bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Option pricing with maximum entropy densities: The inclusion of higher‐order moments
Authors: Ardakani Omid M.
Published: July 2022

Entropy pricing applies notions of information theory to derive the theoretical value of options. This paper employs the maximum entropy (ME) formulation of option pricing, given risk‐neutral moment constraints computed directly from the observed prices. First, higher‐order moments are used to generate option prices. Then a generalization of Shannon entropy, known as Renyi entropy, is studied to account for extreme events. This ME problem provides a class of heavy‐tailed distributions. Examples and Monte Carlo simulations are provided to examine the effects of moment constraints on option prices. The call option values are then constructed using daily Standard and Poor's 500 index options. The findings suggest that entropy pricing with higher‐order moment constraints provides higher forecasting accuracy.
The impact of pharmacist‐led interventions on blood pressure control among patients with chronic kidney disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Okoro Roland Nnaemeka , Umate Ibrahim , Ohieku John David , Yakubu Sani Ibn , Adibe Maxwell Ogochukwu
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Only about 50% of patients with high blood pressure (BP) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) comorbidity have their BP controlled.

Objectives

The objectives of the study were to determine whether pharmacist‐led interventions reduce mean BP and improve BP control in hypertensive patients with CKD compared with usual care.

Methods

This 12‐month prospective, double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at two major hospitals in Nigeria. Seventy‐four participants were randomized to the usual care arm serving as the control and 73 participants were randomized to the intervention arm. The intervention arm received home BP monitors, and pharmacological and nonpharmacological (education and training on self‐management of CKD and hypertension, and text messages) interventions.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between the intervention (n = 73) and usual care (n = 74) participants. However, significantly more females were in the intervention arm compared with the usual care arm (71.2% vs 52.7%; P = .021). Compared with the usual care arm, systolic BP (SBP) significantly decreased by 7.12 mmHg from baseline (P = .020) in the intervention arm. Higher proportions of patients gained BP control from baseline to 6 months (27.4% vs 13.5%, P = .095), and from baseline to 12 months (20.5% vs 8.1%, P = .096) in the intervention arm than the usual care. There were no statistical differences, but clinical differences were observed.

Conclusion

This trial demonstrates that including a clinical pharmacist in a team care setting can improve BP reduction and control in patients with CKD and hypertension.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05254392.
SIRT3 attenuates coronary atherosclerosis in diabetic patients by regulating endothelial cell function
Authors: Gong Huiping , Liu Jing , Xue Zhiwei , Wang Wenwen , Li Cuicui , Xu Fanfan , Du Yimeng , Lyu Xiaona
Published: July 2022

Background

This study aimed to explore the relationship between the Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) gene and endothelial cell dysfunction, contributing to the progression of coronary atherosclerosis driven by hyperglycemia.

Methods

We measured serum SIRT3 levels using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 95 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (n = 45) or absence (n = 50) of coronary artery disease (CAD). Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) grown in vitro in a medium with various concentrations of glucose (5.5, 11, 16.5, 22, 27.5, 33, and 38.5 mM) for 24 h were assessed for protein expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPAR‐α), endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) using Western blot analysis. HAECs were subjected to SIRT3 overexpression or inhibition through SIRT3 adenovirus and siRNA transfection.

Results

Serum SIRT3 levels were significantly lower in T2DM patients with CAD than in those without CAD (p = 0.048). The in vitro results showed that HG significantly increased SIRT3, PPAR‐α, and eNOS protein expression in a concentration‐dependent manner. Moreover, iNOS expression was decreased in HAECs in response to HG. Reduced PPAR‐α and eNOS levels and increased iNOS levels were observed in SIRT3 silenced HAECs cells. In contrast, SIRT3 overexpression significantly improved PPAR‐α and eNOS expression and suppressed iNOS expression.

Conclusion

SIRT3 was associated with the progression of atherosclerosis in T2DM patients through upregulation of PPAR‐α and eNOS and downregulation of iNOS, which are involved in endothelial dysfunction under hyperglycemic conditions.
Multiple diagnostic methods for mucormycosis: A retrospective case series
Authors: Wang JiaXin , Wang YaoMin , Han Fei , Chen JiangHua
Published: July 2022

Background

Mucormycosis is a rare invasive fungal disease with high mortality. Early diagnosis and targeted drugs are crucial to improving clinical outcomes.

Methods

We searched the electronic hospital database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine for adult patients with mucormycosis between 2000 and 2021. Demographic, clinical, treatment, and outcome data were collected and compared with the data in the relevant literature.

Results

Eleven cases of mucormycosis—four of multisite infection, one of skin infection, five of lung infection, and one of gastrointestinal infection—were found and analyzed. The patients were diagnosed mainly based on pathological and histological findings, and three patients had metagenomic next‐generation sequencing findings. Delayed diagnosis (i.e., diagnosis >7 days after patient admission or >30 days after onset of symptoms) results in poor prognosis compared with early diagnosis.

Conclusions

Improving awareness and shortening diagnosis time may improve the prognosis of mucormycosis. If mucormycosis is suspected, appropriate samples should be collected as soon as possible and submitted for biopsy, culture, or mNGS to confirm the diagnosis.
Examining the nuance in adolescents’ police encounters: Positive, negative, or both?
Authors: Fix Rebecca L. , Jackson Dylan B. , Jindal Monique
Published: July 2022

Youth−police encounters reflect a pivotal point for intervention to improve police−community relations. Data from 454 youths (M = 15.1 years) included brief written descriptions of positive and negative experiences with a police officer and perceptions of police using Likert‐scale items. Participating youths described both positive (46%) and negative (60%) experiences with police. Besides decidedly positive experiences, youths also responded to the positive experiences prompt with ambiguous situations (46%) that involved the arrest of the youth or their family (procedural or distributive justice). Examples of ambiguous self‐described positive experiences included, “Restraining order,” “My dad went to prison,” and “When I was arrested in location redacted, the officer was kind and didn't put me in cuffs.” Results from regressions indicated youths’ perceptions of police were more often associated with the absence of positive experiences than specific positive or negative experiences. Study findings have implications for police trainings and future research on youth−police encounters.
Expanding the view of the molecular mechanisms of autophagy pathway
Authors: Majeed Sheikh Tahir , Majeed Rabiya , Andrabi Khurshid I.
Published: July 2022

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved multistep degradation mechanism in eukaryotes, that maintains cellular homoeostasis by replenishing cells with nutrients through catabolic lysis of the cytoplasmic components. This critically coordinated pathway involves sequential processing events that begin with initiation, nucleation, and elongation of phagophores, followed by the formation of  double‐membrane vesicles known as autophagosomes. Finally, autophagosomes migrate towards and fuse with lysosomes in mammals and vacuoles in yeast and plants, for the eventual degradation of the intravesicular cargo. Here, we review the recent advances in our understanding of the molecular events that define the process of autophagy.
Effects of whole‐orchard recycling on nitrate leaching potential in almond production systems
Authors: Jahanzad Emad , Brewer Kelsey M. , Poret‐Peterson Amisha T. , Culumber Catherine M. , Holtz Brent A. , Gaudin Amélie C. M.
Published: July 2022

Inefficient nitrogen (N) fertilization and irrigation have led to unhealthy nitrate levels in groundwater bodies of agricultural areas in California. Simultaneously, high commodity prices and drought have encouraged perennial crop growers to turnover less‐productive orchards, providing opportunities to recycle tree biomass in situ and to use high‐carbon (C) residues to conserve soil and water resources. Although climate change adaptation and mitigation benefits of high‐C soil amendments have been shown, uncertainties remain regarding the benefits and trade‐offs of this practice for N cycling and retention. We used established almond [Prunus dulcis(Mill.) D. A. Webb] orchard trials on Hanford fine sandy loam with short‐term and long‐term biomass recycling legacies to better understand the changes in N dynamics and retention capacity associated with this practice. In a soil column experiment, labeled N fertilizer was added and traced into various N pools, including microbial biomass and inorganic fractions in soil and leachate. Shifts in microbial communities were characterized using the abundance of key N cycling functional genes regulating nitrification and denitrification processes. Our findings showed that, in the short term, biomass recycling led to N immobilization within the orchard biomass incorporation depth zone (0–15 cm) without impacts on N leaching potential. However, this practice drastically reduced nitrate leaching potential by 52%, 10 yr after biomass incorporation without an increase in N immobilization. Although the timing of these potential benefits as a function of microbial population and C and N biogeochemical cycles still needs to be clarified, our results highlight the potential of this practice to meaningfully mitigate nitrate discharges into groundwater while conserving soil resources.
Changes in nitrogen and phosphorus within a decade in waters along a major canal and estuary in South Florida
Authors: Rodriguez Andres F. , Tootoonchi Mohsen , Daroub Samira H.
Published: July 2022

The West Palm Beach‐C51 (WPB‐C51) canal connects Lake Okeechobee with Lake Worth Lagoon (LWL) in South Florida. This canal receives discharges from Lake Okeechobee and from agricultural and urbanized areas. The objectives of this research were to determine spatial and temporal differences and trends of N and P forms along the WPB‐C51 canal and LWL for 2009–2019. Data were obtained from the South Florida Water Management District. Average total P (TP) and total N (TN) concentrations at studied stations ranged from 55 to 183 μg L−1 and from 0.61 to 2.62 mg L−1, respectively. The TP and TN concentrations at LWL inflow were higher than the State of Florida's regulatory criteria (49 μg L−1 and 0.66 mg L−1, respectively). The TP and TN concentrations generally declined from Lake Okeechobee to LWL; however, agricultural drainage was highest for soluble reactive P (SRP) and all N forms. Temporal trends showed predominantly increasing trends for concentrations of P forms. Total P and TN load rates increased by 0.005 and 0.032 t yr−1, respectively, at LWL inflow. Results suggest nutrient assimilation by plants and P precipitation along the WPB‐C51 canal. Possible sources of SRP and N are fertilizers, nitrification, and organic matter mineralization. Increasing trends in P concentration are possibly due to legacy P and urbanization, and increases in TP and TN loads can be due to larger Lake Okeechobee discharges and higher nutrient concentrations. Results emphasize the need to implement strategies to minimize nutrient input into LWL to meet its water quality goals.
High levels of C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio (CAR) are associated with a poor prognosis in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in early stage
Authors: Liu Zishuai , Zhang Rongling , Zhou Wei , Ma Ruize , Han Leqiang , Zhao Zhe , Ge Ziruo , Ren Xingxiang , Zhang Wei , Sun Aijun , Chen Zhihai
Published: July 2022

C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio (CAR) can be used to assess the prognosis of various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between CAR on the prognosis of patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). This study included 155 SFTS patients from the Public Health Clinical Center of Dalian from January to December 2021. They were divided into survival and deceased groups based on the clinical prognosis. The independent risk factors for poor prognosis of SFTS patients at an early stage were determined by Cox regression. The efficacy of CAR prediction was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A total of 155 patients were included in this study, with an average age of 61.98± 11.70 years, including 77 males and 65 females. The mortality rate of the patients enrolled in this study was 14.19%. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that CAR (hazard ratio = 2.585, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.405–4.753, p = 0.002) could be an independent predictor for prognosis in SFTS patients at an early stage. CAR had an AUC of 0.781 (95% CI, 0.665–0.898, p = 0.000), a cutoff value of 0.57, a sensitivity of 0.77, and a specificity of 0.80, with better predictive efficacy, compared to neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR). High levels of CAR are associated with poor prognosis in SFTS patients, and CAR can be used as an independent predictor for SFTS patients.
Relations between in vitro starch digestibility of commercial baked products and their macronutrients
Authors: Li Cheng , Li Enpeng
Published: July 2022

Background

Baked products such as biscuits and breads are the staple foods for a large population, with the starch digestion rate having a crucial effect on human health. Currently, there is a lack of information on general starch digestibility in commercial baked products and its correlation with macronutrient content.

Results

The present study investigated the starch digestibility of 35 commercial baked products, ranging from low to high moisture contents. Biscuits generally had a slower starch digestion rate than mini‐breads, whereas breads including whole wheat bread had the fastest digestion rate. Additionally, starch digestibility was negatively correlated with the calorie (R2 = 0.71) and fat content (R2 = 0.56) in per serving size, possibly because of the formation of amylose‐lipid complex.

Conclusion

The present study provides a database for the in vitro starch digestibility of a large number of food items, which gives general indications on the performance of starch components of commercial products in the human gastrointestinal tract. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Diffractive Nonlocal Metasurfaces
Authors: Overvig Adam , Alù Andrea
Published: July 2022

Metasurfaces are ushering in an era of multifunctional control over optical wavefronts realized with ultrathin planarized devices. Recent advances have been enabling unprecedented control over the frequency response of these surfaces, suggesting that the future of flat optics may tailor both spectral and spatial degrees of freedom in highly multispectral and multifunctional devices. Diffractive nonlocal metasurfaces are opening new opportunities in this direction: they leverage symmetry‐protected scattering from quasi‐bound states in the continuum and, by spatially manipulating controlled geometric perturbations, they support ultrasharp optical responses with wavefront‐manipulating features. Encoded in nonlocal (i.e., spatially extended) resonant modes, the resulting response is observed exclusively within the bandwidth of the resulting Fano resonance, affording ideal features for a wide range of applications. In this perspective, this novel class of metasurfaces are discussed in the broader context of flat optics, highlighting their peculiar operation in contrast to relevant predecessors, and highlighting the opportunities for future advancement and applications. In particular, it is emphasized that nonlocality and selectivity are inherently related, but that spectral and spatial selectivity can be independently tuned in suitably tailored metasurfaces. In turn, this freedom allows the design and implementation of both wavefront‐shaping and wavefront‐selective devices. The novel optical responses, combined with the compatibility with rational design, herald new prospects for active, nonlinear and quantum metasurfaces, ultrathin devices for augmented reality, and compact tailored optical sources.
Spectral Narrowing and Enhancement of Directional Emission of Perovskite Light Emitting Diode by Microcavity
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Yang Chenying , Fan Zhuping , Chen Xu , Chen Zeng , Su Yirong , Zhu Hanbo , Sun Fangling , Jiang Tingming , Zhu Wenjuan , Shen Weidong , He Jianjun , Zhu Haiming , Liu Xu , Yang Yang (Michael)
Published: July 2022

Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have attracted much attentions due to the superior optoelectronic properties such as pure spectrum, high photoluminescence quantum yield, tunable emission, and ease of fabrication. Though lots of progresses have been made on PeLEDs and optically pumped lasers, microcavity perovskite lasing device under electrical pumping remains extremely challenging. Microcavity perovskite LEDs can be considered as a step toward laser diode due to the common structure of resonant cavity. In this study, a new type of metal‐dielectric microcavity PeLED is designed and fabricated by using 2.5 pairs of TiO2/SiO2 distributed bragg reflector (DBR) and Al as cavity coplanar mirrors. A microcavity device with forward spectral full‐width at half‐maximum of 11.8 and 9.5 nm, under electrical and optical excitations, respectively, the directional forward emission within 30° is enhanced by 3 times compared to the control device without cavity is realized. To the best of the knowledge, this study demonstrates the narrowest spectrum for three‐demisional PeLEDs so far, it helps to expand the color space in display applications and may also serve as a reference device for solution processed perovskite exciton–polariton electroluminescent devices and electrically driven vertical cavity surface emitting lasers due to the similar device structure and processing.
Quantum Interference in Wilkinson Power Dividers
Authors: Hernández Osmery , Ortega‐Gomez Angel , Bravo Mikel , Liberal Iñigo
Published: July 2022

Scaling up quantum technologies entails the challenge of developing large‐scale and high‐performance photonic quantum networks. Engineering novel optical components, with a compact footprint and advanced functionalities, might help addressing this challenge by reducing the size and complexity of optical networks. Here, quantum interference phenomena in Wilkinson power dividers (WPDs), a popular element of microwave networks, is investigated. It is theoretically demonstrated that WPDs grant access to coherent perfect absorption (CPA) quantum state transformations (single photon CPA, coherent absorption of N00N states, two‐photon nonlinear absorption, and absorption of coherence in squeezed light) in CPA networks with a smaller footprint and a reduced number of elements. Additionally, it is shown how a WPD can be designed in a pure silicon‐on‐insulator platform by taking advantage of radiative losses. These findings might represent an important step forward in the development of CPA quantum networks.
Broadband Multichannel Cylindrical Vector Beam Generation by a Single Metasurface
Authors: Wen Dandan , Pan Kai , Meng Jiajun , Wu Xuanguang , Guo Xuyue , Li Peng , Liu Sheng , Li Dong , Wei Bingyan , Xie Xin , Yang Dexing , Zhao Jianlin , Crozier Kenneth B.
Published: July 2022

Beams with spatially‐varying polarization states have been the topic of much interest recently due to the unusual ways in which they can interact with matter. Cylindrical vector beams (CVBs) represent the most commonly used type and feature cylindrically‐symmetric polarization distributions. The optical systems employed thus far for their generation have usually only been able to produce a single CVB. To generate and observe multiple CVBs, bulky optical systems with stringent alignment tolerances have been needed. Here, a method to generate an array of CVBs using a single optical element, namely a transmission‐mode dielectric metasurface, is demonstrated. The incident light is split into an array of left and right‐handed circularly polarized vortex beams that superpose with a controllable phase difference. An array of CVBs with 12 channels over a broad wavelength range is experimentally demonstrated. This study's method produces a significant increase in the number of polarization channels compared to previous reports and solves the long‐standing challenge of unequal intensity distributions. It furthermore improves the flexibility of the vector field control by not only generating CVBs of different orders but also controlling their polarization rotation. This method may pave the way for applications in optical communications, laser machining, and optical trapping.
Engagement in vice food and beverage consumption: The role of perceived lack of control
Authors: Lunardo Renaud , Jaud David , Jaspers Esther
Published: July 2022

Prior research has established a link between lacking control over one's life, the resulting stress, and the maladaptive outcome of eating disorders. However, such research has left unexamined the exact link among perceptions of control, stress, and unhealthy food choices. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying the exact sequence linking these variables and explaining why stress induced by low control leads to engagement in vice food consumption. Based on self‐licensing theory, we predict that a perceived lack of control indirectly prompts people to engage in vice food and beverage consumption, because a lack of control leads to higher personal stress and, consequently, a need to escape through self‐indulgence. Across one survey‐based study in France and two experiments (in the United States and the United Kingdom), we find consistent support for our hypothesis. The results support the prediction that a perceived lack of control increases the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages. Specifically, when consumers feel a lack of control over their life, they experience stress, seek an escape from this stress, and end up self‐indulging through the consumption of vice food and beverages. For public policy‐makers and brand managers, the results suggest that having people perceive more control over their life is of particular importance to staying healthy.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Polyelectrolyte‐Triazine Gels Using Cation–π Interactions and Multiple Hydrogen Bonds for Adjustable Interfacial Adhesion
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Chen Hanyu , Peng Xueyin , Li Dapeng , Wang Wei , Chen Mengfan , Hu Dezheng , Long Shijun , Huang Yiwan
Published: July 2022

The poor adhesion performance of typical gels still remains a challenge to find a simple method to achieve strong and reversible adhesion with the existence of water. Here, a poly(acryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride‐co‐2‐vinyl‐4‐6‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine) (P(DAC‐co‐VDT)) gel with high and adjustable interfacial adhesion is fabricated by combining cation‐triazine π interaction and multiple hydrogen bonding and through a one‐pot route. Characterization of the gels reveals that the two types of interactions are introduced into the gel network and that the gel–gel and gel–glass interfacial adhesion can be readily adjusted in a wide range from 15.98 to 123.60 kPa. This approach enables the creation of high‐strength composites using P(DAC‐co‐VDT) gel as matrix, anionic monomer sodium p‐styrene sulfonate as ion concentration adjustor, and discrete quartz sands as filler with easy and repeated moldability and self‐healing capability.
Assessing growth of infants with chylothorax receiving fortified skimmed human breast milk
Authors: Clark Brittani , Froh Melissa , Karls Catherine , Feuling Mary Beth , Goday Praveen , Uhing Michael , Handler Stephanie S. , Nghiem‐Rao T. Hang , Polzin Elizabeth
Published: July 2022

Learning Outcome

To learn how skimmed human milk (SHM) can be used in infants with chylothorax to support adequate weight gain and nutrition while receiving human milk.

Background

Traditional nutrition management for chylothorax is to limit long‐chain triglycerides (LCTs) and provide a diet high in medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs). Transition from human milk to formula has been required to provide the ratio of MCT to LCT required to stop the accumulation of chyle. Although SHM may provide the right fat content for a baby with chylothorax, previous studies have shown slow growth in infants receiving SHM.

Objective

To demonstrate that infants receiving SHM fortified with high‐MCT infant formula will have age appropriate growth without re‐accumulation of chyle.

Design/Methods

Between 2017 and 2019, term infants with the diagnosis of chylothorax who were previously receiving human milk and transitioned to fortified SHM were monitored for growth and reaccumulation of chyle.

Results

The six infants who were prescribed fortified SHM with high‐MCT infant formula using standardized recipes did not show reaccumulation of chyle and showed positive weight gain in five of the six study patients. The infants gained a mean weight of 30.5 g/day (±19.5), and their weight z scores improved by a mean of +0.29 (±0.33).

Conclusions

Fortified SHM is a safe treatment option that can provide adequate nutrition for the infant with chylothorax to gain weight appropriately for age.
Enteral nutrition tolerance in patients receiving neuromuscular blockade
Authors: Sabino Kim M. , Bridgman Ellen , Deming Kaitlyn , Deming Maria , Fuller Julie , Parker Kristen , Mueller Jane , Nadler Evan , Wakefield Dotty
Published: July 2022

Background

Nutrition support is an essential part of critical care medicine. It is commonly accepted that for the critically ill patient, enteral nutrition (EN) is favored. For the patient who receives neuromuscular blockades, EN may be held, or initiation delayed, because of concerns for EN intolerance. We hypothesized there would be no difference in EN tolerance between groups receiving cisatracurium while receiving EN compared with those not receiving cisatracurium.

Methods

This was a retrospective study that included 459 patients from a combined medical and surgical intensive care unit. There were 44 patients who received cisatracurium with EN and 415 who received EN alone. Data collected included gastric residual volume (GRV) and emesis occurrences, new‐onset abdominal pain, new or worsening abdominal distention, and bowel ischemia.

Results

There were more patients with new or worsening abdominal distention in the group receiving cisatracurium (31.82% vs 14.94%; P < 0.01) as well as occurrences of GRV > 300 ml (P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding emesis, new‐onset abdominal pain, or bowel ischemia.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that it is acceptable to provide patients with EN who are receiving cisatracurium.
Influence of chopped fibers on the interfacial bonding of glass fiber reinforced epoxy skin/polyurethane core in a sandwich composite
Authors: Devaraj Selwyn Jebadurai , Arputham Arul Jeya Kumar
Published: July 2022

In sandwich composites, interfacial bonding between face sheets and core has to be strengthened to prevent debonding. In this work, sandwich composites with polyurethane core and glass fiber reinforced epoxy face sheets were prepared by vacuum infusion process. Chopped fibers of glass, carbon, and kevlar with length 12 mm were introduced between core and face sheets during fabrication in order to improve face‐core bonding. The influence of chopped fibers is investigated by testing flexural, compressive, shear, and fracture toughness properties of prepared specimens according to ASTM standards. Sandwich specimens with chopped glass fibers exhibited, superior interfacial bonding between the face and the core and hence improved the mechanical properties of sandwich composite. The chopped glass fiber embedded sandwich composite has an increased flexural strength of 32.77% and compressive strength of 21.43% when compared with plain sandwich composite. In addition, the shear strength and fracture toughness behavior of specimens with chopped glass fibers are superior when compared to other chopped fibers incorporated in the interfacial region. The interfacial region between skin and core was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chopped glass fibers in the interfacial region showed better adhesion property along with the epoxy.
Enhancing the thermal and electrical conductivities of silicone rubber composites by constructing a 1D‐3D collaborative network
Authors: Wang Yang , Chen Shubin , Cai Yanchao , Lin Tengfei , Gao Min , Zhao Chunlin , Wu Xiao , Lin Cong , Zhai Rongyang , Liu Jie
Published: July 2022

The construction of conduction pathways is considered to be a crucial issue for the thermal and electric transfer ability improvement of silicon rubber. Fabricating three‐dimensional (3D) conductive scaffolds is attractive for rapid heat and electricity conduction in silicon composites. In the present work, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and conductive sponges (CSs) were chosen to construct a 1D‐3D collaborative network in a silicone matrix. Novel silicone rubber composites with preferable thermal and electrical conductivity properties were fabricated. The morphology, thermostability, electroconductibility, and mechanical properties were studied. This kind of silicone‐based composite with high thermal and electrical conductivity has broad applications for thermal management in emerging electronic devices.
Auxiliary functional group diffusion dialysis membranes for acid recovery
Authors: Cheng Congliang , Shen Hai Yang , Gong Yifei , Chen Wei , Li Ping
Published: July 2022

Anion exchange membranes with auxiliary group were prepared by quaternized brominated polyphenylene oxide and hydroxyl tertiary amine. The basic properties of the membrane were characterized using ion exchange capacity, water content, linear expansion rate, thermal weight loss, acid resistance and microstructure of membrane, and so forth. The application of the membrane in the recovery of acid by diffusion dialysis (DD) was also explored showing the excellent comprehensive performance where the dialysis coefficient of HCl (UH+) increases from 0.011 to 0.033 m/h, but the separation factor (S) is over 35.6. Comparing with the commercial DF‐120 membrane (0.009 m/h, 18.5), the auxiliary hydroxyl with group can improve DD performance of the membrane markedly. Our finding shows the membranes with auxiliary hydroxyl group developed here have great potential for high‐efficiency acid recovery by diffusion dialysis.
Bench‐stable potassium complexes for living and isoselective ring‐opening polymerization of rac‐lactide
Authors: Ren Fangping , Li Xinlei , Xian Ji , Han Xinning , Cao Luya , Pan Xiaobo , Wu Jincai
Published: July 2022

To develop bench‐stable and nontoxic catalysts for the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactides is of importance with the aim of reducing costs in industrial production. Although, recently, some potassium complexes have been reported for the living polymerization of rac‐lactide (rac‐LA), the moisture sensitivities of these complexes prevent their further applications in the mild polymerization condition. In this work, three bench‐stable potassium phenolates as isoselective catalysts for the ROP of rac‐LA were reported, and the moisture stability of these complexes does not inhibit their high activity under mild conditions even in the presence of trace water (2.0 equivalent relative to the catalysts) or unpurified solvents. The controllable polymerization reactions can afford polylactides with desirable molecular weights, which can be high up to Mn = 80.0 kg/mol at an anhydrous condition and Mn = 54.3 kg/mol in presence of trace water. A best isoselectivity of Pm = 0.83 also can be achieved in this system at −70°C.
Phonons of Phase‐Change Materials
Authors: Gaspard Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2022

Phase‐change materials (PCMs) undergo a reversible transition from a semiconducting to a metallic state, nicely termed “incipient metal.” This transition is driven by a Peierls distortion. A model of covalent bonding is developed in a tight‐binding scheme that accounts for the drastic evolution of some properties of PCMs, among which the Grüneisen parameter. The original vibrational properties of PCM and related Peierls distorted materials are analyzed. A three‐body covalent interaction describes the PCM properties. It explains the simultaneous softening of the optical phonons and the hardening of the acoustic phonons upon crystallization of the PCMs.
On degree based topological indices of self‐assembled tetraphenylethylene and terpyridine rosettes
Authors: P Noah Antony Daniel Renai , S Roy
Published: July 2022

A technique is described to compute topological indices for supramolecular rosettes of tetraphenylethylene (TPE) and terpyridine (TPY) ligands with its applications on physicochemical and biological properties. This technique, we have applied to a self‐assembled TPE and TPY supramolecular graphs which is obtained in the form of rosette cycles. Also these type of rosettes graph finds significant applications in electrical sensors, light emitting diodes, bioimaging and photoelectric devices, and so forth. As regarded to the next generation sensing applications with a typical induced aggregative emission behavior, tetraphenylethylene can be utilized in constructing fluorescent probes. For this supramolecular systems we have done a work by computing some topological indices such as the variants of Zagreb Index, Randić Index, Sum Connectivity Index, ABC Index, and Harmonic Index.
Effects of aging and oviductal hormones on testes, epididymides, and sperm of hamster
Authors: Miyashita Manami , Fujinoki Masakatsu
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Aging is a major cause of decreased fertility. Using hamster, we examined the effects of aging on testes, epididymides, and sperm. Additionally, we examined whether progesterone (P4), melatonin (Mel) and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) mitigated effects of aging on sperm.

Methods

Young (10–16 weeks), Adult (5–7 months), Aged (13–15 months), and Old (19–22 months) hamsters were used. Weights of bodies, testes, and epididymides were measured. Testes and epididymides were studied by histological microscopy. Sera were obtained to determine testosterone concentrations. Sperm were analyzed by video‐microscopy.

Results

By aging, body weights increased but weights of testes and epididymides decreased. Most hamsters were normozoospermia, although several old hamsters were azoospermia. In testes and epididymides, desquamation and structures resembling residual bodies (SRRBs) were observed. Although desquamation was not always related to aging, SRRBs occurred by aging. Testosterone concentrations were not changed in normozoospermic hamsters, but it was significantly reduced in old azoospermic hamster. Aging significantly reduced sperm ability to exhibit hyperactivation. Additionally, aging significantly increased the straight‐line velocity (VSL). P4, Mel, and 5‐HT lessened the reduction in sperm hyperactivation and the increasing of VSL.

Conclusion

Aging reduces qualities of testes, epididymides, and sperm, and P4, Mel, and 5‐HT recover reduced quality of sperm.
Performance modeling of Licklider transmission protocol (LTP) via proactive transmission of signaling segments in deep‐space network
Authors: Varol Hacer
Published: July 2022

Delay‐tolerant networking (DTN) bundle protocol is considered one of the best transmission protocols to be used in space communications by NASA. There are studies that evaluated the performance, measuring the total transfer time of a complete file from sender to receiver, of the DTN protocol via simulation or emulated experiments beyond the real space‐based experiences. In addition, there is a very few additional research works available for the modeling of the Licklider transmission protocol (LTP). However, these past studies on LTP modeling are implemented as a Logarithmic approach that is based on the calculation of loss segments in file delivery. In this work, the approach is investigated in a different manner. Specifically, the performance model was created based on the probability of the segment's successful delivery on the LTP. Moreover, the original model is enhanced via introducing a burst of transfer and equal interval distribution of signaling segments, specifically check point (CP), along with the retransmission time out (RTO). The results from the developed model for the original DTN protocol and enhanced versions align with the results obtained by PC‐based testbeds.
Anti‐corrosion property of superhydrophobic copper mesh with one‐step self‐assembled perfluorothiolate monolayers
Authors: Feng Jiekai , Chen Faze , Chao Jiaqi , Cai Zexin , Liu Teng , Zhang Du , Tian Yanling
Published: July 2022

Copper mesh (CM) is one of the most commonly used engineering materials due to its remarkable mechanical and electromagnetic properties. However, CMs are generally susceptible to chemical corrosion in harsh environments, which greatly limits their long‐term usage. In this paper, we come up with a one‐step perfluorodecanethiol self‐assembly means to manufacture superhydrophobic CM with significantly improved anti‐corrosion property. The self‐assembly reaction between copper and 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecanethiol created nanoscale rough structures and lowered the surface energy of the CM surface, which was account for the excellent repellence towards various aqueous solutions. The electrochemical tests demonstrated that, compared with original CM, the icorr value of the self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) functionalized CM decreases about one order of magnitude, whereas the corrosion protection efficiency of the treated CM in NaCl, NaOH, and HCl aqueous solutions were all obviously increased. Therefore, the proposed simple method could be an alternative candidate for the creation of functional CM with anti‐corrosion properties that could be used under complex conditions.
Controlled variable selection in Weibull mixture cure models for high‐dimensional data
Authors: Fu Han , Nicolet Deedra , Mrózek Krzysztof , Stone Richard M. , Eisfeld Ann‐Kathrin , Byrd John C. , Archer Kellie J.
Published: July 2022

Medical breakthroughs in recent years have led to cures for many diseases. The mixture cure model (MCM) is a type of survival model that is often used when a cured fraction exists. Many have sought to identify genomic features associated with a time‐to‐event outcome which requires variable selection strategies for high‐dimensional spaces. Unfortunately, currently few variable selection methods exist for MCMs especially when there are more predictors than samples. This study develops high‐dimensional penalized Weibull MCMs, which allow for identification of prognostic factors associated with both cure status and/or survival. We demonstrated how such models may be estimated using two different iterative algorithms. The model‐X knockoffs method was combined with these algorithms to control the false discovery rate (FDR) in variable selection. Through extensive simulation studies, our penalized MCMs have been shown to outperform alternative methods on multiple metrics and achieve high statistical power with FDR being controlled. In an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) application with gene expression data, our proposed approach identified 14 genes associated with potential cure and 12 genes with time‐to‐relapse, which may help inform treatment decisions for AML patients.
Multi‐Point Nanoindentation Method to Determine Mechanical Anisotropy in Nanofibrillar Thin Films
Authors: Perera Dinidu , Wang Qijue , Schniepp Hannes C.
Published: July 2022

Biomaterials with outstanding mechanical properties, including spider silk, wood, and cartilage, often feature an oriented nanofibrillar structure. The orientation of nanofibrils gives rise to a significant mechanical anisotropy, which is extremely challenging to characterize, especially for microscopically small or inhomogeneous samples. Here, a technique utilizing atomic force microscope indentation at multiple points combined with finite element analysis to sample the mechanical anisotropy of a thin film in a microscopically small area is reported. The system studied here is the tape‐like silk of the Chilean recluse spider, which entirely consists of strictly oriented nanofibrils giving rise to a large mechanical anisotropy. The most detailed directional nanoscale structure–property characterization of spider silk to date is presented, revealing the tensile and transverse elastic moduli as 9 and 1 GPa, respectively, and the binding strength between silk nanofibrils as 159 ± 13 MPa. Furthermore, based on this binding strength, the nanofibrils’ surface energy is derived as 37 mJ m−2, and concludes that van der Waals forces play a decisive role in interfibrillar binding. Due to its versatility, this technique has many potential applications, including early disease diagnostics, as underlying pathological conditions can alter the local mechanical properties of tissues.
Wettability Controlled Surface for Energy Conversion
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Jiang Ye , Yu Wenjie , Yu Zeqi , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: July 2022

To achieve clean and high‐efficiency utilization of renewable energy, functional surfaces with controllable and patternable wettability are becoming a fast‐growing research focus. In this work, a laser scribing strategy to fabricate patterned graphene surfaces that are capable of energy conversion in different forms is demonstrated. Using the laser raster‐scanning and vector‐scanning modes, two distinct surface structures are constructed on polybenzoxazine substrate, yielding a superhydrophilic (LSHL) surface and superhydrophobic (LSHB) surface, respectively. Of particular note is that the unique hierarchical structure of LSHB surface has endowed it with quite a robust superwetting behaviors. Further profiting from the flexibility of the processing method, wettability patterns with spatially resolved LSHL and LSHB regions are designed, achieving the conversion of surface energy to liquid kinetic energy. This also offers a tractable approach to fabricate wettability‐engineered devices that enable the directional, pumpless transport of water by capillary pressure gradient and the selective surface cooling via jet impingement. In addition, the LSHB surface demonstrates the high conversion of electric‐to‐thermal energy (222 °C cm2 W−1) and light‐to‐thermal energy (88%). Overall, the material system and processing method present a promising step forward to developing easy‐fabricated graphene surfaces with spatially controlled wettability for efficient energy utilization and conversion.
Tailoring Nitrogen Species in Disk‐Like Carbon Anode Towards Superior Potassium Ion Storage
Authors: Wang Gongrui , Wang Wentao , He Xiaoyue , Li Jie , Yu Lai , Peng Bo , Liu Rong , Zeng Suyuan , Zhang Genqiang
Published: July 2022

Carbon materials, as promising anode candidates for K+ storage due to their low cost, abundant sources, and high physicochemical stability, however, encounter limited specific capacity and unfavorable cycling stability that seriously hinder their practical applications. Herein, a feasible strategy to tailor and stabilize the nitrogen species in unique P/N co‐doped disk‐like carbon through the Sn incorporation (P/NSn–CD) is presented, which can largely enhance the specific capacity and cycling capability for K+ storage. Specifically, it delivers a high specific capacity of 439.3 mAh g‐1 at 0.1 A g‐1 and ultra‐stable cycling capability with a capacity retention of 93.5% at 5000 mA g‐1 over 5000 cycles for K+ storage. The underlying mechanism for the superior K+ storage performance is investigated by systematical experimental data combined with theoretical simulation results, which can be derived from the increased edge‐nitrogen species, improved content and stability of P/N heteroatoms, and enhanced ionic/electronic kinetics. After coupling P/NSn–CD anode with activated carbon cathode, the KIHCs can deliver a high energy density of 171.7 Wh kg‐1 at 106.8 W kg‐1, a superior power density (14027.0 W kg‐1 with 31.2 Wh kg‐1 retained), and ultra‐stable lifespan (89.7% retention after 30 K cycles with cycled at 2 A g‐1).
The skeletal taphonomy of anurans from the Eocene Geiseltal Konservat‐Lagerstätte, Germany: insights into the controls on fossil anuran preservation
Authors: Falk Daniel , Wings Oliver , McNamara Maria E.
Published: July 2022

The Geiseltal biota is an Eocene lacustrine Konservat‐Lagerstätte in central Germany. Despite its rich fauna and flora (over 50 000 fossil vertebrates, insects and other invertebrates, plants and trace fossils) the taphonomy of the biota, and of the anurans in particular, is poorly understood. We analysed the skeletal taphonomy of 168 anurans, scoring each specimen for orientation, completeness and articulation. Most are partial skeletons, truncated during preparation. This process introduces measurable artefacts into the taphonomic data, which requires further study. We identified recurring taphonomic states, including disarticulation or loss of abdominal bones, loss of one or more limbs, extensive disarticulation, and extensive loss of elements across the body. Relatively rare states include: loss of distal limb elements only, scattered bones, and isolated, articulated limbs. These data inform a new taphonomic model for the Geiseltal anurans. Comparative analysis of patterns in completeness and articulation in these specimens and anurans from other Cenozoic Lagerstätten reveals repeated patterns in preservation in lacustrine‐hosted settings, such as proximal to distal trends in completeness, preferential loss of small peripheral bones, disarticulation of abdominal bones, and reorientation of major body regions. Taphonomic controls in lacustrine systems are surface water temperature, lake depth, vegetation, exposure to bottom currents, transport mechanisms, scavenging, decay regime, bone size and location in the skeleton; all ultimately controlled by palaeoclimate, lake physiography and hydrology, and anuran anatomy. A universal approach to quantitative analysis of skeletal taphonomy metrics will enable comparative testing of the relationship between preservation and palaeoenvironment for diverse fossil vertebrates.