bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workflow aware analytical model to predict performance and cost of serverless execution
Authors: Kumari Anisha , Sahoo Bibhudatta , Behera Ranjan Kumar
Published: April 2023

Serverless computing has emerged as a powerful deployment model based on the Function‐as‐a‐Service (FaaS) paradigm, where applications are orchestrated through a set of independent functions. The function orchestration within an application can be represented through a serverless workflow, which defines the overall execution plan of the application. To ensure the quality of service for serverless computing platforms, it is essential to develop performance and cost models that can predict the service quality that can be obtained from deploying and executing applications in the cloud platform. While several analytical models have been developed for various cloud deployment frameworks in recent years, there has been a lack of performance and cost analysis models for serverless computing platforms. The existing performance and cost monitoring tools available in serverless frameworks face several challenges, such as complexity, lack of transparency, and incomplete monitoring data. In this paper, we fill the gap by proposing an efficient workflow‐based analytical model that can estimate the end‐to‐end response time and cost of the serverless execution plan. The proposed model can handle complex structures like loop, cycles, self‐loop, and parallel substructures that exist in serverless workflows. Additionally, we propose a heuristic optimization algorithm to identify the optimal resource configuration to achieve the optimal response time under a given budget constraint. We evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed model by considering seven serverless applications in both AWS Lambda and Microsoft Azure platforms. We compared the accuracy of the proposed model with the real values of response time and cost obtained in AWS Lambda and Microsoft Azure serverless platforms. The proposed performance and cost model in the AWS Lambda platform has been observed to have an average accuracy of 99.2% and 98.7% respectively. In the Microsoft Azure platform, the average accuracy of the performance and cost model has been observed to be 98.6% and 98.2% respectively.
Aggregation‐induced Emission Materials for High‐efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gu Ningxia , Sun Zeyuan , Song Lixin , Du Pingfan , Xiong Jie
Published: April 2023

The perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with high efficiency and stability are in great demand for commercial applications. Although the remarkable photovoltaic feature of perovskite layer plays a great role in improving the PCE of PSCs, the inevitable defects and poor stability of perovskite, etc. are the bottleneck and restrict the commercialization of PSCs. Herein, a review provides a strategy of applying aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) molecules, containing passivation functional groups and distinct AIE character, which serves as the alternative materials for fabricating high‐efficiency and high‐stability PSCs. The methods of introducing AIE molecules to PSCs are also summarized, including additive engineering, interfacial engineering, hole transport materials and so on. In addition, the functions of AIE molecule are discussed, such as defects passivation, morphology modulation, well‐matched energy level, enhanced stability, hole transport ability, carrier recombination suppression. Finally, the detailed functions of AIE molecules are offered and further research trend for high performance PSCs based on AIE materials is proposed.
Revisiting the TCNQF40/1−/2− Catalysis Mechanism for the [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−‐S2O32−/S4O62− Redox Reaction
Authors: Alzubidi Anbrah E. , Bond Alan M. , Martin Lisandra L.
Published: April 2023

Published data suggest that sparingly soluble metal complexes of
, where n=0, 1, 2, 4, can act as heterogeneous catalysts for the kinetically very slow
‐
/
reaction in aqueous solution. This study shows that the coordination polymer
, participates as a homogeneous catalyst via an extremely small concentration of dissolved
. This finding suggests that the generally accepted mechanism of catalysis by
based solids needs to be revisited to ascertain the role of homogeneous pathways. In the present study, UV‐visible spectrophotometry was used to examine the catalysis of the aqueous redox reaction of
(1.0 mM) with
(100 mM) in the presence of (i) a precursor catalyst,
; (ii) the catalyst,
, as the water soluble Li+ salt; and (iii)
. A homogeneous reaction scheme that utilises the
couple is provided. In the case of
derived from highly soluble
, quantitative conversion of 1.0 mM
to 0.50 mM
occurs with complete reduction of
to
being rapidly accelerated by sub‐micomolar concentrations of
.
generated in the catalytic cycle, reacts with
to reform
and produce
. Along with the rapid catalytic reaction, the sluggish competing reaction between
and
occurs to give
, which is protonated to
, along with a trace amount of
. On addition of the precursor catalyst,
, rapid reduction with
occurs to form
– the active catalyst.
added to water is shown to be sufficiently soluble to provide adequate
to act as the catalyst for the
‐
/
reaction.
Regulatory and HTA Considerations for Development of Real‐World Data Derived External Controls
Authors: Curtis Lesley H. , Sola‐Morales Oriol , Heidt Julien , Saunders‐Hastings Patrick , Walsh Laura , Casso Deborah , Oliveria Susan , Mercado Tiffany , Zusterzeel Robbert , Sobel Rachel E. , Jalbert Jessica J. , Mastey Vera , Harnett James , Quek Ruben G. W.
Published: April 2023

Regulators and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies are increasingly familiar with, and publishing guidance on, external controls derived from real‐world data (RWD) to generate real‐world evidence (RWE). We recently conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) evaluating publicly available information on the use of RWD‐derived external controls to contextualize outcomes from uncontrolled trials submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and/or select HTA bodies. The review identified several key operational and methodological aspects for which more detailed guidance and alignment within and between regulatory agencies and HTA bodies is necessary. This paper builds on the SLR findings by delineating a set of key takeaways for the responsible generation of fit‐for‐purpose RWE. Practical methodological and operational guidelines for designing, conducting, and reporting RWD‐derived external control studies are explored and discussed. These considerations include: (i) early engagement with regulators and HTA bodies during the study planning phase; (ii) consideration of the appropriateness and comparability of external controls across multiple dimensions, including eligibility criteria, temporality, population representation, and clinical evaluation; (iii) ensuring adequate sample sizes, including hypothesis testing considerations; (iv) implementation of a clear and transparent strategy for assessing and addressing data quality, including data missingness across trials and RWD; (v) selection of comparable and meaningful endpoints that are operationalized and analyzed using appropriate analytic methods; and (vi) conduct of sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of findings in the context of uncertainty and sources of potential bias.
Biological Efficacy of Plant Growth–Promoting Bacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungi: Assessments in Laboratory and Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Gelvez‐Pardo Ivonn , Lobo‐Berbesi Laura , Santos‐Díaz Adriana
Published: April 2023

Utilizing the interactions of microorganisms with plants offers a favorable path to increase crop production and replace the use of synthetic fertilizers. Different bacteria and fungi have been used as biofertilizers to improve agricultural production, yield, and sustainability. Beneficial microorganisms can act as free‐living organisms, symbiotes, and endophytes. Soil bacteria called plant growth–promoting bacteria (PGPB) and fungi called arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) stimulate the growth and health of plants by direct and indirect mechanisms including nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, phytohormone production, enzyme production, antibiotic synthesis, and induced systemic resistance. To use these microorganisms as a biofertilizer, it is necessary to assess their efficacy under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Few reports detail the methods used to develop a test under different environmental conditions, and without these details it is difficult to develop suitable methodologies to evaluate microorganism‐plant relationships. We describe four protocols that go from sample preparation to testing in vitro the efficacy of different biofertilizers. Each protocol can be used to test a different biofertilizer microorganism, focusing on bacteria such as Rhizobium sp., Azotobacter sp., Azospirillum sp., Bacillus sp. as well as AMF such as Glomus sp. These protocols can be used in several stages of biofertilizer development, including microorganism selection, microorganism characterization, and in vitro evaluation of efficacy for the registration process. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Evaluating the biological effect of biofertilizer based on PGPB under laboratory conditions

Basic Protocol 2: Evaluating the biological effect of biofertilizer based on PGPB under greenhouse conditions

Basic Protocol 3: Evaluating the biological effect of biofertilizer based on symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing bacteria

Basic Protocol 4: Evaluating the biological effect of biofertilizer based on AMF
A novel hybrid image processing‐based reconfiguration with RBF neural network MPPT approach for improving global maximum power and effective tracking of PV system
Authors: Rao Chepuri Venkateswara , Raj Rayappa David Amar , Anil Naik Kanasottu
Published: April 2023

The solar photovoltaic (PV) array output is reduced significantly by the frequently occurring inevitable partial shading conditions. In consequence, the array exhibits multiple peaks in its characteristics that cause the conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms to get stuck at the local maximum. So, to track the global maximum power (GMP) among the multiple peaks, a novel radial basis function (RBF)‐based neural network approach has been proposed for predicting the optimal GMP. Additionally, a novel and intelligent encryption‐based ruler transform (RT) reconfiguration approach is proposed to disperse the shading effect enhancing the GMP and mitigating the multiple peaks. The effectiveness of the proposed RBF‐MPPT and novel RT‐reconfiguration strategies has been tested and analyzed for a 5 × 7 PV array under distinct dynamic, uniform, and nonuniform shading conditions. The results of the proposed RBF have been compared with the conventional incremental conductance (INC) algorithm before and after reconfiguration of the PV array. Further, the ease of GMP tracking by a simple conventional INC due to the reduction of peaks after the array reconfiguration under shading conditions has been demonstrated and discussed in detail. After reconfiguration, the GMP is enhanced by 37.35%, 31.41%, 30.86%, 21.46%, 13.69%, and 8.88%, using the proposed RBF for the considered five shading conditions. The steady‐state oscillations are also considerably mitigated by employing the proposed reconfiguration and RBF strategies.
Development of wideband CPW‐fed hexagon‐shaped circularly polarized slot antenna for wireless‐communications
Authors: Chandra Avinash , Kumar Rajkishor
Published: April 2023

A hexagonal shaped circularly polarized (CP) wideband slot antenna using multiple stubs has been proposed and investigated. A hexagonal slot is created in the ground plane with tapered sections improving the impedance matching. Two radiators are incorporated in the structure, which is responsible for generating orthogonal degenerate modes; hence, CP radiation is achieved for the proposed antenna. For enhancing the gain of antenna, one radiator is directly connected to feed line and another one embedded in the ground plane. An inverted L‐shaped arm is inserted in the slot to enhance and tune the circular polarized behavior. The presented radiator have input reflection coefficient ranges from 5.67 to 8.50 GHz (39.97%) and axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of 5.60–8.50 GHz (41.13%). The proposed antenna provides overlapping bandwidths of 5.67–8.50 GHz (39.97%) having average gains of 5.25 dBi within the entire frequency bands. The presented antenna is exceptionally good for the application of mobile and satellite communications.
Role of molecular testing for malignant pleural effusion in targeted therapy for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lin Rixu , Li Yida , Lin Yi , Tian Wenyi , Jiang Lei , Li Jianmin
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To confirm the predictive value of targeted therapies for oncogenic driver gene mutations detected in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) cell blocks from patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

For patients with NSCLC whose tumor tissues could not be used to detect oncogenic driver gene status, molecular mutation status in 101 MPE cell blocks was tested using amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction prior to treatment. Corresponding targeted therapies were adopted based on the detection results.

Results

Mutations observed in MPE cell blocks included epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (EGFR) (60.4% [61/101]), anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion (6.3% [5/80]), and ROS proto‐oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase fusion (3% [2/70]). Other mutations that were found in <5% of patients included epidermal growth factor receptor‐2, rat sarcoma‐filtered germ carcinogenic homologous B1, neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog, and mesenchymal epithelial transition factor exon 14. The median follow‐up time was 23.5 months for the 41 patients with a single EGFR mutation and who received tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy as the first‐line treatment; in these patients, the objective response rate was 78% (95% confidence intervals (CI), 62% to 89%), progression‐free survival was 10.8 months (95% CI, 8.7 to 13.0 months), and overall survival was 31.7 months (95% CI, 13.9 to 49.4 months).

Conclusions

Malignant pleural effusion cell blocks are recommended for mutation testing for targeted therapies in patients with NSCLC.
Usefulness of cytological diagnosis in pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy: Comparison with histological diagnosis and relationship with puncture route and sample acquisition method
Authors: Nagai Tamiko , Ishida Kazuyuki , Machida Hiromi , Takada‐Owada Atsuko , Onozaki Masato , Noda Shuhei , Nozawa Yumi , Takaoka Mina , Sakuma Fumi , Aoki Taku , Irisawa Atsushi
Published: April 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of cytology when using endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy (EUS‐FNA/FNB) for pancreatic lesions by comparison with histology, and also to examine differences in diagnostic accuracy depending on the puncture route and sample acquisition method.

Methods

We studied 146 cases in which cytology and histology were performed when undertaking pancreatic EUS‐FNA/FNB and the final histological diagnosis was obtained from surgically resected samples. Cytological, histological, and combined diagnoses with cytology and histology (combined diagnosis) detected malignant including suspected malignancy, indeterminate, and benign lesions.

Results

The accuracy of both cytology and histology in pancreatic EUS‐FNA/FNB was 80.1%, with the combined diagnosis having an improved accuracy of 88.4%. The accuracy obtained with cytology was 80.0% for trans‐duodenal puncture samples and 80.3% for trans‐gastric puncture samples, with no difference between them. By contrast, the accuracy obtained with histology was 76.5% for trans‐duodenal samples and 85.2% for trans‐gastric samples, and they differed depending on the puncture route. The cytology accuracy was 80.9% for FNA and 79.8% for FNB, while the histology accuracy was 72.3% for FNA and 83.8% for FNB.

Conclusions

Combining cytological diagnosis with histological diagnosis improved the diagnostic accuracy of EUS‐FNA/FNB. Compared with histological diagnosis, cytological diagnosis showed stable diagnostic accuracy without being affected by differences in the puncture route or sample acquisition method.
Temporal variation of mycorrhization rates in a tree diversity experiment
Authors: Heklau Heike , Schindler Nicole , Eisenhauer Nico , Ferlian Olga , Bruelheide Helge
Published: April 2023

While mycorrhization rates have been studied in different contexts, not much is known about their temporal patterns across seasons. Here, we asked how mycorrhization rates of 10 deciduous trees assessed by microscopy changed from winter to spring to early summer. We made use of a tree diversity experiment on nutrient‐rich soil (former farmland) in Central Germany. In the experiment, saplings of host species with a preference for either arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) or ectomycorrhiza (EM) were planted in monocultures, two‐species, and four‐species mixtures. In addition, mixtures were composed of tree species of only one mycorrhizal type or by AM/EM trees. For almost all species, with the exception of Aesculus hippocastanum and Acer pseudoplatanus (only AM), dual mycorrhization with both types (AM and EM) was found at every sampling time (December, March, and May), although the expected preferences for certain mycorrhizal types were confirmed. The sampling date had a significant influence on mycorrhization rates of both EM and AM tree species. Frequencies of EM and AM were lowest in May, but there were no differences between December and March. The causes of this seasonal variation may be associated with climate‐induced differences in carbon allocation to mycorrhizal tree roots in the temperate climate. Within individual trees, mycorrhization rates by AM and EM fungi were not correlated over time, pointing to asynchronous variation between both types and to independent drivers for AM and EM mycorrhization. At the community level, mycorrhiza frequency of either of the two types became more asynchronous from two‐species to four‐species mixtures. Thus, increased community asynchrony in mycorrhization could be another important mechanism in biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships.
Unrecognized diversity, genetic structuring, and phylogeography of the genusTriplophysa(Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) sheds light on two opposite colonization routes during Quaternary glaciation that occurred in the Qilian Mountains
Authors: Du Yan‐yan , Zhang Yan‐ping , Lou Zhong‐yu , Wang Tai
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the influence of historical geological and climatic events on the evolution of flora and fauna in the Tibetan Plateau has been a hot research topic. The Qilian Mountain region is one of the most important sources of biodiversity on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. Many species existed in the region during the Pleistocene glacial oscillation, and the complex geographical environment provided suitable conditions for the survival of local species. The shrinkage, expansion, and transfer of the distribution range and population size of species have significant effects on genetic diversity and intraspecific differentiation. To reveal the effects of geological uplift and climate oscillation on the evolution of fish populations in the Qilian Mountains, we investigated the genetic structure, phylogenetic relationship, and phylogeographical characteristics of genusTriplophysaspecies in the Qilian Mountains using the mitochondrial DNA gene (COI), three nuclear genes (RAG1, sRH, and Myh6) and 11 pairs of nuclear microsatellite markers. We collected 11 species of genusTriplophysaliving in the Qilian Mountains, among whichTriplophysa hsutschouensisandTriplophysa papillosolabiataare widely distributed in the rivers on the northern slope of the Qilian Mountains. There was a high degree of lineage differentiation among species, and the genetic diversity of endemic species was low. The different geographical groups ofT. papillosolabiatapresented some allogeneic adaptation and differentiation, which was closely related to the changes in the river system. Except for the population expansion event ofT. hsutschouensisduring the last glacial period of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (0.025 MYA), the population sizes of other plateau loach species remained stable without significant population expansion. Starting from the east and west sides of the Qilian Mountains,T. hsutschouensis, andT. papillosolabiatashowed two species colonization routes in opposite directions. The geological events of the uplift of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and the climatic oscillation of the Quaternary glaciation had a great influence on the genetic structure of the plateau loach in the Qilian Mountains, which promoted the genetic differentiation of the plateau loach and formed some unique new species. The results of this study have important guiding significance for fish habitat protection in the Qilian Mountains.
Temperature along an elevation gradient determines Galapagos tortoise sex ratios
Authors: Deem Sharon L. , Rivera Sam , Nieto‐Claudin Ainoa , Emmel Evan , Cabrera Freddy , Blake Stephen
Published: April 2023

Climate change threatens endemic island ectothermic reptiles that display small population sizes and temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD). Studies of captive Galapagos tortoises demonstrate type A TSD with warmer incubation temperatures producing females. However, there are few published data from free‐living Galapagos tortoises on incubation temperature regimes, and none on hatchling sex ratios in the wild or the potential impacts of climate change on future sex ratios. We sought to address these deficits by quantifying incubation temperatures of nests and sex ratios of juvenile tortoises along an elevation gradient on Santa Cruz Island. We focused on three geographically separated nesting zones with mean elevations of 14 m (lower), 57 m (middle), and 107 m (upper) above sea level. Nest temperatures in 54 nests distributed across the three nesting zones were measured every 4 h throughout the incubation period using iButton thermochrons. We used coelioscopy to conduct visual exams of gonads to determine the sex of 40 juvenile tortoises from the three nesting zones. During the middle trimester of incubation, the period during which sex is determined in turtles, mean nest temperatures were 25.75°C (SD = 1.08) in the upper zone, and 27.02°C (SD = 1.09), and 27.09°C (SD = 0.85) in the middle and lower zones, respectively. The proportion of juveniles that was male increased from 11.1% in the lower zone and 9.5% in the middle zone, to 80% in the upper zone. A ca. 50 m increase in elevation induced a decrease of >1.25°C in mean nest temperature during the second trimester of incubation. Over the same elevation change, the proportion of males in the juvenile tortoise population increased by ca. 70%. Temperatures on Galapagos are predicted to increase by 1‐4°C over the next 50 years, which is likely to increase the frequency of female tortoises across the archipelago.
Increasing human environmental footprint does not lead to biotic homogenization of forest bird communities in northern USA
Authors: Le Tortorec Eric , Häkkilä Matti , Zlonis Edmund , Niemi Gerald , Mönkkönen Mikko
Published: April 2023

Studies have shown negative impacts of increased human pressures on biodiversity at local (alpha‐diversity) and regional (gamma‐diversity) scales. However, the diversity between local sites (beta‐diversity) has received less attention. This is an important shortcoming since beta‐diversity acts as a linkage between the local and regional scales. Decreased beta‐diversity means that local sites lose their distinctiveness, becoming more similar to each other. This process is known as biotic homogenization. However, the mechanisms causing biotic homogenization have not been fully studied nor its impacts on different facets of biodiversity. We examined if land‐use change due to human actions causes biotic homogenization of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity in bird communities of forested habitats in the state of Minnesota, USA. We address if forest loss and increased human domination in a region were associated with decreased beta‐diversity. Our results showed that elevated human pressure was not related to increased biotic homogenization in this study region. Effects of landscape change were incongruent among taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity. At all spatial scales, taxonomic diversity was unrelated to forest loss or human domination. Interestingly, increased human domination appeared to increase the functional beta‐diversity of bird communities. This association was driven by a decrease in local diversity. Forest habitat loss was associated with decreasing functional and phylogenetic diversity in local communities (alpha‐diversity) and in regional species pool (gamma‐diversity), but not in beta‐diversity. We highlight the importance of considering multiple facets of biodiversity as their responses to human land‐use is varied. Conservation significance of beta‐diversity hinges on local and regional diversity responses to human land‐use intensification, and organization of biodiversity should therefore be analyzed at multiple spatial scales.
Investigation of mechanical, thermal, and acoustic performance of insulation materials containing microwave and ultrasound pretreated coffee wastes and estimation of thermal parameters using artificial neural network
Authors: Yildiz Fatmagul Kivrak , Kalem Merve Sogancioglu
Published: April 2023

As a result of increasing coffee consumption in the world, the amount of coffee waste, which is an important environmental problem, is increasing. Due to their complex organic properties, they should not be discharged to landfills. At the same time, these wastes with a porous and cellulosic structure, have high acoustic and heat insulation performances in the building material they are used. In this study, commercial coffee wastes were evaluated without pre‐treatment (CW) and with microwave (MCW) and ultrasound (UCW) pre‐treatment in insulation plaster containing boron. First, the morphological, thermal, and chemical properties of coffee wastes were determined by SEM, TGA, and FTIR analyzes. CW, MCW, and UCW wastes were replaced with insulation plaster at rates of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The physical, mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties of insulation plasters produced from coffee waste were determined by the analysis methods given in Turkish Standards. According to the results, insulation plasters obtained from pre‐treated wastes were more efficient in terms of mechanical and thermal properties. In terms of thermal and acoustic insulation, UCW30 insulation plasters showed the best performance. Thermal conductivity values were estimated by entering dosage, density, water absorption, bond strength, compressive strength, and moisture values as input dataset to artificial neural network (ANN). The developed ANN model and the experimentally obtained data were compared and it was observed that the results were in harmony. As a result, with this study, a new generation green insulation material was produced by recycling coffee wastes. In this way, a different solution has been found for an important environmental problem.
Dual carbonate clumped isotopes (Δ47-Δ48) constrains kinetic effects and timescales in peridotite-associated springs at The Cedars, Northern California
Authors: Parvez Zeeshan , Lucarelli Jamie K , Matamoros Irvin W , Rubi Joshua , Miguel Kevin , Elliott Ben , Flores Randy , Ulrich Robert N , Eagle Robert A , Watkins James M , Christensen John N , Tripati Aradhna
Published: April 2023

The Cedars is an area in Northern California with a chain of highly
alkaline springs resulting from CO-charged
meteorological water interacting with a peridotite body.
Serpentinization resulting from this interaction at depth leads to the
sequestration of various carbonate minerals into veins accompanied by a
release of Ca and OH enriched
water to the surface, creating an environment which promotes rapid
precipitation of CaCO at surface springs. This
environment enables us to apply the recently developed
Δ-Δ dual clumped isotope analysis to
probe kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) and timescales of
CO transformation in a region with the potential for
geological CO sequestration. We analyzed
CaCO recovered from various localities and identified
significant kinetic fractionations associated with CO
absorption in a majority of samples, characterized by enrichment in
Δ values and depletion in Δ values
relative to equilibrium. Surface floes exhibited the largest KIEs
(ΔΔ­: 0.163‰, ΔΔ­: -0.761‰). Surface
floe samples begin to precipitate out of solution within the first hour
of CO absorption, and the dissolved inorganic carbon
(DIC) pool requires a residence time of >100 hours to
achieve isotopic equilibria. The Δ/Δ
slope of samples from the Cedars (-3.223±0.519; 1 SE) is within the
range of published theoretical values designed to constrain
CO hydrolysis-related kinetic fractionation (-1.724 to
-8.330). The Δ/δO slope
(-0.009±0.001) and Δ/δC slope
(0.009±0.001) are roughly consistent with literature values reported
from a peridotite in Oman of -0.006±0.002 and -0.005±0.002,
respectively. The consistency of slopes in the multi-isotope space
suggests the Δ-Δ dual carbonate
clumped isotope framework can be applied to study
CO-absorption processes in applied systems, including
sites of interest for geological sequestration.
COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women attending tertiary care centre: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Sharma Sumedha , Nigam Aruna , Panasar Sanjeet , Kumar Siddharth
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate the knowledge and attitude towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination during pregnancy and to discover factors that lead to non‐acceptance of vaccine.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamdard Institute of Medical Science & Research, New Delhi over a period of 3 months through a web‐based questionnaire via Google form. The questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach α for internal consistency, which was 0.795.

Results

News (74%) was the major source of knowledge among pregnant women. Around 60% women were not willing to receive the vaccine, mainly because of their fear of a harmful effect on pregnancy. The anticipated vaccine acceptance rate was 41% but actual vaccine acceptance rate in pregnancy was 7.3%.

Conclusion

Efforts should be made to reduce the gap of knowledge regarding vaccine among pregnant women.
Prevalence of Monogenic Bone Disorders in a Dutch Cohort of Atypical Femur Fracture Patients
Authors: Zhou Wei , van Rooij Jeroen GJ , van de Laarschot Denise M , Zervou Zografia , Bruggenwirth Hennie , Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha M , Ebeling Peter R , Demirdas Serwet , Verkerk Annemieke JMH , Zillikens M Carola
Published: April 2023

Atypical femur fractures (AFFs), considered rare associations of bisphosphonates, have also been reported in patients with monogenic bone disorders without bisphosphonate use. The exact association between AFFs and monogenic bone disorders remains unknown. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of monogenic bone disorders in a Dutch AFF cohort. AFF patients were recruited from two specialist bone centers in the Netherlands. Medical records of the AFF patients were reviewed for clinical features of monogenic bone disorders. Genetic variants identified by whole-exome sequencing in 37 candidate genes involved in monogenic bone disorders were classified based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) classification guidelines. Copy number variations overlapping the candidate genes were also evaluated using DNA array genotyping data. The cohort comprises 60 AFF patients (including a pair of siblings), with 95% having received bisphosphonates. Fifteen AFF patients (25%) had clinical features of monogenic bone disorders. Eight of them (54%), including the pair of siblings, had a (likely) pathogenic variant in either PLS3, COL1A2, LRP5, or ALPL. One patient carried a likely pathogenic variant in TCIRG1 among patients not suspected of monogenic bone disorders (2%). In total, nine patients in this AFF cohort (15%) had a (likely) pathogenic variant. In one patient, we identified a 12.7 Mb deletion in chromosome 6, encompassing TENT5A. The findings indicate a strong relationship between AFFs and monogenic bone disorders, particularly osteogenesis imperfecta and hypophosphatasia, but mainly in individuals with symptoms of these disorders. The high yield of (likely) pathogenic variants in AFF patients with a clinical suspicion of these disorders stresses the importance of careful clinical evaluation of AFF patients. Although the relevance of bisphosphonate use in this relationship is currently unclear, clinicians should consider these findings in medical management of these patients. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Mental accounting of product returns
Authors: Lee Chang‐Yuan , Morewedge Carey K.
Published: April 2023

Product returns incur a substantial financial loss for retailers. We demonstrate how, when, and why cross‐selling during the product returns process can reduce this loss in revenue. We find consumers more readily spend money refunded from product returns than unspent money. We theorize that this refund effect occurs because consumers psychologically realize the loss of money when purchasing products and earmark that money for spending. Thus, consumers feel a smaller psychological loss when spending refunded money than unspent money on a subsequent purchase. In six experiments, we find consumers spend refunded money more freely than unspent money, even more than windfall gains like lottery winnings, on products in similar and different product categories (e.g., groceries vs. apparel). However, the refund effect only holds when consumers do not expect to return products at the point of purchase and before refunded money is commingled with money in other accounts. Our findings identify a new fungibility violation due to mental accounting (i.e., a new source effect), and illustrate its value for generating, validating, and explaining revenue retention strategies.
In situ liquid cell SEM observation of dynamic processes of Au nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Xin , Tan Liyi , Cheng Siyu , Liu Yang , Zhu Mengqin
Published: April 2023

In situ liquid cell electron microscopy (LC‐EM) is a powerful platform for real time nanoscale imaging of liquid systems. In situ liquid cell scanning electron microscopy (LC‐SEM) as a relatively low cost and potentially more convenient characterization method, has not been as widely used as compared to in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LC‐TEM). This paper reports a real time high resolution and comprehensive characterization of Au nanoparticles (NPs) and nanoparticle clusters (NPCs), which are surface‐decorated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), in an oleic acid (OA) emulsion system with LC‐SEM. Single NP resolution images are routinely collected with both secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron (BSE) imaging modes, with different SEM systems. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping data clearly demonstrates the single particle level chemical element distributions, particle stacking structure, as well as the preferred distribution of OA molecules on the Au particle surfaces. Moreover, both liquid droplet growth and particle motions are observed with LC‐SEM, among which, ways for faster tracking the single particle level dynamic motion behavior of Au NPs and NPCs are explored. We expect that our work will bring new insight of high resolution and fast analysis in a broad range of materials in liquid with LC‐SEM.
Antibacterial activity of novel synthesized chitosan‐graft‐poly(N‐tertiary butylacrylamide)/neodymium composites for biomedical application
Authors: Yazdıç Ferit Can , Karaman Altuğ , Torğut Gülben , Ayhan Nagihan Karaaslan
Published: April 2023

In this present study, composites of chitosan‐graft‐poly(N‐tertiary butylacrylamide) (CH‐graft‐poly(N‑tert‑BAAm)) copolymer, with Neodymium (Nd), an important rare earth element, were prepared by precipitation technique. Nd was successfully incorporated into the polymer of different weight percentages (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) without any degradation. The effect of neodymium additives on the structural, morphological, and antibacterial activities against gram‐positive bacteria and gram‐negative bacteria of the polymer was analyzed using various instrument techniques. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results together with Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) studies confirmed the morphology of Nd‐doped CH‐graft‐poly(N‑tert‑BAAm) composites without any other impurities. The antibacterial effect of Nd was studied by adding it to the copolymer in a weight ratio of 0.5%–2%. The antibacterial effect of neodymium concentration on four different strains of bacteria was investigated: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DSM 50071) (P. aeruginosa), Bacillus subtilis (DSM 1971) (B. subtilis), and Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus (ATCC 25923) (S. aureus). The antibacterial activities of the obtained composites were determined using the Agar Well Diffusion Assay Method. Experimental results show that Nd binds well to CH‐graft‐poly(N‑tert‑BAAm). Activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, and S. aureus subsp. aureus creates a potential for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
Efficacy of rice husk and halophilic bacterial biofilms in the treatment of saline water
Authors: Ahsan Yousra , Aisha Waheed Qurashi  , Liaqat Iram , Latif Asma , Afzaal Muhammad , Khalid Awais , Sardar Andleeb A.
Published: April 2023

Water salinity causes less production of agricultural productivity, low economic returns, soil destructions, less sustainability, and reduction in the germination rate. The current study was aimed to understand the combined potential of halophilic bacteria and rice husk in treating water salinity. In total, 10 halophilic bacterial isolates were isolated from Khewra Mines, Pakistan. Bacterial isolates were characterized by biochemical tests. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the isolate SO 1 as Bacillus safensis (accession number ON203008) being the promising halophilic bacteria tolerating upto 3 M NaCl concentration. Next, rice husk was used as carbon source for bacterial biofilm formation, growth and propagation. For saline water treatment, the experimental setting comprising glass wool, rice husk and artificial sea water (3 M) was set. B. safensis biofilm was developed in test samples to desaline the saline water containing 3 M NaCl concentration. Following NaCl decline, flame photometric analysis was used to check the desalination extent of treated saline water. Results showed decreased sodium level in sea water in the presence of rice husk and glass wool. The eluted water used for the germination of Zea mays seeds showed improved growth performance. Also, decreased photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll “a” = 18.99, and chlorophyll “b” = 10.65), sugar contents (0.7593), and increased carotenoid (1526.91), protein contents (0.4521) were noted compared to control. This eco‐friendly approach for bioremediation of salt‐affected soils to optimize crop yields under stress through halophilic bacteria and rice husk may overcome the problem of the reduced yield of cash crops/agriculture and water shortage by salinity.
Simultaneous quantification of fatty acids in serum with dual derivatization by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Fu Zhibo , Xu Xuefeng , Lin Chuhui , Yang Haoyu , Zhao Linghao , Zhou Yuanyuan , Song Yanbin , Zhang Min , Zhang Hongyang , Hu Ping
Published: April 2023

Fatty acids have multitudinous biological functions and play a crucial role in many biological processes, but due to poor ionization efficiency and lack of appropriate internal standards, the comprehensive quantification of fatty acids by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry is still challenging. In this study, a new, accurate, and reliable method for quantifying 30 fatty acids in serum using dual derivatization was proposed. Indole‐3‐acetic acid hydrazide derivants of fatty acids were used as the internal standard and indole‐3‐carboxylic acid hydrazide derivants of them were used to quantify. The derivatization conditions were systematically optimized and the method validation results showed good linearity with R2 > 0.9942, low detection limit (0.03–0.6 nM), precision (1.6%–9.8% for intra‐day and 4.6%–14.1% for inter‐day), recovery (88.2%–107.2% with relative standard deviation < 10.5%), matrix effect (88.3%–105.2% with the relative standard deviation < 9.9%) and stability (3.4%–13.8% for fatty acids derivants in 24 h at 4°C and 4.2%–13.8% for three freeze‐thaw cycles). Finally, this method was successfully applied to quantify fatty acids in serum samples of Alzheimer's patients. In contrast to the healthy control group, nine fatty acids showed a significant increase in the Alzheimer's disease group.
Comparison of the outcomes of anterolateral thigh flap and peroneal flap in total laryngectomy reconstruction
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Hsuan , Chen I‐Wen , Lin Cheng‐Ta , Yang Kuo‐Chung , Liu Wen‐Chung , Chiu Ching‐Ching , Lee Shih‐Yu , Chen Lee‐Wei
Published: April 2023

Background

We usually use an ALT or peroneal flap in total laryngectomy reconstruction, depending on the surgeons' preference. No direct comparison of the outcomes of the ALT flap and peroneal flap exists.

Methods

From 2014 to 2022, we reviewed patients who had total laryngectomy and were reconstructed with an ALT flap and peroneal flap. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were collected and compared.

Results

The peroneal group had a significantly higher risk of neopharynx leakage (40% vs. 13.2%, p = .020) and late pharyngocutaneous fistula formation (30% vs. 5.3%, p = .009) than the ALT group. Peroneal flap was found to be the only independent risk factor for neopharynx leakage (p = .025, odds ratio [OR] = 5.5) and late pharyngocutaneous fistula formation (p = .02, OR = 7.7) in multivariate logistic regression.

Conclusion

In the reconstruction of total laryngectomy, the ALT flap is preferable over the peroneal flap.
A Phase Ib, Double Blind, Randomized Study of Cannabis Oil for Pain in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Di Luca Daniel G. , Gilmour Gabriela S. , Fearon Conor , Swinkin Emily , Freitas Eliza , Kuhlman Greg , Fox Susan H. , Mestre Tiago
Published: April 2023

Background

Pain is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), but effective therapies are limited.

Objectives

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and safety of formulations of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) for pain in PD.

Methods

In this phase 1b, double‐blind, randomized, single‐center study, participants were randomized to three formulations of THC/CBD (18:0, 10:10, and 1:20). The MTD, adverse events (AE), and tolerability are described for each formulation.

Results

Eight participants were randomized. The MTD was similar among groups (0.8–0.9 mL/daily), and there were no serious AE or study drop‐outs. The most common AE were drowsiness and dizziness (three participants). Epworth sleepiness scale scores were higher in the high CBD formulation (1:20).

Conclusions

In patients with pain and PD, mixed formulations of THC/CBD were tolerated with no serious AE. Considering the safety profile, future phase II studies should be considered.
Free vibrations of axially moving strings: Energy estimates and boundary observability
Authors: Ghenimi Seyf Eddine , Sengouga Abdelmouhcene
Published: April 2023

We study the small vibrations of axially moving strings described by a wave equation in an interval with two endpoints moving in the same direction with a constant speed. The solution is expressed by a series formula where the coefficients are explicitly computed in function of the initial data. We also define an energy expression for the solution that is conserved in time. Then, we establish boundary observability inequalities with explicit constants.
Fractional‐type integral operators and their applications to trend estimation of COVID‐19
Authors: Kadak Ugur
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we construct a novel family of fractional‐type integral operators of a function
by replacing sample values
with the fractional mean values of that function. We give some explicit formulas for higher order moments of the proposed operators and investigate some approximation properties. We also define the fractional variants of Mirakyan–Favard–Szász and Baskakov‐type operators and calculate the higher order moments of these operators. We give an explicit formula for fractional derivatives of proposed operators with the help of the Caputo‐type fractional derivative Furthermore, several graphical and numerical results are presented in detail to demonstrate the accuracy, applicability, and validity of the proposed operators. Finally, an illustrative real‐world example associated with the recent trend of Covid‐19 has been investigated to demonstrate the modeling capabilities of fractional‐type integral operators.
Managing inventory systems with dual delivery modes and minimum order quantities
Authors: Li Yiran , Yang Chaolin
Published: April 2023

We consider an infinite‐horizon periodic‐review inventory system with dual delivery modes, each with a minimum order quantity (MOQ). The expedited mode provides a shorter lead time than the regular mode but has a higher unit ordering cost. As the optimal ordering policy for a system with dual delivery modes and MOQ requirements is unknown and expected to be very complicated, we propose a class of simple policies called single‐index policies, and we provide an exact procedure to compute the expected long‐run average total cost. Specifically, we first analyze the steady‐state distribution of the inventory position. Then we develop a recursive procedure to determine the steady‐state distribution of the inventory level. In addition, for a special case where ordering from the regular mode follows a base‐stock policy, we apply normal approximation to simplify the exact calculation of the cost. We also study a more complicated class of policies called dual‐index policies. In numerical studies, we first compare the average cost of the single‐index policy with that of a modified single‐index policy without MOQ consideration and the policy for the single‐mode system respectively to investigate the value of the single‐index policy. In addition, we find that the simpler single‐index policy performs close to the dual‐index policy and the optimal policy computed via dynamic programming. Finally, to assess the effectiveness of the normal approximation in the special case, we numerically compare the cost and policy parameters of the exact calculation with those of the normal approximation. The results illustrate that normal approximation not only improves the calculation speed, but also has near‐optimal solutions.