bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward predictive permeabilities: Experimental measurements and multiscale simulation of methanol transport in Nafion
Authors: Soniat Marielle , Dischinger Sarah M. , Weng Lien‐Chun , Martinez Beltran Hajhayra , Weber Adam Z. , Miller Daniel J. , Houle Frances A.
Published: February 2021

A polymer membrane's permeability to solutes determines its suitability for various applications: a permeability value is essential for predicting performance in diverse contexts. Using aqueous methanol permeation through Nafion as an example, we describe a methodology for determining membrane permeability that accounts for boundary layer effects and the possibility of swelling. For the materials and apparatus used herein, analysis of a permeance measurement and computational fluid dynamics simulations show that the mass transfer boundary layer is on the order of ones to tens of microns. The data are used to develop and validate a multiscale model describing solute permeation through a hydrated membrane as a series of physical mechanistic steps: reversible adsorption from solution at the membrane interface, diffusion driven by a concentration gradient within the membrane, and reversible desorption into solution at the opposite membrane interface. The validated model is used to predict methanol transport across a solar‐driven CO2reduction device and to assess the impact of polymer changes on the measured value. The approach of combining experimental data, computational fluid dynamics, and the mechanistic multiscale model is expected to provide more accurate analysis of membrane permeation data in cases with polymer swelling or unusual device geometries, among others.
Specific arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal–plant interactions determine radionuclide and metal transfer into Plantago lanceolata
Authors: Rosas‐Moreno Jeanette , Pittman Jon K. , Robinson Clare H.
Published: February 2021

Societal Impact Statement

Industrial activity has left a legacy of pollution by radionuclides and heavy metals. The exposure of terrestrial environments to increased levels of ionising radiation and toxic elements is of concern, not only because of the immediate effects to biota but also because of the potential risk of mobilisation into higher levels of a food chain. Here, we present a study that extends our knowledge of how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi contribute to the mobilisation of non‐essential elements in environments such as former mine sites, and provides a perspective that will be of interest for the management and remediation of such sites.

Summary

Accumulation and transfer of long‐lived radionuclides and toxic metals in terrestrial environments is of major concern because of potential mobilisation into food chains. In this study, we aimed to compare the role of four different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) cultures on the transfer of non‐essential elements into Plantago lanceolata from a naturally contaminated soil source.

Soil from an abandoned uranium (238U) mine was collected as a natural source of 238U, thorium (232Th), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). P. lanceolata was inoculated with four AMF cultures (Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM181602, Acaulospora longula BEG8, Scutellospora calospora BEG245 and Funneliformis mosseae BEG12) to compare the uptake and transfer from root to shoot. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectroscopy and ICP‐absorption emission spectroscopy analyses provided quantification of total elemental concentrations in soil and plant tissues.

Two of the AMF cultures, A. longula and F. mosseae, had contrasting roles in toxic element partitioning in plant tissue of P. lanceolata. F. mosseae increased the accumulation of 238U, 232Th, Pb, As and Cu in shoots whereas A. longula induced increased partitioning of 232Th, Ca, Fe and Zn in roots. The inoculation treatments and the differential accumulation of these elements had no significant effect on plant biomass.

The use of different AMF cultures in enhancing phytoremediation of contaminated environments requires a wider understanding of the contribution of different AMF cultures to non‐essential element acquisition as well as to plant nutrition.
A novel step‐down infusion method of barbiturate therapy: Its safety and effectiveness for intracranial pressure control
Authors: Yamakawa Yukako , Morioka Motohiro , Negoto Tetsuya , Orito Kimihiko , Yoshitomi Munetake , Nakamura Yukihiko , Takeshige Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Masafumi , Takeuchi Yasuharu , Oda Kazutaka , Jono Hirofumi , Saito Hideyuki
Published: February 2021

Intracranial pressure (ICP) has to be maintained quite constant, because increased ICP caused by cerebrovascular disease and head trauma is fatal. Although controlling ICP is clinically critical, only few therapeutic methods are currently available. Barbiturates, a group of sedative‐hypnotic drugs, are recognized as secondary treatment for controlling ICP. We proposed a novel “step‐down infusion” method, administrating barbiturate (thiamylal) after different time point from the start of treatment under normothermia, at doses of 3.0 (0–24 h), 2.0 (24–48 h), 1.5 (48–72 h), and 1.0 mg/kg/h (72–96 h), and evaluated its safety and effectiveness in clinical. In 22 patients with severe traumatic brain injury or severe cerebrovascular disease (Glasgow coma scale ≤8), thiamylal concentrations and ICP were monitored. The step‐down infusion method under normothermia maintained stable thiamylal concentrations (<26.1 µg/ml) without any abnormal accumulation/elevation, and could successfully keep ICP <20 mmHg (targeted management value: ICP <20 mmHg) in all patients. Moreover the mean value of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) was also maintained over 65 mmHg during all time course (targeted management value: CPP >65 mmHg), and no threatening changes in serum potassium or any hemodynamic instability were observed. Our novel “step‐down infusion” method under normothermia enabled to maintain stable, safe thiamylal concentrations to ensure both ICP reduction and CPP maintenance without any serious side effects, may provide a novel and clinically effective treatment option for patients with increased ICP.
Mie‐Resonance‐Based Metamaterials with Perfect Absorption in the Terahertz Frequency Range
Authors: Zhang Jingtao , Pan Kaichao , Qiu Jun
Published: February 2021

Metamaterials have opened up an approach for high‐performance terahertz wave absorption. Herein, Mie‐resonance‐based metamaterials are fabricated from Al2O3 microspheres with different sizes. A facile method is designed to prepare the arrays of spheres efficiently and precisely. The Al2O3‐microsphere‐array metamaterial constructed with 77 μm spheres achieves perfect absorption. The maximum absorption arrives at 99.98% and the bandwidth for absorption higher than 99% is 0.11 THz (from 1.57 to 1.68 THz). Mie resonance is verified to be the reason for the strong absorption with its size‐dependent property demonstrated experimentally and theoretically. An efficient and economical route is offered to construct metamaterial perfect absorbers in the terahertz band.
Improving hydroacoustic sampling in large rivers: Evaluating factors influencing target detectability
Authors: Glubzinski Michael A. , Coulter David P. , Glover David C. , Whitledge Gregory W.
Published: February 2021

Mobile hydroacoustic sampling is increasingly being used to monitor fish populations in large rivers; however, several factors may influence the ability to sample fishes with this gear in these environments. This study sought to address the effects of vessel speed, wind speed, the coefficient of variation (CV) of transducer pitch angle, and beam compensation (BC) on hydroacoustic detectability to advance and inform mobile, horizontally oriented hydroacoustic sampling in large rivers. A series of four replicate surveys was conducted past 23 artificial targets at three vessel speeds in a large river. Wind speed data during surveys were obtained, and post‐processing of hydroacoustic data was conducted separately under maximum BC values of 6 and 12 dB. Results revealed significant negative effects of wind speed and transducer pitch CV on buoy detectability, as well as negative interactions between vessel speed and wind speed, with detectability decreasing as wind speed increased, particularly at slower vessel speeds. We suggest this may be due to increased vessel and transducer motion during periods of increased wind speed. Detectability also significantly increased under an expanded BC due to a greater proportion of the water volume being analyzed; however, further work is necessary before implementing greater BC settings in large rivers. These results ultimately display the interactive and negative effects of wind speed and vessel speed on horizontal hydroacoustic detectability in large rivers, revealing important considerations for hydroacoustic monitoring and sampling efforts in these systems.
Application method influences the oxidation rate of biologically and chemically produced elemental sulfur fertilizers
Authors: Fontaine Doline , Eriksen Jørgen , Sørensen Peter , McLaughlin Michael J. , Degryse Fien
Published: February 2021

Elemental sulfur (ES) is commonly used as a fertilizer S source but needs to be oxidized to sulfate to become plant‐available. We assessed how placement (surface applied or incorporated) affects the oxidation of ES fertilizers. The fertilizers included an ES powder, a suspension of biogenic ES particles, and three granular fertilizers: two ES–bentonite pastilles and one monoammonium phosphate fertilizer cogranulated with ES. The fertilizers were applied either on the surface (broadcast) or incorporated into two different soils in a column experiment, incubated at 25 °C. Prior to broadcasting, the granular fertilizers were dispersed in water for 48 h to simulate the effect of 30 to 40 mm of precipitation. The columns were leached weekly and the concentration of sulfates derived through ES oxidation was measured in the leachates. The half‐lives of oxidation for the ES powder were 76 and 111 d for the incorporation and broadcast applications, respectively. The diluted biological ES suspension showed faster oxidation (8 and 30 d for incorporated and broadcast), probably because of its smaller particle size. Unlike the ES particles, the ES oxidation rates of the granular fertilizers were higher for the broadcast application than when incorporated in soil, particularly when they dispersed easily. One type of ES pastille showed little dispersion and its estimated half‐life of oxidation was >1,000 d even when broadcast. Overall, the results show that ES oxidation depends on the degree of dispersion in the soil and that this is strongly affected by the fertilizer type and application method.
A Comprehensive Investigation alongwith the Statistical Evaluation for the Characterization of Ilmenite Mineral by X‐ray Fluorescence Spectrometry and Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Sk Jayabun , Sunita Pathak Ms. , Sengupta Arijit
Published: February 2021

A comparative investigation on characterization of ilmenite manuscript was performed by energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) and carrier distillation direct current arc atomic emission spectrometry (D.C. Arc AES) along with the statistical evaluation of the data obtained. 5 % AgCl was used as carrier in AES to avoid spectral interference arising out of the emission rich matrix elements. An exercise was performed to evaluate the total uncertainty associated with the methodology for characterization of base reference materials. The developed methodologies were validated using synthetic samples. ∼30 % Fe and ∼35 % Ti as major elements alongwith Ca, Mg, Cr, Si, Al, Ni, Mn, V, Zr, Eu, Mo, Na and Cd as minor and trace level were reported in real ilmenite samples. Student t test was performed at 95 % confidence limit with 10 degrees of freedom revealed that the null hypothesis persisted, i. e. the data obtained by both the methods are reliable and within the limit of statistical fluctuation. The F test on variance revealed that all the variance estimated for all the analytes were less than the critical value (Fc=2.98) and hence the variance is also within the statistical fluctuation
Eosin Y Covalently Modified on Graphene Oxide for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity toward the Degradation of Antibiotic Cefaclor under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Luo Yue , Chang Guorui , Huang Li , Zhang Leilei , Cui Jiaqi , Zhu Xiaping , Xu Shuxia
Published: February 2021

The covalent immobilization of eosin Y (EY) on graphene oxide (GO) was prepared and the obtained GO/EY composite can be used as a visible‐light‐driven photo‐catalyst for the degradation of cefaclor (CEC) antibiotics. The GO/EY composite exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than pure GO and EY adsorbed GO. Using 2 mg L−1 of CEC at pH=7, 97 % degradation toward CEC could be achieved after irradiation time of 45 min. The enhanced photocatalytic activity for GO/EY composite can be attributed to the modification of GO by EY, which acted as a sensitizer for enhancing visible light absorption. The affecting factors of photocatalytic activities on the photocatalytic degradation of CEC were evaluated, including the effects of pH values, the photosensitized oxidation conditions and the reusability of the photocatalyst. Furthermore, the enhanced photocatalytic mechanism induced by visible‐light responsive GO/EY composite was proposed by reactive specie trapping experiments, and 1O2 and H2O2 were determined to be the main reactive oxygen species in the photocatalytic system. All these results demonstrated that organic dye sensitizer functionalized GO provided a nice candidate as a photocatalyst for the removal of CEC antibiotic from water under visible light irradiation.
Polymer Additive SBS: More Sensitive to Fluorinated Asymmetric‐Indenothiophene‐Based Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Chenglin , Li Huan , Yang Shijian , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Haiqiao
Published: February 2021

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) typically suffer from a negative effect of the residual solvent on the performance due to the use of the solvent processing additive. One solution to solve this problem is to use a solid polymer additive that can promote the phase separation of the blend film of the active layers. In this work, two new D−A type photovoltaic polymers, namely PIT‐DTBT and PIT‐DTffBT, based on asymmetric indenothiophene (IT) donor unit and nonfluorinated or difluorinated benzothiadiazole acceptor unit were designed and synthesized, respectively. Then a triblock copolymer, poly(styrene‐block‐butadiene‐block‐styrene) (SBS), was employed as a polymer additive into the active layers of PIT‐DTBT/PC71BM and PIT‐DTffBT/PC71BM based devices, and the SBS effect on the morphology of the blend films of the active layers, and then the performance of the two kinds of devices was investigated. The results demonstrated that the addition of SBS improved the molecule packing and induced the crystallization of PIT‐DTffBT, making the device have higher charge mobilities, more efficient charge dissociation and collection, and less charge recombination. Thus, power conversion efficiency (PCE) was increased from 4.61 % to 6.57 % for PIT‐DTffBT based device. Although almost no improvement in molecule packing and crystallization was observed for SBS‐treated nonfluorinated PIT‐DTBT, the fact of PCE of the PIT‐DTBT based device increased from 2.94 % to 3.13 % can also be attributed to the improved phase separation of the blend film by SBS. These findings indicate that SBS is more sensitive to fluorinated polymers than nonfluorinated polymers in improving molecule packing and inducing crystallization.
Mapping a sector's scope transformation and the value of following the evolving core
Authors: Cetorelli Nicola , Jacobides Michael G. , Stern Samuel
Published: February 2021

Abstracts

Research Summary

A surprisingly neglected facet of sector evolution is the evolutionary analysis of firms', and thus a sector's, scope. Defining a sector as a group of firms that can change their scope over time, we study the transformation of U.S. banking firms. We undertake a sectoral, population‐wide study of business‐scope transformation, with particular focus onwhich segmentsbanks expand into. As financial intermediation evolved, a continuously shifting set of activities became associated with “core banking,” with scope changing and relatedness itself (measured through coincidence) evolving over the banking sector's history. Banks that expand scope while staying close to this evolving core attain net performance benefits. Identification tests show that the benefits of following the evolving core are robust to endogeneity.

Managerial Summary

When does it pay to diversify into new segments? Our study looks at the transformation of U.S. banking firms from 1992 to 2006. Drawing on the full population of banks, we show that, as financial intermediation evolved, a continuously shifting set of activities became associated with “core banking.” Bank Holding Companies expanded their scope on aggregate, moving in and out of new segments. We find that while entry into new segments is negatively associated with performance improvement, diversification into this evolving core of activities is positively associated with performance improvement. This redefines “related diversification” and its positive value, showing relatedness changes over time, as a function of the evolution of the sector. We find that our results are robust to selection.
Monitoring Lipolysis by Sensing Breath Acetone down to Parts‐per‐Billion
Authors: Weber Ines C. , Derron Nina , Königstein Karsten , Gerber Philipp A. , Güntner Andreas T. , Pratsinis Sotiris E.
Published: February 2021

Mobile health technologies can provide information routinely and on demand to manage metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes and obesity) and optimize their treatment (e.g., exercise or dieting). Most promising is breath acetone monitoring to track lipolysis and complement standard glucose monitoring. Yet, accurate quantification of acetone down to parts‐per‐billion (ppb) is difficult with compact and mobile devices in the presence of interferants at comparable or higher concentrations. Herein, a low‐cost detector that quantifies end‐tidal acetone during exercise and rest is presented with excellent bias (25 ppb) and unprecedented precision (169 ppb) in 146 breath samples. It combines a flame‐made Pt/Al2O3 catalyst with a chemoresistive Si/WO3 sensor. The detector is robust against orders of magnitude higher ethanol concentrations from disinfection and exercise‐driven endogenous breath isoprene ones, as validated by mass spectrometry. This detector accurately tracks the individual lipolysis dynamics in all volunteers, as confirmed by blood ketone measurements. It can be integrated readily into handheld devices for personalized metabolic assessment at home, in gyms, and clinics.
DNA Structural Barcode Copying and Random Access
Authors: Bošković Filip , Ohmann Alexander , Keyser Ulrich F. , Chen Kaikai
Published: February 2021

Digitally encoded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nanostructures built via DNA self‐assembly have established applications in multiplexed biosensing and storing digital information. However, a key challenge is that DNA structures are not easily copied which is of vital importance for their large‐scale production and access to desired molecules by target‐specific amplification. Herein, DNA structural barcodes are built and the copying and random access of the barcodes from a library of molecules is demonstrated using a modified polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The structural barcodes are assembled by annealing a single‐stranded DNA scaffold with complementary short oligonucleotides containing protrusions as digital bits at defined locations. DNA nicks in these structures are ligated to facilitate barcode copying using PCR. To randomly access a target from a library of barcodes, a non‐complementary end in the DNA construct that serves as a barcode‐specific primer‐template is used. Readout of the DNA structural barcodes is performed with nanopore measurements. The study provides a roadmap for the convenient production of large quantities of self‐assembled DNA nanostructures. In addition, this strategy offers access to specific targets, a crucial capability for multiplexed single‐molecule sensing, and DNA data storage.
Deep Protein Subcellular Localization Predictor Enhanced with Transfer Learning of GO Annotation
Authors: Yuan Xin , Pang Erli , Lin Kui , Hu Jinglu
Published: February 2021

Since the large‐scale protein sequence data is available, applying deep neural networks to mine better features from the sequences becomes possible. Eukaryotic protein subcellular localization prediction which makes a contribution in many biology process, has used protein sequences in many automatic predicting methods. Moreover, gene ontology (GO) annotation has been shown to be helpful in improving the prediction accuracy of subcellular localization. However, experimentally annotated proteins are not always available. On the other hand, experimentally annotated proteins are available for certain species such as human, mouse, Arabidopsis thaliana, etc. It is highly motivated to perform deep learning of GO annotations on the available experimentally annotated proteins and to transfer it to subcellular localization prediction on other species. In this paper, we propose a deep protein subcellular localization predictor, consisting of a linear classifier and a deep feature extractor of convolution neural network (CNN). The deep CNN feature extractor is first shared and pre‐trained in a deep GO annotation predictor, and then is transferred to the subcellular localization predictor with fine‐tuning using protein localization samples. In this way, we have a deep protein subcellular localization predictor enhanced with transfer learning of GO annotation. The proposed method has good performances on the Swiss‐Prot datasets, when transfer learning using the protein samples both within and out species. Moreover, it outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art traditional methods on benchmark datasets. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A LiF(200) double‐curved crystal for performance improvement of a monochromatic X‐ray fluorescence source
Authors: Cheng Dawei , Liu Mingbo , Ni Ziyue , Shen Xuejing , Jia Yunhai
Published: February 2021

LiF(200) diffraction crystals are commonly used in high‐power wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) but seldom in benchtop energy‐dispersive XRF instruments because of their low diffraction efficiencies. We herein describe a method of producing a double‐curved crystal (DCC) from an LiF(200) plate crystal, wherein diverging X‐rays onto the DCC can be totally diffracted and focused. This improves the performance of a monochromatic wavelength X‐ray fluorescence (MWXRF) source. The characteristic 5.415 keV line of a chromium target was diffracted by an LiF(200) DCC; this MWXRF was used to detect weak signals of trace light elements with atomic numbers 11–22 because of the extremely low and continuous background spectrum. The MWXRF intensity approached 5.3 × 108 cps, and it exhibited excellent focusing with a 0.24 × 0.52 mm focal spot. Trace‐ and high‐concentration levels were calibrated respectively to ensure good accuracy. The lower limits of detection of sulfur and chlorine in oils were 1.75 and 0.63 μg/g, respectively. The MWXRF source could be developed into an integrated device including a mini‐focus X‐ray tube and an LiF(200) DCC. Designing the DCC to diffract characteristic MWXRF would provide a system of practical applicability, especially for some serious overlapping and interferential spectral lines.
Beyond templating: Electronic structure impacts of aromatic cations in organic–inorganic antimony chlorides
Authors: Blahusch Jakob , Fabini Douglas H. , Jiménez‐Solano Alberto , Lotsch Bettina V.
Published: February 2021

Organic cations influence the crystal packing and, less commonly, the electronic structure of hybrid organic–inorganic materials. Two new hybrid compounds prepared from solution, (PEA)SbCl6 and (PEA)4Sb2Cl12 (PEA=phenylethylammonium), demonstrate how the aromatic PEA cation modifies the crystal and electronic structures relative to inorganic antimony chlorides. In (PEA)SbCl6 the ethylammonium conformation results in a polar and chiral crystal structure, and the bandgap is characterized by organic‐inorganic charge transfer. In the mixed‐valence (PEA)4SbIIISbVCl12 the structure is a uniaxial elongation of that of inorganic analogs and the optoelectronic properties combine features of intervalence charge transfer and organic–inorganic charge transfer.
Observable proton decay in flipped SU(5)
Authors: Mehmood Maria , Rehman Mansoor Ur , Shafi Qaisar
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We explore proton decay in a class of realistic supersymmetric flipped SU(5) models supplemented by a U(1)R symmetry which plays an essential role in implementing hybrid inflation. Two distinct neutrino mass models, based on inverse seesaw and type I seesaw, are identified, with the latter arising from the breaking of U(1)R by nonrenormalizable superpotential terms. Depending on the neutrino mass model an appropriate set of intermediate scale color triplets from the Higgs superfields play a key role in proton decay channels that include p → (e+, μ+) π0, p → (e+, μ+) K0, p →$$ \overline{v}{\pi}^{+} $$

v
¯

π
+

, and p →$$ \overline{v}{K}^{+} $$

v
¯

K
+

. We identify regions of the parameter space that yield proton lifetime estimates which are testable at Hyper-Kamiokande and other next generation experiments. We discuss how gauge coupling unification in the presence of intermediate scale particles is realized, and a Z4 symmetry is utilized to show how such intermediate scales can arise in flipped SU(5). Finally, we compare our predictions for proton decay with previous work based on SU(5) and flipped SU(5).
An Application of Medial Limits to Iterative Functional Equations, II
Authors: Morawiec Janusz
Published: February 2021

Applying medial limits we describe bounded solutions $$\varphi :S\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

φ
:
S
→
R

of the functional equation $$\begin{aligned} \varphi (x)=\int _{\Omega }g(\omega )\varphi (f(x,\omega ))d\mu (\omega )+G(x), \end{aligned}$$

φ

(
x
)

=

∫
Ω

g

(
ω
)

φ

(
f

(
x
,
ω
)

)

d
μ

(
ω
)

+
G

(
x
)

,

where $$(\Omega ,{\mathcal {A}},\mu )$$

(
Ω
,
A
,
μ
)

is a measure space, $$S\subset \mathbb R$$

S
⊂
R

, $$f:S\times \Omega \rightarrow S$$

f
:
S
×
Ω
→
S

, $$g:\Omega \rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

g
:
Ω
→
R

is integrable and $$G:S\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

G
:
S
→
R

is bounded. The main purpose of this paper is to extend results obtained in Morawiec (Results Math 75(3):102, 2020) to the above general functional equation in wider classes of functions and under weaker assumptions.
Anatomic single- and double-bundle ACL reconstruction both restore dynamic knee function: a randomized clinical trial—part II: knee kinematics
Authors: Tashman Scott , Zandiyeh Payam , Irrgang James J. , Musahl Volker , West Robin Vereeke , Shah Neha , Fu Freddie H.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Compare side-to-side differences for knee kinematics between anatomic single-bundle (SB) and anatomic double-bundle (DB) ACLR during downhill running at 6 and 24 months post ACLR using high-accuracy dynamic stereo X-ray imaging. It was hypothesized that anatomic DB ACLR would better restore tibio-femoral kinematics compared to SB ACLR, based on comparison to the contralateral, uninjured knee.

Methods

Active individuals between 14 and 50 years of age that presented within 12 months of injury were eligible to participate. Individuals with prior injury or surgery of either knee, greater than a grade 1 concomitant knee ligament injury, or ACL insertion sites less than 14 mm or greater than 18 mm were excluded. Subjects were randomized to undergo SB or DB ACLR with a 10 mm-wide quadriceps tendon autograft harvested with a patellar bone block and were followed for 24 months. Dynamic knee function was assessed during treadmill downhill running using a dynamic stereo X-ray tracking system at 6 and 24 months after surgery. Three-dimensional tibio-femoral kinematics were calculated and compared between limbs (ACLR and uninjured contralateral) at each time point.

Results

Fifty-seven subjects were randomized (29 DB) and 2-year follow-up was attained from 51 (89.5%). No significant differences were found between SB and DB anatomic ACLR for any of the primary kinematic variables.

Conclusions

Contrary to the study hypothesis, double-bundle reconstruction did not show superior kinematic outcomes compared to the single-bundle ACLR. While neither procedure fully restored normal knee kinematics, both anatomic reconstructions were similarly effective for restoring near-normal dynamic knee function. The findings of this study indicate both SB and DB techniques can be used for patients with average size ACL insertion sites.

Level of evidence

Level I
Correction to: Restricted kinematic alignment leads to uncompromised osseointegration of cementless total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Laforest Guillaume , Kostretzis Lazaros , Kiss Marc-Olivier , Vendittoli Pascal-André
Published: February 2021

Authors would like to correct the error in in their original publication of the article.
The middle rectal artery detected by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging predicts lateral lymph node metastasis in lower rectal cancer
Authors: Iwasa Yosuke , Koyama Fumikazu , Marugami Nagaaki , Kuge Hiroyuki , Nakamoto Takayuki , Obara Shinsaku , Nishiwada Satoshi , Takei Takeshi , Sadamitsu Tomomi , Yamauchi Satoshi , Kichikawa Kimihiko , Sho Masayuki
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Lateral lymph node (LLN) metastasis is one of the leading causes of local recurrence in patients with lower rectal cancer. Unfortunately, no diagnostic biomarkers are currently available that can predict LLN metastasis preoperatively. Accordingly, we investigated the relationship between the middle rectal artery (MRA) identified by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (ceMRI) and LLN metastases.

Methods

Data from 102 patients with lower rectal cancer who underwent surgery, and were evaluated by preoperative ceMRI, between 2008 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Two expert radiologists evaluated the MRA findings. The diagnostic performance of MRA for LLN metastasis was evaluated by a multivariate analysis with conventional clinicopathological factors.

Results

The MRA was detected in 67 patients (65.7%), including 32 (31.4%) with bilateral MRA and 35 (34.3%) with unilateral MRA. The tumor size, presence of the MRA, and clinical LLN status were significantly correlated with LLN metastasis. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of MRA (P = 0.045) and clinical LLN status (P = 0.001) were independent predictive factors for LLN metastasis. Furthermore, the sensitivity and negative predictive value of MRA for LLN metastasis were 95% and 97.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

We successfully demonstrated that MRAs could be clearly detected by ceMRI, and the presence of MRA robustly predicted LLN metastasis in patients with lower rectal cancer, highlighting its clinical significance in the selection of more appropriate treatment strategies.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: retrospectively registered 2126

Trial registration date of registration: August 23, 2019
Voronoï summation via switching cusps
Authors: Assing Edgar , Corbett Andrew
Published: February 2021

We consider the Fourier expansion of a Hecke (resp. Hecke–Maaß) cusp form of general level N at the various cusps of $$\Gamma _{0}(N)\backslash \mathbb {H}$$

Γ
0

(
N
)

\
H

. We explain how to compute these coefficients via the local theory of p-adic Whittaker functions and establish a classical Voronoï summation formula allowing an arbitrary additive twist. Our discussion has applications to bounding sums of Fourier coefficients and understanding the (generalised) Atkin–Lehner relations.
Dynamics of mass variable rotor and its application in modeling tuning operation
Authors: Cveticanin L. , Dregelyi A. , Horvath R. , Zukovic M.
Published: February 2021

The vibration of a rotor with variable mass as a one-mass system with two degrees of freedom is investigated. An analytical procedure for solving of the system of two coupled second-order differential equations with slow time variable parameters is developed. The trajectory of the rotor center for various initial conditions is obtained. The method developed in the paper is applied for determining the vibration of the work piece during turning operation. The analytically obtained results show the influence of mass variation, cutting parameters and cutting force on the dynamic properties of the work piece. A decrease in mass of the work piece increases the amplitude of vibration. The amplitude increase is faster if the cutting velocity is higher. The obtained results are compared with experimentally obtained ones. The correlation between vibration and surface roughness is determined.
Sequentially coupled shape and topology optimization for 2.5D and 3D beam models
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Suiker Akke S. J. , Hofmeyer Hèrm , van Hooff Twan , Blocken Bert
Published: February 2021

A sequentially coupled shape and topology optimization framework is presented in which the outer geometry and the internal topological layout of beam-type structures are optimized simultaneously. The outer geometry of the beam-type structures is parametrically described by non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS), which guarantees a highly accurate description of the structural shape and enable an efficient control of the design domain with only a few control points. The computational efficiency of the coupled optimization approach is assured by applying a gradient-based optimization algorithm, for which the sensitivities are derived in closed form. The formulation of the coupled optimization approach is tailored toward 2.5D and full 3D representations of beam structures used in engineering applications. The 2.5D beam model, which has been taken from the literature, uses standard beam elements to simulate the beam response in the longitudinal direction, whereby the cross-sectional properties of the beam elements are calculated from additional 2D finite element method (FEM) analyses. A comparison study of a cantilever beam problem subjected to pure shape optimization and pure topology optimization illustrates that the 2.5D and 3D beam models lead to similar shape and topology designs, but that the 2.5D beam model has a significantly higher computational efficiency. Specifically, the computational times for the 2.5D model are about a factor 70 (shape optimization) and 1.4 (topology optimization) lower than for the 3D model, which indicates that in the coupled optimization approach the optimization of the shape provides the largest contribution to the higher computational efficiency of the 2.5D model. The coupled shape and topology optimization analysis subsequently performed on the 2.5D cantilever beam model demonstrates that the specific order at which the alternating shape and topology optimization increments are performed in the staggered update procedure turns out to have some influence on the computational speed and the value of the minimal compliance computed. Despite these differences, the final beam structures following from the different staggered update procedures illustrate how shape and topology can be efficiently optimized in an integrated, coupled fashion.
Auswirkungen des Klimawandels auf das Grundwasser und die Wasserversorgung in Süddeutschland
Authors: Fliß Ronja , Baumeister Christof , Gudera Thomas , Hergesell Mario , Kopp Benjamin , Neumann Jörg , Posselt Miriam
Published: February 2021

Für die öffentliche Trinkwasserversorgung in Süddeutschland wird größtenteils Grund- und Quellwasser genutzt. Der Kenntnis über die Entwicklung des Bodenwasserhaushalts und insbesondere der Grundwasserneubildung kommt somit eine große Bedeutung zu. Im Rahmen der Kooperation KLIWA (Klimaveränderung und Konsequenzen für die Wasserwirtschaft, www.kliwa.de) wurde die Entwicklung des Bodenwasserhaushaltes und der Grundwasserneubildung aus Niederschlag für den Zeitraum von 1951 bis 2019 für die Länder Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Hessen und Rheinland-Pfalz mit dem Bodenwasserhaushaltmodell GWN-BW modelliert. Seit Ende der 1980er-Jahre zeigt sich ein Anstieg der mittleren jährlichen Temperatur in Süddeutschland. Die jährlichen Niederschlagssummen haben sich in der jüngeren Vergangenheit (seit 2003) reduziert und somit eine deutliche Verringerung der Grundwasserneubildung aus Niederschlag bewirkt. Gleichzeitig ist eine Zunahme des Trockenheitsindex (Anzahl an Tagen mit Füllung des Bodenwasserspeichers < 30 % der nutzbaren Feldkapazität) zu erkennen. Häufiger werdende und länger anhaltende Trockenperioden stellen auch die Wasserwirtschaft zunehmend vor Herausforderungen und bedürfen der frühzeitigen Entwicklung von Handlungsoptionen, z. B. auf der Basis des hier vorgestellten „Trockenwetterdargebots“, um Nutzungskonflikte zu entschärfen.
Accuracy of upper endoscopies with random biopsies to identify patients with gastric premalignant lesions who can safely be exempt from surveillance
Authors: Mommersteeg Michiel C. , Nieuwenburg Stella A. V. , den Hollander Wouter J. , Holster Lisanne , den Hoed Caroline M. , Capelle Lisette G. , Tang Tjon J. , Anten Marie- Paule , Prytz-Berset Ingrid , Witteman Ellen M. , ter Borg Frank , Burger Jordy P. W. , Doukas Michail , Bruno Marco J. , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Fuhler Gwenny M. , Kuipers Ernst J. , Spaander Manon C. W.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Guidelines recommend endoscopy with biopsies to stratify patients with gastric premalignant lesions (GPL) to high and low progression risk. High-risk patients are recommended to undergo surveillance. We aimed to assess the accuracy of guideline recommendations to identify low-risk patients, who can safely be discharged from surveillance.

Methods

This study includes patients with GPL. Patients underwent at least two endoscopies with an interval of 1–6 years. Patients were defined ‘low risk’ if they fulfilled requirements for discharge, and ‘high risk’ if they fulfilled requirements for surveillance, according to European guidelines (MAPS-2012, updated MAPS-2019, BSG). Patients defined ‘low risk’ with progression of disease during follow-up (FU) were considered ‘misclassified’ as low risk.

Results

334 patients (median age 60 years IQR11; 48.7% male) were included and followed for a median of 48 months. At baseline, 181/334 (54%) patients were defined low risk. Of these, 32.6% were ‘misclassified’, showing progression of disease during FU. If MAPS-2019 were followed, 169/334 (51%) patients were defined low risk, of which 32.5% were ‘misclassified’. If BSG were followed, 174/334 (51%) patients were defined low risk, of which 32.2% were ‘misclassified’. Seven patients developed gastric cancer (GC) or dysplasia, four patients were ‘misclassified’ based on MAPS-2012 and three on MAPS-2019 and BSG. By performing one additional endoscopy 72.9% (95% CI 62.4–83.3) of high-risk patients and all patients who developed GC or dysplasia were identified.

Conclusion

One-third of patients that would have been discharged from GC surveillance, appeared to be ‘misclassified’ as low risk. One additional endoscopy will reduce this risk by 70%.
Discounting in economic evaluation of healthcare interventions: what about the risk term?
Authors: Hultkrantz Lars
Published: February 2021

Results from economic evaluations of long-term outcomes are strongly dependent on the chosen discount rate. A recent review of national guidelines for evaluation of healthcare interventions finds that “the level of currently used discount rates seems relatively high in many countries”. However, this conclusion comes from a comparison to rates derived or observed for investments in safe assets, while rate of return requirements are typically considerably higher when investment involves risk. This paper reviews recent literature on how to account for project-specific risk in determination of the social rate of discount and discusses implications for economic evaluation of healthcare interventions. It concludes that the available empirical evidence strongly suggests that the demand for and consumer value of health and healthcare is co-variant with income, which therefore implies that there is a non-diversifiable risk component of health-related investment.
The biotechnological importance of the plant-specific NAC transcription factor family in crop improvement
Authors: Singh Sadhana , Koyama Hiroyuki , Bhati Kaushal K. , Alok Anshu
Published: February 2021

Climate change, malnutrition, and food insecurity are the inevitable challenges being faced by the agriculture sector today. Plants are susceptible to extreme temperatures during the crucial phases of flowering and seed development, and elevated carbon levels also lead to yield losses. Productivity is also affected by floods and droughts. Therefore, increasing plant yield and stress tolerance are the priorities to be met through novel biotechnological interventions. The contributions of NAC genes towards enhancing plant survivability under stress is well known. Here we focus on the potential of NAC genes in the regulation of abiotic stress tolerance, secondary cell wall synthesis, lateral root development, yield potential, seed size and biomass, ROS signaling, leaf senescence, and programmed cell death. Once naturally tolerant candidate NAC genes have been identified, and the nature of their association with growth and fitness against multi-environmental stresses has been determined, they can be exploited for building inherent tolerance in future crops via transgenic technologies. An update on the latest developments is provided in this review, which summarizes the current understanding of the roles of NAC in the establishment of various stress-adaptive mechanisms in model and food crop plants.
Cost of groundwater protection: major groundwater basin protection zones in Poland
Authors: Krogulec Ewa , Gurwin Jacek , Wąsik Mirosław
Published: February 2021

This paper describes the complex hydrogeological, legal framework and socioeconomic costs of the groundwater protection in major groundwater basins (MGBs) in Poland in accordance with European directives. The hydrogeological criteria developed in Poland for establishing MGBs and the principles of their protection provide more details to the directives that are in force in Europe, which define the general principles for groundwater protection. The procedure of establishing MGB protection zones is connected with a change in local plans and land development and requires an analysis of the cost–benefit relationship in the sphere of social economy in the sector of public economics. The cost assessment was performed on the basis of data from hydrogeological documentations, and the aggregation of subareas to which the same existing and planned development can be attributed. A legal analysis of bans, orders and restrictions together with the identification of the risk of claims in specific hydrogeological and development conditions was a fundamental issue of research. These costs depend on the acreage and land use of the protected area. The unit costs of MGB protection, calculated per 1 km2 of the protection area, for six sample basins were estimated at €120 to €208,000/2 years/1 km2. The highest costs are generated by establishing protection in urban areas, while the lowest costs are generated in forest areas.
Phase-contrast and dark-field imaging for the inspection of resin-rich areas and fiber orientation in non-crimp vacuum infusion carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers
Authors: Glinz Jonathan , Šleichrt Jan , Kytýř Daniel , Ayalur-Karunakaran Santhosh , Zabler Simon , Kastner Johann , Senck Sascha
Published: February 2021

In this work, we present a multimodal approach to three-dimensionally quantify and visualize fiber orientation and resin-rich areas in carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers manufactured by vacuum infusion. Three complementary image modalities were acquired by Talbot–Lau grating interferometer (TLGI) X-ray microcomputed tomography (XCT). Compared to absorption contrast (AC), TLGI-XCT provides enhanced contrast between polymer matrix and carbon fibers at lower spatial resolutions in the form of differential phase contrast (DPC) and dark-field contrast (DFC). Consequently, relatively thin layers of resin, effectively indiscernible from image noise in AC data, are distinguishable. In addition to the assessment of fiber orientation, the combination of DPC and DFC facilitates the quantification of resin-rich areas, e.g., in gaps between fiber layers or at binder yarn collimation sites. We found that resin-rich areas between fiber layers are predominantly developed in regions characterized by a pronounced curvature. In contrast, in-layer resin-rich areas are mainly caused by the collimation of fibers by binder yarn. Furthermore, void volume around two adjacent 90°-oriented fiber layers is increased by roughly 20% compared to a random distribution over the whole specimen.
Solving mixed-integer nonlinear optimization problems using simultaneous convexification: a case study for gas networks
Authors: Liers Frauke , Martin Alexander , Merkert Maximilian , Mertens Nick , Michaels Dennis
Published: February 2021

Solving mixed-integer nonlinear optimization problems (MINLPs) to global optimality is extremely challenging. An important step for enabling their solution consists in the design of convex relaxations of the feasible set. Known solution approaches based on spatial branch-and-bound become more effective the tighter the used relaxations are. Relaxations are commonly established by convex underestimators, where each constraint function is considered separately. Instead, a considerably tighter relaxation can be found via so-called simultaneous convexification, where convex underestimators are derived for more than one constraint function at a time. In this work, we present a global solution approach for solving mixed-integer nonlinear problems that uses simultaneous convexification. We introduce a separation method that relies on determining the convex envelope of linear combinations of the constraint functions and on solving a nonsmooth convex problem. In particular, we apply the method to quadratic absolute value functions and derive their convex envelopes. The practicality of the proposed solution approach is demonstrated on several test instances from gas network optimization, where the method outperforms standard approaches that use separate convex relaxations.