bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural memories and their re-actualizations
Authors: Van de Putte Thomas
Published: November 2021

Memory studies has, in only a few decades, produced insights in two inter-related processes. First, memory scholars theorized how representations of the past become socially shared. Secondly, they theorized how these cultural and collective memories circulate and are being re-actualized in different contexts. But critiques of the field have targeted the metaphorical and reified nature of cultural memory concepts. This article argues that some concepts developed in social scientific narrative studies could provide cultural memory scholars with a precise and less metaphorical vocabulary to understand how people make sense of non-autobiographical pasts in different interactional contexts. In particular, the article focusses on how positioning theory and unexplained events in narrative pre-construction assist analysis of the flexibility of the remembering self in everyday interaction. The examples in this article concern narrations of the Second World War and Holocaust gathered during fieldwork in the contemporary town of Auschwitz in Poland.
Absorption of laser radiation in a laser-produced plasma of Xe: hydrodynamic effects and nonequilibrium ionization
Authors: Kalmykov S G , Butorin P S , Sasin M E , Zakharov V S
Published: November 2021

In this paper, experiments on measuring absorption of infrared laser radiation in the laser-produced plasma of Xe are described. An absorbed fraction of up to 65% was obtained when the gas-jet target was illuminated by a wide, defocused beam, whereas it barely reached 8.5% in the case of a sharply focused beam. The phenomenon is explained on the basis of a hypothesis of the plasma’s hydrodynamic expansion according to which the plasma leaves the illuminated area faster the smaller its size. This explains the similarity of extreme ultraviolet output and laser energy absorption as functions of the laser beam diameter. Based on the experimental results, an attempt to estimate the plasma parameters (N, T, ) is undertaken, with the mean ion charge, , being calculated using ionization cross-sections for ions from +7Xe to +14Xe, which were obtained by means of a quantum-mechanical numeric simulation especially for the present work.
Optimization of microsphere optical lithography for nano-patterning
Authors: Dvoretckaia Liliia N. , Mozharov Alexey M , Berdnikov Yury , Mukhin Ivan Sergeevich
Published: November 2021

We present an original approach to realistic modeling of light focusing by microsphere systems to form the photonic jets for nano-patterning of the substrates with high refractive index. In simulations we analyze the photonic jets produced by a single sphere and close-packed array of microspheres on the photoresist layer and Si substrate. We show how the lithographic profiles can be controlled by varying the exposure dose and system geometry in wide ranges of photoresist layer thicknesses and microsphere sizes. The modeling covers the entire lithographic system and accounts for the interference of focused light transmitted through the microlenses and reflected from the Si substrate. We use our approach to optimize the size of the lithographic pattern and confirm the simulation results experimentally. The suggested set of methods is rather universal and may be applied to other microlens and resist materials to minimize lithography lateral resolution.
Microstructure, magnetic and electronic transport properties of reactively facing-target sputtered epitaxial Mn4N films
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Shi Xiaohui , Liu Xiang , Chen Xia , Mi Wenbo
Published: November 2021

The structure, magnetic and electronic transport properties of epitaxial Mn4N films fabricated by the facing-target reactive sputtering method have been investigated systematically. The high-quality growth of Mn4N films was confirmed by x-ray θ–2θ, pole figures and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Mn4N films exhibit ferrimagnetic with strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The saturation magnetization of Mn4N films decreases with increasing temperature, following the Bloch’s spin wave theory. The resistivity of Mn4N films exhibits metallic conductance mechanism. Debye temperature of Mn4N is estimated to be 85 K. The calculated residual resistivity ρ

xx0 of the 78.8 nm-thick Mn4N film is 30.56 μΩ cm. The magnetoresistances of Mn4N films display a negative signal and butterfly shape. The sign of anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) is positive, which infers that the AMR is dominated by the spin-up conduction electrons. Moreover, the transformation of fourfold to twofold symmetry for AMR and twofold to onefold symmetry for planar Hall resistivity is attributed to tetragonal crystal field effect.
Strain-controlled thermoelectric properties of phosphorene-carbon monosulfide hetero-bilayers
Authors: González J W
Published: November 2021

The application of strain to 2D materials allows manipulating the electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties. These physical properties are sensitive to slight variations induced by tensile and compressive strain and the uniaxial strain direction. Herein, we take advantage of the reversible semiconductor-metal transition observed in certain monolayers to propose a hetero-bilayer device. We propose to pill up phosphorene (layered black phosphorus) and carbon monosulfide monolayers. In the first, such transition appears for positive strain, while the second appears for negative strain. Our first-principle calculations show that depending on the direction of the applied uniaxial strain; it is possible to achieve reversible control in the layer that behaves as an electronic conductor while the other layer remains as a thermal conductor. The described strain-controlled selectivity could be used in the design of novel devices.
Tuning the carrier type and density of monolayer tin selenide via organic molecular doping
Authors: Zheng Yu Jie , Zhang Qi , Odunmbaku Omololu , Ou Zeping , Li Meng , Sun Kuan
Published: November 2021

Utilizing first-principles calculations, charge transfer doping process of single layer tin selenide (SL-SnSe) via the surface adsorption of various organic molecules was investigated. Effective p-type SnSe, with carrier concentration exceeding 3.59 × 1013 cm−2, was obtained upon adsorption of tetracyanoquinodimethane or 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyano-quinodimethane on SL-SnSe due to their lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals acting as shallow acceptor states. While we could not obtain effective n-type SnSe through adsorption of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) or 1,4,5,8-tetrathianaphthalene on pristine SnSe due to their highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) being far from the conduction band edge of SnSe, this disadvantageous situation can be amended by the introduction of an external electric field perpendicular to the monolayer surface. It is found that Snvac will facilitate charge transfer from TTF to SnSe through introducing an unoccupied gap state just above the HOMO of TTF, thereby partially compensating for the p-type doping effect of Snvac. Our results show that both effective p-type and n-type SnSe can be obtained and tuned by charge transfer doping, which is necessary to promote its applications in nanoelectronics, thermoelectrics and optoelectronics.
Computational dose evaluation on children exposed to natural radioactivity from granitic rocks used as architectural materials
Authors: Santos William S , Pereira Neves Lucio , Belinato Walmir , Soares Maria R , Valença João V B , Perini Ana P
Published: November 2021

Considering the higher radiosensitivity of children in comparison to adults, studies related to children’s exposure to ionising radiation have been long considered of relevance. For this study, the MCNPX2.7.0 Monte Carlo code and four paediatric voxel computational anthropomorphic phantoms, of both genders and aged 5 and 10 years, were used to simulate scenarios, where children are exposed to natural radiation emitted by sources in the ground by radionuclides of 40K and of 232Th and 238U radioactive series. These elements are part of the composition of ten different types of ornamental rocks obtained from three regions of Brazil, and used as architectural material for flooring of houses. The virtual paediatric anthropomorphic phantoms were positioned in a room with dimensions of (4.0 × 5.0 × 2.8) m3 filled with atmospheric air and a 3 cm thick granitic floor acting as a uniformly distributed planar gamma radiation source. The walls of the room were composed of 20 cm thick concrete. Gonads, bone marrow, bladder, colon, and skin were found to be the organs which receive the highest doses. The mean values of effective dose per air kerma at 1 m above the ground summed for all three radionuclides, were 0.96 and 0.68 Sv Gy−1 for the 5 and 10 year old phantoms, respectively. The obtained results showed that the granitic rocks considered implicate annual effective doses which are 69%–78% lower than the annual limits, recommended by ICRP Publication 103.
First-principles study of borophene/phosphorene heterojunction as anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Zhifang , Li Wenliang , Zhang Jingping
Published: November 2021

It is urgent to explore high-capacity and efficient anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. For borophene and phosphorene, two configurations are considered to form a heterojunction: twist angles of 0° (I) and 90° (II). There is a less degree of mismatch and larger formation energy in the formation of a B/P heterojunction, implying that borophene and phosphorene form the stable heterojunction. The heterojunctions of these two configurations demonstrate good conductivity, and the electrons near the Fermi level are mainly provided by borophene. Very importantly, the low energy barrier for interlayer migration of Li is observed in configuration I (0.14eV) and II (0.06 eV), and the migration of Li on the borophene and phosphorene side of the heterojunction still maintains its original energy barrier in bare monolayer. Moreover, the two configurations show the theoretical capacity as high as 738.69 and 721.86 mA h g−1, respectively, which is comparable to bare phosphorene. Furthermore, compared with bare phosphorene, the average voltage is greatly reduced after the formation of heterojunction. Hence, the overall electrochemical properties of the B/P heterojunction have been enhanced by combining the advantages of the individual phosphorene and borophene monolayers, which guarantees the B/P heterojunction as a good candidate for the anode material used in Li-ion batteries.
ZnO nanowire optoelectronic synapse for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Shen Cong , Gao Xu , Chen Cheng , Ren Shan , Xu Jian-Long , Xia Yi-Dong , Wang Sui-Dong
Published: November 2021

Artificial synapses that integrate functions of sensing, memory and computing are highly desired for developing brain-inspired neuromorphic hardware. In this work, an optoelectronic synapse based on the ZnO nanowire (NW) transistor is achieved, which can be used to emulate both the short-term and long-term synaptic plasticity. Synaptic potentiation is present when the device is stimulated by light pulses, arising from the light-induced O2 desorption and the persistent photoconductivity behavior of the ZnO NW. On the other hand, synaptic depression occurs when the device is stimulated by electrical pulses in dark, which is realized by introducing a charge trapping layer in the gate dielectric to trap carriers. Simulation of a neural network utilizing the ZnO NW synapses is carried out, demonstrating a high recognition accuracy over 90% after only 20 training epochs for recognizing the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology digits. The present nanoscale optoelectronic synapse has great potential in the development of neuromorphic visual systems.
Predicting the effective thermal conductivity of unfrozen soils with various water contents based on artificial neural network
Authors: Zhu Chuan-Yong , He Zhi-Yang , Du Mu , Gong Liang , Wang Xinyu
Published: November 2021

The effective thermal conductivity of soils is a crucial parameter for many applications such as geothermal engineering, environmental science, and agriculture and engineering. However, it is pretty challenging to accurately determine it due to soils’ complex structure and components. In the present study, the influences of different parameters, including silt content (m
si), sand content (m
sa), clay content (m
cl), quartz content (m
qu), porosity, and water content on the effective thermal conductivity of soils, were firstly analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Then different artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed based on the 465 groups of thermal conductivity of unfrozen soils collected from the literature to predict the effective thermal conductivity of soils. Results reveal that the parameters of m
si, m
sa, m
cl, and m
qu have a relatively slight influence on the effective thermal conductivity of soils compared to the water content and porosity. Although the ANN model with six parameters has the highest accuracy, the ANN model with two input parameters (porosity and water content) could predict the effective thermal conductivity well with acceptable accuracy and R
2 = 0.940. Finally, a correlation of the effective thermal conductivity for different soils was proposed based on the large number of results predicted by the two input parameters ANN-based model. This correlation has proved to have a higher accuracy without assumptions and uncertain parameters when compared to several commonly used existing models.
Performance enhancement of GaSb vertical nanowire p-type MOSFETs on Si by rapid thermal annealing
Authors: Zhu Zhongyunshen , Svensson Johannes , Jönsson Adam , Wernersson Lars-Erik
Published: November 2021

GaSb is considered as an attractive p-type channel material for future III-V metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) technologies, but the processing conditions to utilize the full device potential such as low power logic applications and RF applications still need attention. In this work, applying rapid thermal annealing (RTA) to nanoscale GaSb vertical nanowire p-type MOS field-effect transistors, we have improved the average peak transconductance (g
m,peak) by 50% among 28 devices and achieved 70 μS μm−1 at V
DS = −0.5 V in a device with 200 nm gate length. In addition, a low subthreshold swing down to 144 mV dec−1 as well as an off-current below 5 nA μm−1 which refers to the off-current specification in low-operation-power condition has been obtained. Based on the statistical analysis, the results show a great enhancement in both on- and off-state performance with respect to previous work mainly due to the improved electrostatics and contacts after RTA, leading to a potential in low-power logic applications. We have also examined a short channel device with L
g = 80 nm in RTA, which shows an increased g
m,peak up to 149 μS μm−1 at V
DS = −0.5 V as well as a low on-resistance of 4.7 kΩ·μm. The potential of further enhancement in g
m via RTA offers a good alternative to obtain high-performance devices for RF applications which have less stringent requirement for off-state performance. Our results indicate that post-fabrication annealing provides a great option to improve the performance of GaSb-based p-type devices with different structures for various applications.
Triclinic boron nanosheets high-efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Xu Maoping , Wang Rui , Bian Kan , Hou Chuang , Wu Yaxing , Tai Guoan
Published: November 2021

Recently, two-dimensional (2D) boron nanosheets have been predicted to exhibit exceptional physical and chemical properties, which is expected to be widely used in advanced electronics, optoelectronic, energy storage and conversion devices. However, the experimental application of 2D boron nanosheets in hydrogen evolution reactiuon (HER) has not been reported. Here, we have grown ultrathin boron nanosheets on tungsten foils via chemical vapor deposition. The prepared triclinic boron nanosheets are highly crystalline, which perfectly match the structure in the previous theoretical calculations. Notably, the boron nanosheets show excellent HER performance. The Tafel slope is only 64 mV dec−1 and the nanosheets can maintain good stability under long-time cycle in acidic solution. The improvement of performance is mainly due to the metal properties and a large number of exposed active sites on the boron nanosheets, which is confirmed by first-principle calculations.
Defects-assisted piezoelectric response in liquid exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets
Authors: Shakya Jyoti , H N Gayathri , Ghosh Arindam
Published: November 2021

MoS2 is an intrinsic piezoelectric material which offers applications such as energy harvesting, sensors, actuators, flexible electronics, energy storage and more. Surprisingly, there are not any suitable, yet economical methods that can produce quality nanosheets of MoS2 in large quantities, hence limiting the possibility of commercialisation of its applications. Here, we demonstrate controlled synthesis of highly crystalline MoS2 nanosheets via liquid phase exfoliation of bulk MoS2, following which we report piezoelectric response from the exfoliated nanosheets. The method of piezo force microscopy was employed to explore the piezo response in mono, bi, tri and multilayers of MoS2 nanosheets. The effective piezoelectric coefficient of MoS2 varies from 9.6 to 25.14 pm V−1. We attribute piezoelectric response in MoS2 nanosheets to the defects formed in it during the synthesis procedure. The presence of defects is confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
The linear and nonlinear instability of the Akhmediev breather
Authors: Grinevich P G , Santini P M
Published: November 2021

The Akhmediev breather (AB) and its M-breather generalisation, hereafter called AB
M
, are exact solutions of the focusing NLS equation periodic in space and exponentially localised in time over the constant unstable background; they describe the appearance of M unstable nonlinear modes and their interaction, and they are expected to play a relevant role in the theory of periodic anomalous (rogue) waves in nature. It is therefore important to establish the stability properties of these solutions under perturbations. Concerning perturbations of these solutions within the NLS dynamics, there is the following common belief in the literature. Let the NLS background be unstable with respect to the first N modes; then (i) if the M unstable modes of the AB
M
solution are strictly contained in this set (M < N), then the AB
M
is unstable; (ii) if they coincide with this set (M = N), then the AB
M
solution is neutrally stable. In this paper we argue instead that the AB
M
solution is always linearly unstable, even in the saturation case M = N, and we prove it in the simplest case M = N = 1, constructing two examples of x-periodic solutions of the linearised theory growing exponentially in time. Then we sketch the proof of completeness of the basis of periodic solutions of the linearised theory. We also investigate the nonlinear instability showing that (i) a perturbed AB initial condition evolves into a recurrence of ABs; (ii) the AB solution is more unstable than the background solution, and its instability increases as T → 0, where T is the AB appearance time. Although the AB solution is linearly and nonlinearly unstable, its instability generates a recurrence of ABs, and this recurrence implies its relevance in the natural phenomena described by the NLS equation, as well as its orbital stability, using a specific definition of orbital stability present in the literature.
Fibro-CoSANet: pulmonary fibrosis prognosis prediction using a convolutional self attention network
Authors: Al Nazi Zabir , Rabbi Mashrur Fazla , Islam Md Amirul , Saha Shumit
Published: November 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a restrictive interstitial lung disease that causes lung function decline by lung tissue scarring. Although lung function decline is assessed by the forced vital capacity (FVC), determining the accurate progression of IPF remains a challenge. To address this challenge, we proposed Fibro-CoSANet, a novel end-to-end multi-modal learning based approach, to predict the FVC decline. Fibro-CoSANet utilized computed tomography images and demographic information in convolutional neural network frameworks with a stacked attention layer. Extensive experiments on the OSIC Pulmonary Fibrosis Progression Dataset demonstrated the superiority of our proposed Fibro-CoSANet by achieving new state-of-the-art modified Laplace log-likelihood score of −6.68. This network may benefit research areas concerned with designing networks to improve the prognostic accuracy of IPF. The source-code for Fibro-CoSANet is available at: https://github.com/zabir-nabil/Fibro-CoSANet.
A novel preform compaction method for fabricating high-performance Y–Ba–Cu–O single-grain bulk superconductor
Authors: Li Guo-Zheng , Wang Miao
Published: November 2021

A novel preform compaction method based on one new type of divisible mould was employed for fabricating single-grain YBCO bulk superconductor, which can complete the preform demoulding process through opening of the mould, rather than pushing the preform out in the regular mould. Thus it has natural superiority on eliminating macro-cracks, which has been proved by the sample surface morphology and the trapped field characterization. In addition, the divisible mould pressed sample exhibits higher levitation force and trapped field properties than the regular mould pressed samples, verifying the potentials of the divisible mould on improving the bulk performance. The optical micrograph results prove the superiority of the divisible mould on eliminating tiny cracks on sample surface. The processing facility and sample reliability brought by the divisible mould should also be emphasized, because the crushing and re-pressing of preform when it presents visible cracks can be omitted and the failed samples with surface cracks will no longer appear. Consequently, the experimental efficiency and stability are both enhanced.
An overview of structured illumination microscopy: recent advances and perspectives
Authors: Samanta Krishnendu , Joseph Joby
Published: November 2021

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is one of the most significant widefield super-resolution optical imaging techniques. The conventional SIM utilizes a sinusoidal structured pattern to excite the fluorescent sample; which eventually down-modulates higher spatial frequency sample information within the diffraction-limited passband of the microscopy system and provides around two-fold resolution enhancement over diffraction limit after suitable computational post-processing. Here we provide an overview of the basic principle, image reconstruction, technical development of the SIM technique. Nonetheless, in order to push the SIM resolution further towards the extreme nanoscale dimensions, several different approaches are launched apart from the conventional SIM. Among the various SIM methods, some of the important techniques e.g. TIRF, non-linear, plasmonic, speckle SIM etc are discussed elaborately. Moreover, we highlight different implementations of SIM in various other imaging modalities to enhance their imaging performances with augmented capabilities. Finally, some future outlooks are mentioned which might develop fruitfully and pave the way for new discoveries in near future.
Controllable growth of multilayered XSe2 (X = W and Mo) for nonlinear optical and optoelectronic applications
Authors: Ye Kun , Liu Lixuan , Chen Liying , Li Wenlong , Wang Bochong , Nie Anmin , Xiang Jianyong , Zhai Kun , Wen Fusheng , Mu Congpu , Zhao Zhisheng , Gong Yongji , Tian Yongjun , Liu Zhongyuan
Published: November 2021

The layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit the intriguing physical properties and potential application in novel electronic devices. However, controllable growth of multilayer TMDs remains challenging. Herein, large-scale and high-quality multilayer prototype TMDs of W(Mo)Se2 were synthesized via chemical vapor deposition. For Raman and photoluminescence measurements, 2H and 3R multilayer WSe2 crystals displayed significant layer-dependent peak position and intensity feature. Besides, different from the oscillatory relationship of second harmonic generation (SHG) intensity for odd–even layer numbers in 2H-stacked multilayer WSe2, the SHG intensity of 3R-stacked ones parabolically increased with the thickness due to the absence of inversion symmetry. For device application, photodetectors based on WSe2 with increasing thickness exhibited p-type (bilayer), ambipolar (trilayer), and n-type (four layers) semiconductor behaviors, respectively. Furthermore, photodetectors based on the as-synthesized 3R-stacked WSe2 flakes displayed an excellent responsivity of 7.8 × 103 mA W−1, high specific detectivity (Da*) of 1.7 × 1014 Jones, outstanding external quantum efficiency of 8.6 × 102%, and fast response time (τ
Rise = 57 ms and τ
Fall = 53 ms) under 532 nm illumination with bias voltage of V
ds = 5 V. Similar results have also been achieved in multilayer MoSe2 crystals. All these findings indicate great potential of 3R-stacked TMDs in two-dimensional optoelectronic applications.
Boosted optimal weighted least-squares
Authors: Haberstich Cécile , Nouy Anthony , Perrin Guillaume
Published: November 2021

This paper is concerned with the approximation of a function

u
u

in a given subspace

V
m

V_m

of dimension

m
m

from evaluations of the function at

n
n

suitably chosen points. The aim is to construct an approximation of

u
u

in

V
m

V_m

which yields an error close to the best approximation error in

V
m

V_m

and using as few evaluations as possible. Classical least-squares regression, which defines a projection in

V
m

V_m

from

n
n

random points, usually requires a large

n
n

to guarantee a stable approximation and an error close to the best approximation error. This is a major drawback for applications where

u
u

is expensive to evaluate. One remedy is to use a weighted least-squares projection using

n
n

samples drawn from a properly selected distribution. In this paper, we introduce a boosted weighted least-squares method which allows to ensure almost surely the stability of the weighted least-squares projection with a sample size close to the interpolation regime

n
=
m

n=m

. It consists in sampling according to a measure associated with the optimization of a stability criterion over a collection of independent

n
n

-samples, and resampling according to this measure until a stability condition is satisfied. A greedy method is then proposed to remove points from the obtained sample. Quasi-optimality properties in expectation are obtained for the weighted least-squares projection, with or without the greedy procedure. The proposed method is validated on numerical examples and compared to state-of-the-art interpolation and weighted least-squares methods.
Dyadic-probabilistic methods in bilinear analysis
Authors: Martikainen Henri , Vuorinen Emil
Published: November 2021

We demonstrate and develop dyadic–probabilistic methods in connection with non-homogeneous bilinear operators, namely singular integrals and square functions. We develop the full non-homogeneous theory of bilinear singular integrals using a modern point of view. The main result is a new global

T
b

Tb

theorem for Calderón–Zygmund operators in this setting. Our main tools include maximal truncations, adapted Cotlar type inequalities and suppression and big piece methods.

While proving our bilinear results we also advance and refine the linear theory of Calderón–Zygmund operators by improving techniques and results. For example, we simplify and make more efficient some non-homogeneous summing arguments appearing in

T
1

T1

type proofs. As a byproduct, we can manage with ease quite general modulus of continuity in the kernel estimates. Our testing conditions are also quite general by virtue of the big piece method of proof.
The size of the class of countable sequences of ordinals
Authors: Chan William , Jackson Stephen , Trang Nam
Published: November 2021

Assume

Z
F

+

A
D

+

D
C

R

\mathsf {ZF} + \mathsf {AD} + \mathsf {DC}_\mathbb {R}

. There is no injection of

>

ω

1

ω

1

{}^{>\omega _{1}}{\omega _{1}}

(the set of countable length sequences of countable ordinals) into

ω

O
N

{}^\omega \mathrm {ON}

(the class of

ω
\omega

length sequences of ordinals). There is no injection of

[

ω

1

]

ω

1

[{\omega _{1}}]^{{\omega _{1}}}

(the powerset of

ω

1

{\omega _{1}}

) into

>

ω

1

O
N

{}^{>{\omega _{1}}}\mathrm {ON}

(the class of countable length sequences of ordinals).
Area minimizing surfaces in homotopy classes in metric spaces
Authors: Soultanis Elefterios , Wenger Stefan
Published: November 2021

We introduce and study a notion of relative

1
1

-homotopy type for Sobolev maps from a surface to a metric space spanning a given collection of Jordan curves. We use this to establish the existence and local Hölder regularity of area minimizing surfaces in a given relative

1
1

-homotopy class in proper geodesic metric spaces admitting a local quadratic isoperimetric inequality. If the underlying space has trivial second homotopy group then relatively

1
1

-homotopic maps are relatively homotopic. We also obtain an analog for closed surfaces in a given

1
1

-homotopy class. Our theorems generalize and strengthen results of Lemaire [Ann. Scuola Norm. Sup. Pisa Cl. Sci. (4) 9 (1982), pp. 91–103], Jost [J. Reine Angew. Math. 359 (1985), pp. 37-54], Schoen–Yau [Ann. of Math. (2) 110 (1979), pp. 127–142], and Sacks–Uhlenbeck [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 271 (1982), pp. 639–652].
Leading by example: developing mentoring strategies to promote diversity and student success
Authors: Quintana Anita M.
Published: November 2021

Research has shown that individuals from diverse backgrounds and women are underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. A lack of identifiable role models/mentorship and poor mentoring experiences are a few cited factors that continue to limit increased diversity. As an underrepresented individual and a faculty member at a minority-serving institution, I strive to provide my students with a strong example, one that they can identify with. Part of my approach has been to develop mentoring pillars and strategies that seek to build relationships with my mentees and that aim to improve their research experience. This essay briefly describes my experiences as a mentor and the mentoring pillars I developed to promote a diverse and inclusive environment for my current and future mentees.
Evaluation of chemotherapy preparation processes: Volumetric method reliability and gravimetric method utility within 5 US hospitals
Authors: Moss Adam , Kang Stephanie , Morbitzer Kathryn A , Nguyen Lam , Shwin Moe , St. Cyr Denise , Portogues Jose , Eckel Stephen F
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the volumetric method for intravenous (IV) preparations and explore the utility of gravimetric methods in the medication preparation process within multiple institutions. Secondary outcomes of this study were syringe size percent variations and impact on drug expenditures.

Methods

A prospective, noninterventional, multisite study was conducted between March 2015 and December 2016 to generate baseline estimates of accuracy and precision in the volumetric medication preparation process. Five hospitals in the United States were recruited for study participation. During the data collection process, technicians were required to measure the syringe at 3 different points: when the new empty syringe was connected to a closed-system transfer device (CSTD), when the filled syringe containing the prepared dose of medication was connected to a CSTD, and when the used syringe with residual medication was connected to a CSTD. The actual dose of drug dispensed (in mg) was divided by the specific gravity of the medication to determine the actual volume of medication dispensed.

Results

A total of 4,443 compounded sterile products representing 60 medications across 5 hospitals were eligible for the study. Of the evaluated preparations, 91.92% were within 5% of the prescribed dose and 96.56% were within 10% of the prescribed dose. The outliers ranged from –144.10% to 233.72%.

Conclusion

The potential for significant over- and undertreatment of an individual patient receiving IV chemotherapy exists, indicating the need for an additional measurement method, such as real-time gravimetric verification, to ensure an accurate dose is administered to every patient.
Kletzer’s Direttissima
Authors: Simmonds N E
Published: November 2021

Kletzer believes that, by focusing upon permission, we can derive the law’s obligatory power from the idea that the world is normatively inert. In a normatively inert world, everything is permitted. Consequently, if the law operates by permitting the use of force, it requires no deep normative underpinning: it could even invoke moral nihilism as its basis. Although ingenious, this argument faces two formidable problems. Firstly, in a normatively inert world, permissions can have causal effects but no normative effects. And secondly, the normatively inert world cannot be assumed as an uncontentious given or derived from the shortfall between what is and what ought to be, as Kletzer supposes. It requires a contestable metaphysics. Although accepting the unity of practical reason, Kletzer rejects the traditional natural law position on the grounds that law and morality are of dissimilar form, so that law cannot be grounded in morality. At the same time, he fails to offer any explanation of that difference in form. Once we have a satisfactory explanation of this difference, we see that it is precisely the difference in form between law and morality that enables us to understand law’s basis in morality. Individual moral engagement and reflection can flourish only within communities governed by law.
Market-Based Monetary Policy Uncertainty
Authors: Bauer Michael D , Lakdawala Aeimit , Mueller Philippe
Published: November 2021

Uncertainty about future policy rates plays a crucial role for the transmission of monetary policy to financial markets. We demonstrate this using event studies of FOMC announcements and a new model-free uncertainty measure based on derivatives. Over the ‘FOMC uncertainty cycle’ announcements systematically resolve uncertainty, which then gradually ramps up again. Changes in monetary policy uncertainty around FOMC announcements—often due to forward guidance—have pronounced effects on asset prices that are distinct from the effects of conventional policy surprises. The level of uncertainty determines the magnitude of financial market reactions to surprises about the path of policy rates.
The relevance logic of Boolean groups
Authors: Weiss Yale
Published: November 2021

In this article, I consider the positive logic of Boolean groups (i.e. Abelian groups where every non-identity element has order 2), where these are taken as frames for an operational semantics à la Urquhart. I call this logic BG. It is shown that the logic over the smallest nontrivial Boolean group, taken as a frame, is identical to the positive fragment of a quasi-relevance logic that was developed by Robles and Méndez (an extension of this result where negation is included is also discussed). It is proved that BG satisfies the variable sharing property and is Halldén complete, while failing to satisfy the disjunction property. Sound and complete subscripted tableaux are presented for BG. An axiomatization (in the positive language extended with fusion) is presented, which is sound with respect to BG and, with respect to a related ternary relational semantics, complete; the problem of identifying a complete axiomatization for BG itself is left open. Connections between BG and the quasi-relevance logic KR are also discussed.
Capsaicin restores sodium iodine symporter-mediated radioiodine uptake through bypassing canonical TSH‒TSHR pathway in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells
Authors: Xu Shichen , Cheng Xian , Wu Jing , Wang Yunping , Wang Xiaowen , Wu Liying , Yu Huixin , Bao Jiandong , Zhang Li
Published: November 2021

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare but highly lethal disease. ATCs are resistant to standard therapies and are extremely difficult to manage. The stepwise cell dedifferentiation results in the impairment of the iodine-metabolizing machinery and the infeasibility of radioiodine treatment in ATC. Hence, reinducing iodine-metabolizing gene expression to restore radioiodine avidity is considered as a promising strategy to fight against ATC. In the present study, capsaicin (CAP), a natural potent transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) agonist, was discovered to reinduce ATC cell differentiation and to increase the expression of thyroid transcription factors (TTFs including TTF-1, TTF-2, and PAX8) and iodine-metabolizing proteins, including thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), thyroid peroxidase, and sodium iodine symporter (NIS), in two ATC cell lines, 8505C and FRO. Strikingly, CAP treatment promoted NIS glycosylation and its membrane trafficking, resulting in a significant enhancement of radioiodine uptake of ATC cells in vitro. Mechanistically, CAP-activated TRPV1 channel and subsequently triggered Ca2+ influx, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generation, and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) signal activation. Next, CREB recognized and bound to the promoter of SLC5A5 to facilitate its transcription. Moreover, the TRPV1 antagonist CPZ, the calcium chelator BAPTA, and the PKA inhibitor H-89 effectively alleviated the redifferentiation exerted by CAP, demonstrating that CAP might improve radioiodine avidity through the activation of the TRPV1‒Ca2+/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway. In addition, our study indicated that CAP might trigger a novel cascade to redifferentiate ATC cells and provide unprecedented opportunities for radioiodine therapy in ATC, bypassing canonical TSH‒TSHR pathway.
The regulatory subunits of PI3K, p85α and p85β, differentially affect BRD7-mediated regulation of insulin signaling
Authors: Lee Junsik M , Liu Renyan , Park Sang Won
Published: November 2021

Bromodomain-containing protein 7 (BRD7) has been shown to interact with the regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p85, in the insulin signaling pathway. Here, we show that upregulation of hepatic BRD7 improves glucose homeostasis even in the absence of either p85 isoform, p85α or p85β. However, BRD7 leads to differential activation of downstream effector proteins in the insulin signaling pathway depending on which isoform of p85 is present. In the presence of only p85α, BRD7 overexpression increases phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR) upon insulin stimulation, without increasing the recruitment of p85 to IR substrate. Overexpression of BRD7 also increases activation of Akt in response to insulin, but does not affect basal phosphorylation levels of Akt. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is increased by overexpression of BRD7. On the other hand, in the presence of only p85β, BRD7 overexpression does not affect phosphorylation levels of IR, and Akt phosphorylation is not affected by insulin stimulation following BRD7 upregulation. However, BRD7 overexpression leads to increased basal phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK3β. These data demonstrate that BRD7’s action on glucose homeostasis does not require the presence of both p85 isoforms, and p85α and p85β have unique roles in insulin signaling in the liver.
Questionable and Open Research Practices: Attitudes and Perceptions among Quantitative Communication Researchers
Authors: Bakker Bert N , Jaidka Kokil , Dörr Timothy , Fasching Neil , Lelkes Yphtach
Published: November 2021

Recent contributions have questioned the credibility of quantitative communication research. While questionable research practices (QRPs) are believed to be widespread, evidence for this belief is, primarily, derived from other disciplines. Therefore, it is largely unknown to what extent QRPs are used in quantitative communication research and whether researchers embrace open research practices (ORPs). We surveyed first and corresponding authors of publications in the top-20 journals in communication science. Many researchers report using one or more QRPs. We find widespread pluralistic ignorance: QRPs are generally rejected, but researchers believe they are prevalent. At the same time, we find optimism about the use of open science practices. In all, our study has implications for theories in communication that rely upon a cumulative body of empirical work: these theories are negatively affected by QRPs but can gain credibility if based upon ORPs. We outline an agenda to move forward as a discipline.
The philosophical interpretation of language game theory
Authors: Zangwill Nick
Published: November 2021

I give an informal presentation of the evolutionary game theoretic approach to the conventions that constitute linguistic meaning. The aim is to give a philosophical interpretation of the project, which accounts for the role of game theoretic mathematics in explaining linguistic phenomena. I articulate the main virtue of this sort of account, which is its psychological economy, and I point to the casual mechanisms that are the ground of the application of evolutionary game theory to linguistic phenomena. Lastly, I consider the objection that the account cannot explain predication, logic, and compositionality.
Non-invertible topological defects in 4-dimensional $\mathbb {Z}_2$ pure lattice gauge theory
Authors: Koide Masataka , Nagoya Yuta , Yamaguchi Satoshi
Published: November 2021

We explore topological defects in the 4D pure $\mathbb {Z}_2$ lattice gauge theory. This theory has 1-form $\mathbb {Z}_{2}$ center symmetry as well as Kramers–Wannier–Wegner (KWW) duality. We construct the KWW duality topological defects in a similar way to those constructed by Aasen et al. [J. Phys. A 49, 354001 (2016)] for the 2D Ising model. These duality defects turn out to be non-invertible. We also construct 1-form $\mathbb {Z}_{2}$ symmetry defects as well as the junctions between the KWW duality defects and 1-form $\mathbb {Z}_{2}$ center symmetry defects. The crossing relations between these defects are derived. The expectation values of some configurations of these topological defects are calculated by using these crossing relations.
The impact of diabetes mellitus on treatment and outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis at 5-year follow-up: results from a multi-ethnic Asian cohort
Authors: Xu Chuanhui , Yong Mei Yun , Koh Ee Tzun , Dalan Rinkoo , Leong Khai Pang ,   and the TTSH Rheumatoid Arthritis Study Group, Ang Andrea , Chan Angela Li-Huan , Chan Grace Yin Lai , Chan Madelynn Tsu-Li , Chia Faith Li-Ann , Chng Hiok Hee , Chua Choon Guan , Howe Hwee Siew , Koh Ee Tzun , Koh Li Wearn , Kong Kok Ooi , Law Weng Giap , Ming Samuel Lee Shang , Leong Khai Pang , Lian Tsui Yee , Lim Xin Rong , Loh Jess Mung Ee , Manghani Mona , Tan Justina Wei Lynn , Tan Sze-Chin , Tan Teck Choon , Min-Li Claire Teo , Thong Bernard Yu-Hor , Tjokrosaputro Paula Permatasari
Published: November 2021

Objectives

We evaluated the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on RA treatment and outcomes in a longitudinal RA cohort.

Methods

We analysed data collected in the period 2001–2013 involving 583 RA patients, including demographics, diabetes diagnosis, clinical features, treatment, ACR functional class, HAQ, and quality-of-life measurement using the Short-Form 36.

Results

Seventy-seven (13.2%) of the RA patients had T2DM. DAS28 was not different in patients with T2DM at 5 years post-RA diagnosis. Fewer T2DM patients received MTX than those without T2DM (51% vs 80%, P < 0.001). Using univariate analysis, T2DM patients were more likely to experience poorer outcomes in terms of ACR functional status (P = 0.009), joint surgery (P = 0.007), knee arthroplasty (P < 0.001) and hospital admissions (P = 0.006). Multivariate regression analyses showed more knee arthroplasty (P = 0.047) in patients with T2DM.

Conclusion

Fewer patients with T2DM received MTX compared with those without T2DM. Patients with RA and T2DM were at higher risk of knee arthroplasty than RA patients without T2DM.
Impact of thymosin α1 as an immunomodulatory therapy on long-term survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients after R0 resection: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Guo Cheng-Lin , Mei Jian-Dong , Jia Yu-Long , Gan Fan-Yi , Tang Yu-Dong , Liu Cheng-Wu , Zeng Zhen , Yang Zhen-Yu , Deng Sen-Yi , Sun Xing , Liu Lun-Xu
Published: November 2021

Background:

There is limited information about thymosin α1 (Tα1) as adjuvant immunomodulatory therapy, either used alone or combined with other treatments, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adjuvant Tα1 treatment on long-term survival in margin-free (R0)-resected stage IA–IIIA NSCLC patients.

Methods:

A total of 5746 patients with pathologic stage IA-IIIA NSCLC who underwent R0 resection were included. The patients were divided into the Tα1 group and the control group according to whether they received Tα1 or not. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce bias, resulting in 1027 pairs of patients.

Results:

After PSM, the baseline clinicopathological characteristics were similar between the two groups. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were significantly higher in the Tα1 group compared with the control group. The multivariable analysis showed that Tα1 treatment was independently associated with an improved prognosis. A longer duration of Tα1 treatment was associated with improved OS and DFS. The subgroup analyses showed that Tα1 therapy could improve the DFS and/or OS in all subgroups of age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), smoking status, and pathological tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, especially for patients with non-squamous cell NSCLC and without targeted therapy.

Conclusion:

Tα1 as adjuvant immunomodulatory therapy can significantly improve DFS and OS in patients with NSCLC after R0 resection, except for patients with squamous cell carcinoma and those receiving targeted therapy. The duration of Tα1 treatment is recommended to be >24 months.
Blast Injury to the Hand: Assessing the Injury Pattern and Functional Outcome of the Thumb
Authors: Rivedal David D. , Coon Christopher , Sanger James R. , Hettinger Patrick
Published: November 2021

Background:

In the United States, approximately 30% of about 10,000 annual blast injuries involve the hand, causing a broad spectrum of injury severity. The first web space is typically most severely affected. As the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is critical to the unique function of the thumb, we evaluated typical patterns of injury to this joint, subsequent salvageability and functional outcomes of the thumb.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review on patients with blast injuries to the hand from January 1995 through July 2019 and excluded penetrating trauma. We assessed hand function as reported in occupational therapy records. Injury severity was classified independently by structures.

Results:

Twenty-one patients were included, two with bilateral injuries, for a total of 23 hands. Eighteen patients had injuries to one or both thumbs, for a total of 20 thumbs evaluated. Average follow-up was 1.58 years. Most injuries qualified as severe in at least one category: soft tissue, neurovascular, or bone/joint. All 10 CMC joint dislocations required surgical fixation and pinning. Eight patients had applicable occupational therapy notes available. Severely injured thumbs had statistically significant decreased range of motion (ROM) at the interphalangeal joint, metacarpophalangeal joint and with radial abduction compared to mildly injury thumbs (P value 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions:

Blast injury to the hand often results in severe deficits, frequently affecting thumb functionality and irreversibly altering occupational capabilities. Half the patients studied had severe damage to the thumb CMC joint. Objectively, severely injured thumbs had significantly worse ROM than mildly injured thumbs.