bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planar Zintl-phase high-temperature thermoelectric materials XCuSb (X = Ca, Sr, Ba) with low lattice thermal conductivity
Authors: Zheng Sikang , Peng Kunling , Xiao Shijuan , Zhou Zizhen , Lu Xu , Han Guang , Zhang Bin , Wang Guoyu , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: September 2022

A recent discovery of high-performance Mg3Sb2 has ignited tremendous research activities in searching for novel Zintl-phase compounds as promising thermoelectric materials. Herein, a series of planar Zintl-phase XCuSb (X = Ca, Sr, Ba) thermoelectric materials are developed by vacuum induction melting. All these compounds exhibit high carrier mobilities and intrinsic low lattice thermal conductivities (below 1 W·m−1·K−1 at 1010 K), resulting in peak p-type zT values of 0.14, 0.30, and 0.48 for CaCuSb, SrCuSb, and BaCuSb, respectively. By using BaCuSb as a prototypical example, the origins of low lattice thermal conductivity are attributed to the strong interlayer vibrational anharmonicity of Cu—Sb honeycomb sublattice. Moreover, the first-principles calculations reveal that n-type BaCuSb can achieve superior thermoelectric performance with the peak zT beyond 1.1 because of larger conducting band degeneracy. This work sheds light on the high-temperature thermoelectric potential of planar Zintl compounds, thereby stimulating intense interest in the investigation of this unexplored material family for higher zT values.
Microstructure Characterization and Reconstruction in Python: MCRpy
Authors: Seibert Paul , Raßloff Alexander , Kalina Karl , Ambati Marreddy , Kästner Markus
Published: September 2022

Microstructure characterization and reconstruction (MCR) is an important prerequisite for empowering and accelerating integrated computational materials engineering. Much progress has been made in MCR recently; however, in the absence of a flexible software platform it is difficult to use ideas from other researchers and to develop them further. To address this issue, this work presents MCRpyas an easy-to-use, extensible and flexible open-source MCR software platform.MCRpycan be used as a program with graphical user interface, as a command line tool and as a Python library. The central idea is that microstructure reconstruction is formulated as a modular and extensible optimization problem. In this way, arbitrary descriptors can be used for characterization and arbitrary loss functions combining arbitrary descriptors can be minimized using arbitrary optimizers for reconstructing random heterogeneous media. With stochastic optimizers, this leads to variations of the well-known Yeong–Torquato algorithm. Furthermore,MCRpyfeatures automatic differentiation, enabling the utilization of gradient-based optimizers. In this work, after a brief introduction to the underlying concepts, the capabilities ofMCRpyare demonstrated by exemplarily applying it to typical MCR tasks. Finally, it is shown how to extendMCRpyby defining a new microstructure descriptor and readily using it for reconstruction without additional implementation effort.
A $$\overline{\partial }$$-dressing method for the mixed Chen–Lee–Liu derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Sun Shi-Fei , Li Biao
Published: September 2022

In this work, we apply the $$\overline{\partial }$$

∂
¯

-dressing method to study the mixed Chen–Lee–Liu derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation (CLL–NLS) with non-normalization boundary conditions. The spatial and time spectral problems associate with CLL–NLS equation which are derived from local $$2 \times 2$$

2
×
2

matrix. A CLL–NLS hierachy with source is proposed by using recursive operator. Based on the $$\overline{\partial }$$

∂
¯

-equation, the N-solitons of the CLL–NLS equation are constructed by choosing a special spectral transformation matrix. Further more, the explicit two-soliton is obtained.
Developing a well-received pre-matriculation program: the evolution of MedFIT
Authors: Allen Alexa , Conner Brandon , Gantman Brooke , Warner Kendal , Nash Ranna , Janes Brady , Hellum Megan , Singer Cherie
Published: September 2022

Background

The transition to medical school marks a very stressful time for matriculating students. Despite this challenging transition period, intellectually rigorous pre-matriculation programs are not a common component of the curriculum at many medical schools across the country. Students are often not given the opportunity to learn about the high expectations of medical school before being thrown into classes. Thus, more time and attention should be devoted to curricular interventions that target this critical window in medical education.

Methods

MedFIT is a robust, 1.5-week orientation program that introduces matriculating students to the rigors of medical school in a low-stakes environment. This program provides students with a preview of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) curriculum through hands-on learning sessions in addition to exposing them to extracurricular opportunities and research initiatives. Furthermore, MedFIT connects incoming students with second-year mentors, laying the foundation for longitudinal peer mentorship.

Findings

Qualitative survey feedback from each subsequent class has been increasingly positive, demonstrating MedFIT’s effectiveness in improving students’ academic and interprofessional transitions into medical school. Despite the program's hybrid format in 2020 due to COVID-19, overall ratings were as positive as the previous year. Additionally, students had decreased rates of remediation, repeated years, and withdrawal, and had better Match outcomes when compared to students who participated in UNR Med’s previous orientation program.

Discussion and conclusions

MedFIT remains a well-received, adaptable entity that is continuously modified every year to best supplement student needs and mirror the pre-clinical curricular landscape present at that time.
Evaluate the practice of preoperative informed consent for elective surgical patients at the university hospital, Ethiopia, in 2022
Authors: Molla Misganew Terefe , Bizuneh Yosef Belay , Nigatu Yonas Addisu , Melesse Debas Yaregal
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background

Obtaining preoperative informed consent is considered an integral part of modern clinical practice. It works as a safeguard of the patient’s rights and minimizes the chances of legal action against the surgical team members. This study was to evaluate the practice of informed consent in patients undergoing elective surgery.

Methods

The study was approved by the ethical committee of the school of medicine. The patients were reassured about the anonymity of their information. A study was conducted at different surgical departments of a teaching university hospital for one month. Participants were selected based on consecutive sampling from patients over the age of 18 years who had undergone elective surgery.

Results

The overall adherence of our study to standard guidelines was 48.5%. During informed consent, 51% of patients were informed about their current condition; 49% of patients were informed about the nature and purpose of the proposed surgery; and 25% of patients were informed about the estimated duration of surgery and anesthesia.

Conclusion and recommendation

The overall adherence of our study to standard guidelines was 48.5%. The quality of the makeshift informed consent process in this study is less than the standards. There is a great need to educate the surgical team members regarding the importance of patients’ autonomy and their right to information about the proposed surgical procedure and anesthesia.

Highlights
After Authoritarianism
Authors: Nalepa Monika
Published: September 2022

Transitional justice – the act of reckoning with a former authoritarian regime after it has ceased to exist – has direct implications for democratic processes. Mechanisms of transitional justice have the power to influence who decides to go into politics, can shape politicians' behavior while in office, and can affect how politicians delegate policy decisions. However, these mechanisms are not all alike: some, known as transparency mechanisms, uncover authoritarian collaborators who did their work in secret while others, known as purges, fire open collaborators of the old regime. After Authoritarianism analyzes this distinction in order to uncover the contrasting effects these mechanisms have on sustaining and shaping the qualities of democratic processes. Using a highly disaggregated global transitional justice dataset, the book shows that mechanisms of transitional justice are far from being the epilogue of an outgoing authoritarian regime, and instead represent the crucial first chapter in a country's democratic story.
Inheritance and Innovation in the Evolution of Rural African American English
Authors: Bailey Guy , Cukor-Avila Patricia , Salinas Juan
Published: September 2022

This Element uses data from the Springville Project to explore how the functions of the inherited forms invariant be (from English sources) and zero (from creolization) have transformed during the twentieth century. Originally just alternative present tense copula/auxiliary forms, both features developed into aspectual markers – invariant be to mark durativity/habituality and zero to mark nonstativity. The motivation for these innovations were both socio-cultural and linguistic. The Great Migration and its consequences provided a demographic and socio-cultural context within which linguistic innovations could develop and spread. The mismatch between form and function within the present tense copula/auxiliary system and the grammatical ambiguities that affected both invariant be and zero provided linguistic triggers for this reanalysis. When taken together, the evolution of these forms illustrates how restructured linguistic subsystems (and eventually new varieties) emerge out of the interplay between inheritance and innovation.
An Elementary Course on Partial Differential
Equations
Authors: Alam Aftab , Imdad Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Partial
differential equations are a vital part of any course in pure or
applied mathematics. This book will be invaluable to anyone
looking for a lucid but comprehensive introduction to PDEs.
Designed to strike a balance between theory and practical
problems, it covers all major methods as well as their
historical backgrounds, theoretical rigour, and geometric
significance. The book is divided into three parts. It starts
with basic topics like ordinary differential equations,
multivariable calculus, and geometry. This is followed by
important techniques to solve certain types of partial
differential equations. The last part is devoted to first,
second, and higher-order PDEs. The chapters have been arranged
to help students develop their knowledge gradually and
systematically. Each method is discussed through theoretical
descriptions in the form of theorems followed by illustrative
problems to help the readers. Finally, numerous solved examples
and practice problems helps the student learn to apply this
knowledge.
Network Materials
Authors: Picu Catalin R.
Published: September 2022

Ideal for entry-level and experienced researchers working in materials science and engineering, this unique book introduces a new subfield of materials science and mechanics of materials: network materials. A comprehensive review of their mechanical behaviours allows readers to understand, design, and enhance the performance of these material systems, across a range of materials including cytoskeletons, connective tissue, and thermoset polymers. By introducing simple models, supported by experimental data, the book provides the necessary fundamental knowledge to assist readers to design and develop their own material systems. By presenting each of these previously disparate material systems within a unified theoretical framework, this book provides a consolidated presentation of the mechanics of networks and their interactions, introducing parameters that define the stochastic structure of the network, and discussing their mechanical behaviour. It is an ideal text for those new to this fast-growing field, and for experienced researchers looking to consolidate their knowledge.
Landscape and the Arts in Early Modern Italy
Authors: Grant Katrina
Published: September 2022

This book argues that theatre, and the new genre of opera in particular, played a key role in creating a new vision of landscape during the long seventeenth century in Italy. It explores how the idea of gardens as theatres emerged at the same time as opera was developed in Italian courts around the turn of the seventeenth century. During this period landscape painting emerged as a genre and the aesthetic of designed landscapes and gardens was wholly transformed, which resulted in a reconceptualization of the relationship between humans and landscape. The importance of theatre as a key cultural expression Italy is widely recognised, but the visual culture of theatre and its relationship to the broader artistic culture is still being untangled. This book argues that the combination of narratives playing out in natural settings (Arcadia, Parnassus, Alcina), the emotional responses elicited by sets and special effects (the apparent magical manipulation of the laws of nature), and the way that garden theatres were used for displays of power and to enact princely virtue and social order, all contributed to this shifting idea of landscape in the seventeenth century.
Omega results for cubic field counts via lower-order terms in the one-level density
Authors: Cho Peter J. , Fiorilli Daniel , Lee Yoonbok , Södergren Anders
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we obtain a precise formula for the one-level density of L-functions attached to non-Galois cubic Dedekind zeta functions. We find a secondary term which is unique to this context, in the sense that no lower-order term of this shape has appeared in previously studied families. The presence of this new term allows us to deduce an omega result for cubic field counting functions, under the assumption of the Generalised Riemann Hypothesis. We also investigate the associated L-functions Ratios Conjecture and find that it does not predict this new lower-order term. Taking into account the secondary term in Roberts’s conjecture, we refine the Ratios Conjecture to one which captures this new term. Finally, we show that any improvement in the exponent of the error term of the recent Bhargava–Taniguchi–Thorne cubic field counting estimate would imply that the best possible error term in the refined Ratios Conjecture is

$O_\varepsilon (X^{-\frac 13+\varepsilon })$

. This is in opposition with all previously studied families in which the expected error in the Ratios Conjecture prediction for the one-level density is

$O_\varepsilon (X^{-\frac 12+\varepsilon })$

.
Transport and emergent stratification in the equilibrated Eady model: the vortex-gas scaling regime
Authors: Gallet Basile , Miquel Benjamin , Hadjerci Gabriel , Burns Keaton J. , Flierl Glenn R. , Ferrari Raffaele
Published: September 2022

We numerically and theoretically investigate the Boussinesq Eady model, where a rapidly rotating density-stratified layer of fluid is subject to a meridional temperature gradient in thermal wind balance with a uniform vertically sheared zonal flow. Through a suite of numerical simulations, we show that the transport properties of the resulting turbulent flow are governed by quasigeostrophic (QG) dynamics in the rapidly rotating strongly stratified regime. The ‘vortex gas’ scaling predictions put forward in the context of the two-layer QG model carry over to this fully three-dimensional system: the functional dependence of the meridional flux on the control parameters is the same, the two adjustable parameters entering the theory taking slightly different values. In line with the QG prediction, the meridional heat flux is depth-independent. The vertical heat flux is such that turbulence transports buoyancy along isopycnals, except in narrow layers near the top and bottom boundaries, the thickness of which decreases as the diffusivities go to zero. The emergent (re)stratification is set by a simple balance between the vertical heat flux and diffusion along the vertical direction. Overall, this study demonstrates how the vortex-gas scaling theory can be adapted to quantitatively predict the magnitude and vertical structure of the meridional and vertical heat fluxes, and of the emergent stratification, without additional fitting parameters.
Solid particles moving parallel to a deformable liquid–liquid interface in a micro-channel: migration forces
Authors: Ruiz-Martín Désirée , Rivero-Rodriguez Javier , Sánchez-Sanz Mario
Published: September 2022

This work focuses on the dynamics of a train of solid particles, separated by a distance

$L$

, flowing near a deformable interface formed by two co-flowing immiscible fluids in a microchannel of height

$h$

. Our study includes a systematic analysis of the influence of the governing parameters (fluids viscosity ratio, interface and particle positions, Reynolds

$Re$

and capillary

$Ca$

numbers and the inter-particle distance

$L$

) on the hydrodynamic force

$f$

exerted on the particle. In the pure inertial regime with non-deformable interfaces

$Ca=0$

, the particle is driven towards the wall (interface) when the particle is close to the interface (wall). Up to three neutral equilibrium positions

$f=0$

, two of them stable, are found in this limit. The contrary is obtained in the pure capillary regime

$Re=0$

. In this limit, we also carried out an asymptotic analysis in the distinguished limits of very large and very small surface tension. In the latter case, the amplitude of the interface deformation induced by the particle is large, comparable to its diameter, but its influence is limited to a small region upstream and downstream of the particle. In the limit of very large surface tension, the amplitude of the interface deformation is small but the presence of the particle modifies the shape of the interface in a region of length

$2\lambda$

, much larger than the particle diameter

$d$

. The parameter

$\lambda$

, introduces an additional characteristic length that determines the asymptotic behaviour of the flow properties in the limit of large surface tension.
On the dynamics of a collapsing bubble in contact with a rigid wall
Authors: Saini Mandeep , Tanne Erwan , Arrigoni Michel , Zaleski Stephane , Fuster Daniel
Published: September 2022

This work reveals that the dynamic response of a spherical cap bubble in contact with a rigid wall depends on the effective contact angle at the instant prior to collapse. This parameter allows us to discriminate between two regimes in which the mechanisms of interaction between the collapsing bubble and its surrounding medium differ significantly: when the contact angle is smaller than

$90^{\circ }$

, a classical jet directed towards the wall is observed, whereas if the initial contact angle is larger than

$90^{\circ }$

, an annular re-entrant jet parallel to the wall appears. We show that this change of behaviour can be explained using the impulse potential flow theory for small times, which shows the presence of a singularity on the initial acceleration of the contact line when the contact angle is larger than

$90^{\circ }$

. Direct numerical simulations show that although viscosity regularises the solution at

$t > 0$

, the solution remains singular at

$t=0$

. In these circumstances, numerical and experimental results show that the collapse of flat bubbles can eventually lead to the formation of a vortex ring that unexpectedly induces long-range effects. The role of the bubble geometry at the instant of maximum expansion on the overall collapse process is shown to be well captured by the impulse potential flow theory, which can be generalised easily to other bubble shapes. These results may find direct application in the interpretation of geophysical flows as well as the control and design of biomedical, naval, manufacturing and sonochemistry applications.
Rayleigh–Bénard instability in the presence of phase boundary and shear
Authors: Lu Cailei , Zhang Mengqi , Luo Kang , Wu Jian , Yi Hongliang
Published: September 2022

We study the two-dimensional Rayleigh–Bénard instability subject to the combined effects of a solid–liquid phase boundary and shear using linear stability theory and energy analysis. We consider two thermal states of the solid (isothermal and conducting), and two types of shear that can arise in different contexts. When the melting temperature is equal to that held at the top boundary, three instability modes can arise with the increase of Reynolds number Re that characterizes the shear intensity: a boundary mode, a mixed boundary–bulk mode and a bulk flow mode. When the melting temperature lies between the top and the bottom boundaries, the introduction of Couette flow, independent of its intensity, always leads to the mixed mode, whereas the instability with Poiseuille flow is dominated by the bulk flow mode once Re exceeds a critical value, below which the mixed mode dominates. The energy analysis suggests that there exist two mechanisms by which the shear flow affects the system: one is by inhibiting the upward heat flux and another is by absorbing energy from the perturbed hydrodynamic field. These two mechanisms can play totally different roles in different cases. Results in the high-Re regime indicate that, when Re exceeds its classical threshold, i.e. Re = 5772.2 for Poiseuille flow, the Tollmien–Schlichting instability will be dominant in the present system.
Analytical model of fully developed wind farms in conventionally neutral atmospheric boundary layers
Authors: Li Chao , Liu Luoqin , Lu Xiyun , Stevens Richard J.A.M.
Published: September 2022

The wind energy industry relies on computationally efficient engineering-type models to design wind farms. Typically these models do not account for the effect of atmospheric stratification in either the boundary layer or the free atmosphere. This study proposes a new analytical model for fully developed wind-turbine arrays in conventionally neutral atmospheric boundary layers frequently encountered in nature. The model captures the effect of the free-atmosphere stratification, Coriolis force, wind farm layout and turbine operating condition on the wind farm performance. The model is developed based on the physical insight derived from large-eddy simulations. We demonstrate that the geostrophic drag law (GDL) for flow over flat terrain can be extended to flow over fully developed wind farm arrays. The presence of a vast wind farm significantly increases the wind farm friction velocity compared with flow over flat terrain, which is modelled by updated coefficients in the GDL. The developed model reliably captures the vertical wind speed profile inside the wind farm. Furthermore, the power production trends observed in simulations are reliably reproduced. The wind farm performance, normalized by the geostrophic wind speed, decreases as the free-atmosphere thermal stability increases or the Coriolis force decreases. In addition, we find that the optimal wind farm performance is obtained at a lower thrust coefficient than the Betz limit, which indicates that optimal operating conditions for turbines in a wind farm are different than for a single turbine.
Sleeping giant:A research agenda for politics and chronobiology
Authors: Ksiazkiewicz Aleksander
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Sleep research presents an important frontier of discovery for political science. While sleep has largely been neglected by political scientists, human psychology is inextricably linked with sleep and so political cognition must be as well. Existing work shows that sleep is linked to political participation and ideology, and that contentious politics can disrupt sleep. I propose three directions for future research—on participatory democracy, on ideology, and on how context shapes sleep-politics links. I also note that sleep research intersects with the study of political institutions, of war and conflict, of elite decision-making, and of normative theory. In short, political scientists across subfields can and should consider whether and how sleep influences political life in their area of expertise and how to influence relevant policies. This new research agenda will enrich our theories of politics and enable us to identify pressing areas for policy interventions to revitalize our democracy.
Workforce Policies and Operational Risk: Evidence from U.S. Bank Holding Companies
Authors: Curti Filippo , Fauver Larry , Mihov Atanas
Published: September 2022

Using supervisory data on operational losses from large U.S. bank holding companies (BHCs), we show that BHCs with socially responsible workforce policies suffer lower operational losses per dollar of total assets. The association significantly varies by the type of workforce policies and the type of operational losses. It is driven not only by small frequent losses but also by severe tail operational risk events. Further, the risk-reducing effects of the socially responsible workforce policies are stronger for larger BHCs with more employees. Our findings have important implications for banking organization performance, risk, and supervision.
First live sighting of an Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in the Yellow Sea, the northern-most record of the species range
Authors: Lin Wenzhi , Wu Lan , Zeng Qianhui , Leng Xiaoyu , Mo Yaqian , Serres Agathe , Li Songhai
Published: September 2022

An opportunistic sighting of an Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) was reported in the nearshore waters off the east Liaodong Peninsula, China. This is the first at-sea sighting in this area, and the northern-most sighting record of this species with a distance >3000 km away from the nearest described conspecific population located in the mid-China. The present sighting occurred in close proximity to the location at which another Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin was found by-caught in 2003. The sighted individual could not be identified through the existing photo-identification catalogues of this species in China (>3500 individuals). Therefore, we suggest that a population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins that was never reported might exist in the north of the Yellow Sea.
Trajectory optimization of the redundant manipulator with local variable period under multi-machine coordination
Authors: Yu Luchuan , Zhou Shunqing , Huang Shenquan
Published: September 2022

The coordinated motion between the press and the feeding mechanism directly determines the production efficiency of the high-speed stamping line. In order to generate the high-performance trajectory of the feeding mechanism, this paper investigates the optimization of the trajectory with the local variable period. Based on the quintic B-spline curve and normal distribution, the smooth interpolation method of variable-time interval is proposed to generate the collision-free and energy-jerk-minimal trajectory with variable-time intervals. The advantage of the proposed method is that it can make the feeding mechanism transition smoothly between districts of variable-time and fixed-time intervals. It is beneficial to avoid re-performing the entire process of trajectory planning. ADAMS and actual experiments are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method can maintain the high performance of the initial trajectory, and there is no sharp point in the displacement-time and velocity-time curves. The investigation provides a new direction for the direct generation of local variable-period trajectories in the multi-machine coordination of the stamping line.
Explicit Instruction within a Task: Before, During, or After?
Authors: Michaud Gabriel , Ammar Ahlem
Published: September 2022

This study addresses the effects of the timing of explicit instruction within the three phases of a task cycle (pretask, task, posttask) while considering learner’s previous knowledge. Eight intact groups (N = 165) of French L2 university-level students (4 B1- and 4 B2-level groups) completed two tasks. Groups were formed according to previous knowledge. Three groups received explicit instruction on the French subjunctive during the pretask, task, or posttask phase of each task. The control groups completed the task without prior instruction. Participants completed an elicited imitation test and a grammaticality judgment test as pretests, immediate posttests, and delayed posttests. Results showed that explicit instruction embedded in a task facilitates the development of explicit and implicit knowledge and that the efficacy of instruction is not significantly influenced by the timing at which it is provided or by the learners’ level of previous knowledge.
A practical environment potential field modelling method for complex geometric objects
Authors: Zhu Zhongxian , Lyu Hongguang , Zhang Jundong , Yin Yong , Fan Xiang
Published: September 2022

Several studies have been conducted on collision avoidance (CA) and path planning for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) based on artificial potential field (APF) and electronic navigation chart (ENC) data. However, to date, accurate, highly efficient, and automatic modelling of complicated geometry environment potential fields (EPFs) has not been realised. In this study, an accurate EPF model is established using ENC data to describe different types of obstacles, navigable areas, and non-navigable areas. The implicit equations of complex polygons are constructed based on the R-function theory, and the discrete-convex hull method is introduced to realise the automatic modelling of EPF. Moreover, collaborative CA and obstacle avoidance (OA) experiments are designed and conducted in a simulated environment and based on the ENC data. The results show that the proposed EPF modelling method is accurate, reliable, and time-efficient even with numerous ENC data and complex shapes owing to the R-function representation for geometric objects and discrete-convex hull method. The combination of improved APF and EPF models is proven to be effective for CA and OA. This paper presents a practical EPF modelling approach for APF-based ship path planning.
An acoustic study of Tetsǫ́t’ıné stress: Iambic stress in a quantity-sensitive tone language
Authors: Jaker Alessandro , Howson Phil J.
Published: September 2022

This paper presents both distributional and acoustic phonetic evidence for iambic stress in Tetsǫ́t'ıné (ISO: CHP), a Dene (Athapaskan) language with contrastive vowel length and four contrastive tones. In our acoustic study, we find that the primary correlate of stress in Tetsǫ́t'ıné is duration, whereas intensity plays a secondary but statistically significant role. There was no statistically significant effect on F0 in our results. We discuss our results in relation to several proposals regarding the typology of stress systems. Based on the Functional Load Hypothesis (Berinstein 1979) and Dispersion Theory (Flemming 1995, 2001), we find that our results are to some extent unexpected. We suggest that our results are most consistent with the Iambic–Trochaic Law (Hayes 1995), which predicts that iambic stress systems prefer to use duration as their primary stress correlate.
Material Media Sonification: Sounding the visibly present artefact
Authors: Dunham Paul , Zareei Mo H. , McKinnon Dugal , Carnegie Dale
Published: September 2022

The fields of media archaeology and data sonification have not been without contestation regarding means and methods. However, in combination, these fields present an opportunity for a novel approach to the creation of media archaeologically informed sound-based art. This article discusses the artistic use of data sonification techniques and the need to balance the musification of data while maintaining a sense of the underlying data. The use of data sonification techniques within media archaeology to facilitate the organisation of sound is briefly discussed. A framework is presented for utilising data sonification to facilitate the organisation of sound within the lens of media archaeology inquiry. Such an approach provides a novel method in media archaeologically informed sound-based art that utilises the sound of the artefact as a method of expression between genealogically related forms of media. A sound installation developed by the authors is presented that critically examines the use of, and gives concrete form to, the framework and the ideas established in this article.
A novel set of polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite markers for northern red oak (Q. rubra L.)
Authors: Götz Jeremias , Gailing Oliver
Published: September 2022

Oaks are model species due to their importance in various ecosystems, worldwide distribution, high economic value and emerging genomic resources. As such, knowledge on population differentiation across their distribution range is of high importance for sustainable forest management. As in most angiosperms, chloroplasts are maternally (via seeds) inherited in oak species and acorns are dispersed over comparably short distances. Consequently, chloroplast markers reveal comparatively high differentiation between populations, making them highly viable for the analysis of historic migration patterns and the certification of reproductive material. Despite the existence of various white oak (section: Quercus) chloroplast markers, red oak (section: Lobatae) chloroplast markers remain limited. Northern red oak is one of the most important North American oak species and a widespread non-native plantation tree species in European forests. We took advantage of chloroplast genomes of Q. rubra L. and related oak chloroplast genomes to develop a set of robust and easy-to-use chloroplast microsatellite primers for northern red oak. Furthermore, we tested transferability of those novel red oak primer pairs to Q. robur L. and Q. petraea Matt. Liebl. The new set of fifteen polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite markers revealed three additional northern red oak haplotypes after screening 80 northern red oak individuals representing seven haplotypes, identified based on formerly available markers. Therefore, they provide a higher resolution of haplotypes as compared to currently available markers.
Super‐Droplet Method to Simulate Lagrangian Microphysics of Nuclear Fallout in a Homogeneous Cloud
Authors: McGuffin D. L. , Lucas D. D. , Morris J. P. , Spriggs G. D. , Knight K. B.
Published: September 2022

Nuclear detonations produce hazardous local and global particles or fallout. Predicting fallout size, chemical components, and location is necessary to inform officials and determine immediate guidance for the public. However, existing nuclear detonation fallout models prescribe the particle size distributions based on limited observations. In this work, we apply the super‐droplet method, which is a numerical modeling technique developed for cloud microphysics, to simulate size distributions of particles in a mushroom cloud formed post‐detonation of a nuclear device. We model fallout formation and evolution with homogeneous nucleation and condensation of a single species and a Monte Carlo coagulation algorithm. We verify the numerical methods representing coagulation and condensation processes against analytical test problems. Additionally, we explore several scenarios for the integral system mass and yield in equivalent kilotons (kt) of TNT (trinitrotoluene). The fallout size distribution median diameter dpg follows a scaling law based on the integral system mass mv0 kg and yield Y kt: nm. We test the effect of cloud turbulence, enhanced nucleation and growth, and vapor volatility with a sensitivity study. The range in median diameter predictions for simulations of historical tests performed over the Pacific encompass the measurements of particles sampled from the cloud caps. Predicted median particle size ranges up to 217, 123, 86, and 35 nm for historical tests with yields of 0.2, 0.7, 2, and 10 Mt, respectively. This work can be expanded in many different directions to build a more predictive model for fallout formation.
Combining Eddy Covariance and Chamber Methods to Better Constrain CO2 and CH4 Fluxes Across a Heterogeneous Restored Tidal Wetland
Authors: Shahan Julie , Chu Housen , Windham‐Myers Lisamarie , Matsumura Maiyah , Carlin Joseph , Eichelmann Elke , Stuart‐Haentjens Ellen , Bergamaschi Brian , Nakatsuka Kyle , Sturtevant Cove , Oikawa Patty
Published: September 2022

Tidal wetlands play an important role in global carbon cycling by storing carbon in sediment at millennial time scales, transporting dissolved carbon into coastal waters, and contributing significantly to global CH4 budgets. However, these ecosystems' greenhouse gas monitoring and predictions are challenging due to spatial heterogeneity and tidal flooding. We utilized eddy covariance and chamber measurements to quantify fluxes of CO2 and CH4 at a restored tidal saltmarsh across spatial and temporal scales. Eddy covariance data revealed that the site was a strong net sink for CO2 (−387 g C‐CO2 m−2 yr−1, SD = 46) and a small net source of CH4 (0.7 g C‐CH4 m−2 yr−1, SD = 0.4). After partitioning net ecosystem exchange of CO2 into gross primary production and ecosystem respiration, we found that high net uptake of CO2 was due to low respiration emissions rather than high photosynthetic rates. We also found that respiration rates varied between land covers with increased respiration in mudflats compared to vegetated areas. Daytime soil chamber measurements revealed that the greatest CO2 emission was from higher elevation mudflat soils (0.5 μmol m−2s−1, SE = 1.3) and CH4 emission was greatest from lower elevation Spartina foliosa soils (1.6 nmol m−2s−1, SD = 8.2). Overall, these results highlight the importance of the relationships between wetland plant community and elevation, and inundation for CO2 and CH4 fluxes. Future research should include the use of high‐resolution imagery, automated chambers, and a focus on quantifying carbon exported in tidal waters.
Olfactory marker protein regulation of glucagon secretion in hyperglycemia
Authors: Oh Ju Hun , Han Ye Eon , Bao Ya Ru , Kang Chan Woo , Koo JaeHyung , Ku Cheol Ryong , Cho Yoon Hee , Lee Eun Jig
Published: September 2022

The olfactory marker protein (OMP), which is also expressed in nonolfactory tissues, plays a role in regulating the kinetics and termination of olfactory transduction. Thus, we hypothesized that OMP may play a similar role in modulating the secretion of hormones involved in Ca2+ and cAMP signaling, such as glucagon. In the present study, we confirmed nonolfactory α-cell-specific OMP expression in human and mouse pancreatic islets as well as in the murine α-cell line αTC1.9. Glucagon and OMP expression increased under hyperglycemic conditions. Omp knockdown in hyperglycemic αTC1.9 cells using small-interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced the responses to glucagon release and the related signaling pathways compared with the si-negative control. The OMPlox/lox;GCGcre/w mice expressed basal glucagon levels similar to those in the wild-type OMPlox/lox mice but showed resistance against streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia. The ectopic olfactory signaling events in pancreatic α-cells suggest that olfactory receptor pathways could be therapeutic targets for reducing excessive glucagon levels.
Potential role of inflammation in relation to dietary sodium and β-carotene with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a mediation analysis
Authors: Chen Yang , Wu Min , Chen Fuli , Wen Xiaoxiao , Zhao Liancheng , Li Gang , Zhou Long
Published: September 2022

Background

High sodium intake has been linked to the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to explore the role of chronic inflammation in the association between sodium and NAFLD. We also observed whether β-carotene, which had a strong anti-inflammatory effect, lowers the odds of NAFLD.

Methods

We performed mediation analyses to assess the mediating effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) and red cell distribution width (RDW) on the relationship between dietary sodium and NAFLD defined by the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and the fatty liver index (FLI), respectively.

Results

A total of 6725 participants were included in this study. Compared with the high sodium-low carotene group, participants in the high sodium-high carotene group had 16% and 26% lower odds for HSI and FLI-defined NAFLD, respectively. There were positive indirect effects of dietary sodium intake on the HSI-defined NAFLD (indirect effect: 0.0057, 95% CI: 0.0021–0.0091, P < 0.0001), as well as the FLI defined NAFLD (indirect effect: 0.0081, 95% CI: 0.0024–0.0162, P < 0.0001) when C-reactive protein (CRP) was considered as a mediator. The mediating effects were somewhat attenuated after further adjusting for dietary β-carotene intake. Similar results were found when RDW was considered as a mediator in the HSI-defined NAFLD analysis.

Conclusions

Higher sodium intake increases the odds of NAFLD by upregulating inflammation. Dietary β-carotene may attenuate this association by down regulating inflammation.
Exosomes and cancer - Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic vehicle
Authors: Wang Xia , Tian Lu , Lu Jingyi , Ng Irene Oi-Lin
Published: September 2022

Exosomes belong to a subpopulation of extracellular vesicles secreted by the dynamic multistep endocytosis process and carry diverse functional molecular cargoes, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids (DNA, messenger and noncoding RNA), and metabolites to promote intercellular communication. Proteins and noncoding RNA are among the most abundant contents in exosomes; they have biological functions and are selectively packaged into exosomes. Exosomes derived from tumor, stromal and immune cells contribute to the multiple stages of cancer progression as well as resistance to therapy. In this review, we will discuss the biogenesis of exosomes and their roles in cancer development. Since specific contents within exosomes originate from their cells of origin, this property allows exosomes to function as valuable biomarkers. We will also discuss the potential use of exosomes as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or predictors for different therapeutic strategies for multiple cancers. Furthermore, the applications of exosomes as direct therapeutic targets or engineered vehicles for drugs are an important field of exosome study. Better understanding of exosome biology may pave the way to promising exosome-based clinical applications.
Metabolomic and exposomic biomarkers of risk of future neurodevelopmental delay in human milk
Authors: Li Kefeng , Bertrand Kerri , Naviaux Jane C. , Monk Jonathan M. , Wells Alan , Wang Lin , Lingampelly Sai Sachin , Naviaux Robert K. , Chambers Christina
Published: September 2022

Background

The chemical composition of human milk has long-lasting effects on brain development. We examined the prognostic value of the human milk metabolome and exposome in children with the risk of neurodevelopmental delay (NDD).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 82 mother–infant pairs (40 male and 42 female infants). A total of 59 milk samples were from mothers with typically developing children and 23 samples were from mothers of children at risk. Milk samples were collected before 9 months of age (4.6 ± 2.5 months, mean ± SD). Neurocognitive development was assessed by maternal report at 14.2 ± 3.1 months using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires-2.

Results

Metabolome and exposome profiling identified 453 metabolites and 61 environmental chemicals in milk. Machine learning tools identified changes in deoxysphingolipids, phospholipids, glycosphingolipids, plasmalogens, and acylcarnitines in the milk of mothers with children at risk for future delay. A predictive classifier had a diagnostic accuracy of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.66–0.96) for females and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.62–0.94) for males.

Conclusions

Once validated in larger studies, the chemical analysis of human milk might be added as an option in well-baby checks to help identify children at risk of NDD before the first symptoms appear.

Impact

Maternal milk for infants sampled before 9 months of age contained sex-specific differences in deoxysphingolipids, sphingomyelins, plasmalogens, phospholipids, and acylcarnitines that predicted the risk of neurodevelopmental delay at 14.2 months of age.

Once validated, this early biosignature in human milk might be incorporated into well-baby checks and help to identify infants at risk so early interventions might be instituted before the first symptoms appear.
Control of structure and spin texture in the van der Waals layered magnet CrSBr
Authors: Klein J. , Pham T. , Thomsen J. D. , Curtis J. B. , Denneulin T. , Lorke M. , Florian M. , Steinhoff A. , Wiscons R. A. , Luxa J. , Sofer Z. , Jahnke F. , Narang P. , Ross F. M.
Published: September 2022

Controlling magnetism at nanometer length scales is essential for realizing high-performance spintronic, magneto-electric and topological devices and creating on-demand spin Hamiltonians probing fundamental concepts in physics. Van der Waals (vdW)-bonded layered magnets offer exceptional opportunities for such spin texture engineering. Here, we demonstrate nanoscale structural control in the layered magnet CrSBr with the potential to create spin patterns without the environmental sensitivity that has hindered such manipulations in other vdW magnets. We drive a local phase transformation using an electron beam that moves atoms and exchanges bond directions, effectively creating regions that have vertical vdW layers embedded within the initial horizontally vdW bonded exfoliated flakes. We calculate that the newly formed two-dimensional structure is ferromagnetically ordered in-plane with an energy gap in the visible spectrum, and weak antiferromagnetism between the planes, suggesting possibilities for creating spin textures and quantum magnetic phases.
Reversible hydrogen spillover in Ru-WO3-x enhances hydrogen evolution activity in neutral pH water splitting
Authors: Chen Jiadong , Chen Chunhong , Qin Minkai , Li Ben , Lin Binbin , Mao Qing , Yang Hongbin , Liu Bin , Wang Yong
Published: September 2022

Noble metal electrocatalysts (e.g., Pt, Ru, etc.) suffer from sluggish kinetics of water dissociation for the electrochemical reduction of water to molecular hydrogen in alkaline and neutral pH environments. Herein, we found that an integration of Ru nanoparticles (NPs) on oxygen-deficient WO3-x manifested a 24.0-fold increase in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity compared with commercial Ru/C electrocatalyst in neutral electrolyte. Oxygen-deficient WO3-x is shown to possess large capacity for storing protons, which could be transferred to the Ru NPs under cathodic potential. This significantly increases the hydrogen coverage on the surface of Ru NPs in HER and thus changes the rate-determining step of HER on Ru from water dissociation to hydrogen recombination.
A library of polytypic copper-based quaternary sulfide nanocrystals enables efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion
Authors: Wu Liang , Wang Qian , Zhuang Tao-Tao , Zhang Guo-Zhen , Li Yi , Li Hui-Hui , Fan Feng-Jia , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: September 2022

Designing polytypic homojunction is an efficient way to regulate photogenerated electrons and holes, thereafter bringing desired physical and chemical properties and being attractive photocatalysts for solar-to-hydrogen conversion. However, the high-yield and controllable synthesis of well-defined polytypes especially for multinary chalcogenide - the fundamental factor favoring highly efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion - has yet to be achieved. Here, we report a general colloidal method to construct a library of polytypic copper-based quaternary sulfide nanocrystals, including Cu2ZnSnS4, Cu2CdSnS4, Cu2CoSnS4, Cu2MnSnS4, Cu2FeSnS4, Cu3InSnS5 and Cu3GaSnS5, which can be synthesized by selective epitaxial growth of kesterite phase on wurtzite structure. Besides, this colloidal method allows the precise controlling of the homojunction number corresponding to the photocatalytic performance. The single-homojunction and double-homojunction polytypic Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystal photocatalysts show 2.8-fold and 3.9-fold improvement in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rates relative to the kesterite nanocrystals, respectively. This homojunction existed in the polytypic structure opens another way to engineer photocatalysts.