bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An objective measure of quality for time-scale modification of audio
Authors: Roberts Timothy , Paliwal Kuldip K.
Published: March 2021

Objective evaluation of audio processed with time-scale modification (TSM) remains an open problem. Recently, a dataset of time-scaled audio with subjective quality labels was published and used to create an initial objective measure of quality (OMOQ). In this paper, an improved OMOQ for time-scaled audio is proposed. The measure uses handcrafted features and a fully connected network to predict subjective mean opinion scores (SMOS). Basic and advanced perceptual evaluation of audio quality features are used in addition to nine features specific to TSM artefacts. Six methods of alignment are explored with interpolation of the reference magnitude spectrum to the length of the test magnitude spectrum giving the best performance. The proposed measure achieves a mean root mean square error of 0.490 and a mean Pearson correlation of 0.864 to SMOS, equivalent to the 97th and 82nd percentiles of the subjective sessions, respectively. The proposed measure is used to evaluate TSM algorithms, finding that Elastique gives the highest objective quality for solo instrument and voice signals, whereas the identity phase-locking phase vocoder gives the highest objective quality for music signals and the best overall quality. The objective measure is available online at https://www.github.com/zygurt/TSM.
Microaggressions Experienced by Women and Gender Diverse Athletes in Competitive Cycling
Authors: Ayala Erin E. , Riley-Schmida Alison , Faulkner Kathryn P. A. , Maleski Kelsey
Published: March 2021

Competitive cycling is a sport with limited levels of diversity, particularly concerning gender. Women and gender diverse cyclists are likely to experience actions from others that reveal underlying assumptions based on their gender, race, or other cultural identities. This mixed-methods investigation used feminist theory and a transformative paradigm to highlight the experiences of women and gender diverse cyclists in a male-dominated sport. The authors explored the nature of microaggressions, perceived underlying messages, responses to such actions, and the feelings provoked. Two hundred and seventy-nine cyclists responded to the survey. Over three-quarters of participants reported being bothered by one or more microaggressions that they experienced in the competitive cycling community. Three primary themes emerged for types of microaggressions: assumptions based on gender, inequitable treatment, and harassment. A small percentage of participants noted an absence of microaggressions in competitive cycling environments. Although participants responded to microaggressions in several ways and experienced a range of emotions, the most common response to microaggressions was to not engage. Over half of the participants reported feelings of anger or frustration due to the microaggressions, followed by feelings of sadness. The results from this study complement what researchers have previously reported regarding female athletes and microaggressions in other sports. Implications and findings are discussed in the context of community norms and the need for a paradigm shift to promote inclusivity and diversity in the sport.
IL4-driven microglia modulate stress resilience through BDNF-dependent neurogenesis
Authors: Zhang Jinqiang , Rong Peijing , Zhang Lijuan , He Hui , Zhou Tao , Fan Yonghua , Mo Li , Zhao Qiuying , Han Yue , Li Shaoyuan , Wang Yifei , Yan Wan , Chen Huafu , You Zili
Published: March 2021

Hippocampal microglia mediate stress resilience.
GREB1: An evolutionarily conserved protein with a glycosyltransferase domain links ERα glycosylation and stability to cancer
Authors: Shin Eun Myoung , Huynh Vinh Thang , Neja Sultan Abda , Liu Chia Yi , Raju Anandhkumar , Tan Kelly , Tan Nguan Soon , Gunaratne Jayantha , Bi Xuezhi , Iyer Lakshminarayan M. , Aravind L. , Tergaonkar Vinay
Published: March 2021

GREB1 is an inducible cytoplasmic glycosyltransferase.
Catalytic amplification by transition-state molecular switches for direct and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sundah Noah R. , Natalia Auginia , Liu Yu , Ho Nicholas R. Y. , Zhao Haitao , Chen Yuan , Miow Qing Hao , Wang Yu , Beh Darius L. L. , Chew Ka Lip , Chan Douglas , Tambyah Paul A. , Ong Catherine W. M. , Shao Huilin
Published: March 2021

Transition-state molecular switches enable hyper responsive detection of SARS-CoV-2 in native clinical samples.
Good reactions for low-power shape-memory microactuators
Authors: Omar Mostafa , Sun Bohan , Kang Sung Hoon
Published: March 2021

Microscale programmable shape-memory actuators based on reversible electrochemical reactions can provide exciting opportunities for microrobotics.
RNA-seq of human T cells after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation identifies
Linc00402
as a regulator of T cell alloimmunity
Authors: Peltier Daniel , Radosevich Molly , Ravikumar Visweswaran , Pitchiaya Sethuramasundaram , Decoville Thomas , Wood Sherri C. , Hou Guoqing , Zajac Cynthia , Oravecz-Wilson Katherine , Sokol David , Henig Israel , Wu Julia , Kim Stephanie , Taylor Austin , Fujiwara Hideaki , Sun Yaping , Rao Arvind , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Goldstein Daniel R. , Reddy Pavan
Published: March 2021

LncRNAs are differentially expressed by allogeneic antigen-stimulated T cells, and
Linc00402
regulates allogeneic T cells.
Pediatric tri-tube valved conduits made from fibroblast-produced extracellular matrix evaluated over 52 weeks in growing lambs
Authors: Syedain Zeeshan H. , Haynie Bee , Johnson Sandra L. , Lahti Matthew , Berry James , Carney John P. , Li Jirong , Hill Ryan C. , Hansen Kirk C. , Thrivikraman Greeshma , Bianco Richard , Tranquillo Robert T.
Published: March 2021

A pulmonary replacement valve made from three tubes of cell-derived matrix functioned for 52 weeks in lambs and calcified less than commercial valves.
Advanced bandages for diabetic wound healing
Authors: Matoori Simon , Veves Aristidis , Mooney David J.
Published: March 2021

This Perspective discusses recently identified targets to enhance diabetic wound healing and their incorporation into wound dressings.
β-Lactam Combinations That Exhibit Synergy against Mycobacteroides abscessus Clinical Isolates
Authors: Story-Roller Elizabeth , Galanis Christos , Lamichhane Gyanu
Published: March 2021

Mycobacteroides abscessus
(
Mab
) is an opportunistic environmental pathogen that can cause chronic pulmonary disease in the setting of structural lung conditions such as bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis. These infections are often incurable and associated with rapid lung function decline.
Mab
is naturally resistant to most of the antibiotics available today, and current treatment guidelines require at least 1 year of daily multidrug therapy, which is often ineffective and is associated with significant toxicities. β-Lactams are the most widely used class of antibiotics and have a demonstrated record of safety and tolerability.
The Multidrug Efflux System AcrABZ-TolC Is Essential for Infection of
Salmonella
Typhimurium by the Flagellum-Dependent Bacteriophage Chi
Authors: Esteves Nathaniel C. , Porwollik Steffen , McClelland Michael , Scharf Birgit E.
Published: March 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is a large concern in the health care field. With more multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens emerging, other techniques for eliminating bacterial infections are being explored.
BRD4S Interacts with Viral E2 Protein To Limit Human Papillomavirus Late Transcription
Authors: Yigitliler A. , Renner J. , Simon C. , Schneider M. , Stubenrauch F. , Iftner T.
Published: March 2021

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) have coevolved with their host by using cellular factors like bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) to control viral processes, such as genome maintenance, gene expression, and replication. Here, we show that, in addition to the C-terminal motif in BRD4, the phospho-dependent interaction domain in BRD4 interacts with E2 proteins, which enable the recruitment of BRD4S, the short isoform of BRD4, to E2.
Draft Genomic Analysis of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain OA3, a Potential Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizospheric Bacterium
Authors: Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Fasusi Oluwaseun Adeyinka , Amoo Adenike Eunice , Ayangbenro Ayansina Segun
Published: March 2021

The genome analysis of the plant growth-promoting rhizospheric
Pseudomonas
sp. strain OA3, isolated from maize in North West Province, South Africa, is reported in this study.
Pseudomonas
sp. strain OA3 exhibits plant growth-promoting ability by enhancing maize and soybean growth.
Genome Sequences of Microviruses Identified in Gila Monster Feces
Authors: Collins Courtney L. , DeNardo Dale F. , Blake Mellecha , Norton Jessica , Schmidlin Kara , Fontenele Rafaela S. , Wilson Melissa A. , Kraberger Simona , Varsani Arvind
Published: March 2021

The complete genome sequences of 33 microviruses were determined from fecal samples collected from 14 Arizona-dwelling Gila monsters using high-throughput sequencing. These microviruses with genomes 4,383 to 6,782 nucleotides (nt) long were broadly distributed across the 14 samples.
Structural styles, deformation, and uplift of the Olympic Mountains, Washington: Implications for accretionary wedge deformation
Authors: Aldrich M. James
Published: March 2021

The Olympic subduction complex is the exposed subaerial Cascadia accretionary wedge in the Olympic Mountains of Washington State. Uplift of the mountains has been attributed to two competing models: margin-normal deformation from frontal accretion and underplating, and margin-parallel deformation from the clockwise rotation and northward movement of the Oregon Coast Range block compressing the Olympic Mountains block against the Canadian Coast Range. East-northeast–oriented folds and Quaternary thrust faults and paleostress analysis of faults in the Coastal Olympic subduction complex, west of the subduction complex massif, provide new evidence for north-south shortening in the Coastal Olympic subduction complex that fills a large spatial gap in the north-south shortening documented in prior studies, substantially strengthening the block rotation model. These new data, together with previous studies that document north-south shortening in the subduction complex and at numerous locations in the Coast Range terrane peripheral to the complex, indicate that margin-parallel deformation of the Cascadia forearc has contributed significantly to uplift of the Olympic Mountains. Coastal Olympic subduction complex shallow-level fold structural style and deformation mechanisms provide a template for analyzing folding processes in other accretionary wedges.

Similar-shaped folds in shallow-level Miocene turbidite sediments of the Coastal Olympic subduction complex formed in two shortening phases not previously recognized in accretionary wedges. Folds began forming by bed-parallel flow of sediment into developing hinges. When the strata could no longer accommodate shortening by flexural flow, further shortening was taken up by flexural slip. Similar-shaped folds in the deeper accretionary wedge rocks of the subduction complex massif have a well-developed axial-surface cleavage that facilitated shear folding with sediment moving parallel to the axial surface into the hinges, a structural style that is common to accretionary wedges. The pressure-temperature conditions and depth at which the formation of similar folds transitions from bed-parallel to axial-surface–parallel deformation are bracketed.
Supplemental Material: Outer forearc uplift and exhumation during high-flux magmatism: Evidence from detrital zircon geochemistry of the Nacimiento forearc basin, California, USA
Authors: Johnston Scott , Kylander-Clark Andrew R.C.
Published: March 2021

Table S1 (methods, and zircon geochemical data), and Figure S1 (Cordilleran-aged zircon geochemical data).
Supplemental Material: Evidence of Carboniferous arc magmatism preserved in the Chicxulub impact structure
Authors: Ross Catherine H. , al. et
Published: March 2021

Appendix I: Core-rim relationships, magmatic discrimination plot, previously published inherited ages, concordia and stack plots for all the samples and secondary standard; Appendix II: U-Pb raw data, secondary standard raw data, incremental one second raw data, and trace element data.
Post-COVID-19 paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome: association of ethnicity, key worker and socioeconomic status with risk and severity
Authors: Broad Jonathan , Forman Julia , Brighouse James , Sobande Adebola , McIntosh Alysha , Watterson Claire , Boot Elizabeth , Montgomery Felicity , Gilmour Iona , Tan Joy , Fogarty Mary Johanna , Gomez Xabier , Cheung Ronny , Lillie Jon , Shivamurthy Vinay , Handforth Jenny , Miller Owen
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Patients from ethnic minority groups and key workers are over-represented among adults hospitalised or dying from COVID-19. In this population-based retrospective cohort, we describe the association of ethnicity, socioeconomic and family key worker status with incidence and severity of Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS).

Setting

Evelina London Children’s Hospital (ELCH), the tertiary paediatric hospital for the South Thames Retrieval Service (STRS) region.

Participants

70 children with PIMS-TS admitted 14 February 2020–2 June 2020.

Outcome measures

Incidence and crude ORs are presented, comparing ethnicity and socioeconomic status of our cohort and the catchment population, using census data and Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Regression is used to estimate the association of ethnicity and IMD with admission duration and requirement for intensive care, inotropes and ventilation.

Results

Incidence was significantly higher in children from black (25.0 cases per 100 000 population), Asian (6.4/100 000) and other (17.8/100 000) ethnic groups, compared with 1.6/100 000 in white ethnic groups (ORs 15.7, 4.0 and 11.2, respectively). Incidence was higher in the three most deprived quintiles compared with the least deprived quintile (eg, 8.1/100 000 in quintile 1 vs 1.6/100 000 in quintile 5, OR 5.2). Proportions of families with key workers (50%) exceeded catchment proportions. Admission length of stay was 38% longer in children from black ethnic groups than white (95% CI 4% to 82%; median 8 days vs 6 days). 9/10 children requiring ventilation were from black ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Children in ethnic minority groups, living in more deprived areas and in key worker families are over-represented. Children in black ethnic groups had longer admissions; ethnicity may be associated with ventilation requirement.

This project was registered with the ELCH audit and service evaluation team, ref. no 11186.
Infection of the hip joint bySerratia marcescens
Authors: Pérusseau-Lambert Aude , Gouda Joe Jan , Fareed Hilal
Published: March 2021

A 72-year-old male patient presented to the hospital because of sudden inability to bear weight and without a history of trauma. A fracture of the head of the femur was identified on CT scan of the pelvis. In his history, the patient had a hospital admission 3 months earlier, during which he had a urinary catheter, and a urine specimen was analysed. The same pathogen was found in the patient urine and in the head of the femur specimen. This is a report of blood-borne spread ofSerratia marcescensinfection from the urothelium to the hip joint, responsible for spontaneous fracture of the femoral head without history of trauma.
Hemisensory loss in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Marshall Brandon , Sharma Umesh , Benes-Lima Lourdes , Rossi Fabian H
Published: March 2021

A 73-year-old white man presents with left-sided ptosis and diplopia in the absence of ophthalmoplegia, with left hemibody paresthesia. He reports intermittent dysphagia and dizziness for 1 month and diarrhoea for 2 months. Serum and electrodiagnostic studies confirmed the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. This case highlights the non-classic presentation of myasthenia gravis in the absence of ophthalmoplegia with a unique unexplained hemisensory deficit.
Drones’ side effect: facial and ocular trauma caused by an aerial drone
Authors: Crahay François-Xavier , Rampat Radhika , Tonglet Martin , Rakic Jean-Marie
Published: March 2021

An adult man was struck in the face by his own aerial drone. The propellers hit the upper face region leading to forehead and eyelid lacerations, a partial scleral laceration, conjunctival laceration, hyphaema, traumatic iritis and forward displacement of one haptic of the intraocular lens from a previous cataract surgery. In the last decade, drone use has significantly increased and drone-related injuries have become an emerging cause of trauma. Our case raises awareness of the risks and highlights the need for improvement in regulation of drone use.
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma presenting with reticular telangiectasia on the trunk and panhypopituitarism: an autopsy case
Authors: Tokushima Midori , Tago Masaki , Katsuki Naoko E , Yamashita Shu-ichi
Published: March 2021

A 75-year-old woman developed redness and swelling on her truncal skin, spreading from the lower abdomen to left thigh, 2 months before being admitted to our hospital. She was urgently hospitalised because of her worsening respiratory condition. On admission, she had reticular telangiectasia, diffuse skin induration on the lower abdomen and panhypopituitarism. She was diagnosed with intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) by the third random abdominal skin biopsy. After histopathological examination at autopsy, we made a final diagnosis of IVLBCL causing respiratory failure and panhypopituitarism. This is the rare case of IVLBCL-induced panhypopituitarism showing visible skin lesions.
Case of hypoactive delirium precipitated by thiamine deficiency
Authors: Truong Tiffany , Hetzel Fredrick , Stiff Katherine M , Husnain Muhammad Ghazanfar
Published: March 2021

Thiamine is an essential cofactor in the process of nucleic acid synthesis. Neuronal tissues are especially sensitive to thiamine deficiency, manifesting as Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE). The typical triad of WE, encephalopathy, oculomotor dysfunction and gait ataxia, is only present in less than one-third of the cases. We present the case of a middle-aged man with hypoactive delirium due to presumed thiamine deficiency, who had a prolonged hospital course and a delayed diagnosis of the cause of altered mental status. The presentation of this disorder solely as a decreased level of consciousness is uncommon but has been reported in the literature. It is essential to recognise WE as a treatable condition that may manifest only as a hypoactive delirium. The delay in the diagnosis and treatment may lead to coma and death.
Acute cerebral atrophy in autoimmune encephalitis complicated by haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Wu Qian , Dai Shujuan , Zhu Lin , Zhao Charlie Weige
Published: March 2021

Autoimmune encephalitis is a disease characterised by neural-specific antibodies. This case report presents a 20-year-old young man with a recent history of suspected viral encephalitis who presented with recurrent fevers and episodes of confusion. He was found to have anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid 1 receptor (AMPAR1) positive autoantibodies and was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis. He subsequently developed global cerebral atrophy and was found to meet diagnostic criteria for haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). This patient’s presentation was consistent with existing literature showing that autoimmune encephalitis may develop after an initial viral meningoencephalitis. However, concurrent anti-NMDAR and anti-AMPAR1 positive autoimmune encephalitis has not been reported in literature to date, and this case report represents one instance of its presentation. We speculate that multiple antibodies against neural surface antigens may increase the risk for systemic immune activation leading to HLH and acute cerebral atrophy.
Spontaneous resolution rates in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction managed with massage or topical antibiotics compared with observation alone
Authors: Mohney Brian G , Sathiamoorthi Saraniya , Frank Ryan D
Published: March 2021

Background/aims

To determine if nasolacrimal massage or topical antibiotics are associated with higher rates of resolution compared with observation alone in a population-based cohort of infants with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).

Methods

The medical records of all children <5 years diagnosed with CNLDO while residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota from 1 January 1995 through 31 December 2004 were retrospectively reviewed for type of management and non-surgical resolution of tearing.

Results

Among 1958 infants diagnosed and followed for CNLDO, 516 (26.4%) were merely observed, 506 (25.8%) were prescribed massage alone, 485 (24.8%) were prescribed at least one course of topical antibiotics, 397 (20.3%) were prescribed both topical antibiotics and massage, and 54 (2.8%) had no documented therapy. Non-surgical resolution, occurring in 1669 (85.2%) during a median follow-up of 3.1 months (range: 1 week–248 months), was 74.6% for the merely observed, 89.7% for those prescribed digital massage, 87.0% for those prescribed antibiotics and 90.7% for those treated with both. This comparison was significant in unadjusted (p<0.001) and multivariable comparisons (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Prescribing topical antibiotics or digital massage for infants with CNLDO in this cohort, individually or in combination, was associated with a higher rate of spontaneous resolution than observation alone.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene: pathogenesis and treatment implications in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Al-Obaidy Khaleel I , Cheng Liang
Published: March 2021

Dysregulation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) has been implicated in several human malignancies, including urothelial carcinoma. In urothelial carcinoma, the oncogenic role of mutatedFGFRis mediated by the RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, resembling the effects observed with activatedHRAS. Activating somatic mutations ofFGFR3are clustered in three hotspots in exons 7, 10 and 15, and are almost always missense mutations leading to amino acid substitution in the external, transmembrane or intracellular regions of the receptor. A fusion ofFGFR3to transforming acid coiled-coil containing protein 3,FGFR3amplification and alternative splicing leading to aberrantFGFR3activation are less common molecular alterations. In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first targetedFGFRtherapy, erdafitinib, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic bladder cancer who have progressed on platinum-based chemotherapy. Herein, we reviewed the normal structure and function ofFGFR. We also explored its role in the development of urothelial carcinoma and major developments in theFGFR-targeted therapy.
State of telemedicine use in pediatric surgery in the USA—where we stand and what we can gain from the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Authors: Metzger Gregory , Jatana Kris , Apfeld Jordan , Deans Katherine J , Minneci Peter C , Halaweish Ihab
Published: March 2021

Background

Within the last decade, the use of telemedicine within in primary care in the USA has greatly expanded; however, use remains uncommon in surgical specialties. The spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prompted healthcare institutions to limit in-person contact, resulting in an increase in telemedicine across all specialties, including pediatric surgery. The aims of this review were to evaluate potential barriers that limited the use of telemedicine in pediatric surgery prior to the COVID-19 period and to define how best to incorporate its use into a pediatric surgical practice going forward.

Methods

A scoping review was performed to identify gaps in the literature pertaining to the use of telemedicine within general pediatric surgery in the USA prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Next, a focused evaluation of the legislative and organizational policies on telemedicine was performed. Lastly, findings were summarized and recommendations for future research developed in the context of understanding and overcoming barriers that have plagued widespread adoption in the past.

Results

Despite evidence of telemedicine being safe and well received by adult surgical patients, a total of only three studies representing original research on the use of telemedicine within pediatric surgery were identified. Legislative and organizational policies regarding telemedicine have been altered in response to COVID-19, likely resulting in an increase in the use of telemedicine among pediatric surgeons.

Conclusions

Telemedicine offers a safe and effective option for patients seeking an alternative to the in-person clinic appointment. The increased utilization of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic will provide an opportunity to learn how best to leverage the technology to decrease disparities and to overcome previous barriers.
A Lightweight Key Agreement Protocol with Authentication Capability
Authors: Guan Albert
Published: March 2021

Computationally lightweight and unconditionally secure key agreement protocols are very useful for secure communication in public networks. Recently, Guan et al. proposed a key agreement protocol whose security is based on the unpredictability of channel noise rather than computationally hard problems. These protocols are efficient, computationally lightweight, and unconditionally secure. However, authentication was not integrated into these protocols. In this article, we propose a new protocol with authentication capability that enables two nodes in the network to establish a secret session key for secure communication. It is more efficient, and it also preserves the lightweight and unconditional secure features of the key agreement protocols proposed by Guan et al. Therefore, it is more suitable for devices with limited computing power, such as sensors in Internet of Things (IoT).
Dynamic control cycle speed limit strategy for balanced reduction of travel time and emissions
Authors: Ma Minghui , Zhang Yaozong , Liang Shidong
Published: March 2021

The vehicle exhaust has been one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. With an increase in traffic volume, it has been found that the introduced intelligent traffic control is necessary. This paper investigated a novel VSL strategy considering the dynamic control cycle to improve the traffic efficiency and environmental benefit on freeway. An extension of the cell transmission model (CTM) was used to depict the traffic characteristics under VSL control, and integrated with the microscopic emission and fuel consumption model VT-Micro to estimate the pollution emission of each cell. The VSL strategy was designed to provide multiple control cycles with different length to adjust the scope of VSL changes, furthermore, a probability formula was developed and used to determine the optimal quantity of control cycles to reduce the computational complexity of controller. An objective optimization function was formulated with the aim of minimizing total travel time and CO emission. With simulation experiments, the results showed that the proposed VSL strategy considering the dynamic control cycle outperformed uncontrolled scenario, resulting in up to 8.4% of total travel time reductions, 26.7% of delay optimization, and 14.5% reduction in CO emission, which enhanced the service level of freeway network.
Spin Berry points as crucial for ultrafast demagnetization
Authors: Zhang G. P. , Bai Y. H. , George Thomas F.
Published: March 2021

Laser-induced ultrafast demagnetization has puzzled researchers around the world for over two decades. Intrinsic complexity in electronic, magnetic and phononic subsystems is difficult to understand microscopically. So far, it is not possible to explain demagnetization using a single mechanism, which suggests a crucial piece of information still missing. In this paper, we return to a fundamental aspect of physics: spin and its change within each band in the entire Brillouin zone. We employ face-centered cubic (fcc) Ni as an example and use an extremely dense k mesh to map out spin changes for every band close to the Fermi level along all the high symmetry lines. To our surprise, spin angular momentum at some special k points abruptly changes from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] simply by moving from one crystal momentum point to the next. This explains why intraband transitions, which the spin superdiffusion model is based upon, can induce a sharp spin moment reduction, and why electric current can change spin orientation in spintronics. These special k points, which are called spin Berry points [M. V. Berry, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A 393 (1984) 45], are not random and appear when several bands are close to each other, so the Berry potential of spin majority states is different from that of spin minority states. Although within a single band, spin Berry points jump, when we group several neighboring bands together, they form distinctive smooth spin Berry lines. It is the band structure that disrupts those lines. Spin Berry points are crucial to laser-induced ultrafast demagnetization and spintronics.
Beam generator of 4-channel with zeroth order suppressed by reflective T-type grating
Authors: Fu Chen , Wang Bo , Lin Zefan , Huang Zhisen , Wen Kunhua , Meng Ziming , Nie Zhaogang , Xing Xiangjun , Chen Li , Lei Liang , Zhou Jinyun
Published: March 2021

Four-port beam splitter with good uniformity was proposed by T-type double-layer with different dielectric grating. The total efficiency of the beam splitter is over 90% with beam splitting uniformity better than 3%. At the same time, the simplified modal analysis is added to calculate the grating mode and effective refractive index of the grating area, which clearly describes the physical propagation mechanism inside the grating. The finite element method is used to investigate the normalized field of the grating, which more intuitively reflects the way of energy transfer inside the grating. Finally, the incident characteristics and manufacturing tolerance of the grating are analyzed. Properties of the T-type grating were analyzed in three methods, which more fully illustrates the applicability and stability of the grating in this paper.
A study of sound sources and unsteady surface pressure in an axial fan
Authors: Luo Bo , Chu Wuli , Yan Song , Shen Zhengjing , Zhang Haoguang
Published: March 2021

The noise emitted from an axial fan has become one of the primary concerns for many industrial applications. This paper presents the work to predict the noise generation and investigate sound sources in a low speed axial fan. Computational fluid dynamics modeling is conducted using Scale Adaptive Simulation for the unsteady flow field. The sound predictions by the acoustic analogy are in good agreement with the experimental data. The results from this study show that the aerodynamic interaction between the blades and outlet vanes has a major contribution to the radiated noise spectrum. Two types of sources of narrowband humps are identified in the axial fan. The first is found at the leading edge of the blade tip, which is related to the interaction of coherent flow structures in the blade tip region. The second is found in the vicinity of the blade hub, which can be attributed to the recirculating flow and hub vortex. The noise below the frequency of 1500 Hz is mainly due to the blade-outlet vane aerodynamic interaction, manifested as the tonal sound at BPF and its harmonics, whereas above 1500 Hz the broadband component of sound is mainly related to the turbulent boundary layers.
EVALUATING ENTREPRENEURS’ MOTIVES FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE INFORMAL SECTOR IN EUROPE
Authors: WILLIAMS COLIN C
Published: March 2021

Informal entrepreneurs have been viewed variously as reluctant participants in such endeavors doing so out of economic necessity because of their exclusion from formal work and welfare (structuralist theory), or as willing entrepreneurs who voluntarily exit the formal economy either as a rational economic decision (neo-liberal theory) or as social actors who do not agree with the formal rules and regulations of the state (neo-institutional theory). The aim of this paper is to evaluate these competing theorizations of entrepreneurs’ motives for participating in the informal sector. Reporting evidence from a 2019 Eurobarometer survey involving 27,565 face-to-face interviews in 28 European countries, the finding is that five percent are reluctant participants, twenty percent are willing participants doing so as a rational economic decision, 21 percent are willing participants doing so because of their disagreement with the rules and 54 percent do so for a mixture of these motives. A logistic regression analysis reveals who is more likely to engage in informal entrepreneurship and who is significantly more likely to do so for each motive. The theoretical and policy implications are then discussed.
Development of a laser ablation ICP-MS method for the analysis of fluid inclusions associated with volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits
Authors: Schmidt Madison A. , Leybourne Matthew I. , Peter Jan M. , Petts Duane C. , Jackson Simon E. , Layton-Matthews Daniel
Published: March 2021

There is increasing acceptance of the presence of variable magmatic contributions to the mineralizing fluids in the formation of volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. The world-class Windy Craggy Cu-Co-Au deposit (>300 MT @ 2.12 wt% Cu) in northwestern British Columbia is of interest because, unlike most VMS deposits, fluid inclusions in quartz from within the deposit range from relatively low to intermediate salinity (most 6–16 wt% equivalent). In this study we used an excimer (193 nm) laser ablation system interfaced to a quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to quantify key metals and metalloids that are considered by many to be indicative of magmatic contributions to hydrothermal ore deposits. Although LA-ICP-MS signals from these low-salinity inclusions are highly transient, we were able to quantify Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Sr, Sn, Ba, Ce, Pb and Bi consistently – of the 34 elements that were monitored. Furthermore, Cl, Sb, Cd, Mo, Rb, Br and As were also measured in a significant number of inclusions. Comparison of the fluid inclusion chemistry with unaltered and altered mafic volcanic and sedimentary rocks and mineralized samples from the deposit indicate that enrichment in the main ore metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb) in the inclusions reflects that of the altered rocks and sulfides. Metals and metalloids that may indicate a magmatic contribution typically show much greater enrichments in the fluid inclusions over the host rocks at the same Cu concentration; in particular Bi, Sn and Sb are significantly elevated when compared to the host rock samples. These data are consistent with the ore-forming fluids at Windy Craggy having a strong magmatic contribution.

Supplementary material:
fluid inclusion data for temperature of homogenization and salinity, and full analytical results for laser ablation ICP-MS analyses of individual inclusions for the two analytical sessions are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5443094
Tromsø–Bjørnøya Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element, Barents Sea
Authors: Ryseth Alf Eivind , Similox-Tohon Dominique , Thieβen Olaf
Published: March 2021

The Tromsø–Bjørnøya Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element (CTSE) in the southwestern Barents Sea comprises strata of Late Paleozoic–Paleocene age. Since the Paleozoic Caledonian Orogeny, the structural evolution of the CTSE is mainly related to extension, culminating in Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous hyperextension. Some compressive deformation observed during Late Cretaceous–Paleogene times may relate to activity in the North Atlantic prior to the Early Eocene onset of seafloor spreading between Norway and Greenland.

The sedimentary succession may be up to 14 km thick. It comprises Late Paleozoic continental facies, followed by carbonates, evaporites, and eventually cherts and marine clastic material. The overlying Triassic–Paleocene succession is entirely siliciclastic, reflecting Triassic–Middle Jurassic deltaic and shallow-marine conditions followed by deeper-marine conditions during Late Jurassic–Paleocene times.

Primary reservoirs are encountered in the latest Triassic–Middle Jurassic succession, with secondary reservoirs found in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous synrift succession, and in Paleocene strata. The primary source rock for petroleum is of Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous age. Other source rocks include strata of Triassic and Barremian age, and a recently observed unit of Cenomanian–Early Turonian age.
Advances and Opportunities in Single-Cell Transcriptomics for Plant Research
Authors: Seyfferth Carolin , Renema Jim , Wendrich Jos R. , Eekhout Thomas , Seurinck Ruth , Vandamme Niels , Blob Bernhard , Saeys Yvan , Helariutta Yrjo , Birnbaum Kenneth D. , De Rybel Bert
Published: March 2021

Single-cell approaches are quickly changing our view on biological systems by increasing the spatiotemporal resolution of our analyses to the level of the individual cell. The field of plant biology has fully embraced single-cell transcriptomics and is rapidly expanding the portfolio of available technologies and applications. In this review, we give an overview of the main advances in plant single-cell transcriptomics over the past few years and provide the reader with an accessible guideline covering all steps, from sample preparation to data analysis. We end by offering a glimpse of how these technologies will shape and accelerate plant-specific research in the near future.
Human Representation Learning
Authors: Radulescu Angela , Shin Yeon Soon , Niv Yael
Published: March 2021

The central theme of this review is the dynamic interaction between information selection and learning. We pose a fundamental question about this interaction: How do we learn what features of our experiences are worth learning about? In humans, this process depends on attention and memory, two cognitive functions that together constrain representations of the world to features that are relevant for goal attainment. Recent evidence suggests that the representations shaped by attention and memory are themselves inferred from experience with each task. We review this evidence and place it in the context of work that has explicitly characterized representation learning as statistical inference. We discuss how inference can be scaled to real-world decisions by approximating beliefs based on a small number of experiences. Finally, we highlight some implications of this inference process for human decision-making in social environments.
Iron (II and III) Oxides/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Polypyrrole Ternary Nanocomposite as Electrochemical Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Ghanbari R. , Shabestari M. Entezar , Kalali E. Naderi , Hu Y. , Ghorbani S. R.
Published: March 2021

In this work, ternary nanocomposites of iron (II and III) oxides/reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole (iron oxide/rGO/PPy) have been prepared as the electrode materials of the supercapacitor. These nanocomposites were prepared via a facile two-step process including, the synthesis of iron oxides/rGO binary nanohybrids by a one-pot chemical-microwave method and in situ oxidative polymerization. The morphological and structural characterizations of these nanocomposites were demonstrated decoration of the iron oxides on GO sheets and proper formation of iron oxide/rGO/PPy ternary nanocomposites. The electrochemical performance evaluation of the samples revealed charge storage mechanisms in both the binary and ternary nanocomposites. A high specific capacitance of 626.8 F g−1 was obtained for the Fe2O3/rGO/PPy nanocomposite at a constant current density of 1 A g−1 in a 1 M H2SO4 solution electrolyte. This high specific capacitance (vs 158.2 F g−1 for Fe3O4/rGO/PPy) can be assigned to the attendance of both electrical double-layer capacitance (EDLC) and pseudocapacitance mechanisms in its charge storage. The Fe2O3/rGO/PPy nanocomposite revealed the highest energy density of 87.05 Wh kg−1 with a corresponding power density of 500 W kg−1. The frequency dependence and relaxation time constant investigation of these ternary nanocomposites revealed an ideal capacitive behavior at very low frequency and resistive behavior at the higher frequencies.
Synthesis of γ-MnO2/PANI Composites for Supercapacitor Application in Acidic Electrolyte
Authors: Zhu Yuanqiang , Xu Hui , Tang Jing , Jiang Xudong , Bao Yuanhai , Chen Yong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, γ-MnO2 was prepared via simple hydrothermal method and chosen to compound γ-MnO2/polyaniline (PANI) composite electrode by in situ polymerization. The electrochemical performances of as-prepared samples were explored in acidic and neutral medium, respectively. And influenced its effects such as the different additions of composites, scan rates, and current densities in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte were further investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), respectively. The good capactive behaviours indicated that the γ-MnO2 in the conductive matrix of PANI restrains them from dissolution in acidic electrolyte, and PANI itself affords an additional electrochemical activity to the composite. A asymmetric supercapacitor was fabricated using γ-MnO2/PANI as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode. It displayed good capacitance performance of 232.1 F g−1 and high energy density 66.4 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 350.1 W Kg−1, as well as good cycling life (maintaining 78.65% initial capacitance after 3000 cycles). The enhanced electrochemical performances implie that the γ-MnO2/PANI composite can be potentially applied in superca-pacitors.
Unveiling The Effect of Dopants on the Hydration Reaction and Proton Conduction of Nd and Y Co-Doped BaZrO3 in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: He Lei , Zhang Feng , Xuan Yan , Zhang Lei , Gao Huiying , Pan Huaqing , Lian Sen , Wang Mingyue , Yin Jikang , Chen Xue , Ren Junfeng , Chen Meina
Published: March 2021

Both surface and bulk properties on hydration reaction and proton conduction of Nd and Y co-doped BaZrO3 (BZNY) were investigated for the first time by first-principles calculations. The effects of Nd and Y on oxygen vacancies in BaZrO3 are opposite to those in BaCeO3, which allows us to break away from the traditional misunderstanding that the larger the radius of the doped ion, the easier it is to form oxygen vacancies. We can also infer from the calculation that the hydration reaction has a negative correlation with the formation of oxygen vacancies. Both oxygen vacancies and protons were calculated to have a tendency to accumulate on the BZNY surface, which facilitates promoting surface hydration reaction. It is worth noting that Nd and Y reduce the difference in proton stability of the layers near the surface, therefore promote proton transmission. Unexpectedly, Y3+ (0.900 Å) was calculated to be more likely to segregate in BZNY than Nd3+ (0.983 Å), which subverts our traditional view that doped ions with larger radius are easier to segregate. Moreover, for proton transport though the grain boundaries, the segregation of Nd and Y were also predicted to have beneficial effects in BZNY.
Gli2-regulated activation of hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis by TGF-β signaling
Authors: Yan Junyan , Hu Baowei , Shi Wenjie , Wang Xiaoyi , Shen Jiayuan , Chen Yaping , Huang Huarong , Jin Lifang
Published: March 2021

Gli2 is a key transcription effector of Hh signaling. We found that Hh/Gli2 signaling activity was upregulated in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Conditional deletion of the Gli2 gene in HSCs ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and HSCs activation. Moreover, Gli2 promoted activation of HSCs through upregulation of cyclin expression and TGF-β signaling activity. Thus, our data provide strong support for future investigations on Gli2 inhibition to slow liver fibrosis progression in humans.
Coordinated signaling of activating transcription factor 6α and inositol-requiring enzyme 1α regulates hepatic stellate cell-mediated fibrogenesis in mice
Authors: Xue Fei , Lu Jianwen , Buchl Samuel C. , Sun Liankang , Shah Vijay H. , Malhi Harmeet , Maiers Jessica L.
Published: March 2021

ATF6α is a critical driver of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in vitro. HSC-specific deletion of Atf6a limits fibrogenesis in vivo despite increased IRE1α signaling. Conditional deletion of Ire1α from HSCs limits fibrogenic gene transcription without impacting overall fibrosis. This could be due in part to observed upregulation of the ATF6α pathway. Dual loss of Atf6a and Ire1a from HSCs worsens fibrosis in vivo through enhanced HSC activation.
Assessments of Birth Outcome of Twin Delivery and Associated Factors among Newborns in Dessie Referral Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Abebaw Nigusie , Abdu Mohammed , Girma Natnael
Published: March 2021

Background. There was a fast improvement of twin’s birth outcomes in the past decade, but it was average in developing countries. Stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth asphyxia are the major contributors to poor twin birth outcomes. This study was crucial to address the gaps and clarify the outcome of twin delivery. Objectives. To assess the birth outcome of twin delivery and associated factors among newborns who were delivered in Dessie Referral Hospital, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. Institutional-based retrospective cross-sectional study was employed among 385 maternal records from Nov 10/2013 to Dec 10/2019. Data were selected by using a random sampling technique. Frequencies, proportion, and summary statics were used to describe the study population. The data were entered into Epi Info and exported in the SPSS version 20 for analysis. All variables with

p
 
value
<
0.20

in bivariable logistic regression analysis were considered for multivariable logistic regression analysis; adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure the association variable with

p
 
value
<
0.05

which was statistically significant. Results. This finding showed that the prevalence of twin birth outcome accounts 23.4% (95 % CI, 19.2–27.5). Low birth weight 9.1%, stillbirth 4.2%, Apgar score < 7 9.1%, and neonatal death 1 % were accounted. Hypertension disorder (95% CI, 6.01(2.43–14.87)), rural residence (95% CI 2.46(1.39–4.37)), PROM (95% CI 6.39(2.52–16.16)), and no ANC follow-up (95% CI, 13.47(2.49–72.85)) were significantly associated with adverse twin birth. Conclusions and Recommendations. Magnitude of twins’ adverse birth outcome was 23.4%. Hypertension disorder, rural residence, PROM, and no ANC follow-up were significant variables for twins’ adverse birth outcome. Therefore, all healthcare providers should give sustainable educations and instructions about the importance of sticking with the recommended ANC follow-up.
Doubling of Decipher Biopsy Genomic Score Is Related to Disease Reclassification on Subsequent Surveillance Biopsy but Not Adverse Features on Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Ghabili Kamyar , Paulson Nathan , Syed Jamil S. , Nawaf Cayce B. , Khajir Ghazal , Martin Darryl T. , Onofrey John , Leapman Michael S. , Levi Angelique , Weinreb Jeffrey C. , Humphrey Peter A. , Sprenkle Preston C.
Published: March 2021

The utility of serial Decipher biopsy scores in a true active surveillance population is still unknown. In a man on active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer, a doubling of the Decipher biopsy score within genomic low-risk category from first to the second biopsy related to biopsy reclassification to Gleason grade group 4 on the third biopsy. However, the final pathology at radical prostatectomy showed Gleason grade group 2 with an organ-confined disease. This case suggests that the genomic risk category of Decipher biopsy scores during active surveillance may be more informative than either the interval genomic score change or the biopsy Gleason grade group.