bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of intravenous combined immunosuppression with plasmapheresis in adult patients with refractory primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Dirim Ahmet Burak , Demir Erol , Guller Nurane , Safak Seda , Artan Ayse Serra , Oto Ozgur Akin , Ozluk Yasemin , Ozturk Savas , Yazici Halil , Kalayoglu‐Besisik Sevgi , Turkmen Aydin
Published: May 2022

Background

Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) treatment is based on immunosuppressive therapies. Since refractory disease is common, alternative methods are emerging. One of these methods is plasmapheresis with intravenous cyclosporine and corticosteroids, and it could be an option in post‐transplant recurrent FSGS. We retrospectively investigated the efficacy of this combined treatment in adult patients with refractory primary FSGS.

Methods

Seven refractory primary FSGS patients were included. Demographics, estimated glomerular filtration rates, serum albumin levels, urine protein/creatinine ratios, and previous treatments were evaluated. Also, complications and remission rates were assessed.

Results

Median patient age was 23 years. Median duration of diagnosis was 2 years. Median number of plasmapheresis sessions was 14. Five of seven patients (71.4%, one complete, four partial remissions) were responders after the protocol. Changes in serum albumin levels and proteinuria after protocol were statistically significant (P = 0.018 and P = 0.018, respectively). eGFR levels did not change statistically (P = 0.753). Median follow‐up duration after the treatment was 17 months. However, two patients experienced disease relapse (28.5%). End‐stage kidney disease was developed in two patients. Sustained remission rate was 42.8% during follow‐up (One complete and two partial remissions). Also, 42.8% of patients experienced catheter infections. Catheter‐associated thrombosis that required surgery was observed in a patient.

Conclusions

Plasmapheresis combined with intravenous cyclosporine and corticosteroids could be an option in refractory primary FSGS. High response rates after this protocol were encouraging. However, the relapsing disease was observed after the cessation of apheresis. Also, complications of the protocol could limit the applicability.
Perfect forests in graphs and their extensions
Authors: Gutin Gregory , Yeo Anders
Published: May 2022

Let be a graph on vertices. For , a spanning forest of is called an ‐perfect forest if every tree in is an induced subgraph of and exactly vertices of have even degree (including zero). An ‐perfect forest of is proper if it has no vertices of degree zero. Scott showed that every connected graph with an even number of vertices contains a (proper) 0‐perfect forest. We prove that one can find a 0‐perfect forest with a minimum number of edges in polynomial time, but it is NP‐hard to obtain a 0‐perfect forest with a maximum number of edges. Moreover, we show that to decide whether has a 0‐perfect forest with at least edges, where is the parameter, is W[1]‐hard. We also prove that for a prescribed edge of it is NP‐hard to obtain a 0‐perfect forest containing but one can decide if there exists a 0‐perfect forest not containing in polynomial time. It is easy to see that every connected graph with an odd number of vertices has a 1‐perfect forest. It is not the case for proper 1‐perfect forests. We give a characterization of when a connected graph has a proper 1‐perfect forest.
Reference Values for Pediatric Atrial Volumes Assessed by Steady‐State Free‐Precession Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Monoplane and Biplane Area‐Length Methods
Authors: Voges Inga , Caliebe Amke , Hinz Sophia , Boroni Grazioli Simona , Gabbert Daniel Dominik , Wegner Philip , Uebing Anselm Sebastian , Daubeney Piers E. F. , Pennell Dudley J. , Krupickova Sylvia
Published: May 2022

Background

Measurement of atrial volumes by MRI is becoming increasingly important in pediatric cardiac disorders. However, MRI normal values for atrial volumes in children are lacking.

Purpose

To establish pediatric reference values for atrial volumes.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

A total of 155 healthy children from two large institutions (103 male, age 13.9 ± 2.8 years, range 4–18 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5 T; balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) sequence.

Assessment

The monoplane and biplane area‐length methods were used to measure minimal and maximal left and right atrial volumes (LAmin, LAmax, RAmin, and RAmax) from four‐chamber (4ch) and two‐chamber (2ch) MR cine images. Centile charts and tables for atrial volumes were created.

Statistical Tests

Descriptive statistics, lambda‐mu‐sigma (LMS)‐method of Cole and Green, univariable and multivariable linear regression models. A P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

In the multivariable linear model, body surface area was significantly associated with all atrial volumes and sex was significantly associated with RA volumes, LA volumes measured in the 2ch‐view as well as biplane LAmax. Average atrial volumes measured: monoplane 4ch: LAmin 13.1 ± 4.8 mL/m2, LAmax 33.4 ± 8.8 mL/m2, RAmin 18.5 ± 6.8 mL/m2, RAmax 33.2 ± 9.6 mL/m2; monoplane 2ch: LAmin 12.7 ± 4.9 mL/m2, LAmax 30.5 ± 9.5 mL/m2; biplane: LAmin 12.3 ± 4.5 mL/m2, LAmax 30.9 ± 8.7 mL/m2.

Data Conclusion

Pediatric MRI reference values for atrial volumes have been provided.

Technical Efficacy

2

Evidence Level

4
Therapist perceptions of treating posttraumatic stress disorder in pregnancy: The VIP Study
Authors: Hendrix Yvette M. G. A. , Sier Misha A. T. , Baas Melanie A. M. , van Pampus Maria G.
Published: May 2022

There is no consensus on the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during pregnancy, and therapists’ views on the matter are largely unknown. This cross‐sectional study aimed to explore therapist beliefs and experiences regarding PTSD treatment during pregnancy. Participants were therapists (N = 301) with experience treating PTSD who completed an online survey. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of therapists who were experienced in treating PTSD symptoms during pregnancy; secondary outcome measures assessed preferred treatments for the general and pregnant populations, perceived reluctance to treat PTSD in pregnancy, and perceived effects and adverse events attributed to treatment for pregnant women and fetuses. The majority of participants (n = 246, 81.7%) had experience with treating PTSD during pregnancy. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing was the preferred treatment for both the general and the pregnant populations. Almost half of the sample (48.8%) reported hearing that PTSD treatment in pregnancy could be harmful; 30.5% of therapists were reluctant to treat pregnant women with PTSD. Most therapists observed a clinically relevant posttreatment reduction of PTSD symptoms in pregnant women. Perceived adverse maternal and fetal events attributed to treatment were reported by 8.4% and 1.4% of therapists, respectively. Despite reluctance, most therapists reported treating PTSD during pregnancy. The results show that although therapists often reported hearing that treating PTSD during pregnancy was harmful, only a small percentage reported perceived adverse events, and treatment was often viewed as effective. These findings implicate a more positive view on the treatment of PTSD in pregnancy.
The need for accelerated change in diversity, equity and inclusion in publishing and learned societies
Authors: Roscoe Jonathan
Published: May 2022

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) is a key priority for many organizations and institutions, including learned societies. With diversity at universities, both in the UK and around the world, being reported as low, it was decided to make DE&I one of the main areas of enquiry for the seventh Wiley Society Member Survey, conducted in May 2021. We found that satisfaction with levels of representation for gender, race and ethnicity was falling and that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic had disproportionately affected those already most disadvantaged within the academic hierarchy. In order to fully understand the current status of DE&I in academia, and within societies in particular, this paper also draws on other research undertaken or supported by Wiley, including a survey of journal editors and the Brave New World study, as well as further research in which Wiley was not involved. What it shows is that academic research, learned societies and publishing all have their own DE&I issues that need to be addressed, but that through improved DE&I can come better research.
Direct Absorption and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy for Gas Sensing and Analysis: A Critical Review
Authors: Fathy Alaa , Sabry Yasser M. , Hunter Ian W. , Khalil Diaa , Bourouina Tarik
Published: May 2022

Optical spectroscopy has a broad scientific basis in chemistry, physics, and material science, with diverse applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and tunable laser spectrometers (TLS) are key devices for measuring optical spectra. Superior performance in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and resolution is required for applications in gas sensing. This review deals with gas measurement based on either direct optical absorption spectroscopy or photoacoustic spectroscopy. Both approaches are applicable to FTIR spectroscopy or TLS. In photoacoustic spectroscopy, cantilever‐based photoacoustic spectroscopy is focused due its high performance. A literature survey is conducted revealing the recent technological advances. Theoretical fundamental detection limits are derived for TLS and FTIR, considering both direct absorption and photoacoustic spectroscopies. A theoretical comparison reveals which technology performs better. The minimum normalized absorption coefficient and normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient appear as key parameters for this comparison. For TLS‐based systems, direct absorption spectroscopy is found to be the best for lower laser power and longer path length. For FTIR‐based systems, direct absorption is found to be the best for low temperature sources, higher spectrometer throughput, faster mirror velocity, and longer gas cells.
Effect of Ce addition on the high‐temperature oxidation resistance of Mg–Gd alloys
Authors: Yu Xiaowen , Li Jing , Jiang Bin , Yang Chuan , Yang Jiping , Chen Sanxing
Published: May 2022

In the present study, the oxidation resistance of magnesium alloyed with Gd and Ce was investigated. The high‐temperature oxidation resistance of Mg–3.5Gd–xCe (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.7 and 1.0 wt%) alloys was evaluated at temperatures between 550°C and 650°C. Results indicate that adding less than 0.7 wt% Ce resulted in high oxidation resistance, whereas the Ce addition exceeding 0.7 wt% deteriorated the oxidation resistance. The high oxidation resistance phenomenon is attributed to the formation of compact oxide films primarily composed of MgO, Gd2O3, and a small amount of CeO2 on the surface of Mg–3.5Gd–0.2Ce and Mg–3.5Gd–0.4Ce alloys. These compact oxide films can prevent the matrix from experiencing further oxidation. The deteriorated oxidation resistances of Mg–3.5Gd–0.7Ce and Mg–3.5Gd–1Ce alloys were found to be due to the severe internal oxidation caused by the distributed Mg12Ce phases along the grain boundaries.
D1/D5 Inverse Agonists Restore Striatal Cholinergic Interneuron Physiology in Dyskinetic Mice
Authors: Paz Rodrigo Manuel , Stahl Agostina Mónica , Rela Lorena , Murer Mario Gustavo , Tubert Cecilia
Published: May 2022

Background

In advanced stages of Parkinson's disease (PD), dyskinesia and motor fluctuations become seriously debilitating and therapeutic options become scarce. Aberrant activity of striatal cholinergic interneurons (SCIN) has been shown to be critical to PD and dyskinesia, but the systemic administration of cholinergic medications can exacerbate extrastriatal‐related symptoms. Thus, targeting the mechanisms causing pathological SCIN activity in severe PD with motor fluctuations and dyskinesia is a promising therapeutic alternative.

Methods

We used ex vivo electrophysiological recordings combined with pharmacology to study the alterations in intracellular signaling that contribute to the altered SCIN physiology observed in the 6‐hydroxydopamine mouse model of PD treated with levodopa.

Results

The altered phenotypes of SCIN of parkinsonian mice during the “off levodopa” state resulting from aberrant Kir/leak and Kv1.3 currents can be rapidly reverted by acute inhibition of cAMP‐ERK1/2 signaling. Inverse agonists that inhibit the ligand‐independent activity of D5 receptors, like clozapine, restore Kv1.3 and Kir/leak currents and SCIN normal physiology in dyskinetic mice.

Conclusion

Our work unravels a signaling pathway involved in the dysregulation of membrane currents causing SCIN hyperexcitability and burst‐pause activity in parkinsonian mice treated with levodopa (l‐dopa). These changes persist during off‐medication periods due to tonic mechanisms that can be acutely reversed by pharmacological interventions. Thus, targeting the D5‐cAMP‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway selectively in SCIN may have therapeutic effects in PD and dyskinesia by restoring the normal SCIN function. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Analytical and numerical solutions to ergodic control problems arising in environmental management
Authors: Yoshioka Hidekazu , Tsujimura Motoh , Yaegashi Yuta
Published: May 2022

Environmental management optimizing a long‐run objective is an ergodic control problem whose resolution can be achieved by solving an associated non‐local Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation having an effective Hamiltonian. Focusing on sediment storage management as a modern engineering problem, we formulate, analyze, and compute a new ergodic control problem under discrete observations: a simple but non‐trivial mathematical problem. We give optimality and comparison results of the corresponding HJB equation having unique non‐smoothness and discontinuity. To numerically compute HJB equations, we propose a new fast‐sweep method resorting to neither pseudo‐time integration nor vanishing discount. The optimal policy and the effective Hamiltonian are then computed simultaneously. Convergence rate of numerical solutions is computationally analyzed. An advanced robust control counterpart where the dynamics involve uncertainties is also numerically considered.
Synthetic MR: Physical principles, clinical implementation, and new developments
Authors: Hwang Ken‐Pin , Fujita Shohei
Published: May 2022

Current clinical MR imaging practices rely on the qualitative assessment of images for diagnosis and treatment planning. While contrast in MR images is dependent on the spin parameters of the imaged tissue, pixel values on MR images are relative and are not scaled to represent any tissue properties. Synthetic MR is a fully featured imaging workflow consisting of efficient multi‐parameter mapping acquisition, synthetic image generation, and volume quantitation of brain tissues. As the application becomes more widely available on multiple vendors and scanner platforms, it has also gained widespread adoption as clinicians begin to recognize the benefits of rapid quantitation. This review will provide details about the sequence with a focus on the physical principles behind its relaxometry mechanisms. It will present an overview of the products in their current form and some potential issues when implementing it in the clinic. It will conclude by highlighting some recent advances of the technique, including a 3D mapping method and its associated applications.
Effect of crosslinking, hydroxyapatite addition, and fiber alignment to stimulate human mesenchymal stem cells osteoinduction in polycaprolactone‐based electrospun scaffolds
Authors: Menezes Felipe Castro , Siqueira Nataly Machado , Fung Stephanie , Scheibel Jóice Maria , Moura Dinara Jaqueline , Guvendiren Murat , Kohn Joachim , Soares Rosane Michele Duarte
Published: May 2022

Electrospinning is a versatile technique for producing composite scaffolds with nanostructure properties similar to the natural extracellular matrix. Biomaterials possessing mechanical, structural, and biological properties required for bone tissue engineering are a big challenge. However, the effect of fiber alignment, their mechanical properties, and chemical modifications on fibers are usually investigated individually. In this study, PCL/GE/HA scaffolds were electrospun in a static and drum rotatory collector to investigate the effects of alignment on the physicochemical properties of composite scaffolds. Furthermore, to achieve a stable composite with natural polymer gelatin (GE), a water‐soluble, zero‐length crosslinker (N‐[3‐dimethylaminopropyl]‐N′‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride, EDC) was used to crosslink GE. Our results have outlined that the incorporation of GE, as well as crosslinking process, produced a hydrophilic biomaterial, improving wettability compared to pure polycaprolactone (PCL). In addition, the alignment reinforced the material, increasing mechanical strength. Biological tests showed that GE addition and the alignment allowed a better osteoinduction than pure random PCL.
An integrated simulation method for analyzing mechanical properties of injection molded fiber‐reinforced polymers
Authors: Gao Ruoxiang , Chen Hao , Hu Zhezai , Cheng Xuewen , Gao Shiquan , Zhou Shaohua , Zhao Peng
Published: May 2022

Injection molded fiber‐reinforced polymers have been widely used for their excellent comprehensive properties. Due to the high cost of injection molds, how to improve the strength of the products in the design stage is a problem worthy of researching. This study presents a novel method for predicting the product strength via analysis of weld line and fiber orientation, which are two key factors in injection molding. In this study, injection molding simulation was carried out in commercial software Moldex3D to obtain the information about weld line, fiber orientation and other factors which were used for prediction of strength of products. Based on the healing theory and interdiffusion model, a weld line strength model for injection molding is established. The effects of fiber orientation distribution on strength were investigated through Abaqus structural analysis. The proposed method was used to verify the experimental results in the existing literatures and the simulation results were in good agreement with the experiments. The method was applied in the gate design of an aerospace product. This study indicated that the proposed method has great potential for mold design, product structure design and process optimization.
Adaptive output feedback fault‐tolerant control for nonlinear stochastic systems with output constraint
Authors: Meng Rui , Hua Changchun , Li Kuo , Ning Pengju
Published: May 2022

This article focuses on the adaptive output feedback fault‐tolerant control (FTC) problem for nonlinear stochastic systems with output constraint. Different from the existing FTC results, the actuator replacement time is considered, which may cause the tracking error to violate the constraint boundaries. First, because only inaccurate output information is available, a dynamic gain‐based reduced‐order K‐filter is designed to reconstruct unmeasurable state variables. Second, by means of a shifting function, a funnel‐like constraint function is proposed to constrain the tracking error into the pre‐given asymmetric constraint boundaries within a predefined time. Third, monitoring function is proposed to detect actuator failures. Once the tracking error violates the monitoring function, it is determined that the actuator failure has occurred, and then the backup actuator driven by the recovery controller will replace the failed actuator. With the help of Lyapunov stability theory, it is strictly proved that all closed‐loop system signals are bounded in probability. Finally, the simulation result is presented to verify the validity of the proposed algorithm.
Dynamic quantile regression for trend analysis of streamflow time series
Authors: Lima Luciano B. , Cribari‐Neto Francisco , Lima‐Junior Dilermando Pereira
Published: May 2022

Water availability is an essential factor in maintaining the integrity of ecological processes and is a source of socio‐economic development. However, socio‐economic development increases the pressure on water resources. Thus, understanding the flow regime in a watershed is essential to correct water resource management. In this study, we propose using dynamic quantile regression (DQR) to analyse trends in streamflow time series. DQR is a subset of the general class of semi‐parametric quantile regression models, which is tailored for time series modelling. It allows for autoregressive dynamics and modelling of trending behaviour and seasonal fluctuations. With a single model, it is possible to estimate the impacts of predictor variables on any given quantile of the response distribution instead of simply evaluating such effects on the mean response, as is typically done in other statistical approaches. In other words, it is possible to gain knowledge on how predictors impact the magnitude of streamflow in wet (upper quantiles) and dry seasons (lower quantiles) separately. We used DQR to model a streamflow time series of 27 gauges, distributed in the Araguaia watershed in central Brazil. The results show that, except for a single gauge (Alto Araguaia), there are downward streamflow trends, thus non‐stationary behaviour. The model yielded excellent data fits (pseudo‐R2 above 0.80), and it was possible to obtain a confidence interval for each slope. In our analysis, the usefulness of DQR modelling for assessing trends in streamflow time series is shown and, consequently, for achieving efficient water resource management.
A longitudinal snapshot of pioneer plant patterns along lowland temperate rivers
Authors: Bolpagni Rossano , Dalla Vecchia Alice
Published: May 2022

Overexploitation of water, loss of dynamism and current climate change cause river drought and baseflow events that are globally increasingly intense and prolonged. This strongly affects riverine plant communities, especially those of seasonally exposed sediments. However, few data are available concerning this key component of river biodiversity currently. Furthermore, the role of alien species is expected to be important in riverbeds since fluvial corridors have an extraordinary susceptibility to be invaded and act as primary routes for invader dispersal. This study provides a systematic investigation of the longitudinal patterns of pioneer plants—in terms of richness and cover—in three mid‐size rivers (Ticino, Adda and Oglio rivers) in northern Italy, from 15 different sampling sites. The alien plants dominated the pioneer richness (52 out of 91 species, 57% of the total richness found), whereas plant cover followed less‐defined patterns. Along the upstream–downstream gradient, native plants showed a steep decline (−69% in richness and −52% in cover rates on average), only partially offset by the local (extremely variable) changes in alien taxa (−41% on average, in the range of −2.7 to +4.1 species per plot and with cover rates varying form −10 to +1,018%). The magnitude and sign of the detected trends strongly reflected individual river identity. Further investigations are required to better assess the role of hydromorphology in driving the riverine pioneer plant assemblages.
Effect of Molarity on Methylene Blue Dye Removal Efficacy of Nano Ca(OH)2
Authors: Harish  , Kumar Pushpendra , Soni Anshu , Chakinala Anand Gupta , Singhal Rahul , Joshi Rajendra Prasad , Mukhopadhyay Anoop Kumar
Published: May 2022

With the increase in demand of textiles products, the polluted groundwater problem in the world is increasing proportionally and leading to environmental and health problems. Hence in this present work, we report on the dye removal efficacy of nano Ca(OH)2by changing the molarity of the reactants. In the process, the chemical precipitation technique is used to synthesize the phase pure nano Ca(OH)2powders using equimolar concentrations (e. g., 0.4 M, 0.6 M, 0.8 M and 1 M) of [Ca(NO3)2 ⋅ 4H2O] and NaOH solutions. The prepared material was characterized using XRD, FTIR, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The results from the characterization study show, that the dye removal behaviour is complex and is sensitive to a simultaneous combination of many factors e. g., the molarities of the reactants, the resultant nanocrystallite size, band gap energy, the concentration of the dye and, the temperature of adsorption. Therefore, these results are discussed in terms of relative variations in the microstructure, lattice strain, band gap energy, defect structure, and the amount of (OH−) ions. Further, the probable mechanism of dye removal behaviour is suggested. Finally, the consequences of these results in terms of microstructurally tuned nano Ca(OH)2materials development for prospective futuristic applications are highlighted.
3D‐QSAR, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Analysis of 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydroquinoxalines as BRD4/BD2 Inhibitors
Authors: Yu Na , Xuan Quan Wen , Li Li Jia , Shu Mao , Wang Rui , Shen Yan , Hua Lin Zhi , Ying Sun Jia
Published: May 2022

BRD4 plays an indispensable role in cell cycle regulation, affecting processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis and transcription. In this article, a three‐dimensional quantitative conformational relationship (3D‐QSAR) was used to investigate the molecular simulations related to 45 tetrahydrooxazole BRD4/BD2 selective inhibitors. 3D‐QSAR models were developed based on two different analytical methods, COMFA and COMSIA. All CoMSIA field combinations were compared together and the best CoMSIA model was selected based on external validation and model prediction results. Both CoMSIA (S+E+H+D (q2=0.808, r2=0.99)) and CoMFA models (q2=0.779;,r2=0.962) predicted the internal and external well. Twenty small molecules with higher inhibitory activity than the template compound were designed by 3D‐QSAR model prediction and quantum chemistry analysis, screened by molecular docking and ADMET methods, and five novel compounds were found to have better predicted activity and binding affinity. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that PRO70, PRO371, TYR428, ASN429 and VAL435 are important residues that can interact with the ligands. Moreover, further structural optimization of the more active candidate compounds will provide an essential theoretical basis of the synthesis and design of novel BRD4/BD2 inhibitors.
On the Influence of a Camphor‐based 1,3‐Diamine Fragment in a Proline‐Based Organocatalyst
Authors: Babkova Mariia , Wilhelm Rene
Published: May 2022

Multifunctional C1‐symmetric organocatalysts were prepared incorporating a camphor‐ and a proline‐based moiety. The new catalysts were evaluated in an asymmetric aldol reaction of acetone and aromatic aldehydes. A significant increase in the catalytic activity was found for the new proline analogue with the camphor‐based 1,3‐diamine unit. This new organocatalyst has one free primary amine group next to the secondary amine group of the proline unit. High yields of up to 97 % with good enantioselectivities (83 % ee) were obtained in the aldol reaction between various aromatic aldehydes and acetone in a shorter reaction time compared with (S)‐proline. A camphor‐based prolineamide analogue with a thiourea group was an efficient multifunctional organocatalyst for the aldol reaction of p‐nitrobenzaldehyde and cyclohexanone with 86 % yield and up to 73 % ee. Moreover, matched‐mismatched studies with opposite stereocenters in the camphor‐based 1,3‐diamine fragment revealed a significant influence of this unit on the overall performance of the new organocatalyst.
An automated search‐based test model generation approach for structural testing of model transformations
Authors: Jilani Atif Aftab , Khan Muhammad Uzair , Iqbal Muhammad Zohaib , Usman Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Model transformation testing has become crucial as model‐driven engineering has raised the abstraction level for developing software systems. Transformation is written to transform models from one level of abstraction to another, for example, model to model or model to code. A major challenge in testing the transformation is the creation of test models, such that (i) they conform to the source meta‐model (i.e., multiplicities and Object Constraint Language [OCL] constraints on meta‐model) and (ii) they provide coverage of the complete transformation (solving branch conditions for traversing all paths). Manual creation of test models requires a lot of time and effort. Still, the validity of the developed test models cannot be ensured. This paper aims to solve the above challenges using an automated search‐based strategy. The proposed approach is two‐stepped. First, valid test models are generated by solving source meta‐model constraints. Second, the generated models are evolved for achieving the structural coverage of the transformation by solving the branch conditions. A toolset model transformation testing environment (MOTTER) is developed to automate the search‐based solution. The proposed work is empirically evaluated on two case studies using four search algorithms. The result reflects that it successfully generates valid test models for achieving desired structural coverage with high performance on both the case studies.
Raising or folding the bet? Institutional dynamics, family involvement, and the mixed gamble of internationalization
Authors: Banalieva Elitsa R. , Eddleston Kimberly A. , Jiang Joy Ruihua , Santoro Michael D.
Published: May 2022

Recognizing that developing economies experience various speeds of reforms and reversals, we investigate how such dynamic institutional changes influence whether firms continue expanding or begin receding from abroad, after having already internationalized. In so doing, we extend the mixed gamble perspective by showing how external institutions impact firms' mixed gamble calculus, and especially that of family versus nonfamily firms. As a result of firms' assessment of potential gains and losses in current versus prospective wealth, the speed of reforms increases while the speed of reversals decreases firms' internationalization scale. These asymmetric effects are further attenuated for firms with higher levels of family involvement.
Comparing gradient boosting machine and Bayesian threshold BLUP for genome‐based prediction of categorical traits in wheat breeding
Authors: Montesinos‐López Osval Antonio , Gonzalez Henry Nicole , Montesinos‐López Abelardo , Daza‐Torres María , Lillemo Morten , Montesinos‐López José Cricelio , Crossa José
Published: May 2022

Genomic selection (GS) is a predictive methodology that is changing plant breeding. Genomic selection trains a statistical machine‐learning model using available phenotypic and genotypic data with which predictions are performed for individuals that were only genotyped. For this reason, some statistical machine‐learning methods are being implemented in GS, but in order to improve the selection of new genotypes early in the prediction process, the exploration of new statistical machine‐learning algorithms must continue. In this paper, we performed a benchmarking study between the Bayesian threshold genomic best linear unbiased predictor model (TGBLUP; popular in GS) and the gradient boosting machine (GBM). This comparison was done using four real wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) data sets with categorical traits measured in terms of two metrics: the proportion of cases correctly classified (PCCC) and the Kappa coefficient in the testing set. Under 10 random partitions with four different sizes of testing proportions (20, 40, 60, and 80%), we compared the two algorithms and found that in three of the four data sets, the GBM outperformed the TGBLUP model in terms of both metrics (PCCC and Kappa coefficient). In the larger data sets (Data Sets 3 and 4), the gain in terms of prediction accuracy of the GBM was considerably significant. For this reason, we encourage more research using the GBM in GS to evaluate its virtues in terms of prediction performance in the context of GS.
Laparoscopic adipose‐derived stem cell harvest technique with bipolar sealing device: Outcome in 12 dogs
Authors: Buote Nicole J.
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aimed to describe the technique and clinical outcomes in dogs undergoing Laparoscopic Adipose‐Derived Stem Cell Harvest via bipolar sealing device (LADSCHB) for degenerative orthopaedic and neurologic disease.

Study Design

Descriptive retrospective case series.

Animals

Eleven dogs with orthopaedic disease and one dog with degenerative spinal disease were enrolled in the study.

Methods

Medical records of dogs undergoing LADSCHB were reviewed for signalment, weight, reason for the procedure, anaesthesia time, surgery time, other procedures performed, post‐operative pain protocols, incision size, amount of adipose tissue collected, number of viable cells collected, days to discharge, short‐term complications, and owner satisfaction.

Results

The median weight of the population was 34.2 kg (range 9.2–62 kg), the median surgery time was 39 min (range 15–45 min), mean incision length was 2.5 cm, the median amount of adipose collected was 60 g, and the median number of viable stem cells was 21 million cells. Conversion to open laparotomy was not needed. The most common reason for the harvest was osteoarthritis of the elbow (8/12 cases). Nine cases had other procedures performed at the same time as the harvest. No complications were noted during the procedure or within the post‐operative period. All owners surveyed were satisfied with the laparoscopic harvest procedure.

Conclusions

LADSCHB was technically feasible, productive, and not associated with any complications. This procedure was performed rapidly and was paired with other surgical procedures.

Clinical Significance

LADSCHB allows for stem cell harvest with commonly utilized laparoscopic equipment. This surgical technique could lead to the increased ability to treat patients with diseases that benefit from stem cell therapy.
Protonation of Hydrido‐Tetrylenes: H2Elimination vs. Tetrylium Cation Formation
Authors: Keil Philip M. , Hadlington Terrance J.
Published: May 2022

We describe the reactions of amido‐EIIhydride complexes,PhiPDippEH (PhiPDipp={[Ph2PCH2SiiPr2](Dipp)N}−; Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3; E=Ge (5), Sn (6)), towards the oxonium complex [(Et2O)2H][BArF4] (ArF=3,5‐CF3‐C6H3). For5, formation of the dihydro‐tetrylium complex (i. e. [PhiPDippGeH2][BArF4], (7)) is favoured, in contrast to the same reaction for6which selectively leads to H2elimination, furnishing the novel tetryliumylidene [PhiPDippSn][BArF4] (4). The related cationic GeIIcomplex (i. e. [PhiPDippGe][BArF4] (3)) could be accessedviathe often utilised chloride abstraction route with Na[BArF4]. The high Lewis acidity of this species has been demonstrated through the reaction of3towards the nitrogen bases, NH3and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine. In the latter case, a classic donor‐acceptor complex is formed. Conversely, for NH3, the [DippN] fragment of the ligand is intriguingly displaced by [HN], presumably through double proton‐transfer in loss of DippNH2.
The Role of Physical Chemistry as a Theory
Authors: Johnson Benjamin
Published: May 2022

Physical chemistry was a powerful, central tool in the discovery of ammonia synthesis. However, this does not mean the full potential of the theory was (or needed to be) employed to solve the problem. By studying the use of the theory in Haber’s and Nernst’s work, we are able to examine the role physical chemistry played in terms of theoretical and mathematical possibilities versus practical, industrial application.
Dynamic of The Haze
Authors: Johnson Benjamin
Published: May 2022

Here we turn to mechanisms of knowledge transfer in the Haze, initially within a paradigm before expanding to cross-paradigm exchanges. Before we do, the reader is reminded of one aspect of the following analysis. The use of theoretical tools to describe the interactions which lead scientists to new ideas or combinations of knowledge can make them appear routine, even as arranged occurrences. This strategy is helpful in reducing complexity to a manageable level.
Between Science and Industry: The Stage of 10–100
Authors: Johnson Benjamin
Published: May 2022

Here we consider one type of the dissemination of knowledge originating from science. Beginning with basic scientific research we can look in two directions. One is more fundamental, mathematics. The scientific perspective is one in which the realities of the physical world are used to consider the solutions offered by purely mathematical expressions (equations). If we look in the applied direction, we come to technology and industry. The transition to this stage, assuming the scientific discovery leads to a new technology, is difficult to investigate because it contains a mixture of the elements we have discussed thus far: the dynamics of science and the dynamics of technological innovation and commercial production.
The Mystery of Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Johnson Benjamin
Published: May 2022

Even on the verge of Haber’s breakthrough, scientists still stood in wonder of the behavior of nitrogen and its compounds.
Physical Chemistry: Uniting Two Branches of Science
Authors: Johnson Benjamin
Published: May 2022

The complexity of the chemistry that emerged out of the eighteenth century, especially chemical reactions containing organic compounds, quickly overwhelmed the ability of mechanical theories provided by physics to deal with a large number of bodies involved. These theories had worked well to describe the interactions of objects on our human scale as well as some celestial events, but failed to adequately clarify chemical phenomena. Despite the plausibility of speculation based on atomic principles, efforts to understand chemical processes on these grounds remained largely futile. At the same time, the growing practical and industrial importance of chemical processes meant that an understanding of the physical parameters guiding a chemical reaction was gaining relevance.
Constructing an entangled Unruh Otto engine and its efficiency
Authors: Barman Dipankar , Majhi Bibhas Ranjan
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Uniformly accelerated frame mimics a thermal bath whose temperature is proportional to the proper acceleration. Using this phenomenon we give a detailed construction of an Otto cycle between two energy eigenstates of a system, consists of two entangled qubits. In the isochoric stages the thermal bath is being provided via the vacuum fluctuations of the background field for a monopole interaction by accelerating them. We find that making of Otto cycle is possible when one qubit is accelerating in the right Rindler wedge and other one is moving in the left Rindler wedge; i.e. in anti-parallel motion, with the initial composite state is a non-maximally entangled one. However, the efficiency greater than that of the usual single qubit quantum Otto engine is not possible. We provide values of the available parameters which make Otto cycle possible. On the other hand, Otto cycle is not possible if one considers the non-maximally entangled state for parallel motion. Moreover, for both initial symmetric and anti-symmetric Bell states we do not find any possibility of the cycle for qubits’ parallel and anti-parallel motion.
Informational needs and predictors of Jordanian breast and colorectal cancer survivors: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Melhem Samar J. , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen , Kayyali Reem
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To investigate the informational gap and predictors of information-seeking behaviour amongst survivors to inform survivorship planning and supportive cancer services for the population.

Methods

A national cross-sectional survey of breast and colorectal cancer survivors was conducted in 2020 using a representative sample of those diagnosed in 2015/2016 as recruited from Jordan’s Cancer Registry (JCR). Participants responded to a 3-domain questionnaire: background information (9 items); information typologies (13 items) measured on a 5-point Likert scale (from very interested to extremely not interested); timing of developing the information needs (13 items) (ranging from immediately after diagnosis to after recurrence). Logistic regression was used to determine the independent association between demographics and information-seeking behaviour amongst survivors. The chi-square test was employed to examine the association between categorical variables. ANOVA was used to compare the means of interest in cancer-related information between more than two groups.

Results

Results show a relatively high overall information needs amongst survivors (3.68 ± 1.53). The most prevalent typologies were cancer staging (3.77 ± 1.593), treatment options (3.76 ± 1.55), and doctors’ communications (3.73 ± 1.62). ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences between cancer types. 55.8% of patients desired information immediately after diagnosis and 23.3% developed their needs within 2 months. There was a statistically significant difference across all information typologies and educational attainment, age groups, monthly income, and employment (P < 0.05). Age was the only independent predictor of high information requirements amongst cancer survivors.

Conclusion

Survivors reported high cancer information needs, suggesting that they may have been under-informed. Effective health communication programmes should be implemented to meet the informational needs.
Dosimetric properties of potassium magnesium borate glass doped with copper
Authors: Abdou N. Y. , El-Faramawy Nabil , Abd-Allah W. M.
Published: May 2022

The present article deals with potassium magnesium borate glass activated with copper that was prepared by a melting quenching technique to study the feasibility of this glass as a radiation dosimeter. The prepared glasses were characterized through X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy and some of the glasses optical and physical parameters have been interpreted. The thermoluminescence properties of the prepared samples were studied, and the results revealed that the potassium magnesium borate doped with 0.07 wt% with copper has the highest thermoluminescent response. The glow curve of potassium magnesium borate doped with 0.07 wt% of copper has seven overlapping peaks with maximum temperatures of 383.09, 400.71, 413.26, 426.59, 445.98, 476.57 and 534.04 K, and the TL-response is linear from 0.11 to 165 Gy. From the present study, the potassium magnesium borate doped with 0.07 mol% from copper may be applicable for measuring the radiation dose.
The Effects of Timing and Order of Government Support Mechanisms for SME Exports
Authors: Tinits Priit , Fey Carl F.
Published: May 2022

When small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enter export markets, they face liabilities of smallness and foreignness. Their chances of success increase if they receive some support. Thus, many governments provide some export support for SMEs having realized that success in exports helps firm success and creates positive spillovers. We test the efficacy of three such support mechanisms: support for strategic export planning, support for trade fair participation and participation in ministerial visits and compare their relative results in various “time dimensions” (Jones & Coviello, J Int Bus Stud 36(3):284–303, 2005). Unlike past studies, we go beyond testing the effect of one support mechanism and compare the effect of the above different support mechanisms. We also show the importance of considering different dimensions of time – chronological “clock” time, “stopwatch” reference time, time sequence, and effect length time. We found evidence for the benefit of receiving multiple support mechanisms and we explored the sequence of receiving multiple support mechanisms. More specifically, our results suggest that exports are best facilitated by first receiving support to attend a trade fair, then developing an export plan; and then participating a ministerial visit abroad. Also, our study suggests that effect length is an important, previously ignored, dimension of time to consider. Empirically, hypotheses are tested on a longitudinal data set of Estonian SMEs receiving different types of government export support during 2009–2017. The data set was constructed from registry data covering the entire population of Estonian firms.
The Advocacy Coalition Framework: Lessons from Applications in African Countries
Authors: Osei-Kojo Alex , Ingold Karin , Weible Christopher M.
Published: May 2022

Although the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) emerged in Western democratic contexts, scholars increasingly apply it in other parts of the world to analyze diverse policy topics. These cross-country comparisons have provided a means for advancing comparative research, drawing lessons about policy processes, and offering opportunities to refine the framework. In this paper, we provide an overview of the ACF and its use as an analytical tool for comparative research. Through a systematic literature review, we identified 27 applications in 15 African countries, including democracies, authoritarian governments, and hybrid systems. Based on these applications published in peer-reviewed journals, we explore this illustrated collection of case studies to see how the ACF has been applied outside of Western democracies and to identify strengths and weaknesses of the ACF as a portable framework. These applications confirm the basic postulations of the ACF, but we also identify a few nuances and expectations. Based on these insights, we finally lay out a research agenda and a new generation of questions for applying the ACF in the African context as well as globally.
Responses of selected beetle families (Carabidae, Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae) to non-crop habitats in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Rischen Tamara , Ehringhausen Kim , Heyer Maya , Fischer Klaus
Published: May 2022

Agricultural intensification has caused a simplification of agricultural landscapes, accompanied by increasing field sizes and a reduction of non-crop habitats. To mitigate negative impacts of intensification, it is necessary to understand to what extent different non-crop habitats contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity in agroecosystems. Here, we compared the taxonomic diversity of three beetle families among four habitat types—wheat fields, grassy field margins, wildflower-sown areas under power poles, and permanent grassland fallows, in an agricultural landscape in western Germany. Carabidae were caught by pitfall trapping, Chrysomelidae and Curculionidae by suction sampling. We found surprisingly little variation among habitat types, though the rarefied species number tended to be higher in grassland fallows and field margins than under power poles and in wheat fields. Nevertheless, species assemblages differed substantially among habitat types. In Carabidae, grassland fallows were dominated by hygrophilous species with poor dispersal ability as opposed to all other habitat types being dominated by open landscape species with high dispersal ability. In Chrysomelidae and Curculionidae, power pole islands differed from the other habitat types with predominantly open landscape species, whereas wheat fields and grassland fallows were clearly dominated by eurytopic species. Our results thus highlight the need for a combination of different conservation measures for enhancing the functional diversity of beetle assemblages.