bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sliding mode control of switched systems: A geometric algebra approach
Authors: Sira Ramírez Hebertt , Aguilar‐Orduña Mario A. , Gómez‐León Brian C.
Published: March 2022

Geometric algebra (GA) is proposed as a mathematical framework for revisiting fundamental aspects of sliding mode control (SMC) in nonlinear, switch‐controlled, single input systems. Sliding mode existence conditions, the switching policy, the invariance conditions, the associated equivalent control, and the characterization of ideal sliding dynamics, are all re‐examined using a geometric algebra (GA) standpoint. Two illustrative examples, from switched power electronics, are presented using the GA language.
Selection of Electrolyte Additive Quantities for Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Hildenbrand Felix , Aupperle Felix , Stahl Gereon , Figgmeier Egbert , Sauer Dirk Uwe
Published: March 2022

The composition of the liquid electrolyte is a key factor in lifetime performance of lithium‐ion batteries. The selection and quantification of additives to the electrolyte is an active field of research. This study focuses on finding the optimal additive combination of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC) for NMC622‐Graphite cells. The central goal of this work is to accelerate the experimental search in a large search area by using a Bayesian‐optimization algorithm to guide the search. Different measurements are used as target variable such as open‐circuit voltage gradient and coulombic efficiency. Consequentially, the capability of these measurements for accelerated lifetime prediction compared to conventional ageing tests by cycling is investigated. The search gathered and confirmed additive combinations with excellent performance after four iterations with a total of 15 additive combinations analyzed. The results of this study give insights into the interaction of VC and FEC with regard to ageing.
Swap and stop – Kinetochores play error correction with microtubules
Authors: Doodhi Harinath , Tanaka Tomoyuki U.
Published: March 2022

Correct chromosome segregation in mitosis relies on chromosome biorientation, in which sister kinetochores attach to microtubules from opposite spindle poles prior to segregation. To establish biorientation, aberrant kinetochore–microtubule interactions must be resolved through the error correction process. During error correction, kinetochore–microtubule interactions are exchanged (swapped) if aberrant, but the exchange must stop when biorientation is established. In this article, we discuss recent findings in budding yeast, which have revealed fundamental molecular mechanisms promoting this “swap and stop” process for error correction. Where relevant, we also compare the findings in budding yeast with mechanisms in higher eukaryotes. Evidence suggests that Aurora B kinase differentially regulates kinetochore attachments to the microtubule end and its lateral side and switches relative strength of the two kinetochore–microtubule attachment modes, which drives the exchange of kinetochore–microtubule interactions to resolve aberrant interactions. However, Aurora B kinase, recruited to centromeres and inner kinetochores, cannot reach its targets at kinetochore–microtubule interface when tension causes kinetochore stretching, which stops the kinetochore–microtubule exchange once biorientation is established.
The role of developmental assets in childhood career development
Authors: Kim Hyunhee , Carney JoLynn V. , Guo Xiuyan , Prescod Diandra J.
Published: March 2022

This study examined hope as a mediator between school connectedness and childhood career development. Participants included 456 elementary school students in Grades 4 through 6. The results of structural equation modeling supported the hypothesized mediation model, indicating that school connectedness leads to childhood career development both directly and indirectly via hope. The findings suggest that when children feel connected to school, they are likely to demonstrate a greater level of hope, which in turn leads to enhanced career development. The results of this study highlight the importance of developmental assets in promoting childhood career development and has important implications for counseling practice in school settings.
Realization of a Flexible Humidity Sensor Based on α‐In2Se3 Nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Xiaoya , Wu Yiwei , Wang Xinhao , Zhong Xiangli , Wang Jinbin , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2022

Humidity sensors are widely used in domestic and industrial environments. The humidity sensing requires a sensor to be both flexible and stable. However, challenges still exist for the realization of efficient flexible humidity sensors. Herein, α‐In2Se3 nanosheet‐based humidity sensors both on PET and SiO2/Si substrates are fabricated. The humidity sensing behaviors are investigated in a wide relative humidity (RH) range from 11% RH to 97% RH at room temperature. Compared with a silicon‐based humidity sensor based on α‐In2Se3 nanosheets, the flexible humidity sensor based on α‐In2Se3 nanosheet exhibits higher sensitivity of 2.38×103%, shorter response and recovery time of 9 s and 13 s. Due to the lower activation energy of the flexible humidity sensor, the sensitivity of the flexible humidity sensor being 25 times higher than that of the silicon‐based humidity sensor. These results indicate that α‐In2Se3 nanosheet may be a potential humidity‐sensing material for fabricating humidity sensors with high performance, and the flexible humidity sensor based on α‐In2Se3 nanosheet has great potential in flexible wearable electronic devices.
A Supramolecular Antibiotic Switch for Plug‐and‐Play Antibacterial Regulation
Authors: Xu Shi‐Yuan , Peng Zi‐Ze , Wang Zi‐Xin , Li Wen‐Zhen , Ye Yu‐Yuan , Lin Xiao‐Wei , Ruan Yi‐Ru , Xiao Ju , Li Lingling , Wang Wenjing , Wang Xiao‐Qiang
Published: March 2022

Constructing novel antibiotic switches is of great importance to fighting bacterial infections and reducing the public health threat caused by antibiotic abuse. In this work, a plug‐and‐play antibiotic switch based on the host‐guest interaction between berberine hydrochloride (BBR) and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) is reported. BBR can be encapsulated in the cavity of CB[7] to form BBR@CB[7] with enhanced fluorescent emission and reduced antibacterial activity. And BBR can be released from BBR@CB[7] in the presence of other competitors, such as amantadine hydrochloride (ADA). The self‐assemble and disassemble ability of the supramolecular complex can be applied as facile plug‐and‐play antibiotic switch to “turn‐on” and “turn‐off” its antibacterial activity on demand. This work provides a simple, rapid, and efficient strategy for antibacterial regulation through supramolecular chemistry.
Electrodeposition of Amorphous Fe−P Shell on Co(OH)F Nanowire Arrays for Boosting Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis in Alkaline Media
Authors: Gu Yang , Meng Chuqian , Dong Shuyue , Zhu Hexin , Liu Qian , Luo Yonglan , Kong Qingquan , Li Tingshuai
Published: March 2022

High‐performance earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are highly desirable. In this report, we successfully synthesized amorphous Fe−P shell electrodeposited on Co(OH)F nanowire arrays supported on titanium mesh (Fe−P@Co(OH)F/TM) as an efficient catalyst for OER. Such catalyst exhibits excellent OER activity with a low overpotential of 267 mV to reach the geometrical current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH. In addition, it has good electrochemical durability to maintain its activity for at least 20 h.
High Proton Conductivity of 3D Graphene Oxide Intercalated with Aromatic Sulfonic Acids
Authors: Atiqur Rahman Mohammad , Islam Md. Saidul , Fukuda Mashahiro , Yagyu Junya , Feng Zhiqing , Sekine Yoshihiro , Lindoy Leonard F. , Ohyama Junya , Hayami Shinya
Published: March 2022

The development of efficient proton conductors that are capable of high power density, sufficient mechanical strength, and reduced gas permeability is challenging. Herein, we report the development of a series of aromatic sulfonic acid/graphene oxide hybrid membranes incorporating benzene sulfonic acid (BS), naphthalene sulfonic acid (NS), naphthalene disulfonic acid (DS) or pyrene sulfonic acid (PS) using a facile freeze dried method. For out‐of‐plane proton conductivity, the 3DGO‐BS and 3DGO‐NS yielded proton conductivities of 4.4×10−2 S cm−1 and 3.1×10−2 S cm−1, respectively; this represents a two‐times higher value than that which occurs for three dimensional graphene oxide (3DGO). Additionally, the respective prepared films as membranes in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) show maximum power density of 98.76 mW cm−2 for 3DGO‐NS while it is 92.75 mW cm−2 for 3DGO‐BS which are close to double that obtained for 3DGO (50 mW cm−2).
99%—Efficient, interleaved bidirectional DC‐DC converter with new interleaved PWM method of parallel‐connected Mosfets
Authors: Berrehil El Kattel Menaouar , Carvalho Lobato Gideon Igor , Maia Thales Alexandre Carvalho , de Jesus Cardoso Filho Braz
Published: March 2022

A new high efficiency interleaved pulse‐width modulation (HE‐IPWM) method using parallel‐connected Mosfets is presented. The IPWM is evaluated using a bidirectional DC‐DC converter for charging and discharging a battery. The results show an excellent DC voltage gain without an extremely large duty cycle. Compared with conventional pulse‐width modulation (CPWM), the IPWM reduces by half the ripple of the battery current. The current ripple of IPWM is four times higher of the switching frequency, while CPWM is two times higher. The proposed interleaved strategy also double the inductor current ripple frequency, whereas in general, is equal to the switching frequency. As a result, the use of the IPWM reduces the weight and size of inductor design. Furthermore, IPWM provides the best battery current ripple at the duty cycle close to 25%. The operating stage, mathematical analyses, and design guidelines of the two proposed modulations are explained in detail. The IPWM experimental results of a 250‐W prototype confirmed the circuit performance. The maximum efficiency of 98.9% is obtained at 250 W for boost mode and 99% for buck mode.
Learning to like triangles: A longitudinal investigation of evaluative conditioning in infancy
Authors: Doyle Frances L. , Klein Louis , Kemp Lindsay J. , Moul Caroline , Richmond Jenny L. , Eapen Valsamma , Frick Paul J. , Kimonis Eva R. , Hawes David J. , Le Pelley Mike E. , Mehta Divya , Dadds Mark R.
Published: March 2022

There is tentative evidence that infants can learn preferences through evaluative conditioning to socioemotional stimuli. However, the early development of evaluative conditioning and the factors that may explain infants’ capacity to learn through evaluative conditioning are not well understood. Infants (N = 319; 50.2% boys) participated in a longitudinal study where an evaluative conditioning paradigm using socioemotional stimuli was conducted on two occasions (when infants were 7 and 14 months old, on average). We tested whether repeatedly pairing neutral stimuli (triangular and square shapes) with affective stimuli (angry and happy faces) affects infants’ preferences for these shapes. At both timepoints, the majority of infants did not choose the shape that was paired with happy faces, indicating that, in general, learning through evaluative conditioning was not present. However, as expected, individual differences were evident such that infants who spent more time fixating on faces compared to shapes (face‐preferrers) during the conditioning trials were significantly more likely than non‐face‐preferrers to choose the shape paired with happy faces, and this effect strengthened with increasing age.
Imprints of latitude, host taxon, and decay stage on fungus‐associated arthropod communities
Authors: Koskinen Janne S. , Abrego Nerea , Vesterinen Eero J. , Schulz Torsti , Roslin Tomas , Nyman Tommi
Published: March 2022

Interactions among fungi and insects involve hundreds of thousands of species. While insect communities on plants have formed some of the classic model systems in ecology, fungus‐based communities and the forces structuring them remain poorly studied by comparison. We characterize the arthropod communities associated with fruiting bodies of eight mycorrhizal basidiomycete fungus species from three different orders along a 1200‐km latitudinal gradient in northern Europe. We hypothesized that, matching the pattern seen for most insect taxa on plants, we would observe a general decrease in fungal‐associated species with latitude. Against this backdrop, we expected local communities to be structured by host identity and phylogeny, with more closely related fungal species sharing more similar communities of associated organisms. As a more unique dimension added by the ephemeral nature of fungal fruiting bodies, we expected further imprints generated by successional change, with younger fruiting bodies harboring communities different from older ones. Using DNA metabarcoding to identify arthropod communities from fungal fruiting bodies, we found that latitude left a clear imprint on fungus‐associated arthropod community composition, with host phylogeny and decay stage of fruiting bodies leaving lesser but still‐detectable effects. The main latitudinal imprint was on a high arthropod species turnover, with no detectable pattern in overall species richness. Overall, these findings paint a new picture of the drivers of fungus‐associated arthropod communities, suggesting that latitude will not affect how many arthropod species inhabit a fruiting body but, rather, what species will occur in it and at what relative abundances (as measured by sequence read counts). These patterns upset simplistic predictions regarding latitudinal gradients in species richness and in the strength of biotic interactions.
Effects of 4‐Oxo‐2‐nonenal on biochemical properties of bovine heart mitochondria
Authors: Mohan Anand , Kafle Deepak , Singh Rakesh K. , Hung Yen‐Con
Published: March 2022

The effects of lipid peroxidation products 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE) and 4‐oxo‐2‐nonenal (4‐ONE) were evaluated using bovine heart mitochondria. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR), ultrastructure, antioxidant activity, and membrane permeability were examined to compare their effects on isolated mitochondria from beef cardiac muscle. For the mitochondrial morphology, the final concentration of mitochondria and 4‐ONE or 4‐HNE in the reaction tube were 10 mg/ml and 1 mM, respectively. For the OCR experiment, mitochondria (2.5 mg/ml) were incubated with 0.20 mM ONE or in a Clark electrode chamber at 25°C. Mitochondrial membrane permeability was determined by incubating 0.5 mg/ml of mitochondrial protein with either 0.05 mM ONE or HNE or ethanol control at pH 5.6 and 7.4 at 25°C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the size of 4‐ONE treated mitochondria at pH 7.4 increased (p < .05), as did permeability (p < .05), unlike ethanol controls. However, mitochondria incubated with 4‐ONE at pH 5.6 showed a decrease in volume (p < .05). Incubating mitochondria with 4‐ONE at pH 5.6 and pH increased oxygen consumption rate 7.4 caused less oxygen consumption than either 4‐HNE treatment or ethanol control. The hydrogen peroxide assay (H2O2), ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP), and 2,2’‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS.+) assays revealed that 4‐ONE is a more potent inhibitor of the endogenous antioxidant system of mitochondria than 4‐HNE (p < .05).
Chronic stress promotes an immunologic inflammatory state and head and neck cancer growth in a humanized murine model
Authors: Zenga Joseph , Awan Musaddiq J. , Frei Anne , Petrie Ellie , Sharma Guru Prasad , Shreenivas Aditya , Shukla Monica , Himburg Heather A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite the importance of immune response and environmental stress on head and neck cancer (HNC) outcomes, no current pre‐clinical stress model includes a humanized immune system.

Methods

We investigated the effects of chronic stress induced by social isolation on tumor growth and human immune response in subcutaneous HNC tumors grown in NSG‐SGM3 mice engrafted with a human immune system.

Results

Tumor growth (p < 0.0001) and lung metastases (p = 0.035) were increased in socially isolated versus control animals. Chronic stress increased intra‐tumoral CD4+ T‐cell infiltrate (p = 0.005), plasma SDF‐1 (p < 0.0001) expression, and led to tumor cell dedifferentiation toward a cancer stem cell phenotype (CD44+/ALDHhigh, p = 0.025).

Conclusions

Chronic stress induced immunophenotypic changes, increased tumor growth, and metastasis in HNC in a murine model with a humanized immune system. This model system may provide further insight into the immunologic and oncologic impact of chronic stress on patients with HNC.
Actein contributes to black cohosh extract‐induced genotoxicity in human TK6 cells
Authors: Le Yuan , Li Xilin , Chen Si , Ning Kylie G. , Guo Xiaoqing , Wu Charles G. , Manjanatha Mugimane G. , Mei Nan
Published: March 2022

Black cohosh extract (BCE) is one of the most popular botanical products for relieving menopausal symptoms. However, recent studies indicate that BCE is not only ineffective for menopausal therapy but also induces genotoxicity through an aneugenic mode of action (MoA). In this study, the cytotoxicity of five constituents of BCE was evaluated in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells. Among the five constituents, actein (up to 50 μM) showed the highest cytotoxicity and was thus selected for further genotoxicity evaluations. Actein caused DNA damage proportionally to concentration as evidenced by the phosphorylation of the histone protein H2A.X (γH2A.X) and resulted in chromosomal damage as measured by the increased percentage of micronuclei (%MN) in cells. In addition, actein activated DNA damage response (DDR) pathway through induction of p‐ATM, p‐Chk1, and p‐Chk2, which subsequently induced cell cycle changes and apoptosis. Moreover, both BCE and actein increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased glutathione levels, and activated the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway. N‐acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, attenuated BCE‐ and actein‐induced ROS production, apoptosis, and DNA damage. These findings indicate that BCE‐ and actein‐induced genotoxicity is mediated, at least partially, through oxidative stress. Taken together, our data show that actein is likely one of the major contributors to BCE‐induced genotoxicity.
A new synthetic route for the preparation of 2,2′,5′‐trimethyl‐7‐oxo‐4,7‐dihydro‐[6,7′‐bipyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine]‐3,3′‐dicarbonitrile, structural elucidation, Hirshfeld surface analysis, energy framework, density functional theory and molecular docking investigations
Authors: El Hafi Mohamed , Lahmidi Sanae , Boulhaoua Mohammed , El Ghayati Lhoussaine , Albalwi Hanan , Anouar El Hassane , Alharthi Abdulrahman I. , Mague Joel T. , Essassi El Mokhtar , Lai Chin‐Hung
Published: March 2022

A new bipyrazolo [1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivative, 2,2′,5′‐trimethyl‐7‐oxo‐4,7‐dihydro‐[6,7′‐bipyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine]‐3,3′‐dicarbonitrile dihydrate acetic acid solvate (3) has been synthesized via two different methods and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and spectroscopic techniques. A plausible reaction mechanism in the synthesis of 3 through the two synthetic routes used has been proposed. The XRD analysis reveals that the two bicyclic moieties in 3 are close to perpendicular to one another. Some formal double bonds appear localized while others appear to involve some delocalization. In the crystal structure, a layer structure is formed by OH⋯O, OH⋯N and NH⋯O hydrogen bonds, along with weak CH⋯O and π‐stacking interactions. The energy framework indicates that the packing of 3 is mainly determined by dispersion interactions between molecules. The frontier molecular orbital analysis shows that 3 may act more as a nucleophile than an electrophile. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surface maps and 2D fingerprint plots of 3 reveal that intermolecular hydrogen bonding and H⋯H, N⋯H and O⋯H contacts are the major ones between the units of 3. The antibacterial activity of 3 is explored by its molecular docking into the binding site of tyrosyl‐tRNA synthetase, where it formed a stable complex with the amino acids of tyrosyl‐tRNA synthetase mainly through hydrogen bonding.
In‐hospital mortality in SARS‐CoV‐2 stratified by gamma‐glutamyl transferase levels
Authors: Alroomi Moudhi , Rajan Rajesh , Alsaber Ahmad , Pan Jiazhu , Abdullah Mohammed , Abdelnaby Hassan , Aboelhassan Wael , AlNasrallah Noor , Al‐Bader Bader , Malhas Haya , Ramadhan Maryam , Hussein Soumoud , Alotaibi Naser , Al Saleh Mohammad , Zhanna Kobalava D. , Almutairi Farah
Published: March 2022

Background

This study investigates in‐hospital mortality amongst patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and its relation to serum levels of gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT).

Methods

Patients were stratified according to serum levels of gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (GGT<50 IU/L or GGT≥50 IU/L).

Results

A total of 802 participants were considered, amongst whom 486 had GGT<50 IU/L and a mean age of 48.1 (16.5) years, whilst 316 had GGT≥50 IU/L and a mean age of 53.8 (14.7) years. The chief sources of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission were contact (366, 45.7%) and community (320, 40%). Most patients with GGT≥50 IU/L had either pneumonia (247, 78.2%) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (85, 26.9%), whilst those with GGT<50 IU/L had hypertension (141, 29%) or diabetes mellitus (DM) (147, 30.2%). Mortality was higher amongst patients with GGT≥50 IU/L (54, 17.1%) than amongst those with GGT<50 IU/L (29, 5.9%). More patients with GGT≥50 required high (83, 27.6%) or low (104, 34.6%) levels of oxygen, whereas most of those with GGT<50 had no requirement of oxygen (306, 71.2%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that GGT≥50 IU/L (odds ratio [OR]: 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–3.45, p=0.009), age (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03–1.07, p<0.001), hypertension (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.19–3.63, p=0.011), methylprednisolone (OR: 2.96, 95% CI: 1.74–5.01, p<0.001) and fever (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.15–3.68, p=0.016) were significant predictors of all‐cause cumulative mortality. A Cox proportional hazards regression model (B = −0.68, SE =0.24, HR =0.51, p = 0.004) showed that patients with GGT<50 IU/L had a 0.51‐times lower risk of all‐cause cumulative mortality than patients with GGT≥50 IU/L.

Conclusion

Higher levels of serum GGT were found to be an independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality.
The diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound for detecting COVID‐19 in emergency departments: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jari Reem , Alfuraih Abdulrahman M. , McLaughlan James R.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published literature investigating the use of lung ultrasound (LUS) on COVID‐19 patients, in emergency point of care settings, and to determine its diagnostic value compared with lung computed tomography (LCT) diagnostic performance. Whilst using the real‐time polymerase chain reaction test as the ‘gold standard’.

Methods

Literature searches were performed on MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed databases for eligible studies. The LUS and LCT pooled diagnostic performance were measured using DerSimonian–Laird random effect method.

Result

Out of a total of 158 studies, 16 met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios were 86.9%, 62.4%, 2.4 and 0.19, respectively for LUS and 93.5%, 72.6%, 3.3 and 0.05, respectively for LCT.

Conclusion

The lung ultrasound (LUS) demonstrated acceptable sensitivity but poor specificity when used independently to diagnose COVID‐19 pneumonia patients in emergency departments, while the lung computed tomography showed higher performance. Thus, LUS can be used to supplement existing diagnostic tools and possibly for the triage of patients.
Adverse events and breakthrough infections associated with COVID‐19 vaccination in the Indian population
Authors: Arora Geetika , Taneja Jyoti , Bhardwaj Priya , Goyal Shorya , Naidu Kumar , Yadav Sunita. K. , Saluja Daman , Jetly Sunita
Published: March 2022

Vaccines against COVID‐19 provide immunity to deter severe morbidities associated with the infection. However, it does not prevent infection altogether in all exposed individuals. Furthermore, emerging variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 impose a threat concerning the competency of the vaccines in combating the infection. This study aims to determine the variability in adverse events and the extent of breakthrough infections in the Indian population. A retrospective study was conducted using a pre‐validated questionnaire encompassing social, demographic, general health, the status of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, vaccination, associated adverse events, and breakthrough infections in the Indian population. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained as per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines. Participants, who provided the complete information, were Indian citizens, above 18 years, and if vaccinated, administered with either Covishield or Covaxin, were considered for the study. Data have been compiled in Microsoft Excel and analyzed for statistical differences using STATA 11. The responses from 2051 individuals fulfilling the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Among 2051, 1119 respondents were vaccinated and 932 respondents were non‐vaccinated. Among 1119 vaccinated respondents, 7 were excluded because of missing data. Therefore, out of 1112 vaccinated, 413 experienced adverse events with a major fraction of younger individuals, age 18–40 years, getting affected (74.82%; 309/413). Furthermore, considerably more females than males encountered adverse consequences to vaccination (p < 0.05). Among vaccinated participants, breakthrough infections were observed in 7.91% (88/1112; 57.96% males and 42.04% females) with the older age group, 61 years and above (odds ratio, 3.25 [1.32–8.03]; p = 0.011), and males were found to be at higher risk. Further research is needed to find the age and sex‐related factors in determining vaccine effectiveness and adverse events.
The single‐sourcing versus multisourcing decision in information technology outsourcing
Authors: Handley Sean , Skowronski Keith , Thakar Devashish
Published: March 2022

Although using a single vendor when outsourcing information technology (IT) services (i.e., single‐sourcing) is commonplace, splitting the IT service package among multiple vendors (i.e., multisourcing) is an increasingly popular strategy. However, our understanding of the factors that contribute to this trend is limited. Guided by a thorough review of the extant literature and interviews with industry experts, we focus on the influence of emerging technologies (i.e., cloud‐based services and automation services), vendor location (i.e., offshore or domestic), and experiential learning (i.e., client and vendor experience) on the choice between single‐sourcing and multisourcing for IT services. The trend towards more multisourcing exemplifies a broader movement towards greater disaggregation and distribution of knowledge work. Thus, we utilize a knowledge‐based perspective to develop our hypotheses for how the aforementioned factors relate to the likelihood of multisourcing. Analyzing a large database of IT service contracts, we find that cloud‐based services are less likely to be multisourced, but automation services are not significantly associated with the likelihood of multisourcing. We also find that more experienced client firms are more likely to adopt multisourcing. Conversely, our results indicate that more experienced vendors and vendors located offshore are less likely to be part of multisourcing arrangements. Exploratory post hoc analyses yield additional interesting insights related to client and vendor location. These findings advance our understanding of the drivers of the single‐sourcing versus multisourcing decision in IT and more broadly contribute to the literature on technology sourcing. Our study has normative implications for both client and vendor management teams.
Long‐term upper aerodigestive sequelae as a result of infection with COVID‐19
Authors: Allisan‐Arrighi Annie E. , Rapoport Sarah K. , Laitman Benjamin M. , Bahethi Rohini , Mori Matthew , Woo Peak , Genden Eric , Courey Mark , Kirke Diana N.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Respiratory, voice, and swallowing difficulties after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) may result secondary to upper airway disease from prolonged intubation or mechanisms related to the virus itself. We examined a cohort who presented with new laryngeal complaints following documented SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We characterized their voice, airway, and/or swallowing symptoms and reviewed the clinical course of their complaints to understand how the natural history of these symptoms relates to COVID‐19 infections.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients who presented to our department with upper aerodigestive complaints as sequelae of prior infection with, and management of, SARS‐CoV‐2.

Results

Eighty‐one patients met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 54.23 years (±17.36). Most common presenting symptoms were dysphonia (n = 58, 71.6%), dysphagia/odynophagia (n = 16, 19.75%), and sore throat (n = 9, 11.11%). Thirty‐one patients (38.27%) presented after intubation. Mean length of intubation was 16.85 days (range 1–35). Eighteen patients underwent tracheostomy and were decannulated after an average of 70.69 days (range 23–160). Patients with history of intubation were significantly more likely than nonintubated patients to be diagnosed with a granuloma (8 vs. 0, respectively, p < .01). Fifty patients (61.73%) were treated for SARS‐CoV‐2 without requiring intubation and were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with muscle tension dysphonia (19 vs. 1, p < .01) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (18 vs. 1, p < .01).

Conclusion

In patients with persistent dyspnea, dysphonia, or dysphagia after recovering from SARS‐CoV‐2, early otolaryngology consultation should be considered. Accurate diagnosis and prompt management of these common underlying etiologies may improve long‐term patient outcomes.

Level of evidence

4
Evaluation of discrete target detection with an acoustic Doppler current profiler
Authors: Dunn Muriel , Zedel Len
Published: March 2022

Acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) use the signal scattered back from small suspended drifting particles, such as suspended sediments and planktonic species, to measure water current velocity. Additionally, ADCPs detect signals scattered from fish and other pelagic organisms, but these signals are generally treated as noise and rejected during data processing. However, these rejected signals can contain information on fish movement, which presents an opportunity to extend the application of ADCP technology as a tool for monitoring fish activity. We compare discrete target counts made using an ADCP with those of a split‐beam echosounder in a region of high tidal currents in the Bay of Fundy. The comparison was achieved using a self‐contained bottom‐mounted frame equipped with both a 600‐kHz Teledyne RD Instruments Workhorse ADCP and a 120‐kHz BioSonics DTX Submersible split‐beam echosounder system. The discrete targets were identified using a combination of signal correlation and volume backscatter (SV) thresholds in the ADCP data and using a fish tracking algorithm in the split‐beam echosounder data. The resulting ADCP discrete target counts agreed with fish tracking counts made from the co‐located split‐beam echosounder. Notably, discrete targets recorded by the ADCP could be differentiated from entrained air using a high signal correlation threshold. This method can expand the application of ADCP data for biophysical assessments for fisheries management and could be of particular use in rivers and tidal channels.
Dimensions of Crosslinked Polymers without Rings
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: March 2022

Mean‐square radius of gyration Rg2 and the maximum span length LMS of each polymer molecule formed in the crosslinking of polymer chains that follow the Schulz–Zimm distribution are determined by using the Monte Carlo simulation method for the generation of various crosslinked polymer architecture. For the random crosslinking, it is found that the expected g‐ratio of Rg2 of the crosslinked polymer to that of a linear polymer for a given number of crosslinks k does not change with the crosslinking density up to the gel point. The g‐ratio for a given k is larger for broader primary chain length distribution, and a convenient formula for the relationship between g and k is proposed. The linear relationship, Rg2 = 0.178 LMS applies, at least approximately, regardless of the primary chain length distribution and the crosslinking density. The relationship is essentially the same as for the branched polymers. The effect of nonrandom crosslinking is investigated through the theoretical simulation for the free‐radical vinyl/divinyl copolymerization conducted in a steady‐state continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). It is found that the nonrandomness induced by this reaction system does not change either of the universal relationships, g–k and Rg2–LMS.
Identification of variants in ACAN and PAPSS2 leading to spondyloepi(meta)physeal dysplasias in four Chinese families
Authors: Cao Yixuan , Guan Xin , Li Shan , Wu Nan , Chen Xiumin , Yang Tao , Yang Bo , Zhao Xiuli
Published: March 2022

Background

Spondyloepi(meta)physeal dysplasias (SE[M]D) are a group of inherited skeletal disorders that mainly affect bone and cartilage, and next‐generation sequencing has aided the detection of genetic defects of such diseases. In this study, we aimed to identify causative variants in four Chinese families associated with SE(M)D.

Methods

We recruited four unrelated Chinese families all displaying short stature and growth retardation. Clinical manifestations and X‐ray imaging were recorded for all patients. Candidate variants were identified by whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and verified by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity was assessed by conservation analysis, 3D protein modeling and in silico prediction, and was confirmed according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Results

Three novel SE(M)D‐related variants c.1090dupG, c.7168 T > G, and c.2947G > C in ACAN, and one reported variant c.712C > T in PAPSS2 were identified. Among them, c.1090dupG in ACAN and c.712C > T in PAPSS2 caused truncated protein and the other two variants led to amino acid alterations. Conservation analysis revealed sites of the two missense variants were highly conserved, and bioinformatic findings confirmed their pathogenicity. 3D modeling of mutant protein encoded by c.7168 T > G(p.Trp2390Gly) in ACAN proved the structural alteration in protein level.

Conclusion

Our data suggested ACAN is a common pathogenic gene of SE(M)D. This study enriched the genetic background of skeletal dysplasias, and expanded the mutation spectra of ACAN and PAPSS2.
An application of Chebyshev wavelet method for the nonlinear time fractional Schrödinger equation
Authors: Esra Köse G. , Oruç Ömer , Esen Alaattin
Published: March 2022

In the present manuscript, we will deal with time fractional Schrödinger equation having appropriate initial and boundary conditions with Chebyshev wavelet method numerically. The Chebyshev wavelet method will be utilized successfully for two test problems. In order to find out efficiency and accuracy of this method, the widely used error norms L2 and L∞ of the newly found results have been compared with some of the other approximate results in the literature. The results have been given in tables and figures to show the compatibility between the new results and those in other articles.
Global existence and asymptotic behavior of solutions for a hyperbolic‐parabolic model of chemotaxis on network
Authors: Li Yafeng , Mu Chunlai , Xin Qiao
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we discuss a hyperbolic‐parabolic system on a network. The global existence of solution to this problem with suitable the transmission conditions at interior is obtained by energy estimates. Moreover, for the case of acyclic network, we prove the existence and uniqueness of stationary solution to the system and show that the stationary solution provides asymptotic profiles for a class of global solutions.
Stereoselective Transesterification of P‐Chirogenic Hydroxybinaphthyl Phosphinates
Authors: Kawajiri Akari , Udagawa Taro , Minoura Mao , Murai Toshiaki
Published: March 2022

The substitution reaction of phosphinates with a binaphthyloxy group at the phosphorus atom with lithium alkoxides proceeded with good to high efficiencies to give P‐chirogenic phosphinates with a high enantiomeric ratio. As alcohols, primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols could be used, and the use of tert‐butyl alcohol yielded the products with a higher enantiomeric ratio. A substrate with two different alkyl groups on the phosphorus atom could also participate in the substitution reaction to give the corresponding products in good yields with excellent selectivity. The molecular structures of one of the substrates and the corresponding products, determined by X‐ray analyses, proved that the substitution reaction at the phosphorus atom proceeded with inversion of the absolute configuration. The usefulness of the reaction was demonstrated by using it to prepare a drug candidate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Finally, thionation of the resulting phosphinates was carried out to form P‐chirogenic phosphinothioates.
Isotope fractionation during capillary leaking in an isotope ratio mass spectrometer
Authors: Yan Hao , Peng Yongbo , Bao Huiming
Published: March 2022

Rationale

When isotope composition is measured in dual‐inlet mode with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS), reference gas may be gradually enriched in heavy isotopes due to preferential loss of light ones from the bellows over time. Quantifying the degree of isotopic enrichment of the reference gas is imperative for high‐precision isotopic analysis (i.e. at per meg level).

Methods

O2 and CO2 leaking experiments were performed with the dual‐inlet system of an IRMS (Thermo Fisher® MAT 253 Plus). During each experiment, the drop of gas pressure in the bellows with time was recorded and isotope ratios of residual gas at various time intervals were analyzed.

Results

Isotopic enrichment of residual O2 gas could be as large as 1‰ for δ18O when a large fraction (>75%) of initial gas was lost. The evolution of isotope compositions of the remaining gas can be well described by a pressure‐dependent Rayleigh fractionation equation. When the pressure in the bellows is within 10–50 mBar, the isotope fractionation factor (α18O) for O2 leaking ranges from 0.99911 to 0.99982 and the characteristic relationship of α17O and α18O is from 0.5123 to 0.5124.

Conclusions

Isotope fractionation associated with capillary leaking from bellows is pressure‐dependent. We recommend that the reference gas should be reloaded frequently, especially after a measurement with a low analyzing pressure for the analysis of small amounts of sample.
Successful IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy for a patient with intrathoracic extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Horio Yoshitsugu , Tachibana Hiroyuki , Shimizu Junichi , Hosoda Waki , Fujiwara Yutaka
Published: March 2022

Treatment of extensive‐stage (ES) small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a challenge with poor local control and dismal overall survival. Although single extrathoracic metastasis was defined as M1b according to the eighth edition of the tumour–node–metastasis (TNM) classification of lung cancer, M1b includes involvement of a single intrathoracic nonregional lymph node (LN) such as pericardial, internal mammary or paravertebral LNs. Here, we report a successful treated case of a 50‐year‐old female with ES‐SCLC with right pericardial LN involvement, cT1cN3M1b (LYM). She initially received two cycles of induction chemotherapy consisting of cis‐Diamminedichloroplatinum/cisplatin (CDDP) and etoposide and achieved a very good partial response. She then received curative chemoradiotherapy with intensity‐modulated techniques (45 Gy in 30 fractions BID), followed by an additional cycle of chemotherapy. She is free of recurrence for more than 2.5 years.
Bayesian models for aggregate and individual patient data component network meta‐analysis
Authors: Efthimiou Orestis , Seo Michael , Karyotaki Eirini , Cuijpers Pim , Furukawa Toshi A. , Schwarzer Guido , Rücker Gerta , Mavridis Dimitris
Published: March 2022

Network meta‐analysis can synthesize evidence from studies comparing multiple treatments for the same disease. Sometimes the treatments of a network are complex interventions, comprising several independent components in different combinations. A component network meta‐analysis (CNMA) can be used to analyze such data and can in principle disentangle the individual effect of each component. However, components may interact with each other, either synergistically or antagonistically. Deciding which interactions, if any, to include in a CNMA model may be difficult, especially for large networks with many components. In this article, we present two Bayesian CNMA models that can be used to identify prominent interactions between components. Our models utilize Bayesian variable selection methods, namely the stochastic search variable selection and the Bayesian LASSO, and can benefit from the inclusion of prior information about important interactions. Moreover, we extend these models to combine data from studies providing aggregate information and studies providing individual patient data (IPD). We illustrate our models in practice using three real datasets, from studies in panic disorder, depression, and multiple myeloma. Finally, we describe methods for developing web‐applications that can utilize results from an IPD‐CNMA, to allow for personalized estimates of relative treatment effects given a patient's characteristics.
Porous ZnO Microspheres Grafted with Poly‐(N‐isopropylacrylamide) via SI‐ATRP: Reversible Temperature‐Controlled Switching of Photocatalysis**
Authors: Feng Qian , Ren Yonghui , Sun Zhaojie , Liu Jia , Zhou Yuze , Tang Dongyan
Published: March 2022

We report on the fabrication of porous ZnO microspheres (pZnO MSs) grafted with thermo‐responsive polymers of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP) for photocatalysis applications. Photodegradation of Rhodamine B (Rh‐B) is used to evaluate the photocatalysis performance of pZnO MSs grafted with PNIPAM (pZnO MSs‐PNIPAM). The results show that pZnO MSs‐PNIPAM exhibits a reversible temperature‐controlled photocatalysis activity and good recycling performance. By adjusting the environmental temperature, the photocatalysis property of pZnO MSs‐PNIPAM can be turned on/off, resulting in a temperature‐controlled switching function of the obvious/unobvious photocatalysis performance below/upon the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM. Additionally, the dispersion property of pZnO MSs‐PNIPAM in water can also be regulated by changing the environment temperature, demonstrating the potential applications in that of photocatalysis‐related fields for the graft systems.
In Site Generation of Well‐Dispersed Ag3PO4 NPs on Protein‐Inorganic Hybrid Nanoflowers with Enhanced Catalytic Performance
Authors: Ji Chunxiao , Zheng Jing , Jin Yuqin , Yin Xue‐bo , Han Suping , Zhang Min
Published: March 2022

Developing environmental‐friendly and high‐performance catalysts hold excellent prospects for pollution control. Herein, a novel nanocatalyst is successfully prepared through a facile in‐situ deposition method upon bridging copper phosphate and the protein, which allowing uniform Ag3PO4 NPs to be immobilized on both inner and outer hierarchical nanoflowers. Results show that the fabricated hierarchical flower‐like architecture of Cu3(PO4)2@BSA@Ag3PO4 composite demonstrated superior catalytic performance for the hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol. Moreover, the hybrid nanoflowers hold a high conversion rate (around 95.4 %) and recycling stability over five reaction cycles. Therefore, such a convenient, economical and green approach to synthesize recyclable nanoflowers possesses broad application potential for the treatment of agricultural and industrial wastewater.
The Colorimetric Identification of NO2− in Latent Fingerprints by Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Huang Rui , Ma Yuyao , Peng An
Published: March 2022

Nitrate (NO2−) is a common explosion residue, whose identification is conducive to the detection of explosion cases. Herein, the chemical reaction of o‐phenylenediamine (OPD) with NO2− and the inclusion action of hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) are successfully used to visualize the latent fingerprint with attached NO2−. Furthermore, we have realized the semi‐quantitative analysis of NO2− in latent fingerprints by processing the color information of fingerprint images digitally according to the HSV color space, which is constructing the data relationship between the hue (H), saturation (S), value (V), and NO2− of the fingerprint image. This method is fast, non‐invasive, and convenient to operate. It realizes the simultaneous identification of the form of latent fingerprints. And its chemical composition(NO2−) provides a reference for the rapid detection of explosive residues of ammonium nitrate explosive in latent fingerprints.
Fast 3D Printing with Chitosan/Polyvinyl alcohol/Graphene Oxide Multifunctional Hydrogel Ink that has UltraStretch Properity
Authors: Hao Feiyue , Maimaitiyiming Xieraili
Published: March 2022

Chitosan(CS) hydrogels prepare under novel alkaline conditions have attracted attention because they have more excellent mechanical properties than traditional acidic preparation conditions.We observe that the prepared CS sol still exhibits excellent printability even in the lower mass fraction range.It can be empolyed for fast printing and stable shape retention at room temperature.In order to meet the 3D printing of hydrogels with high mechanical properties, a solid cross‐linked network is constructed based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and CS .The hybrid hydrogel ink retains the excellent printability of CS hydrogel while also enhancing its mechanical properties (strain>400 %).Then graphene oxide (GO) is introduced into the system to give full play to the multi‐functional characteristics of the composite hydrogels.This kind of hydrogel is used to print flexible sensors and shows very distinctive application value.Furthermore, it can be served as a flexible electrode material for the design of complex circuit systems, contributing to the development of flexible sensors.In short, this work will open a new research path for the application of fast 3D printing hydrogels with ultrastrenth properity.
Becoming a Critical ESL Teacher: The Intersection of Historicity, Identity, and Pedagogy
Authors: Shin Jaran , Rubio Jesse W.
Published: March 2022

This case study examines how an experienced secondary ESL teacher’s personal and professional history is linked to his curricular choices in the classroom and how his enactment of critical educator identity interacts with ideologies within society. The analysis of the focal teacher’s experiences that remain prominent in autobiographical memory shows that his lived experiences of (re)learning Spanish and English, studying and teaching abroad and in California, and extensive reading influenced the cultivation of his identity as a critical educator. He designed a curriculum that used historical fiction and that evoked an approach to the mechanisms of ideological control both within the context of the chosen works of historical fiction and within students’ lives. Yet, the situatedness of teacher identity exposed his identities to the influence of neoliberal educational policies and students’ lack of interest in the curriculum and learning in general, jeopardizing his understanding of what to believe, how to act, and how to be. The findings of this study led us to theorize that the interplay of life histories, identities, practices, and contexts by using the notion of historicity.