bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Thermogelling Hydrogels toward Functional Bioinks: Controlled Modification and Cytocompatible Crosslinking
Authors: Hahn Lukas , Beudert Matthias , Gutmann Marcus , Keßler Larissa , Stahlhut Philipp , Fischer Lena , Karakaya Emine , Lorson Thomas , Thievessen Ingo , Detsch Rainer , Lühmann Tessa , Luxenhofer Robert
Published: July 2021

Hydrogels are key components in bioink formulations to ensure printability and stability in biofabrication. In this study, a well‐known Diels‐Alder two‐step post‐polymerization modification approach is introduced into thermogelling diblock copolymers, comprising poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) and thermoresponsive poly(2‐n‐propyl‐2‐oxazine). The diblock copolymers are partially hydrolyzed and subsequently modified by acid/amine coupling with furan and maleimide moieties. While the thermogelling and shear‐thinning properties allow excellent printability, trigger‐less cell‐friendly Diels‐Alder click‐chemistry yields long‐term shape‐fidelity. The introduced platform enables easy incorporation of cell‐binding moieties (RGD‐peptide) for cellular interaction. The hydrogel is functionalized with RGD‐peptides using thiol‐maleimide chemistry and cell proliferation as well as morphology of fibroblasts seeded on top of the hydrogels confirm the cell adhesion facilitated by the peptides. Finally, bioink formulations are tested for biocompatibility by incorporating fibroblasts homogenously inside the polymer solution pre‐printing. After the printing and crosslinking process good cytocompatibility is confirmed. The established bioink system combines a two‐step approach by physical precursor gelation followed by an additional chemical stabilization, offering a broad versatility for further biomechanical adaptation or bioresponsive peptide modification.
Mass spectrometry‐based methods for the advanced characterization and structural analysis of lignin: A review
Authors: Letourneau Dane R. , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: July 2021

Lignin is currently one of the most promising biologically derived resources, due to its abundance and application in biofuels, materials and conversion to value aromatic chemicals. The need to better characterize and understand this complex biopolymer has led to the development of many different analytical approaches, several of which involve mass spectrometry and subsequent data analysis. This review surveys the most important analytical methods for lignin involving mass spectrometry, first looking at methods involving gas chromatography, liquid chromatography and then continuing with more contemporary methods such as matrix assisted laser desorption ionization and time‐of‐flight‐secondary ion mass spectrometry. Following that will be techniques that directly ionize lignin mixtures—without chromatographic separation—using softer atmospheric ionization techniques that leave the lignin oligomers intact. Finally, ultra‐high resolution mass analyzers such as FT‐ICR have enabled lignin analysis without major sample preparation and chromatography steps. Concurrent with an increase in the resolution of mass spectrometers, there have been a wealth of complementary data analyses and visualization methods that have allowed researchers to probe deeper into the “lignome” than ever before. These approaches extract trends such as compound series and even important analytical information about lignin substructures without performing lignin degradation either chemically or during MS analysis. These innovative methods are paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of this important biopolymer, as we seek more sustainable solutions for our human species’ energy and materials needs.
The emerging role of neutrophils in autoimmune‐associated disorders: effector, predictor, and therapeutic targets
Authors: Fu Xiaohong , Liu Heting , Huang Gang , Dai Shuang‐Shuang
Published: July 2021

Neutrophils are essential components of the immune system and have vital roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. As effector cells, neutrophils promote autoimmune disease by releasing cytokines and chemokines cascades that accompany inflammation, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) regulating immune responses through cell–cell interactions. More recent evidence has extended functions of neutrophils. Accumulating evidence implicated neutrophils contribute to tissue damage during a broad range of disorders, involving rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary sjögren's syndrome (pSS), multiple sclerosis (MS), crohn's disease (CD), and gout. A variety of studies have reported on the functional role of neutrophils as therapeutic targets in autoimmune diseases. However, challenges and controversies in the field remain. Enhancing our understanding of neutrophils’ role in autoimmune disorders may further advance the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Individual variability in human urinary metabolites identifies age‐related, body mass index‐related, and sex‐related biomarkers
Authors: Wang Tianling , Tang Lei , Lin Ruili , He Dian , Wu Yanqing , Zhang Yang , Yang Pingrong , He Junquan
Published: July 2021

Background

Metabolites present in human urine can be influenced by individual physiological parameters (e.g., body mass index [BMI], age, and sex). Observation of altered metabolites concentrations could provide insight into underlying disease pathology, disease prognosis and diagnosis, and facilitate discovery of novel biomarkers.

Methods

Quantitative metabolomics analysis in the urine of 183 healthy individuals was performed based on high‐resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Coefficients of variation were obtained for 109 urine metabolites of all the 183 human healthy subjects.

Results

Three urine metabolites (such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, acetaminophen glucuronide, and p‐anisic acid) with CV183 > 0.3, for which metabolomics studies have been scarce, are considered highly variable here. We identified 30 age‐related metabolites, 18 BMI‐related metabolites, and 42 sex‐related metabolites. Among the identified metabolites, three metabolites were found to be associated with all three physiological parameters (age, BMI, and sex), which included dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 3‐methylcrotonylglycine and N‐acetyl‐aspartic acid. Pearson's coefficients demonstrated that some age‐, BMI‐, and sex‐related compounds are strongly correlated, suggesting that age, BMI, and sex could affect them concomitantly.

Conclusion

Metabolic differences between distinct physiological statuses were found to be related to several metabolic pathways (such as the caffeine metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, and the carbohydrate metabolism), and these findings may be key for the discovery of new diagnostics and treatments as well as new understandings on the mechanisms of some related diseases.
Prenatal case of Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome with a de novo 370Kb‐sized microdeletion of Xq26.2 compassing partial GPC3 gene and review
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Qin , Yang Shuting , Ma Na , Pang Jialun , Peng Ying , Xi Hui , Jia Zhengjun , Luo Yingchun , Jiang Meiping , Teng Yanling , Yu Wenxian , Li Zhuo , Wang Hua
Published: July 2021

Background

Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome type 1 (SGBS1) is a rare X‐linked recessive disorder characterized by pre‐ and postnatal overgrowth and a broad spectrum of anomalies including craniofacial dysmorphism, heart defects, renal, and genital anomalies. Due to the ultrasound findings are not pathognomonic for this syndrome, most clinical diagnosis of SGBS1 are made postnatally.

Methods

A pregnant woman with abnormal prenatal sonographic findings was advised to perform molecular diagnosis. Single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) was performed in the fetus, and the result was validated with multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Results

The prenatal sonographic presented with increased nuchal translucency at 13 gestational weeks, and later at 21 weeks with cleft lip and palate, heart defect, increased amniotic fluid index and over growth. A de novo 370Kb‐deletion covering the 5′‐UTR and exon 1 of GPC3 gene was detected in the fetus by SNP array, which was subsequently confirmed by MLPA and qPCR.

Conclusion

The de novo 370Kb hemizygous deletion of 5′‐UTR and exon 1 of GPC3 results in the SGBS1 of this Chinese family. Combination of ultrasound and genetics tests helped us effectively to diagnose the prenatal cases of SGBS1. Our findings also enlarge the spectrum of mutations in GPC3 gene.
A novel differential‐integral quadrature method for the solution of nonlinear integro‐differential equations
Authors: Mohamed Salwa A. , Mohamed Norhan A. , Abo‐Hashem Sarah I.
Published: July 2021

In this work, we introduce an integration matrix operator that is fully consistent with the differentiation matrix operator defined by the differential quadrature method (DQM). Using these operators, a generic differential‐integral quadrature method “DIQM” is proposed to directly discretize an integro‐differential equation as a system of algebraic equations. To extend the applicability of the proposed DIQM to solve nonlinear and/or variable coefficients integro‐differential equation, some matrix manipulations are introduced. A stability analysis for Volterra integro‐partial‐differential equations is presented and the exponential convergence of the proposed method is examined. Various types of integro‐differential equations are solved including ordinary/partial, linear/nonlinear, Volterra parabolic/hyperbolic integro‐differential equations with different boundary and initial conditions. Numerical results demonstrate the exponential convergence and the applicability of DIQM.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Dysregulates m6A mRNA Methylation of Genes Involved in Neurological Functions
Authors: Mosca Pauline , Robert Aurélie , Alberto Jean‐Marc , Meyer Marie , Kundu Urbi , Hergalant Sébastien , Umoret Rémy , Coelho David , Guéant Jean‐Louis , Leheup Bruno , Dreumont Natacha
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Vitamin B12 deficiency presents various neurological manifestations, such as cognitive dysfunction, mental retardation, or memory impairment. However, the involved molecular mechanisms remain to date unclear. Vitamin B12 is essential for synthesizing S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM), the methyl group donor used for almost all transmethylation reactions. Here, we investigate the m6A methylation of mRNAs and their related gene expression in models of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Methods and Results

This study observes two cellular models deficient in vitamin B12 and hippocampi of mice knock‐out for the CD320 receptor. The decrease in SAM levels resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with m6A reduced levels in mRNAs. This is also potentially mediated by the overexpression of the eraser FTO. We further investigate mRNA methylation of some genes involved in neurological functions targeted by the m6A reader YTH proteins. We notably observe a m6A hypermethylation of Prkca mRNA and a consistently increased expression of PKCα, a kinase involved in brain development and neuroplasticity, in the two cellular models.

Conclusion

Our data show that m6A methylation in mRNA could be one of the contributing mechanisms that underlie the neurological manifestations produced by vitamin B12 deficiency.
Implementation of left handed transmission lines based on waveguide TM modes
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Dong Yuandan , Jia Mingran , Sun Wei
Published: July 2021

In this article, a novel left‐handed (LH) waveguide transmission line with good filtering performance is proposed and implemented below the TM mode cutoff frequency. TM11 mode is employed and transmitted inside the waveguide. The LH passband is achieved by TM mode cutoff operation and complementary split‐ring resonator (CSRR) loading, which are able to provide negative μ and ε, respectively. It constitutes the main novelty here with the rectangular waveguide TM mode and CSRR to realize the LH characteristics, which has not been done before. Based on this passband, two bandpass filters with high‐selectivity are designed and fabricated. The measured results are in agreement with the simulated data. It shows a good LH passband below the cut‐off frequency and TM11 mode propagation is also detected at higher frequency above the cutoff.
A Quick Method for Estimating Batch Fecundity in Bigheaded Carp
Authors: Lenaerts Allison W. , Coulter Alison A. , Irons Kevin S. , Lamer James T.
Published: July 2021

Fecundity is a necessary metric to assess reproductive potential (e.g., spawning potential ratio and recruitment overfishing) in invasive fishes, yet the direct measurement of fecundity is often difficult, impractical, and time consuming. Therefore, the ability to estimate fecundity from field measurements (i.e., TL, relative weight [Wr], or ovary weight) can be a valuable tool for fisheries managers to estimate reproductive potential. The goal of this study was to relate the batch fecundity of invasive Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys  molitrix and Bighead Carp H. nobilis to metrics that can be quickly measured to eliminate the need for direct enumeration. Silver and Bighead carp were collected from the upper Mississippi River (UMR) in the summer of 2016 and 2017. Subsamples of mature (spawning capable) ovaries were preserved, enumerated, and then related to ovary weight, TL, weight, and Wr. An equation for estimating Silver Carp batch fecundity from ovary weight in the UMR, corrected for ovary membrane weight, was developed: {ovary weight – [0.222 × (ovary weight0.7589)]} × 794 (SE = 11). Batch fecundity for Silver Carp from Pools 17–20 of the UMR averaged 1,230,930 ± 68,983 eggs (mean ± SE). Ovary weight was the strongest predictor of fecundity, but TL, weight, and Wr also showed significant relationships with fecundity for Silver Carp. Batch fecundity for Bighead Carp averaged 1,043,953 ± 82,360 eggs, but the number of eggs per gram showed significant spatial variation; therefore, no fecundity equation was developed for this species. Future work should evaluate the frequency of Silver Carp spawns within a season and how batch fecundity varies among multiple spawning events. Fecundity estimates can be used to determine spawning potential ratios, which can help in evaluating management strategies.
Resolvin D2 attenuates chronic pain–induced depression‐like behavior in mice
Authors: Suzuki Hiroe , Hitora‐Imamura Natsuko , Deyama Satoshi , Minami Masabumi
Published: July 2021

Aim

We previously demonstrated that intracerebroventricular injection of resolvin D2 (RvD2), a bioactive lipid mediator derived from docosahexaenoic acid, ameliorated depression‐like behavior in lipopolysaccharide‐induced and chronic mild stress–induced mouse models of depression. In the present study, we examined the antidepressant effect of RvD2 on chronic pain–induced depression‐like behavior.

Methods

To prepare the neuropathic pain model, mice were subjected to surgery for unilateral spared nerve injury. Two weeks after surgery, the antidepressant effect of RvD2 was examined using the tail suspension test.

Results

Chronic pain significantly increased immobility time, and this depression‐like behavior was attenuated by intracerebroventricular injection of RvD2 (10 ng). No effect of RvD2 on the locomotor activity was observed.

Conclusion

RvD2 produces an antidepressant effect in a murine model of chronic pain–induced depression and may be a promising lead for the development of novel antidepressants.
Make reference checks more valuable to hiring process
Authors: Tolman Steven , Calhoun Daniel W.
Published: July 2021

Although each higher education job search process varies, they typically all require conducting reference checks as the last step before hiring an applicant.
Clinical features and imaging manifestations of retinoblastoma with hepatic metastasis
Authors: Gu Huali , Wang Yizhuo , Huang Dongsheng , Zhang Yi , Zhang Weiling , Hu Huimin , Zhang Pinwei , Zhou Yan , Yi You , Han Siyu
Published: July 2021

Clinical data of five patients with hepatic metastases of retinoblastoma were analyzed retrospectively (two had bilateral tumors three had unilateral intraocular tumors). On computed tomography, multiple and single low‐density foci were observed. Four patients had tumor remission, and one showed no response after chemotherapy. Three patients who underwent enucleation were at high risk for extensive choroidal invasion. Central nervous system and bone metastases occurred in all five patients. Neuron‐specific enolase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly elevated in all patients. Two patients died (not from hepatic metastasis). Three patients (one with tumor progression and two with shorter courses) are continuing treatment.
Preparation of flexible, highly conductive polymer composite films based on double percolation structures and synergistic dispersion effect
Authors: Li Ting‐Ting , Wang Yuxiao , Wang Yanting , Sun Fei , Xu Jiawen , Lou Ching‐Wen , Lin Jia‐Horng
Published: July 2021

We studied for the first time the synergistic dispersion effect of the carbon nanotube (CNT)/graphene (Gr) and polypropylene (PP)/polycarbonate (PC) (1:1) double percolation structures on conductive polymer composites (CPCs). PP/PC/CNT/Gr films with different CNT/Gr ratios are prepared by melt blending and hot pressing. Results showed that a CNT/Gr ratio of 1:1 facilitated the creation of co‐continuous double percolation structures of matrices, and the electronic conductivity reached 33.11 S/m, which was five times greater than that of the matrices containing only CNT. Results showed that the synergistic dispersion effect and the co‐continuous double percolation structures provided the matrices with conductivity through an additive effect. Meanwhile, PP/PC/CNT/Gr composite films possessed good thermal stability and hydrophobicity. They also did not exhibit thermal degradation at 300°C and had a water contact angle of 94.5°. However, PP and PC were incompatible, causing considerable brittleness of composite films macroscopically, and the films can hardly curve. To respond to this downside and improve the flexibility, a small amount of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was added to the system. The presence of TPU helped combining the two materials in different phases, thereby strengthening the continuity. However, the presence of TPU adversely affected the double percolation structures and dispersion state of fillers, and subsequently decreased the conductivity.
Feeling better or not: Adjusting affective style moderates the association between sleep duration and positive affect on next day
Authors: Shi Sainan , Zuo Kangjie , Xu Wei
Published: July 2021

Affect is intertwined with sleep, yet how to adjust sleep duration to enhance affect remains unknown. Previous studies found that adjusting affective style, reflecting interindividual differences in emotion regulation, functions in processes where sleep modulates our affective state. Hence, this study examined whether and how it moderates the association between daily sleep duration and subsequent affect. An ambulatory assessment design was employed among 64 participants, wherein both within‐person sleep duration and affect, and between‐person affective styles were measured. Multilevel moderation analysis and simple‐slope analysis were applied to test the moderation of adjusting affective style in the sleep–affect association. This study found that adjusting affective style significantly moderated the association between sleep duration and subsequent positive affect. Specifically, the association between sleep duration and subsequent positive affect was positive under higher adjusting affective style and negative under extremely lower adjusting affective style. However, such moderation was not observed in associations between subsequent negative affect and sleep duration. This study uncovers the relationship between sleep duration and subsequent affect, wherein the likelihood for individuals to reach more positive affective state by increasing sleeping duration might count on their ability of emotion regulation. Additionally, negative affect cannot be downregulated simply through long sleep duration.
A framework for the use of biological medicines in the free state province, South Africa
Authors: Mocke‐Richter Martlie , Walubo Andrew , van Rooyen Cornel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The use of biological medicines (BM) has increased worldwide owing to their effectiveness in the treatment of many chronic diseases. However, in South Africa, access to BM remains limited, hence, there is a need to develop strategies that will enable timely access to BM by all patients who need them.

Objective

To develop a framework for the use of BM in South Africa.

Methods

Using a Delphi questionnaire that was developed by integration of the opinions of newly qualified doctors (<2 years practice), prescribing specialists, and patients using BM, a Delphi method was used to guide an experts' panel into consensus on the different opinions in the questionnaire, and from this, a framework for the use of BM was constructed.

Results

From the surveys, 76.2% of the newly qualified doctors and 91.7% of the prescribing specialists indicated that they had limited knowledge on the pharmacology of BM, and, respectively, 64.5% and 77.8% admitted that their knowledge on BM was not adequate for prescribing and taking care of patients on BM. Also, 58.3% and 75% of the prescribers indicated that the high cost and the tedious procurement process, respectively, were barriers of access to BM. The Delphi panel reached consensus after two rounds, and the resultant framework recommends that, appropriate use of BM requires establishing guidelines for the use of BM, increasing BM content in the medical training programs and information resources used by healthcare professionals, enacting drug regulations and drug policies that will increase availability of BM, offering appropriate patient information and public engagement.

Conclusion

The lack of knowledge on BM by health professionals, together with the high cost and a complex procurement processes are the major impediment to access to BM. A framework for the use of BM in South Africa was successfully developed to address these and other challenges.
Method used to identify adenomyosis and potentially undiagnosed adenomyosis in a large, U.S. electronic health record database
Authors: Loughlin Anita M. , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Reznor Gally , Doherty Michael , Missmer Stacey A. , Chomistek Andrea K. , Enger Cheryl
Published: July 2021

Background

The prevalence of adenomyosis is underestimated due to lack of a specific diagnostic code and diagnostic delays given most diagnoses occur at hysterectomy.

Objectives

To identify women with adenomyosis using indicators derived from natural language processing (NLP) of clinical notes in the Optum Electronic Health Record database (2014–2018), and to estimate the prevalence of potentially undiagnosed adenomyosis.

Methods

An NLP algorithm identified mentions of adenomyosis in clinical notes that were highly likely to represent a diagnosis. The anchor date was date of first affirmed adenomyosis mention; baseline characteristics were assessed in the 12 months prior to this date. Characteristics common to adenomyosis cases were used to select a suitable pool of women from the underlying population, among whom undiagnosed adenomyosis might exist. A random sample of this pool was selected to form the comparator cohort. Logistic regression was used to compare adenomyosis cases to comparators; the predictive probability (PP) of being an adenomyosis case was assessed. Comparators having a PP ≥ 0.1 were considered potentially undiagnosed adenomyosis and were used to calculate the prevalence of potentially undiagnosed adenomyosis in the underlying population.

Results

Among 11 456 347 women aged 18–55 years in the underlying population, 19 503 were adenomyosis cases. Among 332 583 comparators, 22 696 women were potentially undiagnosed adenomyosis cases. The prevalence of adenomyosis and potentially undiagnosed adenomyosis was 1.70 and 19.1 per 1000 women aged 18–55 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Considering potentially undiagnosed adenomyosis, the prevalence of adenomyosis may be 10x higher than prior estimates based on histologically confirmed adenomyosis cases only.
Preparation, properties, and laser processing of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid) blends with addition of natural fibers as a potential for printing plates application
Authors: Mahović Poljaček Sanja , Priselac Dino , Stanković Elesini Urška , Leskovšek Mirjam , Leskovac Mirela
Published: July 2021

In this research, biodegradable blend of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is proposed as a new material for the production of a printing plate for embossing process. Printing plates for embossing consist of raised printing elements and recessed nonimage elements. In production of printing plates, laser technology was used in order to form a relief printing plate. The embossing process is based on the principle of the pressure of the relief printing plate into the printing substrate, which causes the controlled deformation of the substrate and three‐dimensional (3D) effect. Coir fibers (CFs) were added as a natural filler to PCL/PLA blends to improve and adjust the properties of produced blends. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs, dynamic mechanical analysis analysis, roughness, and hardness were measured on prepared materials, and 2D and 3D microscopy was conducted on laser engraved printing plates. Results have shown that the addition of CFs improved the mechanical properties of produced materials. DMA results indicate the semicrystalline structure of all prepared blends, and that the addition of CFs raises the elasticity of the composites. Laser engraving showed that it is possible to engrave the produced biodegradable materials and to use it as a material for production of printing plates.
Randomized crossover trial to compare driving pressures in a closed‐loop and a conventional mechanical ventilation mode in pediatric patients
Authors: Ceylan Gokhan , Topal Sevgi , Atakul Gulhan , Colak Mustafa , Soydan Ekin , Sandal Ozlem , Sari Ferhat , Ağın Hasan
Published: July 2021

Introduction

In mechanically ventilated patients, driving pressure (ΔP) represents the dynamic stress applied to the respiratory system and is related to ICU mortality. An evolution of the Adaptive Support Ventilation algorithm (ASV® 1.1) minimizes inspiratory pressure in addition to minimizing the work of breathing. We hypothesized that ASV 1.1 would result in lower ΔP than the ΔP measured in APV‐CMV (controlled mandatory ventilation with adaptive pressure ventilation) mode with physician‐tailored settings. The aim of this randomized crossover trial was therefore to compare ΔP in ASV 1.1 with ΔP in physician‐tailored APV‐CMV mode.

Methods

Pediatric patients admitted to the PICU with heterogeneous‐lung disease were enrolled if they were ventilated invasively with no detectable respiratory effort, hemodynamic instability, or significant airway leak around the endotracheal tube. We compared two 60‐min periods of ventilation in APV‐CMV and ASV 1.1, which were determined by randomization and separated by 30‐min washout periods. Settings were adjusted to reach the same minute ventilation in both modes. ΔP was calculated as the difference between plateau pressure and total PEEP measured using end‐inspiratory and end‐expiratory occlusions, respectively.

Results

There were 26 patients enrolled with a median age of 16 (9−25 [IQR]) months. The median ΔP for these patients was 10.4 (8.5−12.1 [IQR]) and 12.4 (10.5−15.3 [IQR]) cmH2O in the ASV 1.1 and APV‐CMV periods, respectively (p < .001). The median tidal volume (VT) selected by the ASV 1.1 algorithm was 6.4 (5.1−7.3 [IQR]) ml/kg and RR was 41 (33 50 [IQR]) b/min, whereas the median of the same values for the APV‐CMV period was 7.9 (6.8−8.3 [IQR]) ml/kg and 31 (26−41[IQR]) b/min, respectively. In both ASV 1.1 and APV‐CMV modes, the highest ΔP was used to ventilate those patients with restrictive lung conditions at baseline.

Conclusion

In this randomized crossover trial, ΔP in ASV 1.1 was lower compared to ΔP in physician‐tailored APV‐CMV mode in pediatric patients with different lung conditions. The use of ASV 1.1 may therefore result in continued, safe ventilation in a heterogeneous pediatric patient group.
In Situ Observation of Pressurized Microcrack Growth in Silicon
Authors: Colonel Lucas , Mazen Frédéric , Landru Didier , Kononchuk Oleg , Ben Mohamed Nadia , Rieutord François
Published: July 2021

The evolution of micrometer‐scale cracks in hydrogen‐ and helium‐implanted silicon during isothermal annealing is studied using confocal IR microscopy. Herein, it is demonstrated that the dominant mechanism of microcrack growth is crack coalescence. The coalescence of two cracks causes a sudden crack opening in silicon and leads to the formation of a larger crack. The surface of this large crack is equal to the sum of the surface areas of the two former cracks plus the opened zone. As a result, it has a less circular shape than both initial cracks. After the coalescence, the new pressurized crack surface evolves quickly and its shape circularizes again. Before their coalescence, the measurement of the distance between two microcracks reveals the increase of the gap closure velocity as two microcracks come closer due to the interaction of their stress fields. In addition, the growth of isolated cracks without coalescence due to implanted gas diffusion and crack front curvature effect on stress is detected. It is evidenced that two geometric parameters, the distance between neighboring cracks and the local curvature of the crack front, contribute to the growth of a pressurized crack.
A theoretical investigation on the intermolecular potential curve between ruthenium tetroxide and NOX (X = 1, 2)
Authors: Kido Kentaro
Published: July 2021

Ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4) is one of chemical species of fission products assumed to be released to the environment during a severe accident of nuclear facilities and a target compound to assess the amount produced, reactivity, mobility and release timing. In this article, the NOX (X = 1, 2) adduct formation of RuO4 has been investigated, based on the potential energy curve (PEC) evaluated by UM06, UTPSSh, CASSCF, and CASPT2 methods. At several stationary points, CCSD and LR‐CCSD(T) energies are also computed for a comparison. The PEC shows that there is an activation barrier to form the NOX adduct and that the process is endothermic in terms of free energy. In the system, the electron transfer occurs from NOX to RuO4 when the bond between the nitrogen and oxo ligand is formed. It has been discussed in detail using active orbitals, weight of electron configurations and spin population obtained by CASSCF.
Robust free‐time‐stable fault tolerant control for rigid satellite attitude system with output constraint
Authors: Zhou Zepeng , Zhu Fanglai , Xu Dezhi , Guo Shenghui , Liu Tianyi , Li Xiandong
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the robust fault tolerant control strategy for a rigid satellite attitude system with external disturbance and actuator fault while the predesigned output constraint is taken into consideration. Based on the interval observer technique, an identical faulty signal reconstruction is first realized by utilizing pure mathematical calculation. Then, to guarantee the desired output constraint, the proposed prescribed performance fault tolerant control framework is constructed with a novel error interval representation which not only reduces the computation burden but also simplifies the output constrained controller design. In addition, by comparing with the existing finite/fixed time control method, the setting time for this control strategy can be assigned freely. The stability of the whole method is guaranteed by Lyapunov method. Finally, simulation results including comparisons with existing work show the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed approach.
Radish and annual ryegrass alter corn yield response to nitrogen rate
Authors: Johnson Jane M. F. , Scott Drew , Weyers Sharon
Published: July 2021

Fall‐planted cover crops are a strategy for scavenging residual reactive N. In the northern U.S. Corn Belt, the short growing season continues to limit adoption of cover crops. Planting cover crops following wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a three‐crop rotation (wheat [cover crop]–corn [Zea mays L]–soybean [Glycine max L. (Merr.)]) increases establishment time. Two cover crops noted for N scavenging, annual ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot) and radish (Raphanus sativus L. ‘Tillage’), were selected. We hypothesized that corn yield could be maintained with less N fertilizer when following a cover crop compared with no cover crop as determined by direct comparison and regression analyses. The study was repeated 3 yr and had three cover crop treatments: annual ryegrass, radish, and the no‐cover‐crop control. A second treatment, factorially applied in corn years, was N application rates relative the recommended rate of 0× (0 kg N ha–1), 0.25× (39–48 kg N ha–1), 0.5× (78–95 kg N ha–1), and 1× (157–190 kg N ha–1). When cover crops were planted after wheat, about 60 kg N ha–1 yr–1 was measured in the roots and shoots of radish and annual ryegrass, representing 35 or >60% of the inorganic N in the soil. Corn yield averaged 5% higher following radish and 13% lower following annual ryegrass compared with the no‐cover control. Both cover crops scavenged residual N, but neither cover crop treatment supported the hypothesis that corn yield could be maintained with less N fertilizer compared with no cover crop.
Surface modification and structure analysis of coated iron oxide yellow pigments to improve dispersion in organic solvents
Authors: Xu Minhong , Pan Guoxiang , Guo Yuhua , Yang Shengchen , Fang Ze
Published: July 2021

For improving the dispersion of iron oxide yellow pigments (FeOOH) in organic solvents, a layer of silica was coated on the surface of FeOOH, and then further modified by silane coupling agent, as a heterogeneous coating was formed on the surface of FeOOH. The modified FeOOH was characterized by TEM, XRD, IR, XPS, TG‐DTA, and zeta potential. The dispersibility of modified FeOOH under different conditions was also studied. After coating and modification, a coating layer about 5 nm was formed on the surface of FeOOH. XRD results showed that sodium silicate and KH560 modified did not change crystal structure of FeOOH, even the SiO2 coating layer existed in amorphous form. The FeOOH was bound with SiO2 and silane coupling agent by chemical bond, based on the IR and XPS analysis. The heat resistance of FeOOH was slightly improved after coating. When the amount of SiO2 modified in surface coating was 8% of the mass of FeOOH, the modification time range from 1 to 1.5 h, temperature was between 60°C and 80°C, the pH value was 7–8, and the dispersibility of FeOOH in water was significantly improved. The zeta potential test showed that the surface of FeOOH/SiO2 was negative, and its dispersibility in water was improved because the absolute value of zeta potential increased. The dispersibility of FeOOH/SiO2 was related to the structure of coupling agent. After modification with KH560, the dispersion rate increased from 14.49% to 88.0%, which improved the dispersibility in organic solvents.
Water Modeling on Circulating Flow and Mixing Time in a Ruhrstahl–Heraeus Vacuum Degasser
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhang Lifeng , Li Fei , Peng Kaiyu , Liu Fenggang , Liu Zhentong , Zhao Yanyu , Yang Wen , Zhang Jing
Published: July 2021

A physical water model based on the similarity principle is established to investigate the fluid flow and mixing phenomena during the Ruhrstahl–Heraeus (RH) steel refining process. The velocity distribution and the turbulent features on the center section are obtained using particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement. Two vortexes between the down‐leg snorkel and the ladle sidewall are observed. The effects of the number of gas‐injection nozzles and the liquid levels in the vacuum chamber on the fluid phenomena are performed. More injected nozzles and a higher liquid level in the vacuum chamber generate larger velocity in the ladle. Twenty monitors in the ladle are used to monitor the variation of the conductivity to obtain the mixing time, indicating that the mixing time varies much with locations. The distribution of the mixing time on the vertical center section of the ladle is obtained. Moreover, the relationship between the circulation rate and the mixing time is obtained, indicating that the mixing time decreases with increasing circulation rate, and the slope of their relationship is −0.35.
Extension of a Database‐Driven PID Control System
Authors: Fujiwara Keishi , Yamamoto Toru
Published: July 2021

Lots of process systems are affected by mutual interaction between inputs and outputs. Therefore, in designing a single‐input/single‐output (SISO) control system, it is often the case where the desired control performance cannot be obtained under the influence of inputs/outputs included in other loops. On the other hand, multi‐input/multi‐output (MIMO) control systems can be constructed for such systems, but the control systems design is often complicated. In this letter, the database‐driven PID control scheme is extended in which influence of inputs/outputs other than the main control loop is considered as change of operating conditions. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Ethnoveterinary botanical survey of medicinal plants used in Pashto, Punjabi and Saraiki communities of Southwest Pakistan
Authors: Abidin Sheikh Zain Ul , Munem Afifa , Khan Raees , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber , Amhad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Khalil Atif Ali Khan , Hetta Helal F. , Mahmoud Mohamed H. , Sami Abdus , Bhatti Muhammad Zeeshan
Published: July 2021

Medicinal plants are highly used in the ethnoveterinary practice as considerable livestock resources in remote areas. The aim of the present study is to explore the ethnoveterinary medicinal practices in three different communities and discuss the cross‐cultural consensus on the usage of medicinal plants for the treatment of animals. The field survey was conducted by the animal healers of the area during the different seasons of plant growth. A total of 83 informants were interviewed through Semi‐structured interview involving experts of traditional knowledge in 21 localities of the three regions (Zhob, D. I. Khan and Mianwali) were conducted. Findings of the study were quantitatively analyzed through the informant consensus factors to identify the homogeneity information provided by the informants. Furthermore, cross‐culture consensuses were analyzed and recorded data were represented in a tabulated and Venn diagrams. In particularly, 59 species of plants were documented in the comparative analysis. Among them, 32 plant species were recorded in Pashto community, while Punjabi and Sarakai communities exhibited nine and four plant species, respectively. Whereas cross‐cultural analysis showed 14 medicinal plants that were commonly utilized by three different ethnic communities, that indicated low interregional consensus in regard to ethnoveterinary practices of medicinal plants. The current study showed that different communities and ethnic groups sharing some traditional knowledge and cross‐culturally approaches have been reported from traditional uses of plants against livestock's diseases. Therefore, current findings are the opportunities to scrutinize the plants for the discovery of new drug sources for humans and animals.
Students' acceptance of case‐based blended learning in mandatory interdisciplinary lectures for clinical medicine and veterinary public health
Authors: Duckwitz Veronica , Vogt Lena , Hautzinger Claudia , Bartel Alexander , Haase Sebastian , Wiegard Mechthild , Doherr Marcus G.
Published: July 2021

Background

In German veterinary education interdisciplinary lectures (ILs) are an important and mandatory part of the curriculum as their merging character builds a useful preparation for the future profession as a veterinarian. These lectures should enable students to work on practically‐relevant and interdisciplinary cases, which should ideally be defined jointly by lecturers from different disciplines.

Methods

In order to give students the opportunity to work on these cases and at the same time have contact with their lecturers and fellow students, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, has converted its former in‐class ILs (face‐to‐face delivery format) into a blended learning format. The mandatory lectures comprise 196 curricular hours and are delivered over the course of three semesters within the veterinary curriculum. The new concept was developed over a period of three academic years and extensively evaluated (old‐new‐comparison) with regard to its acceptance and compliance with national requirements for interdisciplinary teaching.

Results

A total of 306 students were asked to evaluate different aspects of the newly implemented format. Overall, more than 79% of the students attending the newly implemented blended learning format responded positively, and the evaluation showed a significant improvement of learning motivation and acceptance when compared to the traditional teaching format.

Conclusion

The results indicated that blended learning is a suitable option for teaching mandatory ILs in clinical medicine and veterinary public health.
Tackling Difference in a Neoliberal Classroom
Authors: Gair Susan , Hager Tamar , Herzog Omri
Published: July 2021

In neoliberal academia, where students are clients and teachers are service providers, tackling diversity and social controversies becomes a risk. In the first scene Susan recounts her concerns and frustrations when obtaining low scores in teaching assessment after conducting a course addressing the atrocities committed against Aboriginal Australians. Omri’s episode demonstrates how consumerism and victimhood culture threaten academic freedom when addressing sensitive topics in the classroom. The chapter ends with Tamar’s story of her encounter with a working-class student who defied any attempt to transform his emotional way of speaking with proper academic conduct. Reflecting on her attempt to silence him due to neoliberal demand for industrial tranquillity, she realizes that her compliance threatens to turn her into an enlightened oppressor.
Closing Thoughts: Academic Hazards and Opportunities
Authors: Gair Susan , Hager Tamar , Herzog Omri
Published: July 2021

Our personal stories demonstrate the hazards of neoliberal governmentality. Substituting the essence of academic activity—teaching and knowledge production—with bureaucratic measurements, apparently for the sake of productivity and objectivity, diminishes the value of academic work. As the chapter shows, the oppressive regime of the audit culture, which enforces academics to perform as accountable and capable while silencing feelings of incompetence and stress, requires investing intensified amounts of emotional labour, thus increasing tension and ineptitude. Exploring the reasons for academics’ compliance with such a distressing system, we warn that these institutional processes might annul campus life, the core of academic training and activity. The chapter concludes by suggesting ways to resist these destructive processes, introducing an academy-ruled students and teachers, as an alternative.
Cosmology at the top of the α′ tower
Authors: Quintin Jerome , Bernardo Heliudson , Franzmann Guilherme
Published: July 2021

Abstract

The cosmology of the fullyα′-corrected duality-invariant action for the Neveu-Schwarz sector of string theory is revisited, with special emphasis on its coupling to matter sources. The role of the duality covariant pressure and dilatonic charge of the matter sector is explored in various contexts, from the low-curvature regime to non-perturbative solutions inα′. We comment on how an infinite tower ofα′ corrections allows for fixed-dilaton de Sitter solutions, even in vacuum. We further investigate the necessary conditions for accelerated expansion in the Einstein frame, as well as for non-singular bounces that could resolve the big bang singularity. In particular, explicit examples are constructed, which show that the tower ofα′ corrections may support an Einstein-frame non-singular cosmological bouncing background, even when the matter sector respects the null energy condition.
Holographic model for heavy quarks in anisotropic hot dense QGP with external magnetic field
Authors: Aref’eva Irina Ya. , Rannu Kristina , Slepov Pavel
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We present a five-dimensional fully anisotropic holographic model supported by Einstein-dilaton-three-Maxwell action. One of the Maxwell fields provides chemical potential; finite chemical potential values are considered. The second Maxwell field serves for anisotropy, representing real spacial anisotropy of the QGP produced in heavy-ion collisions. The third Maxwell field is related to an external magnetic field. Influence of the external magnetic field on the 5-dim black hole solution and the confinement/deconfinement phase diagram, reconstructing the phase transition curves for heavy quarks, is considered. The effect of the inverse magnetic catalyses is revealed and positions of critical end points are found.
Characters of irrelevant deformations
Authors: Datta Shouvik , Jiang Yunfeng
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We analyse the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation of 2d CFTs in a special double-scaling limit, of large central charge and small deformation parameter. In particular, we derive closed formulae for the deformation of the product of left and right moving CFT characters on the torus. It is shown that the 1/c contribution takes the same form as that of a CFT, but with rescalings of the modular parameter reflecting a state-dependent change of coordinates. We also extend the analysis for more general deformations that involve $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

, $$ J\overline{T} $$
J

T
¯

and $$ T\overline{J} $$
T

J
¯

simultaneously. We comment on the implications of our results for holographic proposals of irrelevant deformations.
Critical behavior of the 2d scalar theory: resumming the N8LO perturbative mass gap
Authors: Heymans Gustavo O. , Pinto Marcus Benghi
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We apply the optimized perturbation theory (OPT) to resum the perturbative series describing the mass gap of the bidimensional ϕ4 theory in the ℤ2 symmetric phase. Already at NLO (one loop) the method is capable of generating a quite reasonable non-perturbative result for the critical coupling. At order-g7 we obtain gc = 2.779(25) which compares very well with the state of the art N8LO result, gc = 2.807(34). As a novelty we investigate the supercritical region showing that it contains some useful complimentary information that can be used in extrapolations to arbitrarily high orders.
Two-loop leading-colour QCD helicity amplitudes for two-photon plus jet production at the LHC
Authors: Chawdhry Herschel A. , Czakon Michał , Mitov Alexander , Poncelet Rene
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We calculate the complete set of two-loop leading-colour QCD helicity amplitudes for γγj-production at hadron colliders. Our results are presented in a compact, fully-analytical form.