bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distortion product otoacoustic emission (2f1-f2) amplitude growth in human adults and neonates
Authors: Abdala Carolina
Published: July 2002

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are thought to be by-products of an active amplification process in the cochlea and thus serve as a metric for evaluating the integrity of this process. Because the cochlear amplifier functions in a level-dependent fashion, DPOAEs recorded as a function of stimulus level (i.e., a DPOAE growth function) may provide important information about the range and operational characteristics of the cochlear amplifier. The DPOAE growth functions recorded in human adults and neonates may provide information about the maturation of these active cochlear processes. Two experiments were conducted. Experiment I included normal-hearing adults and term-born neonates. The 2f1-f2 DPOAE growth functions were recorded for both age groups at three f2 frequencies. Experiment II was an extension of the first experiment but added a subject group of premature neonates. The results of these studies indicate that DPOAE growth functions most often show amplitude saturation and nonmonotonic growth for all age groups. However, premature neonates show monotonic growth and the absence of amplitude saturation more often than adults. Those premature neonates who do show saturation also show an elevated threshold for amplitude saturation relative to adults. In contrast, term neonates are adultlike for most measures except that they show a larger percentage of nonsaturating growth functions than adults. These results may indicate immaturity in cochlear amplifier function prior to term birth in humans. Outer hair cell function and/or efferent regulation of outer hair cell function are hypothesized sources of this immaturity, although some contribution from the immature middle ear cannot be ruled out.
Observer weighting of monaural level information in a pair of tone pulses
Authors: Stellmack Mark A. , Viemeister Neal F.
Published: July 2002

A correlational analysis was used to assess the relative weight given to the levels of two monaurally presented tone pulses for interpulse intervals (IPIs) ranging from 2–256 ms. In three different experimental conditions, listeners were instructed to discriminate the level of the first pulse, the level of the second pulse, or the difference between the levels of the two pulses. The level of the target pulse was chosen randomly and independently from trial to trial from a Gaussian distribution. The level of the nontarget pulse was either fixed at 75 dB SPL or varied in the same manner as the level of the target. In the tasks in which one pulse was to be ignored, listeners gave increasing weight to the nontarget component as IPI decreased. Listeners weighted the level information in the pulses appropriately only when the IPI approached 256 ms. When the listeners were instructed to compare the pulse levels to one another, two of three listeners weighted the levels optimally at all IPIs, while the third listener did so only at the longest IPI. For the two listeners who weighted the pulses optimally, a minimum in performance was achieved at IPIs around 16–32 ms. Intensity discrimination thresholds were also measured for one pulse in the presence of a second fixed pulse for IPIs of 2–256 ms. Thresholds were higher in all the two-pulse conditions relative to a one-pulse condition, and were dependent on the level of the nontarget pulse but not on IPI. The results indicate that level information is integrated to some extent over fairly long durations, but not in a manner that is consistent with simple temporal integration.
Anisotropy of ultrasonic backscatter and attenuation from human calcaneus: Implications for relative roles of absorption and scattering in determining attenuation
Authors: Wear Keith A.
Published: July 2002

Although bone sonometry has been demonstrated to be useful in the diagnosis of osteoporosis, much remains to be learned about the processes governing the interactions between ultrasound and bone. In order to investigate these processes, ultrasonic attenuation and backscatter in two orientations were measured in 43 human calcaneal specimens in vitro at 500 kHz. In the mediolateral (ML) orientation, the ultrasound propagation direction is approximately perpendicular to the trabecular axes. In the anteroposterior (AP) orientation, a wide range of angles between the ultrasound propagation direction and trabecular axes is encountered. Average attenuation slope was 18% greater while average backscatter coefficient was 50% lower in the AP orientation compared with the ML orientation. Backscatter coefficient in both orientations approximately conformed to a cubic dependence on frequency, consistent with a previously reported model. These results support the idea that absorption is a greater component of attenuation than scattering in human calcaneal trabecular bone.
Sudden Deformations of Viscoelastic Continua
Authors: Metzner A. B.
Published: July 2002

The dependence of the response of viscoelastic media upon the magnitude of the Deborah number describing the deformational process is predicted to be a strong one, with materials which are normally considered to be “solids” submitting readily to large-scale, irreversible (fluid-like) deformations at low Deborah numbers, and low viscosity (“fluid”) materials predicted to exhibit recoverable, strain-dependent deformations of a solid-like character in the asymptotic limit of a large Deborah number. This paper reports the results of investigations in which low viscosity materials (3–20 cp) were deformed by means of sudden impacts with blunt objects. At the high Deborah number level of these experiments it is seen that these systems exhibit dramatically little evidence of a fluid-like response, in contrast to their behavior in steady flows (NDeb=0).
Rheological Behavior of Molten Polymers in Shearing and in Extensional Flows
Authors: Agrawal P. K. , Lee W. K. , Lorntson J. M. , Richardson C. I. , Wissbrun K. F. , Metzner A. B.
Published: July 2002

Well-defined, uniaxial extensional experiments were carried out using a new apparatus which appears to be well suited as a “primary standard” for such measurements on molten polymers over a significant range of experimental conditions. Results are reported for two materials whose rheological properties in shearing flows had also been determined precisely. A polystyrene having a broad molecular weight distribution and a low-density polyethylene were chosen as representative test materials and were studied at 165°C and 150°C, respectively, over a decade of stretch rates between about 0.04 and 0.69 sec−1. Very simple constitutive descriptions, which suffice in steady shearing flows, are shown to describe the stress-strain rate-time behavior of polystyrene in extensional deformations of substantial complexity, as well as in constant deformation rate experiments. In the case of polyethylene, on the other hand, a “strain-hardening” phenomenon occurs during extension. This would appear to require, except at low strain levels, the use of constitutive equations which consider explicitly the evolving melt structure in order to avoid spurious predictions when the kinematics are changed.
Observer‐based adaptive neural network dynamic surface bipartite containment control for switched fractional order multi‐agent systems
Authors: Yuan Jiaxin , Chen Tao
Published: April 2022

This article studies the bipartite containment control problem for a class of fractional order nonlinear multi‐agent systems in the presence of arbitrary switchings and unmeasured states. Under the framework of Lyapunov function theory, this article proposes an adaptive neural network dynamic surface controller, in which dynamic surface control technology can avoid “explosion of complexity” and obtain fractional derivatives for virtual control functions continuously. Radial basis function neural networks are used to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions and an observer is designed to obtain the unmeasured states. The proposed distributed protocol can ensure all the signals remain semi‐global uniformly ultimately bounded in the closed‐loop system and all followers can converge to the convex hull containing each leader's trajectory as well as its opposite trajectory different in sign. Example and simulation results confirm the feasibility of the proposed control method.
Spanning Network Gels from Nanoparticles and Graph Theoretical Analysis of Their Structure and Properties
Authors: Vecchio Drew A. , Hammig Mark D. , Xiao Xiongye , Saha Anwesha , Bogdan Paul , Kotov Nicholas A.
Published: April 2022

Gels self‐assembled from colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) translate the size‐dependent properties of nanostructures to materials with macroscale volumes. Large spanning networks of NP chains provide high interconnectivity within the material necessary for a wide range of properties from conductivity to viscoelasticity. However, a great challenge for nanoscale engineering of such gels lies in being able to accurately and quantitatively describe their complex non‐crystalline structure that combines order and disorder. The quantitative relationships between the mesoscale structural and material properties of nanostructured gels are currently unknown. Here, it is shown that lead telluride NPs spontaneously self‐assemble into a spanning network hydrogel. By applying graph theory (GT), a method for quantifying the complex structure of the NP gels is established using a topological descriptor of average nodal connectivity that is found to correlate with the gel's mechanical and charge transport properties. GT descriptions make possible the design of non‐crystalline porous materials from a variety of nanoscale components for photonics, catalysis, adsorption, and thermoelectrics.
Photoenergy Harvesting by Photoacid Solution
Authors: Bae Jaehyeong , Lim Haeseong , Ahn Jaewan , Kim Yoon Hwa , Kim Min Soo , Kim Il‐Doo
Published: April 2022

Solar energy has seen 180 years of development since the discovery of the photovoltaic effect, having achieved the most successful commercialization in the energy‐harvesting fields. Despite its long history, even the most state‐of‐the‐art photovoltaics remain confined to solid‐state devices, limiting spatial and light utilization efficiencies. Herein, a liquid‐state photoenergy harvester based on a photoacid (PA), a chemical that releases protons upon light irradiation and recombines with them in the dark through a fully reversible reaction, is demonstrated. Asymmetric light exposure on a PA solution contained in a transparent tube generates a pH gradient (ΔpH = 2) along the exposed and dark regions, which charges the Nernst potential up to 0.7 V across the two electrodes embedded at each end, as if a capacitor. Owing to the reversibility of PAs, a PA‐driven liquid‐state photoenergy harvester (PLPH) generates capacitive currents up to 0.72 mA m−2 on an irradiation. Notably, the transparent nature of the PLPH enables vertical stacking up to 25 units, which multiplies the light‐harvesting efficiencies by over 1000%. This unique approach provides a new route to harness solar energy with a form‐factor‐free design that maximizes spatial and light‐use efficiencies.
Broadband Visible−Near Infrared Two‐Dimensional WSe2/In2Se3 Photodetector for Underwater Optical Communications
Authors: Zou Jihua , Ke Yizhen , Zhou Xiangyu , Huang Yixuan , Du Wen , Lin Lin , Wei Shunyong , Luo Lingzhi , Liu Hezhuang , Li Chuanlin , Shen Kai , Ren Aobo , Wu Jiang
Published: April 2022

P–n junctions based on 2D materials can be achieved using a selective doping technique, while such a method is challenged by the complex fabrication process. Here, a facile van der Waals (vdWs) structured p–n heterojunction is demonstrated by simply transferring an n‐type multilayer α‐In2Se3 (direct bandgap) on a p‐type ultra‐thin WSe2 nanosheet. The vdWs stacked photodetector with an improved type‐II band alignment not only realizes a broadband spectral response from visible to near infrared (405–905 nm), but also operates well with a diode‐like behavior. This behavior is further confirmed by the high‐resolution scanning photocurrent mapping. As a result, the as‐fabricated device exhibits a short response time (<120 µs) and a high responsivity of 1.84 A W−1 under 520 nm laser illumination. Accordingly, an underwater optical communication system based on the WSe2/α‐In2Se3 p‐n heterojunction photodetector is demonstrated, which is promising for next‐generation high‐performance and low‐power detection applications.
Immobilized Molecular Catalysts for CO2Photoreduction
Authors: Reguero Mar , Claver Carmen , Carrilho Rui Miguel Barroso , Masdeu‐Bultó Anna Maria
Published: April 2022

Catalytic carbon dioxide transformation to low valence carbon molecules such as carbon monoxide, formic acid, methanol and methane is a sustainable way to produce fuels and chemicals. Molecular catalysts can be designed to selectively transform CO2at mild conditions, but a solvent medium is required. Instead, the molecular catalysts can be immobilized on solid supports to facilitate the continuous flow procedure and the separation of the products to recycle the catalytic systems for a more sustainable process. Photosensitive supports may also favor the light‐absorbing steps and electron transfer processes. In this article, the recent results obtained in the photocatalytic CO2‐reduction using catalytic systems formed by molecular compounds anchored on solids are reviewed.
A Comparative Techno‐Economic and Lifecycle Analysis of Biomass‐Derived Anode Materials for Lithium‐ and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Trotta Federico , Wang George Jing , Guo Zhenyu , Xu Zhen , Crespo Ribadeneyra Maria , Au Heather , Edge Jacqueline Sophie , Titirici Maria Magdalena , Lander Laura
Published: April 2022

The transition towards renewable energy and electric transportation depends on the development of efficient energy storage technologies. Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have gained increasing popularity despite rising prices and uncertainty around sourcing the component materials. This has recently prompted the development of alternative alkali batteries, such as sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, despite academic efforts focused on optimizing technical performance, few have studied the underlying economic and environmental impacts of alkali batteries. Therefore, this research examines the techno‐economic and environmental performance of SIBs, using a “cradle‐to‐gate” life cycle assessment of cell manufacturing, comparing sodium‐ion half cells (coin cells) with their lithium counterparts. An optimal charge capacity of 312.4 mAh g−1 for sodium‐ion half‐cells has been achieved using glucose‐derived hard‐carbons, a 45% charge capacity increase compared to lithium. Sodium half‐cells are shown to be 18% cheaper compared to lithium. From the life cycle analysis, it is found that sodium‐ion half‐cells show the lowest environmental footprint across all impact categories compared to lithium. It can be concluded that sodium is a credible alternative to LIBs with a preference for SIBs when environmental factors are jointly considered with techno‐economics.
A Versatile, Incubator‐Compatible, Monolithic GaN Photonic Chipscope for Label‐Free Monitoring of Live Cell Activities
Authors: Hou Yong , Jing Jixiang , Luo Yumeng , Xu Feng , Xie Wenyan , Ma Linjie , Xia Xingyu , Wei Qiang , Lin Yuan , Li Kwai Hei , Chu Zhiqin
Published: April 2022

The ability to quantitatively monitor various cellular activities is critical for understanding their biological functions and the therapeutic response of cells to drugs. Unfortunately, existing approaches such as fluorescent staining and impedance‐based methods are often hindered by their multiple time‐consuming preparation steps, sophisticated labeling procedures, and complicated apparatus. The cost‐effective, monolithic gallium nitride (GaN) photonic chip has been demonstrated as an ultrasensitive and ultracompact optical refractometer in a previous work, but it has never been applied to cell studies. Here, for the first time, the so‐called GaN chipscope is proposed to quantitatively monitor the progression of different intracellular processes in a label‐free manner. Specifically, the GaN‐based monolithic chip enables not only a photoelectric readout of cellular/subcellular refractive index changes but also the direct imaging of cellular/subcellular ultrastructural features using a customized differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope. The miniaturized chipscope adopts an ultracompact design, which can be readily mounted with conventional cell culture dishes and placed inside standard cell incubators for real‐time observation of cell activities. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, its applications are explored in 1) cell adhesion dynamics monitoring, 2) drug screening, and 3) cell differentiation studies, highlighting its potential in broad fundamental cell biology studies as well as in clinical applications.
Measuring firms' dynamic inefficiency accounting for corporate social responsibility in the U.S. food and beverage manufacturing industry
Authors: Kapelko Magdalena , Oude Lansink Alfons
Published: April 2022

This article proposes an innovative approach to evaluate firms' inefficiency accounting for corporate social responsibility. In the first step, we estimate dynamic inefficiency for each factor of production using data envelopment analysis. Next, we explore differences in inefficiencies between groups of firms of which participation is determined using latent class analysis. The empirical application focuses on the United States food and beverage manufacturing firms over the period 2004–2018. The results distinguish three classes of firms that differ in terms of their inefficiency, their association with external covariates as well as in their input–output profiles.
Overlap between suitable nursery grounds for Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) and Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) larvae
Authors: Nishikawa Haruka , Itoh Sachihiko , Yasuda Ichiro , Komatsu Kosei
Published: April 2022

Some areas of the spawning and nursery grounds of Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) and Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) overlap both spatially and temporally. The sardine's spawning ground overlap ratio is greater than that of the anchovy. Many sardine larvae inevitably share their habitat with anchovy larvae. However, the interspecific interaction is found only from sardine to anchovy. The focus was on overlapping suitable nursery grounds to explain this unidirectional interspecific interaction. Suitable nursery grounds are defined as the areas where larvae grow faster. If an area with both anchovy and sardine has a specific environmental condition suitable only for sardine growth, sardine will survive there more easily than the anchovy. Suitable conditions based on growth rates were obtained from a combination of otolith analyses and backward particle tracking experiments were estimated. The sizes of suitable areas for each species and both species were estimated considering the ideal conditions for both species. The overlap ratio for suitable anchovy nursery grounds was higher than for sardine during the overlapping spawning period. Based on these results, the following hypotheses were proposed. Although anchovy and sardine larvae occur in the same area, the area is often suitable only for sardine larvae growth. Rapid growth works advantageously regarding interspecific competition as long as food resources are limited. This hypothesis can explain the one‐way interspecific interaction from sardine to anchovy.
An AIEgen/graphene oxide nanocomposite (AIEgen@GO)‐based two‐stage “turn‐on” nucleic acid biosensor for rapid detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral sequence
Authors: Zhang Qin , Yin Bohan , Hao Jianhua , Ma Linjie , Huang Yingying , Shao Xueying , Li Chuanqi , Chu Zhiqin , Yi Changqing , Wong Siu Hong Dexter , Yang Mo
Published: April 2022

The ongoing outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic has posed significant challenges in early viral diagnosis. Hence, it is urgently desirable to develop a rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive method to aid point‐of‐care SARS‐CoV‐2 detection. In this work, we report a highly sequence‐specific biosensor based on nanocomposites with aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgen)‐labeled oligonucleotide probes on graphene oxide nanosheets (AIEgen@GO) for one step‐detection of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific nucleic acid sequences (Orf1ab or N genes). A dual “turn‐on” mechanism based on AIEgen@GO was established for viral nucleic acids detection. Here, the first‐stage fluorescence recovery was due to dissociation of the AIEgen from GO surface in the presence of target viral nucleic acid, and the second‐stage enhancement of AIE‐based fluorescent signal was due to the formation of a nucleic acid duplex to restrict the intramolecular rotation of the AIEgen. Furthermore, the feasibility of our platform for diagnostic application was demonstrated by detecting SARS‐CoV‐2 virus plasmids containing both Orf1ab and N genes with rapid detection around 1 h and good sensitivity at pM level without amplification. Our platform shows great promise in assisting the initial rapid detection of the SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid sequence before utilizing quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction for second confirmation.
Numerical simulation analysis of the induced thrust on a char particle in reaction process
Authors: Zhou Shengyu , Shen Zhongjie , Liang Qinfeng , Xu Jianliang , Dai Zhenghua , Liu Haifeng
Published: April 2022

The force exerted on particles is of great significance to the flow and reaction characteristics of particles in gasifier. In this study, the unbalanced thrust, especially its magnitude, of a single char particle induced by chemical reactions during combustion process is investigated numerically, based on the random distribution of active sites. It is revealed that the nonuniform distribution of active sites directly leads to the nonuniform absorption of reactants and release of products, which accounts for the net induced thrust on particles. The effects of active site ratio, ambient gas temperature and particle diameter on the induced thrust of reacting particles were investigated. The results show that the induced thrust on particles could be equal to the magnitude of particle gravity. The induced thrust is determined by the nonuniformity of carbon distribution on char surface. The net thrust is enhanced with the increase of specific carbon consumption rate.
Photoinduced α‐C−H Amination of Cyclic Amine Scaffolds Enabled by Polar‐Radical Relay
Authors: Lee Wongyu , Kim Dongwook , Seo Sangwon , Chang Sukbok
Published: April 2022

Herein, we report a polar‐radical relay strategy for α‐C−H amination of cyclic amines with N‐chloro‐N‐sodio‐carbamates. The relay is initiated by in situ generation of cyclic iminium intermediate using N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS) oxidant as an initiator, which then operates through a series of polar (addition and elimination) and radical (homolysis, hydrogen‐ and halogen atom transfer) reactions to enable the challenging C−N bond formation in a controlled manner. A broad range of α‐amino cyclic amines were readily accessed with excellent regioselectivity, and the superb applicability was further demonstrated by functionalization of biologically relevant compounds.
Oxidative stability, structural, and textural properties of margarine enriched with Moringa oleifera leaves extract
Authors: Ouahrani Sara , Tzompa‐Sosa Daylan Amelia , Dewettinck Koen , Zaidi Farid
Published: April 2022

Consumer's demand for clean label food ingredients has driven the development of alternative food additives. This study falls within this challenge through valorization of Moringa oleifera leaves grown in Algeria as a natural antioxidant. A methanolic M. oleifera leaves extract (MOLE) was prepared and included in margarine at various levels (400, 600, and 800 ppm) and was compared to vitamin E and a margarine without antioxidants. The effect of addition of MOLE on margarine quality was studied by means of its oxidative stability, structural, textural properties, color, and aroma fingerprint. It was shown that addition of MOLE to margarine increased resistance towards oxidation, showing a higher antioxidant capacity as compared to margarine with vitamin E or without antioxidants. Moreover, addition of MOLE decreased water droplet size, which is desirable from a microbiological viewpoint since it could extend margarine's shelf life. Furthermore, addition of MOLE leads to the formation of smaller fat crystals, resulting in different fat network formation, which could be the cause of the increase in hardness seen in these margarines. Regarding sensorial effects, MOLE addition led to a significant darkening of the margarine and increase yellowness. Moreover, the aroma fingerprint showed that addition of MOLE modified the aroma fingerprint of this product.
An experimental assessment of competitive interactions between sexual and apomictic fern gametophytes using Easy Leaf Area
Authors: Hornych Ondřej , Černochová Lucie , Lisner Aleš , Ekrt Libor
Published: April 2022

Premise

Few studies have explored competition in fern gametophyte populations. One limiting factor is the tedious measurement of gametophyte size as a proxy for biomass in these small plants. Here, an alternative approach of estimating the number of green pixels from photos was employed to measure the competitive interactions among apomictic and sexual Dryopteris gametophytes.

Methods

We cultivated the gametophytes of two apomictic (diploid and triploid) and one sexual (tetraploid) Dryopteris species in monocultures and in two‐species mixtures in the ratios 1 : 1 and 1 : 3. The total gametophyte cover of each population originating from 20 spores was assessed using Easy Leaf Area. Assessments were performed weekly between weeks 4 and 10 of cultivation. Additionally, during week 5, the cover of each species in each mixture was estimated separately.

Results

We identified a positive correlation between gametophyte size and ploidy level as well as sexual reproduction. The performance of the tested species in mixtures was dependent on the competitor species identity, indicating the importance of competition between gametophytes.

Discussion

The methods outlined can be used for a rapid assessment of fern gametophyte cover in large gametophyte populations. Ploidy level and reproduction type seem to play a major role in the competitive abilities of fern gametophytes, but more research is needed on this topic.
Scaling patterns of cerebellar petrosal lobules in Euarchontoglires: Impacts of ecology and phylogeny
Authors: Lang Madlen M. , Bertrand Ornella C. , San Martin‐Flores Gabriela , Law Chris J. , Abdul‐Sater Jade , Spakowski Shayda , Silcox Mary T.
Published: April 2022

The petrosal lobules (in whole or part homologous with the paraflocculi) of the cerebellum regulate functions associated with vision including smooth pursuit and velocity control of eye movements, suggesting a possible relationship between the petrosal lobules and behavioral adaptation. Previous studies have produced diverging conclusions regarding the lobules' ecological signal. The current study examines lobule scaling within an ecologically diverse but phylogenetically constrained sample of extant mammals to determine whether ecology influences relative petrosal lobule size. Using the endocasts of 140 Euarchontoglires (Primates, Scandentia, Dermoptera, Lagomorpha, Rodentia), petrosal lobule size was evaluated relative to endocranium and body size, accounting for phylogenetic relationships and ecology (locomotor behavior, diet, activity pattern). Results show a strong positive relationship between lobule size and both endocranial volume and body mass. Phylogeny is a major factor in the scaling of the petrosal lobules, with significant differences in relative size identified between orders and suborders. Concerning ecology, fossorial taxa were found to have significantly smaller petrosal lobules relative to body mass compared to other locomotor groups across Euarchontoglires. The small lobules possessed by this group may reflect an adaptation related to reduced visual reliance. In contrast to previous research, no relationship was identified between relative lobule size and any other ecological variables. While variation in relative lobule size may be adaptively significant in some groups (i.e., fossorial species), it is critical to study the evolution of petrosal lobule size within a narrow phylogenetic scope, with inclusion of fossil material to inform our understanding of evolutionary trajectories.
Comparison of mitogenomes of three Petalocephala species (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Ledrinae) and their phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Wang Xian‐Yi , Li De‐Fang , Li Hu , Wang Jia‐Jia , Li Yu‐Jian , Dai Ren‐Huai
Published: April 2022

Ledrinae is a unique group of leafhoppers with a distinct appearance. Petalocephala is the largest Ledrinae genus that is difficult to identify except by dissecting the male genitals. To date, research on Ledrinae is relatively less compared with other leafhoppers. Therefore, to better understand this group, we sequenced and analyzed three complete Petalocephala mitochondrial genomes. We comparatively analyzed these general Petalocephala genomic features (including size, AT content, AT/GC skew, 13 protein‐coding gene nucleotide compositions, etc.), and predicted 22 transfer RNA secondary structures. We obtained highly consistent phylogenetic results within Cicadellidae based on mitogenomic data using the maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Our results showed that all subfamilies were monophyletic and had a high node support rate, and there was a sister group relationship between Ledrinae and all other leafhopper groups. Furthermore, treehoppers were found to originate from leafhoppers and showed sister group relationships with Megophthalminae. Within Ledrinae, all phylogenetic trees supporting phylogenetic relationships were as follows: ([P. dicondylica + P. gongshanensis] + [Tituria pyramidata + [Ledra auditura + P. gongshanensis]]) Based on the complete mitogenome phylogenetic analysis and the comparison of morphological characteristics, we propose that Petalocephala is not monophyletic.
Protonation‐Induced Antiaromaticity in Octaaza[8]circulenes: Cyclooctatetraene Scaffolds Constrained with Four Amidine Moieties
Authors: Akahori Shuhei , Kaga Atsushi , Kim Jinseok , Yorimitsu Hideki , Kim Dongho , Shinokubo Hiroshi , Miyake Yoshihiro
Published: April 2022

The switching of cyclic π‐conjugation pathways using external stimuli is an attractive research topic in the field of organic chemistry. Here, we synthesized C4h‐symmetric octaaza[8]circulenes with four peripherally arranged amidine moieties that exhibit enhanced antiaromaticity upon protonation. Titration experiments with methanesulfonic acid revealed the formation of the tetraprotonated forms of the octaaza[8]circulenes in solution. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses and theoretical calculations indicated that the contribution of the 8π antiaromatic character of the octaaza[8]circulenes is enhanced by the delocalization of charge through the protonation of the pyridine rings.
Does green brand positioning translate into green purchase intention?: A mediation–moderation model
Authors: Mehraj Danish , Qureshi Ishtiaq Hussain
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model and investigate the relationship between identified factors of green marketing strategies and green consumer behavior, such as green brand positioning (GBP), green brand knowledge (GBK), attitude toward green brands (ATGB), willingness to pay (WTP) a premium, and green purchase intention (GPI). A questionnaire survey was deployed to collect data from the young consumers, from 600 students studying at nine state universities of India by employing stratified random sampling method. The results of the study suggest that a firm's green marketing strategies had an impact on green consumer behavior. The study found that GBP and GBK affect consumers green brand attitudes separately. Similarly, consumers green brand attitudes influence GPI. Meanwhile, WTP premium significantly moderates relationship between attitude toward green brand and GPI. The findings of this study suggest that marketing managers should consider a firm's GBP strategy as an important component in developing promotional messages that generate positive customer responses to the firm's green initiatives. A well‐implemented GBP strategy can lead to a more favorable GBK among consumers. As a result, it would assist in the development and promotion of green brands for businesses.
Analyzing the drivers of smart sustainable circular supply chain for sustainable development goals through stakeholder theory
Authors: Kayikci Yasanur , Kazancoglu Yigit , Gozacan‐Chase Nazlican , Lafci Cisem
Published: April 2022

The concept of sustainable development is becoming incomprehensible and complex in global supply networks, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) that are most affected by ever‐changing industry challenges and standards. Smart technologies emerged by Industry 4.0, sustainability, and circular economy (CE) connection, which remain unexplored, can be integrated into the supply chain as a business strategy to increase collaboration and cooperation between different tiers of the supply chain to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) according to LMIC. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to discover the drivers of a smart sustainable circular supply chain (SSCSC) in achieving the SDGs in LMIC through stakeholder theory. First, a systematic review is employed to identify the drivers of the SSCSC to achieve the SDGs in the LMIC incorporating existing literature on the subject. Second, the Best‐Worst Method (BWM) is applied to analyze the identified drivers, and then the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used to analyze the SDGs. The applicability of the solution methodology was illustrated by providing a numerical example. The results of the study are twofold: firstly, drivers are analyzed by implementation of BWM. The results of the BWM reveal that economic sustainability is the best key driver among the eight driversin achieving the SDGs, meaning that without financial assistance and support achieving the SDGs becomes ineffective. Secondly, the TOPSIS analysis reveals that SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) is the SDG most supported by drivers.
The influence of changes in clinical factors on high‐security forensic custody dispositions
Authors: Hilton N. Zoe , Ham Elke , Kim Soyeon
Published: April 2022

The demand for forensic psychiatric beds is increasing, while many individuals are “stuck” in the system. Index offense severity and other legal considerations are associated with longer forensic stays but factors amenable to change such as symptoms of mental illness and aggression may also influence forensic decisions. We examined forensic review board decisions over time among 89 men admitted to a high‐security forensic hospital. Almost half received a disposition to remain at their first hearing. Overall, dispositions were not associated with violence risk. The odds of a disposition to remain were higher for men with more in‐hospital assaults and higher scores on a measure of clinical factors. Dispositions changed over time and this change was sensitive to clinical factors. We conclude that decisions were consistent with a cascading system of loosening security over time. Further longitudinal research following large samples through the forensic system is recommended.
Multienzyme Biocatalytic Cascade Systems in Porous Organic Frameworks for Biosensing
Authors: Gao Rui , Zhong Ningyi , Huang Siming , Li Shuocong , Chen Guosheng , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: April 2022

Multienzyme biocatalytic cascade systems (MBCS) have attracted widespread research in the field of biosensing due to selective substrate transformations and signal amplification function. However, the poor stability of enzymes significantly restricts their effectiveness in practical applications. The spatial organization of MBCS within porous organic frameworks (POFs), such as metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks, is regarded as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges. This advanced biotechnology sets up a POFs microenvironment for enzymes immobilization, and thus make it possible to shield the enzyme from the external stimulus by POFs‐guided structural confinement. Simultaneously, the tailorable porous structure of POFs shell allows for the selective transport of substrates into interior enzymes, thereby accelerating the sensing process. Herein, we present the concept of this POFs‐confined MBCS, wherein enzymes were completely encapsulated into, rather than adsorption onto, the POFs. We highlight the new strategies for MBCS spatial organization through rational POFs support, and describe how this new bio‐nanosystem that integrates framework and enzymes functions can be designed as a versatile biosensing platform. In addition, the challenges and outlooks are also discussed.
Size Effects of the Anions in the Ionothermal Synthesis of Carbon Nitride Materials
Authors: Burmeister David , Müller Johannes , Plaickner Julian , Kochovski Zdravko , List‐Kratochvil Emil J. W. , Bojdys Michael J.
Published: April 2022

Semiconducting carbon nitride polymers are used in metal‐free photocatalysts and in opto‐electronic devices. Conventionally, they are obtained using thermal and ionothermal syntheses in inscrutable, closed systems and therefore, their condensation behavior is poorly understood. Here, the synthetic protocols and properties are compared for two types of carbon nitride materials – 2D layered poly(triazine imide) (PTI) and hydrogen‐bonded melem hydrate – obtained from three low‐melting salt eutectics taken from the systematic series of the alkali metal halides: LiCl/KCl, LiBr/KBr, and LiI/KI. The size of the anion plays a significant role in the formation process of the condensed carbon nitride polymers, and it suggests a strong templating effect. The smaller anions (chloride and bromide) become incorporated into triazine (C3N3)‐based PTI frameworks. The larger iodide does not stabilize the formation of a triazine‐based polymer, but instead it leads to the formation of the heptazine (C6N7)‐based hydrogen‐bonded melem hydrate as the main crystalline phase. Melem hydrate, obtained as single‐crystalline powders, was compared with PTI in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water and in an OLED device. Further, the emergence of each carbon nitride species from its corresponding salt eutectic was rationalized via density functional theory calculations. This study highlights the possibilities to further tailor the properties of eutectic salt melts for ionothermal synthesis of organic functional materials.
Toward an artificial intelligence‐assisted framework for reconstructing the digital twin of vertebra and predicting its fracture response
Authors: Ahmadian Hossein , Mageswaran Prasath , Walter Benjamin A. , Blakaj Dukagjin M. , Bourekas Eric C. , Mendel Ehud , Marras William S. , Soghrati Soheil
Published: April 2022

This article presents an effort toward building an artificial intelligence (AI) assisted framework, coined ReconGAN, for creating a realistic digital twin of the human vertebra and predicting the risk of vertebral fracture (VF). ReconGAN consists of a deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN), image‐processing steps, and finite element (FE) based shape optimization to reconstruct the vertebra model. This DCGAN model is trained using a set of quantitative micro‐computed tomography (micro‐QCT) images of the trabecular bone obtained from cadaveric samples. The quality of synthetic trabecular models generated using DCGAN are verified by comparing a set of its statistical microstructural descriptors with those of the imaging data. The synthesized trabecular microstructure is then infused into the vertebra cortical shell extracted from the patient's diagnostic CT scans using an FE‐based shape optimization approach to achieve a smooth transition between trabecular to cortical regions. The final geometrical model of the vertebra is converted into a high‐fidelity FE model to simulate the VF response using a continuum damage model under compression and flexion loading conditions. A feasibility study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of digital twins generated using this AI‐assisted framework to predict the risk of VF in a cancer patient with spinal metastasis.
Analysis of automated guided vehicle use in health care by simulation: A case study in a university hospital
Authors: Demir Alparslan Serhat , Mumcu Ebru
Published: April 2022

Automated guided vehicles (AGV), which are frequently used to reduce the workload of employees in production systems, are now being used in service systems. AGV has been widely used in the field of healthcare and is well suited to transporting. This study aims to provide AGV is being used in different areas of healthcare today within the scope of Industry 4.0. In recent years, the use of AGV has started to increase to reduce the workload and contamination risk of healthcare workers. In this study, it was aimed that AGVs would distribute autonomous drugs by processing patient information such as age, drug type, frequency of use and so forth. The information obtained from the internal diseases department of a university hospital was transferred to a computer simulation environment and the current situation and the proposed situation were analyzed separately, and the results were compared. The statistically verified results show that an autonomous AGV that will process patient information and distribute drugs reduced the workload of nurses by 14% in approximately a month.
Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma to the bone diagnosed by fine needle aspiration in a veteran population
Authors: Ramani Nisha S. , Green Linda K.
Published: April 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and it may present initially with extrahepatic spread in 5%–15% cases. It most commonly metastasizes to lungs, lymph nodes and adrenal glands. Skeletal metastases from HCC are uncommon and carry a very poor prognosis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens of metastatic HCC at our institution from January 1994 to March 2021 using the SNOMED search computer option. Relevant clinical information was obtained from the review of patient's electronic medical records.

Results

There were 36 FNAs of metastatic HCC over a period of 27 years. Six patients (16.7%) were found to have skeletal metastases. All six patients were males with a median age of 59 years (54–71 years) and their lesions were osteolytic. The most common site of metastases was vertebra (3/50%). Most patients (67%) had bone metastases as an initial presentation, without prior history of HCC. The mean survival after the diagnosis of skeletal metastases was only 8 months.

Conclusion

Detection of extrahepatic HCC to bone is important to avoid any unwanted surgical intervention. In our patient population, the most common site of skeletal metastases from HCC was vertebra, therefore in FNAs of vertebral lytic masses, metastatic HCC should be considered. On FNA, extrahepatic metastases of HCC can mimic other poorly differentiated tumors. They behave in an aggressive fashion, resulting in a grim prognosis. Cytological substrates can be used for future molecular testing, if needed.
Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor presenting with small intestinal obstruction: A case report
Authors: Sasaki Makiko , Tanaka Mamoru , Asukai Koki , Koguchi Hiroki , Inoue Yusuke , Moriyama Mizuki , Tsukahara Tetsuo , Kawahara Takeo , Hayashi Eiji , Hattori Yukinori , Hasegawa Izumi , Kataoka Hiromi
Published: April 2022

Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors (GNETs) are rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasms. To our knowledge, only 99 cases have been reported worldwide. The tumor has an aggressive malignancy, with a rapid progression. The histological features of GNET overlap with those of clear cell sarcoma, which contain Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 mutation. GNETs lack melanocyte‐specific markers, while clear cell sarcoma exhibits melanocytic differentiation. Various symptoms have been reported previously, and the most reported lesion is in the small bowel. The patient was a 69‐year‐old man who presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. Computed tomography revealed a nodule in the small bowel, which induced small intestinal obstruction. Enteroscopic images revealed a submucosal tumor. Surgery was performed, and the patient was diagnosed with GNET. Only two patients whose primary lesions were in the small intestine, including the patient in this report, have undergone enteroscopy before surgery. This is a rare case of GNET in which a patient underwent enteroscopy before surgical treatment.
Application of solid‐phase extraction: High‐resolution mass spectrometry analysis strategy in the characterization and quantification of amide herbicides in aquatic products
Authors: Gao Lei , Wang Peng , Chen Zhongxiang , Hao Qirui , Bai Shuyan , Du Ningning , Li Chenhui , Huang Xiaoli , Qin Dongli
Published: April 2022

In this study, we developed a new method combining thin‐layer ultrasonic extraction, efficient SPE purification, ultra‐performance liquid chromatography separation, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry characterization for seven amide herbicides in fishery products. In sample preparation, to rapidly increase the contact area between the fish meat and the extractant, the fish meat was smeared on a glass slide. This process resulted in quickly reaching the extraction equilibrium and relatively high extraction efficiency. In data analysis, a strategy for characterization and qualitative analysis was constructed by analyzing the fragmentation of amide herbicides using product ion scans. Isomeric pretilachlor and butachlor were separated chromatographically, while the coeluting isomers, alachlor and acetochlor, could be separated by differences in the fragmentation of their selected precursor ions. This method overcame the challenge of poor dispersion in the extractant caused by the high viscosity of fish meat, and the challenge of separation and characterization for isomers. Compared with other methods, the extraction efficiency was improved and the amide herbicides in aquatic products was characterized and quantified rapidly and accurately. Moreover, the qualitative information was much greater and provided an additional strategy for analytes identification. This rapid and accurate method will benefit workers involved in monitoring fishery.