bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Change Characteristics of Potential Habitat and Fishing Season for Neon Flying Squid in the Northwest Pacific Ocean under Future Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Gong Caixia , Chen Xinjun , Gao Feng , Yu Wei
Published: September 2021

Climate-driven changes in the marine environment can impact the distribution and abundance of marine species. Here, we combined available commercial fishery data of the neon flying squid Ommastrephes bartramii in the traditional fishing grounds in the northwest Pacific Ocean collected by Chinese squid jigging vessels between 1996 and 2005 with the dominant environmental climate factors affecting its distribution. Fishery and dominant environmental climate factors were incorporated into a species distribution model (maximum entropy model, MaxEnt) to describe the suitable habitats for neon flying squid. Two climate change scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) from the Community Earth System Model Version 1 were used with MaxEnt to project the future distribution of environmental suitability for neon flying squid. Results indicated that suitable neon flying squid habitat moved northward under climate change, and the projected area of suitable habitat decreased by the end of the century. Projections revealed that suitable habitats for neon flying squid will almost disappear between July and September by 2095 in RCP4.5, and between July and November (except in October, which increased by about 34%) in RCP8.5. These findings suggest that the fishing season for neon flying squid might be delayed and the total fishing time might be shortened. We suggest that adaptive fisheries management strategies, such as controlling fishing effort and setting a closed season, should be established as soon as possible in response to climate changes in the North Pacific Ocean.
Reproductive Biology, Size, and Age Structure of Harlequin Rockfish: Spatial Analysis of Life History Traits
Authors: TenBrink Todd T. , Helser Thomas E.
Published: September 2021

Many rockfish (genus Sebastes) species within multispecies complexes have lacked basic biological data hindering their fisheries management. In this study, we provide essential information for stock assessment decision making for one of these species, Harlequin Rockfish Sebastes variegatus. We analyzed aspects of reproduction, size structure, and growth of Harlequin Rockfish in waters off Alaska using historical survey data and recent field collections. Results are reported primarily from the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) region, but important findings are noted from the Aleutian Islands (AI). Harlequin Rockfish reached an observed maximum age of 76 years in the AI, a new estimate for this species. Females exhibited group-synchronous oocyte development; the parturition period occurred in the spring in both regions, ceasing as late as July in the GOA. Females from the GOA had an estimated length and age at 50% maturity of 187.6 mm (95% confidence limits [CL] = 152.0–215.6 mm; n = 318) and 4.7 years (95% CL = 1.6–6.2 years; n = 188), respectively, indicating that the Harlequin Rockfish is one of the earliest maturing rockfishes. We analyzed a 14-year time series of bottom trawl survey data to examine the relationship between Harlequin Rockfish length and selected covariates. Spatial heterogeneity existed, with size showing a relationship with bottom temperature and ocean color (productivity index) across the GOA. The comparison of Harlequin Rockfish length at age indicated that larger fish were present in the western GOA but variable growth occurred across the region. Our findings contribute to understanding Harlequin Rockfish biology within multispecies management complexes, and our results demonstrate that key life history traits vary spatially, possibly influenced by regional environmental conditions. This study represents the most comprehensive biological examination for Harlequin Rockfish.
Compound heterozygous null mutations of NOBOX in sisters with delayed puberty and primary amenorrhea
Authors: Sassi Asma , Désir Julie , Duerinckx Sarah , Soblet Julie , Van Dooren Sonia , Bonduelle Maryse , Abramowicz Marc , Delbaere Anne
Published: September 2021

Background

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome defined by a premature loss of ovarian function that associates menstrual disturbances and hypergonatropic hypogonadism. POI is a major cause of female infertility affecting 1% of women before the age of 40 and up to 0.01% before the age of 20. The etiology of POI may be iatrogenic, auto‐immune or genetic but remains however undetermined in a large majority of cases. An underlying genetic etiology has to be searched in idiopathic cases, particularly in the context of a family history of POI.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in trio in a Belgian patient presenting POI and in her two parents. The patient presented delayed puberty and primary amenorrhea with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.

Results

WES identified two novel compound heterozygous truncating mutations in the Newborn oogenesis homeobox (NOBOX) gene, c.826C>T (p.(Arg276Ter)) and c.1421del (p.(Gly474AlafsTer76)). Both mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing in the proband's sister who presented the same phenotype. Both variants were pathogenic and very likely responsible for the severe POI in this family.

Conclusion

We report here for the first time compound heterozygous truncating mutations of NOBOX in outbred patients, generalizing biallelic NOBOX null mutations as a cause of severe POI with primary amenorrhea. In addition, our findings also suggest that NOBOX haploinsufficiency is tolerated.
A novelmulti‐quality of service system design: Integration of hybrid free space optical/RF, cognitive hybrid and free space optical links
Authors: Nath Soyinka , Singh Shree Prakash , Sengar Sujata
Published: September 2021

The proposed system design presents a novel configuration that is created by the integration of several standalone free space optical (FSO) links, a hybrid FSO/RF and some cognitive or pseudo hybrid links. The objective is to allow different quality‐of‐service (QoS) links within a system as a whole. In addition to individual QoS requirements, a constraint on the overall system QoS, in the form of minimum system outage, is also ensured. The design methodology aims at identifying the optimal number of standalone FSOs and cognitive hybrid links which can be supported by a single hybrid FSO/RF link. Atmospheric turbulence and pointing errors are considered for the analysis. Simulation results are used to corroborate the analytical findings.
A pilot study for fragment identification using 2D NMR and deep learning
Authors: Kuhn Stefan , Tumer Eda , Colreavy‐Donnelly Simon , Moreira Borges Ricardo
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a proof of concept of a method to identify substructures in 2D NMR spectra of mixtures using a bespoke image‐based convolutional neural network application. This is done using HSQC and HMBC spectra separately and in combination. The application can reliably detect substructures in pure compounds, using a simple network. Results indicate that it can work for mixtures when trained on pure compounds only. HMBC data and the combination of HMBC and HSQC show better results than HSQC alone in this pilot study.
Contribution of blood to nuclear Overhauser effect at −1.6 ppm
Authors: Cui Jing , Zhao Yu , Wang Feng , Gochberg Daniel F. , Zu Zhongliang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

A relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement (rNOE) saturation transfer effect at around −1.6 ppm from water, termed NOE(−1.6), was previously reported in rat and human brain, and some publications suggest that it may be related to blood. Here, we studied whether the NOE(−1.6) arises from blood through in vivo and ex vivo experiments.

Methods

To evaluate the contribution from in vivo blood to NOE(−1.6), intravascular signals in rat brain were suppressed by two approaches: (1) signal acquisition with a diffusion‐weighting of b = 400 s/mm2; (2) intravascular injection of 5 mg/kg monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticle (MION). Ex vivo blood sample was also prepared. The signals were acquired using a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) pulse sequence. Multiple‐pool Lorentzian fitting of CEST Z‐spectra was performed to quantify the NOE(−1.6) signal.

Results

There are no significant variations in the fitted in vivo NOE(−1.6) signals when measured with or without diffusion‐weighting, but significant signal decease does occur after injection of MION. The NOE(−1.6) signal from ex vivo blood is weaker than that from in vivo tissues.

Conclusion

Considering the relatively small volume of blood in brain, the in vivo experiments with diffusion weighting and the ex vivo experiments both suggest that the NOE(−1.6) is not mainly from blood. The mechanism for the in vivo experiments with MION are less clear. MION not only suppresses MR signals from intravascular space, but changes the susceptibility in the perivascular space. This result suggests that although the NOE(−1.6) is not mainly from blood, it may be vasculature dependent.
What are the risk factors associated with limited musculoskeletal health literacy in shoulder arthroplasty patients?
Authors: Sabbagh Ramsey S. , Shah Nihar S. , Newyear Brian M. , Matar Robert N. , Johnson Brian M. , Grawe Brian M.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Low health literacy is both pervasive in the United States and a substantial barrier to satisfactory patient care and the appropriate utilization of healthcare resources. This prospective study aims to evaluate the factors that contribute to limited musculoskeletal literacy in patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

Ninety patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgery completed demographics and Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems (LiMP) surveys. Scores of less than six were considered indicative of limited musculoskeletal literacy.

Results

The overall percentage of participants with limited musculoskeletal literacy was 38.8%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with multiple imputation modeling demonstrated a significant positive relationship between patient income and adequate LiMP scores (p = 0.009) with an odds ratio of 1.15 (CI: 1.04; 1.28) while level of education (p = 0.173) and patient ethnicity (p = 0.830) among other patient characteristics did not have a significant relationship with LiMP scores.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgery, low income was the only variable found to be predictive of limited musculoskeletal health literacy scores. Therefore, when discussing the risks and benefits of shoulder arthroplasty, orthopaedic surgeons should be cognizant of the possibility that any given patient may not meet the threshold of adequate musculoskeletal literacy.
Applications of high‐resolution borehole image rapid synthesis method for the refined detection of in‐suit rock mass structural features during deep‐buried geotechnical engineering
Authors: Zou Xianjian , Wang Chao , Song Huan
Published: September 2021

The refined detection of in‐suit rock mass structural features always plays an important part in geomechanics and geotechnical engineering, but actual image resolution of the obtained borehole image by present borehole camera system cannot meet the requirements of real‐time and precise analysis of rock structures. Faced with hundreds of boreholes in the deep‐buried geotechnical engineering, a high‐resolution borehole image rapid synthesis method is provided for solving the actual application problems during the geological exploration. Results show the rapid synthesis method of high‐resolution borehole image by using image mosaic and data fusion techniques can improve the resolution and sharpness of the obtained borehole image with better work efficiency. The lateral resolution and longitudinal resolution of the synthetic borehole images can be up to 0.1 mm for the refined detection of in‐suit rock mass structural features in deep‐buried boreholes. The applications of this method can improve the refined detection process of in‐suit rock mass structural features with automation and intelligent, and promotes the innovation and development of borehole camera technique during the applications in the geological exploration of deep‐buried geotechnical engineering.
Urinary symptoms in older people with low back pain: Prevalence, clinical, and functional factors associated
Authors: Barbosa Juliana M. M. , de Amorim Juleimar S. C. , de Jesus‐Moraleida Fabianna R. , Rocha Vitor T. M. , Silva Juscelio P. da , de Professor Bárbara Z. , Felício Diogo C. , Assis Marcela G. , Pereira Leani S. M.
Published: September 2021

Aims

To identify the prevalence, clinical and functional factors associated with urinary symptoms (US) in community‐dwelling older adults with acute low back pain (LBP).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of data's baseline of Back Complaints in the Elders Consortium. All elders had LPB heightened. We analyzed data on urinary symptoms, intensity of pain (Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), disability (Roland Morris [RM]), depressive symptoms (CES‐D), and gait speed (m/s) in the Brazilian older adults. The sample was of 586 consecutive participants of BACE‐Study. Ethical approval was obtained. In addition to the prevalence analysis, logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

The prevalence of US was 18.4% and were associated with CES‐D (odds ratio [OR] = 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66–4.86), slower gait speed (OR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.14–0.78), and LBP‐related disability (OR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.04–1.13) after adjusting for radiculophaty and other confounding factors.

Conclusions

In community‐dwelling older people with LBP, US were associated with depressive symptoms, gait speed, and disability. Our findings may provide a new framework for US management with respect to clinical and functional capacity. Specific physical examinations should be encouraged to assess the with acute LBP and US. Others factors can be associated with US in elders with LBP.
Nanocomposites of PVA/cellulose nanocrystals: Comparative and stretch drawn properties
Authors: Ejara Tolessa Mengistu , Balakrishnan Subramanian , Kim Jeong Cheol
Published: September 2021

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposites were made using two different cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Sugarcane bagasse‐based CNC and a commercial CNC were used in preparing nanocomposites. Both types of nanocomposites were prepared by solution casting method at 5 wt% CNC. PVA and nanocomposites films were also stretch‐drawn four times to study the nature of reinforcement by two different CNCs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to examine functional group characteristics. Nanocomposite morphology and crystalline structures were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to study thermal properties. Tensile properties were used to study mechanical properties. Commercial CNC reinforcement improves the tensile properties of PVA. However, laboratory CNC reinforcement decreases the tensile properties of PVA due to nanocrystal agglomeration and uneven dispersion. All stretch‐drawn nanocomposite films showed a significant increase in tensile strength and modulus values at the expense of strain at break. Water absorption of PVA/commercial CNC nanocomposites was slightly higher than that of pure PVA.
Capsules with polyurea shells and ionic liquid cores for CO2 capture
Authors: Gaur Samanvaya S. , Edgehouse Katelynn J. , Klemm Aidan , Wei Peiran , Gurkan Burcu , Pentzer Emily B.
Published: September 2021

Many ionic liquids (ILs) have good solubilities of CO2 but the high viscosity of ILs makes them cumbersome and kinetically limits gas uptake. Encapsulation of ILs is an effective approach to overcoming these limitations. In capsules with a core of IL, the chemical composition of the shell impacts performance. Here, we report the preparation of capsules with a core of the IL [Bmim][PF6] and polymer composite shell, then evaluate how the identity of the polymer impacts CO2 uptake. IL‐in‐oil Pickering emulsions stabilized by nanosheets are used, with capsules formed by interfacial polymerization between different diamines and diisocyanates (e.g., shells are polyurea and nanosheets). The capsules contain 60–80 wt% IL and the composition was verified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and particle sizing data showed spherical, discrete capsules with 50–125 μm in diameter. All capsules are stable up to 250°C. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis of CO2 gas uptake data showed that different polymer compositions led to different CO2 uptake properties, with capacity ranging from 0.065 to 0.025 moles of CO2/kg sorbent at 760 torr and 20°C. This work demonstrates that the polymer identity of the shell impacts gas uptake properties and supports that shell composition can tailor performance.
Potential use of albumin and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio to guide the evaluation and treatment of cancer‐related depression and anxiety
Authors: McFarland Daniel C. , Applebaum Allison J. , Bengtsen Erik , Alici Yesne , Breitbart William , Miller Andrew H. , Nelson Christian
Published: September 2021

Background

Depression and anxiety are common and associated with inflammation in patients with cancer. Inflammatory indices such as albumin and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) obtained from metabolic panels and complete blood counts should be available for mental health professionals treating anxiety and depression at cancer centers. We hypothesized that albumin and NLR extrapolated from non‐mental health oncology appointments would be associated with anxiety and depression and drawn close enough to psychiatry visits to be useful for the psycho‐oncologist.

Materials & Methods

Depression and anxiety were evaluated in patients (n = 97) referred to a cancer center psychiatric service for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 and General Anxiety Disorder‐7. Albumin concentration and NLR were assessed for timing and correlation strength with anxiety and depression by setting (localized/metastatic cancer).

Results

Most patients (96%) had albumin or NLR available at any time point of which 45% were drawn within one week of the psychiatric appointment. No significant correlations were noted when evaluating localized cancer or NLR exclusively. For patients with metastatic cancer, anxiety and depression were correlated with albumin at any time point (r = −0.28, p < 0.05; r = −0.40, p < 0.01, respectively) and within a week of psychiatry appointment (r = −0.40, p < 0.05; r = −0.68, p < 0.001, respectively). Albumin evaluated within a week predicted 32% of depression score variance (β = −0.63, p = 0.002). Hypoalbuminemia (<3.8 g/ul) was associated with anxiety (χ2 = 4.43, p = 0.04) and depression (χ2 = 11.06, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Hypoalbuminemia in patients with metastatic cancer may help establish the presence or persistence of anxiety, depression, treatment refractoriness, and the use of inflammation in cancer‐related psychological symptom management.
Multiple TaqMan qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) diagnostics for pesticide resistance monitoring and management, in the major agricultural pest Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Mavridis Konstantinos , Papapostolou Kyriaki Maria , Riga Maria , Ilias Aris , Michaelidou Kleita , Bass Chris , Van Leeuwen Thomas , Tsagkarakou Anastasia , Vontas John
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Decisions on which pesticide to use in agriculture are expected to become more difficult, as the number of available chemicals is decreasing. For Tetranychus urticae (T. urticae), a major pest for which a number of candidate markers for pesticide resistance are in place, molecular diagnostics could support decision‐making for the rational use of acaricides.

RESULTS

A suite of 12 TaqMan qPCR assays [G314D (GluCl1), G326E, I321T (GluCl3), G119S, F331W (Ace‐1), H92R (PSST), L1024V, F1538I (VGSC), I1017F (CHS1), G126S, S141F, P262T (cytb)], were validated against Sanger‐sequencing, and subsequently adapted for use with the ddPCR technology. The concordance correlation coefficient between the actual and ddPCR measured mutant allelic frequencies was 0.995 (95% CI = 0.991–0.998), and no systematic, proportional, or random differences were detected. The achieved Limit of Detection (LoD) was 0.1% (detection of one mutant in a background of 999 wild type mites). The ddPCR assay panel was then assessed in terms of agreement with phenotypic resistance, through a pilot application in field populations from Crete, with strong correlation and thus predictive and diagnostic value of the molecular assays in some cases (e.g., etoxazole and abamectin resistance). Molecular diagnostics were able to capture incipient resistance that was otherwise missed by phenotypic bioassays. The molecular and phenotypic resistance screening of T. urticae field populations from Crete, revealed both multi‐resistant and susceptible populations.

CONCLUSION

The highly sensitive T. urticae molecular diagnostic platforms developed in this study could prove a valuable tool for pesticide resistance management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
In Operando Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging of Electrochemical Interfaces: A Short Perspective
Authors: Neupane Shova , Valencia-Ramírez Andrea , Losada-Pérez Patricia , Renner Frank Uwe
Published: September 2021

Electrochemical interfaces are at the core of many important current applications, from corrosion and biophysics to electrocatalytic and battery interfaces. Further understanding in the processes taking place at these interfaces is often linked to better observation techniques. In situ or in operando imaging and characterization of the electrochemical interface helps improve our understanding of structural sequences and kinetics of complex processes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers a unique combination to monitor surface morphology and mechanical properties at micro‐ and nanoscale surfaces and solid–electrolyte interfaces. Two examples are given where the application of AFM during electrochemical processes is clearly useful. Organic inhibitors and their behavior play an important role in corrosion mitigation and the influence of thiol monolayers on dealloying is reported: Zinc films find application for coatings or Zn batteries and an in situ electrodeposition study is shortly described. With the ongoing improvement of computational simulations, the broadening of spatiotemporal scales possible with AFM imaging and its combination with mechanical information points in a prospective future for in operando AFM.
Exploring the potential of tetraazaacene derivatives as photovoltaic materials with enhanced photovoltaic parameters
Authors: Fatima Rida , Shehzad Rao Aqil , Rasool Alvina , Yaseen Muhammad , Iqbal Saleem , Saif Muhammad Jawwad , Iqbal Javed
Published: September 2021

A series of D‐π‐A type molecules have been designed for their potential use in organic photovoltaic devices. Photovoltaic and optoelectronic properties of newly designed molecules have been explored by comparing with a reference molecule R comprising of the central core (2,3,8,9‐tetrakis(thiophen‐2‐ylethynyl)‐5,7,10,12‐tetrakis((trimethylsilyl)ethynyl)pyrazino[2,3‐b]phenazine) and π‐bridge (thiophene). The end groups are (2‐(2‐ethylidene‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1 ylidene)malononitrile), (2‐ethylidenemalonitrile), (methyl 2‐cyanoacrylate) and (3‐methyl‐5‐methylene‐2‐thioxothiazolidin‐4‐one) in the newly designed molecules. Among the investigated molecules M1 and M2 exhibit a broad absorption range of 627 and 626 nm with respect to the reference. All the designed molecules exhibited a lower bandgap as compared to R which indicates a better transfer of electron density from highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) to lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). The reorganization energy values show that all designed molecules have efficient charge transport capability. This study proves that end‐capped acceptor modification is an effective strategy for designing optimistic molecule for high performance future organic solar cells fabrication.
Public support for sustainable development and environmental policy: A case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Čábelková Inna , Smutka Luboš , Strielkowski Wadim
Published: September 2021

While the scientific community presents a relatively uniform conclusion on the ongoing global warming and the policies that are essential for sustainable development and the mitigation of the negative effects of climate change, the public opinion on the topic is far from uniform. This article studies the factors related to public awareness of climate change and environmental policy, public ideas on the supposed effects of climate change, the belief on whether climate change is caused by human activities, and the perceived possibilities to alleviate climate change by humans. We employ a set of ordinal multinomial regression analyses with spline corrections for ordinal predictors on a representative sample of 1021 respondents (aged 15–86 years, M ± SD: 47.15 ± 17.46; 19.4% with higher education, 50.60% women) from the Czech Republic. Our results suggest that life satisfaction, belief in God, interest in climate‐related issues, and the attitude to the European Union were the most relevant factors. Older people were less interested in climate, less aware of sustainable development and climate change, and less willing to take action. Women were more concerned with climate change compared to men. The effect of traditional mass media, Internet‐based social networks, and discussion forums, and personal discussions outside of the internet were less significant than expected. The article provides policy suggestions for enhanced stakeholder engagement as well as suggestions for further research on the topic.
Heterogeneous Integration of Chiral Lead–Chloride Perovskite Crystals with Si Wafer for Boosted Circularly Polarized Light Detection in Solar‐Blind Ultraviolet Region
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Weng Wen , Li Lina , Wu Hongchun , Yao Yunpeng , Wang Ziyang , Liu Xitao , Lin Wenxiong , Luo Junhua
Published: September 2021

Chiral hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) have been well developed for circularly polarized light (CPL) detection, while new members that target at solar–blind ultraviolet (UV) region remain completely unexplored. Here, an effective design strategy to demonstrate circular polarization‐sensitive solar–blind UV photodetection by growing wide‐bandgap chiral HOIP [(R)‐MPA]2PbCl4 ((R)‐MPA = methylphenethylammonium) single crystals onto silicon wafers, with well‐defined heterostructures, is reported. The solid mechanical and electrical connection between the chiral HOIP and silicon wafer results in strong built‐in electric field at heterojunction, providing a desirable driving force for separating/transporting carriers generated under CPL excitation at 266 nm. Unexpectedly, during such a transport process, not only the chirality of HOIP crystal is transferred to the heterostructure, but also the circular polarization sensitivity is significantly amplified. Consequently, anisotropy factor of the resultant detectors can reach up to 0.4 at zero bias, which is much higher than that of the pristine single‐phase chiral HOIP (≈0.1), reaching the highest among the reported CPL–UV photodetectors. As far as we know, the integration of chiral HOIP crystals with silicon technology is unprecedent, which paves a way for designing boosted‐performance CPL detectors in solar–blind UV region as well as for other advanced optoelectronic devices.
Materials and Methods for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Modules
Authors: Lee Do-Kyoung , Park Nam-Gyu
Published: September 2021

Beginning with the breakthrough of solid‐state perovskite‐sensitized solar cells in 2012, the number of studies on photovoltaic devices based on halide perovskite materials has exploded. As of 2021, the certificated record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of small‐area perovskite solar cells (≈0.1 cm2 active area) is 25.5%, making them very competitive with conventional silicon solar cells (26.7%) in terms of efficiency. For commercialization and large‐scale manufacturing purposes, it is necessary to develop high‐efficiency large‐area perovskite photovoltaics with minimal PCE loss. Herein, the recent progress of perovskite solar modules (PSMs) is reviewed and a research direction toward high‐efficiency PSMs is proposed. It is important to carefully examine the materials and methods used for development of high‐efficiency scalable perovskite solar cells and modules as the uniformity and quality of large‐area perovskite film significantly affect the PCE, more so than in small‐area devices. Precursor, additive, and interface engineering are described as well as various coating methodologies for suitable PSMs. Engineering of uniform, pinhole‐free, and high‐quality large‐area perovskite films can contribute to high‐efficiency PSMs and pave the way for commercialization. The technologies used for materials and method engineering for high‐efficiency PSMs are discussed, with an eye toward commercialization.
Angiomotin‐like 1 plays a tumor‐promoting role in glioma by enhancing the activation of YAP1 signaling
Authors: Xu Gang , Seng Zhiyuan , Zhang Ming , Qu Jianqiang
Published: September 2021

Angiomotin‐like 1 (AMOTL1) is reportedly a pivotal tumor‐associated protein that is strongly associated with the tumorigenesis of multiple malignant tumors. However, the issue of whether AMOTL1 plays a role in the tumorigenesis of glioma remains unclear. The aim of this work was to explore the possible relationship between AMOTL1 and glioma progression. Results demonstrated that high levels of AMOTL1 in glioma tissues were associated with a reduced survival rate in patients with glioma. Cellular functional assays revealed that silencing of AMOTL1 in glioma cell lines substantially decreased cell proliferation and invasion and increased cell apoptosis. Further investigation revealed that silencing of AMOTL1 inhibited the activation of yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) and decreased the expression of YAP1 target genes. Reactivation of YAP1 reversed AMOTL1‐silencing‐induced antitumor effects, whereas inhibition of YAP1 abolished AMOTL1‐overexpression‐induced tumor‐promoting effects in glioma cells. Silencing of AMOTL1 also retarded the growth of glioma cell‐derived xenograft tumors in vivo. In conclusion, these findings suggested that AMOTL1 may exert a tumor‐promoting function in glioma by enhancing the activation of YAP1 signaling. This work suggested AMOTL1 as a potential target for the development of antiglioma therapy.
Survey of anthelmintic use in South American camelids in the UK
Authors: French Saffron , Sawran Ami , Betson Martha
Published: September 2021

Background

Gastrointestinal helminths are common in South American camelids in the UK. However, there are no anthelmintics currently licenced for camelids, leading to a limited evidence base for treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the usage of anthelmintics among UK camelid farmers.

Methods

An online questionnaire focusing on the use of anthelmintics in camelids was distributed to UK camelid owners in Spring 2019.

Results

Forty‐nine of the 51 respondents treated their camelids with anthelmintics, while 21 (42.0%) reported a previous gastrointestinal helminth diagnosis on their farms. A wide variety of anthelmintics were employed and there was striking variation in treatment frequency, dosage and source of information used to select anthelmintic dosing regimen.

Conclusion

This work highlights the need for quality efficacy studies of anthelmintics in camelids to provide an appropriate evidence base for treatment, as well as the need for better education for camelid owners on anthelmintics and anthelmintic resistance.
Inside‐out: Chinese academic assessments of large‐scale water infrastructure
Authors: Webber Michael , Han Xiao , Rogers Sarah , Wang Mark , Jiang Hong , Zhang Wenjing , Barnett Jon , Zhen Nahui
Published: September 2021

Little is known in the international academic community about Chinese‐language research on water management. To remedy this deficit, this paper reviews current mainland Chinese understandings of the role of large‐scale water infrastructures as tools of water resources management. We reviewed 461 papers published in mainland Chinese journals by Chinese scholars. This review suggests that the dominant approach to water management reflects the confines of government priorities—large‐scale, concrete‐heavy, infrastructure‐based means of moving water around the country so as to meet demands and stimulate economic growth. Suppression of critical voices means that infrastructure is generally rendered apolitical: the critiques are about practical issues, such as technological, managerial, or administrative problems. There are exceptions to this characterization that adopt more critical frames; however, they reflect on water management elsewhere or in the past rather than on contemporary China. While these more critical papers are interesting and important contributions to our understanding of the politics of hydraulic infrastructures, the literature as a whole says little about the politics of infrastructure in China now. In effect, much of the literature in Chinese on water management in China simply acts as an arm of a machine—a network of corporations, universities, international institutions, and arms of the government, together tasked with identifying and framing what are water management issues, formulating standardized procedures for tackling those issues, and then constructing solutions to them.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water Governance
An a priori error analysis of a porous strain gradient model
Authors: Baldonedo Jacobo , Fernández José R. , Magaña Antonio , Quintanilla Ramón
Published: September 2021

In this work, we consider, from the numerical point of view, a boundary‐initial value problem for non‐simple porous elastic materials. The mechanical problem is written as a coupled hyperbolic linear system in terms of the displacement and porosity fields. The resulting variational formulation is used to approximate the solution by the finite element method and the implicit Euler scheme. A discrete stability property and a priori error estimates are proved, from which the linear convergence of the numerical scheme is deduced under adequate regularity conditions. Finally, some numerical simulations are presented to show the accuracy of the finite element scheme studied previously, the evolution of the discrete energy and the behavior of the solution.
Revisiting the nature of the Pc pentaquarks
Authors: Du Meng-Lin , Baru Vadim , Guo Feng-Kun , Hanhart Christoph , Meißner Ulf-G. , Oller José A. , Wang Qian
Published: September 2021

Abstract

The nature of the three narrow hidden-charm pentaquark Pc states, i.e., Pc(4312), Pc(4440) and Pc(4457), is under intense discussion since their discovery from the updated analysis of the process $$ {\Lambda}_b^0\to J/\psi {pK}^{-} $$

Λ
b
0

→
J
/
ψ

pK
−

by LHCb. In this work we extend our previous coupled-channel approach [Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 072001 (2020)], in which the Pc states are treated as $$ {\Sigma}_c^{\left(\ast \right)}{\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)} $$

Σ
c

∗

D
¯

∗

molecules, by including the $$ {\Lambda}_c{\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)} $$

Λ
c

D
¯

∗

and ηcp as explicit inelastic channels in addition to the J/ψp, as required by unitarity and heavy quark spin symmetry (HQSS), respectively. Since inelastic parameters are very badly constrained by the current data, three calculation schemes are considered: (a) scheme I with pure contact interactions between the elastic, i.e., $$ {\Sigma}_c^{\left(\ast \right)}{\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)} $$

Σ
c

∗

D
¯

∗

, and inelastic channels and without the $$ {\Lambda}_c{\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)} $$

Λ
c

D
¯

∗

interactions, (b) scheme II, where the one-pion exchange (OPE) is added to scheme I, and (c) scheme III, where the $$ {\Lambda}_c{\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)} $$

Λ
c

D
¯

∗

interactions are included in addition. It is shown that to obtain cutoff independent results, OPE in the multichannel system is to be supplemented with S-wave-to-D-wave mixing contact terms. As a result, in line with our previous analysis, we demonstrate that the experimental data for the J/ψp invariant mass distribution are consistent with the interpretation of the Pc(4312) and Pc(4440)/Pc(4457) as $$ {\Lambda}_c\overline{D} $$

Λ
c

D
¯

and $$ {\Sigma}_c{\overline{D}}^{\ast } $$

Σ
c

D
¯

∗

hadronic molecules, respectively, and that the data show clear evidence for a new narrow state, Pc(4380), identified as a $$ {\Sigma}_c^{\ast}\overline{D} $$

Σ
c
∗

D
¯

molecule, which should exist as a consequence of HQSS. While two statistically equally good solutions are found in scheme I, only one of these solutions with the quantum numbers of the Pc(4440) and Pc(4457) being JP = 3/2− and 1/2−, respectively, survives the requirement of regulator independence once the OPE is included. Moreover, we predict the line shapes in the elastic and inelastic channels and demonstrate that those related to the Pc(4440) and the Pc(4457) in the $$ {\Sigma}_c^{\left(\ast \right)}\overline{D} $$

Σ
c

∗

D
¯

and ηcp mass distributions from $$ {\Lambda}_b^0\to {\Sigma}_c^{\left(\ast \right)}\overline{D}{K}^{-} $$

Λ
b
0

→

Σ
c

∗

D
¯

K
−

and $$ {\Lambda}_b^0\to {\eta}_c{pK}^{-} $$

Λ
b
0

→

η
c

pK
−

will shed light on the quantum numbers of those states, once the data are available. We also investigate possible pentaquark signals in the $$ {\Lambda}_c{\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)} $$

Λ
c

D
¯

∗

final states.
Impact of improved energy resolution on DUNE sensitivity to neutrino non-standard interactions
Authors: Chatterjee Sabya Sachi , Dev P.S. Bhupal , Machado Pedro A.N.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

The full physics potential of the next-generation Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is still being explored. In particular, there have been some recent studies on the possibility of improving DUNE’s neutrino energy reconstruction. The main motivation is that a better determination of the neutrino energy in an event-by-event basis will translate into an improved measurement of the Dirac C P phase and other neutrino oscillation parameters. To further motivate studies and improvements on the neutrino energy reconstruction, we evaluate the impact of energy resolution at DUNE on an illustrative new physics scenario, viz. non-standard interactions (NSI) of neutrinos with matter. We show that a better energy resolution in comparison to the ones given in the DUNE conceptual and technical design reports may significantly enhance the experimental sensitivity to NSI, particularly when degeneracies are present. While a better reconstruction of the first oscillation peak helps disentangling standard C P effects from those coming from NSIs, we find that the second oscillation peak also plays a nontrivial role in improving DUNE’s sensitivity.
Symbol alphabets from plabic graphs III: n = 9
Authors: Mago J. , Schreiber A. , Spradlin M. , Srikant A. Yelleshpur , Volovich A.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Symbol alphabets of n-particle amplitudes in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills theory are known to contain certain cluster variables of G(4, n) as well as certain algebraic functions of cluster variables. In this paper we solve the C Z = 0 matrix equations associated to several cells of the totally non-negative Grassmannian, combining methods of arXiv:2012.15812 for rational letters and arXiv:2007.00646 for algebraic letters. We identify sets of parameterizations of the top cell of G+(5, 9) for which the solutions produce all of (and only) the cluster variable letters of the 2-loop nine-particle NMHV amplitude, and identify plabic graphs from which all of its algebraic letters originate.
Duality relations for overlaps of integrable boundary states in AdS/dCFT
Authors: Kristjansen Charlotte , Müller Dennis , Zarembo Konstantin
Published: September 2021

Abstract

The encoding of all possible sets of Bethe equations for a spin chain with SU(N|M) symmetry into a QQ-system calls for an expression of spin chain overlaps entirely in terms of Q-functions. We take a significant step towards deriving such a universal formula in the case of overlaps between Bethe eigenstates and integrable boundary states, of relevance for AdS/dCFT, by determining the transformation properties of the overlaps under fermionic as well as bosonic dualities which allows us to move between any two descriptions of the spin chain encoded in the QQ-system. An important part of our analysis involves introducing a suitable regularization for singular Bethe root configurations.
Interpolating between multi-center microstate geometries
Authors: Shigemori Masaki
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We study interpolation between two multi-center microstate geometries in 4d/5d that represent Lunin-Mathur geometries with circular profiles. The interpolating solution is a Lunin-Mathur geometry with a helical profile, and is represented by a 2-center solution with a codimension-2 source. The interpolating 2-center solution exhibits interesting features such as some of the charges being delocalized, and some of the charges getting transferred from the codimension-2 center to the other, codimension-3 center as the interpolation proceeds. We also discuss the spectral flow of this entire process and speculate on the relevance of such solutions to understanding general microstates of 3-charge black holes.
Mildly flavoring domain walls in Sp(N) SQCD
Authors: Benvenuti Sergio , Spezzati Paolo
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We consider supersymmetric domain walls of four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 Sp(N) SQCD with F = N + 1 and F = N + 2 flavors.

First, we study numerically the differential equations defining the walls, classifying the solutions. When F = N + 2, in the special case of the parity-invariant walls, the naive analysis does not provide all the expected solutions. We show that an infinitesimal deformation of the differential equations sheds some light on this issue.

Second, we discuss the 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 Chern-Simons-matter theories that should describe the effective dynamics on the walls. These proposals pass various tests, including dualities and matching of the vacua of the massive 3d theory with the 4d analysis. However, for F = N +2, the semiclassical analysis of the vacua is only partially successful, suggesting that yet-to-be-understood strong coupling phenomena are into play in our 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 gauge theories.
Cosmology of linear Higgs-sigma models with conformal invariance
Authors: Lee Hyun Min , Menkara Adriana G.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We consider general linear Higgs-sigma models as ultra-violet completions of the Higgs inflation. We introduce general higher curvature terms beyond Einstein gravity and recast them into a class of linear Higgs-sigma models in the scalar-dual formulation where conformal symmetry is manifest. Integrating out the sigma field in this class of linear sigma models, we obtain the same Higgs inflation Lagrangian of non-linear sigma model type in the effective theory. We show that the successful inflation for sigma field singles out the sigma-field potential derived from the R2 term and the tracker solution for dark energy at late times can be realized for the Rp+1 term with −1 < p < 0. We also discuss the implications of Higgs-sigma interactions for the inflation and the vacuum stability in the Standard Model.
Blow-up results for systems of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with quadratic interaction
Authors: Dinh Van Duong , Forcella Luigi
Published: September 2021

We establish blow-up results for systems of NLS equations with quadratic interaction in anisotropic spaces. We precisely show finite time blow-up or grow-up for cylindrical symmetric solutions. With our construction, we moreover prove some polynomial lower bounds on the kinetic energy of global solutions in the mass-critical case, which in turn implies grow-up along any diverging time sequence. Our analysis extends to general NLS systems with quadratic interactions, and it also provides improvements of known results in the radial case.
Rolle des Transplantationsbeauftragten
Authors: Sinner Barbara , Schweiger Stephan
Published: September 2021

Alle Krankenhäuser, die nach dem Sozialgesetzbuch V als Entnahmekrankenhäuser definiert sind, sind verpflichtet, einen Transplantationsbeauftragten (TxB) zu stellen. Das Aufgabenfeld des TxB beinhaltet nicht nur die Spendererkennung, die Diagnose eines irreversiblen Hirnfunktionsausfalls sowie die Spenderevaluation und Organprotektion, sondern er begleitet den gesamten Organspendeprozess. Er verantwortet die Festlegung von innerklinischen Standards sowie die Organisation von Fort- und Weiterbildungen und ist Ansprechpartner rund um das Thema Organspende. Darüber hinaus fungiert er als Bindeglied zwischen der Koordinierungs- (Deutsche Stiftung Organtransplantation) und der Vermittlungsstelle (Eurotransplant). Seine Tätigkeit unterliegt dem Transplantationsgesetz und dessen Ausführungsgesetzen; er benötigt aber auch entsprechende Kenntnisse der verschiedenen Richtlinien zu Organspende bzw. -transplantation. Letztendlich ist der TxB auch für die Qualitätssicherung des Organspendeprozesses verantwortlich.
HIF2α regulates the synthesis and release of epinephrine in the adrenal medulla
Authors: Watts Deepika , Bechmann Nicole , Meneses Ana , Poutakidou Ioanna K. , Kaden Denise , Conrad Catleen , Krüger Anja , Stein Johanna , El-Armouche Ali , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Eisenhofer Graeme , Peitzsch Mirko , Wielockx Ben
Published: September 2021

The adrenal gland and its hormones regulate numerous fundamental biological processes; however, the impact of hypoxia signaling on adrenal function remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that deficiency of HIF (hypoxia inducible factors) prolyl hydroxylase domain protein-2 (PHD2) in the adrenal medulla of mice results in HIF2α-mediated reduction in phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) expression, and consequent reduction in epinephrine synthesis. Simultaneous loss of PHD2 in renal erythropoietin (EPO)-producing cells (REPCs) stimulated HIF2α-driven EPO overproduction, excessive RBC formation (erythrocytosis), and systemic hypoglycemia, which is necessary and sufficient to enhance exocytosis of epinephrine from the adrenal medulla. Based on these results, we propose that the PHD2-HIF2α axis in the adrenal medulla regulates the synthesis of epinephrine, whereas in REPCs, it indirectly induces the release of this hormone. Our findings are also highly relevant to the testing of small molecule PHD inhibitors in phase III clinical trials for patients with renal anemia.

Key messages

HIF2α and not HIF1α modulates PNMT during epinephrine synthesis in chromaffin cells.

The PHD2-HIF2α-EPO axis induces erythrocytosis and hypoglycemia.

Reduced systemic glucose facilitates exocytosis of epinephrine from adrenal gland.