bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences and similarities between kraft and oxygen delignification of softwood fibers: effects on mechanical properties
Authors: Esteves Cláudia V. , Sevastyanova Olena , Östlund Sören , Brännvall Elisabet
Published: February 2021

Charged groups in pulp have been shown to enhance the tensile strength of the paper produced from the pulp. Oxygen delignification introduces charged groups and it is of interest to determine how the delignification should be distributed between the cooking and the oxygen stage with respect to mechanical properties. A number of unbleached kraft cooked and oxygen delignified pulps within a wide kappa number range were produced and refined, and the effects of the refining on the morphology and mechanical properties were studied. The WRV correlated with the fiber charge and at a given fiber charge, kraft cooked and oxygen delignified pulps had the same WRV development in refining, although they had significantly different kappa numbers. The tensile strength development during refining depends on the fiber rigidity which is affected by the lignin content, the fiber charge and the chemical and mechanical processes used. Refining increased the curl of the kraft cooked pulps and decreased the curl of oxygen delignified pulps, irrespective of kappa number. A greater increase in tensile strength was seen for the pulps with a higher fiber charge and WRV, probably because of the greater degree of fibrillation achieved in the beating process. Despite the greater fiber deformation in the oxygen delignified pulps, the strength can be increased by a larger amount of charged groups and a greater swelling of the fibers.

Graphic abstract
TTC3-Mediated Protein Quality Control, A Potential Mechanism for Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Zhou Xu , Chen Xiongjin , Hong Tingting , Zhang Miaoping , Cai Yujie , Cui Lili
Published: February 2021

The tetrapeptide repeat domain 3 (TTC3) gene falls within Down's syndrome (DS) critical region. Cognitive impairment is a common phenotype of DS and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and overexpression of TTC3 can accelerate cognitive decline, but the specific mechanism is unknown. The TTC3-mediated protein quality control (PQC) mechanism, similar to the PQC system, is divided into three parts: it acts as a cochaperone to assist proteins in folding correctly; it acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase (E3s) involved in protein degradation processes through the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS); and it may also eventually cause autophagy by affecting mitochondrial function. Thus, this article reviews the research progress on the structure, function, and metabolism of TTC3, including the recent research progress on TTC3 in DS and AD; the role of TTC3 in cognitive impairment through PQC in combination with the abovementioned attributes of TTC3; and the potential targets of TTC3 in the treatment of such diseases.
Assessing urban heat-related adaptation strategies under multiple futures for a major U.S. city
Authors: Rohat Guillaume , Wilhelmi Olga , Flacke Johannes , Monaghan Andrew , Gao Jing , van Maarseveen Martin , Dao Hy
Published: February 2021

Urban areas are increasingly affected by extreme heat in the face of climate change, while the size and vulnerability of exposed populations are shifting due to economic development, demographic change, and urbanization. In addition to the need to assess future urban heat-related health risks, there is also an increasing need to design adaptation strategies that will be effective under varying levels of socioeconomic development and climate change. We use the case study of Houston, Texas, to develop and demonstrate a scenario-based approach to explore the effectiveness of both autonomous and planned heat-related adaptations under multiple plausible futures. We couple a heat risk model with urban climate projections (under the Representative Concentration Pathways) and vulnerability projections (under locally extended Shared Socioeconomic Pathways) to investigate the impact of different adaptation strategies under multiple scenario combinations. We demonstrate that, in the context of Houston, community-based adaptation strategies aiming to reduce social isolation are the most effective and the least challenging to implement across all plausible futures. Scenario-based approaches can provide local policymakers with context-specific assessments of possible adaptation strategies that account for uncertain futures.
Social-Pragmatic Inferencing, Visual Social Attention and Physiological Reactivity to Complex Social Scenes in Autistic Young Adults
Authors: Dindar Katja , Loukusa Soile , Helminen Terhi M. , Mäkinen Leena , Siipo Antti , Laukka Seppo , Rantanen Antti , Mattila Marja-Leena , Hurtig Tuula , Ebeling Hanna
Published: February 2021

This study examined social-pragmatic inferencing, visual social attention and physiological reactivity to complex social scenes. Participants were autistic young adults (n = 14) and a control group of young adults (n = 14) without intellectual disability. Results indicate between-group differences in social-pragmatic inferencing, moment-level social attention and heart rate variability (HRV) reactivity. A key finding suggests associations between increased moment-level social attention to facial emotion expressions, better social-pragmatic inferencing and greater HRV suppression in autistic young adults. Supporting previous research, better social-pragmatic inferencing was found associated with less autistic traits.
Exploring causal relationships qualitatively: An empirical illustration of how causal relationships become visible across episodes and contexts
Authors: Jensen Ruth
Published: February 2021

Causal relationships are traditionally examined in quantitative research. However, this article informs the discussion surrounding the potential use of qualitative data to explore causal relationships qualitatively through an empirical illustration of a school leadership development team. As school leadership development is supposed to offer continuing development to practicing school leaders, it brings into question the issue of causal relationships. This study analyzes audio and video recordings from 10 workshops involving a team of principals, municipality leaders, and researchers who met over two years to support the principals in leading a local school improvement program. The process data are organized into episodes and analyzed in three layers of causation an interpretative layer, a contradictory layer, and an agentive layer grounded in cultural-historical activity theory. When tracing a problem statement across episodes and relating the processes to events in a principal practice, causal relationships became visible across the episodes and contexts. The argument, then, is that the results are achieved in the processes. As such, process data can reveal causal relationships that quantitative data cannot.
Belousov-Zhabotinsky type reactions: the non-linear behavior of chemical systems
Authors: Cassani Andrea , Monteverde Alessandro , Piumetti Marco
Published: February 2021

Chemical oscillators are open systems characterized by periodic variations of some reaction species concentration due to complex physico-chemical phenomena that may cause bistability, rise of limit cycle attractors, birth of spiral waves and Turing patterns and finally deterministic chaos. Specifically, the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction is a noteworthy example of non-linear behavior of chemical systems occurring in homogenous media. This reaction can take place in several variants and may offer an overview on chemical oscillators, owing to its simplicity of mathematical handling and several more complex deriving phenomena. This work provides an overview of Belousov-Zhabotinsky-type reactions, focusing on modeling under different operating conditions, from the most simple to the most widely applicable models presented during the years. In particular, the stability of simplified models as a function of bifurcation parameters is studied as causes of several complex behaviors. Rise of waves and fronts is mathematically explained as well as birth and evolution issues of the chaotic ODEs system describing the Györgyi-Field model of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. This review provides not only the general information about oscillatory reactions, but also provides the mathematical solutions in order to be used in future biochemical reactions and reactor designs.
Stable Filtering Procedures for Nodal Discontinuous Galerkin Methods
Authors: Nordström Jan , Winters Andrew R.
Published: February 2021

We prove that the most common filtering procedure for nodal discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods is stable. The proof exploits that the DG approximation is constructed from polynomial basis functions and that integrals are approximated with high-order accurate Legendre–Gauss–Lobatto quadrature. The theoretical discussion re-contextualizes stable filtering results for finite difference methods into the DG setting. Numerical tests verify and validate the underlying theoretical results.
Backbone Decomposition of Multitype Superprocesses
Authors: Fekete Dorottya , Palau Sandra , Pardo Juan Carlos , Pérez Jose Luis
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we provide a construction of the so-called backbone decomposition for multitype supercritical superprocesses. While backbone decompositions are fairly well known for both continuous-state branching processes and superprocesses in the one-type case, so far no such decompositions or even description of prolific genealogies have been given for the multitype cases. Here we focus on superprocesses, but by turning the movement off, we get the prolific backbone decomposition for multitype continuous-state branching processes as an easy consequence of our results.
Improving architectural traits of maize inflorescences
Authors: Chen Zongliang , Gallavotti Andrea
Published: February 2021

The domestication and improvement of maize resulted in radical changes in shoot architecture relative to its wild progenitor teosinte. In particular, critical modifications involved a reduction of branching and an increase in inflorescence size to meet the needs for human consumption and modern agricultural practices. Maize is a major contributor to global agricultural production by providing large and inexpensive quantities of food, animal feed, and ethanol. Maize is also a classic system for studying the genetic regulation of inflorescence formation and its enlarged female inflorescences directly influence seed production and yield. Studies on the molecular and genetic networks regulating meristem proliferation and maintenance, including receptor-ligand interactions, transcription factor regulation, and hormonal control, provide important insights into maize inflorescence development and reveal potential avenues for the targeted modification of specific architectural traits. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the molecular mechanisms controlling inflorescence formation and discuss how this knowledge can be applied to improve maize productivity in the face of present and future environmental challenges.
The Mechanical Properties of Chelyabinsk LL5 Chondrite Under Compression and Tension
Authors: Zaytsev Dmitry , Borodin Elijah N. , Dudorov A. E. , Panfilov P.
Published: February 2021

The mechanical properties of Chelyabinsk LL5 chondrite (Chelyabinsk meteorite) were studied by uniaxial compression and diametral compression/indirect tension test. Twenty cylindrical samples, 10 for compression and 10 for tension, with the diameter 3.3 mm and 1.65 mm in height have been prepared for testing. It was shown that the strength of the tested samples under compression almost 45 times greater than it is at tension: 372 ± 10 MPa and 8.2 ± 0.7 MPa, respectively. Fracture behaviour under compression and tension was similar and can be characterised as brittle. The obtained compression strength of the Chelyabinsk meteorite lies close to the maximal values of strength for many other chondrites, whereas its tensile strength magnitude resides in the bottom quarter of the range of similar measurements. It may be caused by the small sizes of the investigated samples together with a large number of tiny cracks between the grains in the Chelyabinsk chondrite. Our estimations have shown that if one assumes that the initial shape of the Chelyabinsk fireball was spherical or ellipsoidal, then its fragmentation stress is close to the experimental tensile strength and much lower than the compression strength. Hence, a stress state equivalent to one appearing at the indirect tension test could occur in the Chelyabinsk fireball during its fall in the Earth atmosphere.
Stability analysis of whirl flutter in rotor-nacelle systems with freeplay nonlinearity
Authors: Mair Christopher , Titurus Branislav , Rezgui Djamel
Published: February 2021

Tiltrotor aircraft are growing in prevalence due to the usefulness of their unique flight envelope. However, aeroelastic stability—particularly whirl flutter stability—is a major design influence that demands accurate prediction. Several nonlinearities that may be present in tiltrotor systems, such as freeplay, are often neglected for simplicity, either in the modelling or the stability analysis. However, the effects of such nonlinearities can be significant, sometimes even invalidating the stability predictions from linear analysis methods. Freeplay is a nonlinearity that may arise in tiltrotor nacelle rotation actuators due to the tension–compression loading cycles they undergo. This paper investigates the effect of a freeplay structural nonlinearity in the nacelle pitch degree of freedom. Two rotor-nacelle models of contrasting complexity are studied: one represents classical whirl flutter (propellers) and the other captures the main effects of tiltrotor aeroelasticity (proprotors). The manifestation of the freeplay in the systems’ dynamical behaviour is mapped out using Continuation and Bifurcation Methods, and consequently the change in the stability boundary is quantified. Furthermore, the effects on freeplay behaviour of (a) model complexity and (b) deadband edge sharpness are studied. Ultimately, the freeplay nonlinearity is shown to have a complex effect on the dynamics of both systems, even creating the possibility of whirl flutter in parameter ranges that linear analysis methods predict to be stable. While the size of this additional whirl flutter region is finite and bounded for the basic model, it is unbounded for the higher complexity model.
Correction to: The Anti-Jewish Narrative
Authors: Cofnas Nathan
Published: February 2021

A Publisher Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11406-021-00348-0
Ordering global governance complexes: The evolution of the governance complex for international civil aviation
Authors: Eilstrup-Sangiovanni Mette
Published: February 2021

Many observers worry that growing numbers of international institutions with overlapping functions undermine governance effectiveness via duplication, inconsistency and conflict. Such pessimistic assessments may undervalue the mechanisms available to states and other political agents to reduce conflictual overlap and enhance inter-institutional synergy. Drawing on historical data I examine how states can mitigate conflict within Global Governance Complexes (GGCs) by dissolving or merging existing institutions or by re-configuring their mandates. I further explore how “order in complexity” can emerge through bottom-up processes of adaptation in lieu of state-led reform. My analysis supports three theoretical claims: (1) states frequently refashion governance complexes “top-down” in order to reduce conflictual overlap; (2) “top-down” restructuring and “bottom-up” adaptation present alternative mechanisms for ordering relations among component institutions of GGCs; (3) these twin mechanisms ensure that GGCs tend to (re)produce elements of order over time–albeit often temporarily. Rather than evolving towards ever-greater fragmentation and disorder, complex governance systems thus tend to fluctuate between greater or lesser integration and (dis)order.
Comparison of quantitative measurements between two different intravascular ultrasound catheters and consoles: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Okura Hiroyuki , Watanabe Makoto , Miura Akihiro , Kurokawa Muneo , Ueda Tomoya , Soeda Tsunenari , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: February 2021

Previous studies suggested possible discordant quantitative measurements between different IVUS catheters and/or systems. The purpose of this study was to assess compatibility of two different IVUS catheters and consoles for quantitative measurements of coronary arteries. (1). In vitro study: IVUS imaging was performed in a concentric cylindrical phantom with 6 sections of known, cross-sectional diameter ranging from 3.0 to 8.0 mm. The lumen diameter (LD) and lumen cross-sectional area (LA) were measured and compared. To compare between 2 different IVUS consoles, IVUS images were obtained using a single IVUS catheter (catheter 1) connected to 2 different IVUS consoles (console 1 and 2). To compare between 2 different IVUS catheters, IVUS imaging was obtained using 2 different IVUS catheters (catheter 1 and 2) connected to a single IVUS console (console 2). (2). In vivo study: IVUS imaging was performed in 40 stented coronary arterial segments from 40 patients. The maximal stent diameter (Max SD), minimal stent diameter (minSD), and stent area (SA) were measured at both distal and proximal stent edges and compared between the two IVUS consoles (console 1 and 2) connected to a single IVUS catheter (catheter 1) (n = 20). IVUS imaging was also performed to compare between catheter 1 and 2 connected to IVUS console 2 (n = 20). Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed good correlation between the two IVUS consoles as well as two IVUS catheters. In conclusion, two IVUS catheters and consoles provide comparable IVUS measures both in vitro and in vivo.
Tribological interactions of 3D printed polyurethane and polyamide with water-responsive skin model
Authors: Kasar Ashish K. , Chan Ashton , Shamanaev Victor , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: February 2021

3D printing in the textile and fashion industry is a new emerging technology. Applications of 3D printing for designing clothes and other wearable accessories require tribological and biological understanding of 3D printing plastics against the complex human skin to mitigate skin-friction related ailments such as calluses and blisters. This study provides tribological insight in search of an optimal 3D printable material that has minimal friction against the skin. Two low friction 3D printable materials, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyamide (TPA) were chosen and tribological testing was carried out against a water responsive skin model. The skin model was synthesized using a gelatine based model made with cotton and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Tribological testing of TPU/TPA against the skin model in dry and wet conditions were made. The higher coefficient of friction (COF) was observed in the wet condition compared to the dry condition. To overcome the higher friction, TPA/TPU-sodium polyacrylate composites were prepared by heat pressing that significantly reduced COF of TPU and TPA by ∼ 40% and 75%, respectively, in wet conditions.
Integrative emergence in contrast to separating modularity in plant biology: views on systems biology with information, signals and memory at scalar levels from molecules to the biosphere
Authors: Lüttge Ulrich
Published: February 2021

Modularity is reductionism and materialism, where modules are considered as building blocks per se. By contrast self-organization of modules in living organisms, like plants, generates the emergence of integrated systems with new properties not predicted by the properties of the modules. This can occur at the hierarchy of a series of scalar levels, where emergent systems become modules for emergence of new systems on the next higher scalar level akin to a hierarchy of networks from molecules, cells and individuals up to the levels of ecosystems, biomes and the entire biosphere or Gaia. The systems on these levels are holobiont-like systems, i.e., central organisms in interaction with all their associated organisms as a unit for selection in evolution. Systems biology, now a modern aspect of plant biology, has started with the advancement of whole-plant physiology in the early 1970s unraveling the roles of signaling for integration and cooperation of parts or modules in the performance of entire plants. Fixation of information in plant memory and emergence from such storage rules the timing of events of emergence. With the enthusiasm promoted by the creative self-organization of modules into the emergence of exciting new systems, biology diverts from the reductionism and materialism of bare modularity. Understanding emergence helps to advance on the rocky paths towards understanding the complexity of life.
Development of a roof bolter drilling control process to reduce the generation of respirable dust
Authors: Jiang Hua , Luo Yi
Published: February 2021

The drilling operation in the roof bolting process, especially in hard rock, generates excessive respirable coal and quartz dusts, which could expose the roof bolting operator to continued health risks. Previous research has shown that the amount of respirable dust produced is dependent on the main drilling parameters, specifically the drilling rotational and penetration rate. In this paper, a roof bolter drilling control process was proposed to reduce the generation of respirable dust. Based on the analysis of laboratory drilling test results, a rational drilling control process (adjusting rotational and penetration rates) to achieve the optimal drilling parameter for different rock types was proposed. In this process, the ratio between specific energy and rock uniaxial compressive strength was used as the index to determine the optimal operation point. The recommended drilling operation range for the rock type used in the experiment was provided, and the reduction in respirable dust generation was demonstrated. By following this control process, the drilling efficiency can be monitored in real time, so the system can stay in a relatively high-energy efficiency with less respirable dust production from the drilling source. This algorithm is targeted to be incorporated into the current roof bolter drilling control system for drilling automation so that a safe and productive drilling operation can be conducted in a healthy working environment.
Injectable Self-Healing Adhesive pH-Responsive Hydrogels Accelerate Gastric Hemostasis and Wound Healing
Authors: He Jiahui , Zhang Zixi , Yang Yutong , Ren Fenggang , Li Jipeng , Zhu Shaojun , Ma Feng , Wu Rongqian , Lv Yi , He Gang , Guo Baolin , Chu Dake
Published: February 2021

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are well-established therapeutics for gastrointestinal neoplasias, but complications after EMR/ESD, including bleeding and perforation, result in additional treatment morbidity and even threaten the lives of patients. Thus, designing biomaterials to treat gastric bleeding and wound healing after endoscopic treatment is highly desired and remains a challenge. Herein, a series of injectable pH-responsive self-healing adhesive hydrogels based on acryloyl-6-aminocaproic acid (AA) and AA-g-N-hydroxysuccinimide (AA-NHS) were developed, and their great potential as endoscopic sprayable bioadhesive materials to efficiently stop hemorrhage and promote the wound healing process was further demonstrated in a swine gastric hemorrhage/wound model. The hydrogels showed a suitable gelation time, an autonomous and efficient self-healing capacity, hemostatic properties, and good biocompatibility. With the introduction of AA-NHS as a micro-cross-linker, the hydrogels exhibited enhanced adhesive strength. A swine gastric hemorrhage in vivo model demonstrated that the hydrogels showed good hemostatic performance by stopping acute arterial bleeding and preventing delayed bleeding. A gastric wound model indicated that the hydrogels showed excellent treatment effects with significantly enhanced wound healing with type I collagen deposition, α-SMA expression, and blood vessel formation. These injectable self-healing adhesive hydrogels exhibited great potential to treat gastric wounds after endoscopic treatment.
Effect of microrelief and water-table on vegetation dynamics in silty loam saline soils of coastal areas
Authors: Mansouri Mohammad , Javadi Seyed Akbar , Jafari Mohammad , Arzani Hossein
Published: February 2021

Microrelief (MR) and water-table (WT) severely influence plant communities formation and development in silty loam saline soils of coastal areas. This research aimed to investigate the effect of MR and WT fluctuations on the dynamics of vegetation in coastal silty loam saline soils of southern Iran. Soil characteristics, vegetation structure and composition were investigated through the growing season, and obtained data were submitted to a canonical correspondence analysis. Based on the results, MR (min = 0.5 m and max = 1.0 m) and WT (max = 1 m) fluctuations significantly changed both structure and floristic composition through change in soil characteristics (Sig. < 0.05). Factors of soil moisture content, SAR and Na severely changed under MR and WT fluctuations and received new eigenvalues through the year. Our results demonstrated that a minimum change in MR and/or WT influence soil properties and vegetation structure and composition in silty loam saline soils of coastal areas.
Power and energy system oscillation damping using multi-verse optimization
Authors: Devarapalli Ramesh , Bhattacharyya Biplab
Published: February 2021

Power system oscillations are the primary threat to the stability of a modern power system which is interconnected and operates near to their transient and steady-state stability limits. Power system stabilizer (PSS) is the traditional controller to damp such oscillations, and flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices are advised for the improved damping performance. This paper suggests a technique for controller parameters tuning of PSS and a shunt connected FACTS device to be operated in coordination. A static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) connected in a two-machine system is considered as a test power system for the system studies. A recent meta-heuristic algorithm, Multi-Verse optimizer (MVO) has been suggested and compared with the other state-of-the-art algorithms. Improvement in system damping has been achieved by minimizing the oscillating nature of the system states by framing the objective function as a function of damping ratio and location of poles of the system. The Phillips-Heffron model of the test system has been designed by considering the system dynamics. The coordinated system behavior under the perturbation in system parameters has been observed satisfactory with the tuned controller parameters obtained from the suggested algorithm.
Two-phase flow of dusty fluid with suspended hybrid nanoparticles over a stretching cylinder with modified Fourier heat flux
Authors: Varun Kumar R. S. , Punith Gowda R. J. , Naveen Kumar R. , Radhika M. , Prasannakumara B. C.
Published: February 2021

The current paper explores the influence of hybrid nanoparticles on the dusty liquid flow through a stretching cylinder by employing the modified Fourier heat flux law. Two phase model is implemented in the present research to characterise the fluid flow. Molybdenum disulphide and silver are used as nanoparticles suspended in base fluid water. The equations which represent the described flow are changed into a set of ordinary differential equations by opting appropriate similarity variables. The reduced dimensionless nonlinear ODEs are numerically solved out by using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg fourth fifth order inclusive of shooting approach. The impact of several dimensionless parameters over velocity and thermal gradients are deliberated by using graphs. Graphical illustrations for skin friction are also executed. Result outcome reveals that, rise in values of mass concentration of particle declines the velocity and thermal gradient of both dust and fluid phases and cumulative in curvature parameter upsurges the velocity and thermal gradient within the boundary. Further, the heightening of thermal relaxation parameter enhances the thermal profile of both fluid and dust phases.
A Semi-supervised Approach for Sentiment Analysis of Arab(ic+izi) Messages: Application to the Algerian Dialect
Authors: Guellil Imane , Adeel Ahsan , Azouaou Faical , Benali Fodil , Hachani Ala-Eddine , Dashtipour Kia , Gogate Mandar , Ieracitano Cosimo , Kashani Reza , Hussain Amir
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised approach for sentiment analysis of Arabic and its dialects. This approach is based on a sentiment corpus, constructed automatically and reviewed manually by Algerian dialect native speakers. This approach consists of constructing and applying a set of deep learning algorithms to classify the sentiment of Arabic messages as positive or negative. It was applied on Facebook messages written in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) as well as in Algerian dialect (DALG, which is a low resourced-dialect, spoken by more than 40 million people) with both scripts Arabic and Arabizi. To handle Arabizi, we consider both options: transliteration (largely used in the research literature for handling Arabizi) and translation (never used in the research literature for handling Arabizi). For highlighting the effectiveness of a semi-supervised approach, we carried out different experiments using both corpora for the training (i.e. the corpus constructed automatically and the one that was reviewed manually). The experiments were done on many test corpora dedicated to MSA/DALG, which were proposed and evaluated in the research literature. Both classifiers are used, shallow and deep learning classifiers such as Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression(LR) Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long short-term memory (LSTM). These classifiers are combined with word embedding models such as Word2vec and fastText that were used for sentiment classification. Experimental results (F1 score up to 95% for intrinsic experiments and up to 89% for extrinsic experiments) showed that the proposed system outperforms the existing state-of-the-art methodologies (the best improvement is up to 25%).
Analysis of risk factors for lateral lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Qiang , Pang Wen‐ting , Dong Yan‐bo , Wang Zhen‐xiao , Yu Ming‐hang , Huang Xue‐feng , Liu Liang‐fa
Published: February 2021

Objective

To investigate the risk factors for lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 209 patients with PTC who underwent primary surgery at the Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University from November 2014 to November 2018 was performed. The patients were divided into the LLNM group and the non‐LLNM group. The clinical and pathological characteristics of the patients were analysed. The risk factors for LLNM were analysed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The incidence of LLNM was 13.4% in PTC patients. Univariate analysis showed that the maximum diameter of the primary tumour > 2 cm (P < 0.001), bilateral primary tumour (P = 0.020), extrathyroidal extension (ETE) (P < 0.001), central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) (P < 0.001), and CLNM number ≥ 5 (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with LLNM. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the maximum diameter of the primary tumour > 2 cm, ETE, and CLNM were independent risk factors for LLNM (OR values were 3.880, 5.202, and 4.474, respectively). There were 6 patients with skip lateral cervical lymph node metastasis, accounting for 21% of all LLNM patients.

Conclusion

This study revealed several independent risk factors for predicting LLNM in PTC patients, such as the maximum diameter of the primary tumour > 2 cm, ETE and CLNM. Lateral neck dissection may be recommended in PTC patients with those risk factors. Paying attention to the occurrence of skip lateral cervical lymph node metastasis during the clinical diagnosis and treatment processes is necessary.
A Framework for Addressing Violence and Serious Crime
Authors: Braga Anthony A. , Kennedy David M.
Published: February 2021

This Element examines an increasingly important community crime prevention strategy - focused deterrence. This strategy seeks to change offender behavior by understanding underlying crime-producing dynamics and conditions that sustain recurring crime problems, and implementing a blended set of law enforcement, community mobilization, and social service actions. The approach builds on recent theorizing on optimizing deterrence, mobilizing informal social control, enhancing police legitimacy, and reducing crime opportunities through situational crime prevention. There are three main types of focused deterrence strategies: group violence intervention programs, drug market intervention programs, and individual offender programs. A growing number of rigorous program evaluations find focused deterrence to be an effective crime prevention strategy. However, a number of steps need to be taken to ensure focused deterrence strategies are implemented properly. These steps include creating a network of capacity through partnering agencies, conducting upfront and ongoing problem analysis, and developing accountability structures and sustainability plans.
Polymorphisms in CXCR3 ligands predict early CXCL9 recovery and severe chronic GVHD
Authors: Dai Hao , Rachakonda Sivaramakrishna P. , Penack Olaf , Blau Igor W. , Blau Olga , Radujkovic Aleksandar , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Dreger Peter , Kumar Rajiv , Luft Thomas
Published: February 2021

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). The individual risk of severe cGVHD remains difficult to predict and may involve CXCR3 ligands. This study investigated the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CXCL4, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, and their day +28 serum levels, in cGVHD pathogenesis. Eighteen CXCR3 and CXCL4, CXCL9–11 SNPs as well as peri-transplant CXCL9–11 serum levels were analyzed in 688 patients without (training cohort;n = 287) or with statin-based endothelial protection cohort (n = 401). Clinical outcomes were correlated to serum levels and SNP status. Significant polymorphisms were further analyzed by luciferase reporter assays. Findings were validated in an independent cohort (n = 202). A combined genetic risk comprising four CXCR3 ligand SNPs was significantly associated with increased risk of severe cGVHD in both training cohort (hazard ratio (HR) 2.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–4.64,P = 0.004) and validation cohort (HR 2.95, 95% CI 1.56–5.58,P = 0.001). In reporter assays, significantly reduced suppressive effects of calcineurin inhibitors in constructs with variant alleles of rs884304 (P < 0.001) and rs884004 (P < 0.001) were observed. CXCL9 serum levels at day +28 after alloSCT correlated with both genetic risk and risk of severe cGVHD (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.10–1.73,P = 0.006). This study identifies patients with high genetic risk to develop severe cGVHD.
Publisher Correction: Measuring the α-particle charge radius with muonic helium-4 ions
Authors: Krauth Julian J. , Schuhmann Karsten , Ahmed Marwan Abdou , Amaro Fernando D. , Amaro Pedro , Biraben François , Chen Tzu-Ling , Covita Daniel S. , Dax Andreas J. , Diepold Marc , Fernandes Luis M. P. , Franke Beatrice , Galtier Sandrine , Gouvea Andrea L. , Götzfried Johannes , Graf Thomas , Hänsch Theodor W. , Hartmann Jens , Hildebrandt Malte , Indelicato Paul , Julien Lucile , Kirch Klaus , Knecht Andreas , Liu Yi-Wei , Machado Jorge , Monteiro Cristina M. B. , Mulhauser Françoise , Naar Boris , Nebel Tobias , Nez François , dos Santos Joaquim M. F. , Santos José Paulo , Szabo Csilla I. , Taqqu David , Veloso João F. C. A. , Vogelsang Jan , Voss Andreas , Weichelt Birgit , Pohl Randolf , Antognini Aldo , Kottmann Franz
Published: February 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03360-2.
Effect of face-to-face and side-to-side interchain interactions on the electron transport in emeraldine salt polyaniline
Authors: Suendo Veinardi , Lau Yenni , Hidayat Ferdinand , Reza Muhammad , Qadafi Albaaqi , Rochliadi Achmad
Published: February 2021

Emeraldine salt polyaniline structure plays an essential role in the electron transport through face-to-face and side-to-side interactions.
Magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposites as an effective support for lactase immobilization with improved stability and enhanced photothermal enzymatic activity
Authors: Li Yinglong , Wang Buchuan , Wu Minjie , Huan Weiwei , Li Jie
Published: February 2021

Magnetic graphene oxide-immobilized lactase with high loading capacity, improved stabilities, and photothermal enhancement of activity has been reported.
Unexpected aliovalent cation substitution between two NLO materials LiBa3Bi6(SeO3)7F11and Ba3Bi6.5(SeO3)7F10.5O0.5
Authors: Shi Shuangshuang , Lin Chensheng , Zhao Dan , Luo Min , Cao Liling , Peng Guang , Ye Ning
Published: February 2021

One new combination, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal selenite fluoride, LiBa3Bi6(SeO3)7F11(LBBSF) and its analogue Ba3Bi6.5(SeO3)7F10.5O0.5(BBSF) were reported here for the first time.
Force fields for water–surface interaction: is reproduction of the experimental water contact angle enough?
Authors: Pham Le Nhan , Walsh Tiffany R.
Published: February 2021

Both the experimental contact angle and structural energetic rankings are needed to revisit and develop force fields for interfacial simulations.
A review of rechargeable aprotic lithium–oxygen batteries based on theoretical and computational investigations
Authors: Ding Shengqi , Yu Xuebin , Ma Zi-Feng , Yuan Xianxia
Published: February 2021

This review covers the recent advances in theoretical and computational investigations on aprotic Li–O2 batteries.
Reversible photoswitchable ferromagnetic thin film based on a cyanido-bridged RbCuMo complex
Authors: Ohkoshi Shin-ichi , Shiraishi Koki , Nakagawa Kosuke , Ikeda Yusuke , Stefanczyk Olaf , Tokoro Hiroko , Namai Asuka
Published: February 2021

A photoswitchable ferromagnetic thin film is developed based on a cyanide-bridged RbCuMo complex. Terahertz spectroscopy indicates that the photoreversibility is due to the flexibility of the Rb intercalated network structure.
Analysis on cruising process for on‐street parking using an spectral clustering method
Authors: Qin Huanmei , Pang Qianqian , Yu Binhai , Wang Zhongfeng
Published: February 2021

Parking problems caused by a lack of parking spaces have exacerbated traffic congestion and worsened environmental pollution. An analysis of the cruising process for parking can provide new perspectives to reduce cruising. Based on a parking survey conducted in Beijing, the authors collected a large amount of trajectory data of cruising vehicles. Then, fluctuation indexes of trajectories were proposed to analyse travellers’ cruising processes for parking. The spectral clustering method based on a hidden Markov model (HMM) was used to recognise the cruising trajectories. The recognition performance for three‐dimensional trajectory data is better. Cruising trajectories for Clusters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 have large fluctuations and a weightier effect on road traffic. These groups can be taken as target groups for intelligent parking guidance and recommendations. The recognition accuracies for parking location and parking status increase with increasing intercepted trajectory lengths. 150 m from far to near the desired destination can be used as a threshold of the cruising trajectory length to accurately predict travellers’ parking location and status. These research results can be applied in intelligent parking systems to dynamically predict parking situations, formulate parking guidance schemes and information release strategies, and improve parking efficiency.
Hydrotherapy Intervention for Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhuo Youguang , Yu Rongguo , Wu Chunling , Zhang Yiyuan
Published: February 2021

Background Hydrotherapy or aquatic exercise has long been known as a source of postoperative rehabilitation proposed in routine clinical practice. However, the effect on clinical outcome as well as the optimal timing of hydrotherapy in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remain unclear. The purpose of this review was to assess the influence of aquatic physiotherapy on clinical outcomes and evaluate the role of the timing of aquatic-therapy for clinical outcomes after undergoing TKA.

Methods An extensive literature search was performed in Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the impact of hydrotherapy on patients after TKA. The methodological quality of the trials was evaluated based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results All available studies on postoperative hydrotherapy after TKA were included. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the effect of hydrotherapy on clinical outcomes. The secondary outcome was to explore the role of the timing of aquatic therapy for clinical outcomes following TKA.

Conclusion Although definitive conclusions could not be reached due to insufficient data, most studies indicated that participants benefited from aquatic-therapy in muscle strength, rather than gait speed, after TKA. Currently available data demonstrated that early postoperative hydrotherapy possessed a greater potential to improve clinical outcomes in main clinical scores and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).
Intermolecular C–H Amidation of Alkenes with Carbon Monoxide and Azides via Tandem Palladium Catalysis
Authors: Gu Zheng-Yang , Wu Yang , Bao Xiaoguang , Xia Ji-Bao , Jin Feng
Published: February 2021

An atom- and step-economic intermolecular multi-component palladium-catalyzed C–H amidation of alkenes with carbon monoxide and organic azides has been developed for the synthesis of alkenyl amides. The reaction proceeds efficiently without an ortho-directing group on the alkene substrates. Nontoxic dinitrogen is generated as the sole by-product. Computational studies and control experiments have revealed that the reaction takes place via an unexpected mechanism by tandem palladium catalysis.
The Art and Science of Building a Computational Model to Understand Hemostasis
Authors: Leiderman Karin , Sindi Suzanne S. , Monroe Dougald M. , Fogelson Aaron L. , Neeves Keith B.
Published: February 2021

Computational models of various facets of hemostasis and thrombosis have increased substantially in the last decade. These models have the potential to make predictions that can uncover new mechanisms within the complex dynamics of thrombus formation. However, these predictions are only as good as the data and assumptions they are built upon, and therefore model building requires intimate coupling with experiments. The objective of this article is to guide the reader through how a computational model is built and how it can inform and be refined by experiments. This is accomplished by answering six questions facing the model builder: (1) Why make a model? (2) What kind of model should be built? (3) How is the model built? (4) Is the model a “good” model? (5) Do we believe the model? (6) Is the model useful? These questions are answered in the context of a model of thrombus formation that has been successfully applied to understanding the interplay between blood flow, platelet deposition, and coagulation and in identifying potential modifiers of thrombin generation in hemophilia A.
German Registry for Cardiac Operations and Interventions in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease: Report 2020—Comprehensive Data from 6 Years of Experience
Authors: Beckmann Andreas , Dittrich S. , Arenz C. , Krogmann O.N. , Horke A. , Tengler A. , Meyer R. , Bauer U. M. M. , Hofbeck M. ,   German Quality Assurance / Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects Investigators
Published: February 2021

Background Based on a quality assurance initiative of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (DGTHG) and the German Society for Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects (DGPK), a voluntary registry was founded for assessment of treatment and outcomes of patients with congenital heart disease in Germany. This evaluation by the German Registry for cardiac operations and interventions in patients with congenital heart disease reports the data and the outcome over a 6-year period in patients undergoing invasive treatment.

Methods This real-world database collects clinical characteristics, in-hospital complications, and medium-term outcome of patients who underwent cardiac surgical and interventional procedures within the prospective, all-comers registry. Patients were followed-up for up to 90 days.

Results In the period from 2013 to 2018, a total of 35,730 patients, 39,875 cases, respectively 46,700 procedures were included at up to 31 German institutions. The cases could be subcategorized according to the treatment intention into 21,027 (52.7%) isolated operations, 17,259 (43.3%) isolated interventions, and 1,589 (4.0%) with multiple procedures. Of these, 4,708 (11.8%) were performed in neonates, 10,047 (25.2%) in infants, 19,351 (48.5%) in children of 1 to 18 years, and 5,769 (14.5%) in adults. Also, 15,845 (33.9%) cases could be allocated to so-called index procedures which underwent a more detailed evaluation to enable meaningful comparability. The mean unadjusted in-hospital mortality of all cases in our registry ranged from 0.3% in patients with isolated interventions and 2.0% in patients with surgical procedures up to 9.1% in patients undergoing multiple procedures.

Conclusion This annually updated registry of both scientific societies represents voluntary public reporting by accumulating actual information for surgical and interventional procedures in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) in Germany. It describes advancements in cardiac medicine and is a basis for internal and external quality assurance for all participating institutions. In addition, the registry demonstrates that in Germany, both interventional and surgical procedures for treatment of CHD are offered with high medical quality.