bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoupling of Implied and External VOC Due to Ionic Movement Explaining Transient VOC Overshoot in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Herterich Jan , Unmüssig Moritz , Wagner Lukas , Loukeris Georgios , Faisst Jared , List Mathias , Kohlstädt Markus , Würfel Uli
Published: November 2021

An overshoot of the open‐circuit voltage (V
OC) after switching off the illumination is observed for perovskite solar cells, while the simultaneously measured photoluminescence (PL) intensity decreases continuously. Similarly, a dip in the photovoltage transient is detected at the beginning of a light pulse added to a continuous bias light, while the PL increases. This decoupling of external and implied V
OC (as derived from the PL data) originates from a strong gradient of the majority charge carrier quasi‐Fermi level in the vicinity of a nonideal contact. This gradient reduces the external voltage much more than the implied voltage. The V
OC overshoot is observed whenever the gradient decreases faster than when the separation of the quasi‐Fermi levels is reduced by charge carrier recombination. As shown in previous work, in perovskite solar cells, the magnitude of the gradient is strongly influenced by mobile ionic species and it decreases upon light soaking. This is why a fully light‐soaked device does not show this kind of V
OC overshoot.
Enhanced performance of triple‐junction tandem organic solar cells due to the presence of plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Kamal , Das Abhijit , Kumawat Uttam Kumar , Dhawan Anuj
Published: November 2021

A triple‐junction tandem organic solar cell (OSC) having polymer active materials, P3HT:PC70BM, Si‐PCPDTBT:PC70BM, and PMDPP3T:PC70BM is presented. These active layer materials cover a 300 nm to 1000 nm broad solar spectrum and have minimally overlapping narrow absorption bands. The performance of the triple‐junction tandem OSC was improved by introducing plasmonic nanospheres (NSs) over the top electrode of the OSC. The OSCs were modeled in finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) to optimize the performance of the NSs. Nanospheres of three plasmonic materials—gold (Au), silver (Ag), and aluminum (Al) were individually simulated over the top electrode of the OSCs. The NSs affect absorption in the active layer materials, around their respective plasmonic resonance peaks. The low‐cost Al NSs enhance light trapping in the top and middle subcells, leading to a 14% improvement in overall short circuit current density (JSC) of the triple‐junction tandem OSC in comparison with that of the reference OSC without any NSs. It is also observed that while the enhancement of the overall JSC of the triple‐junction tandem OSC due to the Al NSs is greater than that due to the Ag NSs, the presence of Au NSs leads to a decrease in the overall JSC in comparison with that of the reference OSC.
Comparing lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries for their applicability within energy storage systems
Authors: Hounjet Lindsay J.
Published: November 2021

The use of nonaqueous, alkali metal‐ion batteries within energy storage systems presents considerable opportunities and obstacles. Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are among the most developed and versatile electrochemical energy storage technologies currently available, but are often prohibitively expensive for large‐scale, stationary applications. As global demand for LIBs grows, dwindling supplies of cell component materials and their critical mineral precursors will likely increase future LIB costs. In this work, emerging sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) constructed from relatively inexpensive and abundant materials are examined for their viability as LIB substitutes to meet large‐scale, stationary energy storage needs. Despite the relatively underdeveloped state of SIB technology, cell material costs and performance characteristics are rapidly approaching those of some commercially successful LIB types. Advances in sustainably sourced SIB electrode materials promise to further reduce cell prices. Technoeconomic attributes of SIBs appear poised to match or exceed those of certain commercialized LIBs for large‐scale, stationary energy storage purposes. This work examines a case for use of LIBs or SIBs for seasonal, household energy storage in Canada.
Investigation of residual strain in quartzite using neutron diffraction: Interpretation and self‐consistent modelling
Authors: Guezou Jean‐Claude , Azzeddine Hiba , Ceretti Monica , Baudin Thierry
Published: November 2021

The residual strain determination by neutron diffraction has been performed on a set of five natural quartzite samples collected from Betic Cordilleras (Spain) and Sivas Basin (Turkey). The starting idea was to document an earlier conclusion about the texture components related either to deformation or recrystallization phenomena. Thereafter, as a consequence of the rock inhomogeneity, the complete strain tensor has been determined for each sample and discussed by taking into consideration the present‐day knowledge in material sciences. The imposed macroscopic deformation observed at the sample locality led us to consider the form of the residual strain tensor as possibly representative of the natural finite plastic deformation suffered at the sample scale. Based on this, those tensors have been fitted to plastic tensors and introduced in texture simulations using a visco‐plastic self‐consistent (VPSC) model. The results demonstrate that the complete and meaningful strain tensor determination in rocks could be used as an experimental input in numerical modelling. This new combination of experimental and numerical approaches was validated and could help to better understand some geological phenomena.
Tolerance and complications of therapeutic plasma exchange by centrifugation: A single center experience
Authors: Coirier Valentin , Lesouhaitier Mathieu , Reizine Florian , Painvin Benoît , Quelven Quentin , Maamar Adel , Gacouin Arnaud , Tadié Jean‐Marc , Le Tulzo Yves , Camus Christophe
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) constitutes an important therapy for hematological, neurological, immunological, and nephrological diseases. Most studies have focused on efficacy, whereas tolerance and complications during sessions have been less well studied and not recently.

Material and methods

We conducted a single center retrospective study of all patients who underwent TPE between 2011 and 2018. TPE sessions using the centrifugation technique were performed by dedicated trained nurses. Specific side effects were identified through surveillance forms completed contemporaneously. The primary outcome was the rate of all‐type adverse effects that occurred during the TPE sessions.

Results

In total, 1895 TPE sessions performed on 185 patients were analyzed. At least one adverse effect was reported for 805 sessions (42.5% [29.9%‐70.1%]), corresponding to 171 patients (92.4% [87.6%‐95.8%]). Hypotension occurred during 288 sessions (15.2%), was asymptomatic in 95.8% of cases, and more frequent with the use of 4% albumin than fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (19.8 vs 8.9%, P <.0001). Hypocalcemia occurred during 370 sessions (19.6%) and was more frequent with the use of FFP than with the use of albumin alone (FFP alone: 28.0%, albumin + FFP: 26%, albumin alone: 11.7%; P <.0001). Allergic reactions occurred during 56 sessions (3%), exclusively with FFP. Severe adverse effects were reported for 0.3% of sessions and 5.4% of patients.

Conclusions

TPE is a safe therapy when performed by a trained team. Adverse effects were frequent but mostly not serious. The replacement fluid was the main determinant of the occurrence of complications. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03888417).
Hospitalization for physical injury may contribute to recovery of invisible war wounds: Response to Peterson's (2021) commentary on Soumoff et al. (2021)
Authors: Soumoff Alyssa A. , Driscoll Mercedes Y. , Kim Sharon , Benedek David M. , Choi Kwang H.
Published: November 2021

Peterson's (2021) commentary on our recently published manuscript (Soumoff et al., 2021) suggests that our findings are an example of visible, physical injuries of war facilitating communication with others, which, in turn, fosters recovery from invisible war wounds. We agree that in the proper context, the retelling of one's traumatic story can be important for recovery from and, perhaps, even the prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Participants in our study cohort differed from most others who experienced combat trauma in that while they were hospitalized, they experienced nearly daily visits from a behavioral health provider to address traumatic stress–related symptoms. It is likely that individuals who sustained more severe physical injury (i.e., higher Injury Severity Score [ISS] ratings) had longer hospital stays, received more support, and had more opportunities to retell their stories than those with less severe injuries, leading to decreases in PTSD and MDD symptoms. To note support of this supposition, in Table 5 of Soumoff et al. (2021), although not significant, the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for PTSD and MDD were below 1 for service members with high (i.e., above 16) ISS ratings. The physical injury–related hospitalizations participants in our sample experienced fostered activities described by Peterson (2021) that likely contributed to the prevention and resolution of PTSD and MDD symptoms, benefits not received by most individuals who suffer only invisible wounds of war.
Impact of Marginal and Velamentous Cord Insertion on Uterine Artery Doppler Indices, Fetal Growth, and Preeclampsia
Authors: Tsakiridis Ioannis , Dagklis Themistoklis , Athanasiadis Apostolos , Dinas Konstantinos , Sotiriadis Alexandros
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To assess the impact of marginal (MCI) or velamentous (VCI) cord insertion on uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA PI), preeclampsia (PE), and offspring's birthweight (BW).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies, undergoing routine anomaly scan at 20+0–23+6 gestational weeks, was conducted between 2016 and 2020. The effect of placental cord insertion on BW and UtA mean PI z‐scores was assessed using the t test or analysis of variance and post‐hoc tests; their association with PE was evaluated with the chi‐square test. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to assess the independent association of placental cord insertion and UtA PI z‐score with PE, BW <10th, <5th centile, and intrauterine death (IUD), using specific confounders.

Results

The study population included 4453 pregnancies. Conception via assisted reproductive technology (ART) was associated with increased risk of abnormal cord insertion (odds ratio [OR]: 2.237; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.561–3.206; P < .001). Women with MCI/VCI had higher mean UtA PI z‐score than those with central/eccentric (0.29 vs 0.01; mean difference: −0.28; 95% CI: −0.399 to −0.165; P < .001). MCI/VCI were associated with higher rates of BW <10th centile (central/eccentric: 16.2% vs MCI: 21.9% vs VCI: 35.7%; P < .001) and BW <5th centile (9.8 vs 15.1 vs 23.2%, respectively; P < .001). No association was identified between MCI/VCI and PE (P = .968). Finally, VCI (aOR: 13.717; 95% CI: 1.576–119.379; P = .018) and increased BMI (aOR: 1.167; 95% CI: 1.071–1.271; P < .001) significantly correlated with IUD.

Conclusions

Abnormal cord insertion is more common in ART pregnancies. MCI/VCI are associated with higher mean UtA PI and lower BW centile, but not with increased risk of PE.
Quality control decision of government procurement of elderly care service based on multi‐index fusion of Pythagoras TOPSIS: Perspective of complex network
Authors: Lu Zhengnan , Zhang Yuting , Xu Lan
Published: November 2021

In the face of quality problems in government procurement of elderly care services, mastering relationships between quality‐influencing factors and identifying key factors is beneficial for managers to make correct quality control decisions. From the complex networks' perspective, quality‐influencing factors of government purchasing elderly care services are obtained by case analysis, and the influencing factors' network topology is constructed. Importance indexes of nodes are determined with complex network theory, and multi‐indexes are fused by the Pythagoras TOPSIS to evaluate the importance of each factor. The results reveal key factors in the quality of government procurement of elderly care services.
Super Baker function and flow equation on the SKP Hierarchy
Authors: Chen Huizhan
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the super bilinear identity which is equivalent form of the Manin Radul SKP hierarchy is characterized by the super Baker function, and the super resolvent is described by the super Baker function. Finally, some examples of specific super flow equations are obtained by constraining Lax operator of the Manin Radul SKP hierarchy.
Impacts of Enriched Human Milk Cells on Fecal Metabolome and Gut Microbiome of Premature Infants with Stage I Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hong Luyang , Zhang Lan , Zhou Qi , Li Shujuan , Han Junyan , Jiang Siyuan , Han Xiao , Yang Yi , Hong Shangyu , Cao Yun
Published: November 2021

Scope

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants, occurring more often in formula‐fed infants than in breastfed infants. Recent animal studies have shown that cells in fresh breast milk survive in the newborns’ digestive tract. However, no clinical studies have been conducted on the effects of human milk cells, and their biological roles in the infants’ intestines remain unexplored.

Methods and Results

Twenty premature infants are enrolled. Cells from fresh milk of their own mothers are enriched and fed to infants with Bell's Stage I NEC once a day for 7 days since the onset of NEC. Fecal samples are collected at enrollment and 2 weeks later. Fecal sphingolipids are observed to be enriched in NEC patients and positively correlated with calprotectin levels. After intervention with enriched human milk cells, inflammation‐associated sphingolipids and microbiome profiles are altered and resembled those of the controls.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings reveal the potential impacts of enriched human milk cells on premature infants with Bell's Stage I NEC and provide insight into the roles of fecal sphingolipid metabolism in the neonates’ intestinal inflammation. However, the limited sample size of the study indicates the need for further investigation.
A novel collaborative diagnosis approach of incipient faults based on VMD and SCN for rolling bearing
Authors: Huang Darong , Li Yunqian , Guan Shuyue , Zhang Xu , Tang Min
Published: November 2021

In order to overcome the shortcomings of concealed early fault features of rolling bearings which can not be better recognized and the accuracy of early fault diagnosis is not high enough, a novel collaborative diagnosis method is presented combing with variational modal decomposition (VMD) and stochastic configuration network (SCN) for incipient faults of rolling bearing. First, decomposing the original signal by VMD, and then extracting peak‐to‐peak of intrinsic mode function component from each fault, and calculating sample entropy of peak‐to‐peak to construct characteristic sample of fault. Second, based on VMD composition, proposing an incipient fault diagnosis method which is named SCN. Finally, compared with other classification methods, the results show that the proposed collaborative method is effective and advantageous.
Tuza's conjecture for random graphs
Authors: Kahn Jeff , Park Jinyoung
Published: November 2021

A celebrated conjecture of Tuza says that in any (finite) graph, the minimum size of a cover of triangles by edges is at most twice the maximum size of a set of edge‐disjoint triangles. Resolving a recent question of Bennett, Dudek, and Zerbib, we show that this is true for random graphs; more precisely:
urn:x-wiley:rsa:media:rsa21057:rsa21057-math-0001
The effect of coordination requirements on sourcing decisions: Evidence from patent prosecution services
Authors: Chondrakis George , Melero Eduardo , Sako Mari
Published: November 2021

Research Summary

Although the link between coordination requirements and vertical integration is theoretically well established, empirical tests of this relationship are hard to implement due to the simultaneous determination of both variables. In this study, we take advantage of regulatory changes in patent prosecution in the United States to provide plausibly causal evidence linking increases in coordination requirements with insourcing. Moreover, we examine the role of plural sourcing, that is, simultaneously making and buying, when responding to changes in coordination requirements. We find that the move toward insourcing is more pronounced for plural‐sourcing firms as compared to firms relying on outsourcing. These results are consistent with the view that plural sourcing provides firms with flexibility to switch between sourcing modes when facing changing coordination requirements.

Managerial Summary

We study the sourcing of patent prosecution services in large innovative companies and show that in‐house production is more beneficial when coordination requirements between inventors and attorneys increase. Importantly, we find that plural‐sourcing firms, that is, firms that work with both internal attorneys and external law firms, are more likely to respond to these increases and move toward insourcing as compared to firms relying only on outsourcing. This suggests that plural sourcing can be regarded as a strategic investment in sourcing flexibility, allowing firms to respond to changing coordination requirements. This is an adaptive capability which is especially useful in knowledge‐intensive sectors.
Leicht und subtil zusammengefügt – das Dachtragwerk des Stade de la Tuilière in Lausanne
Authors: Bassetti Andrea , Furrer Reto , Kunze Matthias
Published: November 2021

Der Entwurf des neuen Fussballstadions der Stadt Lausanne geht auf einen internationalen Wettbewerb zurück und resultiert aus der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit zwischen Architekten und Tragwerksplanern. Die Leichtigkeit des weitgespannten Stahldachtragwerks war ein wesentlicher Faktor, der die effiziente und wirtschaftliche Umsetzung des architektonischen Entwurfs ermöglicht hat. Das Dachtragwerk wurde mit wenigen Tragelementen konzipiert. Ihre wiederkehrende Geometrie und klaren Linien stehen im Kontrast zum expressiveren Ausdruck des Gebäudesockels. Das subtile Gleichgewicht des leichten Dachtragwerks wirkt als Gegenpol zu den im architektonischen Ausdruck lesbaren Kräften des Spannbetonsockels. Dank der besonderen Leistungsfähigkeit von Stahl konnte das Dachtragwerk fast ohne provisorische Abstützungen in kurzer Zeit aufgerichtet werden. Die konstruktive Ausbildung widerspiegelt die klaren und einfachen Tragkonzepte der Stahlstruktur. Mit der Realisierung des Dachtragwerks des Stade de la Tuilière konnte die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit von Stahl für die Realisierung weitgespannter Tragwerke erneut unter Beweis gestellt werden. Als Fassade für das neue Stadion wurde eine funktionale gläserne Gebäudehülle konzipiert.
Fostering Hope with Children's Literature
Authors: Massey Dixie D. , Vaughn Margaret , Hiebert Elfrieda
Published: November 2021

In this essay, we discuss how teachers and students can use children's literature and literature‐based activities to intentionally foster hope. The previous years have proved to be challenging on many fronts. Teachers of all levels are focusing on ways to support academic development in an oft‐shifting context. Drawing on research using bibliotherapy and other literature‐based interventions, we propose a literature‐rooted framework for teachers and students to create environments that foster hope.
Neighbourhood characteristics and social isolation of people with psychosis: a multi-site cross-sectional study
Authors: Giacco Domenico , Kirkbride James B. , Ermakova Anna O. , Webber Martin , Xanthopoulou Penny , Priebe Stefan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

People with psychosis are vulnerable to social isolation, which is associated with worse clinical outcomes. In general populations, people living in areas with higher population density have more social contacts, while those living in more socially deprived and fragmented areas are less satisfied with their relationships. We assessed whether and how neighbourhood factors are associated with social contacts and satisfaction with friendships for people with psychosis.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional study including people with psychosis aged 18–65 years in urban and rural sites in England. Population density and social deprivation and fragmentation indexes were described within Lower Level Super Output Areas (LSOA). Their associations with participants’ social contacts and satisfaction with friendships were tested with negative binomial and ordinal regression models, respectively.

Results

We surveyed 511 participants with psychotic disorders. They had a median of two social contacts in the previous week (interquartile range [IQR] = 1–4), and rated satisfaction with friendships as 5 out of 7 (Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life; IQR = 4–6). Higher population density was associated with fewer social contacts (Z-standardised relative risk [RR] = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.79–0.99, p = 0.03), but not with satisfaction with friendships (RR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.93–1.26, p = 0.31). No associations were found for social contacts or satisfaction with friendships with social deprivation or fragmentation indexes.

Conclusions

Clinicians in urban areas should be aware that their patients with psychosis are more socially isolated when more people live around them, and this could impact their clinical outcomes. These findings may inform housing programmes.
Abuse and dependence potential of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a review of literature and public data
Authors: Schoedel Kerri A. , Kolly Carine , Gardin Anne , Neelakantham Srikanth , Shakeri-Nejad Kasra
Published: November 2021

Abuse and misuse of prescription drugs remains an ongoing concern in the USA and worldwide; thus, all centrally active new drugs must be assessed for abuse and dependence potential. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators are used primarily in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Among the new S1P receptor modulators, siponimod, ozanimod, and ponesimod have recently been approved in the USA, European Union (EU), and other countries. This review of literature and other public data has been undertaken to assess the potential for abuse of S1P receptor modulators, including ozanimod, siponimod, ponesimod, and fingolimod, as well as several similar compounds in development. The S1P receptor modulators have not shown chemical or pharmacological similarity to known drugs of abuse; have not shown abuse or dependence potential in animal models for subjective effects, reinforcement, or physical dependence; and do not have adverse event profiles demonstrating effects of interest to individuals who abuse drugs (such as sedative, stimulant, mood-elevating, or hallucinogenic effects). In addition, no reports of actual abuse, misuse, or dependence were identified in the scientific literature for fingolimod, which has been on the market since 2010 (USA) and 2011 (EU). Overall, the data suggest that S1P receptor modulators are not associated with significant potential for abuse or dependence, consistent with their unscheduled status in the USA and internationally.
Analysis of deep grey nuclei susceptibility in early childhood: a quantitative susceptibility mapping and R2* study at 3 Tesla
Authors: Raab Peter , Ropele Stefan , Bültmann Eva , Salcher Rolf , Lanfermann Heinrich , Wattjes Mike P.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Aging is the most significant determinant for brain iron accumulation in the deep grey matter. Data on brain iron evolution during brain maturation in early childhood are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate age-related iron deposition in the deep grey matter in children using quantitative susceptibility (QSM) and R2* mapping.

Methods

We evaluated brain MRI scans of 74 children (age 6–154 months, mean 40 months). A multi-echo gradient-echo sequence obtained at 3 Tesla was used for the QSM and R2* calculation. Susceptibility of the pallidum, head of caudate nucleus, and putamen was correlated with age and compared between sexes.

Results

Susceptibility changes in all three nuclei correlated with age (correlation coefficients for QSM/R2*: globus pallidus 0.955/0.882, caudate nucleus 0.76/0.65, and putamen 0.643/0.611). During the first 2 years, the R2* values increased more rapidly than the QSM values, indicating a combined effect of iron deposition and myelination, followed by a likely dominating effect of iron deposition. There was no significant gender difference.

Conclusion

QSM and R2* can monitor myelin maturation processes and iron accumulation in the deep grey nuclei of the brain in early life and may be a promising tool for the detection of deviations of this normal process. Susceptibility in the deep nuclei is almost similar early after birth and increases more quickly in the pallidum. The combined use of QSM and R2* analysis is beneficial.
Forecasting intraspecific changes in distribution of a wide-ranging marine predator under climate change
Authors: Niella Yuri , Butcher Paul , Holmes Bonnie , Barnett Adam , Harcourt Robert
Published: November 2021

Globally, marine animal distributions are shifting in response to a changing climate. These shifts are usually considered at the species level, but individuals are likely to differ in how they respond to the changing conditions. Here, we investigate how movement behaviour and, therefore, redistribution, would differ by sex and maturation class in a wide-ranging marine predator. We tracked 115 tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) from 2002 to 2020 and forecast class-specific distributions through to 2030, including environmental factors and predicted occurrence of potential prey. Generalised Linear and Additive Models revealed that water temperature change, particularly at higher latitudes, was the factor most associated with shark movements. Females dispersed southwards during periods of warming temperatures, and while juvenile females preferred a narrow thermal range between 22 and 23 °C, adult female and juvenile male presence was correlated with either lower (< 22 °C) or higher (> 23 °C) temperatures. During La Niña, sharks moved towards higher latitudes and used shallower isobaths. Inclusion of predicted distribution of their putative prey significantly improved projections of suitable habitats for all shark classes, compared to simpler models using temperature alone. Tiger shark range off the east coast of Australia is predicted to extend ~ 3.5° south towards the east coast of Tasmania, particularly for juvenile males. Our framework highlights the importance of combining long-term movement data with multi-factor habitat projections to identify heterogeneity within species when predicting consequences of climate change. Recognising intraspecific variability will improve conservation and management strategies and help anticipate broader ecosystem consequences of species redistribution due to ocean warming.
Emodin Attenuates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome-Dependent Pyroptosis Signaling Pathway In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Liu Yuhan , Shang Luorui , Zhou Jiabin , Pan Guangtao , Zhou Fangyuan , Yang Shenglan
Published: November 2021

Abstract—

Emodin, the effective component of the traditional Chinese medicine Dahuang, has anti-inflammatory effects. However, the protective effects and potential mechanisms of emodin are not clear. This study investigated the protective effects and potential mechanisms of emodin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, we designed an LPS-induced ALI rat model. In vitro, we chose the J774A.1 cell line to establish an inflammatory cellular model, and knocked down NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) using small interfering RNA. The mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC), caspase 1 (CASP1), and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in cells and lung tissues were detected by western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-18 in the serum and supernatant were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The degree of pathological injury in lung tissue was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In vitro, we demonstrated that emodin could inhibit NLRP3 and then inhibit the expression of ASC, CASP1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18. In vivo, we confirmed that emodin had protective effects on LPS-induced ALI and inhibitory effects on NLRP3 inflammasome -dependent pyroptosis. Emodin showed excellent protective effects against LPS-induced ALI by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
Superbinomial coefficients
Authors: Maurischat Kathrin , Weissauer Rainer
Published: November 2021

We investigate several families of polynomials that are related to certain Euler type summation operators. Being integer valued at integral points, they satisfy combinatorial properties and nearby symmetries, due to triangle recursion relations involving squares of polynomials. Some of these interpolate the Delannoy numbers. The results are motivated by and strongly related to our study of irreducible Lie supermodules, where dimension polynomials in many cases show similar features.
Enhancing Education and Career Pathways Through Peer and Near-Peer Social Capital
Authors: Boat Ashley A. , Miranda Alejandra , Syvertsen Amy K.
Published: November 2021

Social capital strengthens emerging adults’ ability to reach life goals, but little is known about how peers and near-peers (slightly older and/or more experienced peers who serve in mentorship or coaching roles) support social capital development especially among young people of color. To address this gap, the current study examined how social capital derived from peers and near-peers contributes to emerging adults’ ability to actively mobilize social capital in pursuit of their education or career goals (i.e., self-initiated social capital) and, in turn, their education and career outcomes. A total of 841 emerging adults who participated in one of five community-based education and/or workforce support programs were surveyed (72% female; Mage = 20.1,SD = 1.84; 35% Latinx, 30% Black, 19% Asian, 16% Other). Peer social capital was indirectly associated with outcomes (i.e., progress towards education/career goals, commitment to paying-it-forward, collective efficacy to change systems) via greater self-initiated social capital, whereas near-peer social capital was both directly and indirectly associated with outcomes. The mechanisms by which peer and near-peer social capital support emerging adults as they work towards their goals may differ and have important program implications.
The Informational Economy of Vaudeville and the Business of American Entertainment
Authors: Backer Samuel E.
Published: November 2021

In the early twentieth century, vaudeville was the most popular theatrical form in the United States. Operating before the rise of mechanically reproduced entertainment, its centralized booking offices moved tens of thousands of performers across hundreds of stages to an audience of millions. Designed to gather and analyze data about both audiences and performers, these offices created a complex informational economy that defined the genre—an internal market that sought to transform culture into a commodity. By reconstructing the concrete details of these business practices, it is possible to develop a new understanding of both the success of the vaudeville industry and its influence on the evolution of American mass culture.
The use of lidocaine spray (Xylocaine) as a topical anaesthetic for minor ear procedures
Authors: McNally G , Izzat S
Published: November 2021

Background

Injectable anaesthetic agents, topical creams and aqueous solutions have previously been used to anaesthetise the tympanic membrane for minor ear procedures. Topical creams take 20–30 minutes to work and injectable anaesthetics can cause canal swelling. The effectiveness of lidocaine spray has not previously been investigated in patients undergoing minor ear procedures.

Methods

Eighteen participants attending for out-patient grommet insertion or intratympanic steroid injection were prospectively recruited for this study over six months. Post-operatively, they were asked about their perceived level of pain and overall experience.

Results

The median level of pain measured on an 11-point visual analogue scale was 2 out of 10. Forty-four per cent reported the overall experience as pleasant, with the remainder selecting slightly unpleasant (66 per cent). All participants stated they would undergo the procedure again.

Conclusion

Xylocaine spray is simple to administer, rapid-acting and well tolerated by patients for anaesthesia of the tympanic membrane during minor ear procedures in the out-patient setting.
‘The Dagger of Dispossession Will Be Ripped Out’: The Malvinas/Falkland Islands in Argentine Song (1941–82)
Authors: Carassai Sebastián
Published: November 2021

In April 1982, Great Britain and Argentina went to war over the Falkland Islands/Malvinas. On 14 June, the defeated Argentine military began the evacuation of the Islands. Most Argentines came to view this short war as an absurd adventure entered into by a military dictatorship in decline trying to cling on to power. Yet by analysing Argentine songs about the Malvinas from 1941 to 1982, this article shows that the national imaginary had long included ideas of sovereignty usurped and captive islands awaiting redemption. Argentine songs about the Malvinas, I maintain, can be analysed as expressions of an ‘emotional community’ around the Islands. By examining the emphases, constants and changes in the songs emerging from that community, we get a clearer picture of how ideas about the territory and its recovery changed over time.
Towards Meritocratic Apartheid? Points Systems and Migrant Access to China's Urban Public Schools
Authors: Wan Yi , Vickers Edward
Published: November 2021

This paper analyses rural migrant children's access to public schools in urban China, focusing on the implications of the recent introduction of points systems for apportioning school places. This approach, first piloted by Zhongshan city in Guangdong province from 2009, has steadily been extended nationwide. Here, we analyse the reasons for its spread and for divergence in its implementation in various urban districts. Notwithstanding rhetorical claims that points systems promote “fairness” or “equality” in the treatment of migrants, our analysis suggests that they maintain or even exacerbate the stratification of urban society, lending new legitimation to the hierarchical differentiation of entitlements. This is consistent with the aim of the 2014 “New national urbanization plan” to divert urban growth from megacities towards smaller cities. However, we argue that the use of points systems should also be seen in the context of an evolving bureaucratic-ideological project aimed at more rigorously monitoring and assessing China's entire population, invoking the logic of meritocracy for the purpose of control.
Unveiling Musical Production: Strauss, Mahler and Commodity Fetishism in the Late Nineteenth Century
Authors: Gentry Jonathan
Published: November 2021

This article locates social relationships within late-nineteenth-century German orchestral music by examining orchestration practices and aesthetics. Wagner's innovations in tone colour, Liszt's use of programmes, and Hanslick's formalism all took attention away from orchestra performers and forged a more direct relationship between audience and composer. This article argues that commercial exchange of serious music displaced social relationships between composer, performer and audience into aesthetic dictums. In particular, the widely agreed upon subordination of orchestration and colour to compositional ‘content’ was a manifestation of the social subordination of performers to composers and resulted in the decreased visibility of performers to consumers.

In ultimately breaking from both New German and formalist conventions, Strauss's Don Juan and Mahler's First Symphony brought unwanted attention to orchestration and a renewed focus on performance and performers. In contrast to Wagner's use of doublings, which created timbres without clear instrumental provenance, the orchestration choices of Strauss and Mahler emphasize distinctions between instruments and themes, further highlighting the virtuosic demands they place on performers. Strauss and Mahler made performers into co-producers of their music and raised orchestral colour to the status of content. By employing Marx's concept of commodity fetishism, which Adorno himself largely obscures, this article goes beyond Adorno's and Dahlhaus's analysis of the ‘emancipation of colour’ to show how concert consumption objectified social relations and hierarchies as issues of mere aesthetic form, while compositions themselves became imbued with life-like subjectivity.
Impact of Decelerating India‐Asia Convergence on the Crustal Flow Kinematics in Tibet: An Insight From Scaled Laboratory Modeling
Authors: Maiti Giridas , Roy Arnab , Sen Joyjeet , Mandal Nibir
Published: November 2021

The factors controlling the spatiotemporally varying deformation patterns in Tibet, a prolonged period (∼50 to 19 ± 3 Ma) of NNE‐SSW shortening, accompanied by eastward flow and orogen‐parallel extension in a later stage (19 ± 3 Ma to present‐day), are still poorly constrained. Using viscous models, we performed scaled laboratory experiments with steady and unsteady state collision kinematics to address this issue. Our model Tibet under steady‐state collision, irrespective of high (5.5 cm/yr) or low (3.5 cm/yr) indentation rates fails to produce the present‐day crustal velocity fields and the deformation patterns, reported from GPS observations. An unsteady‐state collision with decelerating convergence rates (5.5–3.5 cm/yr) is found to be a necessary condition for the initiation of eastward flow and ESE‐WNW extensional deformations. The model results also suggest that the mechanical resistance offered by the rigid Tarim block resulted in crustal uplift at faster rates in western Tibet, setting a west to east topographic gradient, existing till present‐day. This topographic gradient eventually polarized the gravity‐controlled flow in the east direction when the convergence velocity decelerated to ∼3.5 cm/yr at around 19 ± 3 Ma. Our model shows the present‐day eastward flow in central Tibet follows nearly a Poiseuille type velocity profile, bounded by the Himalaya in the south and the Tarim basin in northern Tibet. This flow kinematics allows us to explain the preferential locations of crustal‐scale dextral and sinistral faults in southern and northern Tibet, respectively. Finally, the present‐day model crustal‐flow velocity, strain‐rates, and topographic variations are validated with GPS and geological field data.
Comparison of a Neutral Density Model With the SET HASDM Density Database
Authors: Weimer Daniel R. , Tobiska W. Kent , Mehta Piyush M. , Licata R. J. , Drob Douglas P. , Yoshii Jean
Published: November 2021

The EXospheric TEMperatures on a PoLyhedrAl gRid (EXTEMPLAR) method predicts the neutral densities in the thermosphere. The performance of this model has been evaluated through a comparison with the Air Force High Accuracy Satellite Drag Model (HASDM). The Space Environment Technologies (SET) HASDM database that was used for this test spans the 20 years 2000 through 2019, containing densities at 3 hr time intervals at 25 km altitude steps, and a spatial resolution of 10° latitude by 15° longitude. The upgraded EXTEMPLAR that was tested uses the newer Naval Research Laboratory MSIS 2.0 model to convert global exospheric temperature values to neutral density as a function of altitude. The revision also incorporated time delays that varied as a function of location, between the total Poynting flux in the polar regions and the exospheric temperature response. The density values from both models were integrated on spherical shells at altitudes ranging from 200 to 800 km. These sums were compared as a function of time. The results show an excellent agreement at temporal scales ranging from hours to years. The EXTEMPLAR model performs best at altitudes of 400 km and above, where geomagnetic storms produce the largest relative changes in neutral density. In addition to providing an effective method to compare models that have very different spatial resolutions, the use of density totals at various altitudes presents a useful illustration of how the thermosphere behaves at different altitudes, on time scales ranging from hours to complete solar cycles.
Loss of MBD2 attenuates MLL-AF9-driven leukemogenesis by suppressing the leukemic cell cycle via CDKN1C
Authors: Zhou Kuangguo , Zhou Mi , Cheng Ling , Chen Xing , Wang Xiaomin , Chu Yajing , Yu Qilin , Zhang Shu , Wang Na , Zhao Lei , Wang Di , Huang Liang , Wang Congyi , Yuan Weiping , Zhou Jianfeng
Published: November 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a deadly cancer characterized by an expanded self-renewal capacity that is associated with the accumulation of immature myeloid cells. Emerging evidence shows that methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (MBD2), a DNA methylation reader, often participates in the transcriptional silencing of hypermethylated genes in cancer cells. Nevertheless, the role of MBD2 in AML remains unclear. Herein, by using an MLL-AF9 murine model and a human AML cell line, we observed that loss of MBD2 could delay the initiation and progression of leukemia. MBD2 depletion significantly reduced the leukemia burden by decreasing the proportion of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and inhibiting leukemia cell proliferation in serial transplantation experiments, thereby allowing leukemic blasts to transition to a more mature state reflecting normal myelopoiesis. Both gene expression analyses and bioinformatic studies revealed that MBD2 negatively modulated genes related to myeloid differentiation, and was necessary to sustain the MLL-AF9 oncogene-induced gene program. We further demonstrated that MBD2 could promote LSC cell cycle progression through epigenetic regulation of CDKN1C transcription probably by binding to its promoter region. Taken together, our data suggest that MBD2 promotes AML development and could be a therapeutic target for myeloid malignancies.
Plasma concentrations of branched-chain amino acids differ with Holstein genetic strain in pasture-based dairy systems
Authors: Jorge-Smeding Ezequiel , Carriquiry Mariana , Cantalapiedra-Hijar Gonzalo , Mendoza Alejandro , Astessiano Ana Laura
Published: November 2021

In pasture-based systems, there are nutritional and climatic challenges exacerbated across lactation; thus, dairy cows require an enhanced adaptive capacity compared with cows in confined systems. We aimed to evaluate the effect of lactation stage (21 vs. 180 days in milk,DIM) and Holstein genetic strain (North American Holstein,NAH, n = 8; New Zealand Holstein,NZH, n = 8) on metabolic adaptations of grazing dairy cows through plasma metabolomic profiling and its association with classical metabolites. Although 67 metabolites were affected (FDR< 0.05) by DIM, no metabolite was observed to differ between genetic strains while only alanine was affected (FDR= 0.02) by the interaction between genetic strain and DIM. However, complementary tools for time-series analysis (ASCA analysis, MEBA ranking) indicated that alanine and the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) differed between genetic strains in a lactation-stage dependent manner. Indeed, NZH cows had lower (P-Tukey < 0.05) plasma concentrations of leucine, isoleucine and valine than NAH cows at 21 DIM, probably signaling for greater insulin sensitivity. Metabolic pathway analysis also revealed that, independently of genetic strains, AA metabolism might be structurally involved in homeorhetic changes as 40% (19/46) of metabolic pathways differentially expressed (FDR< 0.05) between 21 and 180 DIM belonged to AA metabolism.
Development of computer-controlled atmospheric pressure plasma structuring for 2D/3D pattern on fused silica
Authors: Li Duo , Ji Peng , Xu Yang , Wang Bo , Qiao Zheng , Ding Fei
Published: November 2021

Fused silica with structured and continuous patterns is increasingly demanded in advanced imaging and illumination fields because of its excellent properties and functional performance. Atmospheric pressure plasma, based on pure chemical etching under atmospheric pressure, is developed as a promising fabrication technique for fused silica due to its deterministic high material removal rate, controllable removal imprint and no mechanical load. The stable and controllable Gaussian-shape removal function makes computer-controlled plasma tool potential to generate complex structures with high accuracy, efficiency and flexibility. In the paper, computer-controlled atmospheric pressure plasma structuring (APPS) is proposed to fabricate 2D/3D patterns on fused silica optics. The capacitively coupled APPS system with a double-layer plasma torch and its discharge characteristics are firstly developed. By means of multi-physics simulation and process investigation, the stable and controllable Gaussian-shape removal function can be achieved. Two different structuring modes, including discrete and continuous APPS, are explored for 2D/3D patterns. A series of structuring experiments show that different kinds of 2D patterns (including square lens array, hexagon lens array and groove array) as well as complex 3D phase plate patterns have been successfully fabricated, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed APPS of 2D/3D patterns on fused silica optics.
Increment in the volcanic unrest and number of eruptions after the 2012 large earthquakes sequence in Central America
Authors: González Gino , Fujita Eisuke , Shibazaki Bunichiro , Hayashida Takumi , Chiodini Giovanni , Lucchi Federico , Yokoyama Izumi , Nemeth Karoly , Mora-Amador Raúl , Moya Aaron , Chigna Gustavo , Martí Joan , Rouwet Dmitri
Published: November 2021

Understanding the relationship cause/effect between tectonic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions is a striking topic in Earth Sciences. Volcanoes erupt with variable reaction times as a consequence of the impact of seismic waves (i.e. dynamic stress) and changes in the stress field (i.e. static stress). In 2012, three large (Mw ≥ 7.3) subduction earthquakes struck Central America within a period of 10 weeks; subsequently, some volcanoes in the region erupted a few days after, while others took months or even years to erupt. Here, we show that these three earthquakes contributed to the increase in the number of volcanic eruptions during the 7 years that followed these seismic events. We found that only those volcanoes that were already in a critical state of unrest eventually erupted, which indicates that the earthquakes only prompted the eruptions. Therefore, we recommend the permanent monitoring of active volcanoes to reveal which are more susceptible to culminate into eruption in the aftermath of the next large-magnitude earthquake hits a region.