bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Meeting Centres continue to support people affected by dementia: report on UK COVID-19 impact
Authors: Evans Shirley , Bray Jennifer , Brooker Dawn
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, Meeting Centres (MCs) for people affected by dementia in the UK ceased to meet physically but continued to provide remote support. The aim was to understand the extent to which MCs were able to operate when physical meetings were not possible and how they achieved particularly in relation to the adaptation and coping model and practical, emotional and social adjustment.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with people affected by dementia, staff, volunteers, managers and trustees from MCs. Data were collected on the type and quantity of contact MCs had with people affected by dementia during lockdown. Data were coded and mapped against adaptation and coping strategies, i.e. practical understanding and empowerment, optimising emotional well-being and opportunities for social engagement.

Findings

A range of remote approaches, both technological (e.g. using online platforms) and non-technological (e.g. newsletters and post) were implemented alongside limited face-to-face contact. Regular MC activities were adapted using the different approaches. It was possible to map all the adaptation and coping model support strategies to the activities delivered in this way. MCs were able to adapt rapidly to continue to support people to adjust to change.

Social implications

Moving forward, combining approaches (usual MC and remote) means person-centred support could be optimized, addressing social isolation and reaching those who cannot attend MCs.

Originality/value

This paper offers new insight into the extent to which community-based support for people with dementia can continue when face-to-face contact is not possible because of COVID-19.
Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: Have our experiments and indices been underestimating the role of facilitation?
Authors: Wright Alexandra J. , Barry Kathryn E. , Lortie Christopher J. , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: May 2021

After 25 years of biodiversity experiments, it is clear that higher biodiversity (B) plant communities are usually more productive and often have greater ecosystem functioning (EF) than lower diversity communities. However, the mechanisms underlying this positive biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationship are still poorly understood.

The vast majority of past work in BEF research has focused on the roles of mathematically partitioned complementarity and selection effects. While these mathematical approaches have provided insights into underlying mechanisms, they have focused strongly on competition and resource partitioning.

Importantly, mathematically partitioned complementarity effects include multiple facilitative mechanisms, including dilution of species‐specific pathogens, positive changes in soil nutrient cycling, associational defence and microclimate amelioration.

Synthesis. This Special Feature takes an experimental and mechanistic approach to teasing out the facilitative mechanisms that underlie positive BEF relationships. As an example, we demonstrate diversity‐driven changes in microclimate amelioration. Articles in this Special Feature explore photoinhibition, experimental manipulations of microclimate, lidar examinations of plant canopy effects and higher‐order trophic interactions as facilitative mechanisms behind classic BEF processes. We emphasize the need for future BEF experiments to disentangle the facilitative mechanisms that are interlinked with niche complementarity to better understand the fundamental processes by which diversity regulates life on Earth.
Development of an emergency medical services system in Thailand: Roles of the universal health coverage and the national lead agency
Authors: Pochaisan Oratai , Pattanarattanamolee Ratrawee , Pongphuttha Weerasak , Chadbunchachai Witaya , Nakahara Shinji
Published: May 2021

This paper describes how the Thai health sector developed nationwide emergency medical services (EMS), despite limited resources and we try to extract lessons applicable to other resource‐constrained settings. The government of Thailand has strengthened EMS by integrating it into the general healthcare system and formulating a national development plan and lead agency for EMS. The government emphasized the deployment of low‐cost basic‐level EMS units stationed near the communities, named as ‘first‐responder units’. In Khon Kaen Province, which has led the nationwide EMS development of Thailand, the availability of EMS (number of EMS units) and utilisation of EMS (proportion of severe trauma patients transported to hospital by EMS) greatly increased from 2000 to 2017. This success is due to the emphasis on the first‐responder units through consistent national policies.
A Cross‐Sectional Test of Sign Creation by Children in the Gesture and Vocal Modalities
Authors: Lister Casey J. , Burtenshaw Tiarn , Walker Bradley , Ohan Jeneva L. , Fay Nicolas
Published: May 2021

Naturalistic studies show that children can create language‐like communication systems in the absence of conventional language. However, experimental evidence is mixed. We address this discrepancy using an experimental paradigm that simulates naturalistic sign creation. Specifically, we tested if a sample of 6‐ to 12‐year‐old children (52 girls and 56 boys drawn from an urban, predominantly white population in Western Australia) can comprehend and create novel gestural and vocal signs. Experiment 1 tested children’s ability to comprehend novel signs. Experiment 2 tested children’s ability to create novel signs. Results show that children can comprehend and create gestural and vocal signs, that communication is more successful in the gesture modality, and that older children outperform younger children.
Pay inequality and gender dynamics in top executive positions
Authors: Amore Mario Daniele , Garofalo Orsola
Published: May 2021

Research Question/Issue

Contributing to ongoing debates on the determinants of diversity at the helm of companies, we investigate the relationship between executives' gender and pay inequality within the top executive team.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a panel data set of US listed firms, we find that a greater inequality in executive pay is positively associated with the exit of female executives from the firm's top executive team. This effect is economically larger when the starting level of female representation in the executive team is low, when the firm uses more variable compensation to reward executives, and when the firm operates in geographic areas featuring stronger aversion toward income inequality.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our study expands existing knowledge on the organizational and external factors promoting gender diversity at the top of companies. Although this literature has widely analyzed women's entry into corporate positions, exit has been largely neglected. Our study fills this gap by documenting significant gender differences in the relationship between executives' pay inequality and exit from the top executive team. In so doing, we connect the literatures on gender diversity and executive pay distribution, which have developed in a rather independent manner.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Drawing on insights from corporate governance and behavioral economics, this study offers novel evidence to policy‐makers interested in addressing the under‐explored challenges associated with the retention of women in corporate positions and their upward mobility within the corporate hierarchy. Moreover, the contextual variations behind our main finding suggest that cultural values and norms may play a key role in shaping the effectiveness of public policies aimed at increasing diversity in corporate governance positions.
Migraine prevalence in visual snow with prior illicit drug use (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder) versus without
Authors: van Dongen Robin M. , Alderliefste Gerard J. , Onderwater Gerrit L. J. , Ferrari Michel D. , Terwindt Gisela M.
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

This study was undertaken to investigate migraine prevalence in persons with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) presenting as visual snow syndrome (VSS).

Methods

Persons with visual snow as a persisting symptom after illicit drug use (HPPD) were recruited via a Dutch consulting clinic for recreational drug use. A structured interview on (visual) perceptual symptomatology, details of drugs use, and medical and headache history was taken. As a control group, persons with visual snow who had never used illicit drugs prior to onset were included. The primary outcome was lifetime prevalence of migraine. Symptom severity was evaluated by the Visual Snow Handicap Inventory (VHI), a 25‐item questionnaire.

Results

None of the 24 HPPD participants had migraine, whereas 20 of 37 (54.1%) controls had migraine (p < 0.001). VHI scores did not differ significantly between the two groups; in both groups, the median score was 38 of 100. In most HPPD cases (17/24, 70.9%), visual snow had started after intake of ecstasy; other psychedelic drugs reported included cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, amphetamine, 4‐fluoroamphetamine, 3‐methylmethcathinone, 4‐Bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxypenethylamine, and nitrous oxide.

Conclusions

Whereas none of the HPPD participants had migraine, more than half of the visual snow controls without prior use of illicit drugs had migraine. This suggests that at least partly different pathophysiological factors play a role in these disorders. Users of ecstasy and other hallucinogens should be warned of the risk of visual snow. Further studies are needed to enhance understanding of the underlying neurobiology of HPPD and VSS to enable better management of these conditions.
Effects of Al:Si and (Al+Na):Si ratios on the static corrosion of sodium‐boroaluminosilicate glasses
Authors: Reiser Joelle T. , Parruzot Benjamin , Gin Stéphane , Bonnett Jeffrey F. , Smoljan Courtney S. , Seymour Lorraine M. , Ryan Joseph V. , Vienna John D.
Published: May 2021

Understanding alteration mechanisms of borosilicate glasses in aqueous media is essential to nuclear waste performance assessments to ensure radioisotopes are contained for extended durations. Aluminum is typically added to glass compositions to reduce the extent of alteration. However, previous work on 7‐day durability tests has suggested that Al has a nonlinear relationship with extent of alteration. The effects of Al:Si and (Al+Na):Si substitutions on glass durability were evaluated using series of glasses based on the International Simple Glass corroded in static conditions up to 13 months in deionized water at 90°C. The alteration behavior was determined by measurement of element release in solution. The ⁓7‐day alteration trends across the series were consistent with predicted trends. The 13‐month results indicated overall alteration decreased as Al:Si ratios increased and was unaffected by changes in (Al+Na):Si except for the glass with the highest (Al+Na):Si ratio (ISG‐A23N), which completely altered within 14 days. Frequent sampling and in situ Raman measurements of solutions revealed ISG‐A23N experienced several distinguishable alteration rate regimes within 7 days, forming a ⁓100 µm alteration layer and a NaSiAlO4 zeolite.
Development and validation of the Italian version of the ‘Parental Perceptions of Silver Diamine Fluoride Dental Color Changes’ questionnaire
Authors: Bagattoni Simone , Lardani Lisa , Cappiello Maria Chiara , Gatto Maria Rosaria , Montevecchi Marco , Piana Gabriela
Published: May 2021

Background

The original English version of the questionnaire ‘Parental Perceptions of SDF Dental Color Changes’ was used among parents in the New York City metropolitan area.

Aim

To develop an Italian version of the questionnaire and to assess its validity.

Design

The construct validity and the internal consistency were assessed in a convenience sample of Italian parents of 251 young healthy children seen at the University of Bologna and Pisa. Forward‐backward technique was carried out for the translation of the questionnaire. Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was equal to 0.91, and Bartlett's test of sphericity was statistically significant (P = .001), so the items were treated with the exploratory principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.69 to 0.95. PCA demonstrates that all the items load on the first component (87% of explained variance). All the Spearman correlation coefficients between each subscale (positive scenario: 0.563; negative scenario: 0.665) and the general acceptability showed significant correlation (P = .0001). Different age, educational level, and family income of the parents did not produce statistically significant different scores on any of the subscales (P > .05; Mann‐Whitney test).

Conclusion

The Italian version of the questionnaire showed high internal consistency and construct validity and was appropriate to be used in an Italian population.
A new era of moisturizers
Authors: Chandan Neha , Rajkumar Jeffrey R. , Shi Vivian Y. , Lio Peter A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Moisturizers traditionally function to replenish both the intercellular lipid lamella and natural moisturizing factors, and form a hydrolipid film on the skin surface to decrease transepidermal water loss and improve hydration. As we continue to identify epidermal lipid imbalance in patients with atopic dermatitis, we turn to the use of bioactive ingredients in moisturizers for improving barrier repair and function.

Methods

This review aims to explore the modern use of moisturizers in targeting various components of the skin barrier, dampening immune response, and restoring microbial balance. We conducted a balanced and comprehensive narrative review of the literature. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed), focusing on studies and trials regarding moisturizers that include endocannabinoids, bioactive lipids, anti‐inflammatory agents, antioxidants, and microbiome modulators. Only articles published in English language were included.

Results

The aforementioned ingredients exert additional biological effects to improve skin function by upregulating lipid synthesis, decreasing neurosensory transmission of itch signals, reversing oxidative stress, decreasing inflammatory cell activity and cytokine release, and modulating skin microbiota. The shift from traditional moisturizers to those with bioactive ingredients, anti‐inflammatory agents, and microbiome modulating effects opens a realm of possible therapeutic options for patients with barrier‐defective cutaneous conditions.

Conclusion

Focusing on the disrupted skin barrier as a target for both prevention and treatment and incorporating a combined strategy that utilizes the aforementioned agents to tackle barrier dysfunction from different angles remains a promising area for clinical impact in dermatology.
Impact of different emollient esters on body emulsions: Sensory, physicochemical, and biometrological characterization
Authors: Fabbron‐Appas Catherine Tolomei , Pandey Preeti , Parekh Harendra S. , Sales Caroline Cianga , Duque Marcelo Dutra , Andréo‐Filho Newton , Lopes Patricia Santos , de Noronha Regina Lúcia F. , Leite‐Silva Vânia Rodrigues
Published: May 2021

A range of liquid emollient ester‐loaded body emulsions were evaluated on the basis of sensory profile, consumer perception, physicochemical, biometrological, and rheological performances. This was complemented by skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) studies performed using a Corneometer® and Tewameter®, respectively. The rheological studies showed similar behavior of creams on variation of shear stress, frequency, and temperature. However, skin hydration performances of creams were found varied when compared between base cream and emollient ester‐containing creams. In case of the TEWL study, base cream (F1, no ester) and octyl palmitate‐containing cream (F2), exhibited the most protective behavior for the skin with minimal water loss. Sensory profiles of creams were obtained using the sensory descriptive analysis method. A study performed with human consumers (as subjects) using the difference of test attributes (directional) method showed the importance of sensory evaluation with consumers and proved to be an interesting analysis for comparison with the sensorial profile. In this case, the attributes with the highest intensity in the evaluated creams were, that is, spreadability, slipping, and dry touch. Stability studies of creams were performed for 90 days under different storage conditions. Stability studies showed octyl stearate‐containing (F2) and palmitate‐containing (F5) creams exhibited best stability under extended storage conditions. This research has demonstrated the importance of physicochemical characterization and sensory evaluations performed with consumers for more targeted analysis of cream‐based formulations to differentiate product characteristics and identify attributes‐led preferences.

Practical applications

Results from the present work suggest that emollients are directly responsible for sensory characteristics such as spreading, absorption, and touch on the skin; they can influence the viscosity and appearance of emulsions. After application on the skin, they regulate the moisture content of the epidermis together with the humectants. This research has demonstrated the importance of sensory evaluation, especially performed with consumers, which may be considered a more targeted analysis to differentiate product characteristics and help in the choice of emollient with the desired characteristics for the cosmetic product.
What about gluten‐free products? An insight on celiac consumers' opinions and expectations
Authors: Alencar Natália Manzatti Machado , de Araújo Vitoria Alves , Faggian Letícia , da Silveira Araújo Marielle Batista , Capriles Vanessa Dias
Published: May 2021

As a result of increased research and development, people suffering from celiac disease have more options for gluten‐free (GF) products; but we still lack information about celiac consumer's opinions on GF food and whether their requirements are met by currently available products. In this study, we analyzed celiac consumers' opinions and perceptions on commercially available GF products—particularly bread—and provided insights for food scientists and producers. To this end, we applied projective techniques of sentence completion task, word association, free listing, and open‐ended questions. A total of 205 celiac consumers completed the online survey. Despite the rise of the GF market, celiac patients are dissatisfied with the taste, texture, price, and availability of GF products. Bread is a staple GF product, consumed daily by 93% of the participants. Results show that consumers expect improvements that result in the production of soft, moist, and tasty GF bread, with lower price and better availability.

Practical Applications

This study provides understanding about the celiac consumers' opinions, expectations and perceptions about gluten free products using projective techniques. Its results will help: (a) define strategies to improve sensory aspects, especially taste, texture and price of gluten‐free breads; (b) increase awareness and understanding of the food industry with information on perceptions that can be used when developing or enhancing commercially available products on the market. This study shows the effectiveness of projective techniques in obtaining consumer opinions on quality aspects of gluten‐free bread.
On the Motion of Single and Twin Oblique Particle Clouds in Stagnant Water
Authors: Janati Mahsa , Azimi Amir Hossein
Published: May 2021

The evolution of single and twin oblique particle clouds in stagnant water was investigated using a series of laboratory experiments and the effects of controlling parameters such as sand mass and nozzle spacing were studied. The time variations of particle cloud properties such as frontal position, horizontal and vertical centroids, cloud width, and frontal velocity were measured using image analysis and particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques. The entrainment coefficients were extracted from the measurements. It was found that the main vortex motion of the frontal heads altered after the collision and a new integrated frontal head was formed. The effects of release angle and particle interactions were studied by comparing the time histories of maximum centerline velocities. It was found that the centerline velocity of twin oblique particle clouds in comparison with twin vertical particle clouds increased with increasing nozzle spacing. The time history of the ratio of horizontal to vertical centroids in oblique particle clouds determined the potential location of sand particles and a practical model was developed to determine the size and location of particle clouds with time. The time histories of normalized cloud width indicated a significant change after the frontal head collision. The particle interactions due to frontal head collision in twin oblique particle clouds significantly increased the cloud width until particle clouds reached the swarm phase. The time at which twin oblique particle clouds reached the swarm phase was recorded and a linear model was proposed to link the time to reach the swarm phase with the cloud aspect ratio and nozzle spacing.
Acoustic Waves Radiated From Two Degrees-of-Freedom Nonlinear Rigid Oscillator Systems Immersed in Unbounded Compressible Fluid
Authors: Zhang Junxian , Xie Fangtao , Qu Yegao , Meng Guang
Published: May 2021

This paper is concerned with the nonlinear behaviors of acoustic waves produced by two degrees-of-freedom rigid oscillators containing nonlinearities and immersed in infinite fluid medium. The vibrations of the oscillators are computed by both the harmonic balance method (HBM) and the direct-time integration scheme, whereas the linearized Euler equations (LEEs) of the acoustic fluid are discretized by a fourth-order dispersion-relation-preserving (DRP) scheme in space and a four-level explicit time marching scheme in time. A constrained moving least-squares (CMLS) immersed boundary method (IBM) is used to enforce the boundary conditions on the common interfaces of the rigid oscillators and the Cartesian grid of the acoustic fluid. A serially staggered procedure is adopted to solve the governing equations of the oscillators and the acoustic fluid as a coupled system. The perfectly matched layer (PML) technique is utilized to damp out the out-going acoustic waves on the boundaries of the truncated computational domain to approximate the nonreflecting wave conditions. Physical insights into the mechanism of the nonlinear acoustic waves induced by super-harmonic resonances, principal resonances, internal resonances, and combination resonances of two degrees-of-freedom nonlinear oscillator systems are provided. The interference fringes of the acoustic waves due to the nonlinear vibration of the system are also discussed. Numerical results show that the sound fields radiated from the vibration system with the above nonlinear behaviors exhibit more complicated interference phenomena since the high-order harmonic components are introduced.
A Scoping Review on College Student Physical Activity: How Do Researchers Measure Activity and Examine Inequities?
Authors: Wilson Oliver W.A. , Panza Michael J. , Evans M. Blair , Bopp Melissa
Published: May 2021

Background: The purpose of this scoping review was to critically examine the design and quality of contemporary research involving college student physical activity participation, focusing on physical activity measurement, assessment of sociodemographic characteristics, and examination of inequities based on sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in 4 electronic databases. Results: From 28,951 sources screened, data were extracted from 488 that met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies were cross-sectional in design (91.4%) and employed convenience sampling methods (83.0%). Based on the subsample of studies that reported the percentage of students meeting aerobic (n = 158; equivalent of 150 min/wk of moderate physical activity) and muscle-strengthening activity recommendations (n = 8; ≥2 times/wk), 58.7% and 47.8% of students met aerobic and muscle-strengthening recommendations, respectively. With the exception of age and sex, sociodemographic characteristics were rarely assessed, and inequities based upon them were even more scarcely examined—with no apparent increase in reporting over the past decade. Conclusions: College student physical activity levels remain concerningly low. The generalizability of findings from the contemporary literature is limited due to study design, and acknowledgement of the influence that sociodemographic characteristics have on physical activity has largely been overlooked. Recommendations for future research directions and practices are provided.
Supplemental Material: Morphological selectivity of the Permian-Triassic ammonoid mass extinction
Authors: Dai Xu , Song Haijun , al. et
Published: May 2021

Figures S1 and S2, and Tables S1 and S2.
Methods for epidemiological studies in competitive cycling: an extension of the IOC consensus statement on methods for recording and reporting of epidemiological data on injury and illness in sport 2020
Authors: Clarsen Benjamin , Pluim Babette M , Moreno-Pérez Víctor , Bigard Xavier , Blauwet Cheri , Del Coso Juan , Courel-Ibáñez Javier , Grimm Katharina , Jones Nigel , Kolman Nikki , Mateo-March Manuel , Pollastri Luca , López-Rodríguez Cesáreo , Ortolano Ríos Raquel , Roshon Michael , Hoyos Echevarría Jésus , Madouas Gwenaëlle , Nordhaug Lars Petter , Patricios Jon , Verhagen Evert
Published: May 2021

In 2020, the IOC released a consensus statement that provides overall guidelines for the recording and reporting of epidemiological data on injury and illness in sport. Some aspects of this statement need to be further specified on a sport-by-sport basis. To extend the IOC consensus statement on methods for recording and reporting of epidemiological data on injury and illness in sports and to meet the sport-specific requirements of all cycling disciplines regulated by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). A panel of 20 experts, all with experience in cycling or cycling medicine, participated in the drafting of this cycling-specific extension of the IOC consensus statement. In preparation, panel members were sent the IOC consensus statement, the first draft of this manuscript and a list of topics to be discussed. The expert panel met in July 2020 for a 1-day video conference to discuss the manuscript and specific topics. The final manuscript was developed in an iterative process involving all panel members. This paper extends the IOC consensus statement to provide cycling-specific recommendations on health problem definitions, mode of onset, injury mechanisms and circumstances, diagnosis classifications, exposure, study population characteristics and data collection methods. Recommendations apply to all UCI cycling disciplines, for both able-bodied cyclists and para-cyclists. The recommendations presented in this consensus statement will improve the consistency and accuracy of future epidemiological studies of injury and illness in cycling.
Spoonful of honey or a gallon of vinegar? A conditional COVID-19 vaccination policy for front-line healthcare workers
Authors: Bradfield Owen M , Giubilini Alberto
Published: May 2021

Seven COVID-19 vaccines are now being distributed and administered around the world (figure correct at the time of submission), with more on the horizon. It is widely accepted that healthcare workers should have high priority. However, questions have been raised about what we ought to do if members of priority groups refuse vaccination. Using the case of influenza vaccination as a comparison, we know that coercive approaches to vaccination uptake effectively increase vaccination rates among healthcare workers and reduce patient morbidity if properly implemented. Using the principle of least restrictive alternative, we have developed an intervention ladder for COVID-19 vaccination policies among healthcare workers. We argue that healthcare workers refusing vaccination without a medical reason should be temporarily redeployed and, if their refusal persists after the redeployment period, eventually suspended, in order to reduce the risk to their colleagues and patients. This ‘conditional’ policy is a compromise between entirely voluntary or entirely mandatory policies for healthcare workers, and is consistent with healthcare workers’ established professional, legal and ethical obligations to their patients and to society at large.
Long-term warming manipulations reveal complex decomposition responses across different tundra vegetation types
Authors: Björnsdóttir K. , Barrio I.C. , Jónsdóttir I.S.
Published: May 2021

In a rapidly warming tundra, ecosystems will undergo major environmental changes that are predicted to significantly alter belowground processes such as decomposition of plant litter. Making use of International Tundra Experiment sites (ITEX), which were established approximately two decades ago, we examined the long-term impacts of warming on decomposition. We used the Tea Bag Index (TBI) methodology to measure the annual mass loss (%) of two tea types as a proxy for potential decomposition rates, across five tundra vegetation types. Direct effects of warming were assessed by comparing mass loss within and outside warming manipulations. Indirect effects of warming, such as those caused by warming-induced changes in plant community composition, were assessed through the relationship between mass loss of tea and local biotic and abiotic conditions. We found positive effects of warming on decomposition, although the responses varied between vegetation and tea types. Interestingly, we found support for the indirect influence of long-term warming on decomposition through warming-induced changes in the composition of plant communities. Our findings demonstrate the complexity in decomposition responses to warming across different vegetation types and highlight the importance of long-term legacies of warming in decomposition responses across the Arctic.
Thermochronological constraints on the exhumation history of the Carboniferous Katebasu gold deposit, western Tianshan gold belt, NW China
Authors: Zhao Weice , Zhao Xiaobo , Xue Chunji , Seltmann Reimar , Dolgopolova Alla , Andersen Jens C. , Cui Xinjie , Xing Ling
Published: May 2021

The western Tianshan Gold Belt hosts numerous giant and large gold deposits that have been formed during the late Paleozoic amalgamation of the Tianshan orogen. However, little is known about their exhumation histories during the Mesozoic to Cenozoic intracontinental evolution of the orogen. The Carboniferous Katebasu orogenic gold deposit in northwestern China is a new gold discovery within the western Tianshan Gold Belt, and it shares many similarities with other orogenic gold deposits in the belt. In this contribution, new
40
Ar/
39
Ar and (U–Th)/He ages were combined with previous geochronology and numerical modelling to quantify its post-Carboniferous cooling and exhumation history. The results revealed a three-phase cooling history and two phases of post-mineralization exhumation. We suggest that a large volume (
c.
0.8 km) of the mineralized roof parts of the Katebasu deposit might have been removed during uplift and erosion, whereas significant ore reserves could still exist at depth. The large erosion depth of the Katebasu gold deposit in the Nalati Range of the Chinese western Tianshan also signifies that shallow-emplaced porphyry and epithermal systems that formed prior to Permo-Triassic uplift might have been largely eroded.
Server Allocation for Massively Multiplayer Online Cloud Games Using Evolutionary Optimization
Authors: Zhao Meiqi , Zheng Jianmin , Liu Elvis S.
Published: May 2021

In recent years, Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) are becoming popular, partially due to their sophisticated graphics and broad virtual world, and cloud gaming is demanded more than ever especially when entertaining with light and portable devices. This article considers the problem of server allocation for running MMOG on cloud, aiming to reduce the cost on cloud gaming service and meanwhile enhance the quality of service. The problem is formulated into minimizing an objective function involving the cost of server rental, the cost of data transfer and the network latency during the gaming time. A genetic algorithm is developed to solve the minimization problem for processing simultaneous server allocation for the players who log into the system at the same time while many existing players are playing the same game. Extensive experiments based on the player behavior in “World of Warcraft” are conducted to evaluate the proposed method and compare with the state-of-the-art as well. The experimental results show that the method gives a lower cost and a shorter network latency in most of the time.
Clinical Chemistry for Developing Countries: Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lee Suji , Chintalapudi Kavyasree , Badu-Tawiah Abraham K.
Published: May 2021

Early disease diagnosis is necessary to enable timely interventions. Implementation of this vital task in the developing world is challenging owing to limited resources. Diagnostic approaches developed for resource-limited settings have often involved colorimetric tests (based on immunoassays) due to their low cost. Unfortunately, the performance/sensitivity of such simplistic tests are often limited and significantly hinder opportunities for early disease detection. A new criterion for selecting diagnostic tests in low- and middle-income countries is proposed here that is based on performance-to-cost ratio. For example, modern mass spectrometry (MS) now involves analysis of the native sample in the open laboratory environment, enabling applications in many fields, including clinical research, forensic science, environmental analysis, and agriculture. In this critical review, we summarize recent developments in chemistry that enable MS to be applied effectively in developing countries. In particular, we argue that closed automated analytical systems may not offer the analytical flexibility needed in resource-limited settings. Alternative strategies proposed here have potential to be widely accepted in low- and middle-income countries through the utilization of the open-source ambient MS platform that enables microsampling techniques such as dried blood spot to be coupled with miniature mass spectrometers in a centralized analytical platform. Consequently, costs associated with sample handling and maintenance can be reduced by >50% of the total ownership cost, permitting analytical measurements to be operated at high performance-to-cost ratios in the developing world.
Gallium Liquid Metal: The Devil's Elixir
Authors: Tang Shi-Yang , Tabor Christopher , Kalantar-Zadeh Kourosh , Dickey Michael D.
Published: May 2021

Gallium is a metal that literally melts in your hand. It has low toxicity, near-zero vapor pressure, and a viscosity similar to water. Despite possessing a surface tension larger than any other liquid (near room temperature), gallium can form nonspherical shapes due to the thin, solid native oxide skin that forms rapidly in oxygen. These properties enable new ways to pattern metals (e.g., injection and printing) to create stretchable and soft devices with an unmatched combination of mechanical and electrical properties. The oxide skin can be transferred to other substrates and manipulated electrochemically to lower the interfacial tension to near zero. The reactivity of gallium can drive a wide range of reactions. The liquid state of gallium makes it easy to break into particles for making colloids and soft composites that have unusual properties due to the deformable nature of the filler. This review summarizes the truly unique and exciting properties of gallium liquid metals.
Lithiophilic NiO Nanoarrays-Modified Ni Skeletons with Vertical Channels for High-Loading Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Li-Min , Jin Zong-Zi , Ban Xiao-Kuan , Li Nai-Zhi , Wang Meng-Meng , Shen Qing , Zheng Qi-Fan , Liu Wei , Peng Ran-Ran , Chen Chu-Sheng , Chen Chun-Hua
Published: May 2021

Li metal has been a promising anode material for high-energy-density batteries because of its ultrahigh theoretical capacity, but its practical application is hindered by serious dendrite growth and volume change. Herein, NiO nanoarrays are grown on a porous Ni skeleton derived from phase inversion method for stabilizing Li metal. The lithiophilic NiO nanoarrays decrease Li nucleation barrier and local current density, and provide abundant sites for nucleation. The Ni skeleton with vertical channels and interconnected small pores, not only provides Li storage space and ion channels, but also alleviates top-surface deposition and improved uniformity of Li distribution. As a result, the half cells comprising the NiO nanoarrays-modified Ni skeletons demonstrate a high Coulombic efficiency of 98.8% under 4 mAh cm−2 over 210 cycles (>1700 h), and the symmetric cells show much reduced voltage hysteresis and prolonged lifespan (>2000 h) under a capacity of 5 mAh cm−2 and a current density of 2 mA cm−2. Full cells with LiFePO4 as cathodes delivered a capacity retention of 79.4% after 500 cycles at 2 C and excellent rate capability at 10 C, shedding a fresh light on an effective strategy for the practical application of Li metal batteries.
Comparative Analysis of Chemical Redox between Redox Shuttles and a Lithium-Ion Cathode Material via Electrochemical Analysis of Redox Shuttle Conversion
Authors: Gupta Devanshi , Cai Chen , Koenig Gary M.
Published: May 2021

Chemical redox reactions between redox shuttles and lithium-ion battery particles have applications in electrochemical systems including redox-mediated flow batteries, photo-assisted lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion battery overcharge protection. These previous studies, combined with interest in chemical redox of battery materials in general, has resulted in previous reports of the chemical oxidation and/or reduction of solid lithium-ion materials. However, in many of these reports, a single redox shuttle is the focus and/or the experimental conditions are relatively limited. Herein, a study of chemical redox for a series of redox shuttles reacted with a lithium-ion battery cathode material will be reported. Both oxidation and reduction of the solid material with redox shuttles as a function of time will be probed using ferrocene derivatives with different half-wave potentials. The progression of the chemical redox was tracked by using electrochemical analysis of the redox shuttles in a custom electrochemical cell, and rate constants for chemical redox were extracted from using two different models. This study provides evidence that redox shuttle-particle interactions play a role in the overall reaction rate, and more broadly support that this experimental method dependent on electrochemical analysis can be applied for comparison of redox shuttles reacting with solid electroactive materials.
The medial olivocochlear reflex strength is modulated during a visual working memory task
Authors: Marcenaro Bruno , Leiva Alexis , Dragicevic Constantino , López Vladimir , Delano Paul H.
Published: May 2021

The auditory efferent system has been proposed to function as a biological filter of cochlear responses during selective attention. Here, we recorded electroencephalographic activity and otoacoustic emissions in response to auditory distractors during a visual working memory task in humans. We found that the olivocochlear efferent activity is modulated during the visual working memory period suggesting a common mechanism for suppressing cochlear responses during selective attention and working memory.
Optimization of the Personalized Service System of University Library Based on Internet of Things Technology
Authors: Zhuang Yi
Published: May 2021

In library applications, radio frequency indentification (RFID) technology, sensors, and wireless transmission networks have been applied to various services such as self‐service checkout and return systems, electronic reader cards, intelligent bookshelves, intelligent monitoring of library premises, augmented reality (AR) interactive picture books, physical corridors, and seat reservations; in regional library alliances, real crossregional and cross‐system alliance cooperation through IoT technology is also becoming increasingly important. Continuous information resource sharing is an important means to maximize the effectiveness of library information resources and meet the information needs of various users. The development of IoT technology opens new ideas and methods for information resource sharing in regional library alliances, effectively expanding the scope of information resource sharing and improving the efficiency of information resource sharing. This paper briefly presents the relationship, architecture, and key technologies of IoT technology and the definition, characteristics, and types of regional library consortium and content. Analysis of the characteristics and principles of regional library consortium information resource sharing is in the context of IoT and the corresponding studies on information sharing between regional library consortia at home and abroad. We also propose strategies to establish a specialized agency for information resource sharing, establish a sound investment mechanism for information resource sharing, ensure the security of information resource sharing of the regional library consortium, and increase the publicity and training capacity of information resource sharing of the regional library consortium.
Micro-CT and Histomorphometric Study of Bone Regeneration Effect with Autogenous Tooth Biomaterial Enriched with Platelet-Rich Fibrin in an Animal Model
Authors: Lee Yoon-Ki , Wadhwa Puneet , Cai HongXin , Jung Sung-Uk , Zhao Bing Cheng , Rim Jae-Suk , Kim Dong-Hyuck , Jang Hyon-Seok , Lee Eui-Seok
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of tooth biomaterials as bone graft biomaterials for bone healing in rabbits. We prepared tooth biomaterial and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to fill the round-shaped defect in the skull of New Zealand white rabbits. These cranial defects were treated with different conditions as follows: group 1, a mixture of tooth biomaterials and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF); group 2, only tooth biomaterials; group 3, only PRF; and group 4, the unfilled control group. Specimens of the filled sites were harvested for analysis with microscopic computerized tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphology at 4 and 8 weeks. As a result of micro-CT, at 4 weeks, the bone volume percentages in groups 1 and 2 were

50.33
±
6.35

and

57.74
±
3.13

, respectively, and that in the unfilled control group was

42.20
±
10.53

(

p
=
0.001

). At 8 weeks, the bone volume percentages in groups 1 and 2 were

53.73
±
9.60

and

54.56
±
8.44

, respectively, and that in the unfilled control group was

37.86
±
7.66

(

p
=
0.002

). The difference between the experimental group 3 and the unfilled control group was not statistically significant. Histomorphologically, the total new bone was statistically different.
Production Decision Optimization for Iron and Steel Scrap Remanufacturing considering Carbon Emission and Delivery Time
Authors: Liu Changping , Zhou Weiyu
Published: May 2021

Under the requirements of the national carbon reduction target, the recycling and remanufacturing of scrap iron and steel are taken by major iron and steel enterprises as requirements for implementing industrial carbon emission reduction and are incorporated into their production strategies. The scheduling optimization of scrap iron and steel remanufacturing processes plays an important role in the energy saving and emission reduction of iron and steel enterprises. In this paper, a remanufacturing production decision model for scrap iron and steel considering both the product delivery time and carbon emissions was established, and a discrete krill swarm algorithm was designed to solve the multiobjective production decision model. The effectiveness of the model and the algorithm was verified by an example, demonstrating a good decision‐making reference for the implementation of energy conservation and emission reduction in iron and steel enterprises.
EGR1 Addiction in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Kimpara Shuichi , Lu Li , Hoang Nguyet M. , Zhu Fen , Bates Paul D. , Daenthanasanmak Anusara , Zhang Shanxiang , Yang David T. , Kelm Amanda , Liu Yunxia , Li Yangguang , Rosiejka Alexander , Kondapelli Apoorv , Bebel Samantha , Chen Madelyn , Waldmann Thomas A. , Capitini Christian M. , Rui Lixin
Published: May 2021

Early growth response gene (EGR1) is a transcription factor known to be a downstream effector of B-cell receptor signaling and Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) signaling in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). While EGR1 is characterized as a tumor suppressor in leukemia and multiple myeloma, the role of EGR1 in lymphoma is unknown. Here we demonstrate that EGR1 is a potential oncogene that promotes cell proliferation in DLBCL. IHC analysis revealed that EGR1 expression is elevated in DLBCL compared with normal lymphoid tissues and the level of EGR1 expression is higher in activated B cell–like subtype (ABC) than germinal center B cell–like subtype (GCB). EGR1 expression is required for the survival and proliferation of DLBCL cells. Genomic analyses demonstrated that EGR1 upregulates expression of MYC and E2F pathway genes through the CBP/p300/H3K27ac/BRD4 axis while repressing expression of the type I IFN pathway genes by interaction with the corepressor NAB2. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of EGR1 synergizes with the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 or the type I IFN inducer lenalidomide in growth inhibition of ABC DLBCL both in cell cultures and xenograft mouse models. Therefore, targeting oncogenic EGR1 signaling represents a potential new targeted therapeutic strategy in DLBCL, especially for the more aggressive ABC DLBCL.

Implications:

The study characterizes EGR1 as a potential oncogene that promotes cell proliferation and defines EGR1 as a new molecular target in DLBCL, the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma.