bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIRDA, refractory epilepsy, and SEEG‐guided RF: A case report
Authors: Getter Nir , Sepkuty Jehuda , Weinstein Maya , Norman Yitzhak , Fried Iitzhak , Lockman Judith , Lorberboim Mordechay , Heyman Eli , Levy Mikael
Published: May 2022

Objectives

We will demonstrate that FIRDA (frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity)—otherwise related to systemic disorders and encephalopathy—has a role as an epileptic biomarker of deep‐seated midline SOZ. Its abolishment following SEEG‐guided radiofrequency of such SOZ correlates with clinical improvement suggesting its role as a noninvasive biomarker of otherwise inaccessible SOZs.

Methods

We report the case of AK who was admitted with “psychiatric and gastrointestinal complaints.” AK's complaints were further associated with FIRDA during VEEG. His previous refractoriness to AEDs, the clinico‐electroencephalographic correlation, MRI showing bilateral hippocampal atrophy (more to the left) and severe memory deficits, prompted us to suggest a left temporo‐mesial SOZ, for which SEEG was done. Dual SEEG and scalp electrodes were used primarily for diagnostic purposes but taking into account an option for a therapeutic action by RF ablation.

Results

The dual array demonstrated a clear association between left hippocampal high voltage spikes and HFOs on SEEG recordings with FIRDA on concomitant scalp EEG parallel to behavioral changes, as suspected in our preliminary hypothesis. A further RF ablation eliminated the epileptiform activity (Spikes, HFOs, and FIRDA) followed by clinical improvement.

Significance

This is the first report showing the clinical significance of FIRDA associated with behavioral changes as a marker for latent refractory mesial epilepsy. SEEG exploration has the potential to uncover deep sources, which are manifested as FIRDA on scalp EEG. These abnormalities and clinical symptoms can be eliminated by RF ablation.
An integrated AHP‐ELECTRE and deep reinforcement learning methods for handover performance optimization in an LTE‐A networks
Authors: Moses M. Leeban , Ramkumarraja M.
Published: May 2022

Emblematic growth of telecommunications networks has also produced high data rates and low user equipment (UE) latency. Also, the third generation partnership project launched long term evolution (LTE) and LTE advance (A), which supports different types of network traffic including video, voice, and so on. A handover is needed to provide semantic interloper ability is the process to move the UE power from serving evolved node B (eNB) to the subsequent eNB without interruption. Consequently, high quality of service (QoS), reliability relies on a smooth execution. If eNBs cannot be selected from available eNBs in an optimized manner to transfer during UE mobility, the criteria for quality of service can be violated. In order to accommodate QoS requires to be more configured for smooth synchronization, eNB range, and trigger points. This article aims to automate handover by means of sophisticated program based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) with ELECTRE and deep reinforcement (DR) learning methods. Network performance is scrutinized and simulation is utilized to visualize the proposed scheme. The experiments demonstrated that the proposed system helps to reduce the handover failure rate and handover ping‐pong. Thus, the proposed AHP‐ELECTRE‐DR‐learning method has achieved better results in delay, throughput, fairness index, and packet loss than the existing works like AHP‐TOPSIS‐Q‐learning for handover optimization in LTE‐A, auto tuning optimization for reducing frequent handovers and handover failure in LTE‐A, and particle swarm optimization with adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system for LTE and LTE‐A networks, respectively.
SERS characterization of colorectal cancer cell surface markers upon anti‐EGFR treatment
Authors: Lyu Nana , Pedersen Bernadette , Shklovskaya Elena , Rizos Helen , Molloy Mark P. , Wang Yuling
Published: May 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed and the second lethal cancer worldwide. Approximately 30–50% of CRC are driven by mutations in the KRAS oncogene, which is a strong negative predictor for response to anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (anti‐EGFR) therapy. Examining the phenotype of KRAS mutant and wild‐type (WT) CRC cells in response to anti‐EGFR treatment may provide significant insights into drug response and resistance. Herein, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) assay was applied to phenotype four cell surface proteins (EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, HER3) in KRAS mutant (SW480) and WT (SW48) cells over a 24‐day time course of anti‐EGFR treatment with cetuximab. Cell phenotypes were obtained using Raman reporter‐coated and antibody‐conjugated gold nanoparticles (SERS nanotags), where a characteristic Raman spectrum was generated upon single laser excitation, reflecting the presence of the targeted surface marker proteins. Compared to the KRAS mutant cells, KRAS WT cells were more sensitive to anti‐EGFR treatment and displayed a significant decrease in HER2 and HER3 expression. The SERS results were validated with flow cytometry, confirming the SERS assay is promising as an alternative method for multiplexed characterization of cell surface biomarkers using a single laser excitation system.
Inhibitory effects of pH, salinity, and tea polyphenols concentration on the specific spoilage organisms isolated from lightly‐salted large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea)
Authors: Guo Quan‐you , Shan Ke , Yang Xu , Jiang Chao‐jun , Zhu Lin
Published: May 2022

Proteus vulgaris and Hafnia alvei were identified as specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) isolated from the refrigerated lightly‐salted large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea). In this work, the inhibitory effects of pH, salinity, and tea polyphenols concentration on both strains were investigated. Modified Gompertz models were used to estimate the kinetic parameters μm (maximum specific growth rate) and λ (duration of lag phase) of the two strains under different conditions, demonstrating that their growth rates decreased with the decrease of pH as well as the increase of salinity and tea polyphenols concentration, and the growths of both strains stopped while the salinity and tea polyphenols concentration increased to 0.05 and 5%, respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a three‐level three‐factor Box–Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to optimize the combination of these three antibacterial factors. The results showed that the optimum inhibitory conditions were: tea polyphenols concentration 0.05%, salinity 3.46%, and pH 6.96 to inhibit the growth of P. vulgaris; tea polyphenols concentration 0.05%, salinity 3.45%, and pH 6.94 to inhibit H. alvei. Validation experiments were performed and demonstrated that under these conditions, the growth of the two SSOs could be 100% inhibited. This research provided references for the inhibition of the SSOs of lightly‐salted large yellow croaker and the extension of its shelf life.
Modeling the B‐cell receptor signaling on single cell level reveals a stable network circuit topology between nonmalignant B cells and chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells and between untreated cells and cells treated with kinase inhibitors
Authors: Wolf Christine , Maus Carsten , Persicke Michael R. O. , Filarsky Katharina , Tausch Eugen , Schneider Christof , Döhner Hartmut , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Lichter Peter , Höfer Thomas , Mertens Daniel
Published: May 2022

B‐cell receptor (BCR) signaling is central for the pathomechanism of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and inhibitors of BCR signaling have substantially improved treatment options. To model malignant and nonmalignant BCR signaling, we quantified five components of BCR signaling (ZAP70/SYK, BTK, PLCγ2, AKT, ERK1/2) in single cells from primary human leukemic cells and from nonmalignant tissue. We measured signaling activity in a time‐resolved manner after stimulation with BCR crosslinking by anti‐IgM and/or anti‐CD19 and with or without inhibition of phosphatases with H2O2. The phosphorylation of BCR signaling components was increased in malignant cells compared to nonmalignant cells and in IGHV unmutated CLL cells compared to IGHV mutated CLL cells. Intriguingly, inhibition of phosphatases with H2O2 led to higher phosphorylation levels of BCR components in CLL cells with mutated IGHV compared to unmutated IGHV. We modeled the connectivity of the cascade components by correlating signal intensities across single cells. The network topology remained stable between malignant and nonmalignant cells. To additionally test for the impact of therapeutic compounds on the network topology, we challenged the BCR signaling cascade with inhibitors for BTK (ibrutinib), PI3K (idelalisib), LYN (dasatinib) and SYK (entospletinib). Idelalisib treatment resulted in similar effects in malignant and nonmalignant cells, whereas ibrutinib was mostly active on CLL cells. Idelalisib and ibrutinib had complementary effects on the BCR signaling cascade whose activity was further reduced upon dasatinib and entospletinib treatment. The characterization of the molecular circuitry of leukemic BCR signaling will allow a more refined targeting of this Achilles heel.
Indigenous Māori responses to COVID‐19: He waka eke noa?
Authors: Waitoki Waikaremoana , McLachlan Andre
Published: May 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic of 2020 has had significant impacts on communities and infrastructures across the globe. Indigenous health experts have called for culturally responsive Government support to mitigate pre‐existing inequities and vulnerabilities in Indigenous communities. In Aotearoa New Zealand, official responses to the pandemic typically reflect the worldviews of the settler majority, while Māori interests are treated as part of the national concern. Using autoethnographic, Indigenous voice and an Indigenous wellbeing model, Whiti te Rā, this article contributes insights into Māori cultural values as they were reported in online platforms during the Level 4 lockdown period of March–July, 2020. The authors recorded multiple examples of Māori cultural values and practices that offered individuals, families and communities a digital‐social space of safety and hope to build relational resilience, and to mitigate the effects of the COVID‐19 lockdown. Observations and responses aligned to the model's six dimensions of relational wellbeing: Māori language, the natural environment, spirituality, creative and performing arts, family (and extended family) values and genealogical connections. The observations highlight that Māori have a multigenerational approach to crisis management based on ancestral wisdom and experience that can inform Government responses.
Clinical characteristics of patients with inguinal hernia mesh migration into the bladder
Authors: Akimoto Takahiro , Kakutani Shigenori , Kamei Jun , Kume Haruki , Fujimura Tetsuya , Enomoto Yutaka
Published: May 2022

Introduction

We report two cases of mesh migration into the bladder after inguinal hernia surgery.

Case presentation

In the first case, a 48‐year‐old woman who underwent right internal inguinal hernia repair, 18 months prior, presented with pollakiuria and microscopic hematuria that was resistant to antibiotics. A submucosal tumor was detected at the bladder dome by cystoscopy, and transurethral resection was performed. Intraoperatively, a migrated mesh was observed in the submucosal lesion. In the second case, a 55‐year‐old man who underwent a right external inguinal hernia repair, approximately 14 years prior, presented with persistent microscopic hematuria and pyuria. Cystoscopy revealed mesh migration to the upper right bladder wall. Both patients underwent partial cystectomy with mesh removal, and their complaints were resolved after surgery.

Conclusion

Mesh migration should be suspected in patients with a history of inguinal hernia repair, accompanied by persistent lower urinary tract symptoms or abnormal urinalysis findings.
Suicide attempts during adolescence: Testing the system dynamics of the interpersonal theory of suicide
Authors: Chung Saras , Hovmand Peter , McBride Amanda M. , Joiner Thomas
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Despite increased efforts to prevent suicide, attempts to die by suicide are rising amongst youth in the United States. Testing causal theories that depict suicide attempts from an adolescent development perspective could bolster prevention and intervention efforts. This study using system dynamics modeling to appraise whether a prevalent theory of suicide, the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, predicts suicide attempts across adolescence.

Methods

A system dynamics computational simulation model was conceptualized based on the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, as described by Joiner and Van Orden et al. This model was parameterized with representative longitudinal data on adolescents in the United States who attempted suicide across four waves from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent and Adult Health.

Results

Though able to predict exponential growth in suicide attempts for early adolescents, the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, when specified as a dynamic theory, did not adequately predict the nonlinear changes in suicide attempts from adolescence into adulthood. The theory was amended with potential feedback loops from literature and tested for fit.

Conclusions

The study builds on a field of emerging views that suicide dynamics should be tested to account for nonlinear feedback effects. Results suggest that the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide should be amended to include the effect of interventions after an attempt and the dynamic developmental processes during adolescence that affect suicide behaviors over time.
Mixed material wear particle isolation from periprosthetic tissue surrounding total joint replacements
Authors: Stratton‐Powell Ashley A. , Williams Sophie , Tipper Joanne L. , Redmond Anthony C. , Brockett Claire L.
Published: May 2022

Submicron‐sized wear particles are generally accepted as a potential cause of aseptic loosening when produced in sufficient volumes. With the accelerating use of increasingly wear‐resistant biomaterials, identifying such particles and evaluating their biological response is becoming more challenging. Highly sensitive wear particle isolation methods have been developed but these methods cannot isolate the complete spectrum of particle types present in individual tissue samples. Two established techniques were modified to create one novel method to isolate both high‐ and low‐density materials from periprosthetic tissue samples. Ten total hip replacement and eight total knee replacement tissue samples were processed. All particle types were characterized using high resolution scanning electron microscopy. UHMWPE and a range of high‐density materials were isolated from all tissue samples, including: polymethylmethacrylate, zirconium dioxide, titanium alloy, cobalt chromium alloy and stainless steel. This feasibility study demonstrates the coexistence of mixed particle types in periprosthetic tissues and provides researchers with high‐resolution images of clinically relevant wear particles that could be used as a reference for future in vitro biological response studies.
Establishment of a non‐integrated induced pluripotent stem cell line derived from human chorionic villi cells
Authors: Long Ping , Shi Yuechuan , Sun Fei , Wei Yunjian , Wu Bangyong , Li Qi , Jie Qiuling , Ma Yanlin
Published: May 2022

Background

Few studies have investigated the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human primary chorionic villi (CV) cells. The present study aimed to explore an optimal electroporation (EP) condition for generating non‐integrated iPSCs from CV cells (CV‐iPSCs).

Methods

The EGFP plasmid was transfected into CV cells under different EP conditions to evaluate cell adherence and the rate of EGFP positive cells. Subsequently, CV cells were transfected with the pEP4‐E02S‐ET2K and pCEP4‐miR‐302–367 plasmids under optimal EP conditions. Finally, CV‐iPSC pluripotency, karyotype analysis, and differentiation ability were investigated.

Results

Following EP for 48 h under different conditions, different confluency, and transfection efficiency were observed in CV cells. Higher cell density was observed in CV cells exposed to 200 V for 100 s, while higher transfection efficiency was obtained in cells electroporated at a pulse of 300 V for 300 s. To generate typical primitive iPSCs, CV cells were transfected with pEP4‐E02S‐ET2K and pCEP4‐miR‐302–367 plasmids using EP and were then cultured in induction medium for 20 days under selected conditions. Subsequently, monoclonal iPSCs were isolated and were evaluated pluripotency with AP positive staining, the expression of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG in vitro and the formation of three germ layer teratomas in vivo.

Conclusion

CV‐iPSCs were successfully established under the conditions of 100 μl shock cup and EP pulse of 200 V for 300 s for two times. This may provide a novel strategy for investigating the pathogenesis of several diseases and gene therapy.
Residential mobility and consumer psychology through a cultural lens
Authors: Koo Minkyung
Published: May 2022

This study provides an extensive review of research on residential and relational mobility and discusses antecedents and consequences that implicate a wide range of psychological processes and behaviors. This commentary highlights their theoretical and practical significance in consumer research and discusses through a cultural lens the implications for specific consumer psychology domains. It also highlights the intricacy of mobility constructs, distinguishes them from the individualism–collectivism construct, and identifies consumer outcomes that warrant nuanced predictions based on residential and relational mobility and other cultural frameworks. The commentary concludes with ideas for future research.
What does the quantitative morphological diversity of starch grains in terrestrial orchids indicate?
Authors: Süngü Şeker Şenay
Published: May 2022

Starches granules vary in structure and morphologies in the orchids as well as other plant sources that starch is industrially valuable. This article aims to provide information on the variability of starch grain based on quantitative size and shape descriptive features using regression and discriminant analysis and to develop an easy method related to starch morphology giving perspective for various disciplines. All measurements of 26 species belonging to three different tribes were obtained using polarized light and scanning electron microscopy. Results show significant differences in size descriptive (e.g., perimeter, the major axis of the fit ellipse, minimum caliper diameter) and shape descriptive (e.g., circularity, hilum position) features, suggesting that taxonomic assignment of orchids starch granules to a higher category could enable to the testing of the industrially desired product and protect orchid biodiversity.

Highlights

Studies on detailed morphology and morphometry of orchid starch using polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Relation and effect of size descriptive on shape descriptive features (circularity and hilum position) of the starch grains.

Described size and shape pattern of starch granules, and confirmed the usefulness of quantitative data sets for easily and effectively assessing the variation of the orchid.
Understanding sustainable outcomes in international development: Towards a realist evaluation framework
Authors: Feeny Simon , Westhorp Gill , Williams Emma
Published: May 2022

Billions of dollars continue to be provided in foreign aid each year. However, few scholarly studies have examined whether the outcomes from foreign aid interventions are sustained after donor funding has ceased. This paper examines current approaches to assessing this issue before arguing that a realist evaluation approach is ideally suited to understand why and how sustained outcomes are—or are not—achieved. It contributes to the existing literature by presenting three new frameworks to examine the sustainability of outcomes in international development as well as some Context‐Mechanism‐Outcome statements. Implications for governments, communities, households and donor/implementing organisations are discussed.
Oral administration of phenylalanine molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) benefits PKU mouse model
Authors: Torab Mansour , Jafari‐Sabet Majid , Najafizadeh Parvaneh , Sadegipour Alireza , Rahimi‐Moghaddam Parvaneh , Ebrahimi Soltan A.
Published: May 2022

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a defect in the metabolism of phenylalanine (Phe). Currently, the most commonly used treatment for PKU is dietary Phe restriction. Problems associated with Phe restricted diets include lack of universal availability, high treatment costs, and reduced adherence to continued treatment with age and finally the development of psychological and neurological problems in a significant proportion of patients despite early start of treatment. One possible approach to decreasing blood Phe level, is inhibition of GI tract absorption of this amino acid. We had previously shown that a Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer was able to bind Phe in the GI tract and attenuate its plasma concentration. In this work, we used different orally administered Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer doses in a PKU mouse model to further study the effects of this treatment on biochemical profile and cognitive function in test animals. Treatments started 21 days postnatally. After 3 weeks, brain and plasma amino acid profiles and brain monoaminergic neurotransmitter concentrations were measured. Behavioral profile was also evaluated. Treatment with 2% and 5% Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer significantly reduced levels of blood Phe in PKU model animals (46% and 48% respectively) meanwhile levels of other amino acids remained unchanged. Brain dopamine concentrations in hippocampus was effectively restored by supplementation of Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer. Finally, polymer treatment improved locomotor dysfunction in PKU model animals. Our data suggest that the Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer can be a new candidate for treatment of PKU patients. Take home message: Orally administered Phenylalanine Selective Molecularly Imprinted Polymer is able to inhibit absorption of phenylalanine from the GI tract and may offer a new treatment, in conjunction with dietary restriction, for PKU patients.
Influences of different intensities of El Niño–Southern Oscillation on South American precipitation
Authors: Tedeschi Renata G. , Sampaio Gilvan
Published: May 2022

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena occur in the equatorial Pacific and differentially affect the global climate. Recently, studies have begun to analyse the influence of ENSO intensity on the global climate, but how this intensity affects South American precipitation remains unclear. This work defined the ENSO intensities each season (versus annually, as is more commonly done) because understanding this seasonal intensity is essential for seasonal forecasting. The atmospheric patterns identified in this study showed that the stronger the sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (SSTA) in the equatorial eastern Pacific were, the stronger the atmospheric responses. The known South American precipitation pattern occurred at all ENSO intensity categories but had different intensities. However, the most important patterns in this study differed from the main pattern. Central‐eastern South America did not have a notable precipitation pattern during all El Niño (EN) years, but there was a negative pattern of strong ENs. In addition, the intensity of the precipitation anomaly during weak EN and La Niña (LN), mainly in northeastern South America, was stronger in austral autumn than in austral summer because the intensity in a previous season can influence the current season's precipitation pattern and the total SST in autumn is stronger than that in summer. Asymmetries between EN and LN events are important to consider; EN tends to be more intense than LN, and deep convection anomalies during EN are displaced eastward relative to those during LN. In this study, categories were defined based on ENSO intensities, but asymmetries appeared in atmospheric patterns, mainly in omega patterns during strong events. The intensities of SSTAs over the equatorial eastern Pacific affected the intensities of the Walker circulation and Rossby waves and, consequently, the intensity of precipitation patterns in different South American regions.
How reliable is µXRF core scanning at detecting tephra layers in sedimentary records? A case study using the Lake Suigetsu archive (central Japan)
Authors: McLean Danielle , Albert Paul G. , Schlolaut Gordon , Lamb Henry F. , Marshall Michael H. , Brauer Achim , Wade Jon , Nakagawa Takeshi , Smith Victoria C.
Published: May 2022

Here, we evaluate the ability of micro X‐ray fluorescence (µXRF) core scanning to identify non‐visible volcanic ash (cryptotephra) layers in sedimentary records. Its suitability is assessed using the annually resolved lacustrine sediments of Lake Suigetsu (Japan) for which there is high‐resolution ITRAX µXRF core scanning data, and a detailed crypto‐tephrostratigraphy (formerly established via density separation techniques). The studied core sections contain 10 visible and 30 cryptotephra markers that span a range of glass concentrations (from 1000 to >20 000 shards per gram of dried sediment) and compositions (basalts, trachy‐andesites, phonolites, trachytes and rhyolites), thus providing an ideal case study. The ITRAX core scanner produced recognisable µXRF elemental responses for the visible ash layers, including those just 1 mm thick. However, just 10% of the cryptotephra layers could be unequivocally identified. Although this study demonstrates that µXRF core scanning should not be used as an independent method within a similar geological setting, we show it can provide a powerful tool alongside traditional techniques. Where detected, µXRF profiles can verify and refine cryptotephra positions (here to a sub‐millimetre resolution), and help establish reworking signatures. These insights create possibilities for ultra‐precise synchronisation of records, improved chronological modelling and help generate more complete eruption histories.
Clinical features in salivary gland lymphoepithelial carcinoma in 10 patients: Case series and literature review
Authors: Chou Chiung‐Tung , Ou Chun‐Yen , Lee Wei‐Ting , Hsu Heng‐Jui
Published: May 2022

Objective

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) accounts for 0.4% of malignant tumors of the salivary gland and 0.8% of parotid gland malignancies. Over the past 50 years, less than 300 cases have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of salivary gland LEC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and analyzed clinical data obtained from 10 patients seen at our hospital between 2005 and 2020 with salivary gland LEC.

Results

All patients presented with a self‐palpable, non‐tender, hard swelling, or lump near the jaw or infra‐auricular region. Most cases (n = 8) were of solitary tumors, and enhancing patterns on computed tomography mainly were homogenous (n = 8). Interestingly, eight patients tested positive for the Epstein–Barr encoding region in in situ hybridization. Still, only three patients had detectable circulating Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA, and one patient had detectable EBV IgA. All patients underwent complete tumor resection, followed by radiotherapy, and six also underwent chemotherapy. Nine patients became disease‐free within 5 years, and one died due to disease 4 years after surgery.

Conclusion

Although rare and considered to be a high‐risk malignancy, LECs have favorable treatment outcomes. Circulating EBV DNA is still not considered a marker for preoperative assessment or postoperative treatment response. The role of EBV DNA requires further investigation.

Level of Evidence: 4
Lower profile high‐power dual‐polarized wide‐beam tracking antenna at S‐band
Authors: Chakrabarti Satyajit , Sadhukhan Gautam , Chakraborty Ashim , Siddiqui Jawad Y.
Published: May 2022

An S‐band dual linearly polarized monopulse tracking antenna has been developed with a cavity‐backed cross‐dipole antenna as the element. Wide‐beam and wideband tracking have been successfully demonstrated. Systematic design approaches have been presented. The cavity arrangement enhances the beamwidth of a horizontal dipole significantly retaining its wideband characteristics. The element exhibits a 3 dB beamwidth ≥145°. Such a wide beamwidth made the cavity‐backed cross dipole an attractive choice as the element for the tracking antenna. The monopulse antenna demonstrates an impedance bandwidth ≥20.7% with isolation superior to 24 dB. Dual polarized tracking has been effectively verified over ≥15% bandwidth with a broad‐side gain of 11.2 dBi. The angular field‐of‐view (FOV) for the tracking is ≥60°. Higher tracking bandwidth and wider FOV of the array, lower profile, and high‐power handling capability are the superiority of the developed antenna.
Decoupling and bandwidth equalization for MIMO antennas by using novel network design
Authors: Wu Wen‐Jing , Cheng Yi‐Feng , Chen Shichang , Wei Changning , Wang Gaofeng
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a novel decoupling and matching technique to enhance port isolation and broaden their common operating bandwidth for asymmetric antenna arrays. The original antennas have strong mutual coupling and a large inconsistency of bandwidths. After adding the proposed network, the coupling has been suppressed and their operating bandwidths have been equalized. To verify this technique, a reference and proposed antenna arrays with element spacing of 0.1506 ( is the wavelength in free space at the center frequency point) are simulated and fabricated. In the experiment, the port isolation is improved by about 23.7 dB at the center frequency. Their bandwidths with a reflection coefficient of −15 dB are also equalized. The common bandwidth is enhanced by about 110.63%. The proposed antenna array has potential application value in modern wireless communication.
Design of a small size C‐band cavity bandpass filter
Authors: Yu Yue‐Peng , Li Yan‐Fei
Published: May 2022

This letter proposed a new topology of a cavity bandpass filter, with which a C‐band small size bandpass cavity filter is realized. The filter adopts a capacitor‐loaded open terminal coaxial resonant cavity, the Q factor of which is greater than 7000, with the 50 Ohm coaxial lines as the input and output ports. By building an equivalent circuit, the coupling matrix is synthesized to obtain the characteristics between the resonators. The cascaded quadruplet section with inductive cross‐coupling and the folded structure is adopted to make the volume smaller and more compact than the traditional filter. The measured results show that the standing wave ratio of the filter in the whole 500 MHz passband is less than 1.22, and the rejection at 3500 MHz and 4500 MHz reaches −70 dB.
Shrinky‐Dink millifluidics‐based continuously reconfigurable dielectric liquid‐assisted microstrip patch antenna
Authors: Smith Connor S.
Published: May 2022

Reconfigurable dielectric liquid‐assisted antennas provide a solution to the need for multifunctional antennas that can service the multiple frequency bands required for modern wireless communications. However, fabricating these reconfigurable antennas requires complex processes that lack the potential for more compact designs. In this study, a novel continuously reconfigurable dielectric liquid‐assisted microstrip patch antenna fabricated with a Shrinky‐Dink millifluidics‐based substrate is designed, fabricated, and characterized. Shrinky‐Dinks are prestretched polystyrene sheets that can have patterns cut into them before shrinking under heat to form a millifluidic channel. By filling the millifluidic channel with differing amounts of water, a microstrip patch antenna fabricated on top of the rigid polystyrene substrate can be continuously reconfigured from 4.70 to 5.16 GHz with a bandwidth of 660 MHz. The fabrication process demonstrated in this study provides a path forward to produce reconfigurable dielectric liquid‐assisted antennas with smaller footprints, as well as other reconfigurable radiofrequency and electronic devices and components.
Miniaturized circular microstrip antenna designed with quasiperiodic sector metamaterials
Authors: Lu Hao , Dai Guoxiang , Xu Xiaofei , Deng Xiao
Published: May 2022

Miniaturized circular microstrip antennas (CMSAs) are designed by loading new quasiperiodic sector metamaterials in the substrate. The resonance performances of new antennas are numerically studied. One particular metamaterial CMSA is further experimentally demonstrated operating in the 3.5 GHz band. The practical new CMSA has a patch diameter of 20 mm fabricated on substrates with a dielectric constant of 3. The normalized diameter is hence only about 0.4λg (or 0.232λ0) which is beyond the 0.58λg limitation for a conventional CMSA. The bandwidth and antenna gain characteristics for the new antenna are also evaluated in experiments. Both are observed reasonably high for such a compact CMSA.
Surface treatment of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and the formation of the multiscale conductivity network in long carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene
Authors: Zhai Dongjie , Zhao Haibin , Gao Zhiyong , Guo Yu , Li Qing , Wang Guilong , Zhao Guoqun
Published: May 2022

Surface treatment on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by covalent H2O2 and non‐covalent Triton X‐100 for the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in long carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene matrix was proposed to fabricate the electrically conductive long fiber reinforced polypropylene composites by melt mixing. Their mechanical, thermal, rheological properties, as while as their morphology and electrical conductivity, were systematically investigated. The combination of micro‐scale long carbon fibers and nano‐scale carbon nanotubes are co‐existed in the polypropylene matrix. A multiscale conductive network is formed which great favor of the electrical conductivity of the composites. The results showed that the volume and surface resistivity of the sample with 4 wt.% MWCNTs addition is only 26.97 kΩ cm‑1 and 4.82 kΩ, respectively. The surface treatment showed positive effects on the mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical, and rheological properties. Compared to Triton X‐100, covalent H2O2 treated MWCNTs exhibited more significant improvement on the structure and properties of the long carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene.
Creative adolescent experiences of education and mental health during COVID‐19: A qualitative study
Authors: Zaeske Lauren M. , Harris Taylor P. , Williams Amanda , Scheibel Gretchen , Long Haiying , Kerr Barbara A.
Published: May 2022

This qualitative study investigated creative adolescent perceptions of their educational and mental health experiences during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Participants were 25 English‐speaking adolescents from the Midwest in the United States. They were identified as creative by their teachers according to known creative profiles. Participants attended an all‐day creative career workshop in the Spring 2021 semester. The five focus groups guided by semi‐structured interviews conducted for this study occurred during the workshop. This study was phenomenological in nature with constructivist and transformative paradigms, and transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis by the first, second, and third authors. Creative adolescents' education during the pandemic was marked by classroom changes based on COVID‐19 policies, experiences of disconnection, disengagement, and disappointment, as well as feelings of empathy and appreciation for their educators. Creative adolescents experienced mental health challenges related to adjustment issues, powerlessness and hopelessness, and isolation. Implications of results are discussed.
Self‐harm in an older adult population during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Obidoa Michael , Bello Rakiya , Hardman Stephen
Published: May 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has presented major challenges for all demographics of society. The strict lockdown measures utilised to control the spread of the virus have the potential unintended consequences of exacerbating social isolation and loneliness, which are recognised to be pre‐existing issues in the elderly population. Because of this, the pandemic may have disproportionality impacted the elderly population. One way that the distress caused by the pandemic could manifest is through self‐harm and suicide. Here, the authors present a retrospective, cross‐sectional study examining self‐harm in an older adult population in the south west of England.
Principal Component Analysis of FTIR Data to Accurately Assess the Real/Equivalent In‐Service‐Times of Homogenous Solid Propellant
Authors: Chelouche Salim , Trache Djalal , Benlemir Riad , Soudani Allaoua
Published: May 2022

This study was devoted to setting up new methodologies for an accurate assessment of both real and equivalent in‐service‐times (RIST/EIST) of homogenous solid propellants (HSP) through a combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Four double‐base rocket propellants (DBRP) have been artificially aged at T=338.65 K for 4 months with sampling every 20 days. FTIR showed that the homolytic scission of the O‐NO2 bonds and the hydrocarbon chains of the nitrate esters are the main processes occurring during the chemical decomposition. The scatter plot from PCA of FTIR spectra shows that over 93 % of the variance was described by the first principal component. Moreover, the loading plot designated the three characteristic FTIR bands from the nitro (NO2) group as the most influenced by aging. A new PCA/FTIR experimental way was set to accurately assess the RIST of HSPs. The relative deviation associated with the RIST evaluated by the present procedure and those from the PCA/VST experimental way, recently developed, was found to range from 4.0 % to 6.7 %. Subsequently, a PCA/FTIR prediction model of the EIST is established. The predictions present a relative deviation of less than 7.1 % compared to the recent PCA/VST model. The accuracy of the model was further confirmed using similar DBRPs artificially aged for 6, 8, 10, and 12 months. The relative variation between the RIST provided by the PCA/FTIR procedure and the prediction model was found less than 5 %, thus confirming the highest accuracy of such combination.
Formation of Interfacial Cu‐[OX]‐Ce Structures with Oxygen Vacancies for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Jing Peng , Liu Peixin , Hu Minghao , Xu Xuan , Liu Baocang , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2022

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction powered by renewable electricity is a promising strategy to produce ammonia. However, the lack of efficient yet cheap electrocatalysts remains the biggest challenge. Herein, hybrid Cu2O‐CeO2‐C nanorods are prepared on copper mesh through a metal‐organic framework template route. The Cu‐loaded Ce‐MOF is thermally converted to Cu2O‐CeO2 heterojunctions with interfacial Cu‐[OX]‐Ce structures embedded in carbon. Theoretical calculations reveal the lower formation energy of oxygen vacancies in Cu‐[OX]‐Ce structures than in the Cu2O or CeO2 phase. The Cu‐[OX]‐Ce structures with oxygen vacancies enable the formation of interfacial electron‐rich Cu(I) species which show significantly enhanced performance toward electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction with an NH3 yield of 6.37 × 10−3 µg s−1 cm−2 and a Faradaic efficiency of 18.21% in 0.10 m KOH at −0.3 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. This work highlights the importance of modulation of charge distribution of Cu‐based electrocatalysts to boost the activity toward nitrogen reduction.
GENERIC framework for reactive fluid flows
Authors: Zafferi Andrea , Peschka Dirk , Thomas Marita
Published: May 2022

We describe reactive fluid flows in terms of the formalismGeneral Equation for Non‐Equilibrium Reversible‐Irreversible Couplingalso known as GENERIC. We present the thermodynamical and mechanical foundations for the treatment of fluid flows using GENERIC and present a framework for noninvertible transformations, that is in particular applied to transformations of variational approaches between Lagrangian and Eulerian coordinates. We bring the abstract framework to life by providing many physically relevant examples for reactive compressible fluid flows.
Ultraviolet light alters experimental aquarium water microbial communities
Authors: Van Bonn William , Oliaro Francis J. , Pinnell Lee J.
Published: May 2022

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, alone and in combination with CO2 exposure, on the water microbial community composition was tested in replicate experimental aquaria using source water from an established Amazon‐themed exhibit housing mixed species of fishes. Total bacterial abundance, α‐diversity metrics, and β‐diversity metrics were determined 3 weeks and 1 week before, and weekly during 8 weeks of continuous treatment. The UV treatment significantly lowered the overall bacterial abundance while CO2 treatment had no effect. However, the UV exposure effect was variable across phyla. Some phyla were decreased while others were increased, including some of potential clinical significance. At the genus level, there were no significant differences in the relative abundance of Mycobacteria between treatments and an increase in the relative abundance of Aeromonas spp. with UV light treatment. Further work is needed to determine if the observed effects are dose‐dependent or if different exposure doses produce different results.
Introduction
Authors: Patrick Stephanie , Rajiva Mythili
Published: May 2022

#MeToo is a contemporary global feminist movement against sexual violence and rape culture, including media representations that normalize gendered violence. But #MeToo has also re-centered white, western, middle-class, heteronormative, and able-bodied women. This collection explores who is left out of mainstream media stories of sexual violence, critiquing feminist media studies work that ignores black feminist and intersectional scholarship. Topics include 1990s filmic representations of white working-class girls; the disposability of televisual sex workers; the fetishizing and/or disappearing of racialized characters in order to center white heroism and/or heteronormativity; the explicit construction of fat women as impossible victims; and rape-revenge films in Japanese cinema. Finally, outside traditional media, topics include Canadian true crime podcasts on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women; problematic tropes on reality television; the coding of sexual violence in digital assistants; and the subversive potential of stand-up comedy shows that center the experiences of rape victims.
tgEDMD: Approximation of the Kolmogorov Operator in Tensor Train Format
Authors: Lücke Marvin , Nüske Feliks
Published: May 2022

Extracting information about dynamical systems from models learned off simulation data has become an increasingly important research topic in the natural and engineering sciences. Modeling the Koopman operator semigroup has played a central role in this context. As the approximation quality of any such model critically depends on the basis set, recent work has focused on deriving data-efficient representations of the Koopman operator in low-rank tensor formats, enabling the use of powerful model classes while avoiding over-fitting. On the other hand, detailed information about the system at hand can be extracted from models for the infinitesimal generator, also called Kolmogorov backward operator for stochastic differential equations. In this work, we present a data-driven method to efficiently approximate the generator using the tensor train (TT) format. The centerpiece of the method is a TT representation of the tensor of generator evaluations at all data sites. We analyze consistency and complexity of the method, present extensions to practically relevant settings, and demonstrate its applicability to benchmark numerical examples.
Protocol for the multicentre prospective paediatric craniectomy and cranioplasty registry (pedCCR) under the auspices of the European Society for Paediatric Neurosurgery (ESPN)
Authors: Beez Thomas , Schuhmann Martin U. , Frassanito Paolo , Di Rocco Federico , Thomale Ulrich W. , Bock Hans Christoph
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In the paediatric age group, the overall degree of evidence regarding decompressive craniectomy (DC) and cranioplasty is low, whereas in adults, randomised controlled trials and prospective multicentre registries are available. To improve the evidence-based treatment of children, a consensus was reached to establish a prospective registry under the auspices of the European Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (ESPN).

Methods

This international multicentre prospective registry is aimed at collecting information on the indication, timing, technique and outcome of DC and cranioplasty in children. The registry will enrol patients ≤ 16 years of age at the time of surgery, irrespective of the underlying medical condition. The study design comprises four obligatory entry points as a core dataset, with an unlimited number of further follow-up entry points to allow documentation until adolescence or adulthood. Study centres should commit to complete data entry and long-term follow-up.

Results

Data collection will be performed via a web-based portal (homepage: www.pedccr.com) in a central anonymised database after local ethics board approval. An ESPN steering committee will monitor the project’s progress, coordinate analyses of data and presentation of results at conferences and in publications on behalf of the study group.

Conclusion

The registry aims to define predictors for optimal medical care and patient-centred treatment outcomes. The ultimate goal of the registry is to generate results that are so relevant to be directly transferred into clinical practice to enhance treatment protocols.
Influence of stance width on standing balance in healthy older adults
Authors: Schmidle Stephanie , de Crignis Alexandra Charlotte , Stürzer Manuela , Hermsdörfer Joachim , Jahn Klaus , Krewer Carmen
Published: May 2022

Posturography is an objective way to systematically interpret postural control. Recent evidence suggests self-selected stance width when conducting posturography in healthy young participants, as it is easy to perform yet standardized. It is unclear, if this is similarly applicable to healthy older adults which can better serve as comparison group for persons with specific impairments, like Parkinson’s disease, who might have problems with set foot distances. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different stance widths on a set of parameters in healthy older adults. Twenty-four healthy elderly (65.6 ± 5.0 years, BMI 26.2 ± 4.5 kg/m2) participated in the study. Posturographic measurement consisted of two tests (body sway, BS; limits of stability, LoS) each assessed in five stance widths on a force platform. A series of time domain and frequency domain parameters, such as BS and LoS range, sample entropy, mean velocity, and balance functional reserve were calculated. Anthropometric parameters and self-selected stance width (mean 17.7 ± 4.7 cm) showed positive correlation. One-way repeated measures MANOVA revealed significant differences between all parameters and foot positions. Except for sample entropy in A-P dimension, univariate analysis showed significant effects of stance widths on the parameters with stronger effects on M-L dimensions. Outcomes acquired in self-selected stance width provide comparable results to standardized stance widths 20 and 30 cm. The recommendation of self-selected stance width can be adopted to older healthy subjects. Furthermore, it reflects a natural stance and includes individual body composition.