bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Kinematic Calculation of Intrinsic Errors in Pressure Measurements Made with Holes
Authors: Higashitani Ko , Pritchard W. G.
Published: July 2002

In measuring the normal stress exerted by a fluid on a surface it is often convenient to puncture the surface with a ‘small’ hole leading to a larger cavity. An estimate of the stress is then made by measuring the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of this cavity with a pressure transducer. Such a procedure, expedient though it is in practice, can result in large systematic errors in the estimate of the stress exerted on the surface, as has been shown experimentally by Kaye, Lodge, and Vale. The present paper gives a discussion of these errors based on kinematic considerations. The value of an approach of this kind is that it gives a physical understanding of the source of the error and suggests how such errors may arise even with rather complicated fluids. Three different configurations are examined. In the first example we consider a shear flow past a deep two-dimensional slot normal to the flow; for the particular case of a second-order fluid the intrinsic error is a quarter of the primary normal-stress difference, in agreement with the previous calculation of Tanner and Pipkin. In the second case, the rectilinear motion along a slot aligned with the flow is considered, and the result obtained by Kearsley is recovered. However, the present analysis is applicable to the rectilinear motion of any material along a slot and, accordingly, a new method is suggested by which direct measurements of the secondary normal-stress difference might be made. The third configuration comprises a shear flow past a circular hole and it is suggested, in this case, that the intrinsic error is approximately a sixth of the difference between the primary and the secondary normal-stress differences of the material.
Radial Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluids Between Parallel Plates
Authors: Laurencena Braulio R. , Williams Michael C.
Published: July 2002

Diverging radial flow between parallel plates was studied under isothermal steady-state conditions. Flow rates Q and radial pressure distributions p(r) were measured for one Newtonian liquid and three non-Newtonian polymer solutions. The powerlaw viscosity model, with parameters evaluated from cone-and-plate viscometry, was remarkably good in fitting Q(Δp) data and, in most cases, also for describing p(r). Thus, for these polymer fluids with only moderate viscoelasticity (Weissenberg number <1), more sophisticated rheological modeling is not needed for predicting flow rate and pressure distributions. However, tracer experiments hinted at the presence of instabilities and/or secondary flows.
A Network Rupture Constitutive Equation Based on Transient Stress Experiments
Authors: Kajiura Hirokazu , Sakai Mototsugu , Nagasawa Mitsuru
Published: July 2002

Constitutive equations of the so-called rate-dependent type were found to be in disagreement with the experimental data of stress development after onset of steady shear flow, observed with a Weissenberg Rheogoniometer. A discussion on the reason for the disagreement is given. It is reported that such transient phenomena can be quantitatively explained if we assume that a transition from the equilibrium entangled structure to the steady structure at the shear rate occurs when the strain in the material reaches a critical value.
Rerandomization
Authors: Morgan Kari Lock
Published: February 2022

Randomized experiments are the gold standard for estimating causal effects, because randomization balances covariates between the treatment groups in expectation. However, in any particular allocation, covariates may be unbalanced simply by chance, and experiments can be improved by avoiding such imbalances. Rather than to proceed with a treatment allocation known to exhibit covariate imbalance, we can rerandomize, provided the decision rule for whether to rerandomize is objective and specified in advance. Rerandomization involves two steps: (i) specifying a criterion for acceptable covariate balance and then (ii) iterating between randomizing units into treatment groups and checking covariate balance until the specified criterion is met. In addition to providing better covariate balance, when the covariates being balanced are correlated with the outcome, rerandomization increases the precision of the estimated treatment effect. Rerandomization is flexible and can be adapted to a variety of different settings.
Statistical Models in Scanner Data
Authors: Lee Sungim , Son Won
Published: February 2022

Recent progress in modern technologies has made data collection more convenient in various fields of application. Remarkably, the introduction of barcode scanning has made the collection of relevant data faster and more accessible. Therefore, research to utilize this scanner data has increased throughout the official national statistical agencies, especially regarding the price index, which was traditionally done by surveys. This article investigates multiple methods proposed for outlier analysis when collecting price information from scanner data and also introduces statistical model related to scanner data.
Volumetric Bioprinting of Organoids and Optically Tuned Hydrogels to Build Liver‐Like Metabolic Biofactories
Authors: Bernal Paulina Nuñez , Bouwmeester Manon , Madrid‐Wolff Jorge , Falandt Marc , Florczak Sammy , Rodriguez Nuria Ginés , Li Yang , Größbacher Gabriel , Samsom Roos‐Anne , van Wolferen Monique , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Delrot Paul , Loterie Damien , Malda Jos , Moser Christophe , Spee Bart , Levato Riccardo
Published: February 2022

Organ‐ and tissue‐level biological functions are intimately linked to microscale cell–cell interactions and to the overarching tissue architecture. Together, biofabrication and organoid technologies offer the unique potential to engineer multi‐scale living constructs, with cellular microenvironments formed by stem cell self‐assembled structures embedded in customizable bioprinted geometries. This study introduces the volumetric bioprinting of complex organoid‐laden constructs, which capture key functions of the human liver. Volumetric bioprinting via optical tomography shapes organoid‐laden gelatin hydrogels into complex centimeter‐scale 3D structures in under 20 s. Optically tuned bioresins enable refractive index matching of specific intracellular structures, countering the disruptive impact of cell‐mediated light scattering on printing resolution. This layerless, nozzle‐free technique poses no harmful mechanical stresses on organoids, resulting in superior viability and morphology preservation post‐printing. Bioprinted organoids undergo hepatocytic differentiation showing albumin synthesis, liver‐specific enzyme activity, and remarkably acquired native‐like polarization. Organoids embedded within low stiffness gelatins (<2 kPa) are bioprinted into mathematically defined lattices with varying degrees of pore network tortuosity, and cultured under perfusion. These structures act as metabolic biofactories in which liver‐specific ammonia detoxification can be enhanced by the architectural profile of the constructs. This technology opens up new possibilities for regenerative medicine and personalized drug testing.
Constructing Advanced Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries with 2D Carbon‐Rich Materials
Authors: Xiong Zecheng , Jin Weiyue , Liu Hongye , Liu Huibiao
Published: February 2022

As a promising electrochemical energy storage system (EESS), aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) hold the potential to achieve energy storage with low‐cost and nonpollution merits. However, the intrinsic defects of these systems block their further development severely, including dendrite growth, structural deterioration, parasitic reactions, and sluggish charge/discharge kinetics. Herein, the application of 2D carbon‐rich materials against the drawbacks of AZIBs is introduced. Advantages of each representative 2D carbon‐rich material (i.e., graphdiyne, graphene, 2D covalent organic frameworks, 2D metal organic frameworks, and 2D conductive polymers) are thoroughly discussed, along with recent progress of AZIB cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes utilizing 2D carbon‐rich materials. Finally, the features of various 2D carbon‐rich materials are summarized and several perspectives on optimization of 2D carbon‐rich materials, development of characterization techniques, and the practical use of AZIBs in the future are given.
Future directions in physiochemical modeling of the thermodynamics of polyelectrolyte coacervates
Authors: Ghasemi Mohsen , Larson Ronald G.
Published: February 2022

We review theories of polyelectrolyte (PE) coacervation, which is the spontaneous association of oppositely charged units of PEs and phase separation into a polymer‐dense phase in aqueous solution. The simplest theories can be divided into “physics‐based” and “chemistry‐based” approaches. In the former, PEs are treated as charged, long‐chain, molecules, defined by charge level, chain length, and chain flexibility, but otherwise lacking chemical identity, with electrostatic interactions driving coacervation. The “chemistry‐based” approaches focus on the local interactions between the species for which chemical identity is critical, and describe coacervation as the result of competitive local binding interactions of monomers and salts. In this article, we show how these approaches complement each other by presenting recent approaches that take both physical and chemical effects into account. Finally, we suggest future directions toward producing theories that are made quantitatively predictive by accounting for both long range electrostatic and local chemically specific interactions.
The effect of the embedded interface dynamics on mass transport in immiscible polymer blends
Authors: El Habty El Mahdi , El Afif Ali , Sidki Mouncif
Published: February 2022

Mass transport of solvents into immiscible blends may exhibit a non‐Fickian behavior due to the deformation of the embedded interface that couples with diffusion. We introduce an interface area covariant tensor N as a structural state variable and derive a set of thermodynamically‐consistent PDEs and ODEs transport equations for the bulk and time‐dependent boundaries. The proposed model, which is a reformulation of that derived by El Afif (2008) and El Afif et al. (2003), improves both mathematically and numerically the investigation of the diffusion‐interface coupling and provides reasonable predictions of the sorption‐permeation one dimensional treatment affording good agreement with experimental data. The tensor N englobes, into a single morphological quantity, all information regarding diffusion‐induced changes in the size and shape anisotropy of the interface area. Predicted results include concentration, components of N, residual stresses, mass‐uptake, and swelling. Scaling leads to three relevant dimensionless parameters: a mixing‐interface coupling constant and bulk and boundary diffusion Deborah numbers.
A method to essentially increase the compatibility of thermoplastic polyurethane/methyl vinyl silicone rubber based thermoplastic vulcanizate
Authors: Cui Yongyin , Pan Hongwei , Shi Changrui , Zhuang Huichao , Wang Qingfu , Zong Chengzhong
Published: February 2022

To simplify the production process of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ)‐based thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), a series of block TPUs with different hydroxybutanyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) content were used as the matrix to increase the essential compatibility. The impact of microstructure and macroscopic properties was explored. PMDS promoted the microphase separation of TPU, which increased the essential compatibility in TPVs. The essential compatibilization effect of PDMS made the tensile strength retention proportion of TPV relative to the raw material TPU at 40%, but the elongation at break could reach 192%, which had an excellent toughening effect. Moreover, PDMS made the limiting oxygen index of TPV‐323 reach 27%. The analysis of the carbon layer proved that the Si element formed a silicon oxycarbon layer with excellent flame retardancy on the surface.
An investigation on the possible use of coffee silverskin in PLA/PBS composites
Authors: Ghazvini Amir Kia Aghaye , Ormondroyd Graham , Curling Simon , Saccani Andrea , Sisti Laura
Published: February 2022

The production of degradable packaging materials is a task that can be no longer postponed. Moreover, high amounts of agricultural wastes are landfilled without any recycling. In this research, the possibility to formulate particulate composites made of biopolymers filled with coffee waste with acceptable physical and mechanical characteristics that will degrade is investigated. The addition of this agricultural waste, by reducing the requested amount of biopolymer, can decrease the overall price of the material presently the main limiting factor to the use of biopolymers in the packaging industry. Silverskin, the integument of coffee beans discarded during the roasting process, after a milling step, is added up to a 30 wt% either to polylactic acid (PLA) or to a blend of PLA and polybutylene succinate. The filler can be homogeneously dispersed in both systems. The data shows that the silverskin filler increases the elastic modulus but decreases the tensile strength of the material and helps the development of crystal phase in the matrix. The thermal stability and the hydrophobicity of the materials stay almost unchanged on filler addition. Moreover, data shows that the addition of silverskin increases the materials susceptibility to microbial attack.
Racial identity and uncertainty in psychotherapy: Perspectives of Black clients and their therapists
Authors: Long Carol
Published: February 2022

Despite increasing recognition of the importance of multicultural sensitivity in psychotherapy, studies offering in‐depth exploration of client experiences are relatively rare, and studies exploring both client and therapist perspectives even less common. This paper explores how clients and therapists experience the presence of racial identity in psychotherapy. Eleven client–trainee therapist pairs attending a free clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa, were interviewed and transcripts were qualitatively analyzed utilizing psychoanalytic research methods. This paper explores three core themes: the difficulty of talking about racial/ethnic identity; the uneasy relationship between psychotherapy and culture; and the struggle for understanding between client and therapist. This paper concludes with an invitation to embrace ambivalence, uncertainty, and partial understanding in the face of racial trauma.
Socioeconomic status and risk of lung cancer by histological subtype in the Nordic countries
Authors: Pizzato Margherita , Martinsen Jan Ivar , Heikkinen Sanna , Vignat Jerome , Lynge Elsebeth , Sparén Pär , La Vecchia Carlo , Pukkala Eero , Vaccarella Salvatore
Published: February 2022

Background

While the excess in lung cancer risk among lower socioeconomic status individuals has been widely described, the magnitude of this association across lung cancer subtypes, as well as histotype‐related long‐term incidence trends, are inconclusively reported.

Aims

We explored the variation in the incidence of the three main lung cancer histotypes (i.e. squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma) by socioeconomic status (SES, i.e. upper and lower white collar, upper and lower blue collar, and farming/forestry/fishing) in the adult population of four Nordic countries (i.e. Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark).

Materials & Methods

We have used data from the Nordic Occupational Cancer Study (NOCCA), computing age‐standardized incidence rates per 100,000 person‐years truncated at ages 50–69 years, by sex, histotype, country and SES, for the period 1971–2005. We estimated relative risks and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals through Poisson regression models, including terms for SES, age, sex and country, as indicated.

Results

A clear socioeconomic gradient, with a progressive increase in lung cancer risk as SES level decreases, was observed in all subtypes and in both sexes. Favourable lung cancer incidence trends were seen among men for squamous cell and small cell carcinomas, although for adenocarcinomas rates were increasing everywhere except for Finland. Among women, upward temporal trends were seen in all SES groups and for all subtypes, although rates increased to a greater extent for low, compared to high, SES, especially in Denmark and Norway. Farmers showed comparatively lower risks compared to other SES categories.

Discussion

This prospective cohort study shows that substantial socioeconomic inequalities in the incidence of the most important lung cancer histotypes exist in the Nordic Countries, and that these inequalities are on the rise, especially among women.

Conclusion

Smoking habits are likely to largely explain the observed social gradient for lung cancer histotypes in both sexes.
Scouting for new technological tools leads to beta‐testing partnership
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2022

Jason Whitney has been in the police department at the University of Wisconsin, Madison for more than 23 years. “During that time, I've been everything from a police officer, to a K9 handler, to being in charge of our special events, to investigations and emergency management,” Whitney said.
Constituents, Antibacterial Adhesion, Cytotoxic and in Vitro Metastasis Blocking Properties of Salvia fruticosa Essential Oils from Three Palestinian Localities
Authors: Jaradat Nidal , Abdallah Samer , Al‐Maharik Nawaf , Altamimi Mohammad , Hawash Mohammed , Qneibi Mohammad , Abu Khair Abeer , Zetawi Anaal , Jabarin Leena
Published: February 2022

Essential oils (EOs) of Salvia fruticosa Mill. gathered from three Palestinian localities were studied to determine their constituents, antibacterial adhesion impact against Klebsiella pneumonia, cytotoxicity, and their function in cancer cell migration. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry identified the chemical components, while the MTT technique was used to measure the EOs′ cytotoxicity against HeLa (cervical) and Caco‐2 (colorectal) cancer cells. Antibacterial adhesion was assessed by examining Klebsiella pneumoniae’s ability to adhere to Caco‐2 cells. Our study found that eucalyptol was present as the main constituent in all S. fruticosa EOs. In addition, K. pneumoniae adhesion and metastasis were reduced after 48 h of application. Salfit's and Hebron's EOs had the most potent cytotoxic effects on Caco‐2 and HeLa, with IC50 values in the range of 0.7–1.3 μg/mL. Taking into account the obtained results, it may be concluded that S. fruticosa EOs can serve as potential disinfectant agents for the treatment and prevention of K. pneumoniae‐associated illness and cancer.
Nephrologist‐performed portal vein Doppler to monitor response to diuretic therapy
Authors: Koratala Abhilash
Published: February 2022

Conventional parameters for assessment of fluid status suffer from several limitations. IVC maybe chronically dilated in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Portal vein Doppler offers an additional data point to assess the severity of venous congestion as well as monitor the efficacy of decongestive therapy.
Emerging Nickel Catalysis in Ketones Synthesis Using Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Pandey Ashok Kumar
Published: February 2022

Nickel catalysis in cross‐coupling reaction of carboxylic acid derivatives (CADs) with various coupling partners to access ketones has grown steadily in last five decades and substantially contributed to this area. These synthetic protocols have afforded various unique privileges: 1) robust approach to access ketones in a stereo defined manner; 2) reduced byproduct formation; 3) broad substrate scope with high functional group tolerance and 4) avoids direct use of fatal carbon monoxide. Herein, an overview of acyl‐nickel complexes reactivity, major mechanistic pathways in ketones synthesis, rational aspects of nickel catalysis with CADs and highlights of synthetic applications will be described in detail. The main objective of this review is demonstration of historical development of nickel catalysis with CADs to access ketones from year 1970 to 2020 and introductory remarks of current state of work progress in this area.
Stable and Reversible Lithium Storage Properties of LiTiOx Nanotubes for Electrochemical Recovery from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Baudino Luisa , Zaccagnini Pietro , Garino Nadia , Serrapede Mara , Laurenti Marco , Pedico Alessandro , Pirri C. Fabrizio , Lamberti Andrea
Published: February 2022

In the present work, an easy and scalable method to prepare lithium titanium oxide nanotubes with stable and reversible lithium storage properties is reported. This material could be an excellent candidate for lithium recovery from aqueous solutions or have a direct application as Li‐ion batteries electrodes in a circular economy perspective. Vertically oriented anatase nanotubes are grown by anodic oxidation in an ethylene glycol‐based electrolyte. Then, the nanotubes are hydrothermally converted into a mixed lithium titanate. Morphological and crystallographic characterizations confirm the successful shape‐preserving conversion after which the nanotubes are subjected to electrochemical cycling. XRD and XPS analyses confirm a significant lithium uptake after cycling, and its recovery is investigated by means of an acidic treatment. While allowing for an almost complete recovery of the lithium integrated in their structure, the nanotubes also showed excellent morphological and structural stability proving to be excellent candidates for lithium recovery purposes.
Styryl Group, a Friend or Foe in Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Bhurta Deendyal , Bharate Sandip B.
Published: February 2022

The styryl (Ph‐CH=CH‐R) group is widely represented in medicinally important compounds, including drugs, clinical candidates, and molecular probes as it positively impacts the lipophilicity, oral absorption, and biological activity. The analysis of matched molecular pairs (styryl vs. phenethyl, phenyl, methyl, H) for the biological activity indicates the superiority aspect of styryl compounds. However, the Michael acceptor site in the styryl group makes it amenable to the nucleophilic attack by biological nucleophiles and transformation to the toxic metabolites. One of the downsides of styryl compounds is isomerization that impacts the molecular conformation and directly affects biological activity. The impact of cis‐trans isomerism and isosteric replacements on biological activity is exemplified. We also discuss the styryl group‐bearing drugs, clinical candidates, and fluorescent probes. Overall, the present review reveals the utility of the styryl group in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
Review research on disabled community college students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2022

Community colleges enroll a higher proportion of disabled students than any other sector in postsecondary education. Research by Brett Ranon Nachman and Autumn K. Wilke published in a recent issue of New Directions for Community Colleges provides insights into best practices for serving these students.
Power decoupling control of single‐phase or three‐phase input high‐frequency single‐phase output matrix converters
Authors: Kodaka Wataru , Ogasawara Satoshi , Orikawa Koji
Published: February 2022

This study proposes a matrix converter (MC) control method capable of power decoupling (PD) for a single‐phase input isolated AC‐DC converter. The proposed converter can also be fed by a three‐phase source without any additional components. The PD circuit shares its capacitors with the input filters and its switches with the MC, and absorbs the source power ripple to supply a constant DC voltage for the load. Moreover, the MC control method achieves a sinusoidal source current, a high output frequency, and soft switching. Additionally, the feedback control to compensate for the DC output voltage error is applied. The proposed method is evaluated experimentally.
Disruption of cultural burning promotes shrub encroachment and unprecedented wildfires
Authors: Mariani Michela , Connor Simon E , Theuerkauf Martin , Herbert Annika , Kuneš Petr , Bowman David , Fletcher Michael‐Shawn , Head Lesley , Kershaw A Peter , Haberle Simon G , Stevenson Janelle , Adeleye Matthew , Cadd Haidee , Hopf Feli , Briles Christy
Published: February 2022

Recent catastrophic fires in Australia and North America have raised broad‐scale questions about how the cessation of Indigenous burning practices has impacted fuel accumulation and structure. For sustainable coexistence with fire, a better understanding of the ancient nexus between humans and flammable landscapes is needed. We used novel palaeoecological modeling and charcoal compilations to reassess evidence for changes in land cover and fire activity, focusing on southeast Australia before and after British colonization. Here, we provide what we believe is the first quantitative evidence that the region’s forests and woodlands contained fewer shrubs and more grass before colonization. Changes in vegetation, fuel structures, and connectivity followed different trajectories in different vegetation types. The pattern is best explained by the disruption of Indigenous vegetation management caused by European settlement. Combined with climate‐change impacts on fire weather and drought, the widespread absence of Indigenous fire management practices likely preconditioned fire‐prone regions for wildfires of unprecedented extent.
Global talent management and multinational subsidiaries' resilience in the Covid‐19 crisis: Moderating roles of regional headquarters' support and headquarters–subsidiary friction
Authors: Lee Jeoung Yul , Yahiaoui Dorra , Lee Khan‐Pyo , Cooke Fang Lee
Published: February 2022

Resilience is central to developing organizational capability to respond to global crises such as the Covid‐19 pandemic. To date, few studies have examined the relationship between global talent management (GTM) and the organizational resilience of multinational enterprise (MNE) subsidiaries during crises. This study contributes to the GTM and crisis management literature by examining the role of GTM in MNE subsidiaries' resilience during the Covid‐19 crisis. Based on the sample of 166 Korean MNEs and their 1227 foreign subsidiaries, including 293 regional headquarters, operating in 49 host countries, this study shows a positive and significant impact of GTM on the resilience of Korean MNEs subsidiaries. Drawing on agency problems at the subsidiary level and bounded rationality at the headquarters level as factors that may bring about failure in TM in MNEs, as well as a core competence perspective, we shed light on the importance of the three‐layered governance structure of MNEs in the analysis of GTM and MNE subsidiaries' resilience. The study has practical implications for Korean MNEs and the organizational resilience of MNEs' subsidiaries during crises more generally.
Retracted: Prenatal and neonatal complications of COVID‐19: A systematic review
Authors: Pashaei Zahra , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Qaderi Kowsar , Barzegary Alireza , Karimi Amirali , Mirghaderi Seyed Peyman , Mirzapour Pegah , Tantuoyir Marcarious M. , Dadras Omid , Ali Zoha , Voltarelli Fabricio , Mehraeen Esmaeil
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) over the past year has affected public health worldwide. During pregnancy, the maternal immune system and inflammatory responses are widely suppressed. Pregnancy‐related immune system suppression could make the mother vulnerable to infectious diseases like SARS‐COV‐2. However, current data suggest little to no possibility of COVID‐19 transmission in pregnant women to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. This systematic review focused on the possible complications of COVID‐19 infection in the fetus and newborn babies including the possibility and evidence of vertical transmission by reviewing articles published during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search using keywords on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. The studies followed a title/abstract and a full‐text screening process, and the eligible articles were included in the study.

Results

In total, 238 published papers were identified using a systematic search strategy (44 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review). In all studies, a total of 2375 women with signs and symptoms of COVID‐19, who were in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, were assessed mild to moderate pneumonia was one of the most common symptoms. Seventy‐three percent of the women did not present any comorbidity, 19% had a fever, 17% had to cough as the most frequent clinical signs and symptoms, 7.5% had pulmonary changes with chest scans, 8% had increased C reactive protein, and 9.4% had decreased lymphocytes (lymphocytopenia). A total of 2716 newborns and fetal were assessed; the delivery method of 1725 of them was reported, 913 (53%) through C‐section delivery, and 812 through normal vaginal delivery (47%). Of total newborns, 13 died (five died along with the mother), and 1965 were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2:118 tested positive. In a study, vertical transmission in seven cases was reported in total of 145 cases assessed.

Conclusion

It appeared that most pregnant COVID patients were mildly ill, and there is currently no convincing evidence to support the vertical transmission of COVID‐19 disease. Therefore, neonates do not represent any additional risk for adverse outcomes neither during the prenatal period nor after birth.
Iron deficiency is related to low functional outcome in patients at early rehabilitation after acute stroke
Authors: Doehner Wolfram , Scherbakov Nadja , Schellenberg Tim , Jankowska Ewa A. , Scheitz Jan F. , von Haehling Stephan , Joebges Michael
Published: February 2022

Background

Iron deficiency (ID) is a common co‐morbidity in patients with cardiovascular disease and contributes to impaired functional capacity. The relevance of ID in patients in recovery after acute stroke is not known. We assessed the prevalence of ID and anaemia in relation to functional capacity and to recovery during early rehabilitation after stroke.

Methods

This observational study enrolled consecutively 746 patients with ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke at in‐patient early rehabilitation (age 68 ± 13 years, female 47%, ischaemic stroke 87%). Functional capacity was assessed before and after rehabilitation using Barthel index (reha‐BI), motricity index (MI), trunk control test (TCT), and functional ambulatory category (FAC). ID was defined as ferritin <100 μg/L or as transferrin saturation (TSAT) < 20% if ferritin was 100‐ < 300 μg/L or if CrP > 5 mg/L. Anaemia was defined as Hb < 12 g/dL (women) and <13 g/dL (men).

Results

The prevalence of ID and anaemia before rehabilitation were 45% and 46%, respectively, and remained high at discharge (after 27 ± 17 days) at 40% and 48%, respectively. Patients with ID had lower functional capacity compared with patients without ID (reha‐BI 20 [±86] vs. 40 [±80], MI 64 [±66] vs. 77 [±41], TCT 61 [±76] vs. 100 [±39], FAC 1 [±4] vs. 4 [±4]; median [IQR], all P < 0.001). ID was related to inflammation (OR 2.68 [95% CI 1.98–3.63], P < 0.001), female sex (OR 2.13 [95% CI 1.59–2.85], P < 0.001), haemorrhagic stroke (OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.11–2.61], P = 0.015), initial treatment on stroke unit (OR 3.59 [95% CI 1.08–11.89], P < 0.001), and anaemia (OR 2.94 [95% CI 2.18–3.96], P < 0.001), while age, BMI, and renal function were not related to ID. In adjusted analysis, ID was associated with low functional capacity in all functional scores: reha‐BI (OR 1.66 [95% CI 1.08–2.54], P = 0.02), motricity index (OR 1.94 [95% CI 1.36–2.76], P < 0.001), trunk control test (OR 2.34 [95% CI] 1.64–3.32, P < 0.001) and functional ambulatory category (OR 1.77 [95% CI 1.2–2.63], P < 0.02). Functional capacity improved during rehabilitation regardless of presence of ID, but functional outcome remained significantly lower in patients with ID at the end of rehabilitation (rehab BI and MI, both P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Iron deficiency and anaemia are common and persistent findings in patients after acute stroke. ID and anaemia are independently related to lower functional capacity after acute stroke and to poor functional outcome after rehabilitation. Regular assessment of iron status may identify patients at risk of low functional recovery.
Wreath product in automorphism groups of graphs
Authors: Grech Mariusz , Kisielewicz Andrzej
Published: February 2022

The automorphism group of the composition of graphs contains the wreath product of the automorphism groups of the corresponding graphs. The classical problem considered by Sabidussi and Hemminger was under what conditions has no other automorphisms. In this paper we consider questions related to the converse: if the automorphism group of a graph is a wreath product , are the smaller groups necessarily automorphism groups of graphs? And if so, are the corresponding smaller graphs involved in the construction? We consider these questions for the wreath product in its natural imprimitive action (which refers to the results by Sabidussi and Hemminger), and in generalization to colored graphs, which seems to be a more appropriate setting. For this case we have a fairly complete answer. Yet, we also consider the same problems for the wreath product in its product action. This turns out to be more complicated and we have only partial results. Our considerations in this part lead to interesting open questions involving hypergraphs and to an analogue of the Sabidussi–Hemminger problem for a related graph construction.
Variability of tropical cyclone rainfall volume in the Philippines
Authors: Bagtasa Gerry
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the variability of tropical cyclone (TC)‐induced rainfall volume and its relation to the total rainfall in the Philippines. Of the total 1,843 TCs that formed in the western North Pacific (WNP) basin from 1951 to 2020, 983 (53%) and 1,253 (68%) TCs directly and indirectly, respectively, contributed 23.3% of the total rainfall on Philippine landmass. Total seasonal rainfall is negatively correlated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) (February–May [FMAM] r = −0.71 and October–January [ONDJ] r = −0.77) except for the boreal summer months of June–September (JJAS) where no correlation was observed. Similarly, TC rain also shows a negative but weaker correlation with ENSO (FMAM r = −0.23 and ONDJ r = −0.33) except for JJAS, despite JJAS season having the highest TC rain contribution. Nevertheless, all top 90th percentile TC rain years occurred during La Niña and ENSO‐neutral years, similar to the total rain. Rainfall volume from individual TCs depends mainly on its rain duration and the area of land affected. There are no significant trends found in annual and seasonal TC rainfall, but the frequency of extreme TCs with rainfall volume in the upper 95th percentile is dropping by 10%·decade−1. Annual TC rain volume is most correlated with TC landfall frequency (r = 0.81). Despite the influence of ENSO on TC activity and tracks in the NWP region, the results in this study suggest that the use of the ENSO Niño3.4 index alone may not be enough for seasonal TC rainfall forecasts.
Regional characteristics and exploitation potential of atmospheric water resources in China
Authors: An Lin , Yao Zhanyu , Zhang Pei , Jia Shuo , Zhao Jieyun , Gao Liangshu , Liu Zhen
Published: February 2022

The atmospheric water resources (AWR) in China have evident regional characteristics. In order to scientifically and rationally exploit the AWR in different regions of China, we divided China into seven regions based on the ERA‐5, the CloudSat data, and so on. Such characteristics as water vapour, cloud characteristics, cloud water resources (CWR), precipitation efficiency of hydrometeors (PEh), and the exploitation potential of CWR were studied in this article. Some results in summer are shown. (a) There were relatively more precipitation, richer water vapour, stronger water vapour transport and convergence, more cloud covers, and relatively larger zones of rich total column cloud water content in China. Therefore, it is of important significance to study AWR in summer in China. (b) In respect of single‐layer clouds, low clouds were in the majority over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and the southwest China (SW), medium clouds were predominant over the northern regions, and high clouds existed more over the central region (CR) and the southeast China (SE). The liquid water content (LWC) at each height of cloud was less than 800 mg·m−3 and decreased gradually with the increase in height in China. The convective development heights, the LWC at each altitude, and the frequencies of less LWCs over the northern regions were lower than those over the southern regions. The ice water content (IWC) at each height of cloud was less than 250 mg·m−3, and more than 96% of them were less than 100 mg·m−3. (c) CWR over the northeast China (NE), north China (NC), and CR were relatively rich, but with relatively low PEh, so there was relatively higher exploitation potential of CWR in these regions, followed by the northwest China (NW) and TP, and there was still some exploitation potential of CWR in SE and SW.
In What Ways We Depend: Academic Dependency Theory and the Development of East Asian Sociology
Authors: Lee Chengpang , Chen Ying
Published: February 2022

Since it was framed 20 years ago, Syed Farid Alatas's theory of academic dependence has made a long‐lasting impact within the global social science field, and has elevated the previous discussion on academic dependence. In this essay, we critically examine his theory of academic dependence with an original dataset that contains 22 top sociology institutions in East Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. We further engage the data, and theory within the global higher education ranking system, a theme that had not yet emerged when he framed his theory of academic dependence. Our findings suggest that (1) higher rankings do not create job opportunities for locally trained PhDs; (2) emphasis on the number of publications is still prevalent; (3) adopting the standards set up by the ranking agency re‐enforces the existing global division of academic labor. Overall, sociology in these societies after 20 years is now more dependent, rather than autonomous from, the Western academic center.
Rethinking the Rise of China: A Postcolonial Critique of China and a Chinese Critique of the Postcolonial
Authors: Tenzin Jinba
Published: February 2022

This article is intended to rethink a symbiotic but otherwise inadequately attended relationship between postcolonial studies and Chinese academia at a time when the rise of China evokes epistemic, ontological and empirical challenges for critical reflection. Above all, I argue that China is situated in her postcolonial conditions in such a way that these conditions largely define China's multi‐faceted positioning as colonial agent, (semi‐)colonial victim, recipient of colonialist ideology, overthrower of that ideology and its accompanying world‐system, and contender for the “top place” within such a world‐system. Postcolonial theory hence becomes relevant and productive in terms of its potential to problematize various puzzles, contradictions and tensions during China's rise like widespread disregard of basic civic values, political partisanship in scholarship, aggravation of the East‐West divide and rising Chinese exceptionalism. Additionally, however, this article also pinpoints the need to transform and reshape the oftentimes Eurocentric inclination in postcolonial studies through an incorporation of the revolutionary and post‐revolutionary experiences in China and elsewhere. Doing so therefore calls for a post‐revolutionary paradigm as proposed by Wang Hui, among others. I thus advocate cross‐fertilization, rather than mutual exclusion, not only between the postcolonial and post‐revolutionary paradigms but also between postcolonial studies and Chinese scholarship/academia.
Neuromelanin‐MRI to Quantify and Track Nigral Depigmentation in Parkinson's Disease: A Multicenter Longitudinal Study Using Template‐Based Standardized Analysis
Authors: Xing Yue , Sapuan Abdul Halim , Martín‐Bastida Antonio , Naidu Saadnah , Tench Christopher , Evans Jonathan , Sare Gillian , Schwarz Stefan T. , Al‐bachari Sarah , Parkes Laura M. , Kanavou Sofia , Raw Jason , Silverdale Monty , Bajaj Nin , Pavese Nicola , Burn David , Piccini Paola , Grosset Donald G. , Auer Dorothee P.
Published: February 2022

Background

Clinical diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson's disease (PD) remain challenging because of the lack of an established biomarker. Neuromelanin‐magnetic resonance imaging (NM‐MRI) is an emerging biomarker of nigral depigmentation indexing the loss of melanized neurons but has unknown prospective diagnostic and tracking performance in multicenter settings.

Objectives

The aim was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of NM‐MRI in early PD in a multiprotocol setting and to determine and compare serial NM‐MRI changes in PD and controls.

Methods

In this longitudinal case–control 3 T MRI study, 148 patients and 97 controls were included from six UK clinical centers, of whom 140 underwent a second scan after 1.5 to 3 years. An automated template‐based analysis was applied for subregional substantia nigra NM‐MRI contrast and volume assessment. A point estimate of the period of prediagnostic depigmentation was computed.

Results

All NM metrics performed well to discriminate patients from controls, with receiver operating characteristic showing 85% accuracy for ventral NM contrast and 83% for volume. Generalizability using a priori volume cutoff was good (79% accuracy). Serial MRI demonstrated accelerated NM loss in patients compared to controls. Ventral NM contrast loss was point estimated to start 5 to 6 years before clinical diagnosis. Ventral nigral depigmentation was greater in the most affected side, more severe cases, and nigral NM volume change correlated with change in motor severity.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that NM‐MRI provides clinically useful diagnostic information in early PD across protocols, platforms, and sites. It provides methods and estimated depigmentation rates that highlight the potential to detect preclinical PD and track progression for biomarker‐enabled clinical trials. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
On‐chip triplexer using series‐first structure for connecting radio frequency modules in a 65 nm CMOS
Authors: Lim Jeong‐Taek , Oh Hyun‐Myung , Lee Sangrok , Jung Bang Chul , Kim Choul‐Young
Published: February 2022

In this study, we implemented a triplexer using a 65‐nm CMOS process. The triplexer was composed of a low‐pass filter (LPF), bandpass filter (BPF), and high‐pass filter (HPF). Each filter was designed with a Chebyshev structure to obtain a sharp skirt characteristic and series‐first structure to achieve impedance matching in a common terminal, reduction of insertion loss and compact size. The proposed triplexer operates at 0–2 GHz, 5.8–6.5 GHz, and 10.7–14 GHz. In addition, the triplexer shows that the return loss of all ports is more than 10 dB in the bandwidth used. The insertion losses in the passbands, LPF, BPF, and HPF were less than 2.5, 5.55, and 4.4 dB, respectively. The attenuation levels in the stopbands of the LPF, BPF, and HPF are over 47.6, 33.6, and 43.7 dB, respectively. The active area of the triplexer is 0.7 mm × 0.67 mm. To our knowledge, this circuit is the first implementation of a CMOS on‐chip triplexer.
Clinical practice recommendations for prehabilitation and post‐operative rehabilitation for arthroplasty: A scoping review
Authors: Krysa Jacqueline A. , Ho Chester , O’Connell Petra , Pohar Manhas Kiran
Published: February 2022

Background

The rising need for arthroplasty (joint replacement) has resulted in a significant increase in wait‐times. Longer surgical wait‐times may further exacerbate functional decline in adults with osteoarthritis as well as delay postoperative functional recovery. This review aims to better inform rehabilitation care provision before (prehabilitation) and after (post‐rehabilitation) hip or knee arthroplasty based on recommendations from clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).

Methods

This scoping review used a three‐stage process to screen and extract articles, which resulted in 123 articles reviewed for analysis. Included CPGs were in the English language and focussed on rehabilitation interventions or practices involving adult patients preparing for or recuperating from hip and knee arthroplasty (published 2009–2020).

Results

Patient assessments, use of assistive devices, as well as self‐management and education programs were recommended before and after arthroplasty. Physiotherapy was recommended to support post‐operative rehabilitation. Conversely, there was limited evidence supporting recommendations for or against physiotherapy during the prehabilitation phase of the arthroplasty care journey.

Conclusions

The findings from this review highlight the current gap in high‐quality evidence supporting hip and knee arthroplasty rehabilitation CPGs before and after surgery. Findings warrant additional research to ensure patients are best prepared for surgery and supported for optimal recovery.
A case report: Clozapine‐induced leukopenia and neutropenia after mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Imai Tomoyuki , Ochiai Sho , Ishimaru Takehiro , Daitoku Hayato , Miyagawa Yusuke , Fukuhara Ryuji , Boku Shuken , Takebayashi Minoru
Published: February 2022

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia and is known to cause serious side effects, such as leukopenia and neutropenia. We encountered the case of a 44‐year‐old female patient with a good response to clozapine, who experienced inflammatory reaction and cytopenia after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination. Soon after clozapine discontinuation, the inflammatory reaction resolved, and cell counts recovered. There are only a few reports on the interaction between clozapine and COVID‐19 vaccine. Our findings suggest that caution is required when a patient who is receiving clozapine scheduled for COVID‐19 vaccination, owing to the possibility of cytopenia. Moreover, blood tests and the measurement of clozapine concentration should be performed before and after the inoculation to ensure patient safety.
Microwave‐assisted alcoholysis of silicone rubber waste with geraniol for effective elastomer damping
Authors: Zou Zhuanglei , An Xinglong , Li Li , Fan Xiaopeng , Zhou Yongyan , Wu Siwu , Guo Baochun
Published: February 2022

The first step in the mainstream end‐of‐life management of discarded silicone‐rubber‐based composite insulators involves grinding and modification of them into fine silicone rubber powders (SRPs). However, significant knowledge gaps have prevented researchers from developing direct efficient surface treatments for SRPs that do not involve time‐consuming and multi‐step processes. Herein, we report a straightforward method for the efficient modification of discarded SRPs through a microwave‐assisted alcoholysis process. Specifically, the siloxane moieties of the SRPs were cleaved using nucleophilic geraniol as a modifier, thereby facilitating the introduction of abundant alkoxysilyl groups on SRPs surface. During sulfur crosslinking, the intrachain vinyl functionalities of the modified SRPs co‐crosslinked with the rubber matrix via sulfur bridges, thereby improving the dispersion state of the SRPs and the interfacial adhesion between the SRPs and the rubber matrix. Accordingly, even for a high SRP loading (200 phr, parts per hundreds of gum), the mechanical performance of the resulting systems, and in particular the tensile strength and extensibility were significantly higher than those of the rubber matrix. Moreover, the interfacial adhesion of the resulting systems was improved, and the resulting systems presented remarkable damping performance (tan δ ≥ 0.3) over a broad temperature range (≥80°C).