bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation regulates the expression of the negative transcriptional regulators ID2 and ID4 during OPC differentiation
Authors: Tiane Assia , Schepers Melissa , Riemens Renzo , Rombaut Ben , Vandormael Patrick , Somers Veerle , Prickaerts Jos , Hellings Niels , van den Hove Daniel , Vanmierlo Tim
Published: September 2021

The differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) into myelinating oligodendrocytes is the prerequisite for remyelination in demyelinated disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, have been suggested to control the intricate network of transcription factors involved in OPC differentiation. Yet, the exact mechanism remains undisclosed. Here, we are the first to identify the DNA-binding protein inhibitors, Id2 and Id4, as targets of DNA methylation during OPC differentiation. Using state-of-the-art epigenetic editing via CRISPR/dCas9-DNMT3a, we confirm that targeted methylation of Id2/Id4 drives OPC differentiation. Moreover, we show that in the pathological context of MS, methylation and gene expression levels of both ID2 and ID4 are altered compared to control human brain samples. We conclude that DNA methylation is crucial to suppress ID2 and ID4 during OPC differentiation, a process that appears to be dysregulated during MS. Our data do not only reveal new insights into oligodendrocyte biology, but could also lead to a better understanding of CNS myelin disorders.
Circulating circRNA as biomarkers for dilated cardiomyopathy etiology
Authors: Costa Marina C. , Calderon-Dominguez Maria , Mangas Alipio , Campuzano Oscar , Sarquella-Brugada Georgia , Ramos Mónica , Quezada-Feijoo Maribel , Pinilla José Manuel García , Robles-Mezcua Ainhoa , del Aguila Pacheco-Cruz Galan , Belmonte Thalia , Enguita Francisco J. , Toro Rocío
Published: September 2021

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the third most common cause of heart failure. The multidisciplinary nature of testing — involving genetics, imaging, or cardiovascular techniques — makes its diagnosis challenging. Novel and reliable biomarkers are needed for early identification and tailored personalized management. Peripheral circular RNAs (circRNAs), a leading research topic, remain mostly unexplored in DCM. We aimed to assess whether peripheral circRNAs are expressed differentially among etiology-based DCM. The study was based on a case–control multicentric study. We enrolled 130 subjects: healthy controls (n = 20), idiopathic DCM (n = 30), ischemic DCM (n = 20), and familial DCM patients which included pathogen variants of (i) LMNA gene (n = 30) and (ii) BCL2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) gene (n = 30). Differentially expressed circRNAs were analyzed in plasma samples by quantitative RT-PCR and correlated to relevant systolic and diastolic parameters. The pathophysiological implications were explored through bioinformatics tools. Four circRNAs were overexpressed compared to controls: hsa_circ_0003258, hsa_circ_0051238, and hsa_circ_0051239 in LMNA-related DCM and hsa_circ_0089762 in the ischemic DCM cohort. The obtained areas under the curve confirm the discriminative capacity of circRNAs. The circRNAs correlated with some diastolic and systolic echocardiographic parameters with notable diagnostic potential in DCM. Circulating circRNAs may be helpful for the etiology-based diagnosis of DCM as a non-invasive biomarker.

Key messages

The limitations of cardiac diagnostic imaging and the absence of a robust biomarker reveal the need for a diagnostic tool for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

The circular RNA (circRNA) expression pattern is paramount for categorizing the DCM etiologies.

Our peripheral circRNAs fingerprint discriminates between various among etiology-based DCM and correlates with some echocardiographic parameters.

We provide a potential non-invasive biomarker for the etiology-based diagnosis of LMNA-related DCM and ischemic DCM.
Waiting for family reunification and the risk of mental disorders among refugee fathers: a 24-year longitudinal cohort study from Denmark
Authors: Hvidtfeldt Camilla , Petersen Jørgen Holm , Norredam Marie
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To examine whether family separation caused by prolonged waiting for family reunification is associated with the risk of mental disorders among refugee fathers.

Method

Based on full-population Danish registry data covering 1995–2015, we mapped arrival patterns among nuclear refugee family members resettled in Denmark (n = 76,776) and established a cohort of refugee fathers (n = 6176) who all arrived alone and later obtained family reunification with their wife and children. The fathers were followed for up to 24 years, from the day their residence permit was issued until their first psychiatric diagnosis, emigration, death, or study end, whichever came first. Using Cox proportional hazard regression, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) of being diagnosed with a mental disorder (i) for the period while the fathers were still separated from their family and (ii) across varying lengths of family separation.

Results

The HR of any mental disorder was 2.10 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57–2.81) for fathers still separated from their family compared with those who had obtained family reunification. The HR increased with longer family separation. Compared with fathers separated for < 9 months, the HR of any mental disorder was 1.43 (95% CI 1.08–1.89) for 9–11 months’ separation, increasing to 2.02 (95% CI 1.52–2.68) for 18–23 months’ separation. Results were driven by post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion

Fathers waiting for their wives and children face an increased risk of mental disorders. Countries receiving refugees should be aware that delaying family reunification can lead to adverse mental health effects.
Sentinel-6A precise orbit determination using a combined GPS/Galileo receiver
Authors: Montenbruck Oliver , Hackel Stefan , Wermuth Martin , Zangerl Franz
Published: September 2021

The Sentinel-6 (or Jason-CS) altimetry mission provides a long-term extension of the Topex and Jason-1/2/3 missions for ocean surface topography monitoring. Analysis of altimeter data relies on highly-accurate knowledge of the orbital position and requires radial RMS orbit errors of less than 1.5 cm. For precise orbit determination (POD), the Sentinel-6A spacecraft is equipped with a dual-constellation GNSS receiver. We present the results of Sentinel-6A POD solutions for the first 6 months since launch and demonstrate a 1-cm consistency of ambiguity-fixed GPS-only and Galileo-only solutions with the dual-constellation product. A similar performance (1.3 cm 3D RMS) is achieved in the comparison of kinematic and reduced-dynamic orbits. While Galileo measurements exhibit 30–50% smaller RMS errors than those of GPS, the POD benefits most from the availability of an increased number of satellites in the combined dual-frequency solution. Considering obvious uncertainties in the pre-mission calibration of the GNSS receiver antenna, an independent inflight calibration of the phase centers for GPS and Galileo signal frequencies is required. As such, Galileo observations cannot provide independent scale information and the estimated orbital height is ultimately driven by the employed forces models and knowledge of the center-of-mass location within the spacecraft. Using satellite laser ranging (SLR) from selected high-performance stations, a better than 1 cm RMS consistency of SLR normal points with the GNSS-based orbits is obtained, which further improves to 6 mm RMS when adjusting site-specific corrections to station positions and ranging biases. For the radial orbit component, a bias of less than 1 mm is found from the SLR analysis relative to the mean height of 13 high-performance SLR stations. Overall, the reduced-dynamic orbit determination based on GPS and Galileo tracking is considered to readily meet the altimetry-related Sentinel-6 mission needs for RMS height errors of less than 1.5 cm.
Trauma Training Courses and Programs in Low‐ and Lower Middle‐Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Livergant Rachel J. , Demetrick Selina , Cravetchi Xenia , Kung Janice Y. , Joos Emilie , Hawes Harvey G. , Saleh Abdullah
Published: September 2021

Background

Injury is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low‐ and lower middle‐income countries (LMICs). Trauma training is a cost‐effective way to improve injury outcomes. Several trauma programs have been implemented in LMICs; however, their scope and effectiveness remain unclear. In this review, we sought to describe and assess the current state of trauma training in LMICs.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global for trauma training courses in LMICs. An additional gray literature search was conducted on university, governmental, and non‐ governmental organizations’ websites to identify trauma‐related postgraduate medical education (PGME) opportunities.

Results

Most studies occurred in sub‐Saharan Africa and participants were primarily physicians/surgeons, medical students/residents, and nurses. General and surgical trauma management courses were most common, followed by orthopedic trauma or plastic surgery trauma/burn care courses. 32/45 studies reported on participant knowledge and skills, 27 of which had minimal follow‐up. Of the four studies commenting on cost of courses, only one demonstrated cost‐effectiveness. Three articles evaluated post‐course effects on patient outcomes, two of which failed to demonstrate significant improvements. Overall, 43.0% of LMICs have PGME programs with defined trauma competency requirements.

Conclusions

Current studies on trauma training in LMICs do not clearly demonstrate sustainability, cost‐effectiveness, nor improved outcomes. Trauma training programs should be in response to a need, championed locally, and work within a cohesive system to demonstrate concrete benefits. We recommend standardized and contextualized trauma training with recertifications in LMICs for lasting and improved trauma care.
Improvement in systematic error in background-oriented schlieren results by using dynamic backgrounds
Authors: Reichenzer Frieder , Schneider Mike , Herkommer Alois
Published: September 2021

The use of electronic visual displays for background-oriented schlieren allows for the quick change of the reference images. In this study, we show that the quality of synthetic and background-oriented schlieren images can be improved by acquiring a set of images with different reference images and generating a median displacement field from it. To explore potential benefits, we studied different background changing strategies and their effect on the quality of the evaluation of the displacement field via artificial and experimental image distortions.

Graphic abstract
Different strategies, equivalent treatment approaches in terms of mortality in four university hospitals: a retrospective multicenter study of gastroschisis in Finland
Authors: Tauriainen Asta , Hyvärinen Anna , Raitio Arimatias , Sankilampi Ulla , Gärding Mikko , Tauriainen Tuomas , Helenius Ilkka , Vanamo Kari
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Optimal treatment of gastroschisis is not determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate treatment methods of gastroschisis in four university hospitals in Finland.

Methods

The data of neonates with gastroschisis born between 1993 and 2015 were collected. The primary outcomes were short and long-term mortality and the length of stay (LOS). Statistical analyses consisted of uni- and multivariate models.

Results

Total of 154 patients were included (range from 31 to 52 in each hospital). There were no statistically significant differences in mortality or LOS between centers. Significant differences were observed between the hospitals in the duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.046), time to full enteral nutrition (p = 0.043), delay until full defect closure (p = 0.003), central line sepsis (p = 0.025), abdominal compartment syndrome (p = 0.018), number of abdominal operations during initial hospitalization (p = 0.000) and follow-up (p = 0.000), and ventral hernia at follow-up (p = 0.000). In a Cox multivariate analysis, the treating hospital was not associated with mortality.

Conclusion

There were no differences in short or long-term mortality between four university hospitals in Finland. However, some inter-hospital variation in postoperative outcomes was present.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Diverging prefrontal cortex fiber connection routes to the subthalamic nucleus and the mesencephalic ventral tegmentum investigated with long range (normative) and short range (ex-vivo high resolution) 7T DTI
Authors: Coenen Volker A. , Döbrössy Máté D. , Teo Shi Jia , Wessolleck Johanna , Sajonz Bastian E. A. , Reinacher Peter C. , Thierauf-Emberger Annette , Spittau Björn , Leupold Jochen , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Schlaepfer Thomas E. , Reisert Marco
Published: September 2021

Uncertainties
concerning anatomy and function of cortico-subcortical projections have arisen during the recent years. A clear distinction between cortico-subthalamic (hyperdirect) and cortico-tegmental projections (superolateral medial forebrain bundle, slMFB) so far is elusive. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of the slMFB (for major depression, MD and obsessive compulsive disorders, OCD) has on the one hand been interpreted as actually involving limbic (prefrontal) hyperdirect pathways. On the other hand slMFB’s stimulation region in the mesencephalic ventral tegmentum is said to impact on other structures too, going beyond the antidepressant (or anti OCD) efficacy of sole modulation of the cortico-tegmental reward-associated pathways. We have here used a normative diffusion MRT template (HCP, n = 80) for long-range tractography and augmented this dataset with ex-vivo high resolution data (n = 1) in a stochastic brain space. We compared this data with histological information and used the high resolution ex-vivo data set to scrutinize the mesencephalic tegmentum for small fiber pathways present. Our work resolves an existing ambiguity between slMFB and prefrontal hyperdirect pathways which—for the first time—are described as co-existent. DBS of the slMFB does not appear to modulate prefrontal hyperdirect cortico-subthalamic but rather cortico-tegmental projections. Smaller fiber structures in the target region—as far as they can be discerned—appear not to be involved in slMFB DBS. Our work enfeebles previous anatomical criticism and strengthens the position of the slMFB DBS target for its use in MD and OCD.
Numerical experiments with LP formulations of the maximum clique problem
Authors: Kardos Dóra , Patassy Patrik , Szabó Sándor , Zaválnij Bogdán
Published: September 2021

The maximum clique problems calls for determining the size of the largest clique in a given graph. This graph problem affords a number of zero-one linear programming formulations. In this case study we deal with some of these formulations. We consider ways for tightening the formulations. We carry out numerical experiments to see the improvements the tightened formulations provide.
Integrin β1 orchestrates the abnormal cell-matrix attachment and invasive behaviour of E-cadherin dysfunctional cells
Authors: Figueiredo Joana , Ferreira Rui M. , Xu Han , Gonçalves Margarida , Barros-Carvalho André , Cravo Janine , Maia André F. , Carneiro Patrícia , Figueiredo Céu , Smith Michael L. , Stamenović Dimitrije , Morais-de-Sá Eurico , Seruca Raquel
Published: September 2021

Background

Tumour progression relies on the ability of cancer cells to penetrate and invade neighbouring tissues. E-cadherin loss is associated with increased cell invasion in gastric carcinoma, and germline mutations of the E-cadherin gene are causative of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. Although E-cadherin dysfunction impacts cell–cell adhesion, cell dissemination also requires an imbalance of adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Methods

To identify ECM components and receptors relevant for adhesion of E-cadherin dysfunctional cells, we implemented a novel ECM microarray platform coupled with molecular interaction networks. The functional role of putative candidates was determined by combining micropattern traction microscopy, protein modulation and in vivo approaches, as well as transcriptomic data of 262 gastric carcinoma samples, retrieved from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA).

Results

Here, we show that E-cadherin mutations induce an abnormal interplay of cells with specific components of the ECM, which encompasses increased traction forces and Integrin β1 activation. Integrin β1 synergizes with E-cadherin dysfunction, promoting cell scattering and invasion. The significance of the E-cadherin-Integrin β1 crosstalk was validated in Drosophila models and found to be consistent with evidence from human gastric carcinomas, where increased tumour grade and poor survival are associated with low E-cadherin and high Integrin β1 levels.

Conclusions

Integrin β1 is a key mediator of invasion in carcinomas with E-cadherin impairment and should be regarded as a biomarker of poor prognosis in gastric cancer.
Model-based resource analysis and synthesis of service-oriented automotive software architectures
Authors: Kugele Stefan , Obergfell Philipp , Sax Eric
Published: September 2021

Context

Automotive software architectures describe distributed functionality by an interaction of software components. One drawback of today’s architectures is their strong integration into the onboard communication network based on predefined dependencies at design time. The idea is to reduce this rigid integration and technological dependencies. To this end, service-oriented architecture offers a suitable methodology since network communication is dynamically established at run-time.

Aim

We target to provide a methodology for analysing hardware resources and synthesising automotive service-oriented architectures based on platform-independent service models. Subsequently, we focus on transforming these models into a platform-specific architecture realisation process following AUTOSAR Adaptive.

Approach

For the platform-independent part, we apply the concepts of design space exploration and simulation to analyse and synthesise deployment configurations, i. e., mapping services to hardware resources at an early development stage. We refine these configurations to AUTOSAR Adaptive software architecture models representing the necessary input for a subsequent implementation process for the platform-specific part.

Result

We present deployment configurations that are optimal for the usage of a given set of computing resources currently under consideration for our next generation of E/E architecture. We also provide simulation results that demonstrate the ability of these configurations to meet the run time requirements. Both results helped us to decide whether a particular configuration can be implemented. As a possible software toolchain for this purpose, we finally provide a prototype.

Conclusion

The use of models and their analysis are proper means to get there, but the quality and speed of development must also be considered.
The CAI as seen from Spain: a positive agreement with uncertain implementation
Authors: Esteban Mario
Published: September 2021

Spanish elite’s perceptions of the European Union-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) are positive given its economic and normative prospects and its compatibility with Spain’s policy objectives. Spanish Ministry officials and business representatives welcome the potential progress on market access, level-playing field, and sustainable development, as it would offer economic opportunities in the Chinese market and bilateral investment, without precluding increased monitoring of Chinese economic activities. The agreement is in line with their willingness to increase bilateral ties under a normative framework that defends Spanish interests and values. Spanish elites consider that it is compliant with Spain’s and the European Union’s strategies and characterization of China as a partner, competitor, rival, which acknowledges that China is a key economic and multilateral partner, but also promotes a unified European China strategy, European strategic autonomy, and initiatives that tackle China’s challenges related with human rights, or investments in strategic sectors. Hence, Spanish political parties supported the resolution of the European Parliament freezing an eventual ratification of the CAI whilst Chinese sactions against European stakeholders are in place. Spanish elites also value that the agreement does not prevent greater cooperation with the United States, a key ally and more significant partner than China. Some political and private groups have expressed their opposition to the agreement, but their impact is likely to be limited. Finally, the practical implications—and reception—of the agreement will depend of its implementation.
Overview of Ten Child Mental Health Clinical Outcome Measures: Testing of Psychometric Properties with Diverse Client Populations in the U.S.
Authors: Marti F. Alethea , Pourat Nadereh , Lee Christopher , Zima Bonnie T.
Published: September 2021

While many standardized assessment measures exist to track child mental health treatment outcomes, the degree to which such tools have been adequately tested for reliability and validity across race, ethnicity, and class is uneven. This paper examines the corpus of published tests of psychometric properties for the ten standardized measures used in U.S. child outpatient care, with focus on breadth of testing across these domains. Our goal is to assist care providers, researchers, and legislators in understanding how cultural mismatch impacts measurement accuracy and how to select tools appropriate to the characteristics of their client populations. We also highlight avenues of needed research for measures that are in common use. The list of measures was compiled from (1) U.S. state Department of Mental Health websites; (2) a survey of California county behavioral health agency directors; and (3) exploratory literature scans of published research. Ten measures met inclusion criteria; for each one a systematic review of psychometrics literature was conducted. Diversity of participant research samples was examined as well as differences in reliability and validity by gender, race or ethnicity, and socio-economic class. All measures showed adequate reliability and validity, however half lacked diverse testing across all three domains and all lacked testing with Asian American/Pacific Islander and Native American children. ASEBA, PSC, and SDQ had the broadest testing.
Temperature controls diel oscillation of the CO2 concentration in a desert soil
Authors: Spohn Marie , Holzheu Stefan
Published: September 2021

The diel dynamic of the CO2 concentration in soils in relation to temperature is not yet fully understood. Air temperature might control the soil CO2 concentration due to thermal convective venting at sites experiencing large temperature differences between the atmosphere and the soil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the soil CO2 concentration and its temporal dynamic in a deep desert soil in relationship to soil and air temperature based on high frequency measurements. For this purpose, CO2 concentration and temperature were measured in six soil depths (ranging from 15 to 185 cm) in a coarse-textured desert soil in the North of Chile every 60 min together with precipitation and air temperature for one year. The mean CO2 concentration calculated across the whole measuring period increased linearly with soil depth from 463 ppm in 15 cm to 1542 ppm in 185 cm depth. We observed a strong diel oscillation of the CO2 concentration that decreased with soil depth and a hysteretic relationship between the topsoil CO2 concentration and both air and soil temperature. The Rayleigh-Darcy number calculated for different times indicates that thermal convective venting of the soil occurred during the night and in the early morning. A small precipitation event (4 mm) increased the CO2 concentrations in 15, 30, and 50 cm depths for several days but did not alter the amplitude of the diel oscillation of the CO2 concentration. The diel oscillation of the CO2 concentration and the hysteretic relationship between soil CO2 concentration and air temperature were likely caused by thermal convection, leading to transport of CO2-rich air from the soil to the atmosphere at night. In conclusion, our results indicate that the soil CO2 concentration can be largely controlled by convection caused by temperature differences, and not only by diffusion. The results have important implications as they provide further evidence that thermal convective venting contributes to gas exchange at sites experiencing large temperature differences between the atmosphere and the soil, which is relevant for soil chemical reactions.
Anterior STEMI associated with decreased strain in remote cardiac myocardium
Authors: Sjögren Hannah , Pahlm Ulrika , Engblom Henrik , Erlinge David , Heiberg Einar , Arheden Håkan , Carlsson Marcus , Ostenfeld Ellen
Published: September 2021

To assess (1) global longitudinal strain (GLS) by feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in the sub-acute and chronic phases after ST-elevation infarction (STEMI) and compare to GLS in healthy controls, and (2) the evolution of GLS and regional longitudinal strain (RLS) over time, and their relationship to infarct location and size. Seventy-seven patients from the CHILL-MI-trial (NCT01379261) who underwent CMR 2–6 days and 6 months after STEMI and 27 healthy controls were included for comparison. Steady state free precession (SSFP) long-axis cine images were obtained for GLS and RLS, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images were obtained for infarct size quantifications. GLS was impaired in the sub-acute (− 11.8 ± 3.0%) and chronic phases (− 14.3 ± 2.9%) compared to normal GLS in controls (− 18.4 ± 2.4%; p < 0.001 for both). GLS improved from sub-acute to chronic phase (p < 0.001). GLS was to some extent determined by infarct size (sub-acute: r2 = 0.2; chronic: r2 = 0.2, p < 0.001). RLS was impaired in all 6 wall-regions in LAD infarctions in both the sub-acute and chronic phase, while LCx and RCA infarctions had preserved RLS in remote myocardium at both time points. Global longitudinal strain is impaired sub-acutely after STEMI and improvement is seen in the chronic phase, although not reaching normal levels. Global longitudinal strain is only moderately determined by infarct size. Regional longitudinal strain is most impaired in the infarcted region, and LAD infarctions have effects on the whole heart. This could explain why LAD infarcts are more serious than the other culprit vessel infarctions and more often cause heart failure.
The Moral Virtue of Being Understanding
Authors: Düringer Eva-Maria
Published: September 2021

Being understanding is a moral virtue. But what exactly is it that an understanding person does excellently? And what exactly makes it a moral virtue, rather than (merely) an intellectual one? Stephen Grimm suggests that an understanding person judges other people’s moral failings accurately without being too permissive or too judgemental. I argue against this view and develop an alternative one. First I demonstrate that judging other people’s failures accurately is neither necessary nor sufficient for being understanding and that Grimm leaves the moral nature of being understanding underexplored. I then draw on a related discussion on the moral virtue of open-mindedness and argue that a virtue is a moral one when it is a corrective to selfish and other weak inclinations that pull us away from feeling and acting as the situation demands. In order to fill in what this means in the case of being understanding, I turn to Iris Murdoch’s notion of attention. Being understanding, I argue, is the virtue of appropriately attending to others who are in a difficult situation.
A CS-Based Grant-Free Media Access Scheme for NOMA-Based Industrial IoTs with Location Awareness
Authors: Li Ruixia , Peng Wei , Zhang Chenxi
Published: September 2021

Grant-free media access is vital for applications in Industrial IoTs (IIoTs), where stringent delays are required. Recently, due to the capability of supporting parallel receptions, Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) has gained research interests in IIoTs. Obviously, combining them organically is beneficial for enhancing the delay performances. In this paper, for a typical convergecast wireless network where its data sink is NOMA-based, we propose a grant-free MAC (Media Access Contention) scheme based on Compressive Sensing in Busy Tone Channel (CSiBTC), by exploiting the transmission sparsity in IIoTs. First, a to-be transmitter acquires the identities of active transmitters with the proposed CSiBTC scheme completely by itself. Two construction methods for CSiBTC are proposed for two distinct application scenarios respectively. Then, given the locations of all wireless sensors and the data sink in the network, the to-be transmitter can find out if it is eligible for starting its transmission without impairing the on-going transmissions. The scheme is grant-free and makes the most use of the parallel reception capability of NOMA, and therefore both the delay performance and throughput performance can be improved with respect to the general CS-based MAC. Performance evaluations also strongly support the above conclusions.
Overestimation of corneal endothelial cell density by automated method in glaucomatous eyes with impaired corneal endothelial cells
Authors: Minami Mayumi , Chihara Etsuo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To determine between-method differences in corneal endothelial cell parameters using center and automated methods of non-contact specular microscopy (CellCheck software of Konan, Inc.) in glaucomatous eyes.

Methods

We analyzed the central corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) of 245 glaucomatous eyes using center (ECD-Ce) and automated methods (ECD-Au). Based on the ECD-Ce, we allocated subjects to Groups 1 to 10 (at 250 cells/mm2 intervals) and evaluated the ECD, coefficient of variation in cell area (CV), and percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX).

Results

There was a close correlation (r = 0.91) between the ECD values measured using both methods. However, ECD-Au were significantly higher than those measured by the center method when ECD-Ce was less than 2500 (in Groups 1 to 8; P < 0.001 to P = 0.006). The regression equation of (ECD-Au—ECD-Ce) = 1028–0.397*ECD-Ce shows greater deviation in eyes with lower ECD, and this difference became 0 when ECD -Ce was 2593 cells/mm2. None of the 44 subjects with an ECD-Ce of < 1000 cells/mm2 recorded an ECD-Au < 1000 cells/mm2. Compared with the center method, the automated method had higher and lower median CV and HEX values, respectively (P < 0.001). The between-method differences in both CV and HEX were negatively correlated with ECD-Ce (r = −0.49, P < 0.001 and r = −0.25, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

The automated method of the CellCheck software overestimates ECD in eyes with lower ECD values and may overlook risk of corneal decompensation.
Longitudinal Associations Between Trauma Exposure and Executive Functions in Children: Findings from a Dutch Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Op den Kelder R. , Van den Akker A. L. , Ensink J. B. M. , Geurts H. M. , Overbeek G. , de Rooij S. R. , Vrijkotte T. G. M. , Lindauer R. J. L.
Published: September 2021

This study is the first to distinguish two possible predictive directions between trauma exposure and executive functioning in children in a community sample. The sample consists of 1006 children from two time points with a seven years’ time interval of a longitudinal Dutch birth cohort study, the ABCD-study (Van Eijsden et al., 2011). We analyzed the longitudinal associations between trauma exposure and executive functioning using structural equation modeling. The results demonstrated that (after controlling for prenatal substance exposure and mothers’ educational level) trauma exposure before age 5 is predictive of poorer executive functioning at age 12 and trauma exposure between age 6 and 12. However, the association between executive functioning at age 5 and trauma exposure between age 6 and 12 was not statistically significant. Our results indicate that early life trauma exposure has a long term impact on later executive functioning and not the other way around. On top of that, trauma exposure seems to accumulate across childhood when children are exposed to a traumatic event before the age of 5. When looking at the potential moderating role of parenting behavior we found no evidence for such a moderating effect of parenting behavior. Our findings showed that children exposed to trauma early in life may experience problems in executive functioning later in life and they seem at higher risk for cumulative trauma exposure. Clinical practice should take this into account in both the way they provide (early) mental health care and in prevention and recognition of early trauma exposure.
Effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the mechanical and gas barrier properties of woven carbon fibre/epoxy composites
Authors: Yao Xudan , Raine Thomas P. , Liu Mufeng , Zakaria Muzdalifah , Kinloch Ian A. , Bissett Mark A.
Published: September 2021

Carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are promising materials for non-metallic pipe applications in the oil and gas industry owing to their high corrosion resistance, specific strength and stiffness. However, CFRP has poor gas barrier performance meaning that a liner has to be inserted. Graphene-based nanomaterials have been demonstrated to improve gas barrier properties in thermoplastic polymers, and thus, a CFRP–graphene hybrid composite could provide an alternative to lined pipes. In this work, a method combining spray coating with vacuum-assisted resin infusion was developed to fabricate CFRP hybrid composites with preferred in-plane aligned graphene nanoplatelets. Tensile and flexural properties, as well as CO2 gas permeability, were evaluated. It was illustrated that both tensile and flexural properties performed better under relatively low GNP loadings (< 0.2 vol%), while gas barrier property was significantly improved with the increasing GNP loadings which fits the Nielsen model with an effective GNP aspect ratio of 350.

Graphical abstract
Policy space identification in configurable environments
Authors: Metelli Alberto Maria , Manneschi Guglielmo , Restelli Marcello
Published: September 2021

We study the problem of identifying the policy space available to an agent in a learning process, having access to a set of demonstrations generated by the agent playing the optimal policy in the considered space. We introduce an approach based on frequentist statistical testing to identify the set of policy parameters that the agent can control, within a larger parametric policy space. After presenting two identification rules (combinatorial and simplified), applicable under different assumptions on the policy space, we provide a probabilistic analysis of the simplified one in the case of linear policies belonging to the exponential family. To improve the performance of our identification rules, we make use of the recently introduced framework of the Configurable Markov Decision Processes, exploiting the opportunity of configuring the environment to induce the agent to reveal which parameters it can control. Finally, we provide an empirical evaluation, on both discrete and continuous domains, to prove the effectiveness of our identification rules.
Topological type of discriminants of some special families
Authors: García Barroso Evelia R. , Hernández Iglesias M. Fernando
Published: September 2021

We will describe the topological type of the discriminant curve of the morphism $$(\ell , f)$$

(
ℓ
,
f
)

, where $$\ell $$
ℓ
is a smooth curve and f is an irreducible curve (branch) of multiplicity less than five or a branch such that the difference between its Milnor number and Tjurina number is less than 3. We prove that for a branch of these families, the topological type of the discriminant curve is determined by the semigroup, the Zariski invariant and at most two other analytical invariants of the branch.
Cross-combined UKF for vehicle sideslip angle estimation with a modified Dugoff tire model: design and experimental results
Authors: Villano Elvis , Lenzo Basilio , Sakhnevych Aleksandr
Published: September 2021

The knowledge of key vehicle states is crucial to guarantee adequate safety levels for modern passenger cars, for which active safety control systems are lifesavers. In this regard, vehicle sideslip angle is a pivotal state for the characterization of lateral vehicle behavior. However, measuring sideslip angle is expensive and unpractical, which has led to many years of research on techniques to estimate it instead. This paper presents a novel method to estimate vehicle sideslip angle, with an innovative combination of a kinematic-based approach and a dynamic-based approach: part of the output of the kinematic-based approach is fed as input to the dynamic-based approach, and vice-versa. The dynamic-based approach exploits an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) with a double-track vehicle model and a modified Dugoff tire model, that is simple yet ensures accuracy similar to the well-known Magic Formula. The proposed method is successfully assessed on a large amount of experimental data obtained on different race tracks, and compared with a traditional approach presented in the literature. Results show that the sideslip angle is estimated with an average error of 0.5 deg, and that the implemented cross-combination allows to further improve the estimation of the vehicle longitudinal velocity compared to current state-of-the-art techniques, with interesting perspectives for future onboard implementation.
Structure-based identification of galectin-1 selective modulators in dietary food polyphenols: a pharmacoinformatics approach
Authors: Bhowmick Shovonlal , Saha Achintya , AlFaris Nora Abdullah , ALTamimi Jozaa Zaidan , ALOthman Zeid A. , Aldayel Tahany Saleh , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Islam Md Ataul
Published: September 2021

In this study, a set of dietary polyphenols was comprehensively studied for the selective identification of the potential inhibitors/modulators for galectin-1. Galectin-1 is a potent prognostic indicator of tumor progression and a highly regarded therapeutic target for various pathological conditions. This indicator is composed of a highly conserved carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) that accounts for the binding affinity of β-galactosides. Although some small molecules have been identified as galectin-1 inhibitors/modulators, there are limited studies on the identification of novel compounds against this attractive therapeutic target. The extensive computational techniques include potential drug binding site recognition on galectin-1, binding affinity predictions of ~ 500 polyphenols, molecular docking, and dynamic simulations of galectin-1 with selective dietary polyphenol modulators, followed by the estimation of binding free energy for the identification of dietary polyphenol-based galectin-1 modulators. Initially, a deep neural network-based algorithm was utilized for the prediction of the druggable binding site and binding affinity. Thereafter, the intermolecular interactions of the polyphenol compounds with galectin-1 were critically explored through the extra-precision docking technique. Further, the stability of the interaction was evaluated through the conventional atomistic 100 ns dynamic simulation study. The docking analyses indicated the high interaction affinity of different amino acids at the CRD region of galectin-1 with the proposed five polyphenols. Strong and consistent interaction stability was suggested from the simulation trajectories of the selected dietary polyphenol under the dynamic conditions. Also, the conserved residue (His44, Asn46, Arg48, Val59, Asn61, Trp68, Glu71, and Arg73) associations suggest high affinity and selectivity of polyphenols toward galectin-1 protein.

Graphic Abstract
Management strategies for run-of-river hydropower plants: an optimal switching approach
Authors: Olofsson Marcus , Önskog Thomas , Lundström Niklas L. P.
Published: September 2021

The mathematical theory for optimal switching is by now relatively well developed, but the number of concrete applications of this theoretical framework remains few. In this paper, we bridge parts of this gap by applying optimal switching theory to a conceptual production planning problem related to hydropower. In particular, we study two examples of small run-of-river hydropower plants and provide an outline of how optimal switching can be used to create fully automatic production schemes for these. Along the way, we create a new model for random flow of water based on stochastic differential equations and fit this model to historical data. We benchmark the performance of our model using actual flow data from a small river in Sweden and find that our production scheme lies close to the optimal, within 2 and 5 %, respectively, in a long term investigation of the two plants considered.
Individual cheating in the lab: a new measure and external validity
Authors: Albertazzi Andrea
Published: September 2021

This paper investigates to what extent laboratory measures of cheating generalise to the field. To this purpose, we develop a lab measure that allows for individual-level observations of cheating whilst reducing the likelihood that participants feel observed. Decisions made in this laboratory task are then compared to individual choices taken in the field, where subjects can lie by misreporting their experimental earnings. We use two field variations that differ in the degree of anonymity of the field decision. According to our measure, no correlation of behaviour between the laboratory and the field is found. We then perform the same analysis using a lab measure that can only detect cheating at the aggregate level. In this case, we do find a weak correlation between the two environments. We discuss the significance and interpretation of these results.
The Parallels between Kantian Aesthetics and the Presence of Tibetan Art in the Yuan-Ming Era (1279–1644)
Authors: Bacrău Andrei-Valentin
Published: September 2021

This paper will look at Kant’s views of the aesthetic experience, in relationship to Buddhist philosophical and political discussions of art and social organization. The primary focus in Kantian literature explores the relationship between free and dependent beauty, as well as Kant’s paradox of taste. The central argument of the Kantian portion is going to navigate the paradox of taste via Graham Priest’s epistemic and conceptual distinction pertaining to the limits of thought. Secondly, I shall contextualize the debate with similar argumentation found in medieval Tibetan literature, by thinkers such as Tsongkhapa and Drakpa Gyaltsen. Lastly, I shall look at the political and artistic state of affairs in Yuan and Ming Dynasties and assert the applicability of both Kantian and Tibetan discussions of effibility in the context of Tibetan poetry and Thangkas.
Discrimination of Curcuma species from Asia using intron length polymorphism markers in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase and curcumin synthase
Authors: Liu Qundong , Zhu Shu , Hayashi Shigeki , Iida Osamu , Takano Akihito , Miyake Katsunori , Sukrong Suchada , Agil Mangestuti , Balachandran Indira , Nakamura Norio , Kawahara Nobuo , Komatsu Katsuko
Published: September 2021

Recently, Curcuma rhizome-related foods with claimed health benefits have been used worldwide; however, correct identification and quality assessment have not been conducted. Due to the wide distribution and morphological similarities of Curcuma species, the classification of some species is debated and nomenclature is inconsistent among countries. In this study, to elucidate specific molecular markers of medicinally used Curcuma species in Asia, and to solve the confusion on the reported botanical origin of crude drugs, molecular analysis based on the intron length polymorphism (ILP) in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase and curcumin synthase and the trnK intron sequences was performed using 59 plant specimens and 42 crude drug samples from 13 Curcuma species, obtained from Asian countries. The ILP patterns of the respective species from both plant specimens and crude drug samples revealed high consistency in C. aromatica, C. zedoaria, C. phaeocaulis, C. aeruginosa, C. wenyujin, and C. zanthorrhiza, but showed intraspecies polymorphism in C. longa, C. kwangsiensis, C. amada, C. mangga and C. comosa. The C. longa specimens and samples were separated into three subgroups which were highly consistent with their geographical origins. Based on the ILP markers and the trnK intron sequences, the botanical origins of “Khamin oi” from Thailand were correctly determined to be C. longa or a hybrid between C. longa and other species, and “Wan narn kum” from Thailand and “Kasturi manjal” from India were correctly determined to be C. zanthorrhiza.
Effect of LCFeCr Alloy Additions on the Non-metallic Inclusion Characteristics in Ti-Containing Ferritic Stainless Steel
Authors: Wang Yong , Oh Min Kyo , Kim Tae Sung , Karasev Andrey , Mu Wangzhong , Park Joo Hyun , Jönsson Pär G.
Published: September 2021

The influence of commercial low carbon ferrochromium (LCFeCr) additions on the inclusion characteristics in Ti-containing ferritic stainless steel was studied by laboratory experiment in this work. The inclusions in steel before and after the FeCr alloy additions were investigated through systematic samplings and microscopy investigations of the liquid steel. Different types of inclusions in the FeCr alloy and steel were detected and the evolution of the inclusion characteristics (e.g., composition, size, morphology, and number density) were investigated. The results showed that the Ti content decreased after the FeCr alloy additions. Furthermore, MnCr2O4 spinel inclusions originating from the FeCr alloys transformed into Ti2O3–Cr2O3-based liquid inclusions and Ti2O3-rich solid inclusions. They were formed due to the reactions between MnCr2O4 and TiN inclusions or dissolved Ti in molten steel. The ratio of Ti/Al in the steel melt has a direct influence on the evolution of inclusions from thermodynamic calculations. The addition of FeCr alloys caused an increased number density of these Ti2O3-containing inclusions and TiN inclusions up to 8 minutes from the time of alloy addition. The increased Cr content from 16 to 24 mass pct due to the FeCr additions can increase the critical N content to form TiN inclusions at a specific Ti content. Overall, this study has contributed to the understanding the behavior of inclusions from LCFeCr alloy during the alloying process in Ti-containing steel.
Near-infrared benzodiazoles as small molecule environmentally-sensitive fluorophores
Authors: de Moliner Fabio , Biazruchka Ina , Konsewicz Karolina , Benson Sam , Singh Suraj , Lee Jun-Seok , Vendrell Marc
Published: September 2021

The development of fluorophores emitting in the near-infrared spectral window has gained increased attention given their suitable features for biological imaging. In this work, we have optimised a general and straightforward synthetic approach to prepare a small library of near-infrared-emitting C-bridged nitrobenzodiazoles using commercial precursors. C-bridged benzodiazoles have low molecular weight and neutral character as important features that are not common in most near-infrared dyes. We have investigated their fluorescence response in the presence of a wide array of 60 different biomolecules and identified compound 3i as a potential chemosensor to discriminate between Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions in aqueous media.