bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of discharge variability on denudation rates and relief : example from the south-eastern margin of the Massif Central, France
Authors: Desormeaux Clement , Godard Vincent , Lague Dimitri , Benedetti Lucilla , Fleury Jules , Duclaux Guilaume
Published: March 2021

The evolution of continental relief results from the combined action of tectonic and climatic forcings. These processes do not act continuously but often through punctual events (earthquakes, major floods, landslides) whose integrated action over time (100 Kyr to Myr) leads to the formation of landscapes. The distribution of these extreme events is often described by statistical functions involving power-law relationships between frequency and magnitude, which, coupled with the non-linearity of the geomorphological response and threshold effects for the activation of erosion agents, leads to a complex and often poorly understood relief dynamics.

Studying the influence of discharge variability helps to better constrain river incision and long-term relief evolution. The south-eastern margin of the Massif Central (France) is a very interesting target for such investigations because it presents episodes of very intense precipitation focused on the relief resulting in marked differences in the statistical discharges distributions across the landscape. Some theoretical river incision models incorporate such variability (Lague et al., 2005) but they have been confronted with real data only in a limited number of cases (DiBiase et al., 2011; Scherler et al., 2017; Campfort et al., 2020). Here we test these models  in the Massif Central area and in particular on Cévennes, Ardèche and Margeride mountains by quantifying denudation rates using cosmogenic nuclides (10Be), characterizing discharges variability and performing morphological analysis on longitudinal rivers profiles.

The analysis of 326 river gauging stations allow us to observe a strong gradient in discharge variability from the external SE border to the interior of the Massif Central. The 10Be concentrations measured from river sediments in 36 catchments imply a large variation of denudation rates between 29 mm/kyr and 126 mm/kyr. We compare these denudation rates with the spatial distribution of mean annual precipitations, local relief, slope and concavity index, and also integrate all the observations in the frame of a stochastic threshold incision model. Our results confirm the complex model predictions of non-linear relationships between mean denudation rates and the channel steepness index and their dependence on hydrological variability and run-off.

key-words : extreme events, stochastic threshold incision model, denudation rates, discharge variability, morphometric parameters, Massif Central
Sensitivity of asymmetric Oxygen Minimum Zones to
remineralization rate and mixing intensity in the tropical Pacific
using a basin-scale model (OGCM-DMEC V1.2)
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Xiujun , Murtugudde Raghu , Zhang Dongxiao , Zhang Rong-Hua
Published: March 2021

Abstract. The tropical Pacific Ocean holds the world’s two largest Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZs), showing a prominent hemispheric asymmetry, with a much stronger and broader OMZ north of the equator. However, many models have difficulties in reproducing the observed asymmetric OMZs in the tropical Pacific. Here, we apply a fully coupled basin-scale model (OGCM-DMEC V1.2) to evaluate the impacts of remineralization rate and the intensity of vertical mixing on the dynamics of OMZs in the tropical Pacific. We first utilize observational data of dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and oxygen consumption to calibrate and validate the basin-scale model. Our model experiments demonstrate that enhanced vertical mixing combined with reduced remineralization rate can significantly improve our model capability of reproducing the asymmetric OMZs. Our study shows that DO is more sensitive to biological processes over 200–400 m but to physical processes over 400–1000 m. Enhanced vertical mixing not only causes an increase in DO supply at mid-depth, but also results in lower rates of biological consumption in the OMZs, which is associated with redistribution of DON. Our analyses demonstrate that weaker physical supply in the ETNP is the dominant process responsible for the asymmetry of the lower OMZs whereas greater biological consumption to the north plays a larger role in regulating the upper OMZs. This study highlights the complex roles of physical supply and biological consumption in shaping the asymmetric OMZs in the tropical Pacific.
CONSTRUCTION MODIFICATION OF RADIAL THRUST ROLLER BEARINGS
Authors: Shevchenko S.V. , Krol O.S.
Published: March 2021

Analytical relationships have been developed for the design of modified tapered roller bearings based on standard bearings of the 7000 type. The modification consists in replacing the rolling elements in the form of tapered rollers with a straight generatrix by concave rollers with an arc generatrix, which are in contact with the convex raceways of the rings. By calculation, the advantage of modified roller bearings in terms of service life in comparison with standard roller bearings of similar overall dimensions is shown.
CALCULATION OF A JET ENGINE IN A COMPLEX PLANE USING A ONE-DIMENSIONAL
SOLUTION OF THE NAVIER-STOKES EQUATION
Authors: Yakubovsky E.G.
Published: March 2021

This article proposes an algorithm to describe the motion of a body in the atmosphere using the
added mass. Attached mass is the property of a medium to form additional mass, as I assume with a relativistic
denominator at the speed of sound instead of the speed of light. Newton’s second law for added mass assumes two
terms with the same speed, one is relativistic at the speed of light, and the other is attached mass with a relativistic
denominator at the speed of sound. The use of a relativistic denominator with the speed of sound is a new idea that
allows, according to well-known formulas with added mass, which is valid at low speeds of a body, to describe
Teacher Strategies in Improving the Quality of Students at MTs 2 Medan Country
Authors: Meutia Muhayya
Published: March 2021

Every teacher who teaches at MTs Country 2 Medan is required to complete a very adequate learning administration, facilities, and infrastructure. The principal of the madrasa also provides excellent care for subordinates by arriving on time. Based on these problems, the researcher wanted to research strategies in improving the quality of education at Mts Country 2 Medan. As that becomes a problem in the research of this is the S Strategy of teachers in improving the quality of Learners, Implementation Strategies teachers to improve the quality of Participants Didik, Constraints any experienced by teachers in improving the quality of students. The method of research that is used is a qualitative descriptive approach. The research results. S Strategy of teachers in improving the quality of students, by meeting MGMPs (Council Subject Teacher) regularly and scheduled, all subject teachers must complete ad m in stars learning such as syllabus, Education Calendar, Annual Program, Program Semester, Rpp and others. The implementation of strategies in improving the quality of students at MTs Country 2 Medan is carried out with many programs, including morning apples every Tuesday and Wednesday of speech material from students, then every day there is gerbaning (silent reading movement), everyone in MTs N 2 field reading books, later reviewed then students convey to the teacher in front. Every Friday there is a yasin reading activity called Friday preaching, the activity aims to improve students' talents. As for the obstacles faced by the head of the madrasah in improving the quality of educators, some teachers do not keep up with the changes and one of the obstacles experienced by MTs Country 2 Medan teachers in training programs and one-way schedule coincides with the teaching schedule.
New Strategy to Reduce Water Consumption and Waste Generation During the Mechanical Milking Process in a Small Cattle Sector
Authors: Filho Josemar Gonçalves Oliveira , Nascimento Wagner Rodrigues , Vasconcelo Simonny Monthiel Araújo , Judice Marcelo Gomes , Egea Mariana Buranelo
Published: March 2021

Dairy cattle farming is an activity of great economic importance in Brazil; however, this activity presents high water consumption and volume of waste generated. The objective in the present work was to measure water consumption and waste generation during mechanical milking, in order to promote rational initiatives for the process. The farm property showed the consumption of 64.76% of the whole used water per day and generation of 35.24% of waste-water in the milking process. After orientation, the average coefficient of water consumption in the cattle sector decreased to 3.2 liters with a daily production of approximately 550 liters of milk and an average water consumption of 1,764.83 liters per day. The implementation of equipment and adoption of mitigation measures was associated with a significant reduction in water waste.
Efficacy of Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Bronchiectasis and Related Factors: Which Patients Should Receive the Most Treatment?
Authors: Candemir Ipek , Ergun Pınar , Satar Seher , Karamanlı Harun , Kaymaz Dicle , Demir Nese
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an effective approach for patients with chronic pulmonary disease, and it is also recommended for patients with bronchiectasis. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the efficacy of a multidisciplinary PR program and identify factors associated with improvement in patients with bronchiectasis. Material and ethods: We obtained data from patients with bronchiectasis who completed our PR program which consisted of education and training regarding bronchial hygiene. Pulmonary function test results, body composition, exercise capacity, quality of life, and psychological status were assessed before and after the PR program. Results: We enrolled 130 patients in this retrospective study. Most patients had a history of pneumonia. The Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale, incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT), endurance shuttle walking test (ESWT), St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scores statistically improved after the PR program (all p < 0.001). Improvements were similar regardless of sex, etiology, smoking sta-tus, or number of hospitalizations. Age was negatively correlated with ΔSGRQ (p = 0.024, r = −0.203). Baseline forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) was positively correlated with ΔCRQ (p = 0.015, r = 0.213) and negatively correlated with Δanxiety (p = 0.014, r = −0.215). Baseline MRC was negatively correlated with ΔMRC (p < 0.001, r = −0.563) and ΔSGRQ (p < 0.001, r = −0.308). Baseline ISWT was negatively correlated with ΔISWT (p = 0.043, r = −0.176) and Δanxiety (p = 0.007, r = −0.237). Baseline SGRQ was negatively correlated with ΔMRC (p = 0.003, r = −0.267) and ΔSGRQ (p < 0.001, r = −0.648). Conclusions: Our PR program is efficacious for patients with bronchiectasis regardless of sex, etiologic cause of bronchiectasis, concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking status, and/or number of hospitalizations. Improvement varied among patients which highlights the need for more studies to determine which patients will benefit most from the program.
High Sensitivity of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration and Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Biopsy in Lymphadenopathy Caused by Metastatic Disease: A Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Hedenström Per , Chatzikyriakos Vasilis , Shams Roozbeh , Lewerin Catarina , Sadik Riadh
Published: March 2021

Background/Aims: The diagnostic work-up of lymphadenopathy is challenging but important to determine the correct therapy. Nevertheless, few studies have addressed the topic of endosonography (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition in lymphadenopathy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy and safety of EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy sampling (EUS-FNB) in intrathoracic and intraabdominal lymphadenopathy.Methods: In a tertiary care center, patients with lymphadenopathy referred for EUS-guided sampling were included prospectively from 2014 to 2019 (NCT02360839). In all cases, EUS-FNB (22 gauge) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) (25 gauge) were performed. The patients were randomized to the first needle pass with FNB or FNA. Study outcomes were the diagnostic accuracy and adverse event rate.Results: Forty-eight patients were included (median age: 69 years [interquartile range, 59–76]; 24/48 females [50%]). The final diagnoses were metastasis (n=17), lymphoma (n=11), sarcoidosis (n=6), and inflammatory disease (n=14). The diagnostic performance of the two modalities was comparable, including a high sensitivity for metastatic nodes (EUS-FNB: 87% vs. EUSFNA: 100%, p=0.5). The sensitivity for lymphoma was borderline superior in favor of EUS-FNB (EUS-FNB: 55% vs. EUS-FNA: 9%, p=0.06). No adverse events were recorded.Conclusions: In lymphadenopathy, both EUS-FNB and EUS-FNA are safe and highly sensitive for metastatic lymph node detection. Lymphoma diagnosis is challenging regardless of the needle used.
Development of colon cancer in a patient with longstanding colonic diffuse ganglioneuromatosis: a case report
Authors: Oh Jin Sun , Hong Seung Wook , Noh Jin Hee , Yoon Jiyoung , Kang Hyo Jeong , Park Young Soo , Yang Dong-Hoon , Byeon Jeong-Sik
Published: March 2021

Colonic diffuse ganglioneuromatosis is an extremely rare disease in which multiple tumors derived from the ganglion cells, nerve fibers, and supporting cells are distributed in the colon. It is generally considered to be a benign neoplastic condition and is occasionally associated with rare hereditary conditions such as neurofibromatosis type I or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B. Here, we report a case of a patient in whom colon cancer developed 12 years after the initial diagnosis of colonic diffuse ganglioneuromatosis, which suggests a possible association between colonic diffuse ganglioneuromatosis and colorectal cancer.
How Ms. Mayen and Her Students Co-Constructed Good-at-Math
Authors: Ruef Jennifer
Published: March 2021

What does it mean to be “good-at-math,” and how is it determined? Cobb et al. (2009) defined the normative identity of mathematics classrooms as the obligations that students must meet to be considered good-at-math. Obligations are negotiated between teachers and students through series of bids. Normative identities reveal distributions of agency and authority within classrooms, which affect learning opportunities for students. Traditionally, mathematics teachers held the predominance of agency and authority in classrooms. Research supports shifting toward more equitable teaching and learning (e.g., National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2018). Clear examples of enacting and supporting changes are helpful. This article shares how sixth-grade students and their teacher co-constructed good-at-math to invite and obligate students to become active agents in mathematical argumentation.
Problems to Ponder
Authors: Holmstrom Megan , Korponic Megan
Published: March 2021

Problems to Ponder provides 28 varying, classroom-ready mathematics problems that collectively span PK–12, arranged in the order of the grade level. Answers to the problems are available online. Individuals are encouraged to submit a problem or a collection of problems directly to mtlt@nctm.org. If published, the authors of problems will be acknowledged.
La UOC participa en ECREA
Authors: San Cornelio Gemma , Roig Antoni , Martínez Martínez Silvia , Sánchez-Navarro Jordi
Published: March 2021

Estambul fue la ciudad escogida para acoger durante la última semana de octubre uno de los encuentros de investigadores en comunicación más importantes: la Cuarta Conferencia Europea de Comunicación, organizada por la European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA), que ha congregado a centenares de académicos y expertos en el estudio de la comunicación. Entre los asistentes se encontraban cuatros profesores de los Estudios de Ciencias de la Información y la Comunicación de la UOC, colaboradores habituales de COMeIN, presentando resultados de las investigaciones en las que participan. Son los firmantes de este artículo.
NMDA receptors control development of somatosensory callosal axonal projections
Authors: Zhou Jing , Lin Yong , Huynh Trung , Noguchi Hirofumi , Bush Jeffrey O , Pleasure Samuel J
Published: March 2021

Callosal projections from primary somatosensory cortex (S1) are key for processing somatosensory inputs and integrating sensory-motor information. How the callosal innervation pattern in S1 is formed during early postnatal development is not clear. We found that the normal termination pattern of these callosal projections is disrupted in cortex specific NMDAR mutants. Rather than projecting selectively to the primary/secondary somatosensory cortex (S1/S2) border, axons were uniformly distributed throughout S1. In addition, the density of this projection increased over postnatal life until the mice died by P30. By combining genetic and antibody-mediated loss of function, we demonstrated that it is GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in target S1 that mediate this guidance phenotype, thus playing a central role in interhemispheric connectivity. Furthermore, we found that this function of NMDA receptors in callosal circuit formation is independent of ion channel function and works with the EPHRIN-B/EPHB system. Thus, NMDAR in target S1 cortex regulates the formation callosal circuits perhaps by modulating EPH-dependent repulsion.
Cardiolipin targets a dynamin-related protein to the nuclear membrane
Authors: Kar Usha Pallabi , Dey Himani , Rahaman Abdur
Published: March 2021

Dynamins are targeted to specific cellular membranes that they remodel via membrane fusion or fission. The molecular basis of conferring specificity to dynamins for their target membrane selection is not known. Here, we report a mechanism of nuclear membrane recruitment of Drp6, a dynamin member in Tetrahymena thermophila. Recruitment of Drp6 depends on a domain that binds to cardiolipin (CL)-rich bilayers. Consistent with this, nuclear localization of Drp6 was inhibited either by depleting cellular CL or by substituting a single amino acid residue that abolished Drp6 interactions with CL. Inhibition of CL synthesis, or perturbation in Drp6 recruitment to nuclear membrane, caused defects in the formation of new macronuclei post-conjugation. Taken together, our results elucidate a molecular basis of target membrane selection by a nuclear dynamin and establish the importance of a defined membrane-binding domain and its target lipid in facilitating nuclear expansion.
HP1 proteins compact DNA into mechanically and positionally stable phase separated domains
Authors: Keenen Madeline M , Brown David , Brennan Lucy D , Renger Roman , Khoo Harrison , Carlson Christopher R , Huang Bo , Grill Stephan W , Narlikar Geeta J , Redding Sy
Published: March 2021

In mammals, HP1-mediated heterochromatin forms positionally and mechanically stable genomic domains even though the component HP1 paralogs, HP1α, HP1β, and HP1γ, display rapid on-off dynamics. Here, we investigate whether phase-separation by HP1 proteins can explain these biological observations. Using bulk and single-molecule methods, we show that, within phase-separated HP1α-DNA condensates, HP1α acts as a dynamic liquid, while compacted DNA molecules are constrained in local territories. These condensates are resistant to large forces yet can be readily dissolved by HP1β. Finally, we find that differences in each HP1 paralog’s DNA compaction and phase-separation properties arise from their respective disordered regions. Our findings suggest a generalizable model for genome organization in which a pool of weakly bound proteins collectively capitalize on the polymer properties of DNA to produce self-organizing domains that are simultaneously resistant to large forces at the mesoscale and susceptible to competition at the molecular scale.
The Use of Idioms and Wordplay in The Big Bang Theory Sitcom
Authors: Kryeziu Lendita
Published: March 2021

Language is a powerful communication tool. A skilful person uses words and manipulates them for different purposes; be that for persuading clients in buying different products or joining a congregation; soothing aggravated patients and consoling people who lost their loved ones. Language is used for teaching, informing, entertaining and making people laugh. Many public speakers, teachers, politicians and leaders use humour for breaking the ice and engaging the audience into listening. Moreover, nowadays a vast number of sitcoms are popular among different age groups based on the topics, genre and the audience’s field of interest. One such series which has caught the interest of a broader audience on Netflix is The Big Bang Theory. The usage of idioms, wordplays, puns, rhyming structures, pop culture language and scientific jargon, permeated with humour, are widely spread into the characters’ daily conversations through entire episodes. From the linguistic point of view, the corpus of The Big Bang Theory episodes will be thoroughly analysed for finding the relevance of using idioms, wordplays, puns and other structures in transmitting humorous messages to the audience.
Tłumaczenie antroponimów sztucznych na przykładzie francuskiego i angielskiego przekładu powieści „Pod Mocnym Aniołem” Jerzego Pilcha
Authors: Strzelecka Kinga Weronika
Published: March 2021

Artykuł porusza problem tłumaczenia antroponimów sztucznych na przykładzie francuskiego i angielskiego przekładu powieści „Pod Mocnym Aniołem” Jerzego Pilcha. Celem pracy jest odpowiedź na pytanie w jaki sposób tłumaczone są nazwy własne osobowe, które z natury rzeczy nie posiadają swoich ekwiwalentów uznanych w językach docelowych oraz jakie techniki tłumaczenia przeważają w ich przekładzie. W tym celu autorka przeanalizowała techniki tłumaczenia zastosowane wobec antroponimów sztucznych w dwóch przekładach powieści i zbadała związek pomiędzy formą nazwy osobowej a wyborem tłumacza. W przekładzie tej kategorii nazw dominującą techniką okazało się być tłumaczenie syntagmatyczne; na 30 nazw własnych z tekstu oryginalnego przetłumaczonych w ten sposób zostało 18 antroponimów w języku francuskim i 19 w języku angielskim. Pozostałe zidentyfikowane techniki to kolejno: tłumaczenie syntagmatyczne z reprodukcją, reprodukcja, ekwiwalent funkcjonalny, pominięcie i dodanie. Nazwy bohaterów wykreowane przez pisarza są wymagające w tłumaczeniu, ponieważ tłumacz nie może oprzeć się na żadnym użytym wcześniej sposobie ich tłumaczenia i stanowią wyzwanie, zwłaszcza kiedy są silnie związane z kulturą języka docelowego.
Depression and Anxiety Reduce the Probability of Achieving a State of Sustained Minimal Disease Activity in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Wong Antonio , Ye Justine Y. , Cook Richard J. , Gladman Dafna D. , Chandran Vinod
Published: March 2021

Objective

We aimed to determine whether the presence of depression or anxiety is associated with the achievement of sustained minimal disease activity (MDA) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Adult patients satisfying classification criteria for PsA prospectively followed from 2008 to 2017 were included. A standard protocol including physician assessment and patient‐reported outcomes determined whether patients achieved sustained MDA, which was defined as meeting MDA criteria for ≥2 consecutive visits. The presence of depression/anxiety was determined using 3 definitions: 1) a score of ≤38 on the mental component summary of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF‐36) health survey, 2) a score of ≤56 on the mental health domain of the SF‐36 health survey, and 3) a rheumatologist's report of a diagnosis or treatment for depression/anxiety. A discrete time‐to‐event analysis was conducted based on a proportional odds model to identify factors associated with achieving sustained MDA.

Results

A total of 743 patients were included in the study. The number of patients identified as having depression/anxiety at baseline included 331 patients (44.54%) according to definition 1, 364 patients (48.99%) according to definition 2, and 211 patients (28.4%) according to definition 3. A total of 337 patients (45.36%) did not achieve sustained MDA. The presence of depression/anxiety was associated with reduced probability of achieving sustained MDA, with odds ratio (OR) 0.30 (P < 0.0001), OR 0.34 (P < 0.0001), and OR 0.47 (P < 0.0001) for definitions 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Other variables associated with a reduced probability of achieving sustained MDA included the Charlson comorbidity index and fibromyalgia.

Conclusion

Symptoms of anxiety/depression reduce the probability of achieving sustained MDA in PsA. Comprehensive management of PsA should include measures for addressing these comorbidities.
A Simple Cu(II) Polyelectrolyte as a Method to Increase the Work Function of Electrodes and Form Effective p‐Type Contacts in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ali Azmat , Ahn Yohan , Khawaja Kausar Ali , Kang Ju Hwan , Park Yu Jung , Seo Jung Hwa , Walker Bright
Published: March 2021

One effective strategy to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is to develop new hole transport layers (HTLs). In this work, a simple polyelectrolyte HTL, copper (II) poly(styrene sulfonate) (Cu:PSS), which comprises easily reduced Cu2+ counter‐ions with an anionic PSS polyelectrolyte backbone is investigated. Photoelectron spectroscopy reveals an increase in the work function of the anode and upward band bending effect upon incorporation of Cu:PSS in PSC devices. Cu:PSS shows a synergistic effect when mixed with polyethylenedioxythiophene: polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) in various proportions and results in a decrease in the acidity of PEDOT:PSS as well as reduced hysteresis in completed devices. Cu:PSS functions effectively as a HTL in PSCs, with device parameters comparable to PEDOT:PSS, while mixtures of Cu:PSS with PEDOT:PSS shows greatly improved performance compared to PEDOT:PSS alone. Optimized devices incorporating Cu:PSS/PEDOT:PSS mixtures show an improvement in efficiency from 14.35 to 19.44% using a simple CH3NH3PbI3 active layer in an inverted (P‐I‐N) geometry, which is one of the highest values yet reported for this type of device. It is expected that this type of HTL can be employed to create p‐type contacts and improve performance in other types of semiconducting devices as well.
Integrated Neuromorphic Photonics: Synapses, Neurons, and Neural Networks
Authors: Guo Xuhan , Xiang Jinlong , Zhang Yujia , Su Yikai
Published: March 2021

Ever‐growing demands of bandwidth, computing speed, and power consumption are now accelerating the transformation of computing research, as work‐at‐home becomes a new normal. Brain‐inspired photonic neuromorphic computing for artificial intelligence is raising an urgent need, and it promises orders‐of‐magnitude higher computing speed and energy efficiency compared with digital electronic counterparts. Photonic neuromorphic networks combine the efficiency of neural networks based on a non‐von Neumann architecture and the benefits of photonics to constitute a new computing paradigm. Herein, some recent advances in photonic neural networks are reviewed, including the concept, principle, key photonic components, and architectures that construct the neuromorphic systems, hoping to provide a better understanding of this emerging field.
Advances in Prevention of Thermal Runaway in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: McKerracher Rachel D. , Guzman-Guemez Jorge , Wills Richard G. A. , Sharkh Suleiman M. , Kramer Denis
Published: March 2021

The prevention of thermal runaway (TR) in lithium‐ion batteries is vital as the technology is pushed to its limit of power and energy delivery in applications such as electric vehicles. TR and the resulting fire and explosion have been responsible for several high‐profile accidents and product recalls over the past decade. Herein, the causes of TR are described and novel preventative methods are examined, approaching the problem from different angles by altering the internal structure of the battery to undergo thermal shutdown or developing the battery and thermal management systems so that they can detect and prevent TR. Ultimately, a variety of different technologies is needed to address the emerging market of highly specialized lithium‐ion batteries. Key innovations discussed include positive temperature coefficient (PTC) materials, self‐healing polymer electrolytes, and hybrid liquid–solid‐state electrolytes. Mist cooling achieves a highly uniform temperature inside the battery pack without the need for pumps to circulate a coolant. The development of battery management systems (BMSs) which model the internal temperature of the cell from real‐time data and prevent the cell reaching a critical temperature is an essential area for further research.
The current status and future directions of robotic pancreatectomy
Authors: Nakata Kohei , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: March 2021

Robotic surgery has emerged as an alternative to laparoscopic surgery and it has also been applied to pancreatectomy. With the increase in the number of robotic pancreatectomies, several studies comparing robotic pancreatectomy and conventional open or laparoscopic pancreatectomy have been published. However, the use of robotic pancreatectomy remains controversial. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of robotic pancreatectomy. Various aspects of robotic pancreatectomy and conventional open or laparoscopic pancreatectomy are compared, including the benefits, limitations, oncological efficacy, learning curves, and costs. Both robotic pancreatoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy have favorable or comparable outcomes to conventional procedures, and robotic pancreatectomy has the potential to be an alternative to open or laparoscopic procedures. However, there are still several disadvantages to robotic platforms, such as prolonged operative duration and the high cost of the procedure. These disadvantages will be improved by developing instruments, overcoming the learning curve, and increasing the number of robotic pancreatectomies. In addition, robotic pancreatectomy is still in the introductory period in most centers and should only be used in accordance with strict indications.
Arylene Diimide Phosphors: Aggregation Modulated Twin Room Temperature Phosphorescence from Pyromellitic Diimides
Authors: Garain Swadhin , Kuila Suman , Garain Bidhan Chandra , Kataria Meenal , Borah Aditya , Pati Swapan K. , George Subi J.
Published: March 2021

Arylene diimide derived ambient organic phosphors are seldom reported despite their potential structural characteristics to facilitate the triplet harvesting. In this context, highly efficient room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) from simple, heavy‐atom substituted pyromellitic diimide derivatives in amorphous matrix and crystalline state is reported here. Multiple intermolecular halogen bonding interactions among these phosphors, such as halogen‐carbonyl and halogen‐π resulted in the modulation of phosphorescence, cyan emission from monomeric state and orange‐red emission from its aggregated state, to yield twin RTP emission. Remarkably, the air‐stable phosphorescence presented here own one of the highest quantum yield (≈48 %) among various organics in orange‐red emissive region.
Characterization of co‐ and post‐hydrolyzed polyacrylamide molecular weight and radius distribution under saline environment
Authors: Patel Viralkumar , Dalsania Yogeshkumar , Azad Madhar Sahib , Sharma Tushar , Trivedi Japan
Published: March 2021

The structural changes in the hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PAM) under different saline conditions show significant effects on the rheological properties. At the higher shear rates, these conformational changes cannot be discerned in the shear rheological field but the extensional rheology can probe the polymer's microstructure can provide a better description. In this paper, two types of polymers: co‐hydrolyzed PAM and post‐hydrolyzed PAM were tested under different saline conditions. The polymer conformation results were interpreted to ascertain the underlying mechanisms of polymer and cation interactions and their effect on the extensional properties. The results showed that the interactions of polymer chains with divalent cations lead to the formation of the cross‐linked chelating structures corresponded to the narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) with a lower radius of Gyration (Rg). However, the uniform carboxylate ion density across the co‐hydrolyzed PAM restricted shrinkage of the polymer chains after interactions with cations showed the high strain hardening due to polymer chain entanglement at high Hencky strain. Whereas, monovalent cation interactions with the carboxylate groups resulted in the monodentate structures that sustained the broader MWD that explains the observed higher strain hardening and extensional relaxation time.
Effect of metal‐oxide nanoparticle presence and alginate cross‐linking on cellulose nanocrystal‐based aerogels
Authors: Goikuria Uribarri , Larrañaga Aitor , Lizundia Erlantz , Vilas José Luis
Published: March 2021

In a context where environmentally friendly materials development is becoming essential, cellulose is achieving a great importance. Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) hierarchical and nanostructured porous network is a versatile nanoparticle support to fabricate nanocomposites for different solutions. In this work, CNC‐based aerogels loaded with copper and palladium‐oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized by nitrate precursor reduction followed by freeze‐drying, after a scalable, surfactantless and room temperature process. The in situ produced nanoparticles are entrapped by CNC due to ionic interactions and aerogels show an uniformly colored macroscopic appearance. Metal oxide nanoparticle (MOx) mediated hybridization promotes remarkable changes in CNC wettability, free surface energy and thermal stability. These modifications are dependent on the type of metal precursor and concentration and have been analyzed by different techniques. Overall, obtained CNC hybrid aerogels are lightweight (12–30 mg.cm−3) and highly porous (98%–99%). Finally, more mechanically resistant hybrid aerogels have been synthesized through the incorporation of sodium alginate and tested by compressive stress measurements.
shrub is required for spermatogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Chen Meng‐Yan , Tayyeb Abdulqadir , Wang Yu‐Feng
Published: March 2021

Shrub (CG8055) encodes the vps32/snf7 protein, a filament‐forming subunit of the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport)‐III complex involved in inward membrane budding. It was reported that shrub was required for abscission in female germline stem cells. In this study, we showed that the expression level of shrub in the testis was significantly higher than that in the ovary of 1‐day‐old Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting a role in male reproduction. Then we used nosGal4 driver to knockdown shrub specifically in the fly testis and found that this resulted in a significantly lower paternal effect egg hatch rate relative to the control group. Immunofluorescence staining showed that shrub knockdown in fly testes caused an accumulation of early‐stage germ cells and lack of spectrin caps. In the late stages (spermiogenesis), the control testis contained multiple compacted spermatid bundles and individualization complexes (ICs) consisting of actin cones, whereas there were scattered spermatid nuclei and only a few ICs with disorganized actin cones in the shrub knockdown testis. Finally, the control seminal vesicle was full of mature sperms with needle‐like heads, but in shrub knockdown testis 75% of seminal vesicles had no mature sperms. We also found that knockdown of shrub in fly testes led to upregulated expression of several cytoskeleton‐associated genes, and an accumulation of ubiquitylated proteins. These results suggest that knockdown of shrub in fly testes might damage spermatogenesis by affecting transportability.
The flavonoid 3′‐hydroxylase gene from the Antarctic moss Pohlia nutans is involved in regulating oxidative and salt stress tolerance
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Liu Shenghao , Wang Huijuan , Chen Kaoshan , Zhang Pengying
Published: March 2021

Flavonoids are the important secondary metabolites. They are thought to play an important role in plant adaptation to terrestrial environment. However, the downstream branching pathway of flavonoids in bryophytes, which are the most ancient of terrestrial plants, remains unclear. Here, we cloned a flavonoid 3′‐hydroxylase gene (PnF3′H) from the Antarctic moss Pohlia nutans and studied its function in plant stress tolerance. The Arabidopsis with overexpressing PnF3′H (AtOE) were constructed. The AtOE plants had more lateral roots and higher activities of antioxidant enzymes than the wild‐type plants under oxidative stress. Meanwhile, the gene expression levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers (i.e., AtCAT3, AtFeSOD1, and AtCu‐ZnSOD3) were upregulated in the AtOE plants, and the transcription levels of ROS producing enzyme genes were significantly downregulated. The AtOE plans showed increased sensitivity to NaCl stress or abscisic acid (ABA) treatment during seed germination and early root development. Furthermore, several stress‐resistant genes in the ABA signaling pathway were also downregulated in the AtOE plants when compared with the wild‐type plants. These results suggested that PnF3′H participates in regulating the oxidative tolerance and ABA sensitivity to enable P. nutans to adapt to polar environments.
How biopsychosocial depressive risk shapes behavioral and neural responses to social evaluation in adolescence
Authors: Stretton Jason , Walsh Nicholas D , Mobbs Dean , Schweizer Susanne , van Harmelen Anne‐Laura , Lombardo Michael , Goodyer Ian , Dalgleish Tim
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Understanding the emotional responsivity style and neurocognitive profiles of depression‐related processes in at‐risk youth may be helpful in revealing those most likely to develop affective disorders. However, the multiplicity of biopsychosocial risk factors makes it difficult to disentangle unique and combined effects at a neurobiological level.

Methods

In a population‐derived sample of 56 older adolescents (aged 17–20), we adopted partial least squares regression and correlation models to explore the relationships between multivariate biopsychosocial risks for later depression, emotional response style, and fMRI activity, to rejecting and inclusive social feedback.

Results

Behaviorally, higher depressive risk was associated with both reduced negative affect following negative social feedback and reduced positive affect following positive social feedback. In response to both cues of rejection and inclusion, we observed a general neural pattern of increased cingulate, temporal, and striatal activity in the brain. Secondly, in response to rejection only, we observed a pattern of activity in ostensibly executive control‐ and emotion regulation‐related brain regions encompassing fronto‐parietal brain networks including the angular gyrus.

Conclusion

The results suggest that risk for depression is associated with a pervasive emotional insensitivity in the face of positive and negative social feedback.
Longitudinal mental health outcomes of combat‐injured service members
Authors: Walker Lauren E. , Watrous Jessica , Poltavskiy Eduard , Howard Jeffrey T. , Janak Jud C. , Pettey Warren B. P. , Zarzabal Lee Ann , Sim Alan , Gundlapalli Adi , Stewart Ian J.
Published: March 2021

Background

The relationship between traumatic injury and subsequent mental health diagnoses is not well understood and may have significant implications for patient screening and clinical intervention. We sought to determine the adjusted association between traumatic injury and the subsequent development of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

Methods

Using Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs datasets between February 2002 and June 2016, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 7,787 combat‐injured United States service members matched 1:1 to combat‐deployed, uninjured service members. The primary exposure was combat injury versus no combat injury. Outcomes were diagnoses of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, defined by International Classification of Diseases 9th and 10th Revision Clinical Modification codes.

Results

Compared to noninjured service members, injured service members had higher observed incidence rates per 100 person‐years for PTSD (17.1 vs. 5.8), depression (10.4 vs. 5.7), and anxiety (9.1 vs. 4.9). After adjustment, combat‐injured patients were at increased risk of development of PTSD (HR 2.92, 95%CI 2.68–3.17), depression (HR 1.47, 95%CI 1.36–1.58), and anxiety (HR 1.34, 95%CI 1.24–1.45).

Conclusions

Traumatic injury is associated with subsequent development of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These findings highlight the importance of increased screening, prevention, and intervention in patients with exposure to physical trauma.
Diagnosis of Stage III Periodontitis and Ambiguities of the “Gray Zones” in Between Stage III and Stage IV
Authors: Sirinirund Benyapha , Di Gianfilippo Riccardo , Yu Shan‐Huey , Wang Hom‐Lay , Kornman Kenneth S.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

How to best classify the Stage III and IV periodontitis cases that share common features of the most severe clinical attachment loss and the most severe radiographic bone loss?

Case Presentation

Two patients presented features of generalized periodontitis, with severe probing depth and clinical attachment loss that would meet inclusion in both Stage III and IV. The cases retained all teeth but were further complicated by teeth drifting and secondary occlusal trauma. Appropriate disease classification required clinical judgement and led to the final classification of Stage III, Grade C for both cases.

Conclusion

Patient‐based clinical judgement, aiming for long‐term preservation of natural dentition, drives the final assignment of staging when the case falls in the “gray zone” that focuses on major differences in Stage III and IV periodontitis.
How newspaper images position different groups of people in relation to theCOVID‐19 pandemic: A social representations approach
Authors: Martikainen Jari , Sakki Inari
Published: March 2021

This study examines newspaper photographs related to the COVID‐19 pandemic in Finland. Drawing on social representations theory and positioning theory, we explore social representations and identities related to COVID‐19 in mass media using a visual rhetoric analysis. More specifically, we focus on how newspaper photographs construct subjects' positions for different age groups. The data consisted of 4,506 photographs of people published in the two largest Finnish newspapers between 1 January and 31 August 2020. The study identified the following subject positions for the different age groups: (a) children as controlled pupils and joyful players; (b) youth as future‐oriented graduates and reckless partygoers; (c) adults as authoritative experts, adaptive professionals, responsible caretakers and active recreationists and (d) elderly people as isolated loners. In addition to echoing the positions of villains, heroes and victims identified in previous studies, the photographs seemed to construct an intergroup divide between adults and the other age groups. Methodologically, this study elaborates the usefulness of the analysis of visual rhetoric in social representations research. Theoretically, we seek to advance the understanding of the role of media, particularly images, in the social construction of knowledge.
Direct measurement of enthalpy and entropy changes in NH3 promoted O2 activation over Cu−CHA at low temperature
Authors: Wang Xueting , Chen Lin , Vennestrøm Peter N. R. , Janssens Ton V. W. , Jansson Jonas , Grönbeck Henrik , Skoglundh Magnus
Published: March 2021

Oxygen activation is a key step in the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia (NH3‐SCR) over Cu‐chabazite. We present direct measurements of oxygen adsorption at low temperatures over [NH3−Cu−NH3]+ complexes and framework‐bound Cu+ species in Cu‐chabazite with Si/Al=14 using isothermal microcalorimetry combined with mass spectrometry. The enthalpy change for O2 adsorption over [NH3−Cu−NH3]+ complexes at 200 °C is determined to be −79 kJ/mol. By fitting a Langmuir isotherm, the corresponding entropy change is determined to be −142 J/(mol*K) at 10 % O2. The results show that O2 adsorption at low temperatures over [NH3−Cu−NH3]+ complexes is more facile than on framework‐bound Cu+ species. The experimental results are in agreement with density functional theory calculations showing a lower barrier for O2 activation over the [NH3−Cu−NH3]+ complexes as compared to the framework‐bound Cu+ species.
A 4K score/MRI‐based nomogram for predicting prostate cancer, clinically significant prostate cancer, and unfavorable prostate cancer
Authors: Wagaskar Vinayak G. , Sobotka Stanislaw , Ratnani Parita , Young James , Lantz Anna , Parekh Sneha , Falagario Ugo Giovanni , Li Li , Lewis Sara , Haines Kenneth , Punnen Sanoj , Wiklund Peter , Tewari Ash
Published: March 2021

Background

The detection of prostate cancer requires histological confirmation in biopsy core. Currently, number of unnecessary prostate biopsies are being performed in the United States. This is due to the absence of appropriate biopsy decision‐making protocol.

Aim

To develop and validate a 4K score/multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)‐based nomogram to predict prostate cancer (PCa), clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), and unfavorable prostate cancer (uPCa).

Methods and Results

Retrospective, single‐center study evaluating a cohort of 574 men with 4K score test >7% or suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE) or Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) scores 3, 4, or 5 on mpMRI that underwent systematic and/or mpMRI/ultrasound fusion–targeted prostate biopsy between 2016 and 2020. External cohort included 622 men. csPCa and uPCa were defined as Gleason score ≥3 + 4 and ≥4 + 3 on biopsy, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to build nomogram for predicting PCa, csPCa, and uPCa. Validation was performed by plotting the area under the curve (AUC) and comparing nomogram‐predicted probabilities with actual rates of PCa, csPCa, and uPCa probabilities in the external cohort.

4K score, a PI‐RADS ≥4, prostate volume and prior negative biopsy were significant predictors of PCa, csPCa, and uPCa. AUCs were 0.84, 0.88, and 0.86 for the prediction of PCa, csPCa, and uPCa, respectively. The predicted and actual rates of PCa, csPCa, and uPCa showed agreement across all percentage probability ranges in the validation cohort. Using the prediction model at threshold of 30, 30% of overall biopsies, 41% of benign biopsies, and 19% of diagnosed indolent PCa could be avoided, while missing 9% of csPCa.

Conclusion

This novel nomogram would reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies and decrease detection of clinically insignificant PCa.