bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review reveals sexually antagonistic knockouts in model organisms
Authors: Harper Jon Alexander , Morrow Edward H.
Published: December 2022

Sexual antagonism is thought to be an important selective force in multiple evolutionary processes, but very few examples of the genes involved are known. Such a deficit of loci could partially be explained by the lack of overlap in terminology between scientific disciplines. Following a similar review in humans, we searched systematically for studies that described genes with sexually antagonistic or sex‐opposite effects in any taxa, using terms designed to capture alternative descriptions of sexual antagonism. Despite drawing on a potentially very large pool of studies we found only eight articles, which between them described seven candidate variants, five of these were gene knockouts. In every case, the variants had net negative effects on the focal trait. One locus was independently validated between studies, but in comparison to previous data on variants in humans and the fruit‐fly, the studies generally suffered from small sample sizes, with concomitant high variance. Our review highlights the radically different effects that gene deletions can have on males and females, where the beneficial effects seen in one sex may facilitate the evolution of gene loss. We searched systematically for genetic variants with sexually antagonistic or sex‐opposite effects in any taxa. Of 2116 articles, we found seven candidate variants, five of which were gene knockouts. Our review highlights the radically different effects that gene deletions can have on males and females, where the beneficial effects seen in one sex may facilitate the evolution of gene loss.
Fine‐scale diversity of prey detected in humpback whale feces
Authors: Reidy Rhonda D. , Lemay Matthew A. , Innes Katie G. , Clemente‐Carvalho Rute B. G. , Janusson Carly , Dower John F. , Cowen Laura L. E. , Juanes Francis
Published: December 2022

Predator diets are largely influenced by prey availability and abundance. Yet, in heterogenous marine environments, identifying the prey species consumed by diving mammals remains a fundamental challenge. For rorqual whales, the energetic constraints of prey engulfment require that the whales seek areas of high prey abundance and execute discrete lunge feeding events on patches of high‐density prey. Prey occurrences in feces should therefore provide meaningful insight into the dominant taxa in food patches selected by the animal. We investigated the prey consumed by humpback whales in three regions in southern British Columbia (BC), Canada, using opportunistic fecal sampling, microscopy, and DNA metabarcoding of 14 fecal samples. Fish including Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), hake (Merluccius productus), and eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) were the most common fish species potentially targeted by humpback whales in two regions. The krill Euphausia pacifica was the most prevalent invertebrate DNA detected in all three regions, while sergestid and mysid shrimp may also be important. High DNA read abundances from walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) were also recovered in one sample each, suggesting that juveniles of these semi‐pelagic species may occasionally be targeted. In general, we observed heavily digested fecal material that drove substantial dissimilarities in taxonomic resolution between polymerase chain reaction‐based and morphological analyses of the feces. Pacific herring and walleye pollock were the only prey species confirmed by both methods. Our results highlight that molecular and visual analyses of fecal samples provide a complementary approach to diet analysis, with each method providing unique insight into prey diversity.
Relationship between salmon egg subsidy and the distribution of an avian predator
Authors: Yamada Taihei , Katahira Hirotaka , Miura Kazuki , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: December 2022

As a spatial subsidy, which is the phenomenon of transferring resources from a donor system to a recipient system, anadromous salmonids contribute to the supply of marine‐derived nutrients to freshwater and terrestrial systems. Live salmon and salmon carcasses and eggs are utilized by various organisms and affect their abundance and distribution. However, the evaluation of the effect of salmon subsidies on the abundance and distribution of terrestrial animals is biased toward predators or scavengers that utilize spawning adults and carcasses, and few studies have focused on the effect of salmon eggs as a subsidy. To avoid underestimating the function of salmon subsidies, the response to the availability of salmon eggs in various systems should be investigated. Here, we investigated the abundance and feeding behavior of the brown dipperCinclus pallasii, as a consumer of salmon eggs, based on the hypothesis that the availability of salmon eggs affects the diet composition and stream distribution of this small predator. In addition, to test whether changes in the abundance of brown dippers are determined by salmon spawning, their abundance was compared upstream and downstream of the check dams in three streams during the peak spawning period. Brown dippers used salmon eggs during the spawning season (53.7% of diet composition), and their abundance increased as the number of spawning redds increased. In contrast, this pattern was not observed upstream of the check dam. These results suggested that the abundance and stream distribution of brown dippers vary according to the variation in the spatiotemporal availability of salmon eggs.
E prostanoid receptor‐3 promotes oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐induced human aortic smooth muscle cells inflammation
Authors: Hu Chuang‐Jia , Wang Yan‐Wei , Huang Wei‐Xing , Xia Yu‐Bin
Published: December 2022

Aim

The progression of atherosclerosis can lead to the occurrence of multiple cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, etc.). E prostanoid receptor‐3 (EP3) is known to participate in the progression of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which EP3 modulates the development of atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

ApoE−/− mice were used to construct in vivo model of atherosclerosis. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were stimulated with oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) to construct in vitro model of atherosclerosis. mRNA expressions were assessed by qRT‐PCR, and western blot was applied to assess the protein levels. CCK‐8 assay was applied to assess the cell viability. The inflammatory cytokines levels were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry was applied to assess cell apoptosis. In vivo experiment was constructed to investigate the impact of EP3 in atherosclerosis development. L‐798106 (EP3 inhibitor) significantly inhibited the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in atherosclerosis in vivo. EP3 inhibitor (L‐798106) significantly reversed ox‐LDL‐caused HASMCs injury via inhibiting the apoptosis and inflammatory responses (P < 0.05). The levels of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in HASMCs were elevated by ox‐LDL, whereas L‐798106 or knockdown of cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element‐binding protein (CREB) notably restored this phenomenon (P < 0.05). EP3 overexpression further aggravated ox‐LDL‐induced inflammation in HASMCs, and EP3 up‐regulated the levels of IL‐17 and ICAM‐1 in ox‐LDL‐treated HASMCs (P < 0.05). EP3 up‐regulation promoted the inflammatory responses in ox‐LDL‐treated HASMCs through mediation of cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/CREB/IL‐17/ICAM‐1 axis (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

EP3 inhibitor alleviates ox‐LDL‐induced HASMC inflammation via mediation of cAMP/PKA/CREB/IL‐17/ICAM‐1 axis. Our study might shed new lights on discovering novel strategies against atherosclerosis.
Stability assessment and development of design criteria for SCBF systems with in‐plane buckling braces
Authors: Patra Pratik , Sahoo Dipti Ranjan
Published: December 2022

Special concentrically braced frames (SCBFs) with in‐plane buckling (IPB) braces are often designed using the provisions applicable for out‐of‐plane buckling (OOPB) brace systems. As a result, the IPB brace systems may fail in the undesirable modes as observed in past experimental studies. In this study, a novel simplified analytical formulation based on the rigid beam spring model (RBSM) has been proposed to prevent the out‐of‐plane buckling of IPB braces. A high‐fidelity finite element model (FEM) is generated and validated with the experimental studies incorporating the influence of the residual stress, imperfection, and strain hardening. The variability, sensitivity, and uncertainties involved in predicting the direction of buckling of braces are examined. A parametric study has been carried out to investigate the influence of thickness and clearance of the gusset and knife plates, geometric imperfections, slenderness ratios, compactness ratios, residual stresses, and frame actions considering the most destabilizing effect in the OOPB mode. The third mode of buckling, termed as the mixed‐mode of buckling, has been observed in this study. A design criterion is proposed to get the desired IPB mode of buckling of braces in SCBFs. Multivariate regression analysis is carried out to incorporate the impact of various parameters as well as uncertainties in the formulation of the design criteria. The validity of the proposed equation is verified by comparing the findings of past experimental studies for various loading scenarios. Finally, a resistance factor of 0.8 in the LRFD approach has been proposed for the IPB brace systems.
Influence of friction velocity and saltation intensity on the particle‐size distribution of dust (PM32) emitted from an agricultural soil
Authors: Panebianco Juan Esteban , Avecilla Fernando , Funk Roger , Buschiazzo Daniel Eduardo
Published: December 2022

The size distribution of dust emitted from soils determines particle attributes such as the enrichment in elements that are important for biogeochemical cycles, global climate and human health. There is an ongoing discussion about the size distribution of dust and its relationship with saltation and wind speed. In this work, we present our own results and discuss them in the context of other studies, emphasizing on dust emission from agricultural soils, which is relatively complex and less studied. The objective of this work was to evaluate the particle size distribution of the emitted dust or particulate matter (PM) up to 32 μm in diameter (PM32) from an agricultural sandy soil under two saltation‐supply conditions, using a wind tunnel coupled to a dust‐suspension chamber. We found strong correlations between friction velocity, saltation flux and dust emission. Additional saltation supply increased the total dust PM32 emission at high wind speeds up to three‐fold. Correlation between wind speed and dust concentration was best explained by a power law, with exponents up to 12.04 for the 20 to 32 μm particle‐size range under high‐saltation conditions, but much lower (up to 4.34) for the 0.25 to 1 μm size range under low saltation. An increase of the wind speed affected significantly the concentration of the coarser dust fraction (PM > 10 μm), but affected less the concentration of fine dust (PM from 10 to 1 μm) and did not affect the concentration of the ultrafine (PM < 1 μm) fraction in the suspension chamber. Results found suggest that dust is mostly produced from particles less than 60 μm in diameter, both by fragmentation and direct wind lift. Results found herein reinforce one of the existent theories, but raise questions about the influence of the soil type, and the place and timing of the sampling arrangements.
The processes of firebrand deposition and accumulation from wind‐driven firebrand showers
Authors: Suzuki Sayaka , Manzello Samuel L.
Published: December 2022

Firebrands, or smoldering and/or flaming particles, are in fact the main culprit to destroy structures in large outdoor fires. A recent comprehensive review of firebrand combustion reported that deposition and subsequent accumulation processes remain largely unexplored. As part of this work, a series of experiments were undertaken to investigate firebrand deposition and accumulation processes in the National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster (NRIFD)'s wind facility. A reduced‐scale firebrand generator was utilized, and various flow obstructions were placed downstream of these firebrand generators to better understand these complex deposition processes. Results of these investigations for multiple wind speeds, firebrand size and mass distributions, and obstacle placement are presented and discussed.
A constrained proper orthogonal decomposition model for upscaling permeability
Authors: Onimisi Temiloluwa Atinuke , Lashore Babatunde Oluwaseyi , Akanji Lateef T. , Gomes Jefferson Luis Melo de Almeida
Published: December 2022

Reservoir modeling and simulation are vital components of modern reservoir management processes. Despite the advances in computing power and the advent of smart technologies, the implementation of model‐based operational/control strategies has been limited by the inherent complexity of reservoir models. Thus, reduce order models that not only reduce the cost of the implementation but also provide geological consistent prediction are essential. This article introduces reduced‐order models based on the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) coupled with linear interpolation for upscaling. First, using POD‐based models, low rank approximate (LRA) are obtained by projecting the high dimensional permeability dataset to a low dimensional subspace spanned by its trajectories to decorrelate the dataset. Next, the LRA is integrated into the interpolation algorithm to generate upscaled values. This technique is highly scalable since low‐rank approximations are achieved by the variation in the number of modes used for reconstruction. To test the validity and reliability of the model, we show its application to the practical dataset from SPE10 benchmark case2. From statistics of the error analysis, the classical POD algorithm seems to be more preferred for LRA; however, since non‐negativity of the permeability data set is a priority, the constrained POD (non‐negative POD) algorithm described in this article is more appropriate. Finally, we compared the POD‐based models to a traditional industry‐standard upscaling technique (e.g., arithmetic mean) to highlight our model benefits/performance. Results show that the POD‐based models, particularly the non‐negative POD model, produce considerably less error than the arithmetic mean model in the upscaling process.
Detecting mitochondrial mutations associated with aminoglycoside ototoxicity by noninvasive prenatal testing
Authors: Huang Quanfei , Liu Yanhui , Lei Wei , Liang Jiajie , Wang Yang , Zheng Minhua , Huang Xiaoyan , Liu Yuanru , Huang Kaisheng , Huang Min
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Numerous diseases and disorders are associated with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, among which m.1555A > G and m.1494C > T mutations in the 12 S ribosomal RNA gene contribute to aminoglycoside‐induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss worldwide.

Methods

A total of 76,842 qualified non‐invasive prenatal (NIPT) samples were subjected to mtDNA mutation and haplogroup analysis.

Results

We detected 181 m.1555A > G and m.1494C > T mutations, 151 of which were subsequently sequenced for full‐length mitochondrial genome verification. The positive predictive values for the m.1555A > G and m.1494C > T mutations were 90.78% and 90.00%, respectively, a performance comparable to that attained with newborn hearing screening. Furthermore, mitochondrial haplogroup analysis revealed that the 12 S rRNA 1555A > G mutation was enriched in sub‐haplotype D5[p = 0, OR = 4.6706(2.81–7.78)].

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the non‐invasive prenatal testing of cell‐free DNA obtained from maternal plasma can successfully detect m.1555A > G and m.1494C > T mutations.
Community resilience and continuous challenges: A qualitative analysis of the functioning of communities in the aftermath of persistent and ordinary stressors
Authors: Rochira Alessia , De Simone Evelyn , Mannarini Terri
Published: December 2022

The study aimed at investigating the functioning of communities in the aftermath of continuous challenges and identifying standards for describing resilient paths based on the perspective of community members. A qualitative investigation was carried out in 11 territorial communities of Salento, in southern Italy. Fifty‐two key informants were interviewed and interview transcripts were submitted to thematic content analysis through Atlas.Ti. Overall, the interviewees reported that their communities suffer from a varied set of complex and interrelated adverse circumstances that have increased their vulnerability. The respondents have a clear idea about the community strengths and weaknesses that either allow or impede adaptive responses, though they did not understand the latter in separation from the slow‐onset events that have contributed to causing them. On the basis of findings, resilient paths facing continuous challenges can be described as trajectories of functioning allowing the communities to survive and progress through adaptive and maladaptive responses.
Pediatric Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Exposure–Response Analysis of Ambrisentan in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Comparison With Adult Data
Authors: Okour Malek , Thapar Mita M. , Farrell Colm , Lukas Mary Ann , Beghetti Maurice , Beerahee Misba
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of ambrisentan in pediatric patients (8 to <18 years) with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and compare pediatric ambrisentan systemic exposure with previously reported adult data. Association of ambrisentan exposure with efficacy (6‐minute walking distance) and safety (adverse events) were exploratory analyses. A population PK model was developed using pediatric PK data. Steady‐state systemic exposure metrics were estimated for the pediatric population and compared with previously reported data in adult patients with PAH and healthy subjects. No covariates had a significant effect on PK parameters; therefore, the final covariate model was the same as the base model. The pediatric population PK model was a 2‐compartment model including the effect of body weight (allometric scaling), first‐order absorption and elimination, and absorption lag time. Steady‐state ambrisentan exposure was similar between the pediatric and adult population when accounting for body weight differences. Geometric mean area under the concentration‐time curve at steady state in pediatric patients receiving ambrisentan low dose was 3% lower than in the adult population (and similar in both populations receiving high dose). Geometric mean maximum plasma concentration at steady state in pediatric patients receiving low and high doses was 11% and 18% higher, respectively, than in the adult population. There was no apparent association in the pediatric or adult population between ambrisentan exposure and change in 6‐minute walking distance or incidence of ambrisentan‐related adverse events in pediatric patients. The similar ambrisentan exposure and exposure–response profiles observed in pediatric and adult populations with PAH suggests appropriateness of body‐weight–based dosing in the pediatric population with PAH.
The effects of language learning and math mindsets on academic success in an engineering program
Authors: Kaya Sibel , Yuksel Dogan , Curle Samantha
Published: December 2022

Background

Mindsets are based on two basic assumptions: some people think that their intellectual abilities can be developed through hard work and instruction (i.e., a growth mindset), whereas others believe that nothing can change their level of intellectual ability (i.e., a fixed mindset). The association between mindsets and academic achievement has been examined in different academic subjects, such as biology and math. However, no previous study has examined the effects of language learning mindsets (LLMs) and math mindsets (MMs) on academic success in an English medium instruction (EMI) setting in which English, rather than the first language of the students, is used for teaching content (e.g., mechatronics engineering).

Purpose/Hypothesis

This study explores the relationship between Turkish mechatronics engineering undergraduate students' domain‐specific mindsets, LLMs and MMs, and their academic success.

Design/Method

Student test scores for English medium and first‐language medium courses were collected from fourth‐year students studying mechatronics engineering (n = 68) at a public university in Turkey. Students also completed the LLM and MM inventories.

Results

Regression analyses revealed that growth LLM and MM were positive predictors of EMI and Turkish medium of instruction (TMI) academic success, whereas fixed LLM and MM were negative predictors of EMI and TMI academic success.

Conclusions

In both EMI and TMI courses, a growth mindset in math and language learning can profoundly predict students' academic achievement in a mechatronics engineering program. We argue that domain‐specific mindsets can effectively explain the self‐theories of intelligence and achievement.
Authentication of Bistortae Rhizoma and its three adulterants based on their macroscopic morphology and microscopic characteristics
Authors: Wang Huan , Zou Hang , Cheng Cheng , Wang Weining , Wang Siyi , Wang Dongmei , Pan Yingni , Qu Shouhe , Liu Xiaoqiu
Published: December 2022

Bistortae Rhizoma (Quanshen), a dried rhizome of Polygonum bistorta L., is edited in Chinese Pharmacopiea as only one of species of Polygonum. There are many adulterants were used as Quanshen such as “Eryeliao,” “Taipingyangliao” and “Daogenliao” because of its remarkable functions. Previous researches had shown that there were not significant differences among them. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive authentication of these herbs samples. Analyses of the microscopic features of the powders and transverse sections of herbs are the most significant measures of accreditation of the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, microscopic observation of powders of the herbs and cross‐sectional tissues were performed by using common light microscopy, polarized light microscopy and combining PCA analysis to identify Quanshen and three adulterants. We found that calcium oxalate clusters can be a good microscopic marker index to distinguish Quabshen and Eryeliao. In addition, Quanshen and the other two can be further distinguished by the characteristics of cork layer cells and vascular bundles on transverse section of the rhizome. Our results showed that the approach, microscopic features and digital characterization, is efficient, convenient, and reliable.
Quantitative fingerprint and antioxidative properties of Artemisia argyi leaves combined with chemometrics
Authors: Zhang Lixian , Wei Yue , Wang Wei , Fan Yi , Li Feifei , Li Zhining , Lin Aiqin , Gu Haike , Song Meifang , Wang Tao , Liu Guijun , Li Xiao
Published: December 2022

Quantitative fingerprint and differences of Artemisia argyi from different varieties, picking time, aging year, and origins were analyzed combing with chemometrics. The antioxidant activity was determined and antioxidant markers of Artemisia argyi were screened. Variety WA3 was significantly different from that of the other varieties. Fingerprint peak response and antioxidant activity of A. argyi picked in December were lower than samples collected in May and August. Fresh A. argyi leaves were significantly superior to withered leaves and stems. Artemisia argyi aging 1–5 years presented a classification trend. Antioxidant activity of A. argyi produced in Nanyang was generally superior to others origins. Peak 9, isochlorogenic acid A, and 6‐methoxyluteolin contributed greatly for classification of A. argyi from different variety, picking time, aging year, and origin. Isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, 6‐methoxyluteolin, and chlorogenic acid were selected as antioxidant marker of A. argyi. The method based on quantitative fingerprint, antioxidant activity evaluation, and chemometrics was reliable to analyze the differences of A. argyi samples from different sources.
Ecological drivers of dissimilarity in multidimensional plant composition of early‐stage plantations in a loess hilly‐gully region
Authors: Wu Huifeng , Hu Baoan , Ma Ying , Cheng Xiaoqin , Kang Fengfeng , Han Hairong
Published: December 2022

Plant diversity is an important link between forest ecosystems' structural composition and functional processes. The simple composition of young plantations is weakening the ecological function of restored forest ecosystems in arid regions. The ecological drivers of the plant composition and dissimilarity in plantations remain unclear, especially in the early restoration stage. To fill the gap in knowledge of the differences in species composition in early restored ecosystems, and to reveal the influencing factors of similar species numbers with different compositional structures, based on species' presence‐absence, abundance, and conspicuousness, we explored dissimilarity in the plant composition of young plantations in the loess hilly‐gully region. Our results showed that differences in alpha diversity among plantations were minimal, while the differences in beta diversity were significant. Even if the species diversity of a plantation was low, communities with similar species richness used to have large dissimilarities in their species composition. Turnover components and balanced variation often contributed significantly to species compositional dissimilarity. Co‐inertia analysis results showed species conspicuousness had the greatest consistency with observed environmental variables (RV = 0.65). The redundancy analysis and generalized diversity modeling results showed differences between the drivers of species diversity and dissimilarity. The primary influencing factors for alpha diversity were: soil water content, soil texture, soil total phosphorus, and soil organic carbon. Primary influencing factors for dissimilarity (beta diversity) were: soil nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, breast‐height diameter, soil water content, and stand density. Collectively, plant taxa dissimilarity was influenced by soil nutrient ratio and community structure and plant taxa abundance was influenced by soil nutrient content. Our findings improve the understanding of the plantation species composition and facilitate the prediction of ecological functions.
Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens): A sustainable protein source for tomorrow
Authors: Baby Chinju , Kaur Sawinder , Singh Jyoti , Prasad Rasane
Published: December 2022

Protein is one of the essential major nutrients required for the cell functioning in human body. Complete proteins, which are usually found in animal‐based proteins, despite of having high biovailability also cause adverse effect on the environment and increased the risk of diet‐related chronic diseases. Recent years have witnessed enhanced awareness about the health benefits of substituting animal‐based proteins with plant‐based proteins, especially in developed countries. Nitrogen‐fixing grain legumes are considered important sources of protein in many developing countries as they are generally cheaper than meat or cereals. Extensive research has been conducted on several underutilized legumes with similar nutritional properties to soybean; one of these legumes is velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens). Though it is rich in protein (27%), complementary amino acid pattern to that of cereal grains exerts health beneficial properties, including antiparkinson, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, it is limited for human consumption due to the presence of antinutrients. This review provides insight into the potential use of this underutilized legume in resolving the global protein crisis and address food insecurity issues. Additionally, the review focuses on various processing conditions necessary to utilize velvet bean for the development of food products and by‐products like protein isolate, concentrate, flour and their functional properties, and toxicological viewpoint. This current might help in driving future research and applications in velvet bean as a sustainable, plant‐based protein source for human foods along with the critical research areas for their improvement.
Coupled stochastic systems of Skorokhod type: Well‐posedness of a mathematical model and its applications
Authors: Kim Thoa Thieu Thi , Muntean Adrian , Melnik Roderick
Published: December 2022

Population dynamics with complex biological interactions, accounting for uncertainty quantification, are critical for many application areas. However, due to the complexity of biological systems, the mathematical formulation of the corresponding problems faces the challenge that the corresponding stochastic processes should, in most cases, be considered in bounded domains. We propose a model based on a coupled system of reflecting Skorokhod‐type stochastic differential equations with jump‐like exit from a boundary. The setting describes the population dynamics of active and passive populations. As main working techniques, we use compactness methods and Skorokhod's representation of solutions to SDEs posed in bounded domains to prove the well‐posedness of the system. This functional setting is a new point of view in the field of modeling and simulation of population dynamics. We provide the details of the model, as well as representative numerical examples, and discuss the applications of a Wilson–Cowan‐type system, modeling the dynamics of two interacting populations of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Furthermore, the presence of random input current, reflecting factors together with Poisson jumps, increases firing activity in neuronal systems.
Ground state solutions for Schrödinger–Poisson systems on ℝ3$$ {\mathbb{R}}^3 $$ with a weighted critical exponent
Authors: Du Yao , Su Jiabao
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we are interested in the existence of ground state solutions for the weighted critical Schrödinger–Poisson systems. The weighted critical exponent may be the Hénon–Sobolev, the Sobolev or the Hardy–Sobolev critical exponent. Moreover, the potentials are power type, which may be singular at origin or unbounded. Due to the presence of Possion term, we can not directly obtain the boundedness of the Palais–Smale sequences of the associated functional for some cases. The Pohozaev identity, the minimax principle and some techniques are used to overcome the difficulties.
Composite observer‐based adaptive event‐triggered backstepping control for fractional‐order nonlinear systems with input constraints
Authors: Bai Zhiye , Li Shenggang , Liu Heng
Published: December 2022

An event‐triggered neural adaptive backstepping controller via a state and a disturbance observers is proposed for uncertain fractional‐order nonlinear systems with time‐varying external disturbances and unavailable states. The radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is utilized to approximate uncertain nonlinear terms, and a coupled observer including both state observer and disturbance observer is developed in view of the output of the RBFNN to obtain the dynamic information of unmeasured states and unknown compounded disturbances. Then, to tackle with the impact of input constraints, an auxiliary system is constructed, and an event‐triggered approach is developed to cut down communication burden between the controller and the actuator. Moreover, a dynamic surface control strategy is developed to cope with the tedious analytic computation of time derivatives of virtual controllers. The stability analysis demonstrates that the involved signals remain bounded, and tracking and observering errors can converge to a diminutive neighborhood around the origin. At last, the effectiveness of the developed control method is verified by two numerical examples.
A numerical human brain phantom for dynamic glucose‐enhanced (DGE) MRI: On the influence of head motion at 3T
Authors: Lehmann Patrick M. , Seidemo Anina , Andersen Mads , Xu Xiang , Li Xu , Yadav Nirbhay N. , Wirestam Ronnie , Liebig Patrick , Testud Frederik , Sundgren Pia , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Knutsson Linda
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Dynamic glucose‐enhanced (DGE) MRI relates to a group of exchange‐based MRI techniques where the uptake of glucose analogues is studied dynamically. However, motion artifacts can be mistaken for true DGE effects, while motion correction may alter true signal effects. The aim was to design a numerical human brain phantom to simulate a realistic DGE MRI protocol at 3T that can be used to assess the influence of head movement on the signal before and after retrospective motion correction.

Methods

MPRAGE data from a tumor patient were used to simulate dynamic Z‐spectra under the influence of motion. The DGE responses for different tissue types were simulated, creating a ground truth. Rigid head movement patterns were applied as well as physiological dilatation and pulsation of the lateral ventricles and head‐motion‐induced
B0‐changes in presence of first‐order shimming. The effect of retrospective motion correction was evaluated.

Results

Motion artifacts similar to those previously reported for in vivo DGE data could be reproduced. Head movement of 1 mm translation and 1.5 degrees rotation led to a pseudo‐DGE effect on the order of 1% signal change. B0 effects due to head motion altered DGE changes due to a shift in the water saturation spectrum. Pseudo DGE effects were partly reduced or enhanced by rigid motion correction depending on tissue location.

Conclusion

DGE MRI studies can be corrupted by motion artifacts. Designing post‐processing methods using retrospective motion correction including B0 correction will be crucial for clinical implementation. The proposed phantom should be useful for evaluation and optimization of such techniques.
The lived experiences of health care professionals regarding visiting restrictions in the emergency department during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A multi‐perspective qualitative study
Authors: Lyu Yang , Yu Han , Gao Fengli , He Xinhua , Crilly Julia
Published: December 2022

Aims

To explore the lived experiences of emergency department (ED) healthcare professionals regarding visiting restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

A qualitative phenomenology study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken. Participants consisted of 10 physicians, 20 clinical nurses, and three managers, who were purposefully selected from two EDs in China between April and July 2021. Colaizzi's approach guided data analysis.

Results

Four themes arose: (i) burden moral injury, (ii) higher workload to provide and support patient‐ and family‐centered care, (iii) dissatisfied and unsafe healthcare service for patients and families, and (iv) tailoring strategies to provide family‐centered care.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study explored the lived experiences of ED health care professionals regarding visiting restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Noted challenges included communicating with families and ethical decision making. Strategies that support ED clinician welfare, and communication with families are warranted if visiting policy restrictions are continued or re‐introduced.
Online data‐driven control of variable speed wind turbines using the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation approach
Authors: Nouri Manzar Mojtaba , Khaki‐Sedigh A.
Published: December 2022

This article presents a data‐driven control algorithm for a variable‐speed wind turbine in the partial load region. The controller is designed and optimized online to capture maximum energy from the wind. The online optimization is based on the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation method (SPSA) that is data‐driven, has a low computational load, and converges rapidly. In the control structure, the generator torque control is activated, and the aerodynamical models and the wind speed value are not required. A suitable cost function is defined, and a time window optimization problem is solved via the SPSA algorithm. The efficiency of the proposed method is evaluated on a 4.8 MW wind turbine benchmark.
Early splenomegaly and septicaemia in homozygous sickle cell disease: A birth cohort study
Authors: Rankine‐Mullings Angela E. , Logan T. M. , Asnani M. , Serjeant G. R.
Published: December 2022

Background

Patients with homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS) and clinical splenomegaly by 6 months of age appeared at greater risk of invasive infections after 5 years of the Jamaican Cohort Study. We determined whether this risk remained significant over a longer study period, using a more rigorous definition of infection and examining the contribution of potential confounders.

Methods

Newborn screening of 100,000 consecutive deliveries during 1973–1981 detected 311 births with HbSS. Age at first clinical splenomegaly was used to categorize 285 of these patients in whom this could be determined: at or before 7 months (early), after 7 months (later), or ‘never’ palpated despite repeated examinations. Infective episodes were confined to ‘first infections confirmed by positive culture’. Using a generalized linear model, the risk of septicaemia was assessed in each group, after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Of 93 ‘first infections’, 42 occurred in 105 subjects in the ‘early’ group, 49 in 157 subjects in the ‘later’ group, and two in 23 subjects in the ‘never’ group; the observed to expected ratio of 1.42, 0.90 and 0.22 was highly significant (p = .003). Assessed as risk ratios, ‘early’ splenomegaly had a significantly higher risk ratio (RR) for septicaemia (RR = 7.4, confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–50.7, p < .05) when compared to the ‘never’ group adjusting for vaccine exposure and foetal haemoglobin concentration. The most common organisms were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella species, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion

Early clinical splenomegaly in HbSS remains a predictor of septicaemia, defining a group that may require closer monitoring.
Novel semi‐transparent solar cell based on ultrathin multiple Si/Ge quantum wells
Authors: Meddeb Hosni , Götz‐Köhler Maximilian , Flathmann Christoph , Seibt Michael , Gehrke Kai , Vehse Martin
Published: December 2022

Unlike conventional opaque solar cells, semi‐transparent solar cells enable simultaneous electricity generation and light transmission. Along with solar energy harvesting, the offered multiple functionalities of these technologies, such as aesthetic appearance, visual comfort and thermal management, open diverse integration opportunities into versatile technological applications. In this work, the first demonstration of a novel semi‐transparent solar cell based on ultrathin hydrogenated amorphous Si/Ge multiple quantum wells (MQW) is reported. Through optoelectronic modelling, the advantages of ultrathin MQW as photoactive material to overcome the intrinsic limitations of thin (20 nm) and ultrathin (2.5 nm) single quantum well (SQW) counterparts are explained. This allows extra degree of freedom for both optical design and bandgap engineering. Mainly, the multiplication of the QWs number in a periodic configuration, taking advantage of effective synergy between electronic and photonic confinements, leads to an improvement of photocurrent, while preserving high voltage and fill factor and ensuring significant transparency. The MQW new concept yields a boost in power conversion efficiency up to 3.4% and a considerable average visible transmission of about 33%. A light utilization efficiency above 1.1% is achieved, which can be considered as one of the highest among inorganic semi‐transparent solar cell technologies. The successful demonstration of ultrathin semi‐transparent Si/Ge MQW solar cells indicates the promising integration potential of this emerging photovoltaic technology for supplying systems in relevant applications such as in buildings, vehicles and greenhouses.
The number of falls recalled in the past year and balance confidence predict the frequency of injurious falls by unilateral lower limb prosthesis users
Authors: Tobaigy Moaz , Hafner Brian J. , Sawers Andrew
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Several personal characteristics have been associated with an increased risk of injurious falls by lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users. To date, however, none have been used to effectively predict the occurrence of injurious falls.

Objective

To develop a model that could predict the number of injurious falls over the next 6 months and identify fall‐related circumstances that may increase the odds of a fall being injurious in unilateral LLP users.

Design

A secondary analysis of a prospective observational study.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Participants

Sixty unilateral LLP users with a transtibial or transfemoral amputation.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main outcome measure(s)

Participants' characteristics were recorded at baseline. Falls and their circumstances and consequences were collected prospectively over 6 months via monthly telephone calls. Multivariate negative binomial regression was used to predict the number of injurious falls over the next 6 months in LLP users. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were derived to determine the risk of an injurious fall. Bivariate logistic regression was used to identify the associations between injurious falls and fall‐related circumstances. Odds ratios (ORs) were derived to characterize the odds that a fall would be injurious.

Results

The final multivariate model, which included the number of falls recalled in the past year (IRR = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.71, p = .045) and balance confidence (p = .120), predicted the number of injurious falls in the next 6 months (χ2 (2) = 8.15, p = .017). Two fall‐related circumstances were found to increase the odds that a fall would be injurious, fatigue due to activity (OR = 13.5, 95% CI: 3.50–52.3, p  = .001), and tiredness from a lack of sleep (OR = 5.36, 95% CI: 1.22–23.6, p = .026).

Conclusion

The results suggest that the number of falls recalled in the past year and balance confidence scores predict the number of injurious falls an LLP user will experience in the next 6 months.
Impact of added ligand oxides in the sulfoxidation of phenylmercaptoacetic acids with oxovanadium(IV)‐salen complexes
Authors: Kavitha Chendurpandi , Subramaniam Perumal
Published: December 2022

The mechanistic aspects covering the effect of added ligand oxides, picoline N‐oxide (PicNO), pyridine N‐oxide (PyNO), and triphenyl phosphine oxide (TPPO) on the selective sulfoxidation of phenylmercaptoacetic acids to PSAA by H2O2 catalyzed by oxovanadium(IV)‐salen complexes have been studied spectrophotometrically in 100% acetonitrile medium. Hydroperoxovanadium(V)‐salen is the reactive species in this sulfoxidation. The rate of sulfoxidation is found to be enhanced significantly by increasing the concentrations of PMAA, salen, and H2O2. The ascertained order of reactivity among the oxovanadium(IV)‐salen complexes is 5,5′‐dimethyl > unsubstituted salen > 5,5′‐dichloro. The reaction is found to be impeded by the addition of ligand oxide and introduction of substituents in PMAA. The observed order of rate retardation among ligand oxides is TPPO < PyNO < PicNO. Downward Hammett plot obtained has been rationalized by change in rate‐determining step from coordination of PMAA to active species for electron‐withdrawing substituents to transfer of oxygen to PMAA for electron‐donating substituents within the same mechanism.
Design and Optimization of Self‐Isolation GaN HEMT with Lateral‐Polarity‐Structure
Authors: Dai Yijun , Zhao Zihui , Luo Tian , Yu Zhehan , Chen Li , Guo Wei , Ye Jichun
Published: December 2022

Herein, polarization‐induced self‐isolation free from process damages in AlGaN/GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT) by the incorporation of lateral‐polarity structure (LPS) is demonstrated. The incorporation of LPS into the AlGaN/GaN heterojunction shows that 2D electron gas (2DEG) is formed in the III‐polar heterojunction but depleted in the N‐polar counterpart. A large lateral barrier height of 3.5 eV between the III‐polar and N‐polar domain boundary is revealed and buffer leakage is proved to be responsible for the weakened isolation characteristics. To suppress the buffer leakage, the influence of the AlGaN buffer on the leakage current is comprehensively investigated. Compared to pure GaN film and AlGaN/GaN heterojunction, two‐terminal isolation leakage current in AlGaN/GaN/Al0.2Ga0.8N heterojunction is greatly reduced by about nine orders of magnitude to as low as 10−11 A as experimentally confirmed. The incorporation of LPS into AlGaN/GaN heterojunction provides a novel planar isolation technique with excellent device performance by eliminating the isolation leakage path.
Reciprocal Ferromagnetic Resonant Behaviors Driven by Shear Strains in Isolated Skyrmions
Authors: Zhao Rongzhi , Hu Chenglong , Ji Lianze , Bo Lan , Li Yixing , Zhang Jian , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: December 2022

Strain‐mediated magnetoelastic coupling provides a powerful way to manipulate the dynamics of magnetic textures because of its energy efficiency, which is promising for applications in spintronics. Herein, it is demonstrated that reciprocal ferromagnetic resonant behaviors can be induced in isolated skyrmions by applying inverse shear strains, physically originating from the symmetric deformations of skyrmions, which cannot exist in the ones induced by normal strains. A linear relationship between resonant frequencies (f) and shear strains (εxy) is given by f = ±24.4 × εxy + 0.03, where the symbols of + and − denote positive and negative shear strains, respectively. The resonant frequency increases from 0.1 to 0.98 GHz with the change of shear strains from −0.003 to −0.039 or from 0.003 to 0.039. The breathing mode is observed by profiles of temporal evolutions for dynamics of deformed skyrmions, ascribed to the applied microwave magnetic field along the out‐of‐plane direction. The proposed results can provide insight into controlling resonant frequencies by strain engineering.
A reliability analysis for electronic devices under an extension of exponentiated perks distribution
Authors: Méndez‐González Luis Carlos , Rodríguez‐Picón Luis Alberto , Pérez‐Olguin Ivan Juan Carlos , Garcia Vicente , Quezada‐Carreón Abel Eduardo
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a reliability analysis for electronic devices (ED) with bathtub curve‐shaped failure times. An extension of the exponentiated perks distribution (EPD) is proposed for the analysis. The extension of this new distribution is based on the Alpha Power Transformation, so the Alpha Exponentiated Perks Distribution (AEXP) is introduced. The AEXP has three shape parameters and one scale parameter, allowing greater flexibility to represent failure rates in an increasing, decreasing, or bathtub curve form. Some useful properties in the reliability engineering context are presented. AEXP parameters were estimated via the Maximum Likelihood Method. Finally, two case studies focused on ED are used to compare the proposed distribution and other distributions with similar failure rate representation properties. The obtained results show that the AEXP better describes the behavior of ED than the distributions considered in the analysis.