bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supramolecular Interfaces and Reconfigurable Liquids Derived from Cucurbit[7]uril Surfactants
Authors: Sun Shuyi , Luo Yuzheng , Yang Yang , Chen Jie , Li Shuailong , Wu Zhanpeng , Shi Shaowei
Published: September 2022

Nanoparticle surfactants (NPSs) offer a powerful means to stabilize the oil‐water interface and construct all‐liquid devices with advanced functions. However, as the nanoparticle size decreases to molecular‐scale, the binding energy of the NPS to the interface reduces significantly, leading to a dynamic adsorption of NPS and “liquid‐like” state of the interfacial assemblies. Here, by using the host‐guest recognition between a water‐soluble small molecule, cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and an oil‐soluble polymer ligand, methyl viologen‐terminated polystyrene, a supramolecular NPS model, termed CB[7] surfactant, is described. CB[7] surfactants form and assemble rapidly at the oil‐water interface, generating an elastic film with excellent mechanical properties. The binding energy of CB[7] surfactant to the interface is sufficiently high to hold it in a jammed state, transforming the interfacial assemblies from a “liquid‐like” to “solid‐like” state, enabling the structuring of liquids. With CB[7] surfactants as the emulsifier, O/W, W/O and O/W/O emulsions can be prepared in one step. Owing to the guest‐competitive responsiveness of CB[7] surfactants, the assembly/disassembly and jamming/unjamming of CB[7] surfactants can be well controlled, leading to the reconfiguration of all‐liquid constructs.
Kirigami‐Inspired Flexible Lithium‐Ion Batteries via Transformation of Concentrated Stress into Segmented Strain
Authors: Meng Qi , Zhu Jiaming , Kang Cong , Xiao Xiangjun , Ma Yulin , Huo Hua , Zuo Pengjian , Du Chunyu , Lou Shuaifeng , Yin Geping
Published: September 2022

Emerging directions in the growing wearable electronics market have spurred the development of flexible energy storage systems that require deformability while maintaining electrochemical performance. However, the traditional fabrication approaches of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are challenging to withstand long‐cycle bending alternating loads due to the stress concentration caused by the nonuniformity of the actual deformation. Herein, inspired by kirigami, a segmented deformation design of full‐cell scale thin‐type flexible lithium‐ion batteries (FLIBs) with large‐scale manufacturing characteristics via the current collector's mechanical blanking process is reported. This strategy allows the battery's elliptical deformation of the actual state to be transformed into the circular strain of the ideal configuration, thereby dispersing the stress concentration on the top of the battery. According to the results, the designed battery maintains >95% capacity after >20 000 harsh in situ dynamic tests. In addition, finite element analysis further reveals the mechanism that the segmented deformation strategy bears the mechanical stress. This work can enlighten the rational design and customization of electrode patterns for high compatibility with various devices, thereby providing potential opportunities for the application of FLIBs.
Combining molecular modeling approaches to establish the chromatographic enantiomer elution order in the absence of pure enantiomeric standards: A study case with two tetracyclic quinolines
Authors: Ianni Federica , Cerra Bruno , Moroni Giada , Varfaj Ina , Michele Alessandro Di , Gioiello Antimo , Carotti Andrea , Sardella Roccaldo
Published: September 2022

In this study, the stereoisomers of two tetracyclic quinolines previously discovered as Pregnane X Receptor ligands were stereodiscriminated with a Chiralcel OD‐H column under normal‐phase conditions. The two compounds are characterized by a C/D cis ring junction and the co‐existence of four diastereoisomers for the presence of a further chiral center at the ring C. A mobile phase made‐up of n‐hexane/2‐PrOH – 99:1 (v/v) allowed to obtain the four peaks of each stereoisomer fully resolved with enantioseparation and enantioresolution factor values up to 2.98 and 11.16, respectively. Due to the lack of pure enantiomeric standards of known stereochemistry, an indirect protocol was successfully applied to define the enantiomeric elution order (EEO) under the identified optimal eluent conditions. This was possible by comparing experimental and theoretical Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD‐DFT) electronic circular dichroism spectra.

In order to confirm the EEOs established through the ab initio calculations, molecular docking simulations were successfully performed with a nonameric model structure of the chiral selector. The results from the docking simulations were in perfect accordance with the results from the TD‐DFT study, thereby confirming the importance of performing multiple methods in the case of indirect attribution of the absolute configuration.
High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography a densitometric detection of multi‐class bioactive compounds from three species of marine algae Padina and identification of antioxidant substance with mass spectrometry
Authors: Hakim Masuma , Patel Illa
Published: September 2022

Padina is rolled‐blade‐shaped marine brown algae that often have overgrown and has been well explored for its medicinal qualities. The various species of Padina release a wide range of promising chemical components as part of their chemical defense systems. In this context, a finding was conducted to explore the bioactive compounds using exceptionally sophisticated analytical techniques, such as high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography. Microchemical and biochemical derivatization was used in the investigation to confirm multi‐class bioactive molecules and the antioxidant activity of the separated band. Microchemical derivatization ascertained the appearance of miscellaneous lipophilic substances, essential oils, volatile compounds, coumarin, and bitter principles. To determine the chemical standard of these algae, the qualitative (microchemical) screening of phytochemicals associated with flexible high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography was utilized. Moreover, biochemical derivatization, which generates a spectacular white band with a purple background to appear on the chromatogram, substantiates the antioxidant activity of a particular band. These results proffer a chromatographic profile of the antioxidant capability of three species of Padina's bioactive components, which will create the necessary information for the standardization and identification of marine algae. Mass spectrometry results revealed the presence of phytol compound from the diterpenoid class, which has antioxidant potential.
How did the lockdowns affect captive primates?
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: September 2022

Georgina Mills reports on new research looking at the effects of visitors on the behaviours of captive primates
Lending an ear
Authors: Read Claire
Published: September 2022

After Charles Chavasse discovered people seemed to find it easy to talk to him about their worries, he decided to train as a mental health and wellbeing champion – taking on a more formal role in supporting his colleagues. He tells Claire Read more.
How you can make a difference while you study through an AWF student grant
Authors: Owen Kathryn
Published: September 2022

Vet Kathryn Owen describes how a student grant for her study of needle reuse on farms allowed her to develop her research skills and contribute to scientific evidence to improve best practice
Correction to: Citizen Participation in the Information Society
Authors: Hovik Sissel , Giannoumis G. Anthony , Reichborn-Kjennerud Kristin , Ruano José M. , McShane Ian , Legard Sveinung
Published: September 2022

∎∎∎
Effective Lagrangian and stability analysis in warped space
Authors: Cai Haiying
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In the warped space model, the inter-brane distance can be stabilized by the Goldberger-Wise mechanism. Of particular importance, the stabilization potential calls for a proper identification of the dynamical degree of freedom. In this paper, we provided a complete calculation of the effective Lagrangian till the quadratic order that is generic for the Randall-Sundrum model and its N-brane (N ≥ 4) extensions. By applying the variation principle to a specific perturbation field, we derived the equations of motion and orthogonal conditions for decoupling the graviton. This approach is demonstrated to be equivalent to the analysis using the linearized Einstein equation. Our derivation clarifies that in the N-brane set up, just one degree of freedom for the radion field is dynamical, with the other modes eliminated by the gauge fixings. Thus we can directly generalize the GW stabilization to the N-brane model in a way similar to the RS1 scenario.
Quantitative rational approximation on spheres
Authors: Alam Mahbub , Ghosh Anish
Published: September 2022

We prove a quantitative theorem for Diophantine approximation by rational points on spheres. Our results are valid for arbitrary unimodular lattices and we further prove ‘spiraling’ results for the direction of approximates. These results are quantitative generalizations of the Khintchine-type theorem on spheres proved in Kleinbock and Merrill (Israel J Math 209:293–322, 2015).
Practical application of the interim internal threshold of toxicological concern (iTTC): a case study based on clinical data
Authors: Najjar Abdulkarim , Ellison Corie A. , Gregoire Sebastien , Hewitt Nicola J.
Published: September 2022

We present a case study that provides a practical step-by-step example of how the internal Threshold of Toxicological Concern (iTTC) can be used as a tool to refine a TTC-based assessment for dermal exposures to consumer products. The case study uses a theoretical scenario where there are no systemic toxicity data for the case study chemicals (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate, and ecamsule). Human dermal pharmacokinetic data following single and repeat dermal exposure to products containing the case study chemicals were obtained from data published by the US FDA. The clinical studies utilized an application procedure that followed maximal use conditions (product applied as 2 mg/cm2 to 75% of the body surface area, 4 times a day). The case study chemicals were first reviewed to determine if they were in the applicability domain of the iTTC, and then, the human plasma concentrations were compared to an iTTC limit of 1 µM. When assessed under maximum usage, the external exposure of all chemicals exceeded the external dose TTC limits. By contrast, the internal exposure to all chemicals, except oxybenzone, was an order of magnitude lower than the 1 µM interim iTTC threshold. This work highlights the importance of understanding internal exposure relative to external dose and how the iTTC can be a valuable tool for assessing low-level internal exposures; additionally, the work demonstrates how to use an iTTC, and highlights considerations and refinement opportunities for the approach.
Surgical Rib Fixation in Obese Patients with Isolated Flail Chest Improves Outcomes: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Dilday Joshua , Chien Chih Ying , Lewis Meghan , Emigh Brent , Benjamin Elizabeth R. , Demetriades Demetrios
Published: September 2022

Background

Obesity is associated with adverse outcomes after major operations. The role of operative rib fixation (RF) in obese patients with flail chest is not clear. The presence of other associated injuries may complicate the interpretation of outcomes. This study compared outcomes after RF to nonoperative management (NOM) in obese patients with isolated flail chest injury.

Methods

Adult obese patients (BMI > 29.9) with flail chest were identified from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database (2016–2018). Hospital transfers, death within 72 h, and extrathoracic injuries were excluded. RF patients were propensity score matched (1:2) to similar NOM patients. Multivariate regression identified independent factors predicting adverse outcomes.

Results

Overall, 367 patients with isolated flail chest who underwent RF were matched with 734 in the NOM group. After matching, the mortality rate was significantly lower in the RF group (1.4% vs. 3.7%; p < 0.05). RF had longer HLOS (15.7 days vs. 12.8 days; p < 0.05) and ICU LOS (10.1 days vs. 8.6 days; p < 0.05), shorter ventilator days (9.2 days vs. 11.5 days; p < 0.05), and a higher rate of venous thromboembolism (7.1% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, RF was associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.27; p < 0.05). Early RF (≤ 72 h) was associated with shorter ICU stay and mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

RF for isolated flail chest in obese patients is associated with decreased mortality and fewer ventilator days. When performed early, fixation decreases the need for prolonged ventilator use and ICU stay. A more aggressive VTE prophylaxis should be considered in patients undergoing RF.
Phenotype, genotype, and management of congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles type 1 in 16 Chinese families
Authors: Chen Moxin , Huang Rui , Zhang Yingjie , Zhu Deyi Jasmine , Shu Qin , Xun Pengcheng , Zhang Jing , Gu Ping , Li Lin
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles type 1 (CFEOM1), a classical subtype of CFEOM, is characterized by restrictive ophthalmoplegia and ptosis. It is mainly caused by aberrant neural innervation of the extraocular muscles. This study aimed to investigate the genetic characteristics and clinical manifestations of CFEOM1 in Chinese families.

Methods

The clinical data, including ocular examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and surgical procedures of affected individuals from 16 Chinese CFEOM1 families, were collected. The genomic DNA of 16 probands and their family members were sequenced for causative KIF21A gene mutations. Linkage analysis using microsatellite markers across KIF21A was also conducted.

Results

Affected individuals were presented with bilateral non-progressive ptosis, restricted horizontal eye movement, fixed infraduction of both eyes, compensatory chin-up head position, and neuromuscular abnormalities. Three heterozygous KIF21A mutations, c.2860C > T (p.R954W) (in eight families), c.2861G > T (p.R954L) (in two families), and c.2861G > A (p.R954Q) (in two families) were identified, which implied that hotspot mutations were common in Chinese CFEOM1 families. Germline Mosaicism was likely to be the cause of affected individuals with asymptomatic parents without KIF21A mutations presented in the eight families. Two affected individuals underwent modified levator muscle complex suspension surgery and achieved a good result without any complications.

Conclusion

Instead of evaluating the whole CFEOM1 gene variant, hotspot mutations could be given priority for screening. The occurrence of germline mosaicism has to be taken into account in genetic counseling. Patients with CFEOM1 who have ptosis may benefit from an innovative surgical procedure called modified levator muscle complex suspension.
Immunomodulatory effects of carbon ion radiotherapy in patients with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Hu Wei , Pei Yulei , Ning Renli , Li Ping , Zhang Zhenshan , Hong Zhengshan , Bao Cihang , Guo Xiaomao , Sun Yun , Zhang Qing
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Radiotherapy is one of the main local treatment modalities for prostate cancer, while immunosuppressive effect induced by radiotherapy is an important factor of radiation resistance and treatment failure. Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) is a novel radiotherapy technique and the immunomodulatory effect of CIRT provides the possibility of overcoming radioresistance and improving efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess the immune response evoked by CIRT in localized prostate cancer patients.

Methods

Thirty-two patients were treated by CIRT combined with or without hormone therapy and peripheral blood samples were collected before and after CIRT. Investigation of peripheral immune cell frequency, proliferation, and cytokine expression was conducted by flow cytometry, real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA.

Results

There were no significant differences in the frequencies of CD3 + , CD4 + , CD8 + T cells and NK cells after CIRT. CD4/CD8 ratio increased whereas B cells decreased. All lymphocyte subsets except regulatory T cells (Tregs) displayed increased proliferation and T cells exhibited increased functionality after CIRT, characterized by modestly increased cytokine secretion of TNF. Moreover, higher frequencies of Tregs were shown. Neither monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) nor early MDSCs changed after CIRT. TGF-β1 gene expression decreased while IL-6 showed a non-significant trend towards a decrease. Both IL-10 gene expression and plasma TGF‐β1 level were unchanged.

Conclusion

CIRT demonstrates the potential to elicit immune activation in localized prostate cancer patients, based on sparing lymphocytes, increased lymphocyte proliferation, enhanced T-cell functionality, together with limited induction of immunosuppressive cells and reduced expression of immunosuppressive cytokines.
Development of a Joint Third Mission Strategy – Challenges and Approaches
Authors: Hochstein Synnöve , Walter Stefanie , Speck Maria
Published: September 2022

In addition to offering education and conducting research, transferring knowledge from academia to society is the third core task of universities, their so-called Third Mission. A framework for transferring research results from science to society and integrating everyday problems into scientific research is a crucial starting point for academics seeking to generate solutions to socio-economic problems. At the beginning of the European University Alliance EURECA-PRO cooperation there were disparate understandings of Third Mission; as a result, related research and activities were variably conducted. Given that a common Third Mission strategy is a fundamental requirement for the establishment of the European University Alliance, EURECA-PRO is focused on all partner universities coming to a common Third Mission understanding. One way to pursue this goal is presenting EURECA-PRO scientific research from each university in video form. These videos have a clear and targeted focus on being relevant to everyday life; initial results show that this kind of science communication is both well accepted by scientists and supportive of developing a common Third Mission understanding within EURECA-PRO.
Assessment of the biological effect of metal ions and their complexes using Allium cepa and Artemia salina assays: a possible environmental implementation of biological inorganic chemistry
Authors: Tzima Chrysoula S. , Banti Christina N. , Hadjikakou Sotiris K.
Published: September 2022

The pollution of aquatic ecosystems due to the elevated concentration of a variety of contaminants, such as metal ions, poses a threat to humankind, as these ecosystems are in high relevance with human activities and survivability. The exposure in heavy metal ions is responsible for many severe chronic and pathogenic diseases and some types of cancer as well. Metal ions of the groups 11 (Cu, Ag, Au), 12 (Zn, Cd, Hg), 14 (Sn, Pb) and 15 (Sb, Bi) highly interfere with proteins leading to DNA damage and oxidative stress. While, the detection of these contaminants is mainly based on physicochemical analysis, the chemical determination, however, is deemed ineffective in some cases because of their complex nature. The development of biological models for the evaluation of the presence of metal ions is an attractive solution, which provides more insights regarding their effects. The present work critically reviews the reports published regarding the toxicity assessment of heavy metal ions through Allium cepa and Artemia salina assays. The in vivo toxicity of the agents is not only dose depended, but it is also strongly affected by their ligand type. However, there is no comprehensive study which compares the biological effect of chemical agents against Allium cepa and Artemia salina. Reports that include metal ions and complexes interaction with either Allium cepa or Artemia salina bio-indicators are included in the review.

Graphical abstract
Tools and algorithms for the construction and analysis of systems: a special issue for TACAS 2020
Authors: Biere Armin , Parker David
Published: September 2022

This special issue of Software Tools for Technology Transfer comprises extended versions of selected papers from the 26th edition of the International Conference on Tools and Algorithms for the Construction and Analysis of Systems (TACAS 2020). The focus of this conference series is tools and algorithms for the rigorous analysis of software and hardware systems, and the papers in this special cover the spectrum of current work in this field.
Using the EQ-5D-5L to investigate quality-of-life impacts of disease-modifying therapy policies for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in New Zealand
Authors: Claflin Suzi , Campbell Julie A. , Norman Richard , Mason Deborah F. , Kalincik Tomas , Simpson-Yap Steve , Butzkueven Helmut , Carroll William M. , Palmer Andrew J. , Blizzard C. Leigh , van der Mei Ingrid , Henson Glen J. , Taylor Bruce V.
Published: September 2022

Background

Health state utilities (HSU) are a health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) input for cost-utility analyses used for resource allocation decisions, including medication reimbursement. New Zealand (NZ) guidelines recommend the EQ-5D instruments; however, the EQ-5D-5L may not sufficiently capture psychosocial health. We evaluated HRQoL among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in NZ using the EQ-5D-5L and assessed the instrument’s discriminatory sensitivity for a NZ MS cohort.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the NZ MS Prevalence Study. Participants self-completed a 45-min online survey that included the EQ-5D-5L/EQ-VAS. Disability severity was classified using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to categorise participant disability as mild (EDSS: 0–3.5), moderate (EDSS: 4.0–6.0) and severe (EDSS: 6.5–9.5). Anxiety/depression were also measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS). In the absence of an EQ-5D-5L NZ tariff, HSUs were derived using an Australian tariff. We evaluated associations between HSUs and participant characteristics with linear regression models.

Results

254 participants entered the study. Mean age was 55.2 years, 79.5% were female. Mean (SD) EQ-5D-5L HSU was 0.58 (0.33). Mean (SD) HSUs for disability categories were: mild 0.80 ± 0.17, moderate 0.57 ± 0.21 and severe 0.14 ± 0.32. Twelve percent reported HSU = 1.0 (i.e., no problems in any domain). Participants who had never used a disease-modifying therapy reported a lower mean HSU. Multivariable modelling found that the HADS anxiety score was not associated with EQ-5D-5L.

Conclusions

HRQoL for people with MS in NZ was lower than comparable countries, including Australia. We suggest a comparison with other generic tools that may have improved sensitivity to mental health.
Is it all about knowledge? A survey of attitudes toward ADHD among German pediatricians
Authors: Fechner Marie E. , Mazheika Yuliya , Fehr Folkert , Jung Ronny , Borusiak Peter
Published: September 2022

Aim

Sometimes treatment is not necessarily according to guidelines, which is partly due to attitudes rather than lack of knowledge. In Germany, regional differences concerning prevalence rates of ADHD exist without valid explanation. We contribute with our data to the question of attitudes toward ADHD among pediatricians in Germany.

Method

A specially designed questionnaire based on the Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale and previous surveys was sent to pediatricians. In addition to descriptive statistics, we performed factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The vast majority (85.5%) of 581 respondents have a positive attitude toward ADHD, i.e., ADHD exists and should be treated appropriately. Physicians with positive attitudes were older and more often had a neuropediatric specialization.

Conclusion

Most of the pediatricians surveyed in Germany assess ADHD and treatment in line with medical guidelines and treat as part of multimodal therapy.
Symplectic Reduction of Classical Mechanics on Shape Space
Authors: Tokasi Sahand , Pickl Peter
Published: September 2022

One of the foremost goals of research in physics is to find the most basic and universal theories that describe our universe. Many theories assume the presence of absolute space and time in which the physical objects are located and physical processes take place. However, it is more fundamental to understand time as relative to the motion of another object, e.g., the number of swings of a pendulum, and the position of an object primarily relative to other objects. This paper aims to explain how using the principle of relationalism (to be introduced below), classical mechanics can be formulated on a most elementary space, which is freed from absolute entities: shape space. In shape space, only the relative orientation and length of subsystems are taken into account. A sufficient requirement for the validity of the principle of relationalism is that by changing a system’s scale variable, all the theory’s parameters that depend on the length, get changed accordingly. In particular, a direct implementation of the principle of relationalism introduces a proper transformation of the coupling constants of the interaction potentials in classical physics. This change leads consequently to a transformation in Planck’s measuring units, which enables us to derive a metric on shape space in a unique way. In order to find out the classical equations of motion on shape space, the method of “symplectic reduction of Hamiltonian systems” is extended to include scale transformations. In particular, we will give the derivation of the reduced Hamiltonian and symplectic form on shape space, and in this way, the reduction of a classical system with respect to the entire similarity group is achieved.
Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children with Secondary Immunodeficiencies
Authors: Kuczborska Karolina , Krzemińska Ewelina , Buda Piotr , Heropolitańska-Pliszka Edyta , Piątosa Barbara , Książyk Janusz
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose

It is a matter of research, whether children with immunodeficiencies are able to generate an effective immune response to prevent SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the seroconversion rates and changes of lymphocyte subsets during COVID-19 in immunocompetent children and those with secondary immunodeficiencies.

Methods

In 55 children — 28 immunocompromised and 27 immunocompetent — hospitalized with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, the level of IgG antibodies against the Spike protein was determined on two to three occasions. In those children from the study group whose immunosuppressive treatment did not alter during the study (n = 13) and in selected children from the control group (n = 11), flow cytometric evaluation of lymphocyte subsets was performed twice — 2 weeks and 3 months post-infection.

Results

Seroconversion reached 96.3% in both studied groups; however, the immunocompromised cohort achieved lower titers of detectable anti-S antibodies. There was no correlation between seroconversion or titers of antibodies and the total number of lymphocytes or their subsets. In the immunocompetent cohort, we reported a significant decrease in NK cells during the infection. In this group and the entire study population, a positive correlation was noticed between the CD4 + /CD8 + T cell ratio and the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Conclusions

Children with secondary immunodeficiencies seroconvert in equal percentages but with a significantly lower titer of anti-S antibodies compared to their immunocompetent peers. The lower number of NK cells in the immunocompetent cohort may result from their participation in antiviral immunity, whereas reduced CD4 + /CD8 + T cell ratios among immunocompromised children may be a protective factor against a severe COVID-19.
Identification of the Sex Pheromone of the Pink Grass Worm, Tmetolophota atristriga, Reveals Possible Population Differences in Male Response to Sex Pheromone
Authors: El-Sayed Ashraf M. , Manning Lee-Anne M.
Published: September 2022

The pink grass worm, Tmetolophota atristriga (Walker), is an endemic New Zealand noctuid moth species that is abundant throughout the North and South Islands. The larvae are minor defoliators of agricultural pasture. We investigated the sex pheromone of this species. Analysis of extract of the female sex pheromone gland identified six compounds: two monounsaturated compounds, (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald) and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac), three saturated compounds, hexadecanal (16:Ald), hexadecyl acetate (16:Ac) and octadecan-1-ol (18:OH), and a triene hydrocarbon, (3Z,6Z,9Z)-tricosatriene (Z3Z6Z9-23:Hy). Several field-trapping experiments testing combinations of the six compounds were conducted. Results suggested that males of two different populations of T. atristriga responded differently to different blends of the compounds. Males of one population responded equally to a two-component blend as to other blends, including the one with all six compounds. By contrast, males of the second population responded only to the six-component blend or a ternary blend of Z11-16:Ald, Z11-16:Ac and Z3Z6Z9-23:Hy. In experiments testing different doses of Z11-16:Ald and Z11-16:Ac in a binary or a six-component blend, a 1 mg dose of the binary blend gave the greatest male catch for both populations. This is the second sex pheromone identification of a New Zealand species of Noctuidae and is the first reported occurrence of Z3Z6Z9-23:Hy as a sex pheromone component of any noctuid species.
The evolution of the law of random processes in the analysis of dynamic systems
Authors: Lucchesi M. , Pintucchi B. , Zani N.
Published: September 2022

The paper presents a method for determining the evolution of the cumulative distribution function of random processes which are encountered in the study of dynamic systems with some uncertainties in the characterizing parameters. It is proved that these distribution functions are the solution of a partial differential equation, whose coefficients can be determined once the dynamic system has been solved, and whose numerical solution can be obtained with the finite difference method. Two simple problems are solved here both explicitly and numerically, then the obtained results are compared with each other.
Ready-to-use deep-learning surrogate models for problems with spatially variable inputs and outputs
Authors: He Xuzhen , Xu Haoding , Sheng Daichao
Published: September 2022

Data-driven intelligent surrogate models gain popularity recently. Particularly in Monte-Carlo-style stochastic analysis, the influencing factors are considered as inputs, the quantities of interest are considered as outputs, and cheaper-to-evaluate surrogates models are built from a small amount of sample data and are used for the full Monte-Carlo analysis. This paper presents a framework with three innovations: (1) we build surrogate models for a particular problem that covers any possible material properties or boundary conditions commonly encountered in practice, so the models are ready to use, and do not require new data or training anymore. (2) The inputs and outputs to the problem are both spatially variable. Even after discretization, the input and output sizes are in the order of tens of thousands, which is challenging for traditional machine-learning algorithms. We take the footing failure mechanism as an example. Two types of neural networks are examined, fully connected networks and deep neural networks with complicated non-sequential structures (a modified U-Net). (3) This study is also the first attempt to use U-Nets as surrogate models for geotechnical problems. Results show that fully connected networks can fit well simple problems with a small input and output size, but fail for complex problems. Deep neural networks that account for the data structure give better results.
Rereading Habermas in Times of CRISPR-cas: A Critique of and an Alternative to the Instrumentalist Interpretation of the Human Nature Argument
Authors: Wienmeister Annett
Published: September 2022

Habermas’s argument from human nature, which speaks in favour of holding back the use of human germline editing for purposes of enhancement, has lately received criticism anew. Prominent are objections to its supposedly genetic essentialist and determinist framework, which underestimates social impacts on human development. I argue that this criticism originates from an instrumentalist reading of Habermas’s argument, which wrongly focuses on empirical conditions and means-ends-relations. Drawing on Habermas’s distinction of a threefold use of practical reason, I show how an alternative—the ethical—reading avoids essentialist and determinist objections by addressing an existential level of sense making. I present three reasons that speak in favour of the ethical reading and I demonstrate how it incorporates social aspects of character formation. Habermas’s account therefore offers exactly what the critics claim is missing. The paper concludes with a conceptual challenge that the ethical reading has to face within Habermas’s overall approach to genetic engineering.
Regularity of a Distribution and of the Boundary of Its Support
Authors: Boman Jan
Published: September 2022

In two recent papers, Boman (J Geom Anal 31:2726–2741, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12220-020-00372-8, J Ill-posed Inverse Probl 2021, https://doi.org/10.1515/jiip-2020-0139), we proved that the Radon transform of a compactly supported distribution can be supported in the set of supporting planes to a bounded, convex domain $$D\subset {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

D
⊂

R

n

only if the boundary of D is an ellipsoid. Using closely related methods we study here the relationship between the analytic wave front set for the characteristic function, $$\chi _D$$

χ
D

, of a domain $$D \subset {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

D
⊂

R

n

and singularities of the boundary $$\partial D$$

∂
D

of the domain. For instance we prove that the boundary surface must be real analytic in a neighborhood of a point $$z \in \partial D \in C^1$$

z
∈
∂
D
∈

C
1

, if the analytic wave front set of $$\chi _D$$

χ
D

at z contains no other elements than the conormals to $$\partial D$$

∂
D

at z.
Who to Observe and Imitate in Humans and Robots: The Importance of Motivational Factors
Authors: Chevalère Johann , Kirtay Murat , Hafner Verena V. , Lazarides Rebecca
Published: September 2022

Imitation is a vital skill that humans leverage in various situations. Humans achieve imitation by observing others with apparent ease. Yet, in reality, it is computationally expensive to model on artificial agents (e.g., social robots) to acquire new skills by imitating an expert agent. Although learning through imitation has been extensively addressed in the robotic literature, most studies focus on answering the following questions:whatto imitate andhowto imitate.In this conceptual paper, we focus on one of the overlooked questions of imitation through observation:whoto imitate. We present possible answers to thewho-to-imitate question by exploring motivational factors documented in psychological research and their possible implementation in robotics. To this end, we focus on two critical instances of thewho-to-imitate question that guide agents to prioritize one demonstrator over another: outcome expectancies, viewed as the anticipated learning gains, and efficacy expectations, viewed as the anticipated costs of performing actions, respectively.
A family of non-modular covariant AQFTs
Authors: Morinelli Vincenzo , Neeb Karl-Hermann
Published: September 2022

Based on the construction provided in our paper “Covariant homogeneous nets of standard subspaces”, Comm Math Phys 386:305–358, (2021), we construct non-modular covariant one-particle nets on the two-dimensional de Sitter spacetime and on the three-dimensional Minkowski space.
ABCA6 affects the malignancy of Ewing sarcoma cells via cholesterol-guided inhibition of the IGF1R/AKT/MDM2 axis
Authors: Pasello Michela , Giudice Anna Maria , Cristalli Camilla , Manara Maria Cristina , Mancarella Caterina , Parra Alessandro , Serra Massimo , Magagnoli Giovanna , Cidre-Aranaz Florencia , Grünewald Thomas G. P. , Bini Carla , Lollini Pier-Luigi , Longhi Alessandra , Donati Davide Maria , Scotlandi Katia
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The relevance of the subfamily A members of ATP-binding cassette (ABCA) transporters as biomarkers of risk and response is emerging in different tumors, but their mechanisms of action have only been partially defined. In this work, we investigated their role in Ewing sarcoma (EWS), a pediatric cancer with unmet clinical issues.

Methods

The expression of ABC members was evaluated by RT-qPCR in patients with localized EWS. The correlation with clinical outcome was established in different datasets using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Functional studies were conducted in cell lines from patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) using gain- or loss-of-function approaches. The impact of intracellular cholesterol levels and cholesterol lowering drugs on malignant parameters was considered.

Results

We found that ABCA6, which is usually poorly expressed in EWS, when upregulated became a prognostic factor of a favorable outcome in patients. Mechanistically, high expression of ABCA6 impaired cell migration and increased cell chemosensitivity by diminishing the intracellular levels of cholesterol and by constitutive IGF1R/AKT/mTOR expression/activation. Accordingly, while exposure of cells to exogenous cholesterol increased AKT/mTOR activation, the cholesterol lowering drug simvastatin inhibited IGF1R/AKT/mTOR signaling and prevented Ser166 phosphorylation of MDM2. This, in turn, favored p53 activation and enhanced pro-apoptotic effects of doxorubicin.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that ABCA6 acts as tumor suppressor in EWS cells via cholesterol-mediated inhibition of IGF1R/AKT/MDM2 signaling, which promotes the pro-apoptotic effects of doxorubicin and reduces cell migration. Our findings also support a role of ABCA6 as biomarker of EWS progression and sustains its assessment for a more rational use of statins as adjuvant drugs.
An Investigation of the Bifurcation Behavior of an F-18 Aircraft Model
Authors: Cheng Lifang , Hu Dongpo , Zhang Litao
Published: September 2022

Bifurcations of equilibria and limit cycles of an F-18 aircraft model have been investigated in this paper based on one or two continuation parameters. First, it is shown that the aircraft can be in a stable straight-and-level flight state by coordinating the elevator deflection and the engine thrust and fixing the other parameters. Second, the aircraft may be disturbed by perturbations out of the longitudinal plane and get into the lateral-directional motion mode by a branch point bifurcation. Third, when the straight flight state loses its stability, body axis angular rates will present periodic or quasi-periodic motion pattern by the Hopf or Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. Finally, bifurcation structure of limit cycles has been exhibited, including the generalized Hopf bifurcation, the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation, the Hopf-Hopf bifurcation and the fold-Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. Meanwhile corresponding bifurcation curves in two-parameter plane have been depicted with the help of numerical continuation techniques.
Slow Wonder
Authors: O'Connor Peter , Gómez Claudia Rozas
Published: September 2022

Slow wonder bears witness to the possibilities of the imagination. In a series of letters the authors playfully imagine alternatives to current orthodoxies that privilege technocratic approaches to education that have strangled discussion about what it might mean to make education good and right, or even beautiful. The authors position the imagination as a powerful site of resistance within education and academic life. They unpack their philosophical positionings through vignettes of their teaching practice, poetry written as reflective musings and discursive theoretical pieces, including letters they have written to others. They attempt to marry the poetic and the academic, the rational and the affective, to model a slow approach to wondering about the joy, beauty and possibilities of life. In this spirit, they contemplate new ways to think and live in education.
An R Companion for The Fundamentals of Social Research
Authors: Kellstedt Paul M. , Whitten Guy D. , Tuch Steven A.
Published: September 2022

An R Companion for The Fundamentals of Social Research offers students the opportunity to delve into the world of R using real data sets and statistical analysis techniques directly from Paul M. Kellstedt, Guy D. Whitten, and Steven A. Tuch's new textbook. Workbook sections parallel chapters in the main text, giving students a chance to apply the lessons and techniques learned in each chapter in a statistical software setting. Detailed chapters teach students to reproduce results presented in the textbook, allowing them to become comfortable performing statistical analyses for evaluating causal claims through repeated practice. Step-by-step instructions for using R are provided, along with command lines and screenshots to demonstrate proper use of the software. Instructions for producing the figures and tables in the main text are integrated throughout the workbook. End-of-chapter exercises encourage students to formulate and evaluate their own hypotheses.
Trust, Democracy, and Hygiene Theatre: Taiwan’s Evasion of the Pandemic
Authors: Leflar Robert B
Published: September 2022

Taiwan’s record of preventing infections and deaths from COVID-19 outshines that of almost every other nation, far outstripping the performance of the US, all European countries, and almost all Asian countries. Yet Taiwan is the nation closest to Wuhan, font of the pandemic. Equally importantly, Taiwan’s public health achievement has occurred without the government dictates such as business and residential lockdowns that have aroused controversy and caused economic and psychological distress around the globe. This essay relates the story of Taiwan’s actions during the crucial early months of 2020 and explores the factors—historical, geographical, legal, institutional, strategic, and cultural—accounting for Taiwan’s remarkable success. Prominent among those factors are the legal and institutional infrastructure of preparedness that Taiwan constructed following its unhappy experience with the 2003 SARS outbreak, and the prompt and decisive measures taken upon discovery of the Wuhan outbreak on 31 December 2019. A dialogue between the judiciary and the legislative and executive branches of government following the SARS episode enabled the infrastructure of preparedness to be created through a process consonant with democratic government, respecting principles of individual liberty and fairness. Risk communication techniques were skilfully employed to build public trust in expert advice about measures for infection prevention. Persuasion, not compulsion, was the norm. Cultural factors including customary acceptance of mask-wearing and authoritative advice, and perhaps a high level of risk-aversity, also played an important part. Taiwan’s pandemic control policies have drawn criticism of government overreach. Some recommendations, such as for outdoor masking, bear little rational relation to infection prevention and are best characterized as mere “hygiene theatre.” Nevertheless, early-2020 government measures received a high level of public approval. Taiwan’s successful response to the pandemic illustrates the nation’s nature: a disciplined democracy.
Products of derangements in simple permutation groups
Authors: Larsen Michael , Shalev Aner , Tiep Pham Huu
Published: September 2022

We prove that any element in a sufficiently large transitive finite simple permutation group is a product of two derangements.
Studying Democracy in Europe: Conceptualization, Measurement and Indices
Authors: Graziano Paolo , Quaranta Mario
Published: September 2022

Given the academic and media salience of democracy and its measurement, in this contribution we take a closer look at the various existing datasets. For this purpose, in the first two sections we look at democratic conceptualization and measurement, and then focus on the most used datasets on democracy and assess them against the conceptual criteria illustrated in the first section. The third section focuses on the notion of quality of democracy and how it has advanced the understanding of contemporary democracies. The subsequent section illustrates changes in democratic scoring in European countries over the past 15 years. Our results show that democracy has not become more robust in European countries: on the contrary, several countries witnessed significant democratic deterioration. Furthermore, we show that – with the exception of Polity – the indexes analysed are highly correlated and therefore could be equally useful for an ongoing analysis of European democracies.
Back to the Motherland? Parsi Gujarati Travelogues of Iran in the Qajar-Pahlavi Interregnum, 1921–1925
Authors: Ranganathan Murali
Published: September 2022

The publication of four Gujarati travelogues written by Parsis traveling to Iran in quick succession in the 1920s marked the intensification of a relationship that had hitherto been based mainly on philanthropy directed towards the Zoroastrians of Iran. The Pahlavi regime, with its assurances of religious tolerance and equity, prompted Parsis to consider deepening their connection with Iran through trade and business investments and also examine the possibility of return to their motherland. The encounters which constitute these travelogues could be framed as experiments which helped the Parsi community in India to construct a framework for developing this relationship. The Parsi travelogues, while attempting to recover a Zoroastrian past in Iran, also try to map the future for the community by addressing its present anxieties and aspirations.
Stability of thermocapillary flow in liquid bridges fully coupled to the gas phase
Authors: Stojanović Mario , Romanò Francesco , Kuhlmann Hendrik C.
Published: September 2022

The linear stability of the axisymmetric steady thermocapillary flow in a liquid bridge made from 2 cSt silicone oil (Prandtl number 28) is investigated numerically in the framework of the Boussinesq approximation. The flow and temperature fields in the surrounding gas phase (air) are taken into account for a generic cylindrical container hosting the liquid bridge. The flows in the liquid and in the gas are fully coupled across the hydrostatically deformed liquid–gas interface, neglecting dynamic interface deformations. Originating from a common reference case, the linear stability boundary is computed varying the length of the liquid bridge (aspect ratio), its volume and the gravity level, providing accurate critical data. The qualitative dependence of the critical threshold on these parameters is explained in terms of the characteristics of the critical mode. The heat exchange between the ambient gas and the liquid bridge that is fully resolved has an important influence on the critical conditions.