bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indirect Electrochemical‐Induced Trifluoromethylation of Tryptophan Containing Oligopeptides
Authors: Chen Hung‐Chi , Wan Chenggang , Shih Wan‐Hsuan , Kao Ciao‐Ying , Jiang Haoyang , Weng Yue , Chiang Chien‐Wei
Published: December 2022

Electrochemical synthesis in chemical biology is a milder, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly process for constructing novel types of bioconjugated systems. Herein, we report on the development of an indirect electrochemical strategy that allows a trifluoromethyl group to be incorporated into a tryptophan residue. This protocol allowed fluorinated peptides to be produced, thus allowing their characterization by 19F‐NMR. Interestingly, the trifluoromethylation of tryptophan did not appear under conditions of direct electrolysis; instead, as we introduced ferrocene as a mediator to allow indirect electrosynthesis, the desired product could be obtained in 67% isolated yield. Furthermore, various oligopeptides are successfully coupled to the Trp residue selectively. Mechanistic studies involving CV and DFT calculations indicated that the transformation proceeds through the homo‐cleavage of CF3SO2Na via ferrocene‐mediated indirect electrolysis. Subsequently, the addition of a CF3 radical allowed the labelled Trp to be incorporated into the corresponding products. This electrochemical protocol provides a new toolkit for the trifluoromethylation of peptides that contain tryptophan.
Unveiling the High‐valence Oxygen Degradation Across the Delithiated Cathode Surface
Authors: Li Qinghao , Liang Qi , Zhang Hui , Jiao Sichen , Zhuo Zengqing , Wang Junyang , Li Qiang , Zhang Jie‐Nan , Yu Xiqian
Published: December 2022

Charge compensation on anionic redox reaction (ARR) has been promising to realize extra capacity beyond transition metal redox in battery cathodes. The practical development of ARR capacity has been hindered by high‐valence oxygen instability, particularly at cathode surfaces. However, the direct probe of surface oxygen behavior has been challenging. Here, the electronic states of surface oxygen are investigated by combining mapping of resonant Auger electronic spectroscopy (mRAS) and ambient pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) on a model LiCoO2 cathode. The mRAS verified that no high‐valence oxygen can sustain at cathode surfaces, while APXPS proves that cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer evolves and oxidizes upon oxygen gas contact. This work provides valuable insights into the high‐valence oxygen degradation mode across the interface. Oxygen stabilization from surface architecture is proven a prerequisite to the practical development of ARR active cathodes.
Shortwave Infrared Fluorofluorophores for Multicolor In Vivo Imaging**
Authors: Lim Irene , Yu Lin Eric , Garcia Joseph , Jia Shang , Sommerhalter Robert E. , Ghosh Subrata K. , Gladysz John A. , Sletten Ellen M.
Published: December 2022

Developing chemical tools to detect and influence biological processes is a cornerstone of chemical biology. Here we combine two tools which rely on orthogonality– perfluorocarbons and multiplexed shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging– to visualize nanoemulsions in real time in living mice. Drawing inspiration from fluorous and SWIR fluorophore development, we prepared two SWIR‐emissive, fluorous‐soluble chromenylium polymethine dyes. These are the most red‐shifted fluorous fluorophores– “fluorofluorophores”—to date. After characterizing the dyes, their utility was demonstrated by tracking perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion biodistribution in vivo. Using an excitation‐multiplexed approach to image two variables simultaneously, we gained insight into the importance of size and surfactant identity on biodistribution.
Boosting Charge Transport in a 2D/3D Perovskite Heterostructure by Selecting an Ordered 2D Perovskite as the Passivator
Authors: Li Chuanzhao , Zhu Renlong , Yang Zhe , Lai Jing , Tan Junjun , Luo Yi , Ye Shuji
Published: December 2022

We demonstrate that an ordered 2D perovskite can significantly boost the photoelectric performance of 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures. Using selective fluorination of phenyl‐ethyl ammonium (PEA) lead iodide to passivate 3D FA0.8Cs0.2PbI3, we find that the 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures passivated by a higher ordered 2D perovskite have lower Urbach energy, yielding a remarkable increase in photoluminescence (PL) intensity, PL lifetime, charge‐carrier mobilities (ϕμ), and carrier diffusion length (LD) for a certain 2D perovskite content. High performance with an ultralong PL lifetime of ≈1.3 μs, high ϕμ of ≈18.56 cm2 V−1 s−1, and long LD of ≈7.85 μm is achieved in the 2D/3D films when passivated by 16.67 % para‐fluoro‐PEA2PbI4. This carrier diffusion length is comparable to that of some perovskite single crystals (>5 μm). These findings provide key missing information on how the organic cations of 2D perovskites influence the performance of 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures.
Optimal standby activation in m‐out‐of‐n systems: A preventive approach
Authors: Behboudi Zohreh , Mohtashami Borzadaran Gholam Reza , Asadi Majid
Published: December 2022

This article investigates an optimal preventive standby activation policy for an ‐out‐of‐ redundant system. We assume that for such a system, which starts operating at time , a standby component will be activated at either the failure time of the system or at a predetermined time , whichever occurs first. We first obtain the system reliability function under this switching policy as a function of . Then, we investigate the optimal switching time so that the mean time to failure of the system is maximized. The results indicate that the existence of an optimal value of depends on the lifetime of the standby redundancy and its virtual age in the standby state. Some illustrative examples are presented to examine the theoretical outcomes.
Eco‐economic optimal sizing and operation of PV‐battery systems in buildings – The Role of CO2 price signals
Authors: Maier Laura , Ellinger Matthias , Hering Dominik , Müller Dirk
Published: December 2022

CO2 pricing enables building owners to benefit from reduced emissions. Changing power plant mix leads to dynamic CO2 factors and price signals that PV‐battery systems can exploit. The system's size and CO2 prices influence profitability. So far, no study exists assessing CO2 pricing's influence on PV‐battery systemś optimal sizing and operation. We, therefore, investigate the interaction of PV‐battery sizing and operation with CO2 pricing and combine Design of Experiments with model predictive control. For a CO2 price of 100 €/t, the cost‐optimal design decreases emissions by 79.7 %. Furthermore, high CO2 prices yield large PV and medium battery sizing. The results prove that CO2 pricing is a valuable instrument to encourage CO2‐reducing investments of building owners. We recommend future studies to include the effect of CO2 pricing on the power plant mix and thus the CO2 factor. We assume a change in the merit order due to a shift in marginal costs of the respective power plants.
Regelungsbedarf und Ansätze einer Rückbaurichtlinie für Brückenbauwerke
Authors: Krill Alfred , Lingemann Jan , Schacht Gregor
Published: December 2022

Während in der Vergangenheit im Zuge des Aufbaus des Brückennetzes in Deutschland die Normung des Neubaus immer weiterentwickelt wurde, befindet sich die Entwicklung des Rückbaus noch in den Anfängen. Wegen des zunehmenden Alters von Bestandsbrücken und der veränderten Nutzungsanforderungen werden heute meist Ersatzneubauten erforderlich. Der Rückbau der Bestandsbrücken erfolgt nach wie vor ohne speziell hierfür abgestimmtes Regelwerk. Die beteiligten Bauherren, Planer und Ausführende gehen dabei Risiken ein, die es in Zukunft zu verringern gilt. Nachdem in vielen Tagungen und Gesprächen Regelungen zum Rückbau gefordert wurden, ist nun aus den Erfahrungen beim Entwurf, der Ausführungsstatik und der statisch‐konstruktiven Prüfung beim Rückbau ein bislang unveröffentlichter erster Entwurf zur Regelung des Rückbaus von Brücken entstanden, dessen Inhalt und Bearbeitungsstand hier wiedergegeben ist.
Increasing yield of in vitro transcription reaction with at‐line high pressure liquid chromatography monitoring
Authors: Pregeljc Domen , Skok Janja , Vodopivec Tina , Mencin Nina , Krušič Andreja , Ličen Jure , Nemec Kristina Š. , Štrancar Aleš , Sekirnik Rok
Published: December 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented rate of development of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, which are produced by in vitro transcription reactions. The latter has been the focus of intense development to increase productivity and decrease cost. Optimization of in vitro transcription (IVT) depends on understanding the impact of individual reagents on the kinetics of mRNA production and the consumption of building blocks, which is hampered by slow, low‐throughput, end‐point analytics. We implemented a workflow based on rapid at‐line high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) monitoring of consumption of nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) with concomitant production of mRNA, with a sub‐3 min read‐out, allowing for adjustment of IVT reaction parameters with minimal time lag. IVT was converted to fed‐batch resulting in doubling the reaction yield compared to batch IVT protocol, reaching 10 mg/ml for multiple constructs. When coupled with exonuclease digestion, HPLC analytics for quantification of mRNA was extended to monitoring capping efficiency of produced mRNA. When HPLC monitoring was applied to production of an anti‐reverse cap analog (ARCA)‐capped mRNA construct, which requires an approximate 4:1 ARCA:guanidine triphosphate ratio, the optimized fed‐batch approach achieved productivity of 9 mg/ml with 79% capping. The study provides a methodological platform for optimization of factors influencing IVT reactions, converting the reaction from batch to fed‐batch mode, determining reaction kinetics, which are critical for optimization of continuous addition of reagents, thus in principle enabling continuous manufacturing of mRNA.
Crude Extracts and Secondary Metabolites of Epichloë bromicola against Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Li Fan , Mei Da‐Hai , Ren Ting , Song Qiu‐Yan
Published: December 2022

Potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is still one of the main factors limiting potato production. Epichloë spp. can provide host plants with various resistances, which makes them show great potential in the biological control of diseases. In this study, we explored the potential biological activity of crude extracts of 20 strains of Epichloë bromicola to control P. infestans. The crude extracts of strains 1 and 8 showed significant antifungal activity with an inhibition rate of 88 % and 81 %, respectively, and showed different effects on the mycelium morphology of P. infestans observed by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the two crude extracts demonstrated an interesting therapeutic and protective effect on potato late blight, and none of the extracts had an adverse effect against zebrafish embryos. A total of 13 metabolites were isolated from the crude extract of strain 8, and these tested compounds showed a weak antifungal effect and the inhibition rate was less than 80 %. These findings suggested that strains 1 and 8 have potential for biocontrol of late potato blight.
Sporotrichoid lymphocutaneous pattern in a fish‐merchant under immunosuppressant medications: Clues to differential diagnoses
Authors: Khadka Dhan Keshar , Acharya Ripala , Agrawal Sudha
Published: December 2022

Sporotrichoid‐lymphocutaneous‐pattern is classically seen in sporotrichosis, though also present in other infections like atypical mycobacteriosis and leishmaniasis. Cutaneous atypical mycobacterial infection presents as localized lesions in immunocompetent and is widespread in immunosuppressed patients. Here, we present a case of sporotrichoid‐lymphocutaneous infection due to atypical mycobacteria, in a fish‐seller under immunosuppressants.
The Thermal Conductivity Tensor of β‐Ga2O3 from 300 to 1275 K
Authors: Klimm Detlef , Amgalan Binderiya , Ganschow Steffen , Kwasniewski Albert , Galazka Zbigniew , Bickermann Matthias
Published: December 2022

Laser‐flash measurements of the thermal conductivity of Czochralski‐grown β‐Ga2O3 single crystals are reported perpendicular to four independent crystallographic lattice planes , (010), (001), and (100) between room temperature and 1200 K. λ is represented by a symmetric tensor of rank 2 and has four independent components. Tensor components  W m−1 K−1 and  W m−1 K−1 (values for 300 K) can be directly measured.  W m−1 K−1 and  W m−1 K−1, instead, are obtained by combining  W m−1 K and  W m−1 K. The crystallographic ‐axis is the direction with the highest thermal conductivity, λ22. The thermal conductivity assumes its lowest value (11.73 W m−1 K−1) in a direction close to the crystallographic ‐axis. However, this direction does not coincide with , and changes with  temperature.
The dual role of CD70 in B‐cell lymphomagenesis
Authors: Nie Man , Ren Weicheng , Ye Xiaofei , Berglund Mattias , Wang Xianhuo , Fjordén Karin , Du Likun , Giannoula Yvonne , Lei Dexin , Su Wenjia , Li Wei , Liu Dongbing , Linderoth Johan , Jiang Chengyi , Bao Huijing , Jiang Wenqi , Huang Huiqiang , Hou Yong , Zhu Shida , Enblad Gunilla , Jerkeman Mats , Wu Kui , Zhang Huilai , Amini Rose‐Marie , Li Zhi‐Ming , Pan‐Hammarström Qiang
Published: December 2022

Background

CD70 is a costimulatory molecule that is transiently expressed on a small set of activated lymphocytes and is involved in T‐cell‐mediated immunity. However, the role of CD70 in B‐cell malignancies remains controversial.

Methods

We investigated the clinical relevance of CD70 genetic alterations and its protein expression in two diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cohorts with different ethnic backgrounds. We also performed transcriptomic analysis to explore the role of CD70 alterations in tumour microenvironment. We further tested the blockade of CD70 in combination with PD‐L1 inhibitor in a murine lymphoma model.

Results

We showed that CD70 genetic aberrations occurred more frequently in the Chinese DLBCL cohort (56/233, 24.0%) than in the Swedish cohort (9/84, 10.8%), especially in those with concomitant hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The CD70 genetic changes in DLBCL resulted in a reduction/loss of protein expression and/or CD27 binding, which might impair T cell priming and were independently associated with poor overall survival. Paradoxically, we observed that over‐expression of CD70 protein was also associated with a poor treatment response, as well as an advanced disease stage and EBV infection. More exhausted CD8+ T cells were furthermore identified in CD70 high‐expression DLBCLs. Finally, in a murine lymphoma model, we demonstrated that blocking the CD70/CD27 and/or PD1/PD‐L1 interactions could reduce CD70+ lymphoma growth in vivo, by directly impairing the tumour cell proliferation and rescuing the exhausted T cells.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that CD70 can play a role in either tumour suppression or oncogenesis in DLBCL, likely via distinct immune evasion mechanisms, that is, impairing T cell priming or inducing T cell exhaustion. Characterisation of specific dysfunction of CD70 in DLBCL may thus provide opportunities for the development of novel targeted immuno‐therapeutic strategies.
Evaluating the accuracy of unmanned aerial systems to quantify glacial ice habitats of harbor seals in Alaska
Authors: Pegus Courtney , Atkinson Shannon , Quinn Terry , Pyare Sanjay
Published: December 2022

Long‐term monitoring programs to evaluate climate‐driven changes to tidewater glaciers, an important habitat for harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in Alaska, are primarily carried out by costly, weather‐dependent aerial surveys from fixed‐winged aircraft. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can be an alternative cost‐effective solution for gathering image data to quantify, monitor, and manage these habitats. However, there is a paucity of information related to the accuracy of using imagery collected by UAS for purposes of measuring floating icebergs. We evaluated the accuracy of using a UAS with a built‐in 20‐megapixel (MP) camera as well as a consumer‐grade digital 16‐MP camera to capture images of floating and stationary icebergs for the purpose of collecting vertical height measurements. Images (n = 869) were captured of simulated icebergs (cuboidal foam boxes, Cb) (n = 5) and real icebergs (n = 5) that were either grounded or floating. The mean error ratios (Ers) obtained were less than 10% and derived by comparing the mean calculated measurements of heights of Cb obtained from images captured by UAS with the physically measured heights of these Cb. The mean Er for height measurements of grounded icebergs (n = 4) and one floating iceberg was also less than 10%. Within an object–image distance range of 6–25 m, the cameras captured images that were suitable to accurately calculate the heights of floating and grounded objects, and drift or uncontrolled movement of the UAS caused by wind or temporary loss of GPS did not have any effect on measurement error. Our study provides substantial evidence of the accuracy associated with using images captured by UAS for measuring dimensions of structures positioned on either water or land surfaces. Ultimately, accurate surveys of glacial ice used by harbor seals will improve our understanding of the role of decreasing habitat in explaining population variability between different tidewater glaciers.
Exo‐ and endo‐Isomers of Plumbylenes Supported by 1,3‐Diethers of Calix[4]arene
Authors: Kuriki Ryunosuke , Ishii Youichi , Kuwabara Takuya
Published: December 2022

Calix[4]arene‐plumbylene complexes Pb[Calixt‐Bu(O)2(OR)2], where R=benzyl, 9‐fluorenyl, SitBuMe2, and SiiPr3, have been synthesized by the reaction of Lappert's plumbylene Pb[N(SiMe3)2]2 with the corresponding 1,3‐diethers of calix[4]arene. The products have been fully characterized by 1H, 13C{1H}, and 207Pb NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The products adopt two different forms depending on the R groups: the alkyl derivatives were obtained as exo‐isomers in which the lead atom resides outside the cavity of the calix[4]arene, while the silyl derivatives were isolated as endo‐isomers where the lead atom is situated inside the cavity. X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that the lead(II) atoms in the exo‐ and endo‐isomers are coordinated by the ethereal oxygen atoms (OR) and the aromatic rings (ArOR), respectively, which are maintained in solution as evidenced by 207Pb NMR studies.
From past pain to future pain through the pain of others: Information about other people's pain ratings can alleviate our subsequent pain
Authors: Bajcar Elżbieta A. , Bieniek Helena , Brączyk Justyna , Bąbel Przemysław
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown that pain memories have a profound impact on subsequent pain experiences. This study investigated whether pain ratings derived from other people can modify an individual's memory of past pain. This study also examined whether pain memory modified by others' pain ratings determines subsequent pain experiences.

Methods

Participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. Participants in both groups were exposed to pain stimulation; then, they recalled its intensity twice over a period of time; after a break, they were again exposed to pain stimulation of the same intensity. The final sample consisted of 53 participants. The only difference between the experimental group and the control group was that in the former the pain ratings of other alleged participants were presented between the two consecutive pain recalls. These ratings suggested that other people experienced the same pain as less intense.

Results

The pain ratings derived from other people did not alter the pain memory; nevertheless, they affected an individual's next pain experience even for a certain period of time after their presentation. This type of pain‐related information shaped participants' subsequent pain experiences regardless of their empathy, conformity, and susceptibility to social influence.

Conclusions

Information on pain derived from other people not only shapes the response to a novel stimulation but also substantially modifies the subsequent experience of that stimulation.

Significance

The study demonstrates the importance of social information on pain and provides evidence that this type of information substantially modifies the subsequent experience of the same pain. These results suggest that social information on pain can be used to alleviate pain associated with recurring medical procedures and thus increase patients' willingness to continue treatment.
Edge server placement for offloading real‐time statistics tasks of bus passenger
Authors: Xu Haitao , Guo Zhihui , Shang Ziliang , Zhao Ji , Dai Hui
Published: December 2022

With the continuous development of smart bus systems, higher requirements are expected for the accuracy and timeliness of the real‐time statistics of bus passengers. Although the statistical method of image and video processing based on deep learning has higher accuracy, it has higher requirements on the computing power and hardware equipment of the computer. A traditional solution is cloud computing, but cloud computing cannot meet real‐time requirements due to long‐distance transmission. In order to meet the real‐time demand, it can be offloaded to the edge of the network and processed by edge servers. In edge computing, the location of the edge server will have a great impact on the access delay and the traffic load in the edge network. Currently, few people optimize the traffic load in the edge network during the placement process. In view of this, an edge server placement algorithm for task offloading, named ESPTO, is designed to balance the average delay and traffic load under the control of each edge server while minimizing the average delay and traffic load in the edge network. First, a decomposition‐based multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA/D) is used to find a better set of placement strategies, and then the optimal placement strategy is obtained through TOPSIS. Experimental results based on the Hangzhou bus station dataset prove the effectiveness of ESPTO.
Characteristics of in situ synthesized activated carbon and metal‐organic framework composites for CH4/N2 gas mixture separation
Authors: Zheng Yuannan , Li Qingzhao , Yu Guofeng , Jiang Bingyou , Ren Bo , Wang Shiju
Published: December 2022

In this study, activated carbon and metal‐organic framework composites were synthesized by in situ hydrothermal method, and the surface morphology, physicochemical structure and adsorption performance of the materials were tested. Moreover, the competitive adsorption characteristics of CH4/N2 gas mixture on the materials MIL‐101, DFAC‐MIL‐101 and NMAC‐MIL‐101 were predicted based on the ideal adsorption solution theory (IAST). Results show that the rod‐like fibers formed after doping with activated carbon did not affect the crystal structure of the metal‐organic framework material but caused the unevenness and passivation of the crystal surface, and the crystal size of MIL‐101 was significantly decreased due to which the micropores of the composite material were more developed, while the mesopores and macropores were decreased accordingly. Meanwhile, the micropore size of MIL‐101 and Ac‐MIL‐101 composite materials were mainly distributed around 0.9, 1.2 and 1.7 nm. The adsorption isotherms of these three materials for CH4 and N2 had typical type I characteristics, and the adsorption selectivity S for binary CH4/N2 gas mixture is greater than 2. Doping activated carbon could properly control the structure of MIL‐101 crystals and improved the selectivity effectively, which provides a certain guiding significance for the structure regulation and application of MIL‐101 metal‐organic framework materials. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myomucosal island flap in the reconstruction of oral cavity defects: Description of the surgical technique
Authors: Copelli Chiara , Manfuso Alfonso , Di Maio Pasquale , Garzino‐Demo Paolo , Iocca Oreste
Published: December 2022

Multiple options are available for the reconstruction of the defects of the oral cavity. Among these, the facial artery myomucosal island flap (FAMMIF) is a pedicled flap composed by cheek mucosa, submucosa, and part of the buccinator muscle. The FAMMIF is ideal for the reconstruction of small‐to‐moderate defects of the oral cavity and the oropharynx. This is due to low operating time, low morbidity, and good functional and aesthetic results. A step‐by‐step description of the flap harvesting is presented, with particular attention to flap design, identification of the vessels, harvesting of the myomucosal island, tunnel preparation for its passage in the neck and back to the oral cavity, and closure of the cheek donor site with the buccal fat pad.
Macroeconomic forecasting in times of crises
Authors: Guerróon‐Quintana Pablo , Zhong Molin
Published: December 2022

We propose a parsimonious semiparametric method for macroeconomic forecasting. Based on ideas of clustering and similarity, we partition the series into blocks, search for the closest blocks to the latest block of observations, and forecast with the matched blocks. In a real‐time forecasting exercise, we show that our approach does especially well for labor market and other key macro variables. Our method outperforms parametric linear, nonlinear, time‐varying, and combination forecasts for the period 1999–2015 and particularly in the Great Recession. When adding financial spreads, our method delivers further improvements for labor market variables and capacity utilization.
Robots or humans for disaster response? Impact on consumer prosociality and possible explanations
Authors: Chen Fangyuan , Huang Szu‐chi
Published: December 2022

Hurricanes, wildfires, pandemics, and other disasters have taken millions of lives in the past few years and caused substantial economic losses. To tackle these extraordinary circumstances, governments, organizations, and companies seek assistance from both humans and high‐technology machines such as robots. This research report documents how highlighting robots' (vs. humans') helping behaviors in disaster response can affect consumers' prosociality, explores driving mechanisms, and tests solutions. Study 1 found that consumers donated fewer items of clothing after watching news highlighting robots' (vs. humans') assistance in a mudslide disaster. Featuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, Study 2 further showed that this decrease in prosociality occurred because reading about robots' assistance felt less encouraging/inspiring to consumers. Studies 3A‐3C (and a supplemental study) explored multiple mechanisms and identified a key driver for the backfire effect—a lower perception of courage in disaster response robots. Accordingly, Study 4 tested three theory‐driven solutions to raise the perceived courage in robots to increase consumer prosociality.
Tiered discounts as multiple reference points for spending
Authors: Cheng Andong , Ross Gretchen R.
Published: December 2022

Tiered discounts offer larger discounts as consumers meet higher spending thresholds (e.g., spend $100+, receive 10% off; spend $200+, receive 20% off). This research investigates how consumers treat these multiple dollar thresholds as reference points for spending. We find that tiered discounts with smaller increments between thresholds encourage higher spending compared to those with larger increments. This effect occurs because consumers treat thresholds as motivational spending goals when the distance to higher thresholds is smaller (vs. larger). Consistent with this reasoning, signaling goal progress (i.e., displaying cart amount while shopping) attenuates the spending difference smaller versus larger increment sizes yield. Additionally, the effect of tier increment size on spending is more prominent for maximizers. From a theoretical perspective, this work contributes to our understanding of how individuals process multiple reference points within a single promotion and identifies that spending thresholds in price promotions may be treated as spending goals. From a managerial perspective, this work investigates the relationship between tiered discount design and consumer spending.
MRI Assessment of Cerebral Blood Flow in Nonhospitalized Adults Who Self‐Isolated Due to COVID‐19
Authors: Kim William S. H. , Ji Xiang , Roudaia Eugenie , Chen J. Jean , Gilboa Asaf , Sekuler Allison , Gao Fuqiang , Lin Zhongmin , Jegatheesan Aravinthan , Masellis Mario , Goubran Maged , Rabin Jennifer S. , Lam Benjamin , Cheng Ivy , Fowler Robert , Heyn Chris , Black Sandra E. , Graham Simon J. , MacIntosh Bradley J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Neurological symptoms associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), such as fatigue and smell/taste changes, persist beyond infection. However, little is known of brain physiology in the post‐COVID‐19 timeframe.

Purpose

To determine whether adults who experienced flu‐like symptoms due to COVID‐19 would exhibit cerebral blood flow (CBF) alterations in the weeks/months beyond infection, relative to controls who experienced flu‐like symptoms but tested negative for COVID‐19.

Study Type

Prospective observational.

Population

A total of 39 adults who previously self‐isolated at home due to COVID‐19 (41.9 ± 12.6 years of age, 59% female, 116.5 ± 62.2 days since positive diagnosis) and 11 controls who experienced flu‐like symptoms but had a negative COVID‐19 diagnosis (41.5 ± 13.4 years of age, 55% female, 112.1 ± 59.5 since negative diagnosis).

Field Strength and Sequences

A 3.0 T; T1‐weighted magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient and echo‐planar turbo gradient‐spin echo arterial spin labeling sequences.

Assessment

Arterial spin labeling was used to estimate CBF. A self‐reported questionnaire assessed symptoms, including ongoing fatigue. CBF was compared between COVID‐19 and control groups and between those with (n = 11) and without self‐reported ongoing fatigue (n = 28) within the COVID‐19 group.

Statistical Tests

Between‐group and within‐group comparisons of CBF were performed in a voxel‐wise manner, controlling for age and sex, at a family‐wise error rate of 0.05.

Results

Relative to controls, the COVID‐19 group exhibited significantly decreased CBF in subcortical regions including the thalamus, orbitofrontal cortex, and basal ganglia (maximum cluster size = 6012 voxels and maximum t‐statistic = 5.21). Within the COVID‐19 group, significant CBF differences in occipital and parietal regions were observed between those with and without self‐reported on‐going fatigue.

Data Conclusion

These cross‐sectional data revealed regional CBF decreases in the COVID‐19 group, suggesting the relevance of brain physiology in the post‐COVID‐19 timeframe. This research may help elucidate the heterogeneous symptoms of the post‐COVID‐19 condition.

Evidence Level

2.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3.
Brain and Cerebrospinal Fluid α‐Synuclein Real‐Time Quaking‐Induced Conversion Identifies Lewy Body Pathology in LRRK2‐PD
Authors: Garrido Alicia , Fairfoul Graham , Tolosa Eduardo , Marti Maria J. , Ezquerra Mario , Green Alison J E
Published: December 2022

Background

The neuropathology of Parkinson's disease (PD) associated with leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutations (LRRK2‐PD) is heterogeneous and varies with the type of mutation. There are only a few studies evaluating seeding aggregation assays to detect α‐synuclein (α‐syn) in patients with LRRK2‐PD.

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether α‐syn real‐time quaking induced conversion (RT‐QuIC) is a sensitive biomarker of synucleinopathy in LRRK2‐PD.

Methods

We studied α‐syn RT‐QuIC in brain tissue and postmortem ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of LRRK2‐PD cases with and without Lewy‐type pathology.

Results

The accuracy of α‐syn RT‐QuIC in substantia nigra and CSF samples of patients with LRRK2‐PD was 100%. The test also obtained 100% sensitivity to detect misfolded α‐syn in substantia nigra of cases with idiopathic PD and was negative in the substantia nigra of all the control brains without Lewy‐type pathology.

Conclusions

Substantia nigra and ventricular CSF RT‐QuIC discriminates with high sensitivity and specificity LRRK2 cases with Lewy‐type pathology from those without it. RT‐QuIC assay could be of particular interest in the selection of cases for clinical trials in this genetic form of PD. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Operator theoretic approach in fractional‐order delay optimal control problems
Authors: Vellappandi Madasamy , Govindaraj Venkatesan
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the fractional optimal control problem with a single delay in the state by using the operator theoretic approach. In this approach, we first reduce the delay fractional dynamical system into an equivalent operator equation, and then, by providing sufficient conditions to the operators, the existence of an optimal pair is proved for the abstract system. The optimality system for the quadratic cost functional is derived by using the Frechet derivative. Then we relate the operator theoretic approach optimality system to a Hamiltonian system of Pontryagin's minimum principle. The primary goal of this article is to demonstrate the existence of an optimal pair for the fractional‐order delay dynamical system by using a functional minimization theorem in functional analysis. Likewise, the optimality systems for the fractional‐order delay dynamical system are derived by using the functional (either Gateaux or Frechet) derivatives. Finally, we provide two numerical examples that support our theoretical findings.
A pediatric quantitative systems pharmacology model of neurofilament trafficking in spinal muscular atrophy treated with the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen
Authors: Paris Alessio , Bora Pranami , Parolo Silvia , MacCannell Drew , Monine Michael , van der Munnik Nick , Tong Xiao , Eraly Satish , Berger Zdenek , Graham Danielle , Ferguson Toby , Domenici Enrico , Nestorov Ivan , Marchetti Luca
Published: December 2022

Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy subunit (pNfH) has been recently identified as a promising biomarker of disease onset and treatment efficacy in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This study introduces a quantitative systems pharmacology model representing the SMA pediatric scenario in the age range of 0–20 years with and without treatment with the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. Physiological changes typical of the pediatric age and the contribution of SMA and its treatment to the peripheral pNfH levels were included in the model by extending the equations of a previously developed mathematical model describing the neurofilament trafficking in healthy adults. All model parameters were estimated by fitting data from clinical trials that enrolled SMA patients treated with nusinersen. The data from the control group of the study was employed to build an in silico population of untreated subjects, and the parameters related to the treatment were estimated by fitting individual pNfH time series of SMA patients followed during the treatment. The final model reproduces well the pNfH levels in the presence of SMA in both the treated and untreated conditions. The results were validated by comparing model predictions with the data obtained from an additional cohort of SMA patients. The reported good predictive model performance makes it a valuable tool for investigating pNfH as a biomarker of disease progression and treatment response in SMA and for the in silico evaluation of novel treatment protocols.
Incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion based path‐following control for a hybrid quad‐plane unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Zhou Li , Yang Jingtao , Strampe Tilman , Klingauf Uwe
Published: December 2022

Hybrid quad‐plane unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which combine the advantages of multicopters and fixed‐wing UAVs, are gaining increasing attention. However, quad‐planes are characterized by complex structures, high nonlinearity, strong coupling, and three flight regimes (hover, transition, and fixed‐wing flight), which bring great challenges to the research of their control laws. This article aims to design control laws for a quad‐plane in fixed‐wing and hover flight regimes based on a robust nonlinear control method, incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion (INDI), so that the quad‐plane can follow a given path autonomously. Firstly, a mathematical model of the quad‐plane is established on the basis of kinematics and dynamics. Subsequently, cascade control structures are proposed and divided into inner and outer loops. A control law is designed for each control loop based on INDI. To improve the performance of the designed control law, reference models are added to the inner loops to shape the input commands and provide feedforward inputs. Finally, simulation results corroborate the performance and robustness of the proposed control law. Compared with the control law designed by active disturbance rejection control and proportional‐integral‐derivative control methods, the INDI‐based control law is more robust.
Event‐triggered dynamic surface control of uncertain nonlinear networked systems subject to transmission delays
Authors: Karimi Zahra , Jalali Ali Akbar , Batmani Yazdan
Published: December 2022

In this paper, an event‐triggered dynamic surface control technique is proposed for strict‐feedback uncertain nonlinear networked systems in the presence of network‐induced time delays. First, an event‐based dynamic surface control law is designed. Then, by rewriting the control law as a communication‐delay‐distribution‐dependent model, the closed‐loop error dynamics is derived and modeled as a linear time‐delay system with perturbation terms. Next, a periodic event‐triggering condition is designed by imposing some inequality constraints on the perturbations. A theorem related to the ultimate boundedness and quadratic tracking of the closed‐loop system is presented. The proposed technique is utilized to design a decentralized dynamic surface control structure with event‐triggered inter‐vehicle communications for a vehicle platoon.
Transport dynamics of sediment‐laden jet: A review
Authors: Chen Yongping , Otoo Ebenezer , Chen Yuhang , Xu Zhenshan , Li Xingfei , Zhou Yan
Published: December 2022

Wastewater disposal through the dumping of spoil and sludge into the river, lake, or ocean is typically in the form of a sediment‐laden jet. The inorganic and organic solids from the effluent settling close to the source often result in the formation of sludge banks which can have a damaging effect on the marine ecosystem. Therefore, predicting the transport and deposition of sediment‐laden wastewater jet flows has been a focus of intense research for decades. In this paper, we discussed the fundamental understanding of sediment‐laden jets and the progress made in their predictions. We also highlighted some of the pertinent research challenges revealed by the previous studies and identified some key research issues that need to be addressed to achieve sustainable marine wastewater disposal in the face of increasing river, lake, and marine pollution.
The 2022 extreme drought in the Yangtze River Basin: Characteristics, causes and response strategies
Authors: Ma Miaomiao , Qu Yanping , Lyu Juan , Zhang Xuejun , Su Zhicheng , Gao Hui , Yang Xiaojing , Chen Xixi , Jiang Tianliang , Zhang Jiexiang , Shen Mengyan , Wang Zhe
Published: December 2022

An extreme drought occurred in the Yangtze River Basin in 2022, inflicting huge impacts nationwide. To provide a reference for drought prevention and mitigation, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the drought in the Yangtze River Basin in terms of its characteristics, causes, impacts, and response strategies. It concludes that this extreme drought stood out by its long duration, wide impact range, and severe intensity, as a combined result of abnormal high‐temperature weather and massive social water consumption. Serious impacts are observed in various fields of the economy, including agricultural irrigation, urban and rural water supply, power generation, and navigation. Finally, drought mitigation measures and effects are examined, and future drought response and mitigation strategies are proposed.
Deep Learning of Dual Plasma Fingerprints for High‐Performance Infection Classification
Authors: Cao Jing , Xiao Yan , Zhang Mengji , Huang Lin , Wang Ying , Liu Wanshan , Wang Xinming , Wu Jiao , Huang Yida , Wang Ruimin , Zhou Li , Li Lin , Zhang Yong , Ren Lili , Qian Kun , Wang Jianwei
Published: December 2022

Infection classification is the key for choosing the proper treatment plans. Early determination of the causative agents is critical for disease control. Host responses analysis can detect variform and sensitive host inflammatory responses to ascertain the presence and type of the infection. However, traditional host‐derived inflammatory indicators are insufficient for clinical infection classification. Fingerprints‐based omic analysis has attracted increasing attention globally for analyzing the complex host systemic immune response. A single type of fingerprints is not applicable for infection classification (area under curve (AUC) of 0.550–0.617). Herein, an infection classification platform based on deep learning of dual plasma fingerprints (DPFs‐DL) is developed. The DPFs with high reproducibility (coefficient of variation <15%) are obtained at low sample consumption (550 nL native plasma) using inorganic nanoparticle and organic matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. A classifier (DPFs‐DL) for viral versus bacterial infection discrimination (AUC of 0.775) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐2019) diagnosis (AUC of 0.917) is also built. Furthermore, a metabolic biomarker panel of two differentially regulated metabolites, which may serve as potential biomarkers for COVID‐19 management (AUC of 0.677–0.883), is constructed. This study will contribute to the development of precision clinical care for infectious diseases.
Population dynamics and the effect of drought in the threatened Nubian ibex
Authors: Tichon Jonathan , Freiman Elyasaf , Spiegel Orr , Baruchi Erez , Atar Aviam , Lapid Roi , King Roni , Bar‐David Shirli , Saltz David
Published: December 2022

Estimating key state variables such as abundance, survival, and recruitment of wild populations, and their interaction with local conditions such as precipitation, is essential for state‐dependent decision making and management. Estimation of state variables remains challenging, especially in species such as mountain ungulates inhabiting rugged and remote terrains. Camera traps present a technological advance that can mitigate some of the challenges in state estimation and can be used to enhance existing methods. Here, we combined camera traps, individual markings, and GPS tracking to estimate abundance and survival for the threatened Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) population of the Judean Desert, Israel. Since precipitation is a key determinant for recruitment in desert ungulates, we complemented our estimates with kid‐female ratios and regional precipitation records. Between 2016 and 2019, we individually marked 48 ibex of which 38 were also fitted with GPS collars within the Judean Desert. We performed 6 days of camera‐trap surveys each year to estimate abundance for the north Judean Desert population using mark‐resight in a robust‐design framework. Weight‐averaged abundance estimates for 2017–2019, respectively, were as follows:  = 267 (95% CI = 117–418, SE = 51.27), 201 (95% CI = 115–288, SE = 36.85), and 226 (95% CI = 154–299, SE = 36.94) for females, and  = 291 (95% CI = 154–299, SE = 36.94), 160 (95% CI = 108–212, SE = 25.19), and 283 (95% CI = 181–384, SE = 29.76) for males. By augmenting data from telemetry with camera traps, we estimated survival via known fates for the entire Judean Desert (north, mid, and south populations). Weight‐averaged survival estimates for 2016–2019, respectively, were:  = 0.99 (95% CI = 0.97–1.00, SE = 0.012), 0.90 (95% CI = 0.24–0.99, SE = 0.153), 0.87 (95% CI = 0.62–0.97, SE = 0.081), and 0.88 (95% CI = 0.69–0.96, SE = 0.062) for females, and  = 0.77 (95% CI = 0.26–0.97, SE = 0.203), 0.64 (95% CI = 0.33–0.86, SE = 0.151), 0.85 (95% CI = 0.60–0.96, SE = 0.087), and 0.88 (95% CI = 0.69–0.96, SE = 0.062) for males. The interannual trends of abundance and survival estimates corresponded with observed kid‐female ratios and the regional precipitation records, reflecting a population decline following 2017's drought and an increase following the increased precipitation in 2018. Our findings substantiate the efficacy of using camera traps to estimate Nubian ibex's key state variables, as well as detecting population trends driven by environmental conditions. Despite being costly, the capacity of statistically‐robust methods to estimate key state variables is indispensable, and camera traps make similar methods increasingly more feasible in remote and inaccessible populations.
On a local-global principle for quadratic twists of abelian varieties
Authors: Fité Francesc
Published: December 2022

Let A and $$A'$$

A
′

be abelian varieties defined over a number field k of dimension $$g\ge 1$$

g
≥
1

. For $$g\le 3$$

g
≤
3

, we show that the following local-global principle holds: A and $$A'$$

A
′

are quadratic twists of each other if and only if, for almost all primes $$\mathfrak {p}$$
p
of k of good reduction for A and $$A'$$

A
′

, the reductions $$A_\mathfrak {p}$$

A
p

and $$A_\mathfrak {p}'$$

A

p

′

are quadratic twists of each other. This result is known when $$g=1$$

g
=
1

, in which case it has appeared in works by Kings, Rajan, Ramakrishnan, and Serre. We provide an example that violates this local-global principle in dimension $$g=4$$

g
=
4

.
Ameliorative effects of quercetin against hepatic toxicity of oral sub-chronic co-exposure to aluminum oxide nanoparticles and lead-acetate in male rats
Authors: Abo-EL-Sooud Khaled , Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , Hashem Mohamed M. M. , El-Metwally Abeer E. , Hassan Bayan A. , El-Nour Hayat H. M.
Published: December 2022

The present study was designed to evaluate the probable ameliorative role of quercetin (QCN) against oxidative hepatotoxicity induced by aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3NPs) with a diameter < 30 nm and lead acetate (Pb) co-exposure in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats were weighed and allocated to seven groups (n = 10 each) and were treated orally via orogastric gavage for 60 successive days: rats of the 1st group were kept as control given distilled water (1 ml/kg), rats of the 2nd group received 2 ml/kg BW/day corn oil; rats of the 3rd group were administered 20 mg/kg BW QCN/day; rats of the 4th group received 100 mg/kg BW Al2O3NPs; rats of the 5th group received 50 mg/kg BW Pb; rats of the 6th group co-received Al2O3NPs and Pb at the same previous doses; and rats of the 7th group were co-administered Al2O3NPs, Pb, and QCN at the same previous doses. At the end of the experiment, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total, direct, indirect bilirubin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, and LDL were estimated. The hepatic oxidative stress biomarkers as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were also evaluated. Finally, the histopathological and histomorphometric evaluations and the residues of Al and Pb in hepatic tissues were assessed. Al2O3NPs and/or Pb exposure significantly elevated lipid peroxidation levels and considerably altered the hepatic biochemical parameters; nevertheless, QCN significantly reduced hepatic enzymes compared to toxicant exposed groups. Additionally, QCN significantly improved Al2O3NPs-afforded liver tissue damage, as established in microscopic findings on the liver in the group treated with Al2O3NPs + Pb. Conclusively, QCN could be a candidate natural agent to safeguard the liver versus the co-harmful impacts of Al2O3NPs and Pb toxicity.