bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smart actuation of liquid crystal elastomer elements: cross-link density-controlled response
Authors: Brighenti Roberto , Cosma Mattia Pancrazio 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) exhibit some remarkable physical properties, such as the reversible large mechanical deformation induced by proper environmental stimuli of different nature, such as the thermal stimulus, allowing their use as soft actuators. The unique features displayed by LCE are originated from their anisotropic microstructure characterized by the preferential orientation of the mesogen molecules embedded in the polymer network. An open issue in the design of LCEs is how to control their actuation effectiveness: the amount of mesogens molecules, how they are linked to the network, the nematic order degree, the cross-link density are some controllable parameters whose spatial distribution, in general, cannot be tuned except for the last one. In this paper, we develop a theoretical micromechanical-based framework to model and explore the effect of the network cross-link density on the mechanical actuation of LCE elements. In this context, the light-induced polymerization (photopolymerization) for obtaining the elastomers’ cross-linked network is of particular interest, being suitable for precisely tuning the cross-link density distribution within the material. This technology enables to obtain a molecular-scale architected LCEs, allowing the optimal design of the obtainable actuation. The possibility to properly set the cross-link density arrangement within the smart structural element (LCE microstructure design and optimization), represents an intriguing way to create molecular-scale engineered LCE elements having a material microstructure encoding the desired actuation capabilities.
Human arsenic exposure risk via crop consumption and global trade from groundwater-irrigated areas
Authors: Alam Mohammad F , Villholth Karen G , Podgorski Joel 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
While drinking water is known to create significant health risk in arsenic hazard areas, the role of exposure to arsenic through food intake is less well understood, including the impact of food trade. Using the best available datasets on crop production, irrigation, groundwater arsenic hazard, and international crop trade flows, we estimate that globally 17.2% of irrigated harvested area (or 45.2 million hectares) of 42 main crops are grown in arsenic hazard areas, contributing 19.7% of total irrigated crop production, or 418 million metric tons (MMT) per year of these crops by mass. Two-thirds of this area is dedicated to the major staple crops of rice, wheat, and maize (RWM) and produces 158 MMT per year of RWM, which is 8.0% of the total RWM production and 18% of irrigated production. More than 25% of RWM consumed in the South Asian countries of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, where both arsenic hazard and degree of groundwater irrigation are high, originate from arsenic hazard areas. Exposure to arsenic risk from crops also comes from international trade, with 10.6% of rice, 2.4% of wheat, and 4.1% of maize trade flows coming from production in hazard areas. Trade plays a critical role in redistributing risk, with the greatest exposure risk borne by countries with a high dependence on food imports, particularly in the Middle East and small island nations for which all arsenic risk in crops is imported. Intensifying climate variability and population growth may increase reliance on groundwater irrigation, including in arsenic hazard areas. Results show that RWM harvested area could increase by 54.1 million hectares (179% increase over current risk area), predominantly in South and Southeast Asia. This calls for the need to better understand the relative risk of arsenic exposure through food intake, considering the influence of growing trade and increased groundwater reliance for crop production.
Towards reducing inter-city economic inequality embedded in China’s environmental protection tax law
Authors: Wang Jingxu , Lin Jintai , Feng Kuishuang , Liu Yu , Jiao Xiaomiao , Ni Ruijing , Du Mingxi , Hubacek Klaus 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Cities are at the front line of combating environmental pollution and climate change, thus support from cities is crucial for successful enforcement of environmental policy. To mitigate environmental problems, China introduced at provincial level the Environmental Protection Tax Law in 2018. Yet the resulting economic burden on households in different cities with significantly different affluence levels remains unknown. The extent of the economic impacts is likely to affect cities’ support and public acceptability. This study quantifies the economic burden of urban households from taxation of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) for 200 cities nationwide from a ‘consumer’ perspective, accounting for PM2.5 and precursor emissions along the national supply chain. Calculations are based on a multi-regional input–output analysis, the official tax calculation method and urban household consumption data from China’s statistical yearbooks. We find that the current taxation method intensifies economic inequality between cities nationally and within each province, with some of the richest cities having lower tax intensities than some of the poorest. This is due to the fact that taxes are collected based on tax rates of producing regions rather than consuming regions, that cities with very different affluence levels within a province bear the same tax rate, and that emission intensities in several less affluent cities are relatively high. If the tax could be levied based on tax rates of each city where the consumer lives, with tax rates determined based on cities’ affluence levels and with tax revenues used to support emission control, inter-city economic inequality could be reduced. Our work provides quantitative evidence to improve the environmental tax and can serve as the knowledge base for coordinated inter-city policy.
X-type vortex and its effect on beam shaping
Authors: Pang Xiaoyan , Xiao Weiwei , Zhang Han , Feng Chen , Zhao Xinying 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this article we propose a new type of optical vortex, the X-type vortex. This vortex inherits and develops the conventional noncanonical vortex, i.e. it no longer has a constant phase gradient around the center, while the intensity keeps invariant azimuthally. The strongly focusing properties of the X-type vortex and its effect on the beam shaping in three-dimensional (3D) fields are analyzed. The interesting phenomena, which cannot be seen in canonical vortices, are observed, for instance the ‘switch effect’ which shows that the intensity pattern can switch from one transverse axis to another in the focal plane by controlling the phase gradient parameter. It is shown that by adjusting the phase gradient of this vortex, the focal field can have marvelous patterns, from the doughnut shape to the shapes with different lobes, and the beam along propagation direction will form a twisting shape in 3D space with controllable rotation direction and location. The physical mechanisms underlying the rule of the beam shaping are also discussed, which generally say that the phase gradient of the X-type vortex, the orbital angular momentum, the polarization and the ‘nongeneric’ characteristic contribute differently in shaping fields. This new type of vortex may supply a new freedom for tailoring 3D optical fields, and our work will pave a way for exploration of new vortices and their applications.
Low pedestal sub-17 fs pulse generation through cascaded self-similar compression in photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Esther Lidiya A , Vasantha Jayakantha Raja R , Varshney Shailendra K 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We propose a realistic numerical model based on cascaded self-similar pulse compression to generate low pedestal ultrashort pulses at 2.5 µm. Self-similarity in photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) has been attained by modelling exponentially dispersion decreasing and exponentially nonlinearity increasing chalcogenide PCFs. The tapered PCF (TPCF) model is theoretically designed using the fully vectorial effective index method (FVEIM) to obtain accurate effective refractive index, group velocity dispersion (GVD), and Kerr nonlinearity values with low computation time. Initially, fundamental soliton compression in As2S3 tapered PCF is being investigated for the pedestal-free reduction of the pulse width. Subsequently, the compression factor is further enhanced in the As2Se3 PCF-based nonlinear optical loop mirror. The numerical outcomes reveal a compression of 1 ps pulse down to a pulse width of 16.6 fs with a peak power of 116 W in a total fiber length of L = 61 cm.
Mitochondrial genomes do not appear to regulate flowering pattern/reproductive strategy inCannabis sativa
Authors: Attia Ziv , Pogoda Cloe , Vergara Daniela , Kane Nolan C 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCurrently, the amount of genetic data for Cannabis is lacking due to the illegal nature of the plant. Our study used 73 Cannabis sativa whole-genome shotgun libraries to reveal eight different mtDNA haplotypes. The most common haplotype contained 60 of the 73 samples studied and was composed of only dioecious individuals. However, other haplotypes contained a mix of both mating strategies (i.e. monoecious and dioecious). From these haplotype groupings we further examined the fully annotated mitochondrial genomes of four hemp individuals with different mt haplotypes and recorded gene content, copy number variation and synteny. Our results revealed highly syntenic mitochondrial genomes that contained ~60 identifiable sequences for protein-coding genes, tRNAs and rRNAs and no obvious rearrangements or chimeric genes. We found no clear evidence that modern reproductive patterns are due to simple cytoplasmic male sterility mutations. It is likely the interaction between nuclear genetic components and the X/Y sex chromosomes that determines reproductive strategy. Additionally, we added 50 % more mitochondrial genomes to the publicly available repository.
Generalized infinite factorization models
Authors: Schiavon L , Canale A , Dunson D B 
Published: October 2021

SummaryFactorization models express a statistical object of interest in terms of a collection of simpler objects. For example, a matrix or tensor can be expressed as a sum of rank-one components. In practice, however, it can be challenging to infer the number of components and the relative impact of the different components. A popular idea is to include infinitely many components whose impact decreases with the component index. This article is motivated by two limitations of such existing methods: (i) lack of careful consideration of the within-component sparsity structure; and (ii) not accommodating grouped variables and other nonexchangeable structures. We propose a general class of infinite factorization models that address these limitations. Theoretical support is provided, practical gains are demonstrated in simulation studies, and an ecology application focusing on modelling bird species occurrence is discussed.
Street Skateboarding and the Aesthetic Order of Public Spaces
Authors: Dickinson Sharon , Millie Andrew , Peters Eleanor 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Street skateboarders are often excluded from public spaces with skating viewed as anti-social or uncivil. In this article, we argue that it can also be regarded as problematic as it interferes with the look and feel of cities as promoted by late-modern capitalism. The article contributes to an aesthetic criminology by arguing that street skateboarding is itself an aesthetic practice, but that this practice challenges the functionality and aesthetic order of the city. The article is supported by evidence from interviews with skateboarders in Manchester, UK. The context is the duel position of skateboarding, being regarded as both deviant and serious leisure (for instance, featuring for the first time in the Olympics in 2021). Rather than criminalizing and excluding skateboarders, it is argued that their aesthetic appreciation of public spaces could add value to city life, that they see and feel the city in ways that ought to add to our emotional and affective appreciation of what it means to live in a city.
Timely childhood vaccination in Israel: a national retrospective study of ethnic and socioeconomic disparities
Authors: Myers Vicki , Saban Mor , Valinsky Liora , Luxenburg Osnat , Wilf-Miron Rachel 
Published: October 2021

Summary
A large proportion of children do not receive vaccines within the recommended timeframe. This study examined ethnic and socioeconomic differences in age-appropriate immunization of children in Israel, where immunization is freely available. Percent of children receiving MMR/V at 12–13 months, and four doses of DTP/IPV/Hib by 18 months were obtained from the National Programme for Quality Measures between 2015 and 2018. Ethnic group (Jewish vs Arab) (defined by proxy by the neighbourhood in which the clinic was located), neighbourhood socioeconomic status and peripherality were obtained. Rates of MMR vaccination were 61% in the Jewish and 82% in the Arab population; for DPT/IPV/Hib 75% in the Jewish, compared to 92% in the Arab population. These patterns were stable over time. Lowest rates occurred in the most peripheral areas for Arab children, and in urban areas for Jewish children. Differences between ethnic groups were significant at higher SES levels. Greater adherence to the vaccination schedule occurred in the Arab minority in contrast to studies showing lower vaccination in ethnic minorities elsewhere. Lower immunization rates among rural Arab children suggest a need for improved access to clinics. Efforts should be directed towards lower SES groups, while emphasizing the importance of timely vaccination in wealthier groups in order to achieve herd immunity.
Photovoltaic-grid control method based on self-gain system compensation
Authors: Tang Junci , Li Tie , Pi Junbo , Cui Dai 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The presence of decentralized production in modern electrical systems precludes traditional automatic generation control (AGC) strategies. Renewable energy production is highly dependent on the environment; for example, photovoltaic (PV) system, but its power generation is very unstable, which makes power grids containing PV systems face greater challenges. In this paper, we propose a PV-grid control method based on self-gain system compensation to reduce the negative effects of large fluctuations and uncertainties in solar energy production. First, the performance characteristics of solar modules are discussed and a multi-region model with a system with high penetration of solar systems is built. The AGC power is then displayed with different power variations according to different maximum power point tracking methods to analyze the uncertainty and variation of the PV output power and its effects on the AGC. We have also developed and implemented a compensation unit to eliminate the negative effects of PV power on AGC. Finally, the proposed method was demonstrated using the load from the example step as a disturbance variable to obtain a dynamic model of a dual-zone switched grid AGC with two PV systems based on a DMPC-distributed model. As a result of the simulation, the proposed method in this paper can guarantee the excellent properties of the dynamic behavior of the AGC system with large variations and high uncertainty of the PV system, and the validity of the proposed method have also been confirmed.
Portfolio optimization and intergenerational risk sharing for a collective defined contribution pension plan
Authors: Wang Suxin , Wang Peiqi , Zhang Shuhua 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we use a continuous time stochastic model to study a collective defined contribution pension plan when the interest rate is stochastic, and where the benefit levels are adjusted depending on the performance of the plan, and with risk sharing between different generations. The nominal interest rate is characterized by the Vasicek model, and the pension fund is invested in a financial market consisting of three assets: one risk-free asset, one bond and one risky asset. The participants of the pension plan are the risk bearers, and the plan seeks optimal investment and risk-sharing arrangements for plan sponsors and participants that maximize the expected accumulated discount utility of intermediate benefit adjustments and terminal wealth. Closed-form solutions are derived via the stochastic optimal control approach under constant relative risk aversion utility function. Numerical results show the effects of financial market parameters on the optimal investment strategy and how the optimal benefit changes with respect to different risk aversions and wage increase rates.
Comparison of radio-isotope method with 99m technetium and near-infrared fluorescent imaging with indocyanine green for sentinel lymph node detection in endometrial cancer
Authors: Togami Shinichi , Ushiwaka Takashi , Fukuda Mika , Mizuno Mika , Yanazume Shintaro , Kamio Masaki , Kobayashi Hiroaki 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
We aimed to compare the detection rate of pelvic sentinel lymph node between the radio-isotope with 99m technetium (99mTc)-labeled phytate and near-infrared fluorescent imaging with indocyanine green in patients with endometrial cancer.

Methods
This study included 122 patients who had undergone sentinel lymph node mapping using 99mTc and indocyanine green. In the radio-isotope method, sentinel lymph nodes were detected using uterine cervix 99mTc injections the day before surgery. Following injection, the number and locations of the sentinel lymph nodes were evaluated by lymphoscintigraphy. In addition, indocyanine green was injected into the cervix immediately before surgery.

Results
The overall pelvic sentinel lymph node detection rate (at least one pelvic sentinel lymph node detected) was not significantly different between 99mTc (95.9% [117/122]) and indocyanine green (94.3% [115/122]). Similarly, the bilateral sentinel lymph node detection rate was not significantly different between 99mTc (87.7% [107/122]) and indocyanine green (79.5% [97/122]). More than two sentinel lymph nodes per unilateral pelvic lymph node were found in 12.3% (15/122) and 27% (33/122) of cases with 99mTc and indocyanine green, respectively, in the right pelvic side, and 11.5% (14/122) and 32.8% (40/122) of cases with 99mTc and indocyanine green, respectively, in the left pelvic side. indocyanine green showed that there were significantly more than two sentinel lymph nodes in either the left or right pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (P &lt; 0.0001). There was a significant difference in the mean number of total pelvic sentinel lymph nodes between 99mTc (2.2) and indocyanine green (2.5) (P = 0.028) methods.

Conclusion
Although indocyanine green is useful for sentinel lymph node identification, we believe it is better to use it in combination with 99mTc until the surgeon is accustomed to it.
Cordycepin induces M1/M2 macrophage polarization to attenuate the liver and lung damage and immunodeficiency in immature mice with sepsis via NF-κB/p65 inhibition
Authors: Zhang Yudan , Cheng Jing , Su Yufei , Li Mingyue , Wen Jun , Li Sixiu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To explore the impacts of cordycepin and underlying mechanism on the sepsis.

Methods
The sepsis mice model was built and treated with different concentrations of cordycepin. Then the liver and lung injury caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was assessed using H&E staining and TUNEL assay. The expression of relevant genes was detected using qRT-PCR analysis and ELISA assays. Besides, the macrophage polarization was checked by flow cytometry.

Key findings
Cordycepin could significantly improve the liver and lung injury. Moreover, cordycepin increased the distribution of F4/80+ CD206+ M2-like macrophages and F4/80+ iNOS+ M1-like macrophages through down-regulating the expression of relevant genes. More importantly, cordycepin could monitor the protein expression of iNOS, Arg-1, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-4 and IL-10 in CLP mice. Meanwhile, the elevated level of p65 induced by CLP was also repressed by the increase of the cordycepin. Moreover, cordycepin played a crucial part in CLP mice through modulating the NF-κB/p65 signalling pathway.

Conclusions
Cordycepin played an important role in mice with sepsis via reducing the M1/M2 macrophage polarization and modulating the NF-κB/p65 signalling pathway.
Saturation of large-scale dynamo in anisotropically forced turbulence
Authors: Bhat Pallavi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Turbulent dynamo theories have faced difficulties in obtaining evolution of large-scale magnetic fields on short dynamical time-scales due to the constraint imposed by magnetic helicity balance. This has critical implications for understanding the large-scale magnetic field evolution in astrophysical systems like the Sun, stars and galaxies. Direct numerical simulations (DNS) in the past with isotropically forced helical turbulence have shown that large-scale dynamo saturation time-scales are dependent on the magnetic Reynolds number (Rm). In this work, we have carried out periodic box DNS of helically forced turbulence leading to a large-scale dynamo with two kinds of forcing function, an isotropic one based on that used in Pencil-Code and an anisotropic one based on Galloway-Proctor flows. We show that when the turbulence is forced anisotropically, the nonlinear (saturation) behaviour of the large-scale dynamo is only weakly dependent on Rm. In fact the magnetic helicity evolution on small and large scales in the anisotropic case is distinctly different from that in the isotropic case. This result possibly holds promise for the alleviation of important issues like catastrophic quenching.
The promise of the Maker Movement: policy expectations versus community criticisms
Authors: Ferretti Federico , van Lente Harro 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The rise of the Maker Movement brings along promises of extended citizen participation to science and innovation. In this paper, we investigate policy expectations about the Maker Movement and contrast them with views about science and society prevailing within communities of the movement itself. The analysis is based on a study of European Union policy documents and interviews with experts and practitioners of the Maker Movement. We obtain a self-portrait of the Maker Movement characterized by a set of aspirations, values, and motivations about the science–society relationship that deviate from of policy expectations. We conclude that, the Maker Movement, apart from being a target of policy hopes of increased citizen participation in science and innovation, can also be characterized as a source bed of criticism of mainstream science and innovation. The tension between policy expectations and community criticisms provides lessons for both sides.