bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of surface roughness values of various restorative materials after brushing with blue covarine containing whitening toothpaste by two different methods: AFM and profilometer
Authors: Yılmaz Cemile , Kanık Özgür
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of whitening toothpaste on the surface roughness of resin‐based restorative materials by different measurement methods. Twenty four specimens from each of human enamel, a microhybrid composite and two nanohybrid composites discs (8.0 diameter × 4.0 mm thick) were divided into two groups (n = 12) according to toothbrushing solutıon and subjected to simulation toothbrushing (30,000 cycles) with both distilled water and whitening toothpaste containing blue covarine. Surface roughness was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), profilometer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the data obtained were subjected to analysis. Ra values of Tescera (TES) were significantly higher than Sonicfill 2 (SF2) when brushing both toothbrushing solutions for initial or 30,000 cycles. Roughness increased for SF2 and TES when brushed for 30,000 cycles and was higher than enamel and Herculite XRV Ultra (HXU). Human enamel was obtained lower surface roughness values brushed with toothpaste compared with distilled water. Evaluation of the surface roughness of control groups using the AFM revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups, but significant differences were found using a profilometer. The use of abrasive whitening toothpaste containing blue covarine and the number of brushing cycles affect the surface properties of human enamel and the restorative material, and also, the clinical success of the restoration. Toothbrushing for 30,000 cycles increased the surface roughness of all materials. The type of toothbrushing solution partially has affected surface roughness.
Use of complex physiological traits as ecotoxicological biomarkers in tropical freshwater fishes
Authors: Monteiro Diana A. , Kalinin Ana L. , Rantin F. Tadeu , McKenzie David J.
Published: September 2021

We review the use of complex physiological traits, of tolerance and performance, as biomarkers of the toxicological effects of contaminants in subtropical and tropical freshwater fishes. Such traits are growing in relevance due to climate change, as exposure to contaminants may influence the capacity of fishes to tolerate and perform in an increasingly stressful environment. We review the evidence that the critical oxygen level, a measure of hypoxia tolerance, provides a valuable biomarker of impacts of diverse classes of contaminants. When coupled with measures of cardiorespiratory variables, it can provide insight into mechanisms of toxicity. The critical thermal maximum, a simple measure of tolerance of acute warming, also provides a valuable biomarker despite a lack of understanding of its mechanistic basis. Its relative ease of application renders it useful in the rapid evaluation of multiple species, and in understanding how the severity of contaminant impacts depends upon prevailing environmental temperature. The critical swimming speed is a measure of exercise performance that is widely used as a biomarker in temperate species but very few studies have been performed on subtropical or tropical fishes. Overall, the review serves to highlight a critical lack of knowledge for subtropical and tropical freshwater fishes. There is a real need to expand the knowledge base and to use physiological biomarkers in support of decision making to manage tropical freshwater fish populations and their habitats, which sustain rich biodiversity but are under relentless anthropogenic pressure.
Clinicopathological characteristics of early gastric cancer associated with autoimmune gastritis
Authors: Kitamura Shinji , Muguruma Naoki , Okamoto Koichi , Kagemoto Kaizo , Kida Yoshifumi , Mitsui Yasuhiro , Ueda Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Tomoyuki , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Sato Yasushi , Aoki Rika , Shunto Joji , Bando Yoshimi , Takayama Tetsuji
Published: September 2021

Background

Autoimmune gastritis is known to be associated with neoplastic lesions but the relationship between autoimmunity and tumorigenesis have not been sufficiently clarified. The aim of this study is to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer cases associated with autoimmune gastritis.

Methods

A total of 24 patients diagnosed as early gastric cancer with autoimmune gastritis were registered. Chart reviews with the data including age, gender, state of Helicobacter pylori infection, comorbidity, and concomitant gastric diseases were conducted. As for the characteristics of gastric cancer, location, size, morphological type, histopathology, invasion depth, and the presence of metachronous or simultaneous lesion were assessed. These data from autoimmune gastritis group were compared with those from 301 patients of early gastric cancer as a control group.

Results

The gastric cancer associated with autoimmune gastritis was located in the upper, middle, and lower parts in 28.1%, 53.1%, and 18.8%, respectively. The morphological types are as follows: 0‐I, 9.4%; 0‐IIa, 28.1%; 0‐IIb, 15.6%; 0‐IIc, 46.9%; and 0‐III, 0.0%. The mean tumor size was 21.8 mm. While 90.6% were confined to the mucosa, 9.4% showed submucosal invasion. The histological classifications are as follows: tub1, 50.0%; tub2, 15.6%; pap, 21.9%; sig, 9.4%; and por, 3.1%. More numbers of female, protruded types, larger tumor size, papillary tumor, and that in the upper location were observed in autoimmune gastritis group compared to control group.

Conclusion

Early gastric cancer associated with autoimmune gastritis demonstrated different characteristics from those without autoimmune gastritis including variety of tumor morphologies and histological types with female dominancy.
A practical and effective strategy in East Asia to prevent anti‐D alloimmunization in patients by C/c phenotyping of serologic RhD‐negative blood donors
Authors: Ito Shoichi , Ohto Hitoshi , Ogiyama Yoshiko , Irino Michiyo , Omokawa Susumu , Shibasaki Itaru , Ogasawara Kenichi , Uchikawa Makoto , Nollet Kenneth E. , Flegel Willy A.
Published: September 2021

Serologic RhD‐negative red cells can cause anti‐D alloimmunization if they carry the Asian‐type DEL or other DEL variants. RHD genotyping is a viable countermeasure if available, but inexpensive alternatives are worthy of consideration. RhD‐negative blood donors in Japan were studied by anti‐D adsorption‐elution and RHD genotyping. We collated published case reports of RhD‐negative red cell transfusions associated with inexplicable anti‐D immunization. Of 2754 serologic RhD‐negative donors, 378 were genotyped D/d. Anti‐D adsorption‐elution revealed 63.5% (240 of 378) to be DEL, of whom 96.7% (232 of 240) had the 1227G > A variant, diagnostic for the Asian‐type DEL. All 240 donors also carried at least one C antigen; none had a cc phenotype. The chance of transfusing DEL red cells to genuinely RhD‐negative Asian patients (based on a three‐unit transfusion) ranges from 16.7% in Korea to 69.4% in Taiwan, versus 0.6% in Germany. Among 22 RhD‐negative recipients of serologic RhD‐negative red cells, who produced new or increased anti‐D antibody titers, all 17 from East Asia were transfused with red cells with a C‐positive phenotype or known to be Asian‐type DEL or both. Serologic RhD‐negative East Asians with a cc phenotype can be red cell donors for RhD‐negative recipients, especially those of childbearing potential.
The “NUTS” statistic: Applying an EBM disease model to defensive medicine
Authors: Allen Robert , Cai Angela G. , Tepler Peter , deSouza Ian S.
Published: September 2021

Physicians believe that malpractice concerns result in unnecessary testing, and many emergency physicians state that avoiding malpractice is a contributing factor to ordering medically unnecessary tests. Unfortunately, defensive medicine does not come without possible harm to patients who may be subject to non‐beneficial, downstream testing, procedures, and hospitalizations. We submit a novel statistic, “NUTS” or “Number of Unnecessary Tests to avoid one Suit. ” We calculated a NUTS of 4737 for troponin testing in ED patients with suspected myocardial infarction, meaning a clinician will need to order 4737 medically unnecessary troponin tests to avoid one missed myocardial infarction lawsuit. The NUTS framework offers us an evidence‐based lens to examine defensive medicine less superstitiously and more based on currently available data.
Citizens' preferences for development outcomes and governance implications
Authors: Falk Thomas , Vorlaufer Tobias , Brown Lawrence , Domptail Stephanie , Dallimer Martin
Published: September 2021

People's preferences influence national priorities for economic development and ecological integrity. Often policymakers and development agents base their actions on unclear assumptions about such preferences. This paper explores rural citizens' preferences for economic and ecological development outcomes and how they differ within and between communities. We collected data from three purposely selected communities representing dominant social‐ecological systems in the transboundary Cubango‐Okavango River basin in southern Africa. We used contingent ranking survey experiments, which are a novel methodological advance in policy related research. This included a qualitative experimental design process that provided a broad framing underpinning the research. The contingent ranking itself allowed us to simultaneously assess: (i) respondents' priorities for development domains; and (ii) respondents' preferences for the ordering of outcomes in diverse domains. We found relatively strong preference homogeneity within and between communities. Economic development was given high priority across all communities. At the same time, all communities expressed a high preference for a healthy river system providing stable water quality and quantity. This does not mean that our respondents prioritised nature conservation. They showed low preferences for preserving biodiversity and forests that provide fewer local benefits. This is of high governance relevance. The results point at development domains where policymakers can most likely expect stronger buy‐in from citizens. Understanding citizens' preferences help to better align national development priorities with what citizens want.
Developing a multi‐dimensional product evaluation scale
Authors: Tajdini Saeed , Ramirez Edward , Frankwick Gary L.
Published: September 2021

This research develops and validates a scale to assess products on salient characteristics that influence consumers’ decision‐making. The product characteristics (PC) scale assesses products on 12 major dimensions using 34‐items. Next, the paper demonstrates the scale's validity and value in a study of the effects of PC on the consumer information search effort, impulse buying, and word‐of‐mouth behavior, representing different stages of the consumer decision‐making process. The findings highlight the need for a revitalized examination of the consumer decision‐making process with a focus on PC by showing that (1) PC have significant direct effects on a variety of critical marketing outcomes, (2) these effects interact with demographic variables such as age and gender that are currently undergoing major shifts, and (3) these effects vary across offline and online settings. Thus, the findings highlight the value of incorporating PC into models of consumer behavior especially in the current era of shifting demographics and e‐commerce. To this end, this study contributes to the literature by offering a multifaceted, reliable, and valid scale to assess products on a wide range of characteristics that can be used in the study of any marketing‐related phenomena that can be assumed to be product‐contingent.
Thermal lensing‐induced soliton molecules in β‐phase gallium oxide
Authors: Dikandé Alain Moise , Aban Eugene Chenui , Sunda‐Meya Anderson
Published: September 2021

In recent years, beta gallium oxide () has become the most investigated isomorph of gallium oxide polymorphs, due to the great potential it represents for applications in optoelectronics and photonics for solar technology, particularly in blind ultraviolet photodetector solar cells (SBUV) designs. To optimize its use in these applications, and to identify possible new features, knowledge of its fundamental properties is relevant. In this respect, optical, thermal and electronic properties of have been studied experimentally, providing evidence of a wide‐band inorganic and transparent semiconductor with a Kerr nonlinearity. Thermo‐optical properties of the material, probed in SBUV sensing experiments, have highlighted a sizable heat diffusion characterized by a temperature gradient along the path of optical beams, quadratic in beam position and promoting a refractive‐index change with temperature. The experimentally observed Kerr nonlinearity together with the thermally induced birefringence, point unambiguously to a possible formation of soliton molecules during propagation of high‐intensity fields in . To put this conjecture on a firm ground we propose a theoretical analysis, based on the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation in 1 + 1 spatial dimension, in which thermal lensing creates an effective potential quadratic in the coordinate of beam position. Using the non‐isospectral inverse‐scattering transform method, the exact one‐soliton solution to the propagation equation is obtained. This solution features a bound state of entangled pulses forming a bright‐soliton molecule, in which pulses are more or less entangled depending on characteristic parameters of the system.
Suitability of eigenvalue beam‐forming for discrete multi‐frequency hyperthermia treatment planning
Authors: Zanoli Massimiliano , Trefná Hana Dobšíček
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Thermal dose delivery in microwave hyperthermia for cancer treatment is expected to benefit from the introduction of ultra‐wideband (UWB)‐phased array applicators. A full exploitation of the combination of different frequencies to improve the deposition pattern is, however, a nontrivial problem. It is unclear whether the cost functions used for hyperthermia treatment planning (HTP) optimization in the single‐frequency setting can be meaningfully extended to the UWB case.

Method

We discuss the ability of the eigenvalue (EV) and a novel implementation of iterative‐EV (i‐EV) beam‐forming methods to fully exploit the available frequency spectrum when a discrete set of simultaneous operating frequencies is available for treatment. We show that the quadratic power deposition ratio solved by the methods can be maximized by only one frequency in the set, therefore rendering EV inadequate for UWB treatment planning. We further investigate whether this represents a limitation in two realistic test cases, comparing the thermal distributions resulting from EV and i‐EV to those obtained by optimizing for other nonlinear cost functions that allow for multi‐frequency.

Results

The classical EV‐based single‐frequency HTP yields systematically lower target SAR deposition and temperature values than nonlinear HTP. In a larynx target, the proposed single‐frequency i‐EV scheme is able to compensate for this and reach temperatures comparable to those given by global nonlinear optimization. In a meninges target, the multi‐frequency setting outperforms the single‐frequency one, achieving better target coverage and higher in the tumor than single‐frequency‐based HTP.

Conclusions

Classical EV performs poorly in terms of resulting target temperatures. The proposed single‐frequency i‐EV scheme can be a viable option depending on the patient and tumor to be treated, as long as the proper operating frequency can be selected across a UWB range. Multi‐frequency HTP can bring a considerable benefit in regions typically difficult to treat such as the brain.
Characterization of an x‐ray tube‐based ultrahigh dose‐rate system for in vitro irradiations
Authors: Cecchi Daniel D. , Therriault‐Proulx François , Lambert‐Girard Simon , Hart Alexander , Macdonald Andrew , Pfleger Mike , Lenckowski Mark , Bazalova‐Carter Magdalena
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To present an x‐ray tube system capable of in vitro ultrahigh dose‐rate (UHDR) irradiation of small < 0.3 mm samples and to characterize it by means of a plastic scintillation detector (PSD).

Methods and materials

A conventional x‐ray tube was modified for the delivery of short UHDR irradiations. A beam shutter system with a sample holder was designed and installed in a close proximity of an x‐ray tube window to enable <1 s irradiations at UHDR. The dosimetry was performed with a small 0.5‐mm long 0.5‐mm in diameter PSD irradiated with 80, 100, and 120 kVp beams and beam currents of 1–37.5 mA. The PSD signal was recorded at frame rates of 20 and 50 fps for shutter exposure between 100 and 1125 ms. Irradiation reproducibility was studied with the PSD. The x‐ray tube irradiation setup was modeled with Monte Carlo (MC) and dose on a surface of a phantom was also measured with films. The effect of dose delivery uncertainty to 300‐μm spheroids due to positioning and spheroid size was evaluated.

Results

MC simulations showed good agreement with PSD measurements acquired at both frame rates of 20 and 50 fps in terms of beam temporal profile. PSD‐measured dose exhibited excellent linearity as a function of instantaneous dose rate from 3.1 to 118.0 Gy/s as well as shutter exposure time from 100 and 1125 ms for all investigated beam energies. PSD absorbed dose for the 80, 100, and 120 kVp beams agreed with MC simulations to within 5%. The total delivered doses ranged from 0.4 Gy for a 1‐mA, 80 kVp beam, and 100 ms shutter exposure to 166.9 Gy for a 37.5‐mA, 80 kVp beam, and a 1125 ms exposure. PSD irradiation reproducibility was < 0.5%. Simulated and measured dose fall off agreed and it was steep along the axis of the shutter slit (1%/0.1 mm) and with depth (2%/0.1 mm at 1‐mm depth). Spheroid positioning uncertainty of 300 μm resulted in dose difference of < 3% for x and y shifts but up to 7% uncertainty for a z‐shift parallel to the beam axis. A 16% difference in spheroid size resulted in <5% dose difference in spheroid absorbed dose.

Conclusions

We have presented a cost‐effective x‐ray tube‐based system with a beam shutter designed for in vitro UHDR delivery and reaching dose rates of up to 118.0 Gy/s. The described shutter system can be easily implemented at other institutions, which might enable new researchers to investigate the radiobiology of UHDR irradiations in vitro.
The association of multidimensional schizotypy with symptoms and impairment across racial groups
Authors: Rbeiz Katrina S. , Clark Haley E. , Kemp Kathryn C. , Bathery Alyssa J. , Monette Mahogany A. , Barrantes‐Vidal Neus , Kwapil Thomas R.
Published: September 2021

The assessment of schizotypy and schizophrenia‐spectrum psychopathology has historically been adversely impacted by multiple forms of measurement bias, including racial bias. The Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale (MSS) was developed using modern scale construction methods to minimize measurement bias in the assessment of schizotypic traits. However, studies have not examined the validity of the measurement across different racial groups. The present study examined whether the associations of MSS positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy subscales with interview‐assessed ratings of functioning, schizophrenia‐spectrum personality traits, and depressive disorders were generally comparable across nonclinically ascertained samples of Black (n = 46), Asian (n = 87), and White (n = 116) young adults. Consistent with previous findings, all three schizotypy subscales were associated with impairment and schizotypal and paranoid traits. Negative schizotypy was associated with schizoid traits, and disorganized schizotypy was associated with depressive disorders. These associations were comparable across the racial groups, supporting the use of the MSS in these groups. Culturally and empirically valid assessments are essential for providing accurate assessments across racial/ethnic groups and reducing the risk of overpathologizing people of color. The present findings support the cross‐cultural validity of the MSS; however, future studies should expand upon these findings by including more diverse samples and longitudinal designs.
Long noncoding RNA ZMIZ1‐AS1 promotes gefitinib resistance via binding to hnRNPA1
Authors: Jing Changwen , Cao Haixia , Wu Jianzhong , Ma Rong , Zhang Junying , Liu Siwen , Wang Zhuo
Published: September 2021

To gain an insight into the molecular mechanisms of gefitinib resistance in nonsmall cell lung cancer, we screened out the long noncoding RNA related to gefitinib resistance through microarray data in gefitinib‐sensitive and resistant cells. lncRNA ZMIZ1‐AS1 was significantly upregulated in HCC827/GR cells by screening the microarray data. Further real‐time‐qPCR results were consistent with the microarray data. Cell viability assay and flow cytometry showed that ZMIZ1‐AS1 influenced the sensitivity of HCC827/GR cells to gefitinib. RNA pull‐down assay demonstrated that hnRNPA1 was a specific binding protein for ZMIZ1‐AS1. Our results help to reveal the role and mechanism of lncRNA in the secondary resistance of gefitinib and provide a new therapeutic target for gefitinib therapy.
2D Pentagonal Pd‐Based Janus Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: You Liming , Wang Yu , Zhou Kun
Published: September 2021

Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), which differ from their conventional counterparts by exhibiting two different layers of chalcogenides and an asymmetric out‐of‐plane structural configuration, are theorized to exhibit a relatively wide variety of properties. Herein, the structural, electronic, and optical properties of three Janus Pd‐based TMD monolayers (PdSSe, PdSTe, and PdSeTe) are investigated through comprehensive density functional theory calculations. The most stable ground‐state configurations of these Janus TMD monolayers correspond to the unique pentagonal configuration instead of the common 1T or 2H phases. The monolayers are semiconductors with moderate bandgaps (2.06–2.21 eV) and anisotropic optical absorption properties. By exhibiting suitable band edge positions with respect to the redox potentials of water, they can simultaneously facilitate the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions as water‐splitting photocatalysts. In addition, the effects of uniaxial and biaxial strains on the optoelectronic properties of the monolayers are investigated, and it is determined that the application of strain reduces their bandgaps and causes a redshift of their optical absorption spectra, thereby allowing them to harvest ultraviolet and visible photons more effectively. An insight on the intrinsic properties of 2D Pd‐based Janus TMDs is provided, which elucidates the rational design of photocatalysts for water splitting.
Antifungal and mycotoxin detoxification ability of essential oils: A review
Authors: Cai Jing , Yan Rong , Shi Jichao , Chen Jia , Long Miao , Wu Wenda , Kuca Kamil
Published: September 2021

With increased popular awareness of food safety and environmental protection, plant essential oil has attracted interest due to the absence of residue, its high efficiency, antioxidant, immune regulation, antibacterial, insecticidal, and other advantages. Their application in degradation and elimination of mycotoxin toxicity has attracted increasing attention. This paper reviews the structure, antibacterial activity, antibacterial mechanism, and toxic effects of essential oils. The inhibitory effects of various essential oils on different mycotoxins were studied. The research progress on the inhibitory effects of plant essential oils on fungi and mycotoxins in recent years was summarized to provide reference for the application of plant essential oils.
Event‐triggered adaptive tracking control for high‐order multi‐agent systems with unknown control directions
Authors: Du Zhixu , Xue Hong , Ahn Choon Ki , Liang Hongjing
Published: September 2021

In this article, an event‐triggered adaptive control strategy is presented for nonlinear pure‐feedback multi‐agent systems, and the problem of the unknown control gain is also considered. In contrast to most of the existing results, each agent's control item is a power exponential function, and this problem is handled by utilizing the “adding a power integrator" technique. Based on the Nussbaum gain technique, a control scheme is presented to handle the problem concerning unknown control gains. The tracking differentiator is used to eliminate the problem of “explosion of complexity” in the backstepping method. Furthermore, an event‐triggered control strategy is designed to reduce the communication burden and the computational cost. It is proved via the Lyapunov stability method that the consensus tracking errors can converge to a small neighborhood of the origin and all signals of the closed‐loop systems are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, some simulation results are proposed to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Secreted CCL2 Promotes Antibacterial Defense Mechanisms Through Increased Antimicrobial Peptide Expression in Keratinocytes
Authors: Marx Charlotte , Gardner Sophia , Harman Rebecca M. , Wagner Bettina , Van de Walle Gerlinde R.
Published: September 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from both humans and horses, which represent a clinically relevant translation animal model for human cutaneous wound healing, were recently found to possess antimicrobial properties against planktonic bacteria, and in the case of equine MSCs, also against biofilms. This, together with previous findings that human and equine MSCs promote angiogenesis and wound healing, makes these cells an attractive approach to treat infected cutaneous wounds in both species. The anti-biofilm activities of equine MSC, via secretion of cysteine proteases, have only been demonstrated in vitro, thus lacking information about in vivo relevance. Moreover, the effects of the equine MSC secretome on resident skin cells have not yet been explored. The goals of this study were to (a) test the efficacy of the MSC secretome in a physiologically relevant ex vivo equine skin biofilm explant model and (b) explore the impact of the MSC secretome on the antimicrobial defense mechanisms of resident skin cells. Our salient findings were that secreted factors from equine MSCs significantly decreased viability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in mature biofilms in this novel skin biofilm explant model. Moreover, we demonstrated that equine MSCs secrete CCL2 that increases the antimicrobial activity of equine keratinocytes by stimulating expression of antimicrobial peptides. Collectively, these data contribute to our understanding of the MSC secretome's antimicrobial properties, both directly by killing bacteria and indirectly by stimulating immune responses of surrounding resident skin cells, thus further supporting the value of MSC secretome-based treatments for infected wounds.
Mixture proportional hazards cure model with latent variables
Authors: He Haijin , Han Dongxiao , Song Xinyuan , Sun Liuquan
Published: September 2021

A mixture proportional hazards cure model with latent variables is proposed. The proposed model assesses the effects of the observed and latent risk factors on the hazards of uncured subjects and the cure rate through a proportional hazards model and a logistic model, respectively. Factor analysis is employed to measure the latent variables through correlated multiple indicators. Maximum likelihood estimation is performed through a Gaussian quadratic technique that approximates the integration over the latent variables. A piecewise constant function is used for the unspecified baseline hazard of uncured subjects. The proposed method can be conveniently implemented by using SAS Proc NLMIXED. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. An application to a study concerning the risk factors of chronic kidney disease for type 2 diabetic patients is provided.
Advances in Tin(II)‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells: From Material Physics to Device Performance
Authors: Li Man , Li Faming , Gong Jue , Zhang Tiankai , Gao Feng , Zhang Wen-Hua , Liu Mingzhen
Published: September 2021

During the past decade, metal halide perovskites are widely studied in the field of optoelectronic materials due to their unique optical and electrical properties. Lead‐based halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs), in particular, currently achieve a record efficiency of 25.5%, thus showing strong potential in industrial application. However, toxicity of lead‐based perovskite materials possesses great concerns to natural environment and human body. Therefore, the quest for nontoxic and eco‐friendly elements to replace lead in perovskites is of great interest. Among all the element choices, tin(II) (Sn2+) is the most promising candidate. As a rising star of lead‐free PSCs, Sn‐based PSCs have drawn much attention and made promising progress during the past few years. While the rapid oxidation and decomposition of Sn‐based perovskites result in poor stability and low efficiency of PSCs. In this review, structural, optoelectronic properties and the critical issues of Sn‐based perovskite materials are analyzed. Then, a detailed discussion on the recent methods in solving critical issues of Sn‐based perovskite devices, from optimization on materials physics to device performance, is also presented. Finally, remaining challenges and future perspective are given to advance the progression of Sn‐based PSCs.
Influence of temperature on the compressive strength of high performance and ultra‐high performance concretes
Authors: Deutscher Melchior , Markert Martin , Scheerer Silke
Published: September 2021

The heating up of high‐performance concretes under fatigue load in cyclic pressure threshold test raises the question of the mechanisms and influences of this heat development. Of particular interest is how the heating affects the fatigue strength and what the causes of this are. In order to be able to answer this basically, two test series—one with an HPC and one with a UHPC—were carried out in which the temperature influence on the static compressive strength in a range of −25°C to 90°C was determined. In addition, different storage conditions are being considered in order to question previous findings. In this article, the state of the art is briefly presented and the test program based on it. Then, the production and storage of the specimen, their preparation and the used measurement technique are explained. The results obtained are presented with regard to concrete strength, type of storage, moisture content and, in the main part, the influence of temperature. A discussion of the results in relation to the state of knowledge follows. General insights are acquired, which will be very helpful for further work in the field of fatigue research on high performance concretes.
The End Is Only the Beginning: Exploring Endpapers in Picturebook Biographies
Authors: McNair Jonda C. , Alexander LaNorris D. , Boyle Caitlin E. , Brown Jace , Cornelissen Ariel , Crossley Jared S. , McNamara Emma K. , Thomas Carrie Anne
Published: September 2021

We present a sampling of recently published picturebook biographies with noteworthy endpapers. First, we highlight scholarship related to picturebook biographies and peritextual features. Second, we present examples of three ways endpapers function, using nine picturebook biographies while also incorporating pedagogical suggestions related to the endpapers. Last, we explain the importance of noticing peritextual features in picturebook biographies.
Root bundles and towards exact matter spectra of F-theory MSSMs
Authors: Bies Martin , Cvetič Mirjam , Donagi Ron , Liu Muyang , Ong Marielle
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Motivated by the appearance of fractional powers of line bundles in studies of vector-like spectra in 4d F-theory compactifications, we analyze the structure and origin of these bundles. Fractional powers of line bundles are also known as root bundles and can be thought of as generalizations of spin bundles. We explain how these root bundles are linked to inequivalent F-theory gauge potentials of a G4-flux.

While this observation is interesting in its own right, it is particularly valuable for F-theory Standard Model constructions. In aiming for MSSMs, it is desired to argue for the absence of vector-like exotics. We work out the root bundle constraints on all matter curves in the largest class of currently-known F-theory Standard Model constructions without chiral exotics and gauge coupling unification. On each matter curve, we conduct a systematic “bottom”-analysis of all solutions to the root bundle constraints and all spin bundles. Thereby, we derive a lower bound for the number of combinations of root bundles and spin bundles whose cohomologies satisfy the physical demand of absence of vector-like pairs.

On a technical level, this systematic study is achieved by a well-known diagrammatic description of root bundles on nodal curves. We extend this description by a counting procedure, which determines the cohomologies of so-called limit root bundles on full blow-ups of nodal curves. By use of deformation theory, these results constrain the vector-like spectra on the smooth matter curves in the actual F-theory geometry.
T
$$ \overline{T} $$ deformation in SCFTs and integrable supersymmetric theories
Authors: Ebert Stephen , Sun Hao-Yu , Sun Zhengdi
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We calculate the $$ \mathcal{S} $$
S
-multiplets for two-dimensional Euclidean $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 2) superconformal field theories under the T$$ \overline{T} $$

T
¯

deformation at leading order of perturbation theory in the deformation coupling. Then, from these $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) deformed multiplets, we calculate two- and three-point correlators. We show the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) chiral ring’s elements do not flow under the T$$ \overline{T} $$

T
¯

deformation. Specializing to integrable supersymmetric seed theories, such as $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 2) Landau-Ginzburg models, we use the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz to study the S-matrices and ground state energies. From both an S-matrix perspective and Melzer’s folding prescription, we show that the deformed ground state energy obeys the inviscid Burgers’ equation. Finally, we show that several indices independent of D-term perturbations including the Witten index, Cecotti-Fendley-Intriligator-Vafa index and elliptic genus do not flow under the T$$ \overline{T} $$

T
¯

deformation.
Fubini Numbers and Polynomials of Graphs
Authors: Kereskényi-Balogh Zsófia , Nyul Gábor
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we introduce the Fubini number and Fubini polynomial of a graph in connection with the enumeration of ordered independent partitions of its set of vertices. We prove several properties of them, and study how these notions cover other variants of Fubini numbers and polynomials for special graphs.
Direct discharge of patients with simple stable musculoskeletal injuries as an alternative to routine follow-up: a systematic review of the current literature
Authors: Geerdink T. H. , Verbist J. , van Dongen J. M. , Haverlag R. , van Veen R. N. , Goslings J. C.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

There is growing evidence that patients with certain simple stable musculoskeletal injuries can be discharged directly from the Emergency Department (ED), without compromising patient outcome and experience. This study aims to review the literature on the effects of direct discharge (DD) of simple stable musculoskeletal injuries, regarding healthcare utilization, costs, patient outcome and experience.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science using PRISMA guidelines. Comparative and non-comparative studies on DD of simple stable musculoskeletal injuries from the ED in an adult/paediatric/mixed population were included if reporting ≥ 1 of: (1) logistic outcomes: DD rate (proportion of patients discharged directly); number of follow-up appointments; DD return rate; (2) costs; (3) patient outcomes/experiences: functional outcome; treatment satisfaction; adverse outcomes; other.

Results

Twenty-six studies were included (92% conducted in the UK). Seven studies (27%) assessed functional outcome, nine (35%) treatment satisfaction, and ten (38%) adverse outcomes. A large proportion of studies defined DD eligibility criteria as injuries being minor/simple/stable, without further detail. ED DD rate was 26.7–59.5%. Mean number of follow-up appointments was 1.00–2.08 pre-DD, vs. 0.00–0.33 post-DD. Return rate was 0.0–19.4%. Costs per patient were reduced by €69–€210 (ranging from − 38.0 to − 96.6%) post-DD. Functional outcome and treatment satisfaction levels were ‘equal’ or ‘better’ (comparative studies), and ‘high’ (non-comparative studies), post-DD. Adverse outcomes were low and comparable.

Conclusions

This systematic review supports the idea that DD of simple stable musculoskeletal injuries from the ED provides an opportunity to reduce healthcare utilization and costs without compromising patient outcomes/experiences. To improve comparability and facilitate implementation/external validation of DD, future studies should provide detailed DD eligibility criteria, and use a standard set of outcomes.

Systematic review registration number: 120779, date of first registration: 12/02/2019.
Assessing functional reorganization in visual cortex with simulated retinal lesions
Authors: Brown Holly D. H. , Gouws André D. , Vernon Richard J. W. , Lawrence Samuel J. D. , Donnelly Gemma , Gill Lorraine , Gale Richard P. , Baseler Heidi A. , Morland Antony B.
Published: September 2021

Macular
degeneration (MD) causes central vision loss, removing input to corresponding representations in the primary visual cortex. There is disagreement concerning whether the cortical regions deprived of input can remain responsive, and the source of reported cortical responses is still debated. To simulate MD in controls, normally sighted participants viewed a bright central disk to adapt the retina, creating a transient ‘retinal lesion’ during a functional MRI experiment. Participants viewed blocks of faces, scrambled faces and uniform grey stimuli, either passively or whilst performing a one-back task. To assess the impact of the simulated lesion, participants repeated the paradigm using a more conventional mean luminance simulated scotoma without adaptation. Our results suggest our attempt to create a more realistic simulation of a lesion did not impact on responses in the representation of the simulated lesion. While most participants showed no evidence of stimulus-driven activation within the lesion representation, a few individuals (22%) exhibited responses similar to a participant with juvenile MD who completed the same paradigm (without adaptation). Reliability analysis showed that responses in the representation of the lesion were generally consistent irrespective of whether positive or negative. We provide some evidence that peripheral visual stimulation can also produce responses in central representations in controls while performing a task. This suggests that the ‘signature of reorganization of visual processing’, is not found solely in patients with retinal lesions, consistent with the idea that activity may be driven by unmasked top–down feedback.
Underweight but not overweight is associated with excess mortality in septic ICU patients
Authors: Danninger Thomas , Rezar Richard , Mamandipoor Behrooz , Dankl Daniel , Koköfer Andreas , Jung Christian , Wernly Bernhard , Osmani Venet
Published: September 2021

Background

Higher survival has been shown for overweight septic patients compared with normal or underweight patients in the past. This study aimed at investigating the management and outcome of septic ICU patients in different body mass index (BMI) categories in a large multicenter database.

Methods

In total, 16,612 patients of the eICU collaborative research database were included. Baseline characteristics and data on organ support were documented. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to fit three sequential regression models for the binary primary outcome (ICU mortality) to evaluate the impact of the BMI categories: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 to < 25 kg/m2), overweight (25 to < 30 kg/m2) and obesity (≥ 30 kg/m2). Data were adjusted for patient level characteristics (model 2) as well as management strategies (model 3).

Results

Management strategies were similar across BMI categories. Underweight patients evidenced higher rates of ICU mortality. This finding persisted after adjusting in model 2 (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.15–2.06; p = 0.004) and model 3 (aOR 1.57, 95%CI 1.16–2.12; p = 0.003). No differences were found regarding ICU mortality between normal and overweight patients (aOR 0.93, 95%CI 0.81–1.06; p = 0.29). Obese patients evidenced a lower risk of ICU mortality compared to normal weight, a finding which persisted across all models (model 2: aOR 0.83, 95%CI 0.69–0.99; p = 0.04; model 3: aOR 0.82, 95%CI 0.68–0.98; p = 0.03). The protective effect of obesity and the negative effect of underweight were significant in individuals > 65 years only.

Conclusion

In this cohort, underweight was associated with a worse outcome, whereas obese patients evidenced lower mortality. Our analysis thus supports the thesis of the obesity paradox.
Efficacy of Naoxueshu in acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Song Juexian , Nie Yuting , Qin Xinzuo , Wang Pingping , Lu Huiqiang , Gao Li
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety outcome and related risk factors of Naoxueshu in the treatment of acute SICH.

Methods

Two hundred twenty patients were enrolled in this study. Diagnosis of SICH was based on neuroimaging. All the patients received regular treatment and Naoxueshu oral liquid 10 ml 3 times a day for 14 consecutive days. Surgical intervention was conducted as needed. Efficacy and safety outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Hematoma volume decreased significantly 7 days after Naoxueshu treatment (from 27.3 ± 20.0 to 15.1 ± 15.1 ml,P < 0.0001), and it decreased further in 14-day result (6.9 ± 10.4 ml,P < 0.0001). Patients’ neurological function was improved remarkably with NIHSS scores from baseline 13 points to 7-day 7 points (P < 0.0001) and 14-day 4 points (P < 0.0001). Cerebral edema was relieved only 14 days after Naoxueshu treatment (from 3 to 2 points,P < 0.0001). No clinically significant change was found in 7-day and 14-day safety results. Female sex was related independently to large 7-day hematoma volume and worse 7-day NIHSS score while it would not affect patients’ 14-day outcomes. Rare cause of SICH (B = 17.4,P = 0.009) alone was related to large 14-day hematoma volume. Worse baseline NIHSS score (B = 0.3,P = 0.003) and early use of Naoxueshu (B = 2.9,P = 0.005) were related to worse 7-day and14-day neurological function.

Conclusion

Naoxueshu oral liquid could relieve hematoma volume and cerebral edema safely; meanwhile, it could improve patients’ neurological function. Sex, cause of SICH, and time from onset to receive Naoxueshu should be taken into consideration in the treatment of SICH.
Lonely societies: low trust societies? Further explanations for national variations in loneliness among older Europeans
Authors: Rapolienė Gražina , Aartsen Marja
Published: September 2021

Cross-national studies in Europe reveal sharp regional differences in the prevalence of loneliness among older adults, with the highest prevalence of loneliness in Eastern European countries. In this study, we investigate an alternative explanation for differences in loneliness prevalence based on differences in trust. Many of the Eastern European countries were ruled by totalitarian regimes that undermined people’s trust in other people and in the system, potentially leading to higher loneliness prevalence. Data are derived from the sixth round of the European Social Survey conducted in 2012, based on 12,042 respondents, of which 4827 live in post-totalitarian countries and 7215 in other European countries and Israel. We estimate a path model with trust in people, trust in the system, and social engagement included as latent variables and one dichotomous outcome (lonely or not). We control for age, gender, health limitations, marital status, income adequacy, and education. The results reveal that loneliness is partly constructed by the social–cultural and historical–political characteristics of the countries in which people live. The higher prevalence of loneliness in the Eastern-European post-totalitarian countries can be linked to a low level of trust in other people through social disengagement. Considering the role of trust in the creation of individuals feelings of loneliness contributes to the understanding of country variations in loneliness and opens a new perspective in loneliness research and the development of policies aimed at reducing loneliness.
Completeness in Information Systems Ontologies
Authors: Tambassi Timothy
Published: September 2021

In the domain of information systems ontologies, the notion of completeness refers to ontological contents by demanding that they be exhaustive with respect to the domain that the ontology aims to represent. The purpose of this paper is to analyze such a notion, by distinguishing different varieties of completeness and by questioning its consistency with the open-world assumption, which formally assumes the incompleteness of conceptualizations on information systems ontologies.
Plenty of Room for Multilocation
Authors: Smid Jeroen
Published: September 2021

Classical mereology is a particularly strong theory about the part–whole relation. Not only does it ensure that any collection of entities composes a whole, or ‘fusion’, it also states that this object is unique: no two entities have the same parts. Recently, Claudio Calosi (dialectica 68(1):121–139, 2014) has argued that this extensional aspect makes classical mereology incompatible with multilocated entities. Calosi’s argument is arguably the most precise one from a whole battery of arguments to the effect that some mereological principle is at odds with multilocation. Still, I show that Calosi’s arguments fail and that classical mereology is a safe space for multilocation. Moreover, I argue that the question of extensionality is orthogonal to the question of multilocation.