(18), 5733–5742, Applied Mathematical Modelling, is extended to encompass not only solutions expressible in terms of the logistic function but also to the
‐class of functions in a unified manner. The standard set of second‐order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) admitting the logistic and
functions as solutions is derived and extensions to the third‐order case are enunciated. A number of examples are included to illustrate the method.
The effectiveness of group and home‐based exercise on psychological status in people with ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lane Brian , McCullagh Ruth , Cardoso Jefferson R. , McVeigh Joseph G.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease in which the physical impact has been evaluated; however, the psychological consequences are less well explored. The primary aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of group versus home‐based exercises on psychological status of patients with AS.

Methods

Six databases were searched until January 2020. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials including group or home‐based exercise interventions. Risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Relative percentage difference (RPD) between groups and effect sizes were presented as standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Five studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 240), outcomes of interest were depression, anxiety and mental health. Three studies were low‐risk RoB, one study was high‐risk RoB and one study there was ‘some concerns’ of bias. Group‐based exercise was more effective than home‐based exercise for improving depression at 6‐week (RPD 18%) and 3‐month (RPD 42%), anxiety (RPD 17%) and mental health (RPD 20%). Home‐based exercise was more effective than control interventions for improving depression (RPD 33%). A meta‐analysis demonstrated group‐based exercises compared to home exercises, improved depression (SMD: −0.54; 95% CI: [−0.89; −0.18]; p = 0.003) and physical function (SMD: −0.49; 95% CI: [−0.84; −0.14]; p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Supervised group‐based demonstrated improvements in depression, anxiety and mental health compared to home‐based exercise. Individualised home‐based exercise is more effective than no intervention for improving depression in people with AS.
Randomized phase 2 study ofACE‐083, amuscle‐promotingagent, in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Statland Jeffrey M. , Campbell Craig , Desai Urvi , Karam Chafic , Díaz‐Manera Jordi , Guptill Jeffrey T. , Korngut Lawrence , Genge Angela , Tawil Rabi N. , Elman Lauren , Joyce Nanette C. , Wagner Kathryn R. , Manousakis Georgios , Amato Anthony A. , Butterfield Russell J. , Shieh Perry B. , Wicklund Matthew , Gamez Josep , Bodkin Cynthia , Pestronk Alan , Weihl Conrad C. , Vilchez‐Padilla Juan J. , Johnson Nicholas E. , Mathews Katherine D. , Miller Barry , Leneus Ashley , Fowler Marcie , van de Rijn Marc , Attie Kenneth M.
Published: April 2022

Introduction/Aims

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a slowly progressive muscular dystrophy without approved therapies. In this study we evaluated whether locally acting ACE‐083 could safely increase muscle volume and improve functional outcomes in adults with FSHD.

Methods

Participants were at least 18 years old and had FSHD1/FSHD2. Part 1 was open label, ascending dose, assessing safety and tolerability (primary objective). Part 2 was randomized, double‐blind for 6 months, evaluating ACE‐083240 mg/muscle vs placebo injected bilaterally every 3 weeks in the biceps brachii (BB) or tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, followed by 6 months of open label. Magnetic resonance imaging measures included total muscle volume (TMV; primary objective), fat fraction (FF), and contractile muscle volume (CMV). Functional measures included 6‐minute walk test, 10‐meter walk/run, and 4‐stair climb (TA group), and performance of upper limb midlevel/elbow score (BB group). Strength, patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), and safety were also evaluated.

Results

Parts 1 and 2 enrolled 37 and 58 participants, respectively. Among 55 participants evaluable in Part 2, the least‐squares mean (90% confidence interval, analysis of covariance) treatment difference for TMV was 16.4% (9.8%‐23.0%) in the BB group (P < .0001) and 9.5% (3.2%‐15.9%) in the TA group (P = .01). CMV increased significantly in the BB and TA groups and FF decreased in the TA group. There were no consistent improvements in functional or PRO measures in either group. The most common adverse events were mild or moderate injection‐site reactions.

Discussion

Significant increases in TMV with ACE‐083 vs placebo did not result in consistent functional or PRO improvements with up to 12 months of treatment.
The peridynamic Drucker‐Prager plastic model with fractional order derivative for the numerical simulation of tunnel excavation
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhou Xiaoping , Qian Qihu
Published: April 2022

In this study, the peridynamic Drucker‐Prager plastic model with fractional order derivative is proposed to investigate the plastic behavior of surrounding rocks around tunnels, in which the Caputo fractional derivative is employed due to its mathematical simplicity. Instead of utilizing just one parameter for the typical nonassociated flow rule, such as dilation angle, multiple parameters, such as fractional order and interval of fractional derivative, are used to specify the direction of plastic deformation, and the fractional derivative based‐typical flow rule is proposed. As a result, compared with the traditional peridynamic Drucker‐Prager plastic model, the proposed method is a more generalized model including the typical nonassociated flow rule. Besides, based on the PD force density, the strategy of exertion of initial stress is proposed to simulate in‐situ stress in rocks. Taking a block subjected to compression as an example, the impacts of various factors, such as fractional order and interval of fractional derivative, are investigated. A numerical simulation of tunnel excavation in rocks is carried out and the numerical results obtained by the proposed method are verified by comparing with FEM results.
Ca2+ enhanced photosensitizer/DNase I nanocomposite mediated bacterial eradication through biofilm disruption and photothermal therapy
Authors: Ran Meixin , Gounani Zahra , Yan Jiaqi , Rosenholm Jessica M. , Zhang Hongbo
Published: April 2022

Biofilms are currently responsible for 80% of human chronic bacterial infections, being composed of bacterial communities within self‐produced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that can resist various adverse factors in the bacterial microenvironment. Therefore, the development of powerful antibacterial systems by disrupting biofilms first and killing exposed free‐living bacteria is the top priority for clinical antibiotic needs. In this study, we developed a pH‐ and photothermally responsive photosensitizer/enzyme‐loaded nanocomposite for enhanced biofilm disruption and bacteria killing (gram‐positive and gram negative). To achieve this, IR780 (I) as an efficient NIR dye was encapsulated inside the hydrophobic core of 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐[methoxy(polyethylene glycerol)‐2000] (DSPE‐PEG2000) micelles (M) for enhanced photothermal therapy. EPS extracellular DNA lyase deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) was anchored on the micellar surface by calcium phosphate mineralization method. The results indicated that pH‐sensitive MI@CaPD nanocomposite degraded as a response to the acidic conditions characteristic for the bacterial environment and released DNase I and Ca2+ ions simultaneously. Subsequently, the Ca2+ stabilized the DNase I active structure and facilitated the dispersion of the biofilm EPS. Then, interior bacteria were exposed and killed by IR780‐mediated hyperthermia. The synergistic effect of DNase I and photothermal therapy could efficiently eradicate the biofilms, which exhibits superior biofilm dispersion and destruction capability.
Contrast agent‐free state‐of‐the‐art magnetic resonance imaging on cerebral small vessel disease – Part 2: Diffusion tensor imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: da Silva Pedro Henrique Rodrigues , Paschoal André Monteiro , Secchinatto Kaio Felippe , Zotin Maria Clara Zanon , dos Santos Antônio Carlos , Viswanathan Anand , Pontes‐Neto Octavio M. , Leoni Renata Ferranti
Published: April 2022

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) has been widely studied using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods, although the association between MRI findings and clinical features of cSVD is not always concordant. We assessed the additional contribution of contrast agent‐free, state‐of‐the‐art MRI techniques, particularly diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), to understand brain damage and structural and functional connectivity impairment related to cSVD. We performed a review following the PICOS worksheet and Search Strategy, including 152 original papers in English, published from 2000 to 2022. For each MRI method, we extracted information about their contributions regarding the origins, pathology, markers, and clinical outcomes in cSVD. In general, DTI studies have shown that changes in mean, radial, and axial diffusivity measures are related to the presence of cSVD. In addition to the classical deficit in executive functions and processing speed, fMRI studies indicate connectivity dysfunctions in other domains, such as sensorimotor, memory, and attention. Neuroimaging metrics have been correlated with the diagnosis, prognosis, and rehabilitation of patients with cSVD. In short, the application of contrast agent‐free, state‐of‐the‐art MRI techniques has provided a complete picture of cSVD markers and tools to explore questions that have not yet been clarified about this clinical condition. Longitudinal studies are desirable to look for causal relationships between image biomarkers and clinical outcomes.
MACPABE: Multi‐Authority‐based CP‐ABE with efficient attribute revocation for IoT‐enabled healthcare infrastructure
Authors: Das Sangjukta , Namasudra Suyel
Published: April 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology along with cloud computing has gained much attention in recent years for its potential to upgrade conventional healthcare systems. Outsourcing healthcare data to a cloud environment from IoT devices is very essential as IoT devices are lightweight. To maintain confidentiality and to achieve fine‐grained access control, the ciphertext policy attribute‐based encryption (CP‐ABE) technique is utilized very often in an IoT‐based healthcare system for encrypting patients' healthcare data. However, an attribute revocation may affect the other users with the same attribute set, as well as the entire system due to its security concerns. This paper proposes a novel CP‐ABE‐based fine‐grained access control scheme to solve the attribute revocation problem. The proposed technique includes multiple attribute authorities to reduce the work overhead of having a single authority in the traditional CP‐ABE systems. In addition, the proposed scheme outsources the decryption process to a decryption assistant entity to reduce the decryption overhead of the end‐users. To prove the efficiency of the proposed scheme, both formal security analysis and performance comparisons are presented in this paper. Results and discussion prove the effectiveness of the proposed scheme over some well‐known schemes.
Dr. Charles L. Suffel: Scholar, teacher, mentor, friend
Authors: Gross Daniel , Kahl Nathan , Luttrell Kristi , Saccoman John T.
Published: April 2022

Dr. Charles L. Suffel (1941–2021) was an influential mathematics educator and scholar at Stevens Institute of Technology for more than half a century. The Managing Editor of Networks for 20 years, Suffel's reach extended far beyond the Stevens campus. He coauthored dozens of graph theory papers and mentored more than a dozen Ph.D. thesis students. In this article, we discuss his contributions to the field of network reliability theory and his legacy as a teacher and mentor.
Dual composite bioadhesives for wound closure applications: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Eshkol‐Yogev Inbar , Tobias Tal , Keren Aviad , Gilhar Amos , Gilboa Efrat , Furer Ariel , Ullmann Yehuda , Zilberman Meital
Published: April 2022

Over the years, new biomaterials have been introduced as an alternative to conventional wound closure methods. Compared with traditional methods including sutures and staples, bioadhesives are more convenient to use and less time‐consuming. Nevertheless, the application of topical skin adhesives such as Cyanoacrylates (CA) is limited, due to cytotoxicity. Hence, developing skin adhesives with strong adhesion to soft tissue in wet environment, controlled physical and mechanical properties, and excellent biocompatibility has been a significant challenge. In the current study, we developed a new bioadhesive based on the highly biocompatible natural polymers gelatin and alginate. In order to enhance the mechanical‐ physical properties and functionality, two types of fillers were loaded: hemostatic agent (kaolin or montmorillonite) and cellulose fibers. Our in‐vitro results show that the addition of the functional fillers increased the tensile strength and modulus of the bulk material, leading to higher sealing ability and higher bonding strength. In addition, the gelation time and swelling degree were significantly decreased and the viscosity increased with the incorporation of the filler, which enables better functioning. The in‐vivo model focused on using a porcine skin incision, demonstrated superior efficacy of these new bioadhesives compared to the control group. I.e., they resulted in rapid healing, less inflammation, and a higher degree of wound closure. In conclusion, our dual‐composite bioadhesives demonstrated promising potential for use in wound closure applications and may serve as a suitable alternative for conventional sutures. Their unique properties make them beneficial, especially for first medical care applications such as rescuing casualties.
Excellent electromagnetic interference shielding performance of polypropylene/carbon fiber/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Kaushal Ashish , Singh Vishal
Published: April 2022

In this study, we investigated the mechanical, DC conductivity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene (CNC) nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were prepared by melt processing technique using a twin‐screw extruder followed by injection molding. This combination of CF and MWCNT improved the tensile strength and modulus of the nanocomposites by up to 31.14% and 60.14%. The percolation behavior helped to improve the DC electrical conductivity from 2.07 × 10−10 to 9.58 × 10−2 s/cm. The CNC nanocomposites exhibited shielding effectiveness of 51.9 dB at maximum filler loading in the X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) for a 2 mm thick sample. In addition, efforts have been made to develop a compatible EMI shielding material using multiple fillers.
Boron nitride enhanced shape memory poly(aryl ether ketone) actuators with rapid self‐deformation and staged responsive behaviors
Authors: Yang Shuai , He Yang , Leng Jinsong
Published: April 2022

In this paper, boron nitride (BN) sheets, as two‐dimensional thermal conductive fillers, were integrated into shape memory poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) matrix to improve the response speed of actuators. The thermal conductivity of composites was found to be positively correlated with the content of BN sheets. Significantly, a highest in‐plane thermal conductivity of 2.66 W m−1 K−1 was obtained, which resulted in the increase of the recovery speed of the PAEK/BN actuators from 18 to 6 s. Besides, the integration of BN sheets improved the shape memory effect of PAEK matrix, including the higher shape recovery ratio (up to 99.9%) and fixity ratio (over 97%). In addition, through the assembling of four components with designed BN contents, we achieved the interesting staged shape recovery behaviors for PAEK/BN composite actuators, which enabled programmable and smart manipulations. These fabricated PAEK/BN composite actuators with rapid response and staged deformation behaviors possessed the wide utilization potential in smart devices.
Registration of ‘Hardy 2519’ wheat
Authors: Liu Limei , Griffey Carl Allen , Brooks Wynse S. , Seago John E. , Fitzgerald Joshua , Thomason Wade , Hokanson Elizabeth G. , Behl Harry D. , Oakes Joseph , Pitman Robert M. , Dunaway David W. , Vaughn Mark E. , Lee Michelle , Barnett Marla Dale , Custis James T. , Chen Richard Y. , Fountain Myron , Marshall David , Cowger Christina , Cambron Sue , Jin Yue , Chen Xianming , Beahm Bruce , Browning Phillip , Hardiman Thomas , Osborne Scott , Lin CJ , Mennel D. Ford , Santantonio Nicholas
Published: April 2022

‘Hardy 2519’ (Reg. no. CV‐1189, PI 692613), a hard red winter (HRW) wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) cultivar, was derived from the cross VA06HRW‐108 × ‘Vision 30’ (PI 661153) using a modified bulk breeding method. Hardy 2519 was tested as VA14HRW‐25 in replicated yield trials in Virginia (2015–2018) and in the USDA‐ARS Uniform Bread Wheat Trials (2016–2018) and released by the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station in 2019. Hardy 2519 is a widely adapted, high‐yielding HRW wheat with 2*, 5+10 gluten subunits. Hardy 2519 is awned, semidwarf (Rht2 gene) with medium spike emergence, resistant to leaf rust, and moderately resistant to powdery mildew in the mid‐Atlantic region. In the Virginia Bread Wheat Elite Trials from 2018 to 2020, Hardy 2519 produced a mean yield of 5,393 kg ha–1, which was similar to that of the HRW wheat cultivar ‘Vision 45’ (PI 667642) at 5,267 kg ha–1. Hardy 2519 has acceptable milling and baking quality on the basis of comparisons with the HRW wheat check cultivar ‘Jagger’.
Evaluating FEV1 decline in diagnosis and management of pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Bouzek Drake C. , Ren Clement L. , Thompson Misty , Slaven James E. , Sanders Don B.
Published: April 2022

Rationale

Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) decline (ΔFEV1) is associated with pulmonary exacerbation (PEx) diagnosis in cystic fibrosis (CF). Spirometry may not be available during telehealth visits and could impair clinician ability to diagnose PEx. This study aims to (1) identify the associations between degrees of ΔFEV1 (decrease of <5% predicted vs. 5%−9% predicted vs. ≥10% predicted from baseline), clinical symptoms, and clinician‐diagnosed PEx and (2) evaluate the correlation between respiratory symptoms, ΔFEV1, and antibiotic treatment.

Methods

Retrospective, descriptive study of PEx diagnosis and management in 628 outpatient clinical encounters with spirometry in 178 patients with CF ages 6−17 years at Riley Hospital for Children during 2019. Odds ratios (OR) of symptoms associated with clinician‐defined PEx diagnosis and antibiotic management stratified by ΔFEV1 decline were determined.

Results

Clinician‐diagnosed PEx occurred at 199 (31.7%) visits; increased cough (77.4%) and sputum/wet cough (57.8%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Compared to no ΔFEV1, the odds of a clinician‐diagnosed PEx were increased when ΔFEV15%−9% and ΔFEV1≥10% was present with increased cough (OR 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25−1.94 and OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.52−2.19, respectively), increased sputum (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.20−2.12 and OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.37−2.32, respectively), and increased cough and sputum together (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.08−2.13 and OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.22−2.31, respectively).

Conclusions

ΔFEV1 is associated with increased likelihood that cough and sputum are diagnosed as a PEx. Spirometry is essential for PEx diagnosis and treatment and is a necessary component of all clinical encounters.
Capturing surface complementarity in proteins using unsupervised learning and robust curvature measure
Authors: Gupta Abhijit , Mukherjee Arnab
Published: April 2022

The structure of a protein plays a pivotal role in determining its function. Often, the protein surface's shape and curvature dictate its nature of interaction with other proteins and biomolecules. However, marked by corrugations and roughness, a protein's surface representation poses significant challenges for its curvature‐based characterization. In the present study, we employ unsupervised machine learning to segment the protein surface into patches. To measure the surface curvature of a patch, we present an algebraic sphere fitting method that is fast, accurate, and robust. Moreover, we use local curvatures to show the existence of “shape complementarity” in protein–protein, antigen–antibody, and protein‐ligand interfaces. We believe that the current approach could help understand the relationship between protein structure and its biological function and can be used to find binding partners of a given protein.
Numerical prediction of tropical cyclogenesis. Part II: Identification of large‐scale physical processes under the monsoon shear line synoptic pattern
Authors: Liang Mei , Chan Johnny C. L. , Xu Jianjun , Yamaguchi Munehiko
Published: April 2022

This is the second part of a two‐part study to investigate the numerical prediction of tropical cyclogenesis. Part I presents a comprehensive statistical assessment of the performance of the high‐resolution European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts deterministic forecasts in predicting tropical cyclone (TC) genesis over the western North Pacific between 2007 and 2018 using The International Grand Global Ensemble data. Among these forecasts, the ones that predict TC genesis occurring in the monsoon shear line synoptic pattern have the highest 5‐day predicted skill. In this article (Part II), the large‐scale dynamic and thermodynamic variables associated with this type of genesis are examined to identify the physical processes likely responsible for TC genesis. Moist convection appears to be one of the first important factors. Deep convection at the initial time (Day −5) is concentrated near the inner core of the pre‐genesis vortex. In the lower troposphere, the northeasterly flow to the north and southwesterly flow to the south of the pre‐genesis vortex begin to strengthen at Day −4 and Day −3 respectively, and then the maximum wind centres move close to the genesis position (GP) from Day −3 to Day 0. Strong low‐level radial wind and the associated absolute angular momentum (AAM) import develop on Day −4, which effectively forces a transverse circulation and spins up a surface vortex near the GP. The vertical gradients of latent heat release and the decrease in mean‐sea‐level pressure by Day −3 further support the import of low‐level AAM and the development of the low‐level vortex. At the upper levels, an anticyclone moves close to the GP, reducing the vertical wind shear at Day −2, fully establishing the secondary circulation system. The positive feedback between the environmental flow and the internal thermal forcing conditions from Day −2 to the genesis time are also important to genesis.
Exploring the sensing ability of B‐ and Si‐doped WS2 monolayer toward CO and NO gas
Authors: Nguyen Duy Khanh , Hoang Duc‐Quang , Hoat D. M.
Published: April 2022

Searching for new two‐dimensional (2D) materials to capture toxic gas molecules has drawn great attention from scientific community. In this work, the adsorption of CO and NO molecules on B‐ and Si‐doped WS2 monolayer (B:WS2 and Si:WS2) has been explored using first‐principles calculations. Pristine WS2 monolayer is a non‐magnetic semiconductor with an energy gap of 1.81 eV. It is magnetized upon doping with B atom to form a half‐metallic material, meanwhile the paramagnetic nature is preserved upon Si doping. CO and NO molecules are weakly physisorbed on pristine WS2 monolayer. Doping strategies enhance significantly the adsorption process decreasing drastically the adsorption energy. The adsorbed gas molecules alter considerably the fundamental properties of the doped systems. Specifically, the magnetic properties of B:WS2 system are quenched by both CO and NO molecules to form paramagnetic metallic and semiconductor materials, respectively. CO adsorption increases the energy gap of Si:WS2 system, meanwhile the adsorbed NO molecule induces significant magnetism, leading to the emergence of the half‐metallicity. Results presented herein may recommend B‐ and Si‐doped WS2 monolayer as promising candidates to detect and capture CO and NO molecules. Moreover, doping strategy may be used to functionalize 2D transition metal dichalcogenides for toxic gas sensing.
Event‐triggered H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ state estimation for neural networks with time‐varying delays: The continuous‐time case
Authors: Tian Yufeng , Wang Yuzhong , Ren Junchao
Published: April 2022

This article is concerned with the event‐triggered state estimation problem of delayed neural networks. A new event‐triggered scheme is designed based on the estimation error, which makes a balance between the state estimator performance and network communication bandwidth in accordance with practical requirement. An auxiliary function‐type free‐matrix‐based integral inequality is proposed, which can fully link the relationship among time‐varying delay and system states due to additional delay‐product‐type matrices. Based on these condiments, sufficient condition is established to guarantee the estimation error system to be asymptotically stable and satisfies the performance. Meanwhile, the desired event‐triggered estimator gains are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. A numerical example is illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained methods.
Some remarks on hypergraph matching and the Füredi–Kahn–Seymour conjecture
Authors: Bansal Nikhil , Harris David G.
Published: April 2022

A classic conjecture of Füredi, Kahn, and Seymour (1993) states that any hypergraph with non‐negative edge weights has a matching such that , where is the value of an optimum fractional matching. We show the conjecture is true for rank‐3 hypergraphs and is achieved by a natural iterated rounding algorithm. While the general conjecture remains open, we give several new improved bounds. In particular, we show that the iterated rounding algorithm gives , where , improving upon the baseline guarantee of .
Sampling from the low temperature Potts model through a Markov chain on flows
Authors: Huijben Jeroen , Patel Viresh , Regts Guus
Published: April 2022

In this article, we consider the algorithmic problem of sampling from the Potts model and computing its partition function at low temperatures. Instead of directly working with spin configurations, we consider the equivalent problem of sampling flows. We show, using path coupling, that a simple and natural Markov chain on the set of flows is rapidly mixing. As a result, we find a ‐approximate sampling algorithm for the Potts model at low enough temperatures, whose running time is bounded by for graphs with edges.
X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy‐based valence band spectra of passive films on titanium
Authors: Eda Yuzuki , Manaka Tomoyo , Hanawa Takao , Chen Peng , Ashida Maki , Noda Kazuhiko
Published: April 2022

Titanium (Ti) is always covered by thin passive films. Thus, valence band (VB) spectra, obtained using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), are superpositions of the VB spectra of passive films and that of the metallic Ti substrate. In this study, to obtain the VB spectra only of passive films, angular resolution (for eliminating the substrate Ti contribution) and argon ion sputtering (for removing passive films) were used along with XPS. The passive film on Ti was determined to consist of a very thin TiO2layer with small amounts of Ti2O3, TiO, hydroxyl groups, and water with a thickness of 5.9 nm. The VB spectra of Ti were deconvoluted into four peak components: a peak at ~1 eV, attributed to the Ti metal substrate; a broad peak in the 3–10 eV range, mainly attributed to O 2p (~6 eV) and O 2p‐Ti 3d hybridized states (~8 eV), owing to the π (non‐bonding) and σ (bonding) orbitals in the passive oxide film; and a peak at ~13 eV, attributed to the 3σ orbital of O 2p as OH−or H2O. The VB region spectrum between approximately 3 and 14 eV from Ti is originating from the passive film on Ti. In particular, characterization of VB spectrum obtained with a takeoff angle of less than 24° is effective to obtain VB spectrum only from the passive film on Ti. The property as n‐type semiconductor of the passive film on Ti is probably higher than that of rutile TiO2ceramics.
Graphdiyne Electrochemistry: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Chen Xinyue , Jiang Xin , Yang Nianjun
Published: April 2022

Graphdiyne, a carbon allotrope, was synthesized in 2010 for the first time. It consists of two acetylene bonds between adjacent benzene rings. Graphdiyne and its composites thus exhibit ultrahigh intrinsic electrochemical activities. As “star” electrode materials, they have been utilized for various electrochemical applications. With the aim of giving a full screen of graphdiyne electrochemistry, this review starts from the history of graphdiyne materials, followed by their structural and electrochemical features. Recent progress and achievements in the synthesis of graphdiyne materials and their composites are overviewed. Subsequently, various electrochemical applications of graphdiyne materials and their composites are summarized, covering those in the fields of electrochemical energy conversion, electrochemical energy storage, and electrochemical sensing. The perspectives of graphdiyne electrochemistry are also discussed and outlined.
Mediating Point Defects Endows n‐Type Bi2Te3 with High Thermoelectric Performance and Superior Mechanical Robustness for Power Generation Application
Authors: Zhu Yu‐Ke , Sun Yuxin , Zhu Jianbo , Song Kun , Liu Zihang , Liu Ming , Guo Muchun , Dong Xingyan , Guo Fengkai , Tan Xiaojian , Yu Bo , Cai Wei , Jiang Jun , Sui Jiehe
Published: April 2022

Bi2Te3‐related alloys dominate the commercial thermoelectric market, but the layered crystal structure leads to the dissociation and intrinsic brittle fracture, especially for single crystals that may worsen the practical efficiency. In this work, point defect configuration by S/Te/I defects engineering is engaged to boost thermoelectric and mechanical properties of n‐type Bi2Te3 alloy, which, coupled with p‐type BiSbTe, shows a competitive conversion efficiency for the fabricated module. First, as S alloying suppresses the intrinsic antisite defects and forms a donor‐like effect, electronic transport properties are optimized, associated with the decreased thermal conductivity due to the point defect scattering. The periodide compound TeI4 is afterward adopted to further tune carrier concentration for the realization of an optimal ZT. Finally, an advanced average ZT of 1.05 with ultra‐high compressive strength of 230 MPa is achieved for Bi2Te2.9S0.1(TeI4)0.0012. Based on this optimum composition, a fabricated 17‐pair module demonstrates a maximum conversion efficiency of 5.37% under the temperature difference of 250 K, rivaling the current state‐of‐the‐art Bi2Te3 modules. This work reveals the novel mechanism of point defect reconfiguration in synergistic enhancement of thermoelectric and mechanical properties for durably commercial application, which may be applicable to other thermoelectric systems.
Determination of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in environmental and food samples using salt‐assisted liquid‐liquid extraction coupled with micro‐channel and high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Heydarzadeh Mohsen , Heydari Rouhollah
Published: April 2022

In this research, 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic was determined using a salt‐assisted liquid‐liquid extraction in a micro‐channel. Firstly, the sample solution, extraction solvent, and salt were mixed with a magnet stirrer, and then the mixture was transferred into a micro‐channel using a syringe pump. Affecting factors on the extraction efficiency of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic such as extraction solvent and its volume, salt amount, pH of sample solution, micro‐channel shape, length, and inside diameter were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limit of the proposed method was 0.05 μg/mL, and its linear was in the range of 0.15–30.0 μg/mL with an R2 coefficient of 0.9927. To show the micro‐channel effect on the efficiency of the proposed method, its extraction efficiency was compared with the conventional salt‐assisted liquid‐liquid extraction method. The results confirm the synergetic effect of micro‐channel on the extraction efficiency of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to determine 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic in environmental and vegetable samples.
Service life cost of selected design and repair strategies for concrete structures in chloride exposure: Particular consideration of 12% chromium steel
Authors: Boschmann Käthler Carolina , Angst Ueli M.
Published: April 2022

Calculation of service life costs allows for a holistic assessment of the cost‐effectiveness of options in design regarding materials and intervention strategies for an infrastructure object. A method is presented in which probabilistic service life modeling and cost calculations are combined. This method is exemplified by two cases of reinforced concrete structures exposed to a chloride‐bearing environment. Two different types of reinforcing steel and several intervention strategies are analyzed. The results show that the method is suitable for decision‐making on the most economical solution. The solution with the lowest initial construction costs does not necessarily result into the lowest service life costs, depending on chloride exposure conditions and the anticipated interventions.
Chilean physics teacher educators' hybrid identities and border crossings as opportunities for agency within school and university
Authors: Torres Olave Betzabe , Dillon Justin
Published: April 2022

This study examines the sense of agency developed through the hybrid identities of two Chilean educators working across a university physics department (as teacher educators), a secondary school (as part‐time teachers), and a self‐organized professional community to which they belong. A Freirean conceptualization of agency together with border crossing and hybridity was used as theoretical frameworks. Data were collected through biographical interviews and follow‐up conversations. A critical narrative approach was used for analysis. Findings suggest that the two physics educators encountered a hegemonic culture of physics education characterized by different hierarchies and tensions, such as the devaluation of pedagogy, lack of spaces for dialogue, and a punitive view of assessment. Nonetheless, evidence showed that by crossing the borders of different communities, the participants problematise their boundaries. Through their hybrid identities position, the participants enact their agency to contest such boundaries bringing new practices particularly to the physics department, such as offering spaces for collaboration, allowing others to cross boundaries between the school and the university, and across science disciplines. It is argued that such identities can provide new learning opportunities for their students and their colleagues. Moreover, evidence showed that the community to which participants belong acts as a space for cultivating hope, stressing the need for collective spaces for rethinking our practices. As such, their hybrid identity position offers a counter‐narrative to the idea that university physics departments hold only a traditional and banking view of physics teaching and knowledge. Hence, this study offers evidence of how the two physics educators disrupt the boundaries that limit who the teacher educators are and the practices they engage with, highlighting the need for more schoolteachers contributing to initial teacher education. Such a new actor could offer more narratives for future physics teachers to negotiate their ideas about pedagogy and physics.
A data synthesis on the biochar properties and implications for air, soil, and water quality in Brazil
Authors: Poggere Giovana , Santana Maria Júlia Bonfim , Barbosa Julierme Zimmer , Corrêa Rodrigo Studart , Melo Leônidas Carrijo Azevedo
Published: April 2022

Biochar has been intensively researched worldwide. In Brazil, there is a variety of feedstock production that can be turned into soil amendments of high performance through biochar conversion, especially solid wastes. However, advances in biochar research in Brazil have not been systematically evaluated to indicate possible gaps and suggest future research for eco‐friendly applications. Thus, in this work we evaluated biochar properties and effects on air, water, and soil quality based on data gathered from researches performed in Brazil. Biochar has been mainly evaluated as soil conditioner (37%), material characterization (17%), water treatment (12%), and greenhouse gases emissions (9%). Based on the data synthesis of 68 feedstocks used for biochar production, we observed that the pyrolysis temperature profoundly affects biochar properties. Meta‐analysis indicated benefits of biochar addition to soils for chemical, physical, microbiological and biochemical attributes that have resulted in increases in root growth (+30%), and plant shoots (+45%). Pyrolysis temperature and feedstock are key choices to design biochar properties aiming to retain dyes, aromatic hydrocarbon, pesticides, and metals in water and wastewater treatment. It was also observed an increase in CO2 and a decrease in N2O emissions after biochar application to soils in short‐term experiments. Although there is a growing interest in the development of electrochemical sensors and biochar‐based fertilizers, technological applications of biochar are still incipient in Brazil. Future research should prioritize long‐term and mechanistically evaluations of biochar under field conditions and the development of eco‐friendly technological applications.
Intestinal microbiome changes of Ulomoides dermestoides (Chevrolat, 1878) fed with a film based on thermoplastic cassava starch and polylactic acid
Authors: Salazar‐Sánchez Margarita del Rosario , Rodríguez‐Herrera Raúl , Flores‐Gallegos Adriana Carolina , Villada‐Castillo Héctor Samuel , Solanilla‐Duque José Fernando
Published: April 2022

Degradation of polymers by insects is investigated because these materials are source of pollution. The objective of this study was to determine changes in the intestinal microbiome of Coleoptera Ulomoides dermestoides subjected to three polymeric diets based on oats (1), thermoplastic cassava starch (TPS) (2), and an extruded matrix (3) composed of TPS and polylactic acid (PLA). Insects were identified by sequencing of CO1, while gut microflora from insects was identified using DGGE and DNA sequencing. The intestinal microbiota of insects fed diet 1 was composed by Enterobacter sp., Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia sp., and Pantoea vagans, diet 2 by Bacillus maritimus, Enterobacter sp. non‐culturable, Enterococcus alcedines, Lactobacillus oeni, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia sp., while diet 3 by Enterobacter sp., Enterococcus aquimarinus, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia sp., and Lactobacillus oligofermentans indicating that the mixture of renewable sources present in the polymer such as TPS/PLA has a higher rate of degradation and assimilation and more diversity in the intestinal microbiome of insects than in the monopolymeric diets such as 1 and 2, and it was evidenced that diet changes the microbiome of the digestive tract of U. dermestoides which can be used during biodegradation of polymers.
Environmental protection with sustainable products from fish bone waste
Authors: Abdel‐Moemin Aly R. , Abdel‐Rahman Manal K.
Published: April 2022

Unhappily linear fish industries use only the flesh of fish products and disregard the promising value of fishery by‐products. Fish bone (FB) is a by‐product with circular industrial characteristics which is rich in nutrients for plants and animals and promising to protect the environment. The aim of this work is to produce fertilizers and feeds from FB waste generated from fish industry. As FB poses harm to the environment and affects the sustainability of fish manufacturing therefore making such products would clean the environment. There is a gap in the current knowledge about the promising value and processing of FB, specifically awareness among people, media, and industry. Literatures, projects, patents, and case studies gave us a solid evidence to maximize the use of FB into sustainable products. Although the limited knowledge in this area but this review aimed to provide recent projects and available literature on the characteristics and pre‐treatment of FB to produce fertilizers and feeds. To be successful dealing with FB production will need to process FB to make the nutrients available for plants and animals and combine safety, new technology and marketing when starting such projects.
Regulation of neuronal RNA signatures by ELAV/Hu proteins
Authors: Hilgers Valérie
Published: April 2022

The RNA‐binding proteins encoded by the highly conserved elav/Hu gene family, found in all metazoans, regulate the expression of a wide range of genes, at both the co‐transcriptional and posttranscriptional level. Nervous‐system‐specific ELAV/Hu proteins are prominent for their essential role in neuron differentiation, and mutations have been associated with human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Drosophila ELAV, the founding member of the protein family, mediates the synthesis of neuronal RNA signatures by promoting alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation of hundreds of genes. The recent identification of ELAV's direct RNA targets revealed the protein's central role in shaping the neuronal transcriptome, and highlighted the importance of neuronal transcript signatures for neuron maintenance and organism survival. Animals have evolved multiple cellular mechanisms to ensure robustness of ELAV/Hu function. In Drosophila, elav autoregulates in a 3′UTR‐dependent manner to maintain optimal protein levels. A complete absence of ELAV causes the activation and nuclear localization of the normally cytoplasmic paralogue FNE, in a process termed EXon‐Activated functional Rescue (EXAR). Other species, including mammals, seem to utilize different strategies, such as protein redundancy, to maintain ELAV protein function and effectively safeguard the identity of the neuronal transcriptome.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3′ End Processing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Interpretable, Verifiable, and Robust Reinforcement Learning via Program Synthesis
Authors: Bastani Osbert , Inala Jeevana Priya , Solar-Lezama Armando
Published: April 2022

Reinforcement learning is a promising strategy for automatically training policies for challenging control tasks. However, state-of-the-art deep reinforcement learning algorithms focus on training deep neural network (DNN) policies, which are black box models that are hard to interpret and reason about. In this chapter, we describe recent progress towards learning policies in the form of programs. Compared to DNNs, suchprogrammatic policiesare significantly more interpretable, easier to formally verify, and more robust. We give an overview of algorithms designed to learn programmatic policies, and describe several case studies demonstrating their various advantages.
Varieties of AI Explanations Under the Law. From the GDPR to the AIA, and Beyond
Authors: Hacker Philipp , Passoth Jan-Hendrik
Published: April 2022

The quest to explain the output of artificial intelligence systems has clearly moved from a mere technical to a highly legally and politically relevant endeavor. In this paper, we provide an overview of legal obligations to explain AI and evaluate current policy proposals. In this, we distinguish between different functional varieties of AI explanations - such as multiple forms of enabling, technical and protective transparency - and show how different legal areas engage with and mandate such different types of explanations to varying degrees. Starting with the rights-enabling framework of the GDPR, we proceed to uncover technical and protective forms of explanations owed under contract, tort and banking law. Moreover, we discuss what the recent EU proposal for an Artificial Intelligence Act means for explainable AI, and review the proposal’s strengths and limitations in this respect. Finally, from a policy perspective, we advocate for moving beyond mere explainability towards a more encompassing framework for trustworthy and responsible AI that includes actionable explanations, values-in-design and co-design methodologies, interactions with algorithmic fairness, and quality benchmarking.