bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Historical Land Use/Cover Change (1980–2015) on Summer Climate in the Aral Sea Region
Authors: He Huili , Hamdi Rafiq , Cai Peng , Luo Geping , Ochege Friday Uchenna , Zhang Miao , Termonia Piet , De Maeyer Philippe , Li Chaofan
Published: March 2021

In the Aral Sea region, significant land use/cover change (LUCC) occurred in the past 50 years, especially the shrinking of Aral Sea due to unreasonable usage of water resources under intensified agricultural activities. However, to date, regional climatic feedbacks on fine‐scale exerted by such LUCC in Central Asia have not been studied clearly. In this study, ALARO‐SURFEX regional climate model was used to perform climate simulations under different underlying surface scenarios with 4 km spatial resolution to explore the impacts of historical LUCC on summer climate during 1980–2015. Our results show that compared to default land surface conditions, the modified ones improved the model's ability in simulating temperature, precipitation, and surface energy fluxes. During the period 1980–2015, LUCC accelerated the warming trend, reduced the summer precipitation and altered allocation of surface energy fluxes. Exposed dry bottom of Aral Sea has undergone the most conspicuous warming, which caused increase of the 2 m maximum temperature, average temperature, and diurnal temperature range by 2.56 ± 0.88°C, 1.04 ± 0.53°C, and 3.42 ± 1.10°C, respectively, while minimum temperature decrease by 1.14 ± 0.56°C. The summer precipitation (mainly convective precipitation) decreased by about 2.33 mm overlay the exposed dry bottom of Aral Sea and approximately 400 km “buffer” region in its eastern side. Additionally, the energy balance changed as follows: −47.9, 50.19, −78.67, and −23.72 W m−2 for net radiation, sensible heat, latent heat, and soil heat, respectively. Quantified contribution of LUCC on regional climate provides useful information for developing mitigation and adaption strategies under the global warming threat.
Diagnosing the Temperature Sensitivity of Ecosystem Respiration in Northern High‐Latitude Regions
Authors: Wu Dongxing , Liu Shaomin , Wu Xiuchen , Yang Xiaofan , Xu Tongren , Xu Ziwei , Shi Hanyu
Published: March 2021

The accurate estimation of the temperature sensitivity of ecosystem respiration (Q10) is important to understanding the terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycle, especially in northern high‐latitude regions (NHLs). Q10 estimated by the conventional approach at the annual scale is influenced by seasonal confounding effects. Based on singular spectrum analysis, scale‐dependent parameter estimation (SCAPE) is considered an effective approach to eliminate confounding effects. Nevertheless, the performance of the decomposition and reconstruction schemes in the SCAPE approach in Q10 estimation remains limited, which hampers its further application in larger‐scale systems. In this study, we utilized an improved scale‐dependent parameter estimation (iSCAPE) approach to analyze trends of the unconfounded Q10 and its environmental controls in NHLs. The results showed that in NHLs, the confounding effects in forest ecosystems were smaller than those in cropland and grassland ecosystems. The apparent Q10 estimated by the conventional approach varied among 32 sites with a mean value of 2.82 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.72–2.91), while the mean intrinsic Q10 estimated by the iSCAPE approach across the 32 sites was 1.53 (95% CI: 1.48–1.57). The apparent Q10 increased with the annual mean temperature. The intrinsic Q10 decreased with the increasing of spatial temperature gradient. The current study indicates that ecosystem respiration in NHLs is less sensitive to climate warming than previously reported. The seasonality of ecosystem respiration should be eliminated when estimating Q10 to avoid overestimating climate‐carbon cycle feedback.
Publisher Correction: LimeMap: a comprehensive map of lipid mediator metabolic pathways
Authors: Nishi Akinori , Ohbuchi Katsuya , Kaifuchi Noriko , Shimobori Chika , Kushida Hirotaka , Yamamoto Masahiro , Kita Yoshihiro , Tokuoka Suzumi M. , Yachie Ayako , Matsuoka Yukiko , Kitano Hiroaki
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41540-021-00174-w
3D-microtissue derived secretome as a cell-free approach for enhanced mineralization of scaffolds in the chorioallantoic membrane model
Authors: Otto Lukas , Wolint Petra , Bopp Annina , Woloszyk Anna , Becker Anton S. , Boss Andreas , Böni Roland , Calcagni Maurizio , Giovanoli Pietro , Hoerstrup Simon P. , Emmert Maximilian Y. , Buschmann Johanna
Published: March 2021

Bone regeneration is a complex process and the clinical translation of tissue engineered constructs (TECs) remains a challenge. The combination of biomaterials and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may enhance the healing process through paracrine effects. Here, we investigated the influence of cell format in combination with a collagen scaffold on key factors in bone healing process, such as mineralization, cell infiltration, vascularization, and ECM production. MSCs as single cells (2D-SCs), assembled into microtissues (3D-MTs) or their corresponding secretomes were combined with a collagen scaffold and incubated on the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) for 7 days. A comprehensive quantitative analysis was performed on a cellular level by histology and by microcomputed tomography (microCT). In all experimental groups, accumulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan within the scaffold was observed over time. A pronounced cell infiltration and vascularization from the interface to the surface region of the CAM was detected. The 3D-MT secretome showed a significant mineralization of the biomaterial using microCT compared to all other conditions. Furthermore, it revealed a homogeneous distribution pattern of mineralization deposits in contrast to the cell-based scaffolds, where mineralization was only at the surface. Therefore, the secretome of MSCs assembled into 3D-MTs may represent an interesting therapeutic strategy for a next-generation bone healing concept.
Identification of allergens for food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis to shrimp
Authors: Akimoto Shiori , Yokooji Tomoharu , Ogino Ryohei , Chinuki Yuko , Taogoshi Takanori , Adachi Atsuko , Morita Eishin , Matsuo Hiroaki
Published: March 2021

Shrimp is a causative food that elicits food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA). In this study, we sought to identify IgE-binding allergens in patients with shrimp-FDEIA. Sera were obtained from eight patients with shrimp-FDEIA and two healthy control subjects. Proteins were extracted from four shrimp species by homogenization in Tris buffer. Immunoblot analysis revealed that IgE from patient sera bound strongly to a 70-kDa and a 43-kDa protein in a preparation of Tris-soluble extracts fromLitopenaeus vannamei. Mass spectrometry identified the 70-kDa and 43-kDa proteins as a P75 homologue and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBPA), respectively. To confirm that the putative shrimp allergens were specifically recognized by serum IgE from shrimp-FDEIA patients, the two proteins were purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by reversed-phase HPLC and/or anion-exchange hydrophobic interaction chromatography and then subjected to immunoblot analysis. Purified P75 homologue and FBPA were positively bound by serum IgE from one and three, respectively, of the eight patients with shrimp-FDEIA, but not by sera from control subjects. Thus, P75 homologue and FBPA are identified as IgE-binding allergens for shrimp-FDEIA. These findings could be useful for the development of diagnostic tools and desensitization therapy for shrimp-FDEIA patients.
Automated identification of clinical features from sparsely annotated 3-dimensional medical imaging
Authors: Rakocz Nadav , Chiang Jeffrey N. , Nittala Muneeswar G. , Corradetti Giulia , Tiosano Liran , Velaga Swetha , Thompson Michael , Hill Brian L. , Sankararaman Sriram , Haines Jonathan L. , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Stambolian Dwight , Sadda Srinivas R. , Halperin Eran
Published: March 2021

One of the core challenges in applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to medicine is the limited availability of annotated medical data. Unlike in other applications of machine learning, where an abundance of labeled data is available, the labeling and annotation of medical data and images require a major effort of manual work by expert clinicians who do not have the time to annotate manually. In this work, we propose a new deep learning technique (SLIVER-net), to predict clinical features from 3-dimensional volumes using a limited number of manually annotated examples. SLIVER-net is based on transfer learning, where we borrow information about the structure and parameters of the network from publicly available large datasets. Since public volume data are scarce, we use 2D images and account for the 3-dimensional structure using a novel deep learning method which tiles the volume scans, and then adds layers that leverage the 3D structure. In order to illustrate its utility, we apply SLIVER-net to predict risk factors for progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness, from optical coherence tomography (OCT) volumes acquired from multiple sites. SLIVER-net successfully predicts these factors despite being trained with a relatively small number of annotated volumes (hundreds) and only dozens of positive training examples. Our empirical evaluation demonstrates that SLIVER-net significantly outperforms standard state-of-the-art deep learning techniques used for medical volumes, and its performance is generalizable as it was validated on an external testing set. In a direct comparison with a clinician panel, we find that SLIVER-net also outperforms junior specialists, and identifies AMD progression risk factors similarly to expert retina specialists.
Genomic insights into the host specific adaptation of the Pneumocystis genus
Authors: Cissé Ousmane H. , Ma Liang , Dekker John P. , Khil Pavel P. , Youn Jung-Ho , Brenchley Jason M. , Blair Robert , Pahar Bapi , Chabé Magali , Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Keesler Rebekah , Sukura Antti , Hirsch Vanessa , Kutty Geetha , Liu Yueqin , Peng Li , Chen Jie , Song Jun , Weissenbacher-Lang Christiane , Xu Jie , Upham Nathan S. , Stajich Jason E. , Cuomo Christina A. , Cushion Melanie T. , Kovacs Joseph A.
Published: March 2021

Pneumocystis jirovecii, the fungal agent of human Pneumocystis pneumonia, is closely related to macaque Pneumocystis. Little is known about other Pneumocystis species in distantly related mammals, none of which are capable of establishing infection in humans. The molecular basis of host specificity in Pneumocystis remains unknown as experiments are limited due to an inability to culture any species in vitro. To explore Pneumocystis evolutionary adaptations, we have sequenced the genomes of species infecting macaques, rabbits, dogs and rats and compared them to available genomes of species infecting humans, mice and rats. Complete whole genome sequence data enables analysis and robust phylogeny, identification of important genetic features of the host adaptation, and estimation of speciation timing relative to the rise of their mammalian hosts. Our data reveals insights into the evolution of P. jirovecii, the sole member of the genus able to infect humans.
Tailoring the Co4+/Co3+ active sites in a single perovskite as a bifunctional catalyst for the oxygen electrode reactions
Authors: Huang Song-Jeng , Muneeb Adil , Sabhapathy Palani , Sheelam Anji , Bayikadi Khasim Saheb , Sankar Raman
Published: March 2021

Developing a non-precious metal electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is desirable for low-cost energy conversion devices.
Self-assembled anionic and cationic Au nanoparticles with Au nanoclusters for the exploration of different biological responsiveness in cancer therapy
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Zhang Lu , Zhou Qian , Chen Fan , Stenzel Martina , Gao Fucheng , Liu Chao , Yuan Huiqing , Li Hui , Jiang Yanyan
Published: March 2021

Adjusting the size and surface charge of self-assembly Au nanocluster-based nanoparticles could change their interaction with cancer cells and improve their anti-cancer efficacy.
Architecting a Janus biomass carbon/sponge evaporator with salt-rejection and ease of floatation for sustainable solar-driven desalination
Authors: Xu Keyuan , Wang Chengbing , Li Zhengtong , Yan Xinyue , Mu Xueyang , Ma Miaomaio , Zhang Pengkui
Published: March 2021

A Janus biomass carbon/sponge (JBCS) solar-driven desalination system is composed of carbonized original leaf particles and commercial melamine sponge seamlessly integrated with each other by a simple “soak-dip” method.
High-efficiency ternary polymer solar cells with optimized morphology of active layers enabled by few-layered β-InSe nanosheets
Authors: Wang Jianming , Yu Huangzhong , Hou Chunli
Published: March 2021

Herein, few-layered β-InSe nanosheets are introduced into the active layers of polymer solar cells as morphological modifiers for the first time.
Geometrically isomeric Pt2Ag2 acetylide complexes of 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)pyridine: luminescent and vapochromic properties
Authors: Quan Jian , Chen Zhong-Hui , Zhang Xu , Wang Jin-Yun , Zhang Li-Yi , Chen Zhong-Ning
Published: March 2021

Geometrically isomeric cis- and trans-Pt2Ag2 alkynyl complexes are characterized by X-ray crystallography with trans-isomers showing bright phosphorescence and interesting vaporchromic properties.
Two C2v symmetry dysprosium(iii) single-molecule magnets with effective energy barriers over 600 K
Authors: Meng Xixi , Wang Mengmeng , Gou Xiaoshuang , Lan Wenlong , Jia Kexin , Wang Yu-Xia , Zhang Yi-Quan , Shi Wei , Cheng Peng
Published: March 2021

Two high-performance C2v symmetry dysprosium(iii) single-molecule magnets were synthesized. The mechanism of magnetization dynamics was studied in detail.
Conceptual method for the detailed analytical calculation of capacitance matrix elements in variable capacitance synchronous machines
Authors: Pourmirzaei Deylami Fazel , Darabi Ahmad
Published: March 2021

This article describes a detailed analytical method for obtaining the capacitance matrix elements in variable capacitance synchronous machines (VCSMs). The analytical modelling approach is performed by introducing a decentralized sinusoidal distribution of the stator/rotor electrodes and involves obtaining the capacitance matrix elements based on the electro motive force distribution in the air gap and calculating the induced electric charge in the stator/rotor electrode surfaces. The proposed analytical formulas are valid for both radial‐field and axial‐field VCSM structures. The analytical model is evaluated and well verified through analysing a multi‐stack axial‐field VCSM using 3D finite element simulation. Furthermore, a prototype of the VCSM is manufactured and tested to validate the results obtained from the proposed analytical model and finite element method simulations. Based on the results, the proposed model and analytical formulas are able to accurately estimate the capacitance matrix elements of the VCSMs.
Coordinated control of steer‐by‐wire and brake‐by‐wire for autonomous emergency braking on split‐μ roads
Authors: Xue Zhongjin , Li Chenfeng , Wang Xiangyu , Li Liang , Zhong Zhihua
Published: March 2021

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is an active safety technology which aims to prevent collisions by operating harsh braking. When AEB is activated on split‐μ roads, the yaw moment generated by the asymmetric braking forces will lead to losing control of the vehicle. In this study, a coordinated control scheme of steer‐by‐wire (SBW) and brake‐by‐wire (BBW) is developed to solve this problem. An anti‐lock braking system is achieved by a sliding mode controller. Besides, two model predictive controllers based on a 7‐degree‐of‐freedom vehicle dynamics model are proposed for different road adhesion conditions. According to the simulation results, the proposed scheme can maintain the stability of the vehicle and achieve a satisfying braking efficiency under various friction differences between the two‐side wheels. At last, the experiments are also carried out to verify the effectiveness and the real‐time performance of the proposed scheme on a hardware‐in‐loop bench of BBW and SBW.
Effect of fluid inertia force on thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication of elliptic contact
Authors: Meng Fan-Ming , Yang Sheng , Cheng Zhi-Tao , Zheng Yong , Wang Bin
Published: March 2021

A non-Newtonian thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) model for the elliptic contact is established, into which the inertia forces of the lubricant is incorporated. In doing so, the film pressure and film temperature are solved using the associated equations. Meanwhile, the elastic deformation is calculated with the discrete convolution and fast Fourier transform (DC-FFT) method. A film thickness experiment is conducted to validate the TEHL model considering the inertia forces. Further, effects of the inertia forces on the TEHL performances are studied at different operation conditions. The results show that when the inertia forces are considered, the central and minimum film thicknesses increase and film temperature near the inlet increases obviously. Moreover, the inertial solution of the central film thickness is closer to the experimental result compared with its inertialess value.
Dialogue between cultures: FL textbook as a foundation for high-quality education
Authors: Pirozhkova Irina
Published: March 2021

High-quality education is one of the main goals of Russia today. To reach it, the educational authorities, textbook and study guides authors and teachers should cooperate to identify the main problems and find their solution. One of the serious challenges of the Russian students is poor knowledge of foreign languages that reduces their chances to continue their education abroad. One of the ways to improve knowledge of a foreign language is to provide motivational and up-to-date educational resources including textbooks and visual aids. This research analyzes ESL textbooks from the point of view of Russia’s image presentation. Several cognitive strategies of the country’s image presentation have been singled out, among the most frequent are inclusion of phenomena of Russian culture along with culture-bound information of other countries; stereotypical representation of Russian culture without modern socio-cultural context; emphasis on Russian scientific achievements; presentation of traditional and historic facts; and emphasis on Russian politics. Students’ attitudes to culture bound materials are revealed in a survey. Recommendations to textbook authors and teachers are provided.
Finger shortening for Dupuytren’s disease-induced severe PIP joint flexion contracture of the little finger: A report of two cases
Authors: Ito Yoko , Naito Kiyohito , Nagura Nana , Sugiyama Yoichi , Obata Hiroyuki , Kaneko Ayaka , Goto Kenji , Kaneko Kazuo , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: March 2021

When severe proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contracture is induced in the little finger by Dupuytren’s disease, it interferes with activities of daily living. To extend the little finger, open fasciectomy is selected as a general treatment method. However, postoperative complications have been frequently reported. To solve these problems, finger shortening was undertaken. In this study, we treated two cases of Dupuytren’s disease manifesting severe PIP joint flexion contracture of the little finger with finger shortening by proximodistal interphalangeal (PDIP) fusion in which the middle phalanx is resected and the residual distal and proximal phalanges are fused. For flexion contracture of the MP joint, a percutaneous aponeurotomy using an 18G needle was performed to obtain the extended position of the MP joint. Favorable outcomes with high patient satisfaction, including esthetic aspects of retaining the finger with the nail without complication, were achieved. We report this challenging treatment and its discussion.
Das Knochenmarködem-Syndrom: interdisziplinäre Diagnosestrategie und Therapieoptionen
Authors: Stumpf Ulla , Kraus Moritz , Baumbach Sebastian F , Koliogiannis Vanessa , Bechtold-Dalla Pozza Susanne , Feist-Pagenstert Isa , Fürmetz Julian , Baur-Melnyk Andrea , Saller Maximilian M , Straube Andreas , Leipe Jan , Schmidmaier Ralf
Published: March 2021

Das Knochenmarködem (KMÖ) ist ein häufiger, rein deskriptiver Befund in der Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT). Schmerz ist das klinische Hauptsymptom. Knochenmarködeme unterscheiden sich wesentlich in Ursache, zugrundeliegender Erkrankung sowie in Therapie, Verlauf und Prognose. Diese Komplexität macht, zusammen mit dem Fehlen evidenzbasierter Leitlinien, die Identifizierung der Ursachen und deren Therapie zu einer großen Herausforderung. Ein interdisziplinärer Arbeitskreis des osteologischen Schwerpunktzentrums des LMU Klinikums hat ein KMÖ-Konsensuspapier erbarbeitet und publiziert [4]. Hier sollen die Ergebnisse mit einem Schwerpunkt auf das schmerzhafte KMÖ-Syndrom (KMÖS) präsentiert werden. In unserer klinischen Erfahrung kommt es zu deutlichen Verzögerungen bei Diagnose sowie Therapie, deshalb besteht nach wie vor die Notwendigkeit von interdisziplinären klinischen Empfehlungen. In der hier vorliegenden Arbeit ist nun eine Überarbeitung des Konsensuspapiers [4] mit Fokus auf dem Aspekt des schmerzhaften Knochenmarködem-Syndroms erfolgt. Aus erneuter Literaturrecherche, Überprüfung klinischer Erfahrungen (Expertenmeinung) und der ergebnisorientierten Überarbeitung des LMU-Konsenuspapiers wurde eine Zusammenfassung mit diagnostischen Maßnahmen, Differenzialdiagnosen und Therapieoptionen beim KMÖS erstellt. Ziel ist eine stratifizierte, klinische Herangehensweise hinsichtlich weiterführender Diagnostik und auch Therapie bei Vorliegen eines schmerzhaften KMÖS.
The regularized Stokeslets method applied to the three-sphere swimmer model
Authors: Nunes Lengler Henrique
Published: March 2021

We investigate the applicability of the Method of Regularized Stokeslets (MRS) in the simulation of micro-swimmers at low Reynolds number. The chosen model for the study is the well-known three linked sphere swimmer. We compare our results with the lattice Boltzmann method, multiparticle collision dynamics, a numerical solution of the Oseen tensor equation and an analytical solution, all taken from Earl et al. [“Modeling microscopic swimmers at low Reynolds number,” J. Chem. Phys. 126, 064703 (2007)]. The MRS is studied in detail, and our results show excellent agreement with the lattice Boltzmann method and with the analytical solution in its range of validity. We conclude that the MRS is well suited for this type of simulation, offering advantages such as being easy to implement and to represent complex geometries. Therefore, it presents itself as a suitable candidate for more complex simulations.
Characterising the nature of clinical incidents reported across a tertiary health service: a retrospective audit
Authors: Gillespie Brigid M. , Chaboyer Wendy , Boorman Rhonda J. , Sladdin Ishtar , Withers Teresa , de Wet Carl
Published: March 2021

Objective Reducing the number of adverse patient safety incidents (PSIs) requires careful monitoring and active management processes. However, there is limited information about the association between hospital settings and the type of PSI. The aims of this study were to describe the severity, nature and characteristics of PSIs from an analysis of their incidence and to assess the relationships between the type of PSI and its setting. Methods A retrospective audit of a clinical incident management system database was conducted for a tertiary health service in Australia with 620 000 residents. Records of PSIs reported for patients between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018 with Safety Assessment Codes (SAC) of PSIs were extracted from the clinical incident management system and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. PSIs involving paediatrics, mental health and primary care were excluded. Results In all, 4385 eligible PSIs were analysed: 24 SAC1, 107 SAC2 and 4254 SAC3 incidents. Across reported PSIs, the most common incidents related to skin injury (28.6%), medication (23.2%), falls (19.9%) and clinical process (8.5%). Falls were reported significantly more often in the medical division (χ2 = 43.85, P < 0.001), whereas skin injury incidents were reported significantly more often in the surgical division (χ2 = 22.56, P < 0.001). Conclusions A better understanding of the nature of PSIs and where they occur may lead to more targeted quality improvement strategies. What is known about this topic? Improving patient safety requires effective safety learning systems, which include incident reporting and management processes. Although incident reporting systems typically underestimate the incidence of iatrogenic harm, they do provide valuable opportunities to improve the future safety of health care. What does this paper add? This study reports the extent and severity of different types of PSIs that typically occur in a large tertiary hospital in Australia. The most common types of incidents are skin injury, falls, medication errors and clinical process. There are empirical associations between the type of PSI and clinical division (medical, surgical). What are the implications for practitioners? A greater understanding of the types of PSI and the settings in which they occur may inform the development of more targeted quality improvement strategies that potentially reduce their incidence.
Biological control of desert locust (
Schistocerca gregaria
Forskål)
Authors: Githae Eunice W. , Kuria Erick K.
Published: March 2021

Desert locust (
Schistocerca gregaria
Forskål) is one of the most serious agricultural pests in the world due to its voracity, speed of reproduction, and range of flight. We discuss the current state of knowledge on its biological control using microorganisms and botanical extracts.
Metarhizium flavoviride
was among the first fungus to be recognized as a bio-control agent against desert locust in the laboratory and field conditions. Nevertheless, its oil formulation adversely affected non-target organisms, hence led to further research on other microorganisms.
Metarhizium anisopliae
var.
acridum
(syn.
Metarhizium acridum
) is an environmentally safer bio-pesticide that has no measurable impact on non-target organisms. However, there are various shortcomings associated with its use in desert locust control as highlighted in this review. Bacterial pathogens studied were from species of
Bacillus
,
Pseudomonas
, and
Serratia
. Botanical extracts of 27 plant species were tested against the locust but showed varied results.
Azadirachta indica
and
Melia volkensii
were the most studied plant species, both belonging to family Meliaceae, which is known to have biologically active limonoids. Out of the 20 plant families identified, Apiaceae was the most represented with a frequency of 21%. However, only crude botanical extracts were used and therefore, the active ingredients against desert locust were not identified. Through a comprehensive research, an integrated pest management strategy that incorporates these bio-controls would be a realistic option to control desert locust infestations.
Edge effect on the piezoelectric characteristics of rectangular-shaped monolayer MSe2 (M = Cr, Mo, W) nanosheets
Authors: Dong Jiansheng , Ouyang Gang
Published: March 2021

The edge effect on the piezoelectric characteristics of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials is crucial to the design of high performance energy storage and photoelectric devices. Nevertheless, the comprehensive understanding of edge effects on the relationship between bond relaxation and piezoelectric responses of 2D materials at the atomic-level remains puzzling. Here, we explore the piezoelectric properties of monolayer MSe2 (M = Cr, Mo, W) and reveal how piezoelectric properties depend on the size and edge type based on atomic-bond-relaxation approach and continuum medium mechanics. A comprehensive analysis reveals that monolayer MSe2 exhibits anisotropic piezoelectric behaviors. Meanwhile, the piezoelectric power output is strongly dependent on the stress direction. Our study provides a way to optimize the piezoelectricity and related properties of 2D materials for practical applications.
Electrostatic image force energy for charges in three-layer structures: exact formulas and their approximations
Authors: Gabovich A M , Voitenko A I
Published: March 2021

The problem of image force energy W(Z) in three-layer plane structures, where Z is the coordinate perpendicular to the layers, has been reconsidered. In the classical electrostatic limit, where the dielectric permittivities ɛ

i
of all structure components (i = 1, 2, 3) are constants, the exact general dependences W(Z) were obtained for each layer and any ɛ

i
-combination in terms of the Lerch transcendent function. For certain combinations of ɛ

i
, an ion adsorption minimum was found to arise in one of the covers far from the interlayer. Some other combinations of ɛ

i
can lead to the appearance of a potential barrier, which does not permit a free charge existing in the cover to approach the interlayer, although it will be attracted to the interlayer in the close vicinity of the latter. For symmetric structures (ɛ
1 = ɛ
3), the asymptotic behavior of

W

(

Z

→
∞

)

was shown to be

Z

−
2

rather than

Z

−
1

, as it takes place in the two-layer case. Simple approximate analytical formulas that describe W(Z) and possess high accuracy for arbitrary relationships among the ɛ

i
-constants were proposed.
Investigating the effect of temperature dependent many-body interactions on electronic structures of SnTe in the Matsubara-time domain
Authors: Sihi Antik , Pandey Sudhir K
Published: March 2021

Recently, SnTe has gained attention due to its non-trivial topological nature and eco-friendly thermoelectric applications. We report a detailed temperature dependent electronic structure of this compound using DFT and GW methods. The calculated values of bandgaps by using PBEsol and G
0
W
0 methods are found to be in good agreement with the experiment, whereas mBJ underestimates the bandgap. The averaged value of diagonal matrix elements of fully screened Coulomb interaction (

W

̄

) at ω = 0 eV for Sn (Te) 5p orbitals is ∼1.39 (∼1.70) eV. The nature of frequency dependent

W

̄

(

ω

)

reveals that the correlation strength of this compound is relatively weaker and hence the excited electronic state can be properly studied by full-GW many-body technique. The plasmon excitation is found to be important in understanding this frequency dependent

W

̄

(

ω

)

. The temperature dependent electron–electron interactions (EEI) reduces the bandgaps with increasing temperature. The value of bandgap at 300 K is obtained to be ∼161 meV. The temperature dependent lifetimes of electronic state along W–L–Γ direction are also estimated. This work suggests that EEI is important to explain the high temperature transport behaviour of SnTe.
A porous heterostructure catalyst for oxygen evolution: synergy between IrP2 nanocrystals and ultrathin P,N-codoped carbon nanosheets
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Zi Xiangrong , Wang Yanwei , Zhang Han , Ma Jin-Ling , Fang Ling , Zhang Huijuan , Li Jian , Wang Yu
Published: March 2021

Designing efficient and robust oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is of great importance for various electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications. Herein, we developed IrP2 nanocrystals uniformly anchored in P,N-codoped carbon nanosheets (IrP2@PNC-NS) as highly active OER electrocatalysts. The ultrathin PNC-NS reconstructs an agaric-like porous structure, which can inhibit the agglomeration of the IrP2 nanocrystals effectively. Moreover, the in-situ phosphatization leads to the formation of a strong electron interaction between PNC-NS and IrP2 nanocrystals, endowing the heterostructure materials with satisfying synergistic effects. Benefiting from the collaborative advantages of ideal configuration structure and favorable synergistic effects, IrP2@PNC-NS exhibits excellent OER performance with a low overpotential of 221 mV at 10 mA cm−2, and a small Tafel slope of 37.5 mV dec−1. DFT calculations reveal that the synergistic effects derived from the IrP2/PNC interfaces, which can effectively tune the activation barriers towards facilitating the oxygen evolution process. This work provides new insight into the design of heterostructure materials for advanced OER electrocatalysts.
Reduction of calibration uncertainty due to mounting of three-axis accelerometers using the intrinsic properties model
Authors: Gaitan Michael , López Bautista Iris Mariela , Geist Jon
Published: March 2021

We show that the calibration of tri-axis accelerometers based on the device’s intrinsic properties alleviates the uncertainty due to mounting misalignment in comparison to the use of the sensitivity matrix. The intrinsic properties of a tri-axis accelerometer are based on a (u, v, w) coordinate system that represent the direction of maximum sensitivities of each of the three accelerometers (U, V, W) and are assumed not to be perfectly orthogonal to each other. The calibration procedure requires rotation of the device in the gravitational field around each of the Cartesian coordinate (x, y, z) axes. One component in driving down the uncertainty of laboratory comparisons and calibration repeats relates to misalignment in mounting the device onto the calibration instrument. We show that the uncertainty of the cross-axis terms of the sensitivity matrix is a dominating factor affecting uncertainty down to a 0.01° misalignment at a 100 µV noise level. The misalignment component can be exacerbated when calibrating modern microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based accelerometers, which are typically a few millimeters in dimension.
Turbulence suppression by energetic particles: a sensitivity-driven dimension-adaptive sparse grid framework for discharge optimization
Authors: Farcaş Ionuţ-Gabriel , Di Siena Alessandro , Jenko Frank
Published: March 2021

A newly developed sensitivity-driven approach is employed to study the role of energetic particles in suppressing turbulence-inducing micro-instabilities for a set of realistic JET-like cases with NBI deuterium and ICRH 3He fast ions. First, the efficiency of the sensitivity-driven approach is showcased for scans in a 21-dimensional parameter space, for which only 250 simulations are necessary. The same scan performed with traditional Cartesian grids with only two points in each of the 21 dimensions would require 221 = 2, 097, 152 simulations. Then, a 14-dimensional parameter subspace is considered, using the sensitivity-driven approach to find an approximation of the parameter-to-growth rate map averaged over nine bi-normal wave-numbers, indicating pathways towards turbulence suppression. The respective turbulent fluxes, obtained via nonlinear simulations for the optimized set of parameters, are reduced by more than two order of magnitude compared to the reference results.
Thermodynamic modeling of the Ti-Nb-Sn system and its preliminary applications in aging precipitation and solidification simulations
Authors: Peng Yingbiao , Huang Gongzhi , Long Luping , Yan Lianwu , Long Jianzhan , He Shiwen , Xu Tao
Published: March 2021

Gasping the thermodynamic and phase diagram of the materials being studied is essential for further guiding the development process, like composition design, heat treatment optimization and so on. Nb and Sn are common alloying elements in Ti-based biomedical alloys. In this work, the Ti-Nb-Sn system has been thermodynamically assessed based on experimental phase equilibria. A self-consistent thermodynamic description for the Ti-Nb-Sn system including two ternary compounds Ti3Nb3Sn2 and Ti3NbSn has been obtained. Based on the comparison between the calculated and experimental phase equilibria, the reliability of the presently obtained thermodynamic description has been verified. The influence of Nb and Sn contents on the precipitation temperature and amount of hcp α-Ti phase in bcc β-(Ti, Nb) has been investigated based on thermodynamic calculations. Results show that the increase of Nb or Sn content in Ti-based alloys would significantly reduce the precipitation amount and transformation temperature of hcp α-Ti phase in bcc β-(Ti, Nb) and the influence of Nb content is more effective than that of Sn. The solidified phases in several as-cast alloys have been thermodynamically predicted based on Scheil solidification simulations. The presently developed thermodynamic description of the Ti-Nb-Sn system can serve as a sub-ternary one in the thermodynamic database for multicomponent Ti-based biomedical alloys.
Microstructures and mechanical properties of 4 wt%TiB2/Al-Si-Cu-Zn (T6) composite thin-walled shell housing fabricated by high pressure die casting
Authors: Xi Shuaiying , Ma Guodong , Li Lu , Zhang Yuanbo , Yu Xiangyang , Li Yongkun , Zhou Rongfeng
Published: March 2021

The application demand of lightweight high-quality aluminum alloy parts in automotive and aerospace fields is increasingly. In aluminum matrix composites, reinforcing particles can significantly improve the performance of the matrix. In this paper, the microstructures and mechanical properties of die-cast 4 wt%TiB2/Al-9Si-3Cu-0.8Zn composite were systematically analyzed by x-ray diffraction, optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy and tensile testing. The composite was successfully fabricated from an Al-K2TiF6-KBF4 system by in situ melting technique. The research results show that the average grain sizes of the α-Al phase gradually decreased with the increase of filling distance. And the TiB2 particles were distributed around eutectic Si in irregular polyhedral morphology or nearly circular shape. Meanwhile, the crystal structures of Ti-B compound and long needle shaped nano-sized precipitated were identified and analyzed, and they were found to be TiB2 and Al2Cu phase, respectively. Tensile testing results show that the mechanical properties of die-cast composite clearly increase after T6 heat treatment. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation could reach 311 MPa, 379 MPa and 2.8% respectively, with the best injection velocity (1.8 m s−1). The significantly enhancement of mechanical properties of composite after T6 heat treatment was mainly due to the introduction of TiB2 reinforcing phase and the precipitation of Al2Cu precipitate in the aging stage. The results implied that the introduction of TiB2 reinforced particles could improve the mechanical properties of die castings, which has an important guiding role for its practical application.
Neural networks and quantum field theory
Authors: Halverson James , Maiti Anindita , Stoner Keegan
Published: March 2021

We propose a theoretical understanding of neural networks in terms of Wilsonian effective field theory. The correspondence relies on the fact that many asymptotic neural networks are drawn from Gaussian processes (GPs), the analog of non-interacting field theories. Moving away from the asymptotic limit yields a non-Gaussian process (NGP) and corresponds to turning on particle interactions, allowing for the computation of correlation functions of neural network outputs with Feynman diagrams. Minimal NGP likelihoods are determined by the most relevant non-Gaussian terms, according to the flow in their coefficients induced by the Wilsonian renormalization group. This yields a direct connection between overparameterization and simplicity of neural network likelihoods. Whether the coefficients are constants or functions may be understood in terms of GP limit symmetries, as expected from ’t Hooft’s technical naturalness. General theoretical calculations are matched to neural network experiments in the simplest class of models allowing the correspondence. Our formalism is valid for any of the many architectures that becomes a GP in an asymptotic limit, a property preserved under certain types of training.
Using Positive Attribute Framing to Attenuate Nocebo Side Effects: A Cybersickness Study
Authors: Mao Alanna , Barnes Kirsten , Sharpe Louise , Geers Andrew L , Helfer Suzanne G , Faasse Kate , Colagiuri Ben
Published: March 2021

Background

Side effect warnings can contribute directly to their occurrence via the nocebo effect. This creates a challenge for clinicians and researchers, because warnings are necessary for informed consent, but can cause harm. Positive framing has been proposed as a method for reducing nocebo side effects whilst maintaining the principles of informed consent, but the limited available empirical data are mixed.

Purpose

To test whether positive attribute framing reduces nocebo side effects relative to negative framing, general warning, and no warning.

Methods

Ninety-nine healthy volunteers were recruited under the guise of a study on virtual reality (VR) and spatial awareness. Participants were randomized to receive positively framed (“7 out of 10 people will not experience nausea”), negatively framed (“3 out of 10 people will experience nausea”), general (“a proportion of people will experience nausea”), or no side effect warnings prior to VR exposure.

Results

Receiving a side effect warning increased VR cybersickness relative to no warning overall, confirming that warnings can induce nocebo side effects. Importantly, however, positive framing reduced cybersickness relative to both negative framing and the general warning, with no difference between the latter two. Further, there was no difference in side effects between positive framing and no warning.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that positive framing not only reduces nocebo side effects relative to negative framing and general warnings, but actually prevents nocebo side effects from occurring at all. As such, positive attribute framing may be a cheap and ethical way to reduce nocebo side effects.
Characterization of the Peritumoral Atrophic Band and Nonneoplastic Renal Parenchyma in Radical Nephrectomy Specimens
Authors: Dernell Carl , Bhasin Bhavna , Iczkowski Kenneth A , Gallan Alexander J
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Pathologic evaluation of nonneoplastic renal parenchyma in nephrectomy specimens is important for identifying chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy, but increasing utilization of partial nephrectomies has led to less-sampled nonneoplastic parenchyma. The sampled tissue is often composed predominantly of the peritumoral atrophic band (PAB) directly adjacent to the tumor. We sought to determine the characteristics of the PAB and whether it could be used to reliably assess kidney pathology, including diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

We investigated 59 radical nephrectomies to determine the PAB characteristics, whether the PAB is representative of distant nonneoplastic parenchyma, and if diabetic nephropathy could be reliably detected in the PAB.

Results

Mesangial sclerosis was detected within the PAB in 100% of cases with mesangial sclerosis in the distant parenchyma. Eighty percent had a history of diabetes. The PAB exhibited increased glomerular sclerosis (51% vs 13%, P < .001) and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (83% vs 13%, P < .001) compared with distant parenchyma.

Conclusions

Diabetic nephropathy can be reliably detected in the PAB, which is important in partial nephrectomies or renal mass biopsies without ample distant renal parenchyma. The degree of glomerular and tubulointerstitial scarring within the PAB does not reflect the overall degree of chronic kidney disease.
Rhinoplasty: Aesthetic Augmentation With Improvement of Dorsal Aesthetic Lines
Authors: Zholtikov Vitaly , Golovatinskii Vladimir , Ouerghi Riadh , Daniel Rollin K
Published: March 2021

Background

Camouflage of nasal dorsum, aesthetic augmentation, and highlighting the dorsal aesthetic lines are essential elements in modern rhinoplasty. Numerous techniques have been utilized, including deep temporal fascia, rectus abdominis fascia, and diced cartilage in fascia (DC-F). Despite their widespread adoption, technical challenges remain, especially when utilized for aesthetic purposes.

Objectives

This paper details the utilization of fascia and DC-F for aesthetic dorsal refinement in primary and secondary cases. One of the main goals was to achieve ideal dorsal aesthetic dorsal lines rather than just volume augmentation.

Methods

The authors employed grafts from the deep temporalis fascia and rectus abdominis fascia in 4 configurations: (1) single layer, (2) double layer, (3) full-length DC-F, and (4) partially filled segmental DC-F grafts. Technical refinements included careful determination of dimensions and meticulously suturing to the dorsum at appropriately 10 points to prevent graft displacement.

Results

The authors report their experience with 146 clinical cases over 35 months from January 2017 to December 2019. The patients were divided for 4 groups depending on which type of graft was utilized.

Conclusions

Autogenous deep temporal fascia, rectus abdominis fascia, and DC-F were utilized to camouflage dorsal irregularities, highlight dorsal aesthetic lines, and aesthetically augment either the entire nasal dorsum or its individual parts. Optimization of cutting, stitching, filling the graft, and careful fixation of these grafts on the nasal dorsum significantly increases the predictability of these techniques and minimizes problems.
Revisional Medial Epicanthoplasty Using Reverse Z-Plasty Technique
Authors: Ha Jeong Hyun , Park Young Oh , Jin Ung Sik
Published: March 2021

Background

Medial epicanthoplasty is a common method for correcting epicanthal folds in Asians but sometimes cause unsatisfactory results. Although several procedural variations have been devised, revision techniques have earned little attention. The revision technique the authors have developed employs reverse Z-plasty to restore an overcorrected epicanthal fold.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the authors’ reverse Z-plasty technique in restoring natural medial canthal region harmonizing with Asian face.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2016, reverse Z-plasty was performed in patients seeking revisions after previous medial epicanthoplasties. Patients were surveyed to assess their satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Interepicanthal distance-lengthening ratios and symmetry of palpebral widths were evaluated digitally (ImageJ software) in patients who received revisional epicanthoplasty only.

Results

The reverse Z-plasty technique for revisional epicanthoplasty was performed in 548 Asian patients (83 males, 460 females). Most patients were pleased with the final outcomes. Only 6% submitted to later revisions of scars, which were otherwise scarcely visible after 3 months. Among 60 patients who underwent only revisional epicanthoplasty, interepicanthal distance-lengthening ratios ranged from 2.9% to 31.1% (average, 8.6%), and palpebral width symmetries improved.

Conclusions

This particular technique helps restore the 3-dimensional appearance of medial canthal angle through horizontal skin and soft tissue (including muscle and ligament) restructuring, thus compensating for tissue deficiency. It is simple in design, easy to perform, and satisfactory results were achieved, conferring natural aesthetics to the medial canthal region.

Level of Evidence: 4