bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developments in fibre reinforced concrete in tunnelling
Authors: Thomas Alun , Bernard Erik Stefan
Published: August 2021

This paper will provide an overview of the state of the art of the use of fibre reinforced concrete in tunnelling. The major applications for fibres are for the reinforcement of sprayed concrete and pre‐cast concrete segmental linings, but fibre reinforcement is also increasingly used for other applications such as trackbed/trackslab and minor precast concrete elements such as cable ducts, drip shields, and drainage elements. As the technology has matured, a wide variety of fibre types, made from different materials, has emerged. Standards have been developed for the manufacture, testing and application of all these fibre types. Moreover, design guidelines and codes have been published and new design methods are still being developed. The International Tunnelling Association has published several guidance documents in this field. Last but not least, FRC has an important role to play in reducing the carbon footprint of tunnelling projects.
A new leafy liverwort of Frullania (Frullaniaceae, Porellales) from the mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber, Myanmar
Authors: Li Ya , Wang Yong‐Dong , Feldberg Kathrin , Wang Qiang , Yang Xiao‐Ju
Published: August 2021

With over 300 extant species, the nearly worldwide‐distributed genus Frullania is one of the most species‐rich genera of leafy liverworts and the sole extant genus of Frullaniaceae. Amber fossil record of Frullania is also rather diverse, with inclusions known from several amber deposits. The earliest fossils are F. baerlocheri, F. cretacea, and F. partita from the mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber, Myanmar. Here, we describe a new fossil species of Frullania as F. kachinensis sp. nov., based on seven sterile gametophyte fragments from three pieces of Kachin amber. This new species is characterized by leaf dorsal lobes mostly with rounded apexes, leaf ventral lobules inserted in approximately 30–90 μm distance to stem, lanceolate styli, and deeply bilobed underleaves with entire‐margined to toothed lobes and V‐shaped sinuses. Morphological comparisons indicate that F. kachinensis shows mosaic character combinations of two coeval species F. cretacea and F. partita. The leaf lobes of F. kachinensis resemble those of F. cretacea, while the underleaves are more similar to those of F. partita. But in taphonomy, F. kachinensis is preserved together with Protofrullania cornigera or F. baerlocheri in the same amber, which could indicate that these three species might live in the same habitat and even on the same tree. The fossils presented in this study provide additional evidence for the presence of a diverse liverwort flora, mostly composed of Frullaniaceae lineages in the mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber forest.
Mineral chemistry and geochemistry of serpentinites from the Bianmagou ophiolite in the North Qilian Belt, NW China: Implications for protoliths, melt extractions, and melt/fluid metasomatism
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Yujing , Gao Yilin , Zhao Bingshuang , Peng Xiuhong , Li Jie , Long Xiaoping
Published: August 2021

The North Qilian Belt in northwestern China contains a large number of ophiolites. Most ultramafic rocks from the ophiolites have been entirely transformed into serpentinites because of extensive serpentinization, making it difficult to determine their origin and tectonic significance and further hindering advancements in the understanding of the evolutionary history of the Palaeozoic North Qilian Ocean. In this study, we present new mineral chemistry and whole‐rock geochemistry analyses (including rare earth elements, [REE]) for the serpentinites from the Bianmagou ophiolite to discuss their protoliths, geodynamic environment, melt extractions, and melt/fluid interactions. The mineral chemistry of the relic minerals (e.g., olivine, orthopyroxene, and spinel) and the whole‐rock geochemical compositions (e.g., Mg#, Ni, etc.) strongly demonstrate that the protoliths of the serpentinites were refractory mantle residues after melt extractions and probably emplaced into a tectonic regime of mid‐ocean ridge akin to abyssal peridotites. They experienced high degrees of partial melting (15–20%) recorded by spinel Cr# values and bulk incompatible elements (e.g., Ti, heavy rare‐earth element), resulting from multiple episodes of melt depletion in the lithospheric mantle. Moreover, the serpentinites commonly have U‐shaped chondrite‐normalized REE patterns. The significantly elevated LREEs probably reflect the early partial‐melting processes overprinted by later melt‐dominated metasomatism. The medium to strong enrichment of certain fluid‐mobile elements (e.g., U, Pb, Ba, Sr, As, etc.) in the studied serpentinites was a consequence of the fluid/rock interactions during serpentinization. Overall, despite the variable serpentinization they experienced, this study indicates that the mineral chemical and geochemical proxies of serpentinites provide reliable constraints on the petrogenesis and mantle metasomatism of ancient ophiolites.
Early motor network connectivity after stroke: An interplay of general reorganization and state‐specific compensation
Authors: Paul Theresa , Hensel Lukas , Rehme Anne K. , Tscherpel Caroline , Eickhoff Simon B. , Fink Gereon R. , Grefkes Christian , Volz Lukas J.
Published: August 2021

Motor recovery after stroke relies on functional reorganization of the motor network, which is commonly assessed via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)‐basedresting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC)ortask‐related effective connectivity (trEC). Measures of either connectivity mode have been shown to successfully explain motor impairment post‐stroke, posing the question whether motor impairment is more closely reflected by rsFC or trEC. Moreover, highly similar changes in ipsilesional and interhemispheric motor network connectivity have been reported for both rsFC and trEC after stroke, suggesting that altered rsFC and trEC may capture similar aspects of information integration in the motor network reflecting principle, state‐independent mechanisms of network reorganization rather than state‐specific compensation strategies. To address this question, we conducted the first direct comparison of rsFC and trEC in a sample of early subacute stroke patients (n = 26, included on average 7.3 days post‐stroke). We found that both rsFC and trEC explained motor impairment across patients, stressing the clinical potential of fMRI‐based connectivity. Importantly, intrahemispheric connectivity between ipsilesional M1 and premotor areas depended on the activation state, whereas interhemispheric connectivity between homologs was state‐independent. From a mechanistic perspective, our results may thus arise from two distinct aspects of motor network plasticity: task‐specific compensation within the ipsilesional hemisphere and a more fundamental form of reorganization between hemispheres.
PD‐L1 is upregulated via BRD2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma models of acquired cetuximab resistance
Authors: Bhola Neil E. , Njatcha Christian , Hu Lanlin , Lee Eliot D. , Shiah Jamie V. , Kim Mi‐Ok , Johnson Daniel E. , Grandis Jennifer R.
Published: August 2021

Background

Tumor models resistant to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors or cisplatin express higher levels of the immune checkpoint molecule PD‐L1. We sought to determine whether PD‐L1 expression is elevated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) models of acquired cetuximab resistance and whether the expression is regulated by bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins.

Methods

Expression of PD‐L1 was assessed in HNSCC cell line models of acquired cetuximab resistance. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC)‐ and RNAi‐mediated targeting were used to assess the role of BET proteins.

Results

Cetuximab‐resistant HNSCC cells expressed elevated PD‐L1 compared to cetuximab‐sensitive controls. Treatment with the BET inhibitor JQ1, the BET PROTAC MZ1, or RNAi‐mediated knockdown of BRD2 decreased PD‐L1 expression. Knockdown of BRD2 also reduced the elevated levels of PD‐L1 seen in a model of acquired cisplatin resistance.

Conclusions

PD‐L1 is significantly elevated in HNSCC models of acquired cetuximab and cisplatin resistance where BRD2 is the primary regulator.
Impact of initial chemotherapy regimen on outcomes for patients with double‐expressor lymphoma: A multi‐center analysis
Authors: D’Angelo Christopher R. , Hanel Walter , Chen Yi , Yu Menggang , Yang David , Guo Ling , Karmali Reem , Burkart Madelyn , Ciccosanti Colleen , David Kevin , Risch Zachary , Murga‐Zamalloa Carlos , Devata Sumana , Wilcox Ryan , Savani Malvi , Courville Elizabeth L. , Bachanova Veronika , Rabinovich Emma , Peace David , Osman Fauzia , Epperla Narendranath , Kenkre Vaishalee P.
Published: August 2021

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma featuring overexpression of MYC and B‐Cell Lymphoma 2 (double expressor lymphoma, DEL) is associated with poor outcomes. Existing evidence suggesting improved outcomes for DEL with the use of more intensive regimens than R‐CHOP is restricted to younger patients and based on limited evidence from low patient numbers. We retrospectively evaluated the impact of intensive frontline regimens versus R‐CHOP in a multicenter analysis across 7 academic medical centers in the United States. We collected 90 cases of DEL, 46 out of 90 patients (51%) received R‐CHOP and 44/90 (49%) received an intensive regimen, which was predominantly DA‐EPOCH‐R. Treatment cohorts were evenly balanced for demographics and disease characteristics, though the intensive group had a higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, 326 vs. 230 U/L p = 0.06) and presence of B‐symptoms (50% vs. 22%, p = 0.01) compared to the R‐CHOP cohort. There was no difference in PFS (median 53 vs. 38 months, p = 0.49) or overall survival (67 vs. not reached months, p = 0.14) between the R‐CHOP and intensive therapy cohorts, respectively. On multivariate analysis, intensive therapy was associated with a hazard ratio of 2.35 (95% CI 0.74–7.41), though this was not statistically significant. Additionally, a subgroup analysis of intermediate high‐risk lymphoma defined by IPI ≥3 did not identify a difference in survival outcomes between regimens. We conclude that in our multi‐center cohort there is no evidence supporting the use of intensive regimens over R‐CHOP, suggesting that R‐CHOP remains the standard of care for treating DEL.
Little River Experimental Watershed, a keystone in understanding of coastal plain watersheds
Authors: Bosch David D. , Coffin Alisa W. , Sheridan Joseph , Pisani Oliva , Endale Dinku M. , Strickland Tim C.
Published: August 2021

The US Department of Agriculture‐Agricultural Research Service Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory (SEWRL) initiated a hydrologic research program on the Little River Experimental Watershed (LREW) in 1967. Long‐term (52 years) streamflow data are available for nine sites, including rainfall‐runoff relationships and hydrograph characteristics regularly used in research on interactive effects of climate, vegetation, soils, and land‐use in low‐gradient streams of the US EPA Level III Southeastern Plains ecoregion. A summary of prior research on the LREW illustrates the impact of the watershed on building a regional understanding of hydrology and water quality. Climatic and streamflow data were used to make comparisons of scale across the nine nested LREW watersheds (LRB, LRF, LRI, LRJ, LRK, LRO, LRN, LRM, and LRO3) and two regional watersheds (Alapaha and Little River at Adel). Annual rainfall for the largest LREW, LRB, was 1200 mm while average annual streamflow was 320 mm. Annual rainfall, streamflow, and the ratio between annual streamflow and rainfall (Sratio) were similar (α = 0.05) across LREWs LRB, LRF, LRI, LRJ, LRK, and LRO. While annual rainfall within the 275 ha LRO3 was found to be similar to LRO and LRM (α = 0.05), annual streamflow and Sratio were significantly different (α = 0.05). Comparisons of annual rainfall, streamflow, and Sratio between LRB and the regional watersheds indicated no differences (α = 0.05). Based upon this analysis, most regional watersheds shared similar hydrologic characteristics. LRO3 was an exception, where increases in row crops and decreases in forest coverage resulted in increased streamflow. LREW data have been instrumental in building considerable scientific understanding of flow and transport processes for these stream systems. Continued operation of the LREW hydrologic network will support hydrologic research as well as environmental quality and riparian research programs that address emerging and high priority natural resource and environmental issues.
Evaporation from boreal reservoirs: A comparison between eddy covariance observations and estimates relying on limited data
Authors: Fournier Judith , Thiboult Antoine , Nadeau Daniel F. , Vercauteren Nikki , Anctil François , Parent Annie‐Claude , Strachan Ian B. , Tremblay Alain
Published: August 2021

Hydrological models used for reservoir management typically lack an accurate representation of open‐water evaporation and must be run in a scarce data context. This study aims to identify an accurate means to estimate reservoir evaporation with simple meteorological inputs during the open‐water season, using long‐term eddy covariance observations from two boreal hydropower reservoirs with contrasting morphometry as reference. Unlike the temperate water bodies on which the majority of other studies have focused, northern reservoirs are governed by three distinct periods: ice cover in the cold season, warming in the summer and energy release in the fall. The reservoirs of interest are Eastmain‐1 (52°N, mean depth of 11 m) and Romaine‐2 (51°N, mean depth of 42 m), both located in eastern Canada. Four approaches are analysed herein: a combination approach, a radiation‐based approach, a mass‐transfer approach, and empirical methods. Of all the approaches, the bulk transfer equation with a constant Dalton number of 1.2 x 10−3 gave the most accurate estimation of evaporation at hourly time steps, compared with the eddy covariance observations (RMSE of 0.06 mm h−1 at Eastmain‐1 and RMSE of 0.04 mm h−1 at Romaine‐2). The daily series also showed good accuracy (RMSE of 1.38 mm day−1 at Eastmain‐1 and RMSE of 0.62 mm day−1 at Romaine‐2) both in the warming and energy release phases of the open‐water season. The bulk transfer equation, on the other hand, was incapable of reproducing condensation episodes that occurred soon after ice breakup. Basic and variance‐based sensitivity analyses were conducted, in particular to measure the variation in performance when the bulk transfer equation was applied with meteorological observations collected at a certain distance (~10–30 km) from the reservoir. This exercise illustrated that accurate estimates of open water evaporation require representative measurements of wind speed and water surface temperature.
Pilot study of a manualized behavioral coaching program to improve dance performance
Authors: Quinn Mallory , Blair Kwang‐Sun Cho , Novotny Marissa , Deshmukh Shreeya
Published: August 2021

Dance instructors have limited access to training and professional development in behavioral coaching. Manualized interventions have the potential benefits of being readily accessible and affordable to dance instructors wanting to implement evidence‐based behavioral coaching procedures. This study examined the potential efficacy of a manualized behavioral coaching intervention, the POINTE Program, to improve student dance performance. Four dance instructors and 4 students, ages 6 to 13 years participated. A multiple baseline design across skills was used to evaluate the student outcomes. The instructors successfully used the POINTE Program to identify target dance skills and select behavioral coaching procedures, and implemented selected coaching procedures with fidelity. Their implementation of behavioral coaching procedures (e.g., auditory feedback, video modeling with video feedback) resulted in improved target dance skills for all students. The results offer initial evidence of the efficacy of using a manualized behavioral coaching program designed to increase dance performance.
Declining discount rates in Singapore's market for privately developed apartments
Authors: Fesselmeyer Eric , Liu Haoming , Salvo Alberto
Published: August 2021

Singapore's market for new privately developed apartments exhibits wide quasi‐experimental variation in ownership tenure. We develop an empirical model in which prices are decomposed into the utility of housing services and a factor that shifts with asset tenure and the discount rate schedule, which we discipline to vary smoothly over time. We estimate discount rates that decline over time and, to accommodate the observed price differences, fall to 0.5–1.5% p.a. by year 400. The finding that households making sizable transactions do not entirely discount benefits accruing centuries from today is relevant, with the appropriate risk adjustment, for evaluating climate‐change investments.
Genes with specificity for expression in the round cell layer of the growth plate are enriched in genomewide association study (GWAS) of human height
Authors: Renthal Nora E. , Nakka Priyanka , Baronas John M. , Kronenberg Henry M. , Hirschhorn Joel N.
Published: August 2021

Human adult height reflects the outcome of childhood skeletal growth. Growth plate (epiphyseal) chondrocytes are key determinants of height. As epiphyseal chondrocytes mature and proliferate, they pass through three developmental stages, which are organized into three distinct layers in the growth plate: (i) resting (round), (ii) proliferative (flat), and (iii) hypertrophic. Recent genomewide association studies (GWASs) of human height identified numerous associated loci, which are enriched for genes expressed in growth plate chondrocytes. However, it remains unclear which specific genes expressed in which layers of the growth plate regulate skeletal growth and human height. To connect the genetics of height and growth plate biology, we analyzed GWAS data through the lens of gene expression in the three dissected layers of murine newborn tibial growth plate. For each gene, we derived a specificity score for each growth plate layer and regressed these scores against gene-level p values from recent height GWAS data. We found that specificity for expression in the round cell layer, which contains chondrocytes early in maturation, is significantly associated with height GWAS p values (p = 8.5 × 10−9); this association remains after conditioning on specificity for the other cell layers. The association also remains after conditioning on membership in an “Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) gene set” (genes known to cause monogenic skeletal growth disorders, p < 9.7 × 10−6). We replicated the association in RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data from maturing chondrocytes sampled at early and late time points during differentiation in vitro: we found that expression early in differentiation is significantly associated with p values from height GWASs (p = 6.1 × 10−10) and that this association remains after conditioning on expression at 10 days in culture and on the OMIM gene set (p < 0.006). These findings newly implicate genes highlighted by GWASs of height and specifically expressed in the round cell layer as being potentially important regulators of skeletal biology. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
A novel multiplex qPCR method for assessing the comparative lengths of telomeres
Authors: Sun Guozhu , Cao Hui , bai Yang , Wang Jueheng , Zhou Yuxun , Li Kai , Xiao Jun‐hua
Published: August 2021

Background

The comparative length of telomeres is considered to be related to diseases such as cancer, aging, and cardiovascular diseases. qPCR is currently one of the main methods for detecting telomere length. However, due to the unique sequence of telomeres (highly repetitive six‐base sequence), it is difficult to design primers and probes to expand and detect telomere and to put internal reference gene and telomere into the same tube for detection to reduce the possible inter‐pore errors and improve amplification efficiency. Besides, the stability and accuracy of the test results are greatly affected by the difference between reference genes and telomere copy number.

Methods

In this study, the single‐copy genes were replaced with high‐copy genes (300 copies) as the internal control to reduce the copy number difference of the internal genes and telomere. In addition, a multiplex qPCR system was constructed to detect the telomeres and an internal reference gene product. We also detected the lengths of telomeres in the genomic DNA in immortalized cells (293T and Hela) from different generations of cells.

Results

We detected the comparative telomere lengths of 1500 random Chinese volunteers of different ages with the multiplex qPCR method; the result shows that the comparative length of telomeres is negatively related to age. In addition, we compared our qPCR detection method with a terminal restriction fragmentation (TRF) method. Both of them were highly consistent, indicating that the qPCR method was reliable.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we developed a stable, convenient, and accurate comparative telomere length detection method.
Differential expression and regulation of MS4A family members in myeloid cells in physiological and pathological conditions
Authors: Silva-Gomes Rita , Mapelli Sarah N , Boutet Marie-Astrid , Mattiola Irene , Sironi Marina , Grizzi Fabio , Colombo Federico , Supino Domenico , Carnevale Silvia , Pasqualini Fabio , Stravalaci Matteo , Porte Rémi , Gianatti Andrea , Pitzalis Constantino , Locati Massimo , Oliveira Maria José , Bottazzi Barbara , Mantovani Alberto
Published: August 2021

The MS4A gene family encodes 18 tetraspanin-like proteins, most of which with unknown function. MS4A1 (CD20), MS4A2 (FcεRIβ), MS4A3 (HTm4), and MS4A4A play important roles in immunity, whereas expression and function of other members of the family are unknown. The present investigation was designed to obtain an expression fingerprint of MS4A family members, using bioinformatics analysis of public databases, RT-PCR, and protein analysis when possible. MS4A3, MS4A4A, MS4A4E, MS4A6A, MS4A7, and MS4A14 were expressed by myeloid cells. MS4A6A and MS4A14 were expressed in circulating monocytes and decreased during monocyte-to-Mϕ differentiation in parallel with an increase in MS4A4A expression. Analysis of gene expression regulation revealed a strong induction of MS4A4A, MS4A6A, MS4A7, and MS4A4E by glucocorticoid hormones. Consistently with in vitro findings, MS4A4A and MS4A7 were expressed in tissue Mϕs from COVID-19 and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Interestingly, MS4A3, selectively expressed in myeloid precursors, was found to be a marker of immature circulating neutrophils, a cellular population associated to COVID-19 severe disease. The results reported here show that members of the MS4A family are differentially expressed and regulated during myelomonocytic differentiation, and call for assessment of their functional role and value as therapeutic targets.
Simple two‐stage weighting factor design for finite control set model predictive control of modular multilevel converters
Authors: Khosravi Mahyar , Arab Khaburi Davood , Rodriguez Jose
Published: August 2021

Due to discrete nature of power converters, finite control set model predictive control (FCS‐MPC) is considered as an attractive choice for these systems. Since this control technique provides advantages like improved dynamic performance and inclusion of several control objectives in a single cost function, it is especially appropriate for topologies like modular multilevel converters (MMCs), where multiple control goals, that is, output and circulating currents control, and cells' capacitor voltage balancing should be satisfied. Despite these advantages, huge computational burden and weighting factor selection are two serious obstacles. In this work, a simple two‐stage weighting factor selection scheme is suggested for FCS‐MPC applied to MMCs. At the first stage, some offline tests are conducted for different weighting factors; and a pre‐optimal value is selected, based on minimizing the total harmonic distortion (THD) of output current and root mean square (RMS) value of the circulating current. However, since optimal performance at different operating conditions is achieved by different weighting factors, the pre‐optimal value will be updated at the second stage by a simple online algorithm. Moreover, a technique is suggested for effectively decreasing the computational burden. Finally, by conducting several simulation and experimental tests, the satisfactory performance of proposed controller is validated, compared to fixed weighting factor FCS‐MPC.
Soil organic carbon stocks in sugar beet rotations differing in residue management and associated rotational crop species
Authors: Grunwald Dennis , Götze Philipp , Koch Heinz‐Josef
Published: August 2021

Background

Crop rotations with sugar beet (SB) vary in accompanying crops, affecting the organic matter input into the soil and thus the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. Furthermore, the impact of aboveground SB residues themselves on SOC stocks is unclear.

Aims

The aims of this study were to analyze the effects of three SB rotations and different amounts of SB residues on SOC stock development.

Methods

In a field experiment started in 2006, three different SB crop rotations [(1) SB–winter wheat (WW)–WW, (2) SB–WW–silage maize (SM), and (3) SB–WW–winter oilseed rape (WOR)–WW–WW–grain pea (GP)] were sampled for SOC stocks in 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm soil depth in spring of 2018 and 2019. Further plots with an SB–WW–WW rotation received either no or the doubled amount of aboveground SB residues and were sampled as described above.

Results

After four rotations, doubled SB residues led to significantly higher SOC stocks in 0–10 cm depth compared to the removal of SB residues. However, the effect was relatively low with 12% of the added residue‐C being recovered in the soil. Comparing different SB crop rotations, SOC stocks in 0–20 cm depth were significantly higher in the SB–WW–WW compared to the SB–WW–SM rotation, while the SB–WW–WOR–WW–WW–WW–GP rotation was intermediate. Differences in SOC stocks were likely due to the different amounts and possibly quality of crop residue C input.

Conclusion

In total, the accompanying crops rather than the share of SB seem to be decisive for SOC development in SB rotations.
Edge delamination width prediction of 3D body‐in‐white part by finite element‐based corrosion simulation and neural networks
Authors: Waibel Ludwig , Kapfer Konstantin , Hepfner Christoph , Mittelbach Andreas , Funken Stefan , Krüger Lutz
Published: August 2021

The edge corrosion simulation of Kapfer et al. is used to extract time‐dependent delamination widths of metal sheet edges with different spatial orientations, encoded by edge classes and angular displacements with respect to the ground. The corrosion behavior of the edges of a body‐in‐white part is examined with respect to the spatial orientation and compared to the simulated delamination widths, demonstrating that the edge corrosion simulation is also able to model more complex structures. Since scaling the finite element method‐based corrosion simulation to the whole part requires a lot of memory and computational time, different neural network types are evaluated to predict the delamination widths. Together with the geometric properties of the part edges, a fast and accurate prediction of edge delamination of body‐in‐white parts is possible, requiring few time‐consuming corrosion simulations only in the training phase of the networks.
Novel Polymer‐Based Organic/c‐Si Monolithic Tandem Solar Cell: Enhanced Efficiency using Interlayer and Transparent Top Electrode Engineering
Authors: Park HyunJung , Park So Hyun , Lee Sang‐Won , Kang Yoonmook , Kim Donghwan , Son Hae Jung , Lee Hae‐Seok
Published: August 2021

Tandem solar cells which are electrically connected with various photoactive materials have the potential to solve the current challenges by exceeding the theoretically limited efficiency of single junction solar cells. Here the first monolithic organic/silicon tandem cell is reported based on a semitransparent polymer on a crystalline silicon (c‐Si) substrate. Herein, experimental results are presented for four‐terminal (4‐T) and monolithic two‐terminal (2‐T) organic/c‐Si tandem cells using organic cells with an inverted n‐i‐p structure and c‐Si cells with an n‐type TOPCon structure with detailed analysis. The best 4‐T tandem cell efficiency is 15.22%, and 2‐T results show that the top (organic) and bottom (c‐Si) cells are electrically connected by an open‐circuit voltage over 1.4 V. Further, a simulated efficiency of over 20% using the organic/c‐Si tandem is achieved, implying the tandem efficiency can be enhanced through further improvement of electric and optical characteristics with the optimization.
808 nm Near‐Infrared Light‐Triggered Payload Release from Green Light‐Responsive Donor–Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts Polymer‐Coated Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Lin Jianxun , Ma Hao , Wang Zhonghui , Zhou Shenglin , Yan Bin , Shi Feng , Yan Qiang , Wang Jiliang , Fan Haojun , Xiang Jun
Published: August 2021

Owing to deep activation in biotissues and enhanced targeting efficiency, developing photoresponsive polymer‐upconversion nanoparticles (PP‐UCNPs) nanovectors has witnessed rapid growth in the past decade. However, up to date, all developed nanovectors require high‐order photon processes to initiate the release of cargos. The photodamage caused by high‐power near‐infrared laser light may be a critical obstacle to their clinical application. Here, for the first time, by leveraging absorption–emission spectral matching between donor–acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASA) PP and UCNPs (λex, 808 nm) in the green region (≈530 nm), the designed nanovector is capable of releasing cargos at a low‐power 808 nm excitation (0.2 W). Considering the high molar absorptivity, biobenign, and synthetic tunability of DASA, DASA PP can be utilized as an up‐and‐coming candidate to design and synthesize the next generation of upconversion nanovectors without photodamage.
Vegetable Oil‐Based Waterborne Polyurethane as Eco‐Binders for Sulfur Cathodes in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chen Zhuzuan , Man Limin , Liu Ju , Lu Liangmei , Yang Zhuohong , Yang Yu
Published: August 2021

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) suffer from well‐known fast capacity losses despite their extremely high theoretical capacity and energy density. These losses are caused by dissolution of lithium polysulfide (LiPS) in ether‐based electrolytes and have become the main bottleneck to widespread applications of LSBs. Therefore, there is a significant need for electrode materials that have a strong adsorption capacity for LiPS. Herein, a waterborne polyurethane (WPUN) containing sulfamic acid (NH2SO3H) polymer is designed and synthesized as an aqueous‐based, ecofriendly binder by neutralizing sulfamic acid with a tung oil‐based polyurethane prepolymer. UV–vis spectroscopy shows that the WPUN strongly immobilizes LiPS and thus is an effective inhibitor of the LiPS. Moreover, the WPUN binder has excellent adhesive and mechanical properties that improve the integrity of sulfur cathodes. The WPUN‐based cathodes exhibit a significant improvement in their specific capacity and maintain a capacity of 617 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5C. Besides, the LSBs assembled with the WPUN‐based cathodes show good rate performance from 0.2C (737 mAh g−1) to 4C (586 mAh g−1), which is significantly higher than that of LSBs assembled with a commercial polymer binder. The structural design of the presented binder provides a new perspective for obtaining high‐performance LSBs.
Graphoepitaxy of Symmetric Six‐Arm Star‐Shaped Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐Polystyrene Copolymer Thin Film
Authors: Park So Yeong , Jeong Hyeon U , Lee Jaeyong , Jang Junho , Kim Sanghoon , Choi Chungryong , Kim Jaeup U. , Kim Jin Kon
Published: August 2021

The authors perform directed self‐assembly based on graphoepitaxy of symmetric six‐arm star‐shaped poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐polystyrene copolymer [(PMMA‐b‐PS)6] thin film. The affinity between each block and the trench wall is adjusted by using polymer brushes or selective gold (Au) deposition. When the surface of the trench is strongly selective for the PMMA block, (n+0.75)L0 thick (n is the number of the lamellae, L0 is lamellar domain spacing) lamellae parallel to the trench wall are formed at each side, while nanotubes are formed away from the trench wall. However, for a trench grafted with PS brushes, nanotubes are formed beside (n+0.25)L0 thick lamellar layers. By adjusting the trench width (W) and the affinity between the block and the wall, various dual nanopatterns consisting of lines and nanotubes are fabricated. Moreover, when the trench wall is selectively deposited by Au, asymmetric dual nanopattern is formed, where different numbers of lines exist on each side wall, while nanotubes are formed in the middle of the trench. The observed morphologies depending on the commensurability condition between W and L0 are consistent with predictions by self‐consistent field theory.
Association predictions of genomics, proteinomics, transcriptomics, microbiome, metabolomics, pathomics, radiomics, drug, symptoms, environment factor, and disease networks: A comprehensive approach
Authors: Pan Yi , Lei Xiujuan , Zhang Yuchen
Published: August 2021

Currently, the research of multi‐omics, such as genomics, proteinomics, transcriptomics, microbiome, metabolomics, pathomics, and radiomics, are hot spots. The relationship between multi‐omics data, drugs, and diseases has received extensive attention from researchers. At the same time, multi‐omics can effectively predict the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases. In essence, these research entities, such as genes, RNAs, proteins, microbes, metabolites, pathways as well as pathological and medical imaging data, can all be represented by the network at different levels. And some computer and biology scholars have tried to use computational methods to explore the potential relationships between biological entities. We summary a comprehensive research strategy, that is to build a multi‐omics heterogeneous network, covering multimodal data, and use the current popular computational methods to make predictions. In this study, we first introduce the calculation method of the similarity of biological entities at the data level, second discuss multimodal data fusion and methods of feature extraction. Finally, the challenges and opportunities at this stage are summarized. Some scholars have used such a framework to calculate and predict. We also summarize them and discuss the challenges. We hope that our review could help scholars who are interested in the field of bioinformatics, biomedical image, and computer research.
Potential Benefits of Berry Anthocyanins on Vascular Function
Authors: Festa Joseph , Da Boit Mariasole , Hussain Aamir , Singh Harprit
Published: August 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, is the leading cause of global death. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a strong predictor for most CVD making it a therapeutic target for both drug and nutrition interventions. It has been previously shown that polyphenols from wine and grape extracts possess vasodilator activities, due to the increased expression and phosphorylation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and consequent vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) production. This is vital in the prevention of ED, as NO production contributes to the maintenance of endothelial homeostasis. Moreover, polyphenols have the ability to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative stress, as well as suppress the upregulation of inflammatory markers within the endothelium. However, while the majority of the research has focused on red wine, this has overshadowed the potential of other nutritional components for targeting ED, such as the use of berries. Berries are high in anthocyanin flavonoids a subtype of polyphenols with studies suggesting improved vascular function as a result of inducing NO production and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This review focuses on the protective effects of berries within the vasculature.
Towards robust, fast solutions of elliptic equations on complex domains through hybrid high‐order discretizations and non‐nested multigrid methods
Authors: Di Pietro Daniele A. , Hülsemann Frank , Matalon Pierre , Mycek Paul , Rüde Ulrich , Ruiz Daniel
Published: August 2021

The use of modern discretization technologies such as hybrid high‐order (HHO) methods, coupled with appropriate linear solvers, allow for the robust and fast solution of partial differential equations (PDEs). Although efficient linear solvers have recently been made available for simpler cases, complex geometries remain a challenge for large scale problems. To address this problem, we propose in this work a geometric multigrid algorithm for unstructured non‐nested meshes. The non‐nestedness is handled in the prolongation operator through the use of the ‐orthogonal projection from the coarse elements onto the fine ones. However, as the exact evaluation of this projection can be computationally expensive, we develop a cheaper approximate implementation that globally preserves the approximation properties of the ‐orthogonal projection. Additionally, as the multigrid method requires not only the coarsening of the elements, but also that of the faces, we leverage the geometric flexibility of polytopal elements to define an abstract non‐nested coarsening strategy based on element agglomeration and face collapsing. Finally, the multigrid method is tested on homogeneous and heterogeneous diffusion problems in two and three space dimensions. The solver exhibits near‐perfect asymptotic optimality for moderate degrees of approximation.
Are independent directors enhancing value in the post mandate period?: Empirical evidence from India
Authors: Saravanan Palanisamy , Thenmozhi Muthuveerappan , Sasidharan Aghila
Published: August 2021

We extend the corporate governance literature by examining the effect of independent directors on firm value in the context of regulatory stipulation, considering all firms listed on the National Stock Exchange from 2004 to 2017. We examined the impact during the pre‐and post‐regulation period using the difference in difference analysis. The results indicate a positive effect of board independence on firm value. Our results show that the presence of independent directors is high in the post‐mandate period compared to the pre‐mandate period, indicating that firms are complying with regulations with more than 50% of independent directors on the board. Our results align with resource dependency theory, providing evidence that a higher number of outsider directors on a board acts as an additional resource for firms. When CEO duality is absent, the role of independent directors decreases and consequently the regulatory mandate based on CEO duality is effective. Thus, independent directors are significant providers of resources to a firm's governance in emerging economies, especially in the post‐mandate period.
Experimental investigation and molecular dynamics simulations of the effect of processing parameters on the filling quality of injection‐molded micropillars
Authors: Weng Can , Sun Huijie , Lai Jun , Liu Jiezhen , Zhai Zhanyu
Published: August 2021

Microinjection molding has been attracting increasing attention and application in fabricating products with functional surface microstructures. The processing parameters, packing pressure, and melt temperature have important effects on the filling quality. In order to study the mechanisms of the packing pressure and melt temperature on the filling quality of micropillars, a simulation model of injection molding of nanopillars was constructed by molecular dynamics software and a series of injection molding experiments of micropillars were carried out in this paper. Subsequently, the mechanisms were analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that the frozen layers were formed at the interface between the polymer melt and mold under the action of heat transfer, which prevented effective filling of the polymer melt. The filling quality of the micropillars could be improved significantly via increasing the melt temperature and the packing pressure, but the mechanisms were different. To be specific, the increase of the packing pressure could make more polymer melts fill into the cavity fully. Thus, the density of the micropillars was increased and the filling quality could be improved. The forming rate of frozen layers could be slowed down by increasing the melt temperature. As a result, the purpose of improving the filling quality was achieved.
Mind the gap
Authors: Parry John
Published: August 2021

Simcenter is a flexible, open, and scalable portfolio of the best predictive simulation and test applications that support you at every step in your digital journey. Simcenter is a key component within the Xcelerator portfolio, allowing engineers to generate a set of ultrarealistic, multiphysics models and data that can predict real product behavior. By providing insight into the real‐world performance of a product or a process, Simcenter allows you to accelerate innovation over the entire lifecycle. As an example, this article examines work done by Terence Graham and Bonnie Mack at Ciena Corp. in support of IA# OIF‐Thermal‐01.0 IA that included a study of the thermal interface resistance between a CFP2 lid and heat sink base, including heat spreading effects.
Deeper insights, better designs – less prototypes
Authors: Oberdorfer Phillip , Mizuyama Yosuke , Boucher Christopher
Published: August 2021

Numerical simulation of optical components and photonic devices is an essential step in the design of new products and the optimization of existing designs. Fast and cost‐effective simulation can substantially reduce the amount of experimentation and prototyping required in the product development cycle.
Optical fabrication chain design
Authors: Fähnle Oliver , Rascher Rolf , Tinner Marco
Published: August 2021

It takes optical systems such as sophisticated car headlights, telescopes or endoscopes to apply light as a tool, for example to see in the dark, to detect rocks in outer space or stones in a human kidney. As the accuracy of the usage of light tools is increasing rapidly, the quality of optical systems has to follow accordingly. So the process of generating optical systems needs to be optimized to enable the optimum transfer of accuracy and quality to all subsequent entities in the creation process, right from the initial application idea through to final acceptance testing.
Family Firm
Authors: Pozo Jose
Published: August 2021

The company led by David Mackey and his siblings is a leading developer and manufacturer of free space optical communications systems, optical ground terminals and adaptive optical systems.
‘GA JT141‐14E45’: A new soft red winter wheat cultivar adapted to Georgia and the U.S. Southeast region
Authors: Mergoum Mohamed , Johnson Jerry W. , Buck James W. , Sutton Steve , Lopez Benjamin , Bland Daniel , Chen Z. , Buntin G. D. , Mailhot Daniel J. , Babar Md A. , Mason Richard E. , Harrison Stephen A. , Murphy J. Paul , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Sutton Russell L. , Simoneaux Bryan E. , Griffey Carl A. , Bockelman Harold E. , Baik Byung‐Kee , Marshall David , Cowger Christina , Brown‐Guedira Gina L. , Kolmer James A. , Jin Yue , Chen X. , Cambron Sue E.
Published: August 2021

In Georgia and the southeast region of the United States, acreage of soft red winter wheat (SRWW) (Triticum aestivum L.) has decreased in recent years. There is an urgent need to release new cultivars with high yield potential, resistance to yield‐limiting diseases and insects, and good baking quality to maximize value in regional markets. To address this, the SRWW breeding program at the University of Georgia (UGA), in collaboration with the SUNGRAINS breeding programs, developed ‘GA JT141‐14E45’ (Reg. no. CV‐1183, PI 689519), a SRWW cultivar released by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and licensed to AGSouth (AGS) Genetics as AGS 3030. GA JT141‐14E45 is widely adapted to the U.S. Southeast, having high yield, good resistance to diseases such as leaf rust, stripe rust, powdery mildew, and Soil‐borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) and to current biotypes of Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor Say). It has good resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) or scab. GA JT141‐14E45 has good grain volume weight and acceptable milling and baking quality. GA JT141‐14E45 was derived from the cross of ‘AGS 2026’/‘Jamestown’. Jamestown was used in the cross mainly for its resistance to FHB (FHB QTL 1A‐Neuse and 1B‐Jamestown). AGS 2026 is a UGA cultivar released in 2007 with very good disease resistance to rusts (Yr17/Lr37/Sr38), Hessian fly resistance (H13), and excellent yield.
Substituent effects on the stability of N‐heterocyclic germylenes using density functional theory
Authors: Zhong‐yang Liu , Long‐qiang He , Ahmadi Sheida
Published: August 2021

The effects of one and two fused six‐membered heterocyclic rings on properties of novel singlet and triplet germylenes are studied, at density functional theory (DFT). The aim of the present work is to recognize the influence of nitrogen and phosphorus heteroatoms along with germylene center (GeC) on the stability, band gap, polarity, polarizability, electrophilicity, nucleophilicity, and charge. Irrespective of ortho or para organization, fusion of one pyridine and phosphinine ring causes more vibration frequency, stabilizing influence, and polarizability than two fused ones. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of one fused germylenes displays covalent bonds with different powers between nitrogen and phosphorus heteroatoms with germylene center. They show different occupancy number for lone pair on the heteroatoms at ortho or para position. Also, because of dissimilar interactions of LPN8→σ*C3‐Ge16, σC3‐Ge16→σ*C2‐N6, LPP16→σ*C3‐Ge15, and σC3‐Ge15→σ*C2‐P16, they have different stabilization energy (E(2)). There is a good consistency between singlet‐triplet energy separation (ΔEs‐t = Et – Es) and E(2) values. The stability based on ΔEs‐t and E(2) values of para‐one fused germapyridines is more than the ortho‐ones.
Structural and physical properties of trichloroethylene under an external electric field
Authors: Tao Yaping , Su Mingzhu , Duan Zhixia , Han Ligang , Sun Kexi
Published: August 2021

Study on a series of physical and chemical changes of molecules under an external electric field (EEF) can deeply understand the properties of molecules. Trichloroethylene is widely used in industrial solvents, extractants, fungicides, refrigerants, dry cleaning, and other fields. In this work, the structural and physical characteristics of trichloroethylene under EEF were investigated on the basis of density functional theory within the B3LYP/def2‐TZVP level. Calculated results show that the bond lengths, bond angles, total energy, dipole moment, charge, and Raman spectra change under EEF. Under the effect of EEF, the Raman spectra show vibrational stark effect, which causes a redshift or blueshift of the wavenumbers. These results help to understand the effect of EEF on structures and physical properties and provide effective guidance for various applications.