bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient Microcell‐Mediated Transfer of HACs Containing a Genomic Region of Interest into Mammalian Cells
Authors: Liskovykh Mikhail , Larionov Vladimir , Kouprina Natalay
Published: September 2021

Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) are considered promising tools for gene delivery, functional analyses, and gene therapy. HACs have the potential to overcome many of the problems caused by the use of viral‐based gene transfer systems, such as limited cloning capacity, lack of copy number control, and insertional mutagenesis during integration into host chromosomes. The recently developed alphoidtetO‐HAC has an advantage over other HAC vectors because it can be easily eliminated from dividing cells by inactivation of its conditional kinetochore. This provides a unique control mechanism to study phenotypes induced by a gene or genes carried on the HAC. The alphoidtetO‐HAC has a single gene acceptor loxP site that allows insertion of an individual gene of interest or a cluster of genes of up to several Mb in size in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) hybrid cells. The HACs carrying chromosomal copies of genes can then be transferred from these donor CHO cells to different recipient cells of interest via microcell‐mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT). Here, we describe a detailed protocol for loading a gene of interest into the alphoidtetO‐HAC vector and for the subsequent transfer of the HAC to recipient cells using an improved MMCT protocol. The original MMCT protocol includes treatment of donor cells with colcemid to induce micronucleation, wherein the HAC becomes surrounded with a nuclear membrane. That step is followed by disarrangement of the actin cytoskeleton using cytochalasin B to help induce microcell formation. The updated MMCT protocol, described here, features the replacement of colcemid and cytochalasin B with TN16 + griseofulvin and latrunculin B, respectively, and the use of collagen/laminin surface coating to promote attachment of metaphase cells to plates during micronuclei induction. These modifications increase the efficiency of HAC transfer to recipient cells ten fold. The improved MMCT protocol has been successfully tested on several recipient cell lines, including human mesenchymal stem cells and mouse embryonic stem cells. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Insertion of a BAC containing a gene of interest into a single loxP loading site of alphoidtetO‐HAC in hamster CHO cells

Basic Protocol 2: Microcell‐mediated chromosome transfer from donor hamster CHO cells to mammalian cells
Mediastinal ectopic thyroid tissue, an imitator of an enlarged lymph node with metastatic pulmonary neoplasia
Authors: Tsai Alan , Rafferty William , Ren Shuyue
Published: September 2021

The prevalence of ectopic thyroid tissue, based on autopsy studies, is between 7% and 10%, but there are rare cases reported in the thoracic region. Here, we encountered a case of thoracic ectopic thyroid tissue presenting as a presumed enlarged mediastinal lymph node. A 50‐year‐old female with a history of lung adenocarcinoma, status post resection, presented with complaints of headache, dizziness, and nausea. Magnetic resonance imaging found two brain lesions consistent with metastasis. Computed tomography scan showed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes and thyroid nodules. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of one thyroid nodule was positive for papillary thyroid carcinoma. FNA of the mediastinal lymph nodes were negative for metastatic carcinoma but revealed thyroid tissue in the 2.9 × 1.6 cm presumed 2 L lymph node. The morphological features and immunohistochemical stains confirmed thyroid tissue, and there were no cytological features of thyroid carcinoma. In patients with a history of a pulmonary tumor (such as adenocarcinoma, low‐grade neuroendocrine tumor), ectopic thyroid tissue, although a rare event, could represent a pitfall in the cytologic evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes aspirates obtained from staging procedures. Careful morphologic examination with a panel of immunohistochemical studies are useful in making the correct diagnosis, leading to appropriate patient management.
Endoscopic removal of proximally migrated stents using a double‐balloon enteroscope in patients with bowel reconstruction (with video)
Authors: Oda Takashi , Matsumoto Kazuyuki , Ueta Eijiro , Himei Hitomi , Ogawa Taiji , Terasawa Hiroyuki , Fujii Yuki , Yamazaki Tatsuhiro , Horiguchi Shigeru , Tsutsumi Koichiro , Kato Hironari , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: September 2021

Endoscopic migrated stent removal using a balloon‐assisted enteroscope is technically difficult in patients with bowel reconstruction. We report the treatment outcomes and endoscopic removal methods for migrated stents using a double‐balloon enteroscope (DBE). We retrospectively studied 12 patients with stent migration into the main pancreatic duct (MPD) or bile duct who underwent bowel reconstruction between January 2012 and June 2020. The successful removal rates in the MPD (n = 3) and the bile duct (n = 9) were 66.7% (2/3) and 88.9% (8/9), respectively. The removal techniques included the indirect method (n = 3), the direct method (n = 4), and a combination of indirect and direct methods (n = 3). The removal devices included an extraction balloon catheter (n = 7), basket catheter (n = 5), biopsy forceps (n = 3), and snare (n = 2). Stent removal using a DBE was feasible and useful as the first treatment for patients with bowel reconstruction. The choice of the direct and/or indirect method according to the situation of the migrated stent is important.
Optimization of microenergy grid including adiabatic compressed air energy storage by considering uncertainty of intermittent parameters
Authors: Hu Fei , Zhan Xisheng , Arandian Behdad
Published: September 2021

In recent years, zero‐carbon energy resources such as adiabatic compressed air energy storage with thermal energy storage have been interested due to growing concerns over global warming. This study proposes a microenergy grid including heat and power networks connected through adiabatic compressed air energy storage with thermal energy storage, which can be considered hybrid energy storage supplying power for both networks. The power network is supplied with the main grid and wind turbine systems, and the heat network is provided with heat pumps. The objective function minimizes power purchased from the main grid and power demand of heat pumps in the heat network. Since uncertainty plays a key role in the operation of integrated energy systems, the uncertainty of intermittent parameters such as active and reactive load and wind speed data has been considered in this study. Therefore, predicted values are used in the optimization problem instead of using deterministic values for such uncertain parameters. To do this, an efficient 2‐level corrective forecasting algorithm is proposed to have an accurate prediction for the day‐ahead operation of the microenergy grid. Different scenarios are presented to show the importance of the forecasting method and the utilization of adiabatic compressed air energy storage with thermal energy storage in the system’s structure. The results indicate that corrective actions on the predicted load and wind speed data decrease the operation cost of the microenergy grid from 57.13% to 13.21%. Also, it is found that neglecting adiabatic compressed air energy storage with thermal energy storage in the structure of the microenergy grid increases operation cost to 3423 US$. Other obtained results also indicate the importance of coutilization of compressed air energy storage with thermal energy storage and 2‐level corrective forecasting method leading to optimal operation of the microenergy grid.
Canola meal‐derived activated biochar treated with NaOH and CO2 as an effective tool for Cd removal
Authors: Gonçalves Affonso C , Schwantes Daniel , Braccini Alessandro L , Albornoz Francisco , Conradi Élio , Zimmermann Juliano
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

This research assessed the capacity for Cd2+ removal from water using canola meal‐based adsorbents: canola meal chemically activated with 1 mol L–1 NaOH and pyrolyzed for 1 h at 500 °C (CAC) and the second product obtained with a similar process but with a second pyrolysis at 750 °C in CO2 flow (CAC‐CO2). The materials were characterized by their chemical composition and thermal stability and using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pH at point of zero charge (pHPZC) and scanning electron microscopy. Hydroxyl and carboxyl are the most likely surface functional groups responsible for adsorption.

RESULTS

The obtained pHPZC values were 10.83 for CAC and 9.84 for CAC‐CO2. Both materials presented heterogeneous surfaces with many cavities, which increased their respective surface specific area 23 000‐ and 540 000‐fold compared to canola meal biomass. Our best results were obtained using 4.0 g L−1 of adsorbent, at pH 7.0, with an equilibrium time of 40 and 60 min for CAC and CAC‐CO2, respectively. The most likely mechanism predominantly involved in Cd adsorption is physical, according to Temkin nonlinear parameters, thermodynamics parameters and excellent recovery rates (67.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of canola meal as a feedstock for activated biochar production is an attractive and new possibility for producing a competitive adsorbent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Atypical bacterial co‐infections among patients with COVID‐19: A study from India
Authors: Chaudhry Rama , Sreenath K , Batra Priyam , Vinayaraj EV , Rathor Nisha , Saikiran KVP , Aravindan Ajisha , Singh Vishwajeet , Brijwal Megha , Soneja Manish , Verma Nishant , Subramanium Rajeshwari , Singh Urvashi B. , Guleria Randeep
Published: September 2021

Emerging evidence shows co‐infection with atypical bacteria in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. Respiratory illness caused by atypical bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila may show overlapping manifestations and imaging features with COVID‐19 causing clinical and laboratory diagnostic issues. We conducted a prospective study to identify co‐infections with SARS‐CoV‐2 and atypical bacteria in an Indian tertiary hospital. From June 2020 to January 2021, a total of 194 patients with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 were also tested for atypical bacterial pathogens. For diagnosing M. pneumoniae, a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and serology (IgM ELISA) were performed. C. pneumoniae diagnosis was made based on IgM serology. L. pneumophila diagnosis was based on PCR or urinary antigen testing. Clinical and epidemiological features of SARS‐CoV‐2 and atypical bacteria‐positive and ‐negative patient groups were compared. Of the 194 patients admitted with COVID‐19, 17 (8.8%) were also diagnosed with M. pneumoniae (n = 10) or C. pneumoniae infection (n = 7). Confusion, headache, and bilateral infiltrate were found more frequently in the SARS CoV‐2 and atypical bacteria co‐infection group. Patients in the M. pneumoniae or C. pneumoniae co‐infection group were more likely to develop ARDS, required ventilatory support, had a longer hospital length of stay, and higher fatality rate compared to patients with only SARS‐CoV‐2. Our report highlights co‐infection with bacteria causing atypical pneumonia should be considered in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 depending on the clinical context. Timely identification of co‐existing pathogens can provide pathogen‐targeted treatment and prevent fatal outcomes of patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 during the current pandemic.
Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography: A fast and efficient analytical method to quantify docetaxel‐loaded pegylated liposomes in release study
Authors: Aires‐Fernandes Mariza , Eloy Josimar O. , Damiani Victorelli Francesca , Scanavez Ferreira Paula , Pironi Andressa Maria , Chorilli Marlus
Published: September 2021

Docetaxel is an anticancer that belongs to the family of taxanes and acts in the inhibition of cell proliferation through the polymerization of microtubules. The aim of this study was the development and validation of a fast method by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography for quantitative analysis of docetaxel encapsulated in pegylated liposomes. The analytical method was validated for the following recognized specifications: system suitability, precision (repeatability and intermediate precision), linearity, accuracy, selectivity, detection and quantification limits, and robustness. The reversed phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography analyses were performed at a temperature of 45°C (isocratic mode). The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile and water (65:35, v/v) and the flow rate was fixed at 0.8 mL/min. The running time and wavelength were 8 min and 230 nm, respectively. The method was found to be linear, precise, selective, precise, robust, accurate, in the range of 1–75 μg/mL (R2 = 0.9999) and the values of detection and quantification limits were 2.35 and 7.84 μg/mL, respectively. The release rates of docetaxel in pegylated liposomes were lower compared to docetaxel in solution. The reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method developed proved to be adequate and can be effectively used to determine the in vitro release profile of docetaxel transported by pegylated liposomes.
Use of green alternative solvents in dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction: A review
Authors: Grau José , Azorín Cristian , Benedé Juan L. , Chisvert Alberto , Salvador Amparo
Published: September 2021

Dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction is one of the most widely used microextraction techniques currently in the analytical chemistry field, mainly due to its simplicity and rapidity. The operational mode of this approach has been constantly changing since its introduction, adapting to new trends and applications. Most of these changes are related to the nature of the solvent employed for the microextraction. From the classical halogenated solvents (e.g., chloroform or dichloromethane), different alternatives have been proposed in order to obtain safer and non‐pollutants microextraction applications. In this sense, low‐density solvents, such as alkanols, switchable hydrophobicity solvents, and ionic liquids were the first and most popular replacements for halogenated solvents, which provided similar or better results than these classical dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction solvents. However, despite the good performances obtained with low‐density solvents and ionic liquids, researchers have continued investigating in order to obtain even greener solvents for dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction. For that reason, in this review, the evolution over the last five years of the three types of solvents already mentioned and two of the most promising solvent alternatives (i.e., deep eutectic solvents and supramolecular solvents), have been studied in detail with the purpose of discussing which one provides the greenest alternative.
Robust and Multifunctional Porous Polyetheretherketone Fiber Fabricated via a Microextrusion CO2 Foaming
Authors: Li Mengya , Tian Fangwei , Jiang Junjie , Zhou Mengnan , Chen Qiyuan , Zhao Dan , Zhai Wentao
Published: September 2021

Fabrication of multifunctional porous fibers with excellent mechanical properties has attracted abundant attention in the fields of personal thermal management textiles and smart wearable devices. However, the high cost and harsh preparation environment of the traditional solution–solvent phase separation method for making porous fibers aggravates the problems of resource consumption and environmental pollution. Herein, a microextrusion process that combines environmentally friendly CO2 physical foaming with fused deposition modeling technology is proposed, via the dual features of high gas uptake and restricted cell growth, to implement the continuous production of porous polyetheretherketone (PEEK) fibers with a production efficiency of 10.5 cm s−1. The porous PEEK fiber exhibits excellent stretchability (234.8% strain) and good high‐temperature thermal insulation property. The open‐cell structure on the surface is favorable for the adsorption to achieve superhydrophobicity (154.4°) and high‐efficiency photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (90.4%). Moreover, the parameterized controllability of the cell structure is beneficial to widening the multifunctional window. In short, the first porous PEEK physical foaming fiber, which opens up a new avenue for the application expansion, especially in the medical field, is realized.
Assessing the association of common genetic variants in EPHB4 and RASA1 with phenotype severity in familial cerebral cavernous malformation
Authors: Choksi Foram , Weinsheimer Shantel , Nelson Jeffrey , Pawlikowska Ludmila , Fox Christine K. , Zafar Atif , Mabray Marc C. , Zabramski Joseph , Akers Amy , Hart Blaine L. , Morrison Leslie , McCulloch Charles E. , Kim Helen
Published: September 2021

Background

To investigate whether common variants in EPHB4 and RASA1 are associated with cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) disease severity phenotypes, including intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), total and large lesion counts.

Methods

Familial CCM cases enrolled in the Brain Vascular Malformation Consortium were included (n = 338). Total lesions and large lesions (≥5 mm) were counted on MRI; clinical history of ICH at enrollment was assessed by medical records. Samples were genotyped on the Affymetrix Axiom Genome‐Wide LAT1 Human Array. We tested the association of seven common variants (three in EPHB4 and four in RASA1) using multivariable logistic regression for ICH (odds ratio, OR) and multivariable linear regression for total and large lesion counts (proportional increase, PI), adjusting for age, sex, and three principal components. Significance was based on Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons (0.05/7 variants = 0.007).

Results

EPHB4 variants were not significantly associated with CCM severity phenotypes. One RASA1 intronic variant (rs72783711 A>C) was significantly associated with ICH (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.21–2.37, p = 0.004) and nominally associated with large lesion count (PI = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.03–1.32, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

A common RASA1 variant may be associated with ICH and large lesion count in familial CCM. EPHB4 variants were not associated with any of the three CCM severity phenotypes.
Boundedness of fractional integral operators in Herz spaces on the hyperplane
Authors: Mizuta Yoshihiro , Shimomura Tetsu
Published: September 2021

Our aim in this paper is to deal with the boundedness of the fractional maximal and fractional integral operators in Herz spaces with variable exponent on the hyperplane. We also discuss the integrability of the fractional maximal and fractional integrals in such spaces.
Addendum to “On the Riesz potential operator of variable order from variable exponent Morrey space to variable exponent Campanato space”, Math Meth Appl Sci. 2020; 1–8
Authors: Rafeiro Humberto , Samko Stefan
Published: September 2021

In the paper mentioned in the title, it is proved the boundedness of the Riesz potential operator of variable order α(x) from variable exponent Morrey space to variable exponent Campanato space, under certain assumptions on the variable exponents p(x) and λ(x) of the Morrey space. Assumptions on the exponents were different depending on whether
takes or not the critical values 0 or 1. In this note, we improve those results by unifying all the cases and covering the whole range
. We also provide a correction to some minor technicality in the proof of Theorem 2 in the aforementioned paper.
Enhancing microwave heating uniformity using reconfigurable diffractive beamforming surface
Authors: Kim Daehyeon , Kim Minhyeock , Youn Youngno , Chang Suho , Lee Cheonga , Kim Jeongwon , Oh Bukuk , Hong Wonbin
Published: September 2021

Conventional microwave oven suffers nonuniform electric field distribution due to standing wave inside the cavity, requiring improved heating uniformity. Multimode ovens, which are regarded as the most popular method, suffer from relatively limited accuracy and dependency on experimental validations. In this paper, a new class of microwave heating methodology is proposed to achieve heating uniformity improvements through the suppression of undesired standing waves. Microwave absorbers and focusing of electromagnetic waves using reconfigurable diffractive surface are devised, validated, and discussed. Numerical and experimental studies ascertain that the heat uniformity is improved by more than three factors compared to conventional microwave applicators, indicating its potential application and feasibilities.
Three‐dimensional quantification of circulation using finite‐element methods in four‐dimensional flow MR data of the thoracic aorta
Authors: Sotelo Julio , Bissell Malenka M. , Jiang Yaxin , Mella Hernan , Mura Joaquín , Uribe Sergio
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Three‐dimensional (3D) quantification of circulation using a Finite Elements methodology.

Methods

We validate our 3D method using an in‐silico arch model, for different mesh resolutions, image resolution and noise levels, and we compared this with a currently used 2D method. Finally, we evaluated the application of our methodology in 4D Flow MRI data of ascending aorta of six healthy volunteers, and six bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients, three with right and three with left handed flow, at peak systole. The in‐vivo data was compared using a Mann‐Whitney U‐test between volunteers and patients (right and left handed flow).

Results

The robustness of our method throughout different image resolutions and noise levels showed subestimation of circulation less than 45 cm2/s in comparison with the 55cm2/s generated by the current 2D method. The circulation (mean ± SD) of the healthy volunteer group was 13.83 ± 28.78 cm2/s, in BAV patients with right‐handed flow 724.37 ± 317.53 cm2/s, and BAV patients with left‐handed flow −480.99 ± 387.29 cm2/s. There were significant differences between healthy volunteers and BAV patients groups (P‐value < .01), and also between BAV patients with a right‐handed or left‐handed helical flow and healthy volunteers (P‐value < .01).

Conclusion

We propose a novel 3D formulation to estimate the circulation in the thoracic aorta, which can be used to assess the differences between normal and diseased hemodynamic from 4D‐Flow MRI data. This method also can correctly differentiate between the visually seen right‐ and left‐handed helical flow, which suggests that this approach may have high clinical sensitivity, but requires confirmation in longitudinal studies with a large cohort.
Association of plasma branched‐chain amino acids with overweight: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Xiaolin , Liu Yang , Zhao Xinjie , Xu Zhiyong , Ma Yanan , Xu Guowang , Wen Deliang
Published: September 2021

Objective

A Mendelian randomization (MR) framework was applied to disentangle the causal effect of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) and overweight/obesity in Chinese adolescents.

Methods

Circulating BCAA levels were measured by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. A total of 7 BCAAs and 12 BMI‐associated common variants identified from released genome‐wide association study results were genotyped. Furthermore, a bidirectional MR approach was undertaken to disentangle the causal effect of BCAAs and overweight/obesity, using two‐stage regression.

Results

Using the inverse variance‐weighted strategy and the weighted genetic scoring instruments, the estimated odds ratio per 1‐arbitrary‐unit increase in the total BCAA level on overweight and obesity odds after adjusting for age and sex was 2.40 (95% CI: 1.38 to 3.42, p < 0.001) and 2.55 (95% CI: 1.35 to 4.82, p = 0.004), respectively. Furthermore, additional MR tests were undertaken using a reversed model, testing the causal effect of increasing BMI variants on total BCAA level. By contrast, no evidence that increased BMI was causally associated with the total BCAA level (estimated β associated with 1‐kg/m2 increase in BMI = 0.05, 95% CI: −0.17 to 0.28, p = 0.642) was observed.

Conclusions

In summary, BCAAs may be causally associated with overweight/obesity or, rather, a congenital dysmetabolism of BCAAs could be a cause of overweight/obesity in adolescents.
The effect molecular weight of polyol components on shape memory effect of epoxy‐polyurethane composites
Authors: Bratasyuk Nikita A. , Zuev Vjacheslav V.
Published: September 2021

This paper describes the experimental findings of the study of a series of PU/epoxy composites, which formed interpenetrating networks and have shape‐memory properties. The morphological variation for different chemical compositions and the influences of morphology on mechanical performance and shape‐memory behavior are discussed. Length and mass fraction of polyethylene glycol (PEG) units are chosen as the key parameters in this study. The molecular weight of PEG was varied from 400 (as such PEG units are unable to crystallize) to 1500, 4000, and 6000, which are crystallizable. It was shown that the crystallization of PEG units is the key parameter, which determines the mechanical performance and shape‐memory behavior of PU/epoxy composites in this study. DMTA results show the linear dependence of glass transition temperature and tensile strength, elongation, and other mechanical parameters on the amount of PEG in PU/epoxy composites independently of the amount of PEG unit lengths. The maximal value of shape fixation rate was achieved for 30–40 mass percentage of PEG 4000 (4.5 × 10−2 s−1 at Tg + 20°C) or PEG 6000(4.1 × 10−2 s−1 at Tg + 20°C) in PU/epoxy composites.
Advanced analytics on IV curves and electroluminescence images of photovoltaic modules using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Kumar Vedant , Maheshwari Pranav
Published: September 2021

Advanced analysis and monitoring of photovoltaic solar modules is required to maintain the reliable operations of photovoltaic plants. Hence, it requires diagnostics through current–voltage (IV) curves, electroluminescence (EL) imaging, and other measurement techniques. The analysis through IV characterization provides the discerning insight about the quantitative measure of solar module performance, while the image characterization methods on EL images can capture spatial defects with microscopic resolution such as microcracks, broken cells interconnections, shunts, among many other defect types. The fusion of these two methods with supervised and unsupervised machine learning can generate unique insight with classification, regression, and dimension reductions on IV–EL data. In this study, we have performed the IV–EL correlation by classifying the IV data based on EL image annotation (where the class information is coming from EL image). The feature vectors consist of IV curve parameters and statistical features. We have first applied the unsupervised learning algorithmst‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t‐SNE) and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) for dimensionality reduction to understand the importance of various features on EL defect types. Furthermore, we had applied feature selection algorithms before applying the classification algorithms. We have performed the classification of various defect types by applying the random forests (RF) and XGBoost algorithm while identifying the top features. The accuracy was achieved greater than 91% and 95%, respectively, for supervised methods on the top five features. This correlation of IV–EL measurement could benefit in quick identification of various defect types in PV modules with only IV curve parameters, given the classification models are modeled using large‐scale datasets and tuned optimally.
Impacts of different perturbation methods on multiscale interactions between multisource perturbations for convection‐permitting ensemble forecasting during SCMREX
Authors: Zhang Xubin
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the impacts of different perturbation methods on the multiscale interactions between different‐source perturbations and precipitation forecasting in convection‐permitting short‐term forecasts. Initial Condition (IC) and MOdel physics (MO) perturbations are applied to a convection‐permitting ensemble prediction system (CPEPS) in southern China for the Southern China Monsoon Rainfall Experiment (SCMREX) in May 2014. The analysis presented in this study is based on 32 12‐hr forecasts and builds upon perturbation methods explored in the previous work. Different perturbation methods show different multiscale characteristics especially for four factors: the meso‐β‐scale saturation rates and saturation values for MO perturbations and the forecast‐perturbation magnitudes and changes in convective activities relative to the control member for IC perturbations. All of these factors are closely associated with the occurrence of dispersion reduction due to adding MO perturbations to IC perturbations. Such factors can be changed to different degrees by modifying the initial magnitudes of IC perturbations and by combining various types of perturbation methods. The faster meso‐β‐scale saturations and smaller meso‐β‐scale saturation values for MO perturbations, as well as the larger forecast‐perturbation magnitudes and larger enhancements of convective activities relative to the control member for IC perturbations boost the dispersion reduction. To improve precipitation forecasting, it is instructive to apply dispersion reduction to the design of perturbation methods for CPEPSs, where forecast errors have been overestimated by IC perturbations especially at smaller scales.
Progress and challenges in dual‐ and triple‐isotope (δ18O, δ2H, Δ17O) analyses of environmental waters: An international assessment of laboratory performance
Authors: Wassenaar Leonard , Terzer‐Wassmuth Stefan , Douence Cedric
Published: September 2021

Rationale

Stable isotope analyses of environmental waters (δ2H, δ18O) are an important assay in hydrology and environmental research with rising interest in δ17O, which requires ultra‐precise assays. We evaluated isotope analyses of six test water samples for 281 laboratory submissions measuring δ2H and δ18O along with a subset analyzing δ17O and Δ17O by laser spectrometry and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS).

Methods

Six test waters were distributed to laboratories spanning a wide δ range of natural waters for δ2H, δ18O and δ17O and Δ17O. One sample was a blind duplicate to test reproducibility and claims of analytical precision.

Results

Results showed that ca 83% of the submissions produced acceptable δ18O and δ2H results within 0.2‰ (mUr) and 1.6‰ of the benchmark values, respectively. However, 17% of the submissions gave questionable to unacceptable results. A blind duplicate revealed many laboratories reported overly optimistic precision, and many could not replicate within their claimed precision. For Δ17O, dual‐inlet results for IRMS using quantitative O2 conversion were accurate and highly precise, but the results for laser spectrometry ranged by ca 200 per meg (μUr) for each sample, with ca 70% unable to replicate the duplicate to their claimed Δ17O precision. One complicating factor is the lack of certified primary reference waters for δ17O.

Conclusions

No single factor or combination of factors was identifiable for poor or good performance, and underperformance came from issues like data normalization including inadequate memory and drift corrections, compromised working reference materials and underperforming instrumentation. We recommend isotope laboratories include high and low δ value controls of known isotope composition in each run. Progress in Δ17O analyses by laser spectrometry requires extraordinary proof of performance claims and would benefit from the development of adoptable and systematic advanced data processing procedures to correct for memory and drift.
The regulatory policy and guidance regime for the management of land contamination in England
Authors: Bardos Paul , Shao Xueting , Lal Jinyu , Yong Ren
Published: September 2021

Historic land contamination in England is managed primarily via a specific regulatory regime called “Part 2A” and via the planning system which governs land use across the country. The contaminated sites regime in England is mature stretching back to before the 1990s. The primary modus operandi is risk management to assess and determine appropriate actions for suspect contaminated sites. An environmental permitting regime regulates ongoing (and recent) industrial, waste management, and other processes with potential for environmental emissions. This may demand a more stringent basis for remediation given that current working processes should already be subject to effective environmental controls. A range of risk‐based thresholds is used for making site determinations, in particular on whether a site is formally determined as “contaminated.” Although there is no formal national inventory, information on contaminated sites is generally available. Moreover, there is a wide range of institutions actively engaged in managing problems of land contamination and a substantial offering of technical guidance and supporting publications.
Event‐triggered adaptive sliding mode control for consensus of heterogeneous nonlinear multiagent systems
Authors: Atrianfar Hajar , Yadollahi Shahram
Published: September 2021

In this article, we peruse the consensus problem of nonlinear heterogeneous multiagent systems (MASs) in the presence of uncertainty and external disturbances. A new event‐triggered adaptive sliding mode control is first proposed to achieve consensus for MASs consisting of heterogeneous nonlinear agents with nonidentical inherent dynamics and different‐order dynamics. It is supposed that the uncertainties and their derivatives are bounded, but the upper‐bounds are unknown. For reaching consensus in heterogeneous MAS, the proposed controller integrates two fundamental actions concurrently. First, an adaptive sliding‐mode control strategy is adopted to guarantee the robust finite‐time regulation of each individual nonlinear, uncertain, and heterogeneous agent dynamics to the sliding surface and keeping on it despite the unknown model uncertainties and disturbances. Then, the decoupled heterogeneous sliding surfaces are designed to align the agent trajectories to a consensus through local interactions, when they reach the sliding surface. Also, by applying a novel event‐based strategy, we facilitate the usage of limited resources of embedded microprocessors that actuate the controller updates. We propose centralized and distributed event‐triggered schemes, in which each agent decides itself when to transmit its current state to its neighbors based on the global network information or only the knowledge of their own neighbors' states. Moreover, it is shown that the interevent intervals are lower‐bounded by a positive constant, and Zeno behavior is excluded. In the end, by doing simulation, verification of the theoretical results are presented.
Control of input‐affine nonlinear systems via linear programming
Authors: Merrikh‐Bayat Farshad , Afshar Mehdi
Published: September 2021

An effective and user‐friendly method to control a large portion of input‐affine nonlinear systems is proposed. This method works based on transforming the nonlinear control problem to a linear programming (LP) in unknown controls, the state variables of plant, and possibly the constraints imposed on the controls and state variables. The solution of this LP provides the control to be applied to the plant. The main advantages of the proposed method are: simplicity of applying to multi‐input multi‐output systems, taking into account the actuator saturation and constraints on states, and robustness to uncertainties in the model. Two numerical examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. These are output voltage regulation of a two‐input two‐output dc–dc boost converter with actuator saturation and position control of a magnetic levitation system with a constraint on the speed of ball.
River relationships: For the love of rivers
Authors: Wooltorton Sandra , Poelina Anne , Collard Len
Published: September 2021

In our writing, we voice stories of two Australian rivers to convey Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Interweaving academic literature, nature writing and creativity, we craft a story of reconnection that is transformative, action‐oriented and potentially political. An open mind, place‐intuition and the process of attending can deepen our river relationships, creating a sense of love and communicative connectedness. Paying deep attention, we notice meanings embedded in plain sight, within hearing range of rivers and watery places. Our relationships may be “in our faces” such as the wind, or the air, water or bushes nearby. We communicate across binaries to experience the dissolution of imagined barriers. Feeling, hearing, writing and storytelling can support verbalising of experience, helping to bring to mind place‐wisdom. It offers an everyday possibility for people now estranged from their riverine kin. The process uses a post‐human‐centred, common worlds frame to consider the Anthropocene in regenerative ways. It is creative and liberating, and rivers are dying for people to take action by speaking out for and with our greater selves. In this learning journey, we synthesise learnings, hoping to inspire people everywhere to hear the call of rivers, to respond, take action and learn to love their rivers again.
Simultaneous Improvement of the Power Conversion Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells by Doping PMMA Polymer in Spiro‐OMeTAD‐Based Hole‐Transporting Layer
Authors: Xia Pufeihong , Guo De'en , Lin Siyuan , Liu Shan , Huang Han , Kong Deming , Gao Yongli , Zhang Wenhao , Hu Yue , Zhou Conghua
Published: September 2021

Improving efficiency and stability has become an urgent issue in the application of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a kind of long‐chain polymer or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is added into the spiro‐OMeTAD matrix to improve the film formation process and hence the device performance. It is observed that, after modification, the spiro‐OMeTAD‐based hole‐transporting layer becomes uniform, continuous, and condensed. Meanwhile, the power conversion efficiency of the devices is upgraded. Compared with the control device, open‐circuit voltage of the modified one (with moderate doping) increases from 1.06 (±0.03) to 1.10 (±0.02) V, fill factor increases from 72.20 (±3.44)% to 75.59 (±3.35)%, and the power conversion efficiency increases from 18.82 (±1.06)% to 20.51 (±0.82)% (highest at 21.78%) under standard test condition (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2). Transient photocurrent/photovoltage decay curves, time‐resolved photoluminance, and impedance spectroscopy studies show that the modification could accelerate charge transfer and retard interfacial recombination. In addition, the modification improves device stability. Due to the strengthened barrier against penetration of “H2O/O2/Ag,” the efficiency of the unsealed device could retain 91.49% (by average) of the initial one after 100 days storage in the dark [relative humidity = 30(±5)%]. This work shows that long‐chain polymer doping could simultaneously improve efficiency and stability of spiro‐OMeTAD‐based PSCs.
Development of Various Photovoltaic‐Driven Water Electrolysis Technologies for Green Solar Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Calnan Sonya , Bagacki Rory , Bao Fuxi , Dorbandt Iris , Kemppainen Erno , Schary Christian , Schlatmann Rutger , Leonardi Marco , Lombardo Salvatore A. , Milazzo R. Gabriella , Privitera Stefania M. S. , Bizzarri Fabrizio , Connelli Carmelo , Consoli Daniele , Gerardi Cosimo , Zani Pierenrico , Carmo Marcelo , Haas Stefan , Lee Minoh , Mueller Martin , Zwaygardt Walter , Oscarsson Johan , Stolt Lars , Edoff Marika , Edvinsson Tomas , Pehlivan Ilknur Bayrak
Published: September 2021

Direct solar hydrogen generation via a combination of photovoltaics (PV) and water electrolysis can potentially ensure a sustainable energy supply while minimizing greenhouse emissions. The PECSYS project aims at demonstrating a solar‐driven electrochemical hydrogen generation system with an area >10 m2with high efficiency and at reasonable cost. Thermally integrated PV electrolyzers (ECs) using thin‐film silicon, undoped, and silver‐doped Cu(In,Ga)Se2and silicon heterojunction PV combined with alkaline electrolysis to form one unit are developed on a prototype level with solar collection areas in the range from 64 to 2600 cm2with the solar‐to‐hydrogen (StH) efficiency ranging from ≈4 to 13%. Electrical direct coupling of PV modules to a proton exchange membrane EC to test the effects of bifaciality (730 cm2solar collection area) and to study the long‐term operation under outdoor conditions (10 m2collection area) is also investigated. In both cases, StH efficiencies exceeding 10% can be maintained over the test periods used. All the StH efficiencies reported are based on measured gas outflow using mass flow meters.
Teachers’ Questions about Coaching: Pathways to Productive Collaborations
Authors: L’Allier Susan K. , Brown Erin M.
Published: September 2021

Much has been written about the roles and responsibilities of literacy coaches, including the ways in which they can effectively communicate and work with teachers. Teachers, however, are often less certain about their roles and responsibilities when working with coaches. Many teachers also lack a clear picture of the varied opportunities available for collaborating with coaches. These uncertainties can be minimized by employing some school‐wide and individualized communication routines to assure common understandings at the beginning and throughout a coaching initiative or a coaching cycle. Focusing on the teacher perspective and common questions about coaching, the authors provide research‐supported ways that teachers and coaches can engage in productive collaborations.
The Role of Fathers in Child and Family Health
Authors: Yogman Michael W. , Eppel Amelia M.
Published: September 2021

Fathers’ involvement with their children has a substantial influence on both their children’s and their families’ health and development. Studied effects on child outcomes are reviewed within each phase of a child’s development (prenatal, infancy, childhood and adolescence). In addition, the impact of the physical and mental health of fathers on the health of their children is considered. This review advocates for policies enhancing father involvement, accessible and more extensive paternity leave, and increased attention to paternal postpartum depression by the medical community.
The Impact of Fatherhood on Men’s Health and Development
Authors: Kotelchuck Milton
Published: September 2021

Fatherhood has a direct and substantial impact on men’s physical, mental and social health, and sense of paternal generativity over their life course. This chapter, the second of a pair in this volume, explores the bidirectional impact of fatherhood on men’s health in the perinatal period. It pulls together a scattered fatherhood literature and articulates six broad pathways by which fatherhood could potentially impact on men’s health and development, both positively and negatively. This systematic exploration represents a new focus for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) field, especially in addressing the perinatal time period, a time not usually thought of as impacting on men’s health. This chapter attempts to establish a firmer scientific knowledge base and rationale to support new, targeted perinatal fatherhood health programs, policies, and research. Hopefully, these will also further contribute to the growing efforts to expand men’s and women’s parental gender role expectations and equity, and enhance the parenting health and men’s health movements. Similar to the dual orientation of the women’s preconception health initiatives, earlier, healthier, and more actively engaged fatherhood should lead to both improved reproductive and infant health outcomes and men’s own improved health across the life course.
Steps in Developing a Public Health Surveillance System for Fathers
Authors: Simon Clarissa D. , Garfield Craig F.
Published: September 2021

Including the voice of the father in research related to fathering is essential. This chapter describes efforts to establish a new public health surveillance for fathers in the United States. The ultimate goal of this research is to study fatherhood to support healthy child development by collecting valuable information on father health and experiences in the perinatal period. Understanding fathers is key to learning about and improving family health, since fathers impact mothers and babies’ health. Studying the health of fathers during the transition to fatherhood can also provide a window into the overall health status of men, expanding the field of public health to include more specifics on the health of fathers and their impact on families. Currently surveillance systems are lacking in including the fathers’ perspective in measurement of paternal health and the transition to fatherhood. To address these issues we utilized a multi-pronged approach to inform development of a public health surveillance system for fathers: (1) review of the current literature to identify gaps in knowledge on the role of fatherhood in male and family health and identify current national-level surveillance data on fathers; (2) assessed feasibility of identifying participants to implement a surveillance system for fathers; (3) conducted formative research to develop methodology; and (4) piloted a public health surveillance system called the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for Dads or “PRAMS for Dads.”
Predicting Biosecurity Threats: Deployment and Detection of Biological Weapons
Authors: Volk Kaitlin M. , Gering Trajan J.
Published: September 2021

Understanding what kinds of biological weapons can be made with what sort of technology and by whom is an important component of biosecurity. An equally important component is understanding the different potential targets a biological weapon could be designed to attack, how the weapon would be deployed against these targets, and the available strategies to detect the creation and deployment of an illegal biological weapon. Understanding how a weapon could be deployed against specific targets affords decision makers a better picture of the current state and capabilities of biowarfare and bioterrorism that need to be protected against. Understanding current detection capabilities allows for a more informed discussion on biosecurity tools, and, more importantly, allows for the identification of critical gaps and research needs to improve risk-screening, detection, environmental remediation, and various other normatively beneficial and legitimate uses of emerging biotechnologies (Trump et al. 2020a). These two topic areas are discussed in this chapter.