bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taking a few deep breaths significantly reduces children's physiological arousal in everyday settings: Results of a preregistered video intervention
Authors: Obradović Jelena , Sulik Michael J. , Armstrong‐Carter Emma
Published: November 2021

This preregistered, randomized field experiment tested the effectiveness of a brief deep breathing intervention on children's concurrent physiological arousal in naturalistic settings (N  = 342; Mage = 7.48 years; 46% female; 53% Asian, 26% White; 21% other race/ethnicity). The treatment consisted of an animated video that introduced deep breathing as a self‐regulation strategy and scaffolded the child in taking a few slow‐paced breaths, while the control group watched an informational video featuring similar animated images. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and heart rate (HR) were measured while children were sitting still (baseline) and subsequently while watching 1‐min videos. Relative to baseline arousal, RSA increased and HR decreased only in response to the deep‐breathing treatment video. Effects were larger in the second 30‐s epoch of the video, which included most of the deep breathing practice. RSA fully mediated the intervention's effects on HR. By analyzing all children exposed to intervention video regardless of their engagement in the deep breathing practice (intention‐to‐treat design) and by using easily scalable treatment videos, the study identifies an effective and pragmatic approach to reducing children's physiological arousal in everyday, group settings. Implications for advancing applied developmental psychophysiological research are discussed.
Phototropic response features for different systematic groups of mesoplankton under adverse environmental conditions
Authors: Dyomin Victor , Morgalev Yuri , Polovtsev Igor , Davydova Alexandra , Morgalev Sergey , Kirillov Nikolay , Morgaleva Tamara , Olshukov Alexey
Published: November 2021

Current trends in the application of bioindication methods are related to the use of submersible tools that perform real‐time measurements directly in the studied aquatic environment. The methods based on the registration of changes in the behavioral responses of zooplankton, in particular Crustaceans, which make up the vast majority of the biomass in water areas, seem quite promising. However, the multispecies composition of natural planktonic biocenoses poses the need to consider the potential difference in the sensitivity of organisms to pollutants.

This paper describes laboratory studies of the phototropic response of plankton to attracting light. The studies were carried out on a model natural community that in equal amounts includes Daphnia magna, Daphnia pulex, and Cyclops vicinus, as well as on the monoculture groups of these species. The phototropic response was initiated by the attracting light with a wavelength of 532 nm close to the local maximum of the reflection spectrum of chlorella microalgae. Standard potassium bichromate was used as the model pollutant.

The largest phototropic response value is registered in the assemblage. The concentration growth rate of crustaceans in the illuminated volume was 4.5 ± 0.3 ind (L min)−1. Of the studied species, the phototropic response was mostly expressed in Daphnia magna (3.7 ± 0.4 ind (L min)−1), while in Daphnia pulex, it was reduced to 2.4 ± 0.2 ind (L min)−1, and in Cyclops vicinus, it was very small—0.16 ± 0.02 ind (L min)−1. This is caused by peculiar trophic behavior of phyto‐ and zoophages. The addition of a pollutant, namely potassium bichromate, caused a decrease in the concentration rate of crustaceans in the attracting light zone, while a dose‐dependent change in phototropic responses was observed in a group of species and the Daphnia magna assemblage.

The results of laboratory studies showed high potential of using the phototropic response of zooplankton to monitor the quality of its habitat thus ensuring the early diagnostics of water pollution. Besides, the paper shows the possibility of quantifying the phototropic response of zooplankton using submersible digital holographic cameras (DHC).
Influence of environmental conditions at spawning sites and migration routes on adaptive variation and population connectivity in Chinook salmon
Authors: Alshwairikh Yara A. , Kroeze Shayla L. , Olsson Jenny , Stephens‐Cardenas Steve A. , Swain William L. , Waits Lisette P. , Horn Rebekah L. , Narum Shawn R. , Seaborn Travis
Published: November 2021

Many species that undergo long breeding migrations, such as anadromous fishes, face highly heterogeneous environments along their migration corridors and at their spawning sites. These environmental challenges encountered at different life stages may act as strong selective pressures and drive local adaptation. However, the relative influence of environmental conditions along the migration corridor compared with the conditions at spawning sites on driving selection is still unknown. In this study, we performed genome–environment associations (GEA) to understand the relationship between landscape and environmental conditions driving selection in seven populations of the anadromous Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)—a species of important economic, social, cultural, and ecological value—in the Columbia River basin. We extracted environmental variables for the shared migration corridors and at distinct spawning sites for each population, and used a Pool‐seq approach to perform whole genome resequencing. Bayesian and univariate GEA tests with migration‐specific and spawning site‐specific environmental variables indicated many more candidate SNPs associated with environmental conditions at the migration corridor compared with spawning sites. Specifically, temperature, precipitation, terrain roughness, and elevation variables of the migration corridor were the most significant drivers of environmental selection. Additional analyses of neutral loci revealed two distinct clusters representing populations from different geographic regions of the drainage that also exhibit differences in adult migration timing (summer vs. fall). Tests for genomic regions under selection revealed a strong peak on chromosome 28, corresponding to the GREB1L/ROCK1 region that has been identified previously in salmonids as a region associated with adult migration timing. Our results show that environmental variation experienced throughout migration corridors imposed a greater selective pressure on Chinook salmon than environmental conditions at spawning sites.
Multipurpose water storage tank based DC microgrid system for isolated communities
Authors: Kumar Jaynendra , Agarwal Anshul , Singh Nitin
Published: November 2021

Renewable energy sources can contribute a lot to deliver reliable/resilient power to isolated communities and the world's sustainable energy future. In this paper, a novel DC microgrid system has been proposed for multipurpose use for isolated communities. The system taps the unused potential of the storage water to generate electricity. The system is configured to reduce complexity and cost by reducing the sensors in the solar pumping unit. Source, storage, and loads are the parts of an isolated system. The DC microgrid includes solar PV, battery, and domestic loads (All types' loads, that is, DC, AC, and dynamic loads). Incremental conductance algorithm has been chosen for the MPPT control, and sliding mode controls have been implemented to supply the sinusoidal supply for the AC loads. The system has included a battery unit to support the DC bus voltage and stable DC microgrid operation. The centrifugal pump has been taken to operate the pump as a turbine to extract the partial power potential from the water. The proposed system's MATLAB/Simulink model was designed for a village and presented as a case study.
The global rise of crustacean fisheries
Authors: Boenish Robert , Kritzer Jacob P , Kleisner Kristin , Steneck Robert S , Werner Karl Michael , Zhu Wenbin , Schram Frederick , Rader Douglas , Cheung William , Ingles Jose , Tian Yongjun , Mimikakis John
Published: November 2021

Globally, wild decapod crustacean fisheries are growing faster than fisheries of any other major group, yet little attention has been given to the benefits, costs, and risks of this shift. We examined more than 60 years of global fisheries landings data to evaluate the socioeconomic and ecological implications of the compositional change in global fisheries, and propose that direct and indirect anthropogenic alterations and enhancements to ecosystems continue to benefit crustaceans. Crustaceans are among the most valuable seafood, but provide low nutritional yields and drive 94% of the projected increase of global fishery carbon emissions, due to low capture efficiency. Unequivocally, the increasing global demand for luxury seafood comes with serious environmental costs, but also appears to offer lucrative fishing opportunities. The potential for more prosperous fisheries carries unevaluated risks, highlighting the need for a nuanced perspective on global fisheries trade‐offs. Addressing this unique suite of trade‐offs will require substantive changes in both science and management.
Entropy generation on MHD flow of a Casson fluid over a curved stretching surface with exponential space‐dependent heat source and nonlinear thermal radiation
Authors: Yusuf Tunde A. , Kareem Rasaq A. , Adesanya Samuel O. , Gbadeyan Jacob A.
Published: November 2021

The present model concentrates on entropy generation on a steady incompressible flow of a Casson liquid past a permeable stretching curve surface through chemical reaction and magnetic field effects. The exponential space‐dependent heat source cum heat and mass convective boundary conditions are accounted for. The resulting nonlinear boundary layer model is simplified by the transformation of similarity. Chebyshev spectral technique is involved for obtaining numerical results of the converted system of the mathematical models. Behavior of the determining thermo‐physical parameters on the profiles of velocity, temperature, concentration, skin friction, heat, mass transfer rate, rate of entropy generation, and finally the Bejan number are presented. The major point of the present investigation show that the curvature term weakens the mass transfer profile as the fluid temperature reduces all over the diffusion regime. A decrease in heat generation strengthens the species molecular bond, which prevents free Casson particle diffusion. Furthermore, the mass transfer field diminishes in suction and injection flow medium.
Imaging modalities for monitoring acute therapeutic effects after near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy in vivo
Authors: Zhang Xieyi , Nakajima Takahito , Mizoi Kenta , Tsushima Yoshito , Ogihara Takuo
Published: November 2021

Near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR‐PIT) induces immediate cell death after irradiation with near‐infrared (NIR) light. Acute therapeutic effects caused by NIR‐PIT before the change of tumor size is essential to be monitored by imaging modalities. We summarized and compared the imaging modalities for evaluating acute therapeutic effects after NIR‐PIT, and aimed to provide a better understanding of advantages and disadvantages of each modality for evaluation in clinical applications. Fluorescence imaging and fluorescence lifetime, with high resolution, remains high accumulation of fluorescence dyes in the normal organs. High resolution and noninvasiveness are the major advantages of magnetic resonance imaging, while 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography provides information about the glucose metabolism. Optical coherence tomography provided more information about the blood vessels. Thus, all of the imaging modalities play an important role in evaluating acute therapeutic effects after NIR‐PIT. Clinicians should choose suitable modality according to specific purpose and conditions in clinical application.
Synthesis and some enzyme inhibition effects of isoxazoline and pyrazoline derivatives including benzonorbornene unit
Authors: Yavari Mirali A. , Adiloglu Yadigar , Saglamtas Ruya , Tutar Ahmet , Gulcin Ilhami , Menzek Abdullah
Published: November 2021

Four new and four known isoxazoline derivatives were synthesized from the reactions of benzonorbornadiene with nitrile oxides formed from the corresponding benzaldehydes. Three new and one known pyrazoline derivatives were also synthesized from the reactions of the benzonorbornadiene with nitrile imines formed from the corresponding compounds. The synthesized nitrogen‐based novel heterocyclic compounds were evaluated against the human carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes I and II (hCA I and hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. The synthesized nitrogen‐based novel heterocyclic compounds showed IC50 values in the range of 2.69–7.01 against hCA I, 2.40–4.59 against hCA II, 0.81–1.32 µM against AChE, and 20.83–1.70 µM against BChE enzymes. On the contrary, nitrogen‐based novel heterocyclic compounds demonstrated Ki values between 2.93 ± 0.59–8.61 ± 1.39 against hCA I, 2.05 ± 0.62–4.97 ± 0.95 against hCA II, 0.34 ± 0.02–0.92 ± 0.17 nM against AChE, and 0.50 ± 0.04–1.20 ± 0.16 µM against BChE enzymes. The synthesized nitrogen‐based novel heterocyclic compounds exhibited effective inhibition profiles against both indicated metabolic enzymes. These results may contribute to the development of new drugs particularly to treat some disorders, which are widespread in the world including glaucoma and Alzheimer's diseases.
d‐Galactose induced early aging in human erythrocytes: Role of band 3 protein
Authors: Remigante Alessia , Spinelli Sara , Trichilo Vincenzo , Loddo Saverio , Sarikas Antonio , Pusch Michael , Dossena Silvia , Marino Angela , Morabito Rossana
Published: November 2021

Aging, a time‐dependent multifaceted process, affects both cell structure and function and involves oxidative stress as well as glycation. The present investigation focuses on the role of the band 3 protein (B3p), an anion exchanger essential to red cells homeostasis, in a d‐galactose (
d‐Gal)‐induced aging model. Anion exchange capability, measured by the rate constant of SO₄²− uptake through B3p, levels of lipid peroxidation, oxidation of membrane sulfhydryl groups, B3p expression, methemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin (Hb), and the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio were determined after exposure of human erythrocytes to 25, 35, 50, and 100 mmol/L d‐Gal for 24 h. Our results show that: (i) in vitro application of d‐Gal is useful to model early aging in human erythrocytes; (ii) assessment of B3p ion transport function is a sensitive tool to monitor aging development; (iii) d‐Gal leads to Hb glycation and produces substantial changes on the endogenous antioxidant system; (iv) the impact of aging on B3p function proceeds through steps, first involving Hb glycation and then oxidative events at the membrane level. These findings offer a useful tool to understand the mechanisms of aging in human erythrocytes and propose B3p as a possible target for new therapeutic strategies to counteract age‐related disturbances.
Effect of Anti‐VEGF Therapy on the Disease Progression of Neovascular Age‐Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Model‐Based Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Luu Kenneth T. , Seal Jennifer , Green Michelle , Winskill Carolyn , Attar Mayssa
Published: November 2021

Anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is used to slow the disease progression of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration. Due to the treatment burden of frequent intravitreal injections, anti‐VEGFs are often used on treat and extend protocols rather than the labeled frequency. The current goal of anti‐VEGF drug development is to minimize treatment burden by reducing the number of intravitreal injections. The purpose of this systemic review and model‐based meta‐analysis (MBMA) was to (1) perform modeling to describe the disease progression of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration in the absence of treatment, as well as in the presence of abicipar, aflibercept, brolucizumab, or ranibizumab intervention; (2) and to simulate virtual head‐to‐head comparisons among the drugs with an extended dose schedule of once every 12 weeks (Q12). Data sources were PubMed, internal Allergan data, www.clinicaltrials.gov, and www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu. Eligibility assessment was performed by 2 independent review authors. Randomized, controlled trials that had at least 1 arm with an anti‐VEGF (aflibercept, abicipar, bevacizumab, brolucizumab, pegaptanib, or ranibizumab), a control arm of placebo or anti‐VEGF, a treatment duration of at least 4 months, reported best‐corrected visual acuity data, and at least 20 patients were included. A total of 22 trials, consisting of 55 arms, from across 9500+ subjects and 500+ best‐corrected visual acuity observations were used to develop the model. Consistent with reported data, results from the model showed that abicipar Q12 underperformed ranibizumab (every 4 weeks), aflibercept (every 4 weeks), and brolucizumab (every 8 weeks/Q12) labeled dosing schedules. However, when all drugs were virtually tested using the extended schedule, abicipar outperformed ranibizumab and aflibercept and produced a similar week 52 change from baseline as brolucizumab. Predicted week 52 changes from baseline were 5.92 ± 1.02, 3.04 ± 1.61, 6.61 ± 0.284, and 3.02 ± 2.35 best‐corrected visual acuity letters for abicipar, aflibercept, brolucizumab, and ranibizumab, respectively, using the Q12 schedule. Results demonstrate the feasibility of Q12 dosing with clinically meaningful letter gains for abicipar and brolucizumab. The model developed under this MBMA has utility for exploring different regimens for existing or novel anti‐VEGF agents.
Abductive Theory Construction
Authors: Janiszewski Chris , van Osselaer Stijn M. J.
Published: November 2021

Consumer research is characterized by two types of research contributions: qualitative researchers propose original theory and quantitative researchers test existing theory. We describe a novel research approach that uses quantitative research methods to propose original theory. The method relies on an iterative investigate‐learn‐update research process that generates, but does not test, original theory. The method places a special emphasis on conducting informed exploratory studies that rely on a breadth of domains, procedures, populations, and analyses. This research approach has three benefits. First, it promotes the discovery of original theory in understudied domains. Second, the method encourages broad, boundary‐expanding exploration, hence, has the potential to propose original theories that encompasses a large set of relationships. Third, the iterative nature of the method mitigates the inclusion of idiosyncratic construct relationships in the proposed theory. We provide a hypothetical illustration of the method and provide examples of research topics that might benefit from the approach.
The New Economic Geography and labour emigration: Analysing Venezuela's hyperinflation episode
Authors: Rocha Ademir , Gomes da Silva Cleomar , Perobelli Fernando
Published: November 2021

The Venezuelan hyperinflation process has caused serious economic and social consequences. The wave of migrants and refugees fleeing the country is one of the most obvious and important faces of the problem, with significant regional impacts. This paper aims to develop a methodology, related to the New Economic Geography, to explain Venezuelan labour migration flow from changes in the price level. Results from the model's simulations show that in the short run (1‐year horizon), Venezuelan industrial and agricultural workers tend to emigrate to nearby countries. However, in the long run (10‐year horizon), the decision is based on real wage differential.
Age‐related cellular and microstructural changes in the rotator cuff enthesis
Authors: Long Zeling , Nakagawa Koichi , Wang Zhanwen , Amadio Peter C. , Zhao Chunfeng , Gingery Anne
Published: November 2021

Rotator cuff injuries increase with age. The enthesis is the most frequent site of rotator cuff injury and degeneration. Understanding age‐related changes of the enthesis are essential to determine the mechanism of rotator cuff injuries, degeneration, and to guide mechanistically driven therapies. In this study, we explored age‐related cellular changes of the rotator cuff enthesis in young, mature, and aged rats. Here we found that the aged enthesis is typified by an increased mineralized zone and decreased nonmineralized zone. Proliferation, migration, and colony‐forming potential of rotator cuff derived cells (RCECs) was attenuated with aging. The tenogenic and chondrogenic potential were significantly reduced, while the osteogenic potential increased in aged RCECs. The adipogenic potential increased in RCECs with age. This study explores the cellular differences found between young, mature, and aged rotator cuff enthesis cells and highlights the importance of using age‐appropriate models, as well as provides a basis for further delineation of mechanisms and potential therapeutics for rotator cuff injuries.
Refinement of the tephrostratigraphy straddling the northern Patagonian Andes (40–41°S): new tephra markers, reconciling different archives and ascertaining the timing of piedmont deglaciation
Authors: Alloway Brent V. , Pearce Nicholas J. G. , Moreno Patricio I. , Villarosa Gustavo , Jara Ignacio A. , Henríquez Carla A. , Sagredo Esteban A. , Ryan Matthew T. , Outes Valeria
Published: November 2021

We describe the stratigraphy, age, geochemistry and correlation of tephra from west to east across the northern Patagonian Andes (c. 40–41°S) with a view to further refining the eruptive history of this region back to the onset of the Last Glacial Termination (~18 cal. ka). Eastwards across the Andes, rhyodacite to rhyolitic tephra markers of dominantly Puyehue‐Cordón Caulle source are persistently recognised and provide a stratigraphic context for more numerously erupted intervening tephra of basalt to basaltic–andesite composition. Tephra from distal eruptive centres are also recognised.

West of the Andean Cordillera, organic‐rich cores from a small closed lake basin (Lago Pichilafquén) reveal an exceptional high‐resolution record of lowland vegetation–climate change and eruptive activity spanning the last 15 400 years. Three new rhyodacite tephra (BT6‐T1, ‐T2 and ‐T4) identified near the base of the Pichilafquén record, spanning 13.2 to 13.9 cal. ka bp, can be geochemically matched with correlatives in basal andic soil sequences closely overlying regolith and/or basement rock. The repetitiveness of this tephrostratigraphy across this Andean transect suggests near‐synchronous tephra accretion and onset of up‐building soil formation under more stable (revegetating) ground‐surface conditions following rapid piedmont deglaciation on both sides of the Cordillera by at least ~14 cal. ka bp.
Geochronological and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of colluvial deposits in a cuesta landscape in south‐eastern Brazil
Authors: de Godoi Pinton Leandro , Lupinacci Cenira Maria
Published: November 2021

The classic models of cuesta evolution in south‐eastern Brazil have temporal gaps in their denudation chronology. Here, we analyzed the colluvial deposits located on the rim of the Serra Geral escarpments in the Paraná Basin to propose a model with an absolute age range of minor landform evolution within this cuesta morphology. Correlation of the optically stimulated luminescence ages with the regional paleoclimatic conditions demonstrates that the successive phases of colluviation reflect either short‐term intervals of variability in moisture availability or dry periods in the Holocene. The potential effects of other contributing factors (vegetation changes, local geomorphic settings and human activity) add complexity to the denudation responsible for the development of the investigated geomorphic chronosequences. The proposed model consists of five stages of hillslope sediment remobilization that were responsible for further remodeling of the minor vertical steps during the following chronological distribution: (i) 9.13 ± 1.2–7.09 ± 0.96 ka; (ii) 5.66 ± 0.86–4.5 ± 0.75 ka; (iii) 3.94 ± 0.605–3.45 ± 0.6 ka; (iv) 2.66 ± 0.315–2.3 ± 0.4 ka; and (v) after 1960 to the present day.
As above, so below? Effects of fungicides on microbial organic matter decomposition are stronger in the hyporheic than in the benthic zone
Authors: Bollinger Eric , Zubrod Jochen P. , Konschak Marco , Sulzer Lenz , Schnurr Jacob , Schreiner Verena C. , Schulz Ralf , Bundschuh Mirco
Published: November 2021

Microbial organic matter decomposition is a critical ecosystem function, which can be negatively affected by chemicals. Although the majority of organic matter is stored in sediments, the impact of chemicals has exclusively been studied in benthic systems. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the impact of a fungicide mixture at three concentrations on the decomposition of black alder leaves in the benthic and hyporheic zone. We targeted two sediment treatments characterized by fine and coarse grain sizes (1–2 vs. 2–4 mm). Besides microbial communities' functioning (i.e., decomposition), we determined their structure through microbial biomass estimates and community composition. In absence of fungicides, leaf decomposition, microbial biomass estimates and fungal sporulation were lower in the hyporheic zone, while the importance of bacteria was elevated. Leaf decomposition was reduced (40%) under fungicide exposure in fine sediment with an effect size more than twice as high as in the benthic zone (15%). These differences are likely triggered by the lower hydraulic conductivity in the hyporheic zone influencing microbial dispersal as well as oxygen and nutrient fluxes. Since insights from the benthic zone are not easily transferable, these results indicate that the hyporheic zone requires a higher recognition with regard to ecotoxicological effects on organic matter decomposition.
Stimuli‐Responsive Aggregation of High Molar Mass Poly(N,N‐Diethylacrylamide)‐b‐Poly(4‐Acryloylmorpholine) in Tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Plucinski Alexander , Pavlovic Marko , Clarke Mairi , Bhella David , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J.
Published: November 2021

The self‐assembly of block copolymers constitutes a timely research area in polymer science with implications for applications like sensing or drug‐delivery. Here, the unprecedented aggregation behavior of high molar mass block copolymer poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide)‐b‐poly(4‐acryloylmorpholine) (PDEA‐b‐PAM) (Mn>400 kg mol−1) in organic solvent tetrahydrofuran (THF) is investigated. To elucidate the aggregation, dynamic light scattering, cryo‐transmission electron microscopy, and turbidimetry are employed. The aggregate formation is assigned to the unprecedented upper critical solution temperature behavior of PAM in THF at elevated concentrations (> 6 wt.%) and high molar masses. Various future directions for this new thermo‐responsive block copolymer are envisioned, for example, in the areas of photonics or templating of inorganic structures.
AKband self‐packagedSISL Rotmanlens antenna array using low‐costFR4
Authors: Zhang Guoshuai , Ma Kaixue , Yan Ningning , Luo Yu , Fu Haipeng
Published: November 2021

A Rotman lens antenna array with advantages of self‐packaging, low cost, and broadband is proposed by using substrate integrated suspended line technology at K band. The proposed lens‐fed antenna is designed to be low cost by using only FR4 material on all substrates. Meanwhile, patterned substrate and double metal layers with metalized via hole connecting are utilized to reduce its loss. To evaluate the proposed method, two Rotman lenses with different port numbers are designed, fabricated, and measured. For verification of switch beam property, the quasi‐Yagi antenna array is designed for broadband operation and low profile to integrate with the Rotman lens. The experimental results show that the scanning range is ±24° and ±30° of the two lenses, respectively.
Shim optimization with region of interest‐specific Tikhonov regularization: Application to second‐order slice‐wise shimming of the brain
Authors: Shi Yuhang , Clare Stuart , Vannesjo Signe Johanna
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Slice‐wise shimming can improve field homogeneity, but suffers from large noise propagation in the shim calculation. Here, we propose a robust shim current optimization for higher‐order dynamic shim updating, based on Tikhonov regularization with a variable regularization parameter, .

Theory and Methods

was selected for each slice separately in a fully automatic procedure based on a combination of boundary constraints and an L‐curve search algorithm. Shimming performance was evaluated for second order slice‐wise shimming of the brain at 7T, by simulation on a database of field maps from 143 subjects, and by direct measurements in 8 subjects.

Results

Simulations yielded on average 36% reduction in the shim current norm for just 0.4 Hz increase in residual field SD as compared to unconstrained unregularized optimization. In vivo results yielded on average 34.0 Hz residual field SD as compared to 34.3 Hz with a constrained unregularized optimization, while simultaneously reducing the shim current norm to 2.8 A from 3.9 A. The proposed regularization also reduced the average step in the shim current between slices.

Conclusion

Slice‐wise variable Tikhonov regularization yielded reduced current norm and current steps to a negligible cost in field inhomogeneity. The method holds promise to increase the robustness, and thereby the utility, of higher‐order shim updating.
Patient Frustration with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Education Met with Resilient Response
Authors: Corley Elizabeth M. , Terse Pranaya , Paulosky Kayla E. , Karsalia Moli , Nemirovsky Amy , Malik Rena D.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Limited patient understanding due to challenges in physician–patient communication and inadequate patient education materials (PEMs) can result in poor outcomes after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair. Our objective was to identify how patients learned about POP and review their perception of available educational tools.

Methods

Patients with a history of POP were recruited using ResearchMatch and invited to participate in a virtual semi‐structured interview where they were shown a website, brochure, and video pertaining to POP. Information regarding patient preference for PEMs was obtained. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and qualitative data analysis was performed using grounded theory methodology.

Results

Qualitative analysis of interviews of 13 participants averaging 58 years old yielded several preliminary themes including: insufficient information to guide treatment decisions, preference for multimodal, dynamic, and comprehensive materials, and lack of support leading to avoidance of care, misinformation, and self‐advocacy mechanisms. Emerging concepts included: lack of complete information regarding POP treatment resulted in misinformation, stress and desperation, distrust of healthcare providers leading to feelings of isolation, desire of support groups, and loss of follow up, and a desire for well‐organized, detailed, multimodal, and destigmatizing materials as a guide to their disease process, prevention and risk factors, its natural progression, and treatment decisions. Participants developed self‐reliant strategies for making treatment decisions, including the use of online resources, advice from friends, and independent search for more specialized physicians.

Conclusions

Women with POP reported a lack of information and support which resulted in the generation of self‐coping mechanisms. This led to significant anxiety surrounding their diagnosis and treatment and poor satisfaction. Developing a reproducible methodology to create evidence‐based PEMs will significantly decrease patient misinformation, apprehension, and use of inaccurate sources of information.
Surface modification of rice husk–based carbon–silica dual‐phase filler by ethanol‐assisted milling and its reinforcing on natural rubber
Authors: Chen Zhixiao , Qian Miaomiao , Liu Chang , Xue Beichen , Yu Liyun , Zhu Yanchao , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2021

Silica carbon black (SiCB) was used as a natural carbon–silica dual‐phase filler (CSDPF) containing both biochar and silica, which was obtained by pyrolysis of rice husks. The reinforcing performances of SiCB were limited by the large particle size and poor surface activity. In this work, the size and distribution of the SiCB particles were modified by ethanol‐assisted milling (S/E), and increase in oxygen‐containing groups enhanced the surface activity of SiCB and promoted the grafting of silane coupling agent (Si69). The filler–rubber interfacial interactions were enhanced when the Si69‐grafted SiCB (S/E‐X, X means the amount of Si69) was used as filler for natural rubber (NR). Compared with the SiCB‐filled NR (SiCB/NR), the S/E‐3‐filled NR (S/E‐3/NR) showed 44%, 19%, and 27% improvement in the tensile strength, tear strength, and stress at 300% strain, respectively, and the reinforcing properties have reached the level of commercial carbon black (N774). This study provides a novel way for surface modification of CSDPF and improves the application of rice husk–based materials in rubber composites.
Esophageal impedance baseline in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: A pilot study
Authors: Nobile Stefano , Marchionni Paolo , Meneghin Fabio , Salvatore Silvia , Noviello Carmine , Margiotta Gaia , Giorgio Valentina , Vento Giovanni
Published: November 2021

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may induce gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Esophageal impedance baseline values (BI) reflect mucosal inflammation. Our aim was to evaluate BI levels in preterm infants with BPD compared with those without BPD and to identify BI predictors.

Methods

This is a retrospective pilot study including infants born <32 weeks' gestational age (GA) who underwent esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)‐pH. Univariate/multivariate analysis were performed to compare data between BPD and non‐BPD infants and to identify BI predictors. A subgroup analysis was performed in infants born <29 weeks' GA, at highest risk for BPD.

Results

Ninety‐seven patients (median GA 285/7 weeks, mean postnatal age 49 days, 29 with BPD), were studied. BPD infants had significantly lower birth weight compared with non‐BPD infants (750 vs. 1275 g), were more immature (274/7 vs. 290/7 weeks GA), were older at MII‐pH (79 vs. 38 days) and received less fluids during MII‐pH (147 vs. 161 ml/kg/day). The same findings were found in the group of 53 infants born <29 weeks. BPD versus non‐BPD infants had significantly lower BI (2050 vs. 2574 ohm, p = 0.007) (<1000 ohm in five BPD infants vs. one non‐BPD) whereas the other MII‐pH parameters were not significantly different. Multiple regression analysis found that increasing chronological age was positively associated with BI (B = 9.3, p = 0.013) whereas BPD was associated with lower BI (B = −793.4, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

BPD versus non‐BPD infants had significantly lower BI despite similar MII‐pH data. BPD and chronological age predicted BI, whereas only BPD predicted BI in the most immature infants.
Optimization of clinical risk‐factor interpretation and radiological findings with machine learning for PIRADS category 3 patients
Authors: Aussavavirojekul Pubordee , Hoonlor Apirak , Srinualnad Sittiporn
Published: November 2021

Background

Due to the low cancer‐detection rate in patients with PIRADS category 3 lesions, we created machine learning (ML) models to facilitate decision‐making about whether to perform prostate biopsies or monitor clinical information without biopsy results.

Methods

In our retrospective, single‐center study, 101 eligible patients with at least one PIRADS category 3 lesion but no higher PIRADS lesions underwent MRI/US fusion biopsies between September 2017 and June 2020. Thirty additional patients were included as the validation cohort from the next chronological period from June 2020 to October 2020. Our ML research was a supervised classification problem, with a binary output based on pathological reports of cancerous or benign tissue. The clinical inputs were age, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, prostate‐specific antigen density (PSAD), and the number of previous biopsies. The radiology‐report inputs were the number of lesions, maximum lesion diameter, lesion location, and lesion zone. We subsequently removed the inputs with low importance. Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Naive Bayes, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting Tree (XGBoost) were employed. From receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, we determined Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC), the cut‐off point, and sensitivity score (recall score) to evaluate the ML‐model performance.

Results

Twenty‐four adenocarcinoma patients had a mean age of 70 ± 5.79 years, a mean PSA of 12.42 ± 6.67 ng/ml, a mean prostate volume of 46.49 ± 23.13 ml, and a mean PSAD of 0.31 ± 0.22 ng/ml2. Seventy‐seven patients with benign tissue reports had a mean age of 66.39 ± 6.66 years, a mean PSA of 11.31 ± 7.50 ng/ml, a mean prostate volume of 65.25 ± 35.88 ml, and a mean PSAD of 0.19 ± 0.13 ng/ml2. On the validation cohort, XGBoost had the best AUC of 0.76, which considered 80% sensitivity and 72% specificity at a probability cutoff of 57%. The remaining possible ML models performed worse with lesser AUC. The worst was Naïve Bayes, with AUC of 0.50.

Conclusions

ML models facilitate PIRADS 3 patient selection for MRI/US fusion biopsies. ML could optimize how we use previously known clinical risk factors to their full potential.
Tripeptide loop closure: A detailed study of reconstructions based on Ramachandran distributions
Authors: O'Donnell Timothée , Robert Charles H. , Cazals Frédéric
Published: November 2021

Tripeptide loop closure (TLC) is a standard procedure to reconstruct protein backbone conformations, by solving a zero‐dimensional polynomial system yielding up to 16 solutions. In this work, we first show that multiprecision is required in a TLC solver to guarantee the existence and the accuracy of solutions. We then compare solutions yielded by the TLC solver against tripeptides from the Protein Data Bank. We show that these solutions are geometrically diverse (up to Root mean square deviation with respect to the data) and sound in terms of potential energy. Finally, we compare Ramachandran distributions of data and reconstructions for the three amino acids. The distribution of reconstructions in the second angular space stands out, with a rather uniform distribution leaving a central void. We anticipate that these insights, coupled to our robust implementation in the Structural Bioinformatics Library (
https://sbl.inria.fr/doc/Tripeptide_loop_closure‐user‐manual.html), will help understanding the properties of TLC reconstructions, with potential applications to the generation of conformations of flexible loops in particular.
Compression Performance and Abrasive Wear Resistance of CuNi‐Modified Zirconium Oxide‐Toughened Alumina Particles‐Reinforced Iron Matrix Composites
Authors: He Han , Jiang Yehua , Ru Juanjian , Hua Yixin
Published: November 2021

Compact and continuous Ni‐coated zirconium oxide‐toughened alumina (ZTA) particles (ZTAp@Ni) and CuNi‐coated ZTA particles (ZTAp@CuNi) are prepared by electroless deposition. The thicknesses of the Ni and CuNi coatings are 6.84 and 21.35−43.10 μm, respectively. The ZTAp@Ni‐ and ZTAp@CuNi‐reinforced high‐chromium cast iron (HCCI) composites are fabricated by nonpressure cast‐infiltration method. Results show that compact interfacial bonding is formed in S3′‐ZTAp@CuNi/HCCI without any casting defect. The addition of Ni element can effectively improve the amount of (Cr,Fe)7C3 and refine the grains in HCCI matrix, and Cu element can improve the strength and toughness of the matrix. The compression performance testing shows that the compressive strength and yield strength of S3′‐ZTAp@CuNi/HCCI are up to 1128.03 and 1049.40 MPa, respectively. In addition, three‐body abrasive testing demonstrates that the abrasive wear resistance of the S3′‐ZTAp@CuNi/HCCI is optimal. This can be attributed to the compact combination between ZTAp@CuNi and HCCI matrix, which benefits the load transfer and the protection of ZTA particles to avoid brittle fracture and debonding. So, the appropriate additions of Cu and Ni elements, that is, the thickness and content control of CuNi coatings on ZTA surfaces, are very crucial for the performance improvement of composites.
Alloy Engineering of 2D Van der Waals Chromium Mixed Trihalides as Ferromagnetic Semiconductors
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Guangzhao , Yuan Hongkuan , Chen Hong
Published: November 2021

The electronic and magnetic properties of 2D‐layered chromium mixed trihalide CrXY2 (XY = IBr, ICl, BrCl) and W‐alloyed chromium mixed trihalide CrWX2Y4 monolayers are investigated by employing the combination of density functional theory and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. The dynamical stability, the possibility of formation, and the structural stability of these pristine and alloyed chromium mixed trihalide monolayers are verified by the phonon spectra, the negative formation enthalpies, and the negative cohesive energies, respectively. All of them are intrinsic ferromagnetic (FM) semiconductors with the easy axis along z while along x for CrICl2 monolayer. The Curie temperatures () of pristine chromium mixed trihalide monolayers are estimated to be 40–70 K by the MC simulations. FM ordering of alloy compound CrWX2Y4 monolayers is largely enhanced up to  ∼ 170 K. Thus, alloy engineering can be a route to the room temperature FM semiconductors.
Automated multi‐attribute method sample preparation using high‐throughput buffer exchange tips
Authors: Ogata Yuko , Quizon Pamela M. , Nightlinger Nancy S. , Sitasuwan Pongkwan , Snodgrass Casey , Lee L. Andrew , Meyer Jeffrey D. , Rogers Richard S.
Published: November 2021

Rationale

The multi‐attribute method (MAM) has become a valuable mass spectrometry (MS)‐based tool that can identify and quantify the site‐specific product attributes and purity information for biotherapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and fusion molecules in recent years. As we expand the use of the MAM at various stages of drug development, it is critical to enhance the sample preparation throughput without additional chemical modifications and variability.

Methods

In this study, a fully automated MAM sample preparation protocol is presented, where rapid desalting in less than 15 minutes is achieved using miniaturized size‐exclusion chromatography columns in pipette tips on an automated liquid handler. The peptide samples were analyzed using an electrospray ionization (ESI) orbitrap mass spectrometer coupled to an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system with a dual column switching system.

Results

No significant change was observed in product attributes and their quantities compared with manual, low‐artifact sample preparation. The sample recovery using the buffer exchange tips was greatly enhanced over the manual spin cartridges while still demonstrating excellent reproducibility for a wide variety of starting sample concentrations. Unlike a plate desalting system, the individual columns provide flexibility in the number of samples prepared at a time and sample locations within plates.

Conclusions

This automated protocol enables the preparation of up to 96 samples with less “at‐bench” time than the manual preparation of a smaller batch of samples, thereby greatly facilitating support of process development and the use of the MAM in quality control.
Effects of differentiation on peak intensity in direct Auger spectra
Authors: Grant John T.
Published: November 2021

A companion paper in this issue of Surface and Interface Analysis (Surf Interface Anal. 2021;1–6. doi: 10.1002/sia.7029) discusses corrections for the effects of analyzer modulation on peak intensity in derivative Auger spectra. Today, most Auger spectra are acquired in the direct mode, E·N(E), and derivatives are taken using a computer program to measure peak intensities (peak‐to‐peak heights) with the background suppressed, for ultimate quantification. In taking a derivative, there is sometimes a choice of the algorithm used for taking the derivative, but the most common method is to use the Savitzky–Golay algorithm. In using the Savitzky–Golay algorithm, there is also a choice in the number of data points used in the differentiation. To improve quantification, Martin Seah suggested using relatively large Gaussian broadening in the differentiation process to reduced effects of line shape differences in measuring signal intensities, as often occur due to chemical effects on spectra. This paper shows the effects of the number of points used with the Savitzky–Golay algorithm in taking the derivative on peak‐to‐peak heights in derivative Auger spectra and how dynamic background subtraction can be used to obtain Auger peak area values independent of the broadening of spectra caused by such differentiation.
A two‐point calibration method for quantifying organic binary mixtures using secondary ion mass spectrometry in the presence of matrix effects
Authors: Shard Alexander G. , Miisho Ako , Vorng Jean‐Luc , Havelund Rasmus , Gilmore Ian S. , Aoyagi Satoka
Published: November 2021

Quantification of the composition of binary mixtures in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is required in the analyses of technological materials from organic electronics to drug delivery systems. In some instances, it is found that there is a linear dependence between the composition, expressed as a ratio of component volumes, and the secondary ion intensities, expressed as a ratio of intensities of ions from each component. However, this ideal relationship fails in the presence of matrix effects and linearity is observed only over small compositional ranges, particularly in the dilute limits. In this paper, we assess an empirical method, which introduces a power law dependence between the intensity ratio and the volume fraction ratio. A previously published physical model of the organic matrix effect is employed to test the limits of the method and a mixed system of 3,3′‐bis(9‐carbazolyl) biphenyl and tris(2‐phenylpyridinato)iridium (III) is used to demonstrate the method. This paper introduces a two‐point calibration, which determines both the exponent in the power law and the sensitivity factor for the conversion of ion intensity ratio into volume fraction ratio. We demonstrate that this provides significantly improved accuracy, compared with a one‐point calibration, over a wide compositional range in SIMS quantification and with a weak dependence on matrix effects. Because the method enables the use of clearly identifiable secondary ions for quantitative purposes and mitigates commonly observed matrix effects in organic materials, the two‐point calibration method could be of significant benefit to SIMS analysts.