bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fertility intention-based birth forecasting in the context of China’s universal two-child policy: an algorithm and empirical study in Xi’an City
Authors: Liu Jianghua , Zhang Lianchao
Published: May 2021

After a universal two-child policy was introduced in China in 2016, studies have been published using women’s fertility intentions to forecast future births; however, the recommended algorithms need to be improved. In this study, an algorithm based on the method of limiting factors is developed to retrospectively forecast annual births in Xi’an City in the first three years of policy implementation, i.e. 2016–2018. The 2015 Xi’an Fertility Survey (sample: 560 one-child mothers) showed that 17% of mothers intended to have a second child, 30% were undecided and 53% did not intend to do so at the end of 2015. The low forecast variant based on the updated algorithm indicates that there would be a baby boom in 2016–2018, but the annual births would increase by 13% at most. The forecasting results are basically consistent with the official reports on annual births. This study emphasizes the importance of appropriately adjusting all fertility intentions in birth forecasting, helps to understand women’s fertility behaviour and evaluate the effects of implementing the universal two-child policy, and has important implications for China’s population and family planning work.
Immunofluorescence Image Feature Analysis and Phenotype Scoring Pipeline for Distinguishing Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Hirway Shreyas U. , Hassan Nadiah T. , Sofroniou Michael , Lemmon Christopher A. , Weinberg Seth H.
Published: May 2021

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential biological process, also implicated in pathological settings such as cancer metastasis, in which epithelial cells transdifferentiate into mesenchymal cells. We devised an image analysis pipeline to distinguish between tissues comprised of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, based on extracted features from immunofluorescence images of differing biochemical markers. Mammary epithelial cells were cultured with 0 (control), 2, 4, or 10 ng/mL TGF-β1, a well-established EMT-inducer. Cells were fixed, stained, and imaged for E-cadherin, actin, fibronectin, and nuclei via immunofluorescence microscopy. Feature selection was performed on different combinations of individual cell markers using a Bag-of-Features extraction. Control and high-dose images comprised the training data set, and the intermediate dose images comprised the testing data set. A feature distance analysis was performed to quantify differences between the treatment groups. The pipeline was successful in distinguishing between control (epithelial) and the high-dose (mesenchymal) groups, as well as demonstrating progress along the EMT process in the intermediate dose groups. Validation using quantitative PCR (qPCR) demonstrated that biomarker expression measurements were well-correlated with the feature distance analysis. Overall, we identified image pipeline characteristics for feature extraction and quantification of immunofluorescence images to distinguish progression of EMT.
The contractualisation of public international law
Authors: Bantekas Ilias
Published: May 2021

This short paper intends to set out a general theory underpinning the process of contractualisation of public international law. In doing so, it explains that this has chiefly been engineered through the establishment of a thirdsphereof regulation – in addition to the spheres of domestic law(s) and international law – namely transnational law. Both private actors and states operate through this sphere, chiefly because of its flexibility, decreased transaction costs and access to capital (which is scarce in the other two spheres). These benefits of transacting in the transnational-law sphere and the contractualisation of pertinent relationships come at a cost. Such a cost, from the perspective of human rights and parliamentary sovereignty, is explored by reference to two case-studies. The second of these, on the outsourcing of indigenous land rights, is predicated on the research and observations offered by Bhatt (2020).
A counter-hegemonic rule of law?
Authors: del Pilar Cortés-Nieto Johanna , Jokubauskaite Giedre
Published: May 2021

We are sympathetic to the research aims of the two books examined by this symposium and their desire to understand law's role in generating and contesting social injustice. We are also intrigued by the proposal in the Introduction to this symposium, notably to expand the normative reach of the rule-of-law ideal to private actors, in order to transform it into an ally of counter-hegemonic action. In our research, we share a similar research focus (development projects), methodology (case-studies) and concerns (harmful effects of development interventions) with the authors of the two books. Accordingly, in this contribution, we want to think together with the editors of the symposium – by examining the case-study of the Hidroituango project in Colombia (hereinafter, ‘Hidroituango’) – whether the rule of law can indeed be reimagined to limit the arbitrary exercise of power by private actors, and what benefits this might create for dealing with social injustice. However, since neither Bhatt nor Lander advances an explicit account of rule of law in their books, our critique in this piece is addressed not at them, but rather at the theorists and advocates of rule of law as a political ideal.
Becoming Peter Fitzpatrick (1941–2020)
Authors: Sugarman David
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the reciprocal interplay between Peter Fitzpatrick's life and work, between significant people, events, ideas and values, and the ways in which he made and re-made himself. It illuminates Peter's struggle, especially from the 1990s onwards, to place ethics centre stage in both life and law. Drawing on archival and secondary research, including interviews with Peter's family, former colleagues and students, this contribution to legal life writing adds to what we already knew about Peter and his scholarship. It assesses and clarifies his key ideas and their intersection with his ethics and lived experiences. It is hoped that the paper will encourage those who are less familiar with Peter's work, or who find his writing daunting, to tackle it anew and appreciate its significance.
Myth and concealment at colonial law's foundations
Authors: Pavlich George
Published: May 2021

This paper provides an engagement with, and highlights the depth of, Peter Fitzpatrick's careful examination of myths that grounded modern law and its colonial instances. That grounding is shown to be premised on a concealment of basic contradictions behind fictions of a unified law, even though it only appears through negations of others. Intersecting patterns of marginalisation are shown to be constitutive of modern and colonial law, so it is not surprising that current protests should address a basic exclusionary racism that Fitzpatrick's work signalled. It concludes with some reflections on what his work might mean for three current debates.
A concise note on Peter Fitzpatrick's ‘Racism and the innocence of law’
Authors: Tuitt Patricia
Published: May 2021

I have long felt that Peter Fitzpatrick's 1987 paper, ‘Racism and the innocence of law’, should be closely studied by all law students during, or shortly after, their induction to the study of law. These concise notes on the paper are written primarily in tribute to a friend, colleague and mentor but, in writing them, I hope also to demonstrate how this early instance of a theory about how law is intertwined in racial capitalism could be taught in those law schools that harbour ambitions to be not only critical, but also decolonial. Inevitably, in such a short piece, choices have had to be made about which aspects of the paper to foreground and which to leave out entirely. I trust that my decision to focus on those aspects that can be more readily comprehended by a student with limited knowledge of legal theory and substantive fields of law will not be thought to have unduly watered down its meaning.
Cuboidal quad-port UWB-MIMO antenna with WLAN rejection using spiral EBG structures
Authors: Modak Sumon , Khan Taimoor
Published: May 2021

This study presents a novel configuration of a cuboidal quad-port ultra-wideband multiple-input and multiple-output antenna with WLAN rejection characteristics. The designed antenna consists of four F-shaped elements backed by a partial ground plane. A 50 Ω microstrip line is used to feed the proposed structure. The geometry of the suggested antenna exhibits an overall size of 23 × 23 × 19 mm3, and the antenna produces an operational bandwidth of 7.6 GHz (3.1–10.7 GHz). The notched band characteristic at 5.4 GHz is accomplished by loading a pair of spiral electromagnetic bandgap structures over the ground plane. Besides this, other diversity features such as envelope correlation coefficient, and diversity gain are also evaluated. Furthermore, the proposed antenna system provides an isolation of −15 dB without using any decoupling structure. Therefore, to validate the reported design, a prototype is fabricated and characterized. The overall simulated performance is observed in very close agreement with it's measured counterpart.
Neurodevelopmental assessment of infants born to mothers with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy at six months of age
Authors: Sala Marisa E. , Romero M. Florencia , Romero Anabella , Fasano M. Victoria , Varea Ana M. , Carrera Patricia , Salazar Martín R. , Espeche Walter G. , González Horacio F.
Published: May 2021

Infant neurodevelopment is a complex process which may be affected by different events during pregnancy, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). We conducted a prospective cohort study to compare the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants born to mothers with and without HDP at six months of age. Participants attended the Health Observatory of Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas “Prof. Dr. Fernando E. Viteri” during 2018 and 2019. Infant neurodevelopment was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development—Third Edition (Bayley-III). Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney test. Of the 132 participating infants, 68 and 64 were born to mothers with and without HDP, respectively. At six months, the prevalence of risk of neurodevelopmental delay was significantly higher in infants born to mothers with than without HDP (27.9% vs. 9.4%; p = 0.008) (odds ratio, 3.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.30; 12.28). In conclusion, infants born to mothers with HDP had three times increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay at six months of age.
Nationalism or Geopolitics: The Rise of Guerillas and Patterns of Military Conflict during the Expansion of the Ili Rebellion, 1944–46
Authors: Wei Zikui
Published: May 2021

This article investigates the Ili Rebellion in Xinjiang (1944–49). Relying primarily on Chinese sources, the author identifies variations in the rise and fate of non-Han ethnic guerillas, and the patterns of military conflict in different regions during the expansionist stage of the Ili Rebellion from 1944 to 1946. The article argues that neither a nationalist nor a geopolitical explanation adequately account for such variations. Rather, the overlapping and intersecting geopolitical influence (both the Soviet Union and the two Chinese regimes) as well as local conditions (including local ethnic composition and social structure) explain such patterns. Finally, this article discusses broader implications of the role of nationalism and geopolitics in revolutions in small and dependent states.
Bessere Wissensaufnahme durch Kurzfortbildungen vor dem Spätdienst statt nach dem Frühdienst?
Authors: Krüger Lars , Mannebach Thomas , Luderer Christiane
Published: May 2021

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Fortbildungen für Pflegende auf der Intensivstation sind obligat, es fehlt jedoch oft an Kurzfortbildungen von bis zu 15 Minuten innerhalb der Arbeitszeit. Derzeit gibt es keine vergleichende Datenlage zur zeitlichen Verortung von Kurzfortbildungen. Fragestellungen: Welche Auswirkungen haben zeitlich unterschiedlich verortete Kurzfortbildungsveranstaltungen zu Beginn des Spätdienstes gegenüber zum Ende des Frühdienstes auf die Wissensaufnahme von Pflegenden auf der Intensivstation? Ergänzend sollten weitere Rahmenbedingungen und eine abschließende Empfehlung für die Veranstaltungen ermittelt werden. Methode: In einer Beobachtungsstudie mit Pflegenden, die Kurzfortbildungsveranstaltungen vor dem Spätdienst (VS) oder nach dem Frühdienst (VF) besuchten, kam ein Fragebogen zum Einsatz. Als primärer Outcome-Effekt wurde die Odds Ratio (OR) anhand von drei Quizfragen errechnet. Sekundäre Outcome-Parameter, zu denen u.a. eine pünktliche Teilnahme der Pflegenden sowie das Empfehlungsverhalten zählten, wurden mit Methoden deskriptiver Statistik ermittelt. Ergebnisse: Bei einem Rücklauf von 98,59% (n = 420) betrug die OR 1,22 (95%-KI: 0,90; 1,64) zugunsten der Gruppe VS im Vergleich zu VF. Pflegende aus VS konnten zu 96,73% (n = 237) und aus VF zu 80,13% (n = 121) die Veranstaltungen pünktlich besuchen. Weiterhin empfahlen Teilnehmende die Kurzfortbildungen auf einer Skala von 1 (unbedingt hingehen) bis 6 (lass lieber bleiben) in VS im Mittelwert mit 2,27 (SD 1,15) und in VF mit 2,21 (SD 1,07). Schlussfolgerung: Kurzfortbildungen sollten zu Beginn des Spätdienstes angeboten werden.
Moho Depth Estimation Beneath Tibet From Satellite Gravity Data Based on a Condensation Approach
Authors: Chen Wenjin , Tenzer Robert , Xu Xinyu , Wang Shuai , Wang Bin
Published: May 2021

We develop an algorithm for a Moho depth recovery from gravity and gravity gradiometry data and apply this method to estimate the Moho depth beneath the Tibetan Plateau. The basic idea of this algorithm is to describe mathematically the Moho depth undulations in terms of a condensation layer with respect to a mean Moho depth, instead of applying more commonly used isostatic compensation schemes. Expressions that functionally relate gravity field quantities with a (Moho) condensation layer are derived in spectral and spatial domains. The main advantage of this algorithm is that a functional relation between gravity field quantities and surface density anomalies, and consequently Moho depth undulations, has a linear form. The proposed algorithm is tested using satellite gravity and gravity gradiometry data. The Moho depth (taken with respect to the geoid surface) estimates obtained based on applying this algorithm are validated against global and regional seismic Moho results at the study area of Tibet. We also compare the result with the corresponding Moho depth estimates obtained by applying the Parker–Oldenburg and Vening Meinesz–Moritz (VMM) methods. The validation shows that results from all three gravimetric methods are similar, and they also closely agree with a regional seismic Moho model. Nevertheless, the VMM method and our algorithm in this comparison overperform the Parker–Oldenburg's method. The analysis of results also reveals that the newly developed algorithm provides better result (in terms of the RMS fit with a regional seismic Moho model) when applied for a Moho determination from gravity gradiometry instead of gravity data.
Localized Backarc Extension in an Overall Compressional Setting During the Assembly of Nuna: Geochemical and Isotopic Evidence From Orosirian (1883–1848 Ma) Mafic Magmatism of the Aillik Group, Labrador, Canada
Authors: Hinchey A. M.
Published: May 2021

Bimodal volcanism occurs in a range of extensional environments that are characterized by distinctive but overlapping, lithogeochemical and isotopic signatures and lithological assemblages. Where basaltic magmatism is associated with ferroan (A‐type) rhyolites, it is typically the lithogeochemistry and isotopic systematics of the basaltic rocks that are the most beneficial in constraining the tectonic evolution. This study presents geochemical and isotopic data from mafic volcanic rocks of the bimodal Aillik Group, that formed during the assembly of the Paleoproterozoic supercontinent Nuna. Lithogeochemical signatures define two suites. Suite 1 samples have N‐MORB (Normal‐Mid‐Ocean Ridge Basalt) chemical affinities such as flat HREE, and smooth but flat LREE and have εNd(t = 1860 Ma) values between +2.8 and +4.8. Suite 2 samples typically have compositions between N‐MORB and IAT (Island Arc Tholeiites) basalts, with variable REE patterns ranging from IAT to OIB (Ocean Island Basalt). The basalts display moderately developed subduction zone signatures, such as negative Nb and Ti, and have εNd(t = 1860 Ma) ranging from −3.4 to +2.2. Geochemical variability within the Aillik Group mafic rocks is explained by processes active in arc settings and involves mixing between depleted mantle components with variable contributions from crustal and subducted‐slab sources. Coupled with field evidence, the geochemical and isotopic data support emplacement of the basalt in an extensional, backarc basin setting. This backarc basin formed due to localized extension during Nuna assembly. The Makkovik Province preserves a complex orogen characterized by multiple diachronous, compressional, and extensional events along a long‐lived active margin of the Archean North Atlantic Craton.
Constraining the Location of the Outer Boundary of Earth's Outer Radiation Belt
Authors: Bloch T. , Watt C. E. J. , Owens M. J. , Thompson R. L. , Agiwal O.
Published: May 2021

Characterizing the location of the outer boundary of the outer radiation belt is a key aspect of improving radiation belt models and helps to constrain our understanding of the mechanisms by which the source and seed electron populations are transported into the radiation belts. In this paper, we hypothesize that there are statistical differences in the electron distribution function across the radiation belt outer boundary, and thus analyze electron flux data from the THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) satellites to identify this location. We validate our hypothesis by using modeled electron L* values to approximately characterize the differences between electron distribution functions inside and outside of the radiation belts. Initially, we perform a simple statistical analysis by studying the radial evolution of the electron distribution functions. This approach does not yield a clear discontinuity, thus highlighting the need for more complex statistical treatment of the data. Subsequently, we employ machine learning (with no dependence on radial position or L*) to test a range of candidate outer boundary locations. By analyzing the performance of the models at each candidate location, we identify a statistical boundary at ≈8 RE, with results suggesting some variability. This statistical boundary is typically further out than those used in current radiation belt models.
Temporal Variability of Air‐Sea CO2 flux in the Western Tropical North Atlantic Influenced by the Amazon River Plume
Authors: Mu Linquan , Gomes Helga do Rosario , Burns Shannon M. , Goes Joaquim I. , Coles Victoria J. , Rezende Carlos E. , Thompson Fabiano L. , Moura Rodrigo L. , Page Benjamin , Yager Patricia L.
Published: May 2021

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) was surveyed across the Amazon River plume and the surrounding western tropical North Atlantic Ocean (15–0°N, 43–60°W) during three oceanic expeditions (May–June 2010, September–October 2011, and July 2012). The survey timing was chosen according to previously described temporal variability in plume behavior due to changing river discharge and winds. In situ sea surface pCO2 and air‐sea CO2 flux exhibited robust linear relationships with sea surface salinity (SSS; 15 < SSS < 35), although the relationships differed among the surveys. Regional distributions of pCO2 and CO2 flux were estimated using SSS maps from high‐resolution ocean color satellite‐derived (MODIS‐Aqua) diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490 nm (Kd490) during the periods of study. Results confirmed that the plume is a net CO2 sink with distinctive temporal variability: the strongest drawdown occurred during the spring flood (−2.39 ± 1.29 mmol m−2 d−1 in June 2010), while moderate drawdown with relatively greater spatial variability was observed during the transitional stages of declining river discharge (−0.42 ± 0.76 mmol m−2 d−1 in September–October 2011). The region turned into a weak source in July 2012 (0.26 ± 0.62 mmol m−2 d−1) when strong CO2 uptake in the mid‐plume was overwhelmed by weak CO2 outgassing over a larger area in the outer plume. Outgassing near the mouth of the river was observed in July 2012. Our observations draw attention to the importance of assessing the variable impacts of biological activity, export, and air‐sea gas exchange before estimating regional CO2 fluxes from salinity distributions alone.
Climatic and Landscape Controls on Long‐Term Baseflow
Authors: Yao Lili , Sankarasubramanian A. , Wang Dingbao
Published: May 2021

For evaluating the climatic and landscape controls on long‐term baseflow, baseflow index (BFI, defined as the ratio of baseflow to streamflow) and baseflow coefficient (BFC, defined as the ratio of baseflow to precipitation) are formulated as functions of climate aridity index, storage capacity index (defined as the ratio of average soil water storage capacity to precipitation), and a shape parameter for the spatial variability of storage capacity. The derivation is based on the two‐stage partitioning framework and a cumulative distribution function for storage capacity. Storage capacity has a larger impact on BFI than on BFC. When storage capacity index is smaller than 1, BFI is less sensitive to storage capacity index in arid regions compared to that in humid regions; whereas, when storage capacity index is larger than 1, BFI is less sensitive to storage capacity index in humid regions. The impact of storage capacity index on BFC is only significant in humid regions. The shape parameter plays an important role on fast flow generation at the first‐stage partitioning in humid regions and baseflow generation at the second‐stage partitioning in arid regions. The derived formulae were applied to more than 400 catchments where storage capacity index was found to follow a logarithmic function with climate aridity index. The role of climate forcings at finer timescales on baseflow were quantified, indicating that seasonality in climate forcings has a significant control especially on BFI.
Weakening of Polar Mesosphere Winter Echo and Turbulent Energy Dissipation Rates After a Stratospheric Sudden Warming in the Southern Hemisphere in 2019
Authors: Kohma M. , Sato K. , Nishimura K. , Tsutsumi M.
Published: May 2021

Time variations in the polar mesosphere winter echo (PMWE) volume reflectivity and turbulent energy dissipation rates are examined during the sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) in September 2019 in the Southern Hemisphere. It was found that the frequency of PMWE occurrence decreased from early September to October, when the SSW occurred. We also found that the frequency of large turbulent energy dissipation rates (>3 × 10−4 m2s−3) was reduced compared to the average for 2016–2018. This is likely due to the modulation of gravity wave (GW) propagation by the minor SSW, resulting in less GW breaking, which is the main source of the turbulence. This suggests that the decrease in turbulence intensity is at least partly responsible for the decrease in the frequency of PMWE.
The Proliferation of Induced Seismicity in the Permian Basin, Texas
Authors: Skoumal Robert J. , Trugman Daniel T.
Published: May 2021

The Permian Basin has a long history of induced earthquakes, but the seismicity rates have increased dramatically over the past two decades and included a MW 5.0 likely induced by wastewater disposal (WD) in March 2020. A detailed characterization of the proliferation of seismicity in the Permian Basin throughout this time period is needed for improving the scientific understanding of the mechanisms responsible and for mitigating future seismic hazard. Due to a sparse regional seismic network before the advent of Texas Seismological Network in 2017, we characterize seismicity using the 10‐station TXAR array that is 100s of km away from most of the seismicity, with the objective of improving upon the substantial contributions from previous work. By exploiting the nature of waveform similarity, we detect events with template matching, performing a quantitative analysis of spatially varying detection capabilities throughout the study area. From an initial catalog of 10,753 events, we identify 45,009 earthquakes and 10,208 quarry blasts. Using our catalog of earthquakes, we improve epicentral locations, compare relative magnitude techniques, and associate earthquakes to WD or hydraulic stimulations. We further use our earthquake catalog to investigate the relationship between seismicity and human activities near the city of Pecos, Texas. Through a comparison of our earthquake catalog with industrial records, we determine that the vast majority seismicity near Pecos, Texas, since 2000 is likely induced by an increase of WD at wells injecting at depths greater than 1.5 km.
Complex Source Behaviors and Spatiotemporal Evolution of Seismicity During the 2015–2016 Earthquake Sequence in Cushing, Oklahoma
Authors: Meng Qingjun , Ni Sidao , Peng Zhigang
Published: May 2021

In September and October 2015, three M4+ earthquakes occurred as a sequence along a fault northwest of the Cushing city, Oklahoma, followed by another M5 earthquake in November 2016. While previous studies have shown that moderate‐size earthquakes in Oklahoma are likely induced by wastewater injections, it is still not clear what controls the rupture process and spatiotemporal evolutions of seismicity during individual sequences. In this study, we investigated the rupture process of these four M4‐5 events in 2015–2016 with finite fault model (FFM) inversions, and computed the static stress changes during this sequence. We found that the rupture processes of four M4‐5 earthquakes were very complex, and each of them had several subevents with different rupture directivities. The 2016 M5 earthquake started near the region where three M4+ events initiated, but the majority of the slip occurred a few kilometers away in the northeast direction. In comparison, the 2015 M4.3 event mainly ruptured toward the southwest direction. Due to data limitation and inversion uncertainties, we were unable to constrain the rupture directivities for the other two M4+ events. The foreshocks 3 days before the first M4+ earthquake in 2015 occurred in a region of positive shear stress changes caused by previous earthquakes in 2014–2015 on unmapped faults several kilometers to the south. Our results suggest small‐scale heterogeneity in controlling complex seismicity and rupture patterns in the 2015–2016 Cushing sequence, and possible triggering of this sequence by a small stress perturbation on order of a few kilopascals.
Evolutionary computing and machine learning for discovering of low-energy defect configurations
Authors: Arrigoni Marco , Madsen Georg K. H.
Published: May 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) has become a standard tool for the study of point defects in materials. However, finding the most stable defective structures remains a very challenging task as it involves the solution of a multimodal optimization problem with a high-dimensional objective function. Hitherto, the approaches most commonly used to tackle this problem have been mostly empirical, heuristic, and/or based on domain knowledge. In this contribution, we describe an approach for exploring the potential energy surface (PES) based on the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA-ES) and supervised and unsupervised machine learning models. The resulting algorithm depends only on a limited set of physically interpretable hyperparameters and the approach offers a systematic way for finding low-energy configurations of isolated point defects in solids. We demonstrate its applicability on different systems and show its ability to find known low-energy structures and discover additional ones as well.
Influence of accessory phases and surrogate type on accelerated leaching of zirconolite wasteforms
Authors: Blackburn Lewis R. , Crawford Rachel , Walling Samuel A. , Gardner Laura J. , Cole Max R. , Sun Shi-Kuan , Gausse Clémence , Mason Amber R. , Stennett Martin C. , Maddrell Ewan R. , Hyatt Neil C. , Corkhill Claire L.
Published: May 2021

A fraction of the UK Pu inventory may be immobilised in a zirconolite ceramic matrix prior to disposal. Two zirconolite compositions, targeting CaZr0.80Ce0.20Ti2O7 and CaZr0.80U0.20Ti2O7, were fabricated by hot isostatic pressing, alongside a reformulated composition, nominally Ca0.80Zr0.90Ce0.30Ti1.60Al0.40O7, with an excess of Ti and Zr added to preclude the formation of an accessory perovskite phase. Materials were subjected to accelerated leaching in a variety of acidic and alkaline media at 90 °C, over a cumulative period of 14 d. The greatest Ce release was measured from CaZr0.80Ce0.20Ti2.00O7 exposed to 1 M H2SO4, for which 14.7 ± 0.2% of the original Ce inventory was released from the wasteform into solution. The extent of Ce leaching into the solution was correlated with the quantity of perovskite present in the wasteform, and associated with the incorporation and preferential dissolution of Ce3+. CaZr0.80U0.20Ti2.00O7 exhibited improved leach resistance relative to CaZr0.80Ce0.20Ti2.00O7, attributed to the decreased proportion of accessory perovskite, with 7.1 ± 0.1% U released to in 8 M HNO3 after 7 d. The Ca0.80Zr0.90Ce0.30Ti1.60Al0.40O7 composition, with no accessory perovskite phase, presented significantly improved leaching characteristics, with < 0.4%Ce released in both 8 M HNO3 and 1 M H2SO4. These data demonstrate the need for careful compositional design for zirconolite wasteforms with regard to accessory phase formation and surrogate choice.
Cleavage-dissolution assisted stress corrosion cracking under elastic loads
Authors: Zhu Longkui , Li Yao
Published: May 2021

As a significant cause of disastrous accidents, stress corrosion cracking (SCC) under elastic loads was investigated in type 316 L single-crystal stainless steel immersed in a boiling 45 wt% MgCl2 solution. Three-dimensional microcrack morphologies, characterized using synchrotron-based X-ray computed tomography, indicate that the SCC advanced along the cleavage planes (1 0 0) with the lowest free surface energy. The first-principles simulations show that synergistic adsorption of H and Cl atoms in the octahedral interstices minimized the surface energy of the cleavage planes (0 0 1) owing to a 73% reduction. Afterwards, the cleavage-dissolution mechanism is put forward, proposing that the SCC essentially originates from preferential brittle rupture of the corrosive environment particle adsorbed low-surface-energy cleavage planes in the elastic stress concentration zones, and anodic dissolution along the crack fronts. Besides, the corrosive environment particles primarily consist of the hydrogen atoms and the electronegative ions such as the chlorine ions.
Supramolecular exfoliation of layer silicate clay by novel cationic pillar[5]arene intercalants
Authors: Kakuta Takahiro , Baba Yudai , Yamagishi Tada-aki , Ogoshi Tomoki
Published: May 2021

Clays are multi-layered inorganic materials that can be used to prepare nanocomposite fillers. Because the multi-layered structure is thermodynamically stable, it is difficult to change a multi-layered material into single layers to improve its dispersity. Previously, clays were modified with dodecylammonium cations to promote complexation with nylon 6, nylon 66, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polycaprolactone to increase the mechanical strength (and/or thermal stability) of the composite material; however, complete exfoliation could not be achieved in these composites. In this study, pillar[5]arenes are synthesized and functionalized with ten cationic substituents as novel intercalants for modifying bentonite clay, which is a multi-layered metal-cation-containing silicate. The pillar[5]arenes exfoliate the clay by forming polyrotaxanes with poly(ethylene glycol) through host–guest interactions.
Predictive value of pre-arrest albumin level with GO-FAR score in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Hong Seok-In , Kim Youn-Jung , Cho Yeon Joo , Huh Jin Won , Hong Sang-Bum , Kim Won Young
Published: May 2021

We investigated whether combining the pre-arrest serum albumin level could improve the performance of the Good Outcome Following Attempted Resuscitation (GO-FAR) score for predicting neurologic outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients. Adult patients who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital between 2013 and 2017 were assessed. Their pre-arrest serum albumin levels were measured within 24 h before the cardiac arrest. According to albumin levels, the patients were divided into quartiles and were assigned 1, 0, 0, and, − 2 points. Patients were allocated to the derivation (n = 419) and validation (n = 444) cohorts. The proportion of favorable outcome increased in a stepwise manner across increasing quartiles (p for trend < 0.018). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the albumin-added model was significantly higher than that of the original GO-FAR model (0.848 vs. 0.839; p = 0.033). The results were consistent in the validation cohort (AUROC 0.799 vs. 0.791; p = 0.034). Net reclassification indices of the albumin-added model were 0.059 (95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.037 to 0.094) and 0.072 (95% CI 0.013–0.132) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. An improvement in predictive performance was found by adding the ordinal scale of pre-arrest albumin levels to the original GO-FAR score.
Publisher Correction: An integrated life cycle and water footprint assessment of nonfood crops based bioenergy production
Authors: Li Jun , Xiong Fengyin , Chen Zhuo
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: The effects of acarbose therapy on reductions of myocardial infarction and all-cause death in T2DM during 10-year multifactorial interventions (The Beijing Community Diabetes Study 24)
Authors: Zhang Xue-Lian , Yuan Shen-Yuan , Wan Gang , Yuan Ming-Xia , Yang Guang-Ran , Fu Han-Jing , Zhu Liang-Xiang , Zhang Jian-Dong , Li Yu-Ling , Gao Da-yong , Cui Xue-Li , Wang Zi-ming , Xie Rong-Rong , Chen Ying-jun
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
TRPM7 is an essential regulator for volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel
Authors: Numata Tomohiro , Sato-Numata Kaori , Hermosura Meredith C. , Mori Yasuo , Okada Yasunobu
Published: May 2021

Animal cells can regulate their volume after swelling by the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) mechanism. In epithelial cells, RVD is attained through KCl release mediated via volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying Cl−channels (VSOR) and Ca2+-activated K+channels. Swelling-induced activation of TRPM7 cation channels leads to Ca2+influx, thereby stimulating the K+channels. Here, we examined whether TRPM7 plays any role in VSOR activation. When TRPM7 was knocked down in human HeLa cells or knocked out in chicken DT40 cells, not only TRPM7 activity and RVD efficacy but also VSOR activity were suppressed. Heterologous expression of TRPM7 in TRPM7-deficient DT40 cells rescued both VSOR activity and RVD, accompanied by an increase in the expression of LRRC8A, a core molecule of VSOR. TRPM7 exerts the facilitating action on VSOR activity first by enhancing molecular expression of LRRC8A mRNA through the mediation of steady-state Ca2+influx and second by stabilizing the plasmalemmal expression of LRRC8A protein through the interaction between LRRC8A and theC-terminal domain of TRPM7. Therefore, TRPM7 functions as an essential regulator of VSOR activity and LRRC8A expression.
Conformer-dependent vacuum ultraviolet photodynamics and chiral asymmetries in pure enantiomers of gas phase proline
Authors: Hadidi Rim , Božanić, Dušan K. , Ganjitabar Hassan , Garcia Gustavo A. , Powis Ivan , Nahon Laurent
Published: May 2021

Proline is a unique amino-acid, with a secondary amine fixed within a pyrrolidine ring providing specific structural properties to proline-rich biopolymers. Gas-phase proline possesses four main H-bond stabilized conformers differing by the ring puckering and carboxylic acid orientation. The latter defines two classes of conformation, whose large ionization energy difference allows a unique conformer-class tagging via electron spectroscopy. Photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD) is an intense chiroptical effect sensitive to molecular structures, hence theorized to be highly conformation-dependent. Here, we present experimental evidence of an intense and striking conformer-specific PECD, measured in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization of proline, as well as a conformer-dependent cation fragmentation behavior. This finding, combined with theoretical modeling, allows a refinement of the conformational landscape and energetic ordering, that proves inaccessible to current molecular electronic structure calculations. Additionally, astrochemical implications regarding a possible link of PECD to the origin of life’s homochirality are considered in terms of plausible temperature constraints.
A weakly-interacting many-body system of Rydberg polaritons based on electromagnetically induced transparency
Authors: Kim Bongjune , Chen Ko-Tang , Hsiao Shih-Si , Wang Sheng-Yang , Li Kai-Bo , Ruseckas Julius , Juzeliūnas Gediminas , Kirova Teodora , Auzinsh Marcis , Chen Ying-Cheng , Chen Yong-Fan , Yu Ite A.
Published: May 2021

The combination of Rydberg atoms and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) has been extensively studied in the strong-interaction regime. Here we proposed utilizing an EIT medium with a high optical depth (OD) and a Rydberg state of low principal quantum number to create a many-body system of Rydberg polaritons in the weak-interaction regime. The phase shift and attenuation induced by the dipole–dipole interaction (DDI) were still significant, and can be viewed as the consequences of elastic and inelastic collisions among Rydberg polaritons. We further observed that the width of the transverse momentum distribution of Rydberg polaritons at the exit of the system became notably smaller as compared with that at the entrance. The observation demonstrates the cooling effect in this system. The μs-long interaction time due to the high-OD EIT medium plus the μm2-size collision cross section due to the DDI suggests a feasible platform of polariton Bose–Einstein condensation.
Interannual oxygen isotope variability in Indian summer monsoon precipitation reflects changes in moisture sources
Authors: Kathayat Gayatri , Sinha Ashish , Tanoue Masahiro , Yoshimura Kei , Li Hanying , Zhang Haiwei , Cheng Hai
Published: May 2021

The primary influences on the spatio-temporal variability of oxygen isotope compositions in precipitation over the Indian summer monsoon domain are inadequately constrained by the limited observational record. Consequently, the climatic significance of isotopic signatures of precipitation preserved in proxy archives from the region remains unclear. Here we present simulations with an isotope-enabled climate model (IsoGSM2) with the moisture-tagging capability to investigate the role of relative contributions of moisture from oceanic and terrestrial sources to the interannual variability in oxygen isotope composition in summer monsoon rainfall. During weak monsoon years, the moisture contribution from the Arabian Sea dominates precipitation over the Indian subcontinent while the remote oceanic and terrestrial sources have a greater influence during strong monsoon years. We suggest that changes in monsoon circulation, moisture source, and precipitation intensity are interrelated and that speleothem oxygen isotope records from the region can potentially help reconstruct interannual to decadal monsoon rainfall variability.
Recent progress in fluorescent probes for bacteria
Authors: Huang Yurou , Chen Weijie , Chung Jeewon , Yin Jun , Yoon Juyoung
Published: May 2021

This paper describes in detail the organic fluorescent probes targeting bacterial surfaces, cell walls, bacterial proteins, nucleic acids and bacterial enzymes.
Supramolecular self-assembly of amantadine hydrochloride with ferulic acidviadual optimization strategy establishes a precedent of synergistic antiviral drug-phenolic acid nutraceutical cocrystal
Authors: Wang Ling-Yang , Niu Yuan-Yuan , Zhao Ming-Yu , Yu Yue-Ming , Li Yan-Tuan , Wu Zhi-Yong , Yan Cui-Wei
Published: May 2021

The first drug-phenolic acid nutraceutical cocrystal of amantadine hydrochloride with ferulic acid is assembled and evaluated based on the dual-optimization cocrystallization strategy.
Organometallo-macrocycle assembled through dialumane-mediated C–H activation of pyridines
Authors: Chen Weixing , Liu Li , Zhao Yanxia , Xue Yujie , Xu Wenhua , Li Nan , Wu Biao , Yang Xiao-Juan
Published: May 2021

Dialumane 1 reacts with pyridines at elevated temperatures through regioselective reductive dehydrogenation of 4-H, affording a unique hexanuclear Al(iii) macrocycle.
Autologous manganese phosphates with different Mn sites for electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Yang Shujiao , Wan Shanhong , Shang Fanfan , Chen Dandan , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui
Published: May 2021

Herein, we report two autologous phosphates obtained from the same parent material for electrocatalytic water oxidation, showing the coordination effects on the performance.
Co-biomembrane-coated Fe3O4/MnO2 multifunctional nanoparticles for targeted delivery and enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal/chemo therapy
Authors: Guo Yingshu , Zheng Xiaofei , Gai Tingting , Wei Zhiyong , Zhang Shusheng
Published: May 2021

Fe3O4/MnO2 biomimetic nanoplatform has good Fenton catalytic activity and photothermal conversion efficiency, combined with good targeting ability, which can be used to improve the therapeutic efficiency.
Ultra-sensitive MicroRNA-21 detection based on multiple cascaded strand displacement amplification and CRISPR/Cpf1 (MC-SDA/CRISPR/Cpf1)
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Deng Yuanyi , Cao Gaihua , Xiong Yifan , Huo Danqun , Hou Changjun
Published: May 2021

An ultra-sensitive detection platform for miR-21 detection based on multiple cascade displacement amplification (MC-SDA) and trans-cleavage activity of CRISPR/Cpf1.
Iodonium complexes of the tertiary amines quinuclidine and 1-ethylpiperidine
Authors: Ward Jas S. , Frontera Antonio , Rissanen Kari
Published: May 2021

Iodonium complexes incorporating the bicyclic tertiary amine quinuclidine or the monocyclic tertiary amine 1-ethylpiperidine have been synthesised and characterised, both experimentally and through computational calculations.
Expanding the structural diversity of hydrophobic ionic liquids: physicochemical properties and toxicity of Gemini ionic liquids
Authors: Padilla Marshall S. , Bertz Colin , Berdusco Nicole , Mecozzi Sandro
Published: May 2021

Gemini hydrophobic ionic liquids (HILs) are synthesized and characterized. Several showcase unique properties and reduced toxicity compared to traditional HILs.
Electrospun polyacrylonitrile/2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl ferrocenecarboxylate polymer blend nanofibers
Authors: Gumrukcu Selin , Soprunyuk Viktor , Sarac Baran , Yüce Eray , Eckert Jürgen , Sarac A. Sezai
Published: May 2021

Homogenous and thermally stable stretchable bio-composite scaffolds of ferrocene (Fc) containing polymer blend nanofibers can enhance electronic signal properties, allowing them to be used in electrochemical immunosensors.
3D graphene nanosheets from plastic waste for highly efficient HTM free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Pandey Sandeep , Kumar Amit , Karakoti Manoj , Garg Kuldeep K. , Rana Aniket , Tatrari Gaurav , Bohra Bhashkar Singh , Yadav Pankaj , Singh Rajiv K. , Sahoo Nanda Gopal
Published: May 2021

Herein, we report the first time application of waste plastics derived 3D graphene nanosheets (GNs) for highly efficient hole transport material (HTM) free perovskite solar cells. The present work depicted one of best route to get “Waste to energy”.
Emerging role of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Authors: Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: May 2021

Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) was clinically exploited for decades, as most modern diuretics were obtained considering as lead molecule acetazolamide, the prototypical CA inhibitor (CAI). The discovery and characterization of multiple human CA (hCA) isoforms, 15 of which being known today, led to new applications of their inhibitors. They include widely clinically used antiglaucoma, antiepileptic and antiobesity agents, antitumor drugs in clinical development, as well as drugs for the management of acute mountain sickness and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Emerging roles of several CA isoforms in areas not generally connected to these enzymes were recently documented, such as in neuropathic pain, cerebral ischemia, rheumatoid arthritis, oxidative stress and Alzheimer’s disease. Proof-of-concept studies thus emerged by using isoform-selective inhibitors, which may lead to new clinical applications in such areas. Relevant preclinical models are available for these pathologies due to the availability of isoform-selective CAIs for all human isoforms, belonging to novel classes of compounds, such as coumarins, sulfocoumarins, dithiocarbamates, benzoxaboroles, apart the classical sulfonamide inhibitors. The inhibition of CAs from pathogenic bacteria, fungi, protozoans or nematodes started recently to be considered for obtaining anti-infectives with a new mechanism of action.
Increased angiotensin II formation in the brain modulates cardiovascular homeostasis and erythropoiesis
Authors: Rodrigues André Felipe , Todiras Mihail , Qadri Fatimunnisa , Campagnole-Santos Maria Jose , Alenina Natalia , Bader Michael
Published: May 2021

In spite of the fact that the modulatory effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) on the sympathetic nerve activity to targeted organs involved in blood pressure (BP) regulation is well acknowledged, the local production of this peptide in the brain and the consequences of enhanced central Ang II beyond the cardiovascular system are not yet well comprehended. In the present study, we generated and validated a new transgenic mouse line overexpressing the rat full-length angiotensinogen (Agt) protein specifically in the brain (Agt-Tg). Adult Agt-Tg mice presented overall increased gene expression of total Agt in the brain including brainstem and hypothalamus. In addition, the excess of Agt led to abundantly detectable brain Ang II levels as well as increased circulating copeptin levels. Agt-Tg displayed raised BP in acute recordings, while long-term telemetrically measured basal BP was indistinguishable from wild-types. Agt-Tg has altered peripheral renin–angiotensin system and vasomotor sympathetic tone homeostasis because renal gene expression analysis, plasma Ang II measurements and ganglionic blockade experiments revealed suppressed renin expression and reduced Ang II and higher neurogenic pressure response, respectively. Plasma and urine screens revealed apparently normal fluid and electrolyte handling in Agt-Tg. Interestingly, hematological analyses showed increased hematocrit in Agt-Tg caused by enhanced erythropoiesis, which was reverted by submitting the transgenic mice to a long-term peripheral sympathectomy protocol. Collectively, our findings suggest that Agt-Tg is a valuable tool to study not only brain Ang II formation and its modulatory effects on cardiovascular homeostasis but also its role in erythropoiesis control via autonomic modulation.