bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability index based strategy for the probability-damage approach in fail-safe design optimization (β-PDFSO)
Authors: Cid C. , Baldomir A. , Hernández S.
Published: February 2022

This research proposes a new formulation for fail-safe size optimization, considering the probability of occurrence of each failure scenario and the random structural parameters as sources of uncertainty. Essentially, the fail-safe reliability-based design optimization is reformulated, where the term “damaged structure” coalesces information of the whole set of damaged configurations. Thus, a single random reliability index is defined, representing the reliability of a limit-state of the damaged structure, which accounts for the safety level of the entire set of damaged configurations. The method provides the optimum design for which the reliability indices of the damaged structure are achieved at the confidence level the designer demands. The first application example corresponds to an academic analytical problem. The second and third application examples correspond to practical engineering cases: a 2D truss structure with stress constraints as well as the tail section of an aircraft fuselage with stress and buckling constraints. Results show a considerable reduction of the objective function compared to the fail-safe RBDO, which could lead to oversized designs. In this sense, mass savings up to 13.6% are achieved for the industrial-like application example.
Minor impacts of major volcanic eruptions on hurricanes in dynamically-downscaled last millennium simulations
Authors: Benton Brandon N. , Alessi Marc J. , Herrera Dimitris A. , Li Xiaolu , Carrillo Carlos M. , Ault Toby R.
Published: February 2022

The effects of volcanic eruptions on hurricane statistics are examined using two long simulations from the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Last Millennium Ensemble (LME). The first is an unforced control simulation, wherein all boundary conditions were held constant at their 850 CE values (LMEcontrol). The second is a “fully forced” simulation with time evolving radiative changes from volcanic, solar, and land use changes from 850 CE through present (LMEforced). Large tropical volcanic eruptions produce the greatest change in radiative forcing during this time period, which comprise the focus of this study. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to dynamically downscale 150 control years of LMEcontrol and an additional 84 years of LMEforced for all mid-latitude volcanic eruptions between 1100 and 1850 CE. This time period was selected based on computational considerations. For each eruption, 2 years are dynamically downscaled. 23 of these volcanic eruptions are in the Northern Hemisphere and 19 are in the Southern Hemisphere. The effectiveness of the downscaling methodology is examined by applying the same downscaling approach to historical ERA-I reanalysis data and comparing the downscaled storm tracks and intensities to the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) database. Hurricane statistics are then computed from both the downscaled control and downscaled forced LME simulations. Results suggest moderate effects on hurricanes from the average of all northern hemisphere eruptions, with the largest effects being from the volcanoes with the most aerosol forcing. More specifically, reductions in hurricane frequency, intensity, and lifetime following northern hemisphere eruptions are apparent. Strong evidence is also shown for correlation between eruption strength and changes in these diagnostics. The aggregate effect from both northern and southern hemisphere eruptions is minor. While reductions in frequency, intensity, and lifetime from northern hemisphere eruptions occur, the opposite effect is observed from southern hemisphere eruptions.
Diet quality and physical or comprehensive frailty among older adults
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Kurotani Kayo , Yoshida Tsukasa , Nanri Hinako , Watanabe Yuya , Date Heiwa , Itoi Aya , Goto Chiho , Ishikawa-Takata Kazuko , Kimura Misaka , Miyachi Motohiko , Yamada Yosuke ,   Kyoto-Kameoka Study Group
Published: February 2022

Purpose

While the association between diet quality and mortality has been previously demonstrated, the association between frailty and diet quality has not been evaluated well. This study aimed to investigate the association between diet quality and prevalence of both physical and comprehensive frailty, using two validated tools, in a community-based cohort of older adults.

Methods

We conducted cross-sectional analyses using baseline data of 7022 participants aged ≥ 65 years in the Kyoto-Kameoka study. Diet quality was assessed by calculating the adherence scores to the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top using a validated questionnaire; the participants were stratified into quartile groups based on these scores. Physical and comprehensive frailty was assessed using the Fried phenotype model-based Frailty Screening Index and the Kihon Checklist, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression and the restricted cubic spline model were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between adherence scores and frailty prevalence.

Results

Higher adherence scores signified a higher intake of vitamin C, vegetables, dairy products, and fruits. Physical and comprehensive frailty prevalence was 14.2 and 35.8%, respectively. In a multivariable adjusted model, compared with the bottom adherence score quartile, the top quartile was associated with lower ORs of physical (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.52–0.80) and comprehensive frailty (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.51–0.71). These relationships were similar to results in the spline model.

Conclusions

This study shows an inverse dose–response relationship between diet quality and prevalence of both physical and comprehensive frailty in older adults.
The oncogenic fusion landscape in pediatric CNS neoplasms
Authors: Roosen Mieke , Odé Zelda , Bunt Jens , Kool Marcel
Published: February 2022

Pediatric neoplasms in the central nervous system (CNS) are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Recent developments in molecular analyses have greatly contributed to a more accurate diagnosis and risk stratification of CNS tumors. Additionally, sequencing studies have identified various, often entity specific, tumor-driving events. In contrast to adult tumors, which often harbor multiple mutated oncogenic drivers, the number of mutated genes in pediatric cancers is much lower and many tumors can have a single oncogenic driver. Moreover, in children, much more than in adults, fusion proteins play an important role in driving tumorigenesis, and many different fusions have been identified as potential driver events in pediatric CNS neoplasms. However, a comprehensive overview of all the different reported oncogenic fusion proteins in pediatric CNS neoplasms is still lacking. A better understanding of the fusion proteins detected in these tumors and of the molecular mechanisms how these proteins drive tumorigenesis, could improve diagnosis and further benefit translational research into targeted therapies necessary to treat these distinct entities. In this review, we discuss the different oncogenic fusions reported in pediatric CNS neoplasms and their structure to create an overview of the variety of oncogenic fusion proteins to date, the tumor entities they occur in and their proposed mode of action.
Mean-return-time phase of a stochastic oscillator provides an approximate renewal description for the associated point process
Authors: Holzhausen Konstantin , Ramlow Lukas , Pu Shusen , Thomas Peter J. , Lindner Benjamin
Published: February 2022

Stochastic oscillations can be characterized by a corresponding point process; this is a common practice in computational neuroscience, where oscillations of the membrane voltage under the influence of noise are often analyzed in terms of the interspike interval statistics, specifically the distribution and correlation of intervals between subsequent threshold-crossing times. More generally, crossing times and the corresponding interval sequences can be introduced for different kinds of stochastic oscillators that have been used to model variability of rhythmic activity in biological systems. In this paper we show that if we use the so-called mean-return-time (MRT) phase isochrons (introduced by Schwabedal and Pikovsky) to count the cycles of a stochastic oscillator with Markovian dynamics, the interphase interval sequence does not show any linear correlations, i.e., the corresponding sequence of passage times forms approximately a renewal point process. We first outline the general mathematical argument for this finding and illustrate it numerically for three models of increasing complexity: (i) the isotropic Guckenheimer–Schwabedal–Pikovsky oscillator that displays positive interspike interval (ISI) correlations if rotations are counted by passing the spoke of a wheel; (ii) the adaptive leaky integrate-and-fire model with white Gaussian noise that shows negative interspike interval correlations when spikes are counted in the usual way by the passage of a voltage threshold; (iii) a Hodgkin–Huxley model with channel noise (in the diffusion approximation represented by Gaussian noise) that exhibits weak but statistically significant interspike interval correlations, again for spikes counted when passing a voltage threshold. For all these models, linear correlations between intervals vanish when we count rotations by the passage of an MRT isochron. We finally discuss that the removal of interval correlations does not change the long-term variability and its effect on information transmission, especially in the neural context.
Geochemical Proxies and Mineralogical Fingerprints of Sedimentary Processes in a Closed Shallow Lake Basin Since 1850
Authors: Gravina Paola , Ludovisi Alessandro , Moroni Beatrice , Vivani Riccardo , Selvaggi Roberta , Petroselli Chiara , Cappelletti David
Published: February 2022

Lake systems are essential for the environment, the biosphere, and humans but are highly impacted by anthropogenic activities accentuated by climate change. Understanding how lake ecosystems change due to human impacts and natural forces is crucial to managing their current state and possible future restoration. The high sensitivity of shallow closed lakes to natural and anthropogenic forcing makes these lacustrine ecosystems highly prone to variations in precipitation and sedimentation processes. These variation processes, occurring in the water column, produce geochemical markers or proxies recorded in lake sedimentary archives. This study investigated specific proxies on high-resolution sedimentary archives (2–3 years resolution) of the Trasimeno lake (Central Italy). The Trasimeno lake underwent three different hydrological phases during the twentieth century due to several fluctuations induced mainly by human activities and climate change. The Trasimeno lake, a large and shallow basin located in the Mediterranean area, is a good case study to assess the effects of intense anthropogenic activity related to agriculture, tourism, industry, and climate changes during the Anthropocene. The aim is to identify the main characteristics of the main sedimentary events in the lake during the last 150 years, determining the concentrations of major and trace elements, the amount of organic matter, and the mineralogical composition of the sediments. This type of work demonstrates that studying sediment archives at high resolution is a viable method for reconstructing the lake’s history through the evolution/trends of the geochemical proxies stored in the sediment records. This effort makes it possible to assess past anthropogenic impact and, under the objectives of the European Green Deal (zero-pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment), to monitor, prevent, and remedy pollution related to soil and water compartments.

Graphical abstract
Newtonian Equivalence Principles
Authors: Read James , Teh Nicholas J.
Published: February 2022

The equivalence principle has constituted one of the cornerstones of discussions in the foundations of spacetime theories over the past century. However, up to this point the principle has been considered overwhelmingly only within the context of relativistic physics. In this article, we demonstrate that the principle has much broader, super-theoretic significance: to do so, we present a unified framework for understanding the principle in its various guises, applicable to both relativistic and Newtonian contexts. We thereby deepen significantly our understanding of the role played by the equivalence principle in a broad class of spacetime theories.
Effects of Similarity Score Functions in Attention Mechanisms on the Performance of Neural Question Answering Systems
Authors: Shen Yuanyuan , Lai Edmund M.-K. , Mohaghegh Mahsa
Published: February 2022

Attention mechanisms have been incorporated into many neural network-based natural language processing (NLP) models. They enhance the ability of these models to learn and reason with long input texts. A critical part of such mechanisms is the computation of attention similarity scores between two elements of the texts using a similarity score function. Given that these models have different architectures, it is difficult to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of different similarity score functions. In this paper, we proposed a baseline model that captures the common components of recurrent neural network-based Question Answering (QA) systems found in the literature. By isolating the attention function, this baseline model allows us to study the effects of different similarity score functions on the performance of such systems. Experimental results show that a trilinear function produced the best results among the commonly used functions. Based on these insights, a new T-trilinear similarity function is proposed which achieved the higher predictive EM and F1 scores than these existing functions. A heatmap visualization of the attention score matrix explains why this T-trilinear function is effective.
A Systematic Review of the Reporting Quality of Observational Studies That Use Mediation Analyses
Authors: Rizzo Rodrigo R. N. , Cashin Aidan G. , Bagg Matthew K. , Gustin Sylvia M. , Lee Hopin , McAuley James H.
Published: February 2022

Mediation analysis is a common statistical method used to investigate mechanisms of health exposure and interventions. The reporting quality of mediation studies used in randomised controlled trials has been considered heterogeneous and incomplete. The reporting quality of mediation analysis in observational studies is unknown. We conducted a systematic review to describe the reporting standards of recently published observational studies that used mediation analysis to understand the mechanism of health exposures. We searched for studies published between June 2017 and June 2019 indexed in EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. Two reviewers screened articles and selected a random sample of 50 eligible studies for inclusion. We included studies across 13 healthcare fields and ten different health conditions. Most studies (74%) collected data on healthy individuals to assess their risk of developing a health disorder. Psychosocial and behavioural factors (self-control, self-esteem, alcohol consumption, pain) were the most prevalent exposures (n = 30, 60%), outcomes (n = 23, 46%) and mediators (n = 29, 58%). Most studies used a cross-sectional design (64%, n = 32), and a few studies reported sample size calculations (4%, n = 8). In 20% (n = 10) of the studies, adjustment for confounders was reported. Only 10% (n = 5) of studies reported the assumptions underlying the mediation analysis, and 14% (n = 7) of studies conducted some sensitivity analysis to assess the degree which unmeasured confounders would affect the estimate of the mediation effect. Mediation analysis is a common method used to investigate mechanisms in prevention research. The reporting of mediation analysis in observational studies is incomplete and may impact reproducibility, evidence synthesis and implementation.
Augmented pseudo-marginal Metropolis–Hastings for partially observed diffusion processes
Authors: Golightly Andrew , Sherlock Chris
Published: February 2022

We consider the problem of inference for nonlinear, multivariate diffusion processes, satisfying Itô stochastic differential equations (SDEs), using data at discrete times that may be incomplete and subject to measurement error. Our starting point is a state-of-the-art correlated pseudo-marginal Metropolis–Hastings algorithm, that uses correlated particle filters to induce strong and positive correlation between successive likelihood estimates. However, unless the measurement error or the dimension of the SDE is small, correlation can be eroded by the resampling steps in the particle filter. We therefore propose a novel augmentation scheme, that allows for conditioning on values of the latent process at the observation times, completely avoiding the need for resampling steps. We integrate over the uncertainty at the observation times with an additional Gibbs step. Connections between the resulting pseudo-marginal scheme and existing inference schemes for diffusion processes are made, giving a unified inference framework that encompasses Gibbs sampling and pseudo marginal schemes. The methodology is applied in three examples of increasing complexity. We find that our approach offers substantial increases in overall efficiency, compared to competing methods
Review of imaging techniques for evaluating morphological and functional responses to the treatment of bone metastases in prostate and breast cancer
Authors: Orcajo-Rincon J. , Muñoz-Langa J. , Sepúlveda-Sánchez J. M. , Fernández-Pérez G. C. , Martínez M. , Noriega-Álvarez E. , Sanz-Viedma S. , Vilanova J. C. , Luna A.
Published: February 2022

Bone metastases are very common complications associated with certain types of cancers that frequently negatively impact the quality of life and functional status of patients; thus, early detection is necessary for the implementation of immediate therapeutic measures to reduce the risk of skeletal complications and improve survival and quality of life. There is no consensus or universal standard approach for the detection of bone metastases in cancer patients based on imaging. Endorsed by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM), and the Spanish Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SEMNIM) a group of experts met to discuss and provide an up-to-date review of our current understanding of the biological mechanisms through which tumors spread to the bone and describe the imaging methods available to diagnose bone metastasis and monitor their response to oncological treatment, focusing on patients with breast and prostate cancer. According to current available data, the use of next-generation imaging techniques, including whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI, PET/CT, and PET/MRI with novel radiopharmaceuticals, is recommended instead of the classical combination of CT and bone scan in detection, staging and response assessment of bone metastases from prostate and breast cancer.

Clinical trial registration: Not applicable.
Improving Antibacterial Efficiency of Curcumin in Magnetic Polymeric Nanocomposites
Authors: Sadeghi-Ghadi Zaynab , Behjou Nicki , Ebrahimnejad Pedram , Mahkam Mehrdad , Goli Hamid Reza , Lam Matthew , Nokhodchi Ali
Published: February 2022

In recent years, resistance to chemical antibiotics, as well as their side effects, has caused a necessity to utilize natural substances and herbal components with antibacterial effects. Curcumin, the major substance of Curcuma longa’s rhizome, was used as an antibacterial agent since ancient times. This work aimed to formulate a novel nanocomposite for the delivery of curcumin to overcome orthodox drugs resistance against bacteria and improve its efficacy. To fabricate targeting nanocomposites, first, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized followed by coating the obtained nanoparticles using sodium alginate containing curcumin. A 2 by 3 factorial design was tailored to predict the optimum formulation of nanocomposites. Characterization of nanocomposites including particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading was performed. The optimum formulation was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and in vitro release study at different pHs. Finally, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of samples against seven common bacteria were determined. Results showed that the optimized formulation contained 400 nm particles with the PDI and zeta potentials of 0.4 and − 58 mV, respectively. The optimized formulation with 70% entrapment efficiency reduced the MIC value 2 to 4 times in comparison with pure curcumin. Results also showed that polymer and drug concentrations can significantly affect entrapment efficiency. In conclusion, the current investigation demonstrated that this magnetic nanocomposite can be applied for the delivery of curcumin.

Graphical abstract
Maßgeschneiderte Hefezellen für biotechnologische Anwendungen
Authors: Oreb Mislav , Tripp Joanna
Published: February 2022

The tremendous body of knowledge about genetics, cell biology, and metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as its long history and robustness in industrial fermentations, have made this yeast one of the most popular microbial cell factories. Novel genetic tools have enabled the rapid construction of strains producing various platform chemicals, fuels, or pharmaceuticals. The relevance of synthetic biology approaches, such as the construction of fully synthetic genomes and artificial cellular compartments are not only relevant for biotechnological applications but can also lead to new insight into basic principles of life.
Mitochondrien: wie die Gene im Kraftwerk der Zelle aktiviert werden
Authors: Bhatta Arjun , Hillen Hauke S.
Published: February 2022

Mitochondria contain an organellar genome that encodes for subunits of the respiratory chain. Its coordinated expression is essential for eukaryotic life and defects in this process lead to severe disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial gene expression remain poorly understood. Recent structural and functional studies have provided the first mechanistic insights into mitochondrial gene expression and highlight the evolutionarily unique nature of this system.
Creating Histories: Different Perspectives, Controversial Narratives at Rákóczifalva, an Early Copper Age Site on the Great Hungarian Plain
Authors: Siklósi Zsuzsanna , Faragó Norbert , Dani János , Csedreki László , Kertész Zsófia , Szikszai Zita , Szilágyi Márton
Published: February 2022

A Copper Age settlement and cemetery was fully excavated at Rákóczifalva-Bivaly-tó Site 1/C in 2005-2007, making it possible to compare the use of its material culture in closely related, coeval, but different archaeological contexts. Such a rare set of circumstances allows the authors to highlight methodological issues associated with the distorting effect of archaeological finds made on sites where only settlement or burial data are available, and on the importance of choosing appropriate analytical units.
On -approachability, entropy density and -free shifts
Authors: KONIECZNY JAKUB , KUPSA MICHAL , KWIETNIAK DOMINIK
Published: February 2022

We study approximation schemes for shift spaces over a finite alphabet using (pseudo)metrics connected to Ornstein’s
${\bar d}$
metric. This leads to a class of shift spaces we call
${\bar d}$
-approachable. A shift space is
${\bar d}$
-approachable when its canonical sequence of Markov approximations converges to it also in the
${\bar d}$
sense. We give a topological characterization of chain-mixing
${\bar d}$
-approachable shift spaces. As an application we provide a new criterion for entropy density of ergodic measures. Entropy density of a shift space means that every invariant measure
$\mu $
of such a shift space is the weak
$^*$
limit of a sequence
$\mu _n$
of ergodic measures with the corresponding sequence of entropies
$h(\mu _n)$
converging to
$h(\mu )$
. We prove ergodic measures are entropy-dense for every shift space that can be approximated in the
${\bar d}$
pseudometric by a sequence of transitive sofic shifts. This criterion can be applied to many examples that were beyond the reach of previously known techniques including hereditary
$\mathscr {B}$
-free shifts and some minimal or proximal systems. The class of symbolic dynamical systems covered by our results includes also shift spaces where entropy density was established previously using the (almost) specification property.
Depth-integrated wave–current models. Part 2. Current with an arbitrary profile
Authors: Yang Zhengtong , Liu Philip L.-F.
Published: February 2022

The depth-integrated wave–current models developed by Yang & Liu (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 883, 2020, A4) are extended to investigate currents with an arbitrary vertical profile in the water column. In the present models, horizontal velocities are decomposed into two components. The first part deduces the prescribed current velocity when waves are absent. The second part is approximated in a polynomial form. The resulting depth-integrated wave–current models are obtained by applying the weighted residual method. In the absence of currents, the present models are identical to those in Yang & Liu (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 883, 2020, A4) and are validated with several three-dimensional (3D) benchmark laboratory experiments. A theoretical analysis is conducted to study the frequency dispersion relation of linear waves on currents with an exponential vertical profile and the results are compared with numerical solutions of the Rayleigh equation. Using the new models, validations and investigations are then conducted for periodic waves and solitary waves on currents with an arbitrary profile in one-dimensional horizontal (1DH) space. Furthermore, the new models are applied to wave–current interactions in two-dimensional horizontal (2DH) space. Two scenarios are considered: (1) wave propagation over a vortex-ring-like current and (2) obliquely incident wave propagation over a 3D sheared current on a varying bathymetry. The vertical and horizontal shear of the current have significant effects on modifying various wave properties, which are well captured by the present models. However, the time-averaged velocity under wave–current interaction shows small differences with the prescribed current velocity, except in the region between the wave trough and crest.
Quadrupole noise generated from a low-speed aerofoil in near- and full-stall conditions
Authors: Turner Jacob M. , Kim Jae Wook
Published: February 2022

In this paper, direct numerical simulations are performed for low-speed flows past a NACA0012 aerofoil at high incidence angles. The aim is to investigate the significance of quadrupole noise generated due to separated shear layers, in comparison to dipole noise emanating from the aerofoil surface. The two different noise components (dipole and quadrupole) are calculated by using the Ffowcs Williams & Hawkings method in two different approaches: one with a solid surface and another with a permeable surface. The quadrupole noise is then estimated approximately by taking the relative difference between the two. The current study provides detailed comparisons between the quadrupole and dipole noise components at various observer locations in a wide range of frequencies. The comparisons are also made in terms of Mach number scaling, which differs significantly from theoretical predictions and changes rapidly with frequency. Additionally, pre-, near- and full-stall conditions are cross-examined, which reveals significant differences in the quadrupole contributions, including changes in the major source locations and frequencies. It is found that the inclusion of the quadrupole sources gives rise to the predicted noise power level at all frequencies (varying between 2 and 10 dB for an observer above the aerofoil) compared to the dipole-only case. The quadrupole contribution is far from negligible even at the low subsonic speeds (Mach 0.3 and 0.4) when aerofoil stall occurs.
Stable and unstable supersonic stagnation of an axisymmetric rotating magnetized plasma
Authors: Beresnyak Andrey , Velikovich Alexander L. , Giuliani John L. , Dasgupta Arati
Published: February 2022

The Naval Research Laboratory ‘Mag Noh problem’, described in this paper, is a self-similar magnetized implosion flow, which contains a fast magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) outward propagating shock of constant velocity. We generalize the classic Noh (OSTI Tech. Rep. 577058, 1983) problem to include azimuthal and axial magnetic fields as well as rotation. Our family of ideal MHD solutions is five parametric, each solution having its own self-similarity index, gas gamma, magnetization, the ratio of axial to the azimuthal field and rotation. While the classic Noh problem must have a supersonic implosion velocity to create a shock, our solutions have an interesting three-parametric special case with zero initial velocity in which magnetic tension, instead of implosion flow, creates the shock at

$t=0+$

. Our self-similar solutions are indeed realized when we solve the initial value MHD problem with the finite volume MHD code Athena. We numerically investigated the stability of these solutions and found both stable and unstable regions in parameter space. Stable solutions can be used to test the accuracy of numerical codes. Unstable solutions have also been widely used to test how codes reproduce linear growth, transition to turbulence and the practically important effects of mixing. Now we offer a family of unstable solutions featuring all three elements relevant to magnetically driven implosions: convergent flow, magnetic field and a shock wave.
Dip coating of bidisperse particulate suspensions
Authors: Jeong Deok-Hoon , Lee Michael Ka Ho , Thiévenaz Virgile , Bazant Martin Z. , Sauret Alban
Published: February 2022

Dip coating consists of withdrawing a substrate from a bath to coat it with a thin liquid layer. This process is well understood for homogeneous fluids, but heterogeneities, such as particles dispersed in liquid, lead to more complex situations. Indeed, particles introduce a new length scale, their size, in addition to the thickness of the coating film. Recent studies have shown that, at first order, the thickness of the coating film for monodisperse particles can be captured by an effective capillary number based on the viscosity of the suspension, providing that the film is thicker than the particle diameter. However, suspensions involved in most practical applications are polydisperse, characterized by a wide range of particle sizes, introducing additional length scales. In this study, we investigate the dip coating of suspensions having a bimodal size distribution of particles. We show that the effective viscosity approach is still valid in the regime where the coating film is thicker than the diameter of the largest particles, although bidisperse suspensions are less viscous than monodisperse suspensions of the same solid fraction. We also characterize the intermediate regime that consists of a heterogeneous coating layer and where the composition of the film is different from the composition of the bath. A model to predict the probability of entraining the particles in the liquid film depending on their sizes is proposed and captures our measurements. In this regime, corresponding to a specific range of withdrawal velocities, capillarity filters the large particles out of the film.
THE p-ADIC GROSS–ZAGIER FORMULA ON SHIMURA CURVES, II: NONSPLIT PRIMES
Authors: Disegni Daniel
Published: February 2022

The formula of the title relates p-adic heights of Heegner points and derivatives of p-adic L-functions. It was originally proved by Perrin-Riou for p-ordinary elliptic curves over the rationals, under the assumption that p splits in the relevant quadratic extension. We remove this assumption, in the more general setting of Hilbert-modular abelian varieties.
Multivariate Bias‐Correction of High‐Resolution Regional Climate Change Simulations for West Africa: Performance and Climate Change Implications
Authors: Dieng Diarra , Cannon Alex J. , Laux Patrick , Hald Cornelius , Adeyeri Oluwafemi , Rahimi Jaber , Srivastava Amit K. , Mbaye Mamadou Lamine , Kunstmann Harald
Published: February 2022

A multivariate bias correction based on N‐dimensional probability density function transform (MBCn) technique is applied to four different high‐resolution regional climate change simulations and key meteorological variables, namely precipitation, mean near‐surface air temperature, near‐surface maximum air temperature, near‐surface minimum air temperature, surface downwelling solar radiation, relative humidity, and wind speed. The impact of bias‐correction on the historical (1980–2005) period, the inter‐variable relationships, and the measures of spatio‐temporal consistency are investigated. The focus is on the discrepancies between the original and the bias‐corrected results over five agro‐ecological zones. We also evaluate relevant indices for agricultural applications such as climate extreme indices, under current and future (2020–2050) climate change conditions based on the RCP4.5. Results show that MBCn successfully corrects the seasonal biases in spatial patterns and intensities for all variables, their intervariable correlation, and the distributions of most of the analyzed variables. Relatively large bias reductions during the historical period give indication of possible benefits of MBCn when applied to future scenarios. Although the four regional climate models do not agree on the same positive/negative sign of the change of the seven climate variables for all grid points, the model ensemble mean shows a statistically significant change in rainfall, relative humidity in the Northern zone and wind speed in the Coastal zone of West Africa and increasing maximum summer temperature up to 2°C in the Sahara.
Lunar Wrinkle Ridges and the Evolution of the Nearside Lithosphere
Authors: Watters Thomas R.
Published: February 2022

Wrinkle ridges are the largest and most morphologically complex contractional landforms found on the Moon. They occur exclusively in mare basalt and are thought to result from load induced subsidence and flexure of the lunar lithosphere. The displacement‐length (Dmax/L) relations of wrinkle ridge thrust faults in mascons, where mare basalts are generally thickest, and non‐mascon settings are compared. The results show no statistically significant difference in the population γ values of the wrinkle ridges. Dmax/L values of ridge faults are distributed over the entire range of the sampled population regardless of setting. This suggests that the elastic lithosphere supporting the nearside mare accommodated comparable ridge formation in non‐mascons, with generally thinner sequences of load inducing mare basalt, to mascons. Analysis of the heat flow suggests the elastic lithosphere supporting non‐mascons may have been relatively thin when wrinkle ridge formation began, possibly accounting for the similarity in Dmax/L values with ridges in mascons. Thickening of the elastic lithosphere over time is expected to result in a progression in age of wrinkle ridges in mascon and non‐mascon from oldest near mare centers to younger at the margins.
Human ARHGEF9 intellectual disability syndrome is phenocopied by a mutation that disrupts collybistin binding to the GABAA receptor α2 subunit
Authors: Hines Dustin J. , Contreras April , Garcia Betsua , Barker Jeffrey S. , Boren Austin J. , Moufawad El Achkar Christelle , Moss Stephen J. , Hines Rochelle M.
Published: February 2022

Intellectual disability (ID) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can arise from genetic mutations ranging from trisomy to single nucleotide polymorphism. Mutations in a growing number of single genes have been identified as causative in ID, including ARHGEF9. Evaluation of 41 ARHGEF9 patient reports shows ubiquitous inclusion of ID, along with other frequently reported symptoms of epilepsy, abnormal baseline EEG activity, behavioral symptoms, and sleep disturbances. ARHGEF9 codes for the Cdc42 Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor 9 collybistin (Cb), a known regulator of inhibitory synapse function via direct interaction with the adhesion molecule neuroligin-2 and the α2 subunit of GABAA receptors. We mutate the Cb binding motif within the large intracellular loop of α2 replacing it with the binding motif for gephyrin from the α1 subunit (Gabra2-1). The Gabra2-1 mutation causes a strong downregulation of Cb expression, particularly at cholecystokinin basket cell inhibitory synapses. Gabra2-1 mice have deficits in working and recognition memory, as well as hyperactivity, anxiety, and reduced social preference, recapitulating the frequently reported features of ARHGEF9 patients. Gabra2-1 mice also have spontaneous seizures during postnatal development which can lead to mortality, and baseline abnormalities in low-frequency wavelengths of the EEG. EEG abnormalities are vigilance state-specific and manifest as sleep disturbance including increased time in wake and a loss of free-running rhythmicity in the absence of light as zeitgeber. Gabra2-1 mice phenocopy multiple features of human ARHGEF9 mutation, and reveal α2 subunit-containing GABAA receptors as a druggable target for treatment of this complex ID syndrome.
Social determinants of health: does socioeconomic status affect access to staging imaging for men with prostate cancer
Authors: Kelly Brian D. , Perera Marlon , Bolton Damien M. , Papa Nathan
Published: February 2022

Socioeconomic status (SES), race and geographical factors are known to impact prostate cancer management and outcomes. We aimed to assess these factors with regard to access to novel imaging in prostate cancer. Using the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry of Victoria (PCOR-Vic) we identified 5256 men diagnosed with prostate cancer via biopsy. Following the introduction of government rebate, the access to MRI improved with respect to SES. Access to PET imaging remains poor with respect to SES and geographical location in the absence of Federal funding. Further improvements for men with low SES and regional areas to access PET staging.
Switchable ultra-broadband terahertz wave absorption with VO2-based metasurface
Authors: Mou Nanli , Tang Bing , Li Jingzhou , Dong Hongxing , Zhang Long
Published: February 2022

Metamaterial absorbers (MMAs) offer a novel and flexible method to realize perfect absorption in specific frequencies, especially in the THz range. Despite the exotic abilities to manipulate light, most previously reported MMAs still suffer from limited bandwidth and tunability. Here we present a thermally switchable terahertz (THz) metasurface that exhibits ultra-broadband absorption and high-transmission characteristics at different ambient temperatures. Our simulations demonstrate that at room temperature the structure is highly transparent. When the ambient temperature reaches 358 K, the proposed design exhibits an ultra-broadband absorption from 0.398 to 1.356 THz with the absorptivity maintaining above 90% and the relative absorption bandwidth reaches up to 109.2%. The structure is demonstrated to be insensitive to the incident angle. Moreover, the bandwidth of such a structure can easily be expanded or reduced by cascading or removing the rings, providing high scalability in practical applications. Such a thermally switchable THz metasurface may have potential applications in various fields, such as optical switching, THz imaging, modulating and filtering.
Real-time large-area imaging of the corneal subbasal nerve plexus
Authors: Allgeier Stephan , Bartschat Andreas , Bohn Sebastian , Guthoff Rudolf F. , Hagenmeyer Veit , Kornelius Lukas , Mikut Ralf , Reichert Klaus-Martin , Sperlich Karsten , Stache Nadine , Stachs Oliver , Köhler Bernd
Published: February 2022

The morphometric assessment of the corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) by confocal microscopy holds great potential as a sensitive biomarker for various ocular and systemic conditions and diseases. Automated wide-field montages (or large-area mosaic images) of the SNP provide an opportunity to overcome the limited field of view of the available imaging systems without the need for manual, subjective image selection for morphometric characterization. However, current wide-field montaging solutions usually calculate the mosaic image after the examination session, without a reliable means for the clinician to predict or estimate the resulting mosaic image quality during the examination. This contribution describes a novel approach for a real-time creation and visualization of a mosaic image of the SNP that facilitates an informed evaluation of the quality of the acquired image data immediately at the time of recording. In cases of insufficient data quality, the examination can be aborted and repeated immediately, while the patient is still at the microscope. Online mosaicking also offers the chance to identify an overlap of the imaged tissue region with previous SNP mosaic images, which can be particularly advantageous for follow-up examinations.
Neural network approaches for solving Schrödinger equation in arbitrary quantum wells
Authors: Radu A. , Duque C. A.
Published: February 2022

In this work we approach the Schrödinger equation in quantum wells with arbitrary potentials, using the machine learning technique. Two neural networks with different architectures are proposed and trained using a set of potentials, energies, and wave functions previously generated with the classical finite element method. Three accuracy indicators have been proposed for testing the estimates given by the neural networks. The networks are trained by the gradient descent method and the training validation is done with respect to a large training data set. The two networks are then tested for two different potential data sets and the results are compared. Several cases with analytical potential have also been solved.
A unique pre-endothelial layer at the posterior peripheral cornea: ultrastructural study
Authors: Akhtar Saeed , Samivel Ramachandran , Smedowski Adrian , Alkanaan Aljoharah , Masmali Ali , Kirat Omar , Khan Adnan Ali , Almubrad Turki
Published: February 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the ultrastructure of a unique structures at the anterior side of the endothelium of the posterior peripheral cornea and compare their inner fibers to those of the limbus and sclera. The unique structures at the anterior side of endothelium was referred as a pre-endothelial (PENL) structures in the present manuscript. Ten anonymous-donor human corneoscleral rims (leftover after corneal transplants) were processed for electron microscopy. Semi-thin sections were examined using an Olympus BX53 microscope, and ultrathin sections were studied using a JOEL 1400 transmission electron microscope. A unique PENL structures was identified at the posterior peripheral cornea at a radial distance of approximately 70–638 µm, from the endpoint of Descemet’s membrane. The PENL thinned out gradually and disappeared in the center. The contained an electron-dense sheath with periodic structures (narrow-spacing fibers), wide-spacing fibers, and numerous microfibrils. Typical elastic fibers were present in the sclera and limbus but were not observed in the PENL. This study revealed the existence of a new acellular PENL, containing unique fibrillar structures that were unseen in the corneal stroma. From the evidence describe in this paper we therefore suggest that PENL is a distinct morphological structure present at the corneal periphery.
Adult mosquito predation and potential impact on the sterile insect technique
Authors: Bimbilé Somda Nanwintoum Séverin , Maïga Hamidou , Mamai Wadaka , Bakhoum Thierno , Wallner Thomas , Poda Serge Bèwadéyir , Yamada Hanano , Bouyer Jérémy
Published: February 2022

The sterile insect technique is a promising environmentally friendly method for mosquito control. This technique involves releasing laboratory-produced sterile males into a target field site, and its effectiveness may be affected by the extent of adult mosquito predation. Sterile males undergo several treatments. Therefore, it is vital to understand which treatments are essential in minimizing risks to predation once released. The present study investigates the predation propensity of four mantis species (Phyllocrania paradoxa, Hymenopus coronatus, Blepharopsis mendica, Deroplatys desiccata) and two gecko species (Phelsuma standingi, P. laticauda) on adult Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes in a laboratory setting. First, any inherent predation preferences regarding mosquito species and sex were evaluated. Subsequently, the effects of chilling, marking, and irradiation, on predation rates were assessed. The selected predators effectively preyed on all mosquito species regardless of the treatment. Predation propensity varied over days for the same individuals and between predator individuals. Overall, there was no impact of laboratory treatments of sterile males on the relative risk of predation by the test predators, unless purposely exposed to double the required sterilizing irradiation dose. Further investigations on standardized predation trials may lead to additional quality control tools for irradiated mosquitoes.
Sleep macro- and microstructure in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Perrier J. , Duivon M. , Clochon P. , Rehel S. , Doidy F. , Grellard J. M. , Segura-Djezzar C. , Geffrelot J. , Emile G. , Allouache D. , Levy C. , Polvent S. , Viader F. , Eustache F. , Joly F. , Giffard B.
Published: February 2022

Complaints of sleep disturbance are prevalent among breast cancer (BC) patients and are predictors of quality of life. Still, electrophysiological measures of sleep are missing in patients, which prevents from understanding the pathophysiological consequences of cancer and its past treatments. Using polysomnography, sleep can be investigated in terms of macro- (e.g. awakenings, sleep stages) and micro- (i.e. cortical activity) structure. We aimed to characterize sleep complaints, and macro- and microstructure in 33 BC survivors untreated by chemotherapy and that had finished radiotherapy since at least 6 months (i.e. out of the acute effects of radiotherapy) compared to 21 healthy controls (HC). Compared to HC, BC patients had a larger number of awakenings (p = 0.008); and lower Delta power (p < 0.001), related to sleep deepening and homeostasis; greater both Alpha (p = 0.002) and Beta power (p < 0.001), related to arousal during deep sleep; and lower Theta power (p = 0.004), related to emotion regulation during dream sleep. Here we show that patients have increased cortical activity related to arousal and lower activity related to sleep homeostasis compared to controls. These results give additional insights in sleep pathophysiology of BC survivors and suggest sleep homeostasis disruption in non-advanced stages of BC.
Hydride reduction of o-(fluorosilyl)benzodifluorides for subsequent C–F transformations
Authors: Idogawa Rika , Kobayashi Akihiro , Kim Youngchan , Shimomori Ken , Hosoya Takamitsu , Yoshida Suguru
Published: February 2022

An efficient method for sequential C–F transformations of o-(hydrosilyl)benzotrifluorides is disclosed. A key to the success is hydride reduction of o-(fluorosilyl)difluoromethylenes.
Effect of transition metal cations on the local structure and lithium transport in disordered rock-salt oxides
Authors: Semykina D. O. , Morkhova Ye. A. , Kabanov A. A. , Mishchenko K. V. , Slobodyuk A. B. , Kirsanova M. A. , Podgornova O. A. , Shindrov A. A. , Okhotnikov K. S. , Kosova N. V.
Published: February 2022

Lithium-excess oxides Li1.2Ti0.4Mn0.4O2 and Li1.3Nb0.3Mn0.4O2 with a disordered rock-salt structure and Mn3+/Mn4+ as a redox couple were compared to analyze the effect of different d0 metal ions on the local structure and Li+ ion migration.