bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal sensitivity in dual‐breathing ectotherms: Embryos and mothers determine species' vulnerability to climate change
Authors: Vorsatz Lyle D. , Mostert Bruce P. , McQuaid Christopher D. , Cannicci Stefano , Porri Francesca
Published: November 2021

Understanding the life‐stage specific vulnerability of ectotherms to temperature increases is crucial to accurately predicting the consequences of current and future global climate change. Here, we examined ontogeny‐specific thermal vulnerability of three intertidal, bimodal (i.e., air and water) breathing crabs from tropical and warm temperate latitudes to address this issue. Spawning females and embryos of intertidal crabs from warm temperate latitudes were more vulnerable to temperature increases than tropical conspecifics, particularly in water. Our findings do not fully support the Climate Variability Hypothesis for setting upper thermal limits, but correspond with the Oxygen‐ and Capacity‐Limited Thermal Tolerance hypothesis, suggesting ontogeny‐specific aerobic capacity dictates overall species' thermal sensitivity. Bimodal breathing efficiency as an evolutionary adaptation, ontogenetic stage and local climate adaptation are therefore significant factors to consider when evaluating the vulnerability of intertidal ectotherms to temperature increases and the consequences of climate changes for intertidal organisms, populations and communities.
Burnout Among Transplant Hepatologists in the United States
Authors: Pourmand Kamron , Schiano Thomas D. , Motwani Yash , Kriss Michael , Keefer Laurie , Patel Arpan
Published: November 2021

Burnout among transplant hepatologists has not been well characterized. The goal of this study was to describe the prevalence and predictors of burnout among practicing transplant hepatologists in the United States. We designed a 69‐item survey, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)–Human Services Survey and questions on provider demographics, practice characteristics, and psychological factors. The survey was administered to practicing US transplant hepatologists between October and December 2019. We described burnout using MBI subscales (emotional exhaustion [EE], depersonalization [DP], and personal accomplishment [PA]) and determined significant predictors of burnout, which we defined as high EE, using univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 185 transplant hepatologists completed the survey (response rate = 25% of 738 practicing transplant hepatologists in the United States). A total of 40% reported high EE, whereas 17% and 16% reported high DP and low PA, respectively. On multivariate analysis, respondents with more than 5 colleagues (odds ratio [OR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23‐0.84) reporting adequate time for outpatient visits (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22‐0.80), reporting greater comfort with their clinical caseload (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39‐0.96), and reporting higher confidence in their prior training (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.28‐0.87) had a lower likelihood of high EE. Working 6 or more hours from home outside of work per week (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.07‐3.89) predicted a higher likelihood of burnout. Compensation, age, gender, career phase, caregiver status, and transplant center volume did not predict burnout. Of the surveyed transplant hepatologists, 40% experienced burnout, predicted mostly by factors related to work‐time distribution, peer support, and affect. These findings should prompt development of system‐level initiatives.
The impact of the German 'DEAL' on competition in the academic publishing market
Authors: Haucap Justus , Moshgbar Nima , Schmal W. Benedikt
Published: November 2021

In 2019 and 2020, German research institutions and publishers Wiley and Springer Nature closed the so‐called DEAL agreements to facilitate open access publishing for researchers with German affiliation. These researchers do not have to pay for publishing their articles open access in Wiley and Springer Nature journals, as libraries cover these fees collectively. We use all publications in chemistry from 2016 to 2020 to estimate the impact of the DEAL on eligible scientists' journal choice applying a difference‐in‐differences framework. Even in the short treatment period, publication patterns have changed. Eligible researchers have increased their publications in DEAL journals at the cost of other journals. Two competition concerns emerge: Authors may prefer to publish in DEAL journals, thereby creating a competitive advantage in attracting good papers. Libraries may be left with fewer funds and incentives to subscribe to or to fund open access in non‐DEAL journals. As academic journals are two‐sided platforms, these effects may further spur concentration.
Genetic analysis and prenatal diagnosis of 76 Chinese families with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Liu Siwen , Li Lin , Wu Hairong , Pei Pei , Zheng Xuefei , Pan Hong , Bao Xinhua , Qi Yu , Ma Yinan
Published: November 2021

Background

Variants in the ATP binding cassette protein subfamily D member 1 (ABCD1) gene are known to cause X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD). This study focused on the characteristics of ABCD1 variants in Chinese X‐ALD families and elucidated the value of genetic approaches for X‐ALD.

Methods

68 male probands diagnosed as X‐ALD were screened for ABCD1 variants by the Sanger sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) combined with long‐range PCR. Prenatal diagnosis was performed in 20 foetuses of 17 probands’ mothers. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the gene variants and prenatal diagnosis characteristics and outcomes.

Results

This study allowed the identification of 61 variants occurring in 68 families, including 58 single nucleotide variants or small deletion/insertion variants and 3 large deletions. Three probands with no variants detected by next‐generation sequencing were found to have variants by PCR‐sequencing. Prenatal diagnosis found that 10 of the 20 foetuses had no variants in ABCD1.

Conclusion

PCR primers that do not amplify the pseudogenes must be used for PCR‐sequencing. MLPA combined with long‐range PCR can detect large deletions and insertions, which are usually undetectable by PCR‐sequencing. Prenatal diagnosis could help to prevent the birth of infants with X‐ALD.
Dependence on parameters for nonlinear equations—Abstract principles and applications
Authors: Bełdziński Michał , Galewski Marek , Kossowski Igor
Published: November 2021

We provide parameter‐dependent version of the Browder–Minty Theorem in case when the solution is unique utilizing different types of monotonicity and compactness assumptions related to condition (S)2. Potential equations and the convergence of their Euler action functionals are also investigated. Applications towards the dependence on parameters for both potential and nonpotenial nonlinear Dirichlet boundary problems are given.
Modeling and numerical investigation of a conformable co‐infection model for describing Hantavirus of the European moles
Authors: Allahamou Abdelouahed , Azroul Elhoussine , Hammouch Zakia , Alaoui Abdelilah Lamrani
Published: November 2021

The aim of this work is to investigate theoretically and numerically a conformable‐order epidemiological model of the Susceptible‐Infected (SI) type. The qualitative properties of the solutions are studied. Besides, the dynamics of the problem is discussed in detail. The conformable version of the implicit and explicit Adams multistep methods is proposed with the formulation of the truncation error. An inverse optimization problem using the least square method is introduced to estimate the model parameters. Moreover, to show the effectiveness of the conformable order in describing the studied phenomena and to calibrate the model, some created data of Nova and Bruges virus in Belgium were used.
Quality control of 3D MRSI data in glioblastoma: Can we do without the experts?
Authors: Tensaouti Fatima , Desmoulin Franck , Gilhodes Julia , Martin Elodie , Ken Soleakhena , Lotterie Jean‐Albert , Noël Georges , Truc Gilles , Sunyach Marie‐Pierre , Charissoux Marie , Magné Nicolas , Lubrano Vincent , Péran Patrice , Cohen‐Jonathan Moyal Elizabeth , Laprie Anne
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI) is a noninvasive technique for assessing tumor metabolism. Manual inspection is still the gold standard for quality control (QC) of spectra, but it is both time‐consuming and subjective. The aim of the present study was to assess automatic QC of glioblastoma MRSI data using random forest analysis.

Methods

Data for 25 patients, acquired prospectively in a preradiotherapy examination, were submitted to postprocessing with syngo.MR Spectro (VB40A; Siemens) or Java‐based magnetic resonance user interface (jMRUI) software. A total of 28 features were extracted from each spectrum for the automatic QC. Three spectroscopists also performed manual inspections, labeling each spectrum as good or poor quality. All statistical analyses, with addressing unbalanced data, were conducted with R 3.6.1 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing; https://www.r‐project.org).

Results

The random forest method classified the spectra with an area under the curve of 95.5%, sensitivity of 95.8%, and specificity of 81.7%. The most important feature for the classification was Residuum_Lipids_Versus_Fit, obtained with syngo.MR Spectro.

Conclusion

The automatic QC method was able to distinguish between good‐ and poor‐quality spectra, and can be used by radiation oncologists who are not spectroscopy experts. This study revealed a novel set of MRSI signal features that are closely correlated with spectral quality.
Demographics and Management of the Isolated Upper Missouri River Paddlefish Stock of Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana
Authors: Scarnecchia Dennis L. , Nagel Cody J. , Lim Youngtaik , Dalbey Steven R.
Published: November 2021

Paddlefish Polyodon spathula inhabiting Fort Peck Reservoir and the upper Missouri River, Montana, are members of the northern-most and western-most isolated group of the species. These isolated fish support a recreational, river-based snag fishery on migratory adults. We provide population demographics for the Fort Peck Paddlefish stock, including age structure, growth, reproductive success, recruitment, and population trends developed from creel surveys, adult fish tagging, and reservoir surveys of age-0 and age-1 fish over the period 1992–2020. Of 5,108 fish (2,560 males; 2,558 females), mean annual male age ranged from 18.5 to 21.5 years; mean age of females ranged from 24.3 to 30.8 years. Males did not mature until at least 9–12 years, whereas females did not mature until at least ages 16–19. Females were longer and much heavier than males at a given age and throughout adult life. Males exhibited both annual and biennial spawning, whereas almost no females showed consecutive-year spawning but commonly showed biennial spawning. Annual survival rates estimated from cumulative catch curves were 85% for males and 88% for females. Low counts of age-0 and age-1 fish in the reservoir as well as the modest numbers of young male recruits to the fishery indicate that the Fort Peck stock is characterized by a fairly steady but modest recruitment. This isolated stock continues to be managed as a recreational fishery with harvest while maintaining adult population size, sex, and age structure consistent with its recruitment.
A damage model for granite subjected to quasi‐static contact loading
Authors: Shariati Hossein , Saadati Mahdi , Weddfelt Kenneth , Larsson Per‐Lennart , Hild Francois
Published: November 2021

An anisotropic damage model is employed in order to simulate the fracture pattern of Bohus granite under quasi‐static (Q‐S) spherical indentation loading. The chosen damage description is added to the previously employed Drucker–Prager (DP) plasticity model with variable dilation angle. The resulting constitutive model is implemented to simulate the behavior of Bohus granite under indentation up to the load capacity of the material. The initial fragmentation, corresponding to the first small load‐drop in the force–penetration curve, is likely due to the high radial tensile stress state at or close to the contact boundary. Both predicted fracture pattern and force–penetration results from the numerical simulation are compared to experimental data and a good agreement is found. The variability in tensile strength of the material is included in the chosen damage model by taking advantage of Weibull statistics. In this work, it is suggested that indentation test results by themselves may be used to calibrate the statistical distribution of tensile strength at small size scales such as in indentation applications.
Low heat generation from organic zinc as a curing activator in rubber and rubber composites under large strain
Authors: Wang Liming , Du Miao , Shan Guorong , Wu Ziliang , Song Yihu , Zheng Qiang
Published: November 2021

ZnO is a conventional activator in sulfur curing systems, but its excessive release can cause adverse effects to the human body and the environment. Using organic zinc instead of zinc oxide not only decreases the amount of zinc but also disperses the zinc into the natural rubber (NR) matrix more effectively. The results showed that the six organic zinc compounds accelerated the curing process and weakened the Payne effect compared to those with ZnO. Dynamic frequency scan tests of the vulcanizates in linear (small strain) and nonlinear (large strain) viscoelastic regions were performed. Different from that at small strain, there was a great change in the storage modulus, loss modulus and loss factor at large strain. For unfilled NR, the systems with zinc oleate, zinc 2‐ethylhexanoate and zinc acetate as activators showed a weaker Payne effect and low heat generation because of the homogeneous dispersion. For NR/CB (carbon black) composites, the systems with zinc acetate, zinc o‐glycerol and zinc 2‐ethylhexanoate showed a weaker Payne effect and low heat generation at large strain and high frequency due to the homogeneous dispersion and the strong interaction with CB particles. These results will help to clarify the advantages of organic zinc instead of zinc oxide in reducing heat generation for rubber products.
Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging in rat kidney using two‐dimensional navigated, interleaved echo‐planar imaging at 7.0 T
Authors: Liu Qiang , Xu Zhongbiao , Zhao Kaixuan , Hoge W. Scott , Zhang Xinyuan , Mei Yingjie , Lu Qiqi , Niendorf Thoralf , Feng Yanqiu
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of two‐dimensional (2D) navigated, interleaved multishot echo‐planar imaging (EPI) to enhance kidney diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in rats at 7.0 T. Fully sampled interleaved four‐shot EPI with 2D navigators was tailored for kidney DWI (Sprague–Dawley rats, n = 7) on a 7.0‐T small bore preclinical scanner. The image quality of four‐shot EPI was compared with T2‐weighted rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) (reference) and single‐shot EPI (ss‐EPI) without and with parallel imaging (PI). The contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was examined to assess the image quality for the EPI approaches. The Dice similarity coefficient and the Hausdorff distance were used for evaluation of image distortion. Mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated for renal cortex and medulla for all DWI approaches. The corticomedullary difference of MD and FA were assessed by Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Four‐shot EPI showed the highest CNR among the three EPI variants and lowest geometric distortion versus T2‐weighted RARE (mean Dice: 0.77 for ss‐EPI without PI, 0.88 for ss‐EPI with twofold undersampling, and 0.92 for four‐shot EPI). The FA map derived from four‐shot EPI clearly identified a highly anisotropic region corresponding to the inner stripe of the outer medulla. Four‐shot EPI successfully discerned differences in both MD and FA between renal cortex and medulla. In conclusion, 2D navigated, interleaved multishot EPI facilitates high‐quality rat kidney DWI with clearly depicted intralayer and interlayer structure and substantially reduced image distortion. This approach enables the anatomic integrity of DWI‐MRI in small rodents and has the potential to benefit the characterization of renal microstructure in preclinical studies.
Concurrent topology optimization for thermoelastic structures with random and interval hybrid uncertainties
Authors: Zheng Jing , Ding Shaonan , Jiang Chao , Wang Zhonghua
Published: November 2021

A concurrent topology optimization for thermoelastic structures with random and interval hybrid uncertainties is discussed in this work. A robust topology optimization method is proposed for structures composed of periodic microstructures under thermal and mechanical coupled loads. The robust objective function is defined as a linear combination of the mean and standard variance under the worst case for the robust optimization model. An efficient hybrid orthogonal polynomial expansion (HOPE) method is developed to evaluate the robust objective function. The sensitivities for the robust topology optimization are then calculated based on the uncertainty analysis. Three numerical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, and the Monte Carlo scanning test is used to validate the numerical accuracy of our proposed method. For comparison purpose, the topology optimizations under deterministic assumptions are also provided for these examples to show the importance of considering hybrid uncertainties.
“Help, I need somebody!”: Exploring who founds new nonprofits
Authors: Andersson Fredrik , Walk Marlene
Published: November 2021

Recent research suggests that the founding of a new nonprofit is seldom an activity done in solitude; rather, new nonprofits emerge from the efforts and contributions of multiple individuals working together as a team. Yet, to date, we know very little about these collective efforts to start new nonprofits, especially during the earliest, nascent, stage of the founding process. This research note draws on survey data from 69 early‐stage nonprofit founders to examine how many individuals are involved during the nascent stage of founding, who these individuals are and how they are related and to illustrate how they contribute to the founding process.
Your neighborhood matters: A machine‐learning approach to the geospatial and social determinants of health in 9‐1‐1 activated chest pain
Authors: Faramand Ziad , Alrawashdeh Mohammad , Helman Stephanie , Bouzid Zeineb , Martin‐Gill Christian , Callaway Clifton , Al‐Zaiti Salah
Published: November 2021

Healthcare disparities in the initial management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) exist. Yet, the complexity of interactions between demographic, social, economic, and geospatial determinants of health hinders incorporating such predictors in existing risk stratification models. We sought to explore a machine‐learning‐based approach to study the complex interactions between the geospatial and social determinants of health to explain disparities in ACS likelihood in an urban community. This study identified consecutive patients transported by Pittsburgh emergency medical service for a chief complaint of chest pain or ACS‐equivalent symptoms. We extracted demographics, clinical data, and location coordinates from electronic health records. Median income was based on US census data by zip code. A random forest (RF) classifier and a regularized logistic regression model were used to identify the most important predictors of ACS likelihood. Our final sample included 2400 patients (age 59 ± 17 years, 47% Females, 41% Blacks, 15.8% adjudicated ACS). In our RF model (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.71 ± 0.03) age, prior revascularization, income, distance from hospital, and residential neighborhood were the most important predictors of ACS likelihood. In regularized regression (akaike information criterion = 1843, bayesian information criterion = 1912, χ2 = 193, df = 10, p < 0.001), residential neighborhood remained a significant and independent predictor of ACS likelihood. Findings from our study suggest that residential neighborhood constitutes an upstream factor to explain the observed healthcare disparity in ACS risk prediction, independent from known demographic, social, and economic determinants of health, which can inform future work on ACS prevention, in‐hospital care, and patient discharge.
One step synthesis of an amino acid derived particles, poly(L‐Arginine) and its biomedical application
Authors: Sahiner Nurettin
Published: November 2021

Herein, single step synthesis of poly(L‐Arginine) (p(L‐Arg)) particles was reported for the first time via microemulsion crosslinking method using tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride (THPC) as the crosslinking agent. The C‐P vibrational FT‐IR peaks of the p(L‐Arg) particles observed at 1035 cm−1 as well as elemental analysis results corroborated the successful crosslinking of native L‐Arg molecules with THCP. Spherical‐shaped p(L‐Arg) particles visualized by SEM analysis ranged 1–10 μm in size in dry state. The important parameters of p(L‐Arg) particles affecting their biomedical potential use such as degradability, blood compatibility, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were thoroughly investigated. Accordingly, 49.2 ± 6.7%, 68.1 ± 4.8%, and 62.5 ± 7.1% of the p(L‐Arg) particles were degraded at pH 5.4, 7.4, and 9.0, respectively, in about 200 h. The p(L‐Arg) particles exhibited fascinating blood compatibility with less than 4% hemolysis induction and more than 95% blood clotting index at 2 mg/mL concentration. The antioxidant activity of p(L‐Arg) particles was measured as 0.66 ± 0.06 μM Trolox equivalent g−1 by means of TEAC assay. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of L‐Arg amino acid against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, B. subtilis ATCC 6633 bacteria, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 yeast strains was significantly enhanced in the form of p(L‐Arg) particles. Furthermore, drug loading and release performances of p(L‐Arg) particles were also investigated using naproxen and riboflavin as active pharmaceuticals. Based on drug release studies performed in PBS at pH 7.4, 73.9 ± 12.6% of loaded naproxen was released in 90 min, whereas 62.1 ± 4.6% of loaded riboflavin was released in 135 min.
B7H3 expression and significance in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Fang Chuling , Rinke Andrew E , Wang Jing , Flaherty Kevin R , Phan Sem H , Liu Tianju
Published: November 2021

The clinical significance of B7H3 (CD276) and its cleavage product soluble B7H3 (sB7H3) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is unknown. Mounting evidence suggests the potential utility of peripheral blood myeloid cell enumeration to predict disease outcome and indicate active lung disease. Here we hypothesized that sB7H3 is involved in regulation of circulating myeloid cells in pulmonary fibrosis. In support of this possibility, both plasma sB7H3 and B7H3+ cells were elevated in IPF patient blood samples, which correlated negatively with lung function. To analyze its function, the effects of sB7H3 on naïve or bleomycin‐treated mice were examined. The results revealed that sB7H3 injection induced an influx of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and Ccl2 expression in lung tissue of naïve mice, accompanied by enhanced overall inflammation. Additionally, sB7H3 caused accumulation of MDSCs in bone marrow with increased expression of inflammatory cytokines. Notably, in vitro assays revealed chemotaxis of MDSCs to sB7H3, which was dependent on TLT‐2 (TREML2), a putative receptor for sB7H3. Thus, increased circulating sB7H3 and/or B7H3+ cells in IPF patient blood samples correlated with lung function decline and potential immunosuppressive status. The correlation of sB7H3 with deterioration of lung function might be due to its ability to enhance inflammation and recruitment of MDSCs into the lung and their expansion in the bone marrow, and thus potentially contribute to IPF exacerbation. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavior of nanosilver and nanotitanium reinforced polymethyl methacrylate for dental applications
Authors: Bangera Madhu Keshava , Kotian Ravindra , Natarajan Srikant , Somasundaram Jayalakshmi , Mangalath Divya Lakshmanan
Published: November 2021

The study evaluated the mechanical, tribological, and cytocompatibility properties of silver nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles reinforced into polymethyl methacrylate resin. Both nanoparticles were separately ball‐milled with polymethyl methacrylate, and a conventional compression molding technique prepared samples in a thermostatically controlled water bath. Samples were analyzed for flexural strength, polishability, three‐body abrasive wear, surface hardness, and cytotoxicity. The fracture mechanics and surface roughness were further analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscope. Most properties showed improvement at the said concentration compared to the control group, while few did not show property enhancement. The cell proliferation and viability were not compromised. Within study limits, silver nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles reinforced polymethyl methacrylate resin positively influenced the dental polymer to a certain extent. The nanocomposite is cytocompatible at the tested concentrations. Pre‐reaction of the polymer, treating nanoparticles with coupling agents, determining an optimal additive size and concentration, and use of effective dispersion technique may further enhance the properties of the nanocomposites.
A conserved β‐bulge glycine residue facilitates folding and increases stability of the mouse α‐defensin cryptdin‐4
Authors: Clark Richard J. , Phan Thanh Huyen , Song Angela , Ouellette André J. , Conibear Anne C. , Rosengren K. Johan
Published: November 2021

Defensins are key components of both innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogens. Cryptdins are mouse alpha‐defensins that are secreted from Paneth cells in the small intestine and have disulfide‐stabilised structures and antibacterial activities against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The folding and three‐dimensional structures of alpha‐defensins are thought to depend on a conserved glycine residue that forms a β‐bulge. Here we investigated the role of this conserved glycine at position 19 of cryptdin‐4 (Crp4) in terms of the folding, structure and stability. A Crp4 variant with D‐Ala at position 19 folded efficiently, was stabilised by a large number of hydrogen bonds, and resisted proteolysis in simulated intestinal fluid. Although a variant with L‐Ala at position 19 was able to adopt the correct fold, it showed less efficient folding and was degraded more rapidly than the D‐Ala variant. These results demonstrate the key role that glycine residues can have in folding of bioactive peptides and can provide insights to guide design of stable antimicrobial peptides that fold efficiently.
Modeling of transport in carrier‐selective contacts in silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Muralidharan Pradyumna , Goodnick Stephen M. , Vasileska Dragica
Published: November 2021

High‐performance silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells use carrier‐selective contact structures based on hydrogentated amorphous Si (a‐Si:H) to maximize collection of photogenerated carriers. The high open circuit voltages observed experimentally in SHJ cells require that the carrier‐selective contacts provide selectivity and passivation. However, a microscopic understanding of the dynamics of carrier transport through the a‐Si layer is currently lacking. In this paper, we explicitly simulate the transport of holes across the a‐Si:H(i) layer using a novel kinetic Monte Carlo approach. The hole‐selective contact structure investigated in this paper usesp‐type doped a‐Si:H(p) and intrinsic a‐Si:H(i) on ann‐type crystalline silicon wafer, where the selectivity is provided by the a‐Si:H(p) and the passivation is provided by the a‐Si:H(i). However, in addition to the passivation provided by the a‐Si:H(i), this layer also creates a potential barrier to the collection of photogenerated holes. There have been experimental studies in the literature that have suggested that multi‐phonon processes are the main transport mechanism that assists in the transport of holes across the intrinsic a‐Si:H barrier. Simulations presented here show that multi‐phonon injection of holes into the a‐Si:H(i) layer is the rate limiting step for transport across the a‐Si:H(i) layer. Our results indicate that multi‐phonon transport is strongly dependent on the electric field at the a‐Si:H(i)/c‐Si heterointerface as well. Transport simulations presented in this paper are consistent with experimental findings that multi‐phonon processes limit transport across the a‐Si:H(i) layer and are responsible for photocurrent suppression at the a‐Si:H(i)/c‐Si heterointerface when these processes are slower than the associated incident hole flux due to photo‐excitation.
In AI we trust? Citizen perceptions of AI in government decision making
Authors: Ingrams Alex , Kaufmann Wesley , Jacobs Daan
Published: November 2021

Using a survey experiment on the topic of tax auditing, we investigate artificial intelligence (AI) use in government decision making through the lenses of citizen red tape and trust. We find that individuals consider an AI‐led decision to be lower in red tape and trustworthiness than a decision by a human. We also find that highly complex tasks produce decisions with higher levels of perceived red tape, but that this effect does not vary according to whether the task is AI‐ or human‐led. We argue that researchers and practitioners give more attention to the balance of instrumental and value‐based qualities in the design and implementation of AI applications.
Predictors of mortality in children with cystic fibrosis in India
Authors: Kaur Hardeep , Pandey Shivam , Jat Kana R. , Lodha Rakesh , Kabra S. K.
Published: November 2021

Background

There is a lack of studies on cystic fibrosis (CF) outcomes in children from developing countries like India. Identifying risk factors for mortality may help identify the high‐risk group and plan policy management of such patients. We aimed to determine the factors associated with mortality among Indian children with CF.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we extracted demography, clinical features, laboratory and outcome data from medical records of children with CF. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify variables associated with mortality.

Results

We enrolled 178 children, and there were 32 (18.0%) deaths. Median (IQR) z‐score for body mass index (BMI) at last follow up was −1.5 (−2.7, −0.2) and −2.5 (−4.0, −1.6), p‐value 0.039, in survived and deceased group respectively. Mean (SD) of % predicted of FEV1/FVC and FEV1 25–75 at the time of diagnosis in survived versus diseased group was 94.7 (24.1) versus 81.5 (19.1), p‐value 0.063 and 56.1 (38.9) versus 45.7 (29.9), p‐value 0.347, respectively. Significant factors associated with mortality included history of neonatal complications; hazard ratio (HR): 8.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0–23.9, p < 0.001), low Z‐scores for BMI at the time of diagnosis; HR: 7.1 (95% CI: 2.3–22.0, p < 0.001), FEV1/FVC at the time of diagnosis; HR: 5.1 (95% CI: 1.65–15.4, p < 0.004), and FEV1 25–75; HR: 3.6 (95% CI: 1.1–11.8, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Factors associated with increased mortality risk included neonatal complications, low BMI, and lower pulmonary function test results. Low BMI and low PFT indices can be improved upon by timely treatment of respiratory infections, better nutrition, early diagnosis, and treatment. A newborn screening program may help in early diagnosis and identification of the neonatal problem of CF.
Efficacy of standardized tracheostomy training with a simulation model for healthcare providers: A study by ISPAT team
Authors: Uyan Zeynep S. , Atag Emine , Ergenekon Almala P. , Gokdemir Yasemin , Gokler Ozan , Ay Pinar , Bas İkizoglu Nilay , Cenk Muruvvet , Erdem Eralp Ela , Sivrikaya G. Ulufer , Girit Saniye , Cakir Erkan , Kilic Ayse A. , Yazan Hakan , Can Oksay Sinem , Hepkaya Evrim , Kiyan Gursu , Karadag Bulent , Karakoc Fazilet , Oktem Sedat
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Tracheostomy care in children may be challenging, due to lack of knowledge of healthcare providers (HCPs). The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of HCP who follow patients with tracheostomy and to increase this level with theoretical training and training in a simulation laboratory.

Materials and Methods

ISPAT (IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy), a multidisciplinary team for tracheostomy care was established and a training program was prepared. Participants were subjected to theoretical and practical pretests which evaluated their knowledge levels and skills for care, follow‐up, and treatment of a patient with tracheostomy. After the theoretical and practical training given to the participants with a simulation model, theoretical and practical posttests were applied.

Results

Fifty‐one HCP from nine tertiary pediatric clinics in Istanbul were enrolled in the training program. Only six (11.8%) of them had received standardized training programs previously. Regarding the theoretical tests, seven of the 33 questions were indicated as essential. The knowledge level of the participants based on the essential questions significantly increased after the training (p < 0.05 for all of the essential questions). The total number of correct answers and correct answers of three subheadings also significantly increased after the practical training (p < 0.001 for all). Ninety‐five percent of the participants assessed the course as good or excellent in general.

Conclusion

Training in a simulation laboratory in combination with theoretical education can improve the knowledge and skills of the HCP enabling improved care of children with a tracheostomy.
Substrate‐assisted activation and selectivity of the bacterial RavD effector deubiquitinylase
Authors: Schulze‐Niemand Eric , Naumann Michael , Stein Matthias
Published: November 2021

Deubiquitinylases (DUBs) catalyze the peptide bond cleavage of specific ubiquitin linkages at distinct protein substrates. Pathogens from viruses and bacteria independently developed effector proteins with DUB activity to mimic host DUB functions and circumvent immune responses. The effector protein RavD from Legionella pneumophila cleaves linear ubiquitin chains with an exclusive methionine‐1 selectivity. It thus performs as a functional analogue of the human DUB OTULIN, which achieves its selectivity only via a specialized proximal ubiquitin S1′ binding site as well as a substrate‐assisted activation of the catalytic triad. An analysis of the crystal structures of bacterial RavD in its free and di‐ubiquitin‐bound forms, in order to rationalize the structural basis for its selectivity and activation mechanism, is not fully conclusive. As these ambiguities might arise from the introduced double mutation of the di‐ubiquitin substrate in the RavD–di‐ubiquitin complex crystal structure, biomolecular modeling, and molecular dynamics sampling (1–2 μs for each system of RavD and OTULIN) were employed to reconstitute the physiological RavD–di‐ubiquitin complex. The simulations show that the distal S1 ubiquitin binding sites of RavD and OTULIN are similar in terms of interface area, composition, and ubiquitin binding affinity. The proximal S1′ site of RavD, in contrast, is significantly smaller and ubiquitin binding is weaker and more flexible than in OTULIN. Upon substrate access, the residues of the catalytic triad of RavD show a reduction of flexibility and a conformational transition toward a catalytically active state. Thus, the enzymatic activation of RavD is presumably also substrate‐assisted and a clear rationale for the common M1‐substrate selectivity.
Promotion of osteogenesis by Sweroside via BMP2‐involved signaling in postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Choi La Yoon , Kim Mi Hye , Yang Woong Mo
Published: November 2021

Phlomis umbrosa has been traditionally used for bone diseases in traditional Korean Medicine. Sweroside (SOS), marker compounds of P. umbrosa, has been known to promote osteoblast differentiation. In this study, ameliorative effects of SOS on osteoporosis and potential target pathway were investigated. Ovariectomized mice were administered three doses of SOS three times a week for 4 weeks after inducing osteoporosis. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were analyzed by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. A human osteosarcoma cell line (SaOS‐2) was differentiated to clarify the promoting effects of SOS on osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Osteoblastic bone‐forming markers were evaluated in lumbar vertebrae (LV) and mineralized SaOS‐2 cells. SOS markedly elevated BMC and BMD levels and attenuated the bone marrow adipocytes in the femoral shaft. SOS increased the formation of bone matrix in SaOS‐2 cells. Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2) and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (CBFA1) in LV and SaOS‐2 cells were up‐regulated by SOS. SOS increased alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), osteopontin (SPP1), and bone sialoprotein‐1 (BSPH1). In conclusion, SOS induced the formation of mineralized bone matrix by regulating BMP2/CBFA1‐mediated molecules. Therefore, SOS could be a therapeutic compound of treatment for osteoporosis by producing the new bone matrix.
Collagen films, cassava starch and their blends: Physical–chemical, thermal and microstructure properties
Authors: da Costa Gilmar Freire , Grisi Cristiani Viegas Brandão , de Albuquerque Meireles Bruno Raniere Lins , de Sousa Solange , de Magalhães Cordeiro Angela Maria Tribuzy
Published: November 2021

Collagen‐based films from Tilapia skin, cassava starch and their blends were prepared using the casting technique. Five treatments were prepared, where T1 represents the film containing 6% collagen, T2—film containing 6% cassava starch, T3—film containing 3%/3% blend of collagen/cassava starch, T4—film containing the 4.5%/1.5% blend of collagen/cassava starch and T5—film containing the blend of 1.5%/4.5% collagen/cassava starch. The physical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of each film were evaluated. The results indicated that T1 and T4 treatments improved film water resistance (p < 0.05). T3–T5 treatments provided higher values (p < 0.05) of lightness (L*). The scanning electron micrographs showed a smooth and homogeneous surface for the T1 and T2 films and a slightly roughened surface for the T3–T5 films. The T1 film had the highest (p < 0.05) tensile strength and elongation at break compared to the other films. Furthermore, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the structures of the T1, T3, T4 and T5 films were predominantly amorphous. In general, T1 and T4 films were the ideal formulations. They have potential for being used as edible packaging for food, soluble sachets, containers for oils and/or capsules for the delivery of bioactive compounds.
SST‐driven variability of the East Asian summer jet on a decadal time‐scale in CMIP6 models
Authors: Patterson Matthew , O'Reilly Christopher , Woollings Tim , Weisheimer Antje , Wu Bo
Published: November 2021

The East Asian summer jet (EASJ) is an important component of the East Asian summer monsoon system and its variability is correlated with precipitation and surface temperature variations over this region. Whilst many studies have considered the interannual variability of the EASJ, less is known about variations on a decadal time‐scale. This study investigates the relationship between decadal EASJ variability and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and thus the potential predictability that SSTs may provide. Given the relatively short observational record, we make use of the long pre‐industrial control simulations in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) in addition to a large ensemble of atmosphere‐only experiments, forced with random SST patterns. We then create an SST‐based reconstruction of the dominant modes of EASJ variability in the CMIP6 models, finding a median EASJ–reconstruction correlation for the dominant mode of 0.43. Much of the skill in the reconstruction arises from variations in Pacific SSTs, however the tropical Atlantic also makes a significant contribution. These findings suggest the potential for multi‐year predictions of the EASJ, provided that skilful SST forecasts are available.
Leader manipulator with hand rest function for microsurgery
Authors: Jeong Solmon , Tadano Kotaro
Published: November 2021

Background

Hand rest assists microsurgeons with maintaining a stable hand condition. In manipulating a surgical robot using teleoperation, the external hand rest poses mechanical difficulties such as interferences from manipulators.

Methods

Herein, we introduced hand rest functionality into a leader manipulator. The hand rest function was realised by switching the impedance value in admittance control for the translation section. With teleoperation, we evaluated the positioning accuracy in the direction of gravity and the manipulating conditions during precise positioning.

Results

The experiments proved that the position of the hand rest could be arranged at the intended position, and the condition with the hand rest function, applying sufficiently high impedance, and not constraining the hand rest completely provided the best performance.

Conclusion

Our leader manipulator showed the potentials to improve the quality of robotic microsurgery with the advantage in fine manipulation based on large repositionable working range of the hand rest.
Nonlinear–nonquadratic optimal and inverse optimal control for discrete‐time stochastic dynamical systems
Authors: Lanchares Manuel , Haddad Wassim M.
Published: November 2021

In this article, we investigate the role of Lyapunov functions in evaluating nonlinear–nonquadratic cost functionals for Itô‐type nonlinear stochastic difference equations. Specifically, it is shown that the cost functional can be evaluated in closed‐form as long as the cost functional is related in a specific way to an underlying Lyapunov function that guarantees asymptotic stability in probability. This result is then used to analyze discrete‐time linear as well as nonlinear stochastic dynamical systems with polynomial and multilinear cost functionals. Furthermore, a stochastic optimal control framework is developed by exploiting connections between stochastic Lyapunov theory and stochastic Bellman theory. In particular, we show that asymptotic and geometric stability in probability of the closed‐loop nonlinear system is guaranteed by means of a Lyapunov function that can clearly be seen to be the solution to the steady state form of the stochastic Bellman equation, and hence, guaranteeing both stochastic stability and optimality.
Distributed resilient state estimation over sensor networks with random nonlinearities, fading measurements, and stochastic gain variations
Authors: Qian Wei , Guo Simeng , Zhao Yunji , Fei Shumin
Published: November 2021

The distributed resilient state estimation problem of nonlinear discrete systems in sensor networks is investigated in this article. The system model under consideration involves three phenomena of incomplete information: randomly occurring nonlinearities, fading measurements, and random gain variations. The probabilistic characteristics of the above phenomena are depicted by three sets of independent random variables subject to more general random distribution. Based on the above model, by applying Lyapunov functional approach and random distribution solution method, the asymptotic stability in the mean square sense of the estimation error system with a given attenuation level is proved. Further, the estimator parameters are solved by introducing a novel linearization method. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to illustrate the validity of the theoretical results.
Video Games in the Secondary English Language Arts Classroom: A State‐of‐the‐Art Review of the Literature
Authors: Nash Brady L. , Brady Randi Beth
Published: November 2021

English language arts (ELA) teachers and literacy researchers are increasingly attending to the ways that digital technologies may be integrated into the curriculum. Video games, which now feature extensive narrative structures, interactive play systems, and complex multimodal semiotics, offer one avenue through which ELA teachers can expand upon the texts and literacy practices included in language arts curricula. However, professional resources and research on the use of video games in literacy classrooms remain scarce. To understand how educators have begun to integrate games into ELA curriculum and instruction, the authors conducted a state‐of‐the‐art review of the emerging literature on video games in secondary ELA classrooms. Through an inductive search and coding process, 21 studies were identified and analyzed. Two major findings emerged regarding both the specific instructional practices that instructors in the studies employed and the overall effects on students' learning described in the studies. First, the studies highlighted examples of video game instruction through the use of game analysis, game design and production, text production, and inquiry/research. Second, studies emphasized students’ expanded conceptions of literacies, development of literacy practices, growth of critical and analytical thinking skills, enhanced engagement, and increased opportunities for peer collaboration and mentoring. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for literacy instruction and research.
Oxidative Coupling of Phenylhydrazine Hydrochloride With 2H‐Indazole Derivatives Using Visible Light Activation of Carbazole Based Organophotocatalyst
Authors: Saritha Rajendhiran , Annes Sesuraj Babiola , Perumal Karuppaiah , Veerappan Anbazhagan , Ramesh Subburethinam
Published: November 2021

The visible light promoted, oxidative coupling of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride with 2H‐indazole derivatives has been demonstrated to obtain 3‐arylated‐2H‐indazole derivatives using a catalytic amount of 4CzIPN (1,2,3,5‐tetrakis(carbazol‐9‐yl)‐4,6‐dicyanobenzene) as a photocatalyst under aerobic conditions. A library of arylated indazole derivatives was prepared in the organo‐photocatalytic pathway in good yields under mild reaction conditions. The present strategy was applied to synthesis liver X receptor agonist 4‐(7‐methoxy‐2‐phenyl‐2H‐indazol‐3‐yl) benzonitrile (3).
Boron Triel Bonds: A Quantum Chemical Topology Perspective
Authors: Karachi Sara S. , Eskandari Kiamars
Published: November 2021

Different quantum chemical topology (QCT) methods were used to study the boron triel bonded complexes between BX3(X=H, F, Cl, and Br) and some Lewis bases (NH3, CO and NCH). The Laplacian of electron density distribution indicates that the weak boron‐Lewis base complexes can be classified as lump‐hole interactions. On the other hand, in the covalent‐type complexes, the lump in the valence shell of the Lewis base is polarized toward the boron atom, leading to tetravalent borons. Natural atom in molecule (NAIM) analysis demonstrates that a bonding NBO (natural bond orbital) is the primary source of electron density at the triel bond critical points in the covalent‐type complexes. The interacting quantum atom (IQA) approach shows that in both closed‐shell and covalent‐type complexes, the exchange‐correlation terms are the dominant inter‐fragment interactions, indicating the importance of electron sharing in the formation of complexes. Natural adaptive orbital (NAdO) analysis reveals that donation and back‐donation channels contribute almost equally to inter‐fragment electron delocalization. Interestingly, in the closed‐shell systems, the electrostatic inter‐fragment interactions are negligibly small, and the exchange‐correlation terms are large enough to compensate for the unstabilizing deformation energies. In contrast, in the covalent‐type complexes both exchange‐correlation and electrostatic terms are essential to overcome deformations.