bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the propagation from a horizontally directed high-frequency source in shallow water in the presence of bubble clouds and sea surface roughness
Authors: Norton Guy V. , Novarini Jorge C. , Keiffer Richard S.
Published: July 2002

Among the many factors affecting the propagation of sound in shallow water, surface-generated microbubbles have remained virtually unexplored. The collection of microbubbles, bubbles which usually do not result in a uniform layer, presents a complex structure that varies not only in depth but also in range, and can be characterized as a collage of bubble clouds. A numerical procedure is developed in which the bubble clouds are modeled following a classification scheme proposed by Monahan [Natural Physical Sources of Underwater Sound, edited by B. V. R. Kerman (Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, 1993), pp. 503–517]. An effective complex index of refraction of the bubble mixture is calculated for each point of the resulting range-dependent environment. The combined effect that the sea surface roughness and the bubbly environment have on forward propagation is then modeled through a high fidelity model [Norton et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 97, 2173–2180 (1995)] which combines a finite element Parabolic Equation model with conformal mapping to handle surface roughness. The case of a horizontally directed source, operating at 20 kHz for a single realization of a shallow water environment is analyzed in detail. The presence of the bubble clouds severely affects the amplitude near the surface, but their influence rapidly diminishes in depth. For the case considered, the surface roughness, which has little effect on the transmission loss of the propagating field, is, however, responsible for interference effects of the forward field observed throughout the water column, while ignoring the rough surface and bubble clouds leads to a 12–15 dB error in the acoustic field near the surface, at a range of 150 m. To assume a uniformly stratified (range independent) bubble layer results in large errors near the surface at the location of the high void fraction packets, but is an acceptable approximation away from these features.
Paradoxical relationship between frequency selectivity and threshold sensitivity during auditory-nerve fiber development
Authors: Fitzakerley Janet L. , McGee JoAnn , Walsh Edward J.
Published: July 2002

The acquisition of adultlike frequency selectivity is generally assumed to be tightly coupled to improvements in threshold sensitivity during cochlear development. In this study, frequency versus threshold (tuning) curves obtained from 1108 auditory-nerve fibers were used to investigate the relationship between tuning and threshold at characteristic frequency (CF) during postnatal development in kittens. At the earliest ages included in this study, sharpness was within the adult range, but thresholds were significantly higher than adult values. Tuning and thresholds improved along different exponential time courses that varied with CF. For units with CFs below 1 kHz, tuning curve slopes below CF matured earliest, followed by CF threshold, and then by slopes above CF. In contrast, for CFs above 1 kHz, the high-frequency slopes matured first, followed by threshold and then by slope below CF. One interpretation of these results is that tuning and thresholds are not tightly coupled in immature animals. Paradoxically, however, high-frequency slopes were correlated with threshold for individual units at all ages, suggesting that the relationship between tuning and threshold is maintained during development. This contradiction can be resolved by a developmental model that features a functional separation between cochlear nonlinearities and mechanical/electrical conversion.
Dynamic programming matching as a simulation of budgerigar contact-call discrimination
Authors: Ito Ken , Mori Koichi
Published: July 2002

Dynamic programming (DP) matching has been successfully used to classify budgerigar contact calls into natural groups (Ito et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 100, 3947–3956 (1996)]. In this paper, the biological relevance of the DP-matching algorithm was further investigated with an enlarged test set and using psychophysical test results from actual birds. Five call comparison methods (CCMs), including an improved DP-matching method, were used to quantify the dissimilarity or similarity between the contact calls of different budgerigars. Peak–time matrices, consisting of the three most intense peak frequencies in the respective time bins of given calls, formed the common input to the CCMs. The CCMs were compared in terms of (1) efficiency for classification (cluster analysis) of very similar cagemate contact calls into natural groups, i.e., by individual, and (2) correlation to the birds’ own perception as inferred from psychophysical tests. The DP-matching method, which chose two representative peak frequencies out of the three for the best match, proved to be the most effective in the classification of cagemate calls and the most correlated with bird perception. Its performance was comparable to that of individual birds. The use of two prominent peak frequencies, time warping, and sequential matching in contrast to correlational computation were found to be important factors not only in classifying calls into natural groups, but also in simulating the perceptual discrimination of budgerigars. Possible counterparts in the bird’s brain, such as those responsible for sequential processing, which could serve as the mechanisms of call recognition, were discussed in connection with the above results.
Three-dimensional beam directivity of phase-steered ultrasound
Authors: Wooh Shi-Chang , Shi Yijun
Published: July 2002

A model is developed to compute the three-dimensional far-field acoustic pressure distribution of the waves radiated from an ultrasonic linear phased array with finite elemental dimensions. Based on the model, the three-dimensional beam directivity function is introduced and analyzed to investigate the effects of geometric parameters on the steering performance. It is confirmed that the elevation dimension does not influence the beam directivity in the azimuthal plane. This is not true, however, in nonazimuthal planes. In general, increasing the elevation dimension reduces the energy leaking into nonazimuthal directions. The influences of other transducer parameters, including the number of elements, interelement spacing, and aperture length, are also investigated. It is found that they have only trivial effects on the sideleaking, although they are the important factors that influence the directivity in the azimuthal plane.
Time-domain simulation of acoustical waveguides with arbitrarily spaced discontinuities
Authors: Barjau A. , Keefe D. H. , Cardona S.
Published: July 2002

The multiconvolution algorithm [Martı́nez et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 84, 1620–1627 (1988)] to calculate the impulse response or reflection function of a musical instrument air column has proved to be useful, but it has the limitation that the spacing between discontinuites is constrained to be some multiple of cΔt (for phase velocity c and time step Δt). This paper presents an improved method, the continuous-time interpolated multiconvolution (CTIM), where such a limitation has been removed. The response of an air column, modeled as an arbitrary one-dimensional acoustic waveguide constructed using cylindrical or conical bore segments with viscothermal damping and tone-hole discontinuities, is obtained through continuous-time convolutions between analytical reflection and transmission functions and discrete-time pressure signals. The arbitrary spacing between discontinuites is accounted for by interpolation of the discrete-time pressure signals. Many musical instrument air columns possess tone holes that are opened or closed so that tones of different pitches are produced. A time-domain calculation is presented of the acoustic responses of tone-hole discontinuities that may be open or closed. The resulting reflection and transmission functions are well suited for use in the CTIM.
Concentration Reduction and Dilatant Flow Behavior in Suspensions of Hardened Human Red Cells
Authors: Barbee James
Published: July 2002

Suspensions of hardened human red blood cells (RBC) in normal plasma and in isotonic saline were investigated. A suspension of hardened RBC in isotonic saline is Newtonian at low shear rates and concentrations but slightly dilatant at high shear rates and concentrations. The average concentration inside a 99 μ capillary tube (D/d=12.3) is only about 85% of the concentration in the feed reservoir. The flow properties of a suspension of hardened RBC in saline flowing through a 99 μ tube can be predicted from a knowledge of the actual tube concentration and the flow properties obtained in very large tubes. The results found were compared to data for rigid sphere suspensions flowing through tubes about one order of magnitude larger than the sphere diameter.
Rheological Properties of Solutions of Butadiene-Styrene Copolymers of Varying Microstructure
Authors: Kotaka Tadao , White James L.
Published: July 2002

An experimental study of the non-Newtonian viscosity μ and the principal normal stress difference N1 of solutions of polybutadiene, polystyrene, and their copolymers of varying microstructures has been carried out in decalin, decane, and their mixtures. Decane is a nonsolvent for polystyrene and a poorer solvent for polybutadiene than decalin. For the homopolymers and random copolymers, the viscosity and Weissenberg number (N1/σ12) at a constant shear rate decrease as the nonsolvent is added. For block copolymers, the opposite is observed. This is due to the polystyrene segments precipitating out in poor solvents and forming intermolecular aggregates. The SBS-block copolymers tend to form viscoelastic gels because a three-dimensional network with polystyrene crosslinks is formed. The simple SB-block copolymers show thixotropic behavior with yield stress. This may be explained by the two-phase structure being in the form of micelles in which the polystyrene aggregate are solubilized by the polybutadiene segments.
The Microrheology of Colloidal Dispersions. III. Concentrated Emulsions
Authors: Vadas E. B. , Goldsmith H. L. , Mason S. G.
Published: July 2002

The flow behavior of 50 and 70 vol% transparent 2-μm emulsions of amyl acetate in aqueous glycerol is described. The systems exhibited shear thinning behavior as well as large normal stress differences, the latter an order of magnitude greater than the tangential shear stresses. Particle motions were studied in 100-μm tubes at mean flow rates from 40 to 1500 μm sec−1 using 2-μm resin tracer spheres. The velocity profiles were blunted at all flow rates and at both concentrations with a region of apparent plug flow in the tube center whose radius Re decreased with increasing flow rate and decreasing concentration. Large radial displacements of tracer spheres were observed at R>Re, and even when R<Re small displacements were detected. The distribution of tracer particles across the median plane of the tube was non-uniform with a markedly higher concentration in the plug; this effect increased with distance downstream from the tube entrance and with decreasing flow rate.
Effect of particulate solids on the rheology of a lyotropic gel medium
Authors: Shouche S. V. , Chokappa D. K. , Naik V. M. , Khakhar D. V.
Published: July 2002

Experimental studies of the rheology of concentrated suspensions of particulate solids (marble) in a lyotropic gel phase (potassium palmitate with 40% water) were carried out. Such gels are viscoplastic and are characterized by strong colloidal interactions. Suspensions with lyotropic gels as a continuous phase serve as models for systems such as household detergent products, and processed foods. For comparison, experiments were also carried out on suspensions of the same solids in a viscous Newtonian medium (silicone oil). The steady shear experimental data for both the systems were fitted by the Bingham model. The entrance pressure drop for capillary flow of the gel–marble suspensions was interpreted in terms of an entrance yield stress. The latter when extrapolated to zero extrusion speeds was found to be nearly independent of die geometry, and was found to increase exponentially with solids volume fraction. The Bingham yield stress showed a similar behavior with volume fraction though its magnitude was found to be one to two orders smaller. For fixed volume fractions and shear rate, the apparent relative viscosity was found to be significantly larger for suspensions with the gel medium as compared to the Newtonian medium. The increase in the storage modulus of the gel suspensions with solids concentration showed a fundamentally different trend as compared to the Newtonian medium, increasing by two orders of magnitude on the addition of just 5% (v/v) of the particulate solids. Such behavior is typical of systems described by isostrain constitutive models, and might be a result of the formation of a sample-spanning structure of particles bridged by the gel.
Development of an age‐adjusted model for blood neurofilament light chain
Authors: Harp Christopher , Thanei Gian‐Andrea , Jia Xiaoming , Kuhle Jens , Leppert David , Schaedelin Sabine , Benkert Pascal , von Büdingen H‐Christian , Hendricks Robert , Herman Ann
Published: March 2022

Objective

To develop an age‐adjustment model for neurofilament light chain (NfL), an emerging injury marker in patients with a range of neurologic conditions including multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Serum and plasma samples were collected from a healthy donor (HD) cohort of 118 individuals aged 24 to 66 years, 90 patients with relapsing MS (RMS) and 22 patients with progressive MS (PMS). Serum and plasma samples were assessed for NfL using the SIMOA assay (Quanterix NfL Advantage Kit™). A log‐linear model was used to evaluate the relationship between NfL and age and to calculate age‐adjusted NfL levels.

Results

Higher serum and plasma NfL levels were significantly associated with increasing HD age. Log‐transformation of blood NfL levels reduced heteroscedasticity and skewness. A log‐linear model enabled adjustment for age‐related increase in serum and plasma NfL levels (2.3% [95% CI, 1.6–2.9] and 2.6% [95% CI, 1.3–3.3] per year, respectively). Following age adjustment, NfL did not show significant association with HD sex or ethnicity. While unadjusted serum NfL levels were elevated in patients with PMS (mean age 56 years) compared with those with RMS (mean age 37 years), age‐adjusted NfL levels did not differ.

Interpretation

A log‐linear, age adjustment model was developed to enable comparison of NfL levels across populations with different ages. While additional data and evidence are needed for patient‐level adoption, this could be a valuable tool for interpreting NfL levels across a range of patient groups with neurologic conditions.
In Situ‐Formed Ultralow Wear Tribofilms Induced by Poly(Acrylic Acid)‐co‐MXene‐Modified Polymer‐Like Carbon Films
Authors: Yin Xuan , Pang Haosheng , Xu Jianxun , Liu Dameng , Chai Chunpeng , Zhang Bing
Published: March 2022

Herein, two types of tribocouple pairs based on polymer‐like carbon (PLC) films are designed through the in situ‐formed MXene coating. The in situ‐formed MXene coatings are synthesized via the in situ organic–inorganic chemical composite technique‐induced anionic polymers with different molecular weights (≈450 000 and ≈4 000 000, respectively). Next, the tribotesting condition is controlled in the ambient environment under different loads by bare and PLC‐coated bearing steel balls as counterbodies. During the whole sliding process, a lubricity state (friction coefficient is about 0.21 and wear rate is about 1.5 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1) is realized on the self‐mated PLC system. Meanwhile, the contact surfaces are covered by graphitic 2D Ti3C2. Compared with the high‐molecular‐weight modifier system, most poly(acrylic acid)‐co‐MXenes grafted by the low‐molecular‐weight poly(acrylic acid) form far more sp
2‐C phases. Moreover, active groups are potentially involved in forming a tribofilm, which enhances the overall lubricity of MXenes during sliding. This verifies the key to achieving low friction and ultralow wear based on the formation of the nanostructured sliding interface upon MXenes and provides an expanded application of solid lubricants.
Fused π‐Extended Multiple‐Resonance Induced Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials for High‐Efficiency and Narrowband OLEDs with Low Efficiency Roll‐Off
Authors: Luo Xu‐Feng , Ni Hua‐Xiu , Ma Hui‐Li , Qu Zhong‐Ze , Wang Jie , Zheng You‐Xuan , Zuo Jing‐Lin
Published: March 2022

The simultaneous achievement of multiple‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) materials with strong narrowband emission and efficient reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) process can further promote the advancement of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, a new strategy is proposed to achieve two π‐extended MR‐TADF emitters (NBO and NBNP) peaking at 487 and 500 nm via fusing conjugated high‐triplet‐energy units (carbazole, dibenzofuran) into boron‐nitrogen (B/N) framework, aiming to increase charge transfer delocalization of the B/N skeleton and minimize singlet‐triplet energy gap (∆EST). This strategy endows the two emitters with full width at half maximum of 27 and 29 nm, and high photoluminescence efficiencies above 90% in doped films, respectively. Additionally, considerable rate constants of RISC are obtained due to the small ∆EST (0.12 and 0.09 eV) and large spin‐orbital coupling values. Consequently, the OLEDs based on NBO and NBNP show the maximum external electroluminescence quantum efficiency of up to 26.1% and 28.0%, respectively, accompanied by low‐efficiency roll‐off. These results provide a feasible design strategy to construct efficient MR‐TADF materials for OLEDs with suppressed efficiency roll‐off.
Solution‐Processed CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots/Organic Semiconductor Planar Heterojunctions for High‐Performance Photodetectors
Authors: Chen Kaixuan , Zhang Xuliang , Chen Ping‐An , Guo Jing , He Mai , Chen Yanqin , Qiu Xincan , Liu Yu , Chen Huajie , Zeng Zebing , Wang Xiao , Yuan Jianyu , Ma Wanli , Liao Lei , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen , Hu Yuanyuan
Published: March 2022

Planar heterojunctions (PHJs) are fundamental building blocks for construction of semiconductor devices. However, fabricating PHJs with solution‐processable semiconductors such as organic semiconductors (OSCs) is a challenge. Herein, utilizing the orthogonal solubility and good wettability between CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) and OSCs, fabrication of solution‐processed PQD/OSC PHJs are reported. The phototransistors based on bilayer PQD/PDVT‐10 PHJs show responsivity up to 1.64 × 104 A W−1, specific detectivity of 3.17 × 1012 Jones, and photosensitivity of 5.33 × 106 when illuminated by 450 nm light. Such high photodetection performance is attributed to efficient charge dissociation and transport, as well as the photogating effect in the PHJs. Furthermore, the tri‐layer PDVT‐10/PQD/Y6 PHJs are used to construct photodiodes working in self‐powered mode, which exhibit broad range photoresponse from ultraviolet to near‐infrared, with responsivity approaching 10−1 A W−1 and detectivity over 106 Jones. These results present a convenient and scalable production processes for solution‐processed PHJs and show their great potential for optoelectronic applications.
Impact of extreme temperatures on production of different rice types: A county‐level analysis for China
Authors: Deng Qinyu , Xie Wei , Wang Ke
Published: March 2022

The response of China's rice yield to climate change is crucial for ensuring food security for China and the globe. However, previous studies have focused on the impact of climate change on a specific rice type or rice as a whole. For the first time, this study combines a new set of the early, middle, and late rice production data and daily weather data at the county level to comprehensively estimate the heterogeneous yield response to extreme temperatures in China. Along with the projections of future temperature and precipitation, we also forecast the potential yield losses when exposed to higher future warming trends. The results show that holding current growing regions and calendars fixed, the yield of popular middle and late rice types will drop by 5.7% ± 1.5% and 11% ± 4.5% under the most extreme scenario compared to no climate change scenarios by the end of this century (2070–2090 average). These results imply that recent structural changes in favor of producing these popular types of rice may satisfy the demand for high‐quality rice but may also increase the risks of climate change to the food supply in China. Therefore, more efforts should be concentrated on incorporating this type of heterogeneity in climatic impacts into national and regional plans for the agricultural adaptation.
“I just assume they don't know that I'm the doctor”: Gender bias and professional identity development of women residents
Authors: Stavely Taylor , Salhi Bisan A. , Lall Michelle D. , Zeidan Amy
Published: March 2022

Background

The increasing entry of women into medicine, a traditionally male‐gendered institution, has revealed much about the gendered politics of medical practice. Women are required to negotiate conflicting gender‐normative roles and expectations as they develop their professional identities. Relatively little is known with regard to the study of gender identity and professional development in emergency medicine (EM), with even fewer studies specifically examining women EM residents.

Methods

This was a qualitative, semistructured interview study conducted at the Emory University Emergency Medicine Residency. Women residents in their first, second, and third years of training were recruited for participation through residency listservs. Interviews were completed using a virtual platform until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded by two study investigators. The study team met throughout the process to identify codes and themes from the interviews.

Results

A total of 11 interviews were completed. Participants self‐identified as Black (five), White (two), biracial (two). and South Asian (two) and represented all levels of training. Participants identified challenges to providing clinical care and conveying their competency related to their gender and role as physicians in training. Common challenges included role confusion and questioning of their decisions by both patients and colleagues. They identified other aspects of their identity as facilitators for care delivery, specifically race as a facilitator when caring for race‐concordant patients. Participants described strategies developed to navigate gender‐specific challenges including routinely providing justification for their clinical decisions. Participants also described a need for interventions at the departmental and institutional levels to improve allyship and bystander behaviors.

Conclusion

Women residents actively negotiate tensions between their gender and role as physicians and develop multifaceted strategies to address challenges in care delivery. Because residency training is a challenging yet formative time in developing one's professional identity, it is important to consider interventions that support women residents and the unique challenges they face.
Maximizing spring wheat productivity in the eastern Canadian Prairies: I. Yield, yield components, and lodging risk
Authors: Mangin Amy , Brûlé‐Babel Anita , Flaten Don , Wiersma Jochum , Lawley Yvonne
Published: March 2022

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields across the Canadian prairies are rising, however, a yield gap remains between average yield and yield potential, which can be explored further under Prairie conditions. The high rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer required for current high‐yielding cultivars may increase lodging risk adding to this yield gap. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of intensive management through N fertilization and plant growth regulator (PGR) application, on grain yield, yield components, and their relationships, in addition to lodging risk. Field trials were conducted at two locations in 2018 and 2019 in Manitoba, Canada, to evaluate three high‐yielding spring wheat cultivars, three N management strategies, and the application of a PGR. Kernels per spike had the strongest overall linear relationship with grain yield (r2 = .47), while the response of spikes per plant was highly related to yield response with alterations in N and PGR management practices (r2 = .98). Splitting N fertilizer applications showed potential to reduce lodging risk of spring wheat, while maintaining yield and increasing protein. The PGR applications reduced lodging and increased grain yield by 91 kg ha−1 mainly through increases in kernels per spike. To achieve consistent yield increases, management practices should maximize early season N availability to target increases in spikes per plant and kernels per spike, thus a PGR application may be required to balance increased lodging risk.
Study on the portal ramification pattern of the right anterior sector of the liver and a unique medial branch (PV8c) of the right anterior portal vein
Authors: Ishii Norihiro , Harimoto Norifumi , Kogure Kimitaka , Araki Kenichiro , Hagiwara Kei , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Igarashi Takamichi , Watanabe Akira , Kubo Norio , Shirabe Ken
Published: March 2022

Aim

The concept of Couinaud segmentation is widely used in clinical practice. However, there were no definite anatomical landmarks between segments V and VIII. Therefore, segmentation of the right anterior sector is still controversial. We aimed to investigate the portal segmentation of the right anterior sector using 3D image analysis, and to reveal the existence of the medial branch (PV8c), a unique, characteristic branch of the right anterior portal vein.

Methods

The ramification form and pattern of the tertiary portal branch of the right anterior portal vein were retrospectively analyzed, and the frequency of PV8c was evaluated in 261 patients between January 2016 and June 2020.

Results

The ramification pattern of tertiary portal branches of the right anterior portal vein was classified into four types: craniocaudal, 28.0% of patients; ventrodorsal, 21.8%; trifurcation, 39.5%; and quadfurcation, 5.7%, and each type was further subdivided into six patterns by focusing especially on the caudal branches. The ramification pattern in the remaining 5.0% of the livers did not belong to the above‐mentioned four types. The PV8c branch was identified in 140 of 261 livers (53.6%); the mean proportion of the feeding area of PV8c in the whole liver volume was 3.4%.

Conclusion

Since the ramification pattern of tertiary portal branches of the right anterior portal vein does not necessarily show a single pattern, it is important to confirm the portal vein branching in each case during hepatectomy. This is the first study of the details of PV8c by 3D computed tomography.
Polymeric ionic liquid absorbents for n‐butanol recovery from aqueous solution
Authors: Biro Robert , Daugulis Andrew J. , Parent J. Scott
Published: March 2022

A wide‐ranging study of imidazolium‐based polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) as absorbents in two‐phase partitioning bioreactor applications is presented, with a particular focus on the removal of n‐butanol from dilute aqueous solutions. The study begins with a description of the synthesis and phase transition temperatures of poly(1‐vinyl‐3‐alkylimidazolium) bromides bearing alkyl groups of different lengths, architecture, and composition, as well as analogs bearing various inorganic and carboxylate anions. Knowledge of polymer structure is used to generate insight into the solute affinity of each PIL, as quantified by the measurements of n‐butanol partition coefficient (PCBuOH) and n‐butanol/water selectivity (αb/w). These equilibrium experiments are extended to create a complete P[(VC12−linIm)(Br)]/n‐BuOH/water ternary phase diagram that is used to propose a streamlined n‐butanol recovery process.
Lüders Bounds of Leggett–Garg Inequalities, PT$\mathcal {PT}$‐ Symmetric Evolution and Arrow‐of‐Time
Authors: Kumari Asmita , Pan A. K.
Published: March 2022

Leggett–Garg inequalities (LGIs) test the incompatibility between the notion of macrorealism and quantum theory. For unitary dynamics, the optimal quantum violation of a Leggett–Garg inequality is constrained by the Lüders bound. However, the LGIs do not provide the necessary and sufficient condition of macrorealism. A suitably formulated set of no‐signaling in time conditions along with the arrow‐of‐time condition provides the same. In this paper, two formulations in the three‐time Leggett–Garg scenario, are studied namely, the standard LGIs and the recently formulated variant of LGIs when the system evolves under PT‐symmetric Hamiltonian. It is first demonstrated that the quantum violations of both forms of LGIs exceed their respective Lüders bounds and can even reach their algebraic maximum. It is further shown that for the case of standard Leggett–Garg inequality, the violation of Lüders bound can be obtained when both no‐signaling in time and arrow‐of‐time conditions are violated. Interestingly, for the case of a variant of LGIs, for suitable choices of relevant parameters, the quantum violation can even be obtained when only the arrow‐of‐time is violated. However, all no‐signaling in time conditions are satisfied. Such a feature is hitherto unexplored.
Tailoring a Nanochaperone to Regulate α‐Synuclein Assembly
Authors: Wu Xiaohui , Ma Feihe , Pan Bin‐Bin , Zhang Yanli , Zhu Lin , Deng Fei , Xu Linlin , Zhao Yu , Yin Xu , Niu Haihong , Su Xun‐Cheng , Shi Linqi
Published: March 2022

Protein misassembly leads to the formation of dysfunctional and toxic molecular species relating to neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we tailored a nanochaperone (αS‐nChap) for α‐synuclein to regulate its assembly. The αS‐nChap is capable of i) specifically recognizing α‐synuclein; ii) dynamically capturing and stabilizing monomeric α‐synuclein and retarding oligomerization; iii) tightly capturing oligomeric α‐synuclein to prevent fibrillization; and iv) transporting α‐synuclein oligomers to the lysosomal degradation system. The regulation of α‐synuclein assembly by αS‐nChap was studied in vitro. Moreover, the role of αS‐nChap preventing α‐synuclein pathology in cells and protecting neurons from apoptosis was investigated. The strategy of tailoring a nanochaperone to regulate aberrant assembly of pathogenic proteins provides important insights into protein misfolding diseases. We foresee that αS‐nChap has therapeutic value for Parkinson's disease.
Study on the performance of a vortex mist eliminator for improving the separation efficiency of fine particles
Authors: Liang Huizhen , Song Hao , Jiang Xiukun , Li Chengzhen , Ma Jian
Published: March 2022

In the process of natural gas purification, common baffle demister has the problem of low separation efficiency and incomplete separation of fine droplets with the particle size in the range of 5–25 μm. This situation not only affects the quality of natural gas, but also causes corrosion and damage to gas equipment, and even seriously affects normal production. In order to solve these problems, we have carried out an innovative design for its structure. Based on the single‐stage baffle, vortex blades are added at the first straight plate section from the inlet and the second straight plate section in the middle to enhance the turbulent vortex degree and complexity of the flow field in this area and improve the probability of collision of small particles with the wall, thus achieving the purpose of improving the demisting efficiency. In this paper, performance of the new mist eliminator is analyzed and evaluated by means of experimental study and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation. The results show that when the flow rate is 3.5–5.5 m/s, total separation efficiency of the new mist eliminator for fine particles with a particle size of 5–25 μm is about 51.72%–86.13%, which is about 38.57%–55.76% higher than ordinary baffled mist eliminator. The separation efficiency of particles with a diameter of 5 μm is about 31.79%, increased about 26.15%. The separation efficiency of particles with a diameter of 10 μm is about 52.09%, increased about 37.21%. In addition, when the flow rate is 3.5–5.5 m/s, the pressure drop is increased by about 41.68–135.97 Pa. It could be concluded that the new type of mist eliminator could effectively improve the demisting efficiency of fine droplets.
Primary intracranial peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor in an adult patient with aphasia: A rare case report
Authors: Ghaemi Kazem , Rajabi‐Moghaddam Mahdieh , Abbaszadeh Hamid
Published: March 2022

Primary intracranial peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNETs) are extremely rare malignancies that commonly affect children and adolescents. Only 10 cases over the age of 33 have been reported. pPNETs have an aggressive behavior and a high tendency for local recurrence and distant metastasis. Here, we present a case of supratentorial pPNET that affected the left frontoparietal lobe of a 36‐year‐old female patient. The patient complained of aphasia during the last 2 months. Aphasia is reported for the first time as a result of a pPNET. In T1‐weighted MRI, a large mass with mixed isointense to hypointense signals was observed. The tumor was completely removed. Histopathologic examination was indicative of a small round cell tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity for CD99. Presence of EWSR1 gene rearrangement confirmed the diagnosis. The patient's aphasia was gradually resolved post‐surgery. Six months follow‐up showed no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis.
Surgical resection for small bowel obstruction due to right ovarian metastasis after ileocecal resection for cecal cancer: A case report
Authors: Otsuka Naohiko , Shirayama Kimiyuki
Published: March 2022

Although oophorectomy for ovarian metastasis from colorectal cancer is encouraged to improve the prognosis, that is also performed to relieve the symptom such as abdominal distention. We report a surgical case of intestinal obstruction due to ovarian metastasis after ileocecal resection for cecal cancer diagnosed at 77 years old.
Recurrent severe neutropenia following doxycycline use in a young healthy woman
Authors: Foti Michael , Shrimanker Tushaar V. , Hasan Umar N. , Hussein Khalil I.
Published: March 2022

A 29‐year‐old woman was hospitalized for fever, pharyngitis, and severe neutropenia after recent use of doxycycline and other antimicrobials. Three years later, she again presented with severe neutropenia after recent doxycycline use. Diagnostic workups were unyielding. This is only the second published case of severe neutropenia associated with doxycycline use.
Adopting a Residual‐Energy‐Based Approach to Calculate the Solubility Parameters of n‐Alkanes
Authors: Khorsand Movaghar Mohammad Reza , Humand Mohammad , Peiro Ahmady Langeroudy Kiana , Khajehvandi Ebrahim , Behnoud Parisa
Published: March 2022

Two different paths were followed to calculate the solubility parameters (SP) of 133 alkanes. The first approach calculates SP from the points of view of internal pressure and residual energy, whereby Soave‐Redlich‐Kwong and Peng‐Robinson equations of state (EOSs) are employed with and without the volume‐shift correction. In the second approach, the cohesive energy concept is used and the saturation pressure and saturated liquid molar volume are separately computed by different models and coupled to one another. The results indicated that Approach 1 predicts SP with an error of 2.24 %, which is in the same order as that of Approach 2 but slightly better. The performance of Approach 1 was assessed by estimating the SP values of 33 substances from various families and comparing the results to an EOS‐based study.
Nanohybridization of CoS2/MoS2 Heterostructure with Polyoxometalate on Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide for High‐Performance LIBs
Authors: Li Qian , Xu Mingqi , Wang Tong , Wang Haijun , Sun Jingwen , Sha Jingquan
Published: March 2022

To address the poor cycling stability and low rate capability of MoS2 as electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), herein, the CoS2/MoS2/PDDA‐rGO/PMo12 nanocomposites are constructed via a simple hydrothermal process, combining the advantages of all three, namely, CoS2/MoS2 heterojunction and polyoxometalates (POMs) provide abundant catalytically active sites and increase the multi‐electron transfer ability, and the positively charged poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) modified reduced graphene oxide (PDDA‐rGO) improve electronic conductivity and effectively prevent the aggregation of MoS2, meanwhile stabilize the negatively charged [PMo12O40]3−. After the electrochemical testing, the resulting CoS2/MoS2/PDDA‐rGO/PMo12 nanocomposite achieved 1055 mA h g−1 initial specific capacities and stabilized at 740 mA h g−1 after 150 cycles at 100 mA g−1 current density. And the specific capacities of MoS2, MoS2/PDDA‐rGO, CoS2/MoS2, and CoS2/MoS2/PDDA‐rGO were 201, 421, 518, and 589 at 100 mA g−1 after 150 cycles, respectively. The fact of the greatly improving capacity of MoS2‐based nanocomposites suggests its potential for high performance electrode materials of LIBs. Moreover, the lithium storage mechanism of CoS2/MoS2/PDDA‐rGO/PMo12 has been discussed on the basis of cyclic voltammetry with different scan rates.
Mesurer la valeur publique des radiodiffuseurs publics: création d’un modèle pour le contexte canadien
Authors: Lamargot Eve , Lavoie Joanie G. , Dantas Danilo C.
Published: March 2022

This article presents a rare empirical study on the measurement of public value. Public value is a multidimensional concept of the impact of a public organization on its audiences. Using action research at Radio‐Canada, we hybridize conceptual models of public values from the literature with four practical models from public broadcasters, then we triangulate these results with our analyses of the Canadian public broadcaster's internal data to propose a new measurement model for Radio‐Canada’s public value. This model illustrates and communicates the dynamic yet imperfect alignment between the public values served and the public value created. Our main contribution is the reconciliation of public value management with the public values perspective.
Geology, geochronology and geochemistry of the Saishitang Cu deposit in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China
Authors: Ma Xiaoping , Zhao Yun , Xue Chunji , Wang Xiongfei , Chen Jia , Yan Yu , Li Xuguang , Qiu Mingfeng
Published: March 2022

The Saishitang deposit, located in the eastern part of the Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China, hosts important Cu mineralization. The ore occurs as stratiform bodies in Lower–Middle Triassic siltstone and siliceous rock and as lenticular bodies at the contacts between quartz diorite and marble. The whole‐rock geochemistry and Si–O isotopic compositions of the siliceous rocks suggest a sedimentary origin. The quartz diorite has a weighted mean zircon U–Pb age of 215.5 ± 0.9 Ma. The quartz diorite exhibits high SiO2 (63.91–69.48 wt%), Al2O3 (14.98–17.11 wt%) and Na2O (2.17–4.58 wt%) contents, with A/CNK values of 0.79–1.10, similar to those of calc‐alkaline I‐type granites. The quartz diorite exhibits weak negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.80–0.99), enrichment in light rare earth elements, Rb, Ba, K and Pb and depletion in heavy rare earth elements, Nb, Ta, P and Ti. The Pb isotopic compositions suggest that the skarn ore, quartz diorite and host rocks are closely correlated, reflecting a common source. By contrast, the Pb isotopic compositions of sulphide ores hosted within siltstone are heterogeneous, suggesting multiple lower‐crustal and upper‐mantle sources. By integrating our geological and geochemical data, we propose that the Saishitang deposit was formed by exhalative sedimentary mineralization in a back‐arc basin and overprinted by Indosinian skarn mineralization in a post‐collision extensional environment.
“Us” and “them”: Corporate strategic activism, horizontal inequalities, and society's capacity to address its grand challenges
Authors: Ganson Brian , He Tony L. , Henisz Witold J.
Published: March 2022

Research Summary

Divisions into an “us” and a “them” across racial, ethnic, economic, geographic, and other demographic divides impede society's capacity to address grand challenges. Firms have an impact on such divisions—whether positively or negatively, intentionally or not—through the dual mechanisms of rents and relationships. Firms may contribute to horizontal inequalities that underlie intergroup conflict through the distribution of the benefits, costs, and risks of firm activities. Through their relational strategies, firms also shape the willingness and ability of different groups to work together for positive change. Firm behaviors emerging from their daily operations can thus change society's capacity to address its grand challenges, necessitating corporate activism that encompasses market and nonmarket strategies, as well as a broader understanding of the strategy‐setting process itself.

Managerial Summary

This paper examines how firms inevitably shape conflict and cooperation in society through their impact on relationships between groups across racial, ethnic, economic, geographic, and other demographic boundaries. Managers distribute the gains and losses of business activities in ways that differently impact identity groups attentive to their relative inequalities. Strategies regarding how stakeholder relationships are built or broken can also change the ability of groups to build consensus on issues of broad social concern. We explain how these managerial decisions can thus affect the capacity of broader society to address collective challenges. We further explore how managers can design and implement inclusive market and nonmarket strategies that strengthen the cooperative potential of different groups to advance important social goals.
Mapping between EQ‐5D‐3L and EQ‐5D‐5L: A survey experiment on the validity of multi‐instrument data
Authors: Hernández‐Alava Mónica , Pudney Stephen
Published: March 2022

EQ‐5D is a 5‐item questionnaire instrument designed to measure health‐related quality of life. It is extremely important, since it is used to measure health benefits in many studies providing evidence for reimbursement decisions by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England and similar policy bodies in other countries. EQ‐5D has been redesigned in a more detailed form (EQ‐5D‐5L), but much existing cost‐effectiveness evidence is based on the older version (EQ‐5D‐3L). Statistical mapping from one version to another is widely used, exploiting data from multi‐instrument surveys incorporating both variants. However, little is known about the robustness of data from such multi‐instrument surveys. We design a randomized experiment to investigate whether inclusion of both versions at different stages in a single interview gives a reliable picture of the relationship between health measures from the two instruments and embed it in individual interviews from the UK Understanding Society household panel. We find that sequencing of the two versions of EQ‐5D within an interview has a significant impact not only on the resulting data but also on the estimated mapping models. We illustrate the non‐negligible effects in two real‐world cost‐effectiveness examples and discuss the implications for future multi‐instrument survey design.
Dedifferentiation‐associated inflammatory factors of long‐term expanded human hepatocytes exacerbate their elimination by macrophages during liver engraftment
Authors: Wang Chenhua , Zhang Ludi , Sun Zhen , Yuan Xiang , Wu Baihua , Cen Jin , Cui Lei , Zhang Kun , Li Chun , Wu Jingqi , Shu Yajing , Sun Wenbin , Wang Jing , Hui Lijian
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Hepatocyte transplantation has been demonstrated to be effective to treat liver metabolic disease and acute liver failure. Nevertheless, the shortage of donor hepatocytes restrained its application in clinics. To expand human hepatocytes at a large scale, several dedifferentiation‐based protocols have been established, including proliferating human hepatocytes (ProliHH). However, the decreased transplantation efficiency of these cells after long‐term expansion largely impedes their application.

Approach and Results

We found that accompanied with dedifferentiation, long‐term cultured ProliHH (lc‐ProliHH) up‐regulated a panel of chemokines and cytokines related to innate immunity, which were referred to as dedifferentiation‐associated inflammatory factors (DAIF). DAIF elicited excessive macrophage responses, accounting for the elimination of lc‐ProliHH specifically during engraftment. Two possible strategies to increase ProliHH transplantation were then characterized. Blockage of innate immune response by dexamethasone reverted the engraftment and repopulation of lc‐ProliHH to a level comparable to primary hepatocytes, resulting in improved liver function and a better survival of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase–deficient mice. Alternatively, rematuration of lc‐ProliHH as organoids reduced the expression of DAIF and led to markedly improved engraftment.

Conclusions

These results revealed that lc‐ProliHH triggers exacerbated macrophage activation by DAIF and provided potential solutions for clinical transplantation of lc‐ProliHH.
Properties and hemispheric differences of theta oscillations in the human hippocampus
Authors: Penner Cooper , Minxha Juri , Chandravadia Nand , Mamelak Adam N. , Rutishauser Ueli
Published: March 2022

The left and right primate hippocampi (LH and RH) are thought to support distinct functions, but little is known about differences between the hemispheres at the neuronal level. We recorded single‐neuron and local field potentials from the human hippocampus in epilepsy patients implanted with depth electrodes. We detected theta‐frequency bouts of oscillatory activity while patients performed a visual recognition memory task. Theta appeared in bouts of 3.16 cycles, with sawtooth‐shaped oscillations that had a prolonged downswing period. Outside the seizure onset zone, the average frequency of theta bouts was higher in the RH compared to the LH (6.0 vs. 5.3 Hz). LH theta bouts had lower amplitudes and a higher prevalence compared to the RH (26% vs. 21% of total time). Additionally, the RH contained a population of thin spiking visually tuned neurons that were not present in the LH. These data show that human theta appears in short oscillatory bouts whose properties vary between hemispheres, thereby revealing neurophysiological properties of the hippocampus that differ between the hemispheres.
Purchasing medicines for the public sector: Evaluation of the performance of centralised procurement in Portugal
Authors: Vogler Sabine , Habimana Katharina , Haasis Manuel Alexander
Published: March 2022

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate centralised procurement of medicines (CPM) in Portugal.

Methods

Data were collected through different methods, including a review of the literature and (procurement) documents and an analysis of selected bids. Thirty‐seven face‐to‐face interviews with representatives of public authorities, users (hospitals and regional health administrations), patient associations and pharmaceutical industry were held in Portugal in Q1/2020.

Results

CPM has contributed to improved transparency in processes and governance, to increased equity in access to medicines across the country and to lower workload for some users. The findings of the impact on medicine prices and availability are mixed. The benefits of CPM are undermined by some gaps: Lengthy, bureaucratic processes have resulted in delayed availability of medicines at the beginning of a year and in coping strategies of hospitals such as parallel individual procurements. The list of active ingredients under CPM has not been updated since 2016. The procurement agency does not routinely perform market consultations. Key performance indicators for CPM are lacking.

Conclusions

Portuguese policy‐makers are urged to develop an updated procurement strategy to provide guidance and clarity on the objectives of CPM, the role of the procurement agency and further authorities and key performance indicators.