bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical study on N‐oxide pentazolate high‐energy‐density materials: Toward excellent energetic performance and good stability
Authors: Lang Qing , Jiang Shuaijie , Xu Yuangang , Lu Ming
Published: March 2022

The limited energetic performance has been one of major factors restricting the development of pentazolate materials. In this study, the cyclo‐N5− ring was combined with nitroxide coordinate bonds to form a novel cyclo‐N5O− anion with higher oxygen contents. From the N‐oxide pentazolate anion, nine cyclo‐N5O− energetic salts (A1–A9) and three covalent compounds (B1–B3) were presented. Density functional theory (DFT) methods were employed to investigate the structures and energetic performance of all compounds. Based on the calculation results, the cyclo‐N5O− salts A1–A9 exhibit enhanced densities and higher detonation performance than cyclo‐N5− salts in the previous work. Compounds B1–B3 also feature high densities (1.84–1.94 g cm−3) and excellent heats of formation (1011.9–1057.6 kJ mol−1). Among all materials, compounds A1, A9, and B1 exhibit remarkable detonation performance (D: 10 138, 9911, 9950 m s−1; P: 43.9, 40.9, 41.4 GPa), which are much superior to CL‐20. All compounds feature good impact stabilities (h50: 11–55 cm). Such excellent energetic performance demonstrates that N‐oxide pentazolate derivatives are expected to be promising candidates as high‐energy‐density materials.
Socioeconomic reintegration of return migrants and the varieties of legal status trajectory in Europe
Authors: Beauchemin Cris , Vandenbunder Adrien , Mathon Cécillon Tanguy , Goussé‐Breton Zélia , Dieng Mourtada , Yahyaoui Myriam
Published: March 2022

That migrants' legal status has impacts on their integration in receiving countries is a recognised fact. We further argue that it also affects their reintegration on returning to the home country, although with some significant variations depending on the details of their legal status history. Using data from the Senegalese TEMPER survey, we adopt a life course approach of migrant's status while they were in Europe to identify links between several indicators of reintegration and different patterns of irregular status (moment when they were in an irregular situation and the duration in this situation). The results of our multivariate analyses show that only those migrants whose irregular situations were the most extreme (deported, or irregular throughout their stay in Europe) are at a disadvantage compared to nonmigrants as well as other returnees. This shows that the initial disadvantage of out‐migrating from Africa without proper documentation does not turn systematically into a cumulative disadvantage.
Routinized performances of belonging: Everyday practices and relationships in rural and regional areas during the pandemic
Authors: Cook Julia , Cuervo Hernan
Published: March 2022

The concentration of COVID‐19 cases and restrictions in metropolitan areas in 2020 resulted in a re‐emergence of the concept of the ‘rural idyll’ in Australia, with rural and regional areas coming to be associated with a safe and uninterrupted way of life. Implicit in this notion is the assumption that those living in rural and regional areas found their routines and experiences of belonging uninterrupted. We critique this narrative by drawing on qualitative longitudinal data collected from 2006 to 2020, which allows us to examine our participants' experiences of belonging in rural and regional areas both before and during the pandemic. We find that although our participants' experiences of belonging were largely undisturbed by the pandemic, this was not because their lives were not affected more broadly, but because their sense of belonging was established through everyday routines and practices that were maintained during the pandemic.
Guide to development of compound files for PBPK modeling in the Simcyp population‐based simulator
Authors: Ezuruike Udoamaka , Zhang Mian , Pansari Amita , De Sousa Mendes Mailys , Pan Xian , Neuhoff Sibylle , Gardner Iain
Published: March 2022

The Simcyp Simulator is a software platform for population physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and simulation. It links in vitro data to in vivo absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic outcomes to explore clinical scenarios and support drug development decisions, including regulatory submissions and drug labels. This tutorial describes the different input parameters required, as well as the considerations needed when developing a PBPK model within the Simulator, for a small molecule intended for oral administration. A case study showing the development and application of a PBPK model for ondansetron is herein used to aid the understanding of different PBPK model development concepts.
Asymptotic tracking control for state‐constrained strict‐feedback systems with non‐vanishing uncertainties
Authors: Zuo Gewei , Wang Yujuan
Published: March 2022

This article proposes an asymptotic tracking control solution for a class of strict‐feedback systems subject to asymmetric time‐varying full‐state constraints and non‐vanishing uncertainties. Our method features with the complete rejection of the non‐vanishing uncertainties rather than partial attenuation. This is done by the effective compensation of the extra residual terms produced by the non‐vanishing uncertainties in the stability analysis by adding an adaptive term into the first‐order filter. Our method also features with the removing of the feasibility conditions. Further, all internal signals are ensured to be bounded. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is confirmed via an illustrative example.
Identifying energy and emotion‐based conflict: Development of a refined work‐life conflict scale
Authors: DeBaylo Paige , Michel Jesse S.
Published: March 2022

While work‐family conflict, and more broadly work‐life conflict, has traditionally been conceptualized through the dimensions of time, strain, and behaviour, an expansion of these dimensions should prove advantageous for measurement and comprehension. Specifically, energy and emotion‐based conflict have been cited as possible factors that would be beneficial to the measurement of work‐life conflict. While these forms of conflict have been discussed as viable areas of expansion in the work‐life conflict literature, there has yet to be a systematic empirical attempt to include both energy and emotion as their own distinct dimensions. In the present research, items were identified and/or created to represent energy and emotion‐based forms of conflict to explore their feasibility in work‐life conflict measurement. Energy and emotion were identified as distinct dimensions of work‐life conflict through four studies of construct validation. Collectively, a four‐factor solution of time, behaviour, energy, and emotion was supported. Multi‐wave data indicated that energy and emotion‐based conflicts were incrementally predictive of outcomes, including job satisfaction and job‐related burnout, above and beyond other measures. By combining and expanding existing literature to include energy and emotion as independent dimensions, this research creates a more encompassing scale that more comprehensively represents the construct of work‐life conflict.
Protein‐Templated Reactions Using DNA‐Antibody Conjugates
Authors: Baranda Pellejero Lorena , Nijenhuis Minke A. D. , Ricci Francesco , Gothelf Kurt V.
Published: March 2022

DNA‐templated chemical reactions have found wide applications in drug discovery, programmed multistep synthesis, nucleic acid detection, and targeted drug delivery. The control of these reactions has, however, been limited to nucleic acid hybridization as a means to direct the proximity between reactants. In this work a system capable of translating protein–protein binding events into a DNA‐templated reaction which leads to the covalent formation of a product is introduced. Protein‐templated reactions by employing two DNA‐antibody conjugates that are both able to recognize the same target protein and to colocalize a pair of reactant DNA strands able to undergo a click reaction are achieved. Two individual systems, each responsive to human serum albumin (HSA) and human IgG, are engineered and it is demonstrated that, while no reaction occurs in the absence of proteins, both protein‐templated reactions can occur simultaneously in the same solution without any inter‐system crosstalk.
Low‐dimensional material supported single‐atom catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Wang Bingqing , Chen Shenghua , Zhang Zedong , Wang Dingsheng
Published: March 2022

Converting CO2 emissions to valuable carbonaceous chemicals/fuels under mild conditions provides a sustainable way to maintain carbon balance and alleviate the energy shortage. Low‐dimensional material (LDM) supported single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have been attracted significant attention for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECR) in recent years. This is mainly because integrating the single‐atoms and LDMs can inherit the advantages of themselves and the synergy effects between them are potential to enhance the ECR performance. In this review, we summarized the strategies for synthesizing LDM supported SACs for ECR, and different LDM supported SACs for ECR have been briefly introduced. Moreover, some optimization strategies for LDM supported SACs towards CO2 electroreduction are highlighted. At the end of this review, the perspectives and challenges of LDM supported SACs for ECR are provided.
Evidence of large terrestrial seymouriamorphs in the lowermost Permian of the Czech Republic
Authors: Calábková Gabriela , Březina Jakub , Madzia Daniel
Published: March 2022

Lower Permian strata of the Boskovice Basin in the Czech Republic have yielded hundreds of largely complete seymouriamorph individuals, some of which are exceptionally preserved and have noticeable soft tissues, such as external gills and eye structures. The vast majority of these finds are referable toDiscosauriscus austriacus, and almost exclusively represent larvae and juveniles tied to aquatic environments. Only one of the specimens discovered to date has been interpreted as an early adult, although late juvenile and early sub‐adult stages have been proposed for it as well. Regardless, no other seymouriamorph adults have been reported from the Boskovice Basin so far. Here we present the first comprehensive assessment of seymouriamorph tracks and a trackway from the Asselian (lowermost Permian) of the Boskovice Basin. The morphology of the tracks is congruent with that of the ichnotaxonAmphisauropusand indicates an attribution to Discosauriscidae or that they belong to as yet unrecognized large seymouriamorphs. All tracks were made by individuals much larger than the largest discosauriscid known from bodily preserved material and are interpreted as those of adults tied to terrestrial environments, thus apparently documenting a habitat shift that occurred relatively late in the ontogenetic development of these seymouriamorphs. Furthermore, the largest track is preserved in extraordinary detail and includes soft part impressions such as digital, palmar and plantar flexion creases, making the specimen one of the best preserved seymouriamorph tracks described to date. Finally, one of the tracks originates from the lowermost Asselian and is therefore among the oldest known records of seymouriamorphs worldwide.
Circular RNA dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase facilitated triple‐negative breast cancer progression via miR‐362‐3p/DDX5 axis
Authors: Cui Suping , Zhang Yong , Xing Li , Li Rui , Piao Yingshi , Liu Honggang
Published: March 2022

Background

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a common hypotype of breast cancer. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are burgeoning serve as vital controllers in numerous tumors. Nevertheless, the expression and regulatory mode of circRNAs in TNBC are still indistinct. This paper aimed to reveal the function and molecular mechanism of circular RNA dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase (circDHDDS) in TNBC.

Methods

The contents of circDHDDS, DHDDS mRNA, microRNA‐362‐3p (miR‐362‐3p) and DEAD (Asp‐Glu‐Ala‐Asp) box polypeptide 5 (DDX5) were indicated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. The colony formation assay and 5‐ethynyl‐2’‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were executed to assess cell proliferation. The flow cytometry assay was utilized to detect cell apoptosis. The transwell assay and tube formation assay were applied to measure cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis. The targeted relationships of miR‐362‐3p and circDHDDS or DDX5 were forecasted and detected by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The in vivo test was implemented to confirm the effect of circDHDDS.

Results

The contents of circDHDDS and DDX5 were increased, and miR‐362‐3p level was decreased in TNBC. CircDHDDS deficiency reserved cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis, while facilitated cell apoptosis in TNBC cells. Furthermore, miR‐362‐3p was validated to exert a tumor repressive effect in TNBC cells by suppressing DDX5. Moreover, DDX5 could regulate the development of TNBC. The experimental data exposed that levels of miR‐362‐3p presented noteworthy negative correlation with circDHDDS and DDX5, while circDHDDS and DDX5 exhibited significant positive correlation. In mechanism, circDHDDS bound to miR‐362‐3p to modulate DDX5 expression. In addition, circDHDDS knock‐down also attenuated tumor growth.

Conclusion

CircDHDDS expedited TNBC by swelling DDX5 via adapting miR‐362‐3p.
Toppling the Pyramids: Physics Without Physical State Monism
Authors: Simpson William M. R. , Horsley Simon A. R.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we challenge a wide-spread assumption among philosophers that contemporary physics supportsphysical state monism. This is the claim that the causal powers of a system supervene upon the ‘lower-level’ laws and the lower-level state of the cosmos (as represented by our ‘best physics’). On this view, it makes sense to ignore a macroscopic system’s higher-level properties in determining its causal powers, since any higher-level powers are merely artifacts of our special interests. We argue that this assumption is common both tomicrophysicalism, which carves the cosmos into a set of microscopic constituents, andpriority monism, which posits a single cosmic substance, but is incompatible with any form ofphysical pluralismthat attributes irreducibly higher-level powers to entities of intermediate scales. We consider a number of case studies in contemporary physics which fail to support the thesis of state monism. We argue that the causal powers of many systems are (determined by) higher-level, macroscopic properties that are neither reducible nor weakly emergent, and that contemporary physics is compatible with some kind of pluralism that affirms that these entities are robustly real. A pluralist ontology is likely to have implications for discussions of free will and agency.
A Dynamic B Theory of Time
Authors: Koons Robert C.
Published: March 2022

An adequate account of free will requires a robust powers ontology, but does it also require a “dynamic” A Theory of time? I argue that it is possible to construct a dynamic B Theory of time that is compatible with an Aristotelian ontology of causal powers and with free will. I conclude by considering whether extreme forms of A Theory, including a strict Presentism, are incompatible with a powers ontology.
Symbolic Predictive Cache Analysis for Out-of-Order Execution
Authors: Huang Zunchen , Wang Chao
Published: March 2022

We propose a trace-based symbolic method for analyzing cache side channels of a program under a CPU-level optimization called out-of-order execution (OOE). The method is predictive in that it takes the in-order execution trace as input and then analyzes all possible out-of-order executions of the same set of instructions to check if any of them leaks sensitive information of the program. The method has two important properties. The first one is accurately analyzing cache behaviors of the program execution under OOE, which is largely overlooked by existing methods for side-channel verification. The second one is efficiently analyzing the cache behaviors using an SMT solver based symbolic technique, to avoid explicitly enumerating a large number of out-of-order executions. Our experimental evaluation on C programs that implement cryptographic algorithms shows that the symbolic method is effective in detecting OOE-related leaks and, at the same time, is significantly more scalable than explicit enumeration.
A Survey-driven Feature Model for Software Traceability Approaches
Authors: Batot Edouard Romari , Gérard Sebastien , Cabot Jordi
Published: March 2022

Traceability is the capability to represent, understand and analyze the relationships between software artefacts. Traceability is at the core of many software engineering activities. This is a blessing in disguise as traceability research is scattered among various research subfields, which impairs a global view and integration of the different innovations around the recording, identification, evaluation and management of traces. This also limits the adoption of traceability solutions in industry.

In this sense, the goal of this paper is to present a characterization of the traceability mechanism as a feature model depicting the shared and variable elements in any traceability proposal. The features in the model are derived from a survey of papers related to traceability published in the literature. We believe this feature model is useful to assess and compare different proposals and provide a common terminology and background. Beyond the feature model, the survey we conducted also help us to identify a number of challenges to be solved in order to move traceability forward, especially in a context where, due to the increasing importance of AI techniques in Software Engineering, traces are more important than ever in order to be able to reproduce and explain AI decisions.
SMC4PEP: Stochastic Model Checking of Product Engineering Processes
Authors: Hage Hassan , Seferis Emmanouil , Hashemi Vahid , Mantwill Frank
Published: March 2022

Product Engineering Processes (PEPs) are used for describing complex product developments in big enterprises such as automotive and avionics industries. The Business Process Model Notation (BPMN) is a widely used language to encode interactions among several participants in such PEPs. In this paper, we present SMC4PEPl as a tool to convert graphical representations of a business process using the BPMN standard to an equivalent discrete-time stochastic control process called Markov Decision Process (MDP). To this aim, we first follow the approach described in an earlier investigation to generate a semantically equivalent business process which is more capable of handling the PEP complexity. In particular, the interaction between different levels of abstraction is realized by events rather than direct message flows. Afterwards, SMC4PEPl converts the generated process to an MDP model described by the syntax of the probabilistic model checking tool PRISM. As such, SMC4PEPl provides a framework for automatic verification and validation of business processes in particular with respect to requirements from legal standards such as Automotive SPICE. Moreover, our experimental results confirm a faster verification routine due to smaller MDP models generated from the alternative event-based BPMN models.
OPE of line defects in 5d En SCFT
Authors: Oh Jihwan
Published: March 2022

Abstract

5d ray index is the 5d superconformal index in the presence of a ray-like defect. An elementary ray defect flows to a fundamental Wilson ray in IR gauge theory. In 5d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 superconformal field theory(SCFT) with En global symmetry, we compute the ray index associated with an adjoint Wilson ray. We show that the operators that appear in the index are non-trivially charged under the center of the global symmetry En. The charge under the center being twice compared with the center charge carried by the elementary ray operator indicates a non-trivial OPE between the ray-like defects in the UV SCFT.
Towards intelligent monitoring system in wire arc additive manufacturing: a surface anomaly detector on a small dataset
Authors: Li Yuxing , Mu Haocheng , Polden Joseph , Li Huijun , Wang Lei , Xia Chunyang , Pan Zengxi
Published: March 2022

Rapid developments in artificial intelligence and image processing have presented many new opportunities for defect detection in manufacturing processes. In this work, an intelligent image processing system has been developed to monitor inter-layer deposition quality during a wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process. This system reveals the feasibility and future potential of using computer vision knowledge in WAAM. Information produced from this system is to be used in conjunction with other quality monitoring systems to verify the quality of fabricated components. It is tailored to identify the presence of defects relating to lack of fusion and voids immediately after the deposition of a given layer. The image processing system is built upon the YOLOv3 architecture and through moderate changes on anchor settings and achieves 53% precision on surface anomaly detection and 100% accuracy in identifying the fabricated components’ location, providing a prerequisite for high-precision assessment of welding quality. The work presented in this paper presents an inter-layer vision-based defect monitoring system in WAAM and serves to highlight the feasibility of developing such intelligent computer vision systems for monitoring the WAAM process for defects.
Assessment of personality functioning in psychosomatic medicine
Authors: Wagner-Skacel Jolana , Matzer Franziska , Kohlhammer-Dohr Alexandra , Dalkner Nina , Jauk Emanuel
Published: March 2022

Background

Personality functioning, also referred to as structural integration, describes basic emotion-related perception and regulation capacities directed towards the self and others. Patients with impairments of personality functioning experience difficulties in self-regulation and interpersonal relations. Although personality functioning has become increasingly important in psychotherapeutic and psychiatric diagnoses and treatment planning, there is little systematic evidence on the role of personality functioning in patients with chronic and somatic diseases. This article reviews empirical studies using standardized assessments of personality functioning in patients with chronic and somatic diseases and discusses the role of personality structure in psychosomatic medicine.

Results

Currently, there are only a limited number of studies using standardized assessments of personality functioning in patients with chronic or somatic diseases. The available evidence points to correlations of personality functioning with pain perception and the development of chronic pain. In addition, patients with lower levels of personality functioning may have difficulties in managing chronic conditions that require enduring changes in health behavior, such as in diabetes or posttransplantation therapy.

Conclusion

The review suggests a systematic link between personality functioning and health behavior in patients with chronic diseases that relate to self-regulation and coping strategies. These findings underline the importance of assessing personality functioning for diagnostics and treatment planning in psychosomatic medicine. Finally, an assessment of personality functioning could be helpful in choosing specific psychotherapeutic treatment strategies; however, more empirical studies are needed to comprehensively prove these assumptions.
No clear associations between subjective memory concerns and subsequent change in cognitive function: the PATH through life study
Authors: Xu Ying , Warwick Jane , Eramudugolla Ranmalee , Huque Hamidul , Anstey Kaarin J. , Peters Ruth
Published: March 2022

The literature on subjective memory concerns (SMC) as a predictor for future cognitive decline is varied. Furthermore, recent research has pointed to additional complexity arising from variability in the experience of SMC themselves (i.e. whether they are remitting or sustained over time). We investigated the associations between SMC and objectively measured cognition in an Australian population-based cohort. Four waves (4-year intervals between waves) of data from 1236 participants (aged 62.4 ± 1.5 years, 53% male) were used. We categorized participants as experiencing SMC, when they indicated that their memory problems might interfere with their day-to-day life and/or they had seen a doctor about their memory. SMC was categorized as “no” reported SMC, “remitting”, “new-onset” or “sustained” SMC. Cognitive assessment of immediate and delayed recall, working memory, psychomotor speed, attention and processing speed were assessed using a neuropsychological battery. Eighteen percent of participants were characterised as having SMC: 6% (77) “remitting”, 6% (77) “new-onset” and 6% (69) “sustained” SMC. There was no consistent evidence for an association between SMC and subsequent decline in cognition. However, SMC was associated with poorer performance on contemporaneous tasks of attention and processing speed compared to “no” SMC. Asking about SMC may indicate a current decline in cognitive function but, in this sample at least, did not indicate an increased risk of future decline.
Analysis of energy consumption bounds in CMOS current-steering digital-to-analog converters
Authors: Morales Chacón Oscar , Wikner J. Jacob , Svensson Christer , Siek Liter , Alvandpour Atila
Published: March 2022

In this paper, an attempt to estimate energy consumption bounds versus signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) in CMOS current-steering digital-to-analog converters is presented. A theoretical analysis is derived, including the design corners for noise, speed and linearity for the mixed-signal domain. The study is validated by comparing the theoretical results with published measured data. As result it serves as a design reference to aim for minimum energy consumption. It is found that for an equivalent number of bits (ENOBs), the noise-bound grows at a rate of 22ENOB, whereas the speed-bound increases by 2ENOB−2 and is dependent on device dimensions. Therefore, as the technology scales down, the noise bound will dominate, which is observed for an estimated SNR of about 40 dB in 65 nm CMOS process. The linearity bound is derived from an analysis based on the assumption of limited output impedance, where it is found to be dependent on the device dimensions and increase at a rate of 2ENOB−1. The observations show that it is possible to achieve less energy consumption in all the design corners for different SNR and SFDR specifications within the Nyquist frequency, fs/2.
Argumentation in Suboptimal Settings
Authors: Castro Diego
Published: March 2022

When parties attempt to persuade their opponents of the tenability of a certain standpoint using reasons, they will often find that the circumstances of the dialogue hinder their chances of resolution. Power imbalances, cognitive biases, lack of time or hidden interests are some of the circumstances they need to face. I will label these circumstances as suboptimal settings for argumentation. According to the pragma-dialectical tradition, higher-order conditions for critical discussion are unfulfilled in these cases (van Eemeren, Grootendorst, Jacobs, & Jackson, 1993). The main question of this paper is the following: what is the normative standard that parties in a discussion need to follow to arrive at a resolution within such circumstances? I will defend a middle-ground solution between two extreme ones.

The first extreme position, the anything-goes policy, claims that, given that the conditions for a reasonable exchange of reasons are not satisfied, the dialogue stands outside the domain of reason, so anything goes for the parties. The second extreme position, the business as usual policy, claims that, since critical discussion is a normative model, the same rules should apply in suboptimal settings. Finally, the supernormal policy that I defend claims that we need a more general and comprehensive norm that I refer to as a supernorm to evaluate these cases.

The supernormal policy divides argumentation into two stages: preparation and resolution. In the preparation stage, the parties attempt to restore or compensate for the suboptimality of the setting, while in the resolution stage, they attempt to resolve their disagreement. I contend that the moves of the preparation stage should be evaluated by using the supernorm instead of by the rules for critical discussion (van Eemeren and Grootendorst 2004). At this point, the paper considers theoretical insights from Gilbert (1995, 1997, 2002) and Jacobs (2000, 2006) to understand what this entails.
DICE simulation: a tool for software performance assessment at the design stage
Authors: Bernardi Simona , Gómez Abel , Merseguer José , Perez-Palacin Diego , Requeno José I.
Published: March 2022

In recent years, we have seen many performance fiascos in the deployment of new systems, such as the US health insurance web. This paper describes the functionality and architecture, as well as success stories, of a tool that helps address these types of issues. The tool allows assessing software designs regarding quality, in particular performance and reliability. Starting from a UML design with quality annotations, the tool applies model-transformation techniques to yield analyzable models. Such models are then leveraged by the tool to compute quality metrics. Finally, quality results, over the design, are presented to the engineer, in terms of the problem domain. Hence, the tool is an asset for the software engineer to evaluate system quality through software designs. While leveraging the Eclipse platform, the tool uses UML and the MARTE, DAM and DICE profiles for the system design and the quality modeling.
The arithmetic mean of what? A Cautionary Tale about the Use of the Geometric Mean as a Measure of Fitness
Authors: Takacs Peter , Bourrat Pierrick
Published: March 2022

Showing that the arithmetic mean number of offspring for a trait type often fails to be a predictive measure of fitness was a welcome correction to the philosophical literature on fitness. While the higher mathematical moments (variance, skew, kurtosis, etc.) of a probability-weighted offspring distribution can influence fitness measurement in distinct ways, the geometric mean number of offspring is commonly singled out as the most appropriate measure. For it is well-suited to a compounding (multiplicative) process and is sensitive to variance in offspring number. The geometric mean thus proves to be a predictively efficacious measure of fitness in examples featuring discrete generations and within- or between-generation variance in offspring output. Unfortunately, this advance has subsequently led some to conclude that the arithmetic mean is never (or at best infrequently) a good measure of fitness and that the geometric mean should accordingly be the default measure of fitness. We show not only that the arithmetic mean is a perfectly reasonable measure of fitness so long as one is clear about what it refers to (in particular, when it refers to growth rate), but also that it functions as a more general measure when properly interpreted. It must suffice as a measure of fitness in any case where the geometric mean has been effectively deployed as a measure. We conclude with a discussion about why the mathematical equivalence we highlight cannot be dismissed as merely of mathematical interest.
Psychiatric Symptoms, Posttraumatic Growth, and Life Satisfaction Among Parents of Seriously Ill Infants: A Prospective Case-Controlled Study
Authors: Koivula Krista , Isokääntä Siiri , Tavast Kati , Toivonen Iines , Tuomainen Iina , Kokki Merja , Honkalampi Kirsi , Sankilampi Ulla , Kokki Hannu
Published: March 2022

We evaluated psychiatric symptoms, posttraumatic growth, and life satisfaction among the parents (n = 34) of newborns (n = 17) requiring therapeutic hypothermia or urgent surgery (interest group). Our control group included 60 parents of healthy newborns (n = 30). The first surveys were completed soon after diagnosis or delivery and the follow-up surveys 1 year later (participation rate 88% in the interest group and 70% in the control group). General stress was common in both groups but was more prevalent in the interest group as were depressive symptoms, too. Anxiety was more common in the interest group, although it showed a decrease from the baseline in both groups. Life satisfaction had an inverse correlation with all measures of psychiatric symptoms, and it was lower in the interest group in the early stage, but similar at 12 months due to the slight decline in the control group. Mothers in the interest group had more anxiety and depressive symptoms than fathers in the early stage. Mothers had more traumatic distress than fathers at both time points. Half of the parents experienced substantial posttraumatic growth at 12 months. In conclusion, the serious illness of an infant substantially affects the well-being of the parents in the early stages of illness and one year after the illness.
Synchronous Fluorescence as a Green and Selective Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Cetirizine and Azelastine in Aqueous Humor
Authors: Abd-AlGhafar Walaa Nabil , Aly F. A. , Sheribah Zeinab A. , Saad Samar
Published: March 2022

A green, simple, quick and economical method is implemented for the first time for the simultaneous estimation of cetirizine (CTZ) and azelastine (AZE) as co-administered eye drops. The method relies on synchronous spectrofluorimetry with ∆λ = 60 nm. Cetirizine can be estimated at 231 nm and AZE can be measured at 294 nm, each at the other’s zero crossing point. All factors affecting the method were studied and properly optimized. Good correlation was obtained in the range of 0.1–2 µg mL−1 for both drugs. The limits of detection were 0.014 and 0.010 µg mL−1 and limits of quantitation were 0.043 and 0.029 µg mL−1 for CTZ and AZE, respectively. Moreover, ICH guidelines were carried out to validate the adopted method. The method was suitable for the analysis of CTZ and AZE in synthetic mixtures, eye drops and aqueous humor. The mean percentage of recoveries of CTZ and AZE in spiked aqueous humor were 99.83 and 99.37, respectively. Furthermore, Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and analytical Eco-scale approaches were used to evaluate the greenness of the suggested method.
Effect of Hydrogen on the Internal Oxidation of a Pd–Cr Alloy in Dual-Atmosphere Conditions
Authors: Chyrkin Anton , Cossu Camilla , Svensson Jan-Erik , Froitzheim Jan
Published: March 2022

The effect of hydrogen on oxygen permeability has been studied in a diluted Pd–Cr alloy in dual- and single- atmosphere conditions between 600 and 950 °C. The 0.3 mm thick Pd–1.5Cr foil was exposed in dry and humid air as well as in dual-atmosphere conditions, with one sample surface being exposed to air and one to hydrogen, as encountered in solid oxide fuel cells. At all temperatures, Cr oxidized internally forming internal oxidation zones which were measured in metallographic cross sections. Below 800 °C, an external layer of PdO formed on the surface decreasing the internal oxidation kinetics. No measurable effect of hydrogen on the internal oxidation of Cr in Pd has been detected.
AALpy: an active automata learning library
Authors: Muškardin Edi , Aichernig Bernhard K. , Pill Ingo , Pferscher Andrea , Tappler Martin
Published: March 2022

AALpy is an extensible open-source Python library providing efficient implementations of active automata learning algorithms for deterministic, non-deterministic, and stochastic systems. We put a special focus on the conformance testing aspect in active automata learning, as well as on an intuitive and seamlessly integrated interface for learning automata characterizing real-world reactive systems. In this article, we present AALpy’s core functionalities, illustrate its usage via examples, and evaluate its learning performance. Finally, we present selected case studies on learning models of various types of systems with AALpy.
The Density of Symbol Systems – A Critique of Nelson Goodman’s Notion
Authors: Guczalski Krzysztof
Published: March 2022

Nelson Goodman’s theory of symbol systems expounded in his Languages of Art has been frequently criticized on many counts (cf. list of secondary literature in the entry “Goodman’s Aesthetics” of Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and Sect. 3 below). Yet it exerts a strong influence and is treated as one of the major twentieth-century theories on the subject.

While many of Goodman’s controversial theses are criticized, the technical notions he used to formulate them seem to have been treated as neutral tools. One such technical notion is that of the density of symbol systems. This serves to distinguish linguistic symbols from pictorial representations (after Goodman entirely rejected resemblance in that role) and is a crucial part of Goodman’s explanation of what constitutes aesthetic experience (and so indirectly what is art). Thus its significance for Goodman’s theory is fundamental.

The aim of this paper is a detailed, logical analysis of this notion. It turns out that Goodman’s definition is highly problematic and cannot be applied to symbol systems in the way Goodman envisaged. To conclude, Goodman’s theory is problematic not just because of its controversial theses but also because of logical problems with the technical notions used at its very core. Hence the controversial claims are not simply contestable, but inaccurately expressed.
Law-Invariant Functionals that Collapse to the Mean: Beyond Convexity
Authors: Liebrich Felix-Benedikt , Munari Cosimo
Published: March 2022

We establish general “collapse to the mean” principles that provide conditions under which a law-invariant functional reduces to an expectation. In the convex setting, we retrieve and sharpen known results from the literature. However, our results also apply beyond the convex setting. We illustrate this by providing a complete account of the “collapse to the mean” for quasiconvex functionals. In the special cases of consistent risk measures and Choquet integrals, we can even dispense with quasiconvexity. In addition, we relate the “collapse to the mean” to the study of solutions of a broad class of optimisation problems with law-invariant objectives that appear in mathematical finance, insurance, and economics. We show that the corresponding quantile formulations studied in the literature are sometimes illegitimate and require further analysis.
On properties of univariate max functions at local maximizers
Authors: Mitchell Tim , Overton Michael L.
Published: March 2022

More than three decades ago, Boyd and Balakrishnan established a regularity result for the two-norm of a transfer function at maximizers. Their result extends easily to the statement that the maximum eigenvalue of a univariate real analytic Hermitian matrix family is twice continuously differentiable, with Lipschitz second derivative, at all local maximizers, a property that is useful in several applications that we describe. We also investigate whether this smoothness property extends to max functions more generally. We show that the pointwise maximum of a finite set of q-times continuously differentiable univariate functions must have zero derivative at a maximizer for $$q=1$$

q
=
1

, but arbitrarily close to the maximizer, the derivative may not be defined, even when $$q=3$$

q
=
3

and the maximizer is isolated.
Viral and Clinical Oncology of Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Goon Peter , Schürmann Matthias , Oppel Felix , Shao SenYao , Schleyer Simon , Pfeiffer Christoph J. , Todt Ingo , Brasch Frank , Scholtz Lars-Uwe , Göerner Martin , Sudhoff Holger
Published: March 2022

Purpose of Review

This study assesses the current state of knowledge of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), which are malignancies arising from the orifices and adjacent mucosae of the aerodigestive tracts. These contiguous anatomical areas are unique in that 2 important human oncoviruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV), are causally associated with nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cancers, respectively. Mortality rates have remained high over the last 4 decades, and insufficient attention paid to the unique viral and clinical oncology of the different subgroups of HNSCC.

Recent Findings

We have compared and contrasted the 2 double-stranded DNA viruses and the relevant molecular oncogenesis of their respective cancers against other head and neck cancers. Tobacco and alcohol ingestion are also reviewed, as regard the genetic progression/mutation accumulation model of carcinogenesis. The importance of stringent stratification when searching for cancer mutations and biomarkers is discussed. Evidence is presented for a dysplastic/pre-invasive cancerous phase for HPV+ oropharyngeal cancers, and analogous with other HPV+ cancers. This raises the possibility of strategies for cancer screening as early diagnosis will undoubtedly save lives.

Staging and prognostication have changed to take into account the distinct biological and prognostic pathways for viral+ and viral− cancers. Diagnosis of pre-cancers and early stage cancers will reduce mortality rates. Multi-modal treatment options for HNSCC are reviewed, especially recent developments with immunotherapies and precision medicine strategies. Knowledge integration of the viral and molecular oncogenic pathways with sound planning, hypothesis generation, and clinical trials will continue to provide therapeutic options in the future.
Treatment Approaches for Functional Neurological Disorders in Children
Authors: Vassilopoulos Areti , Mohammad Shekeeb , Dure Leon , Kozlowska Kasia , Fobian Aaron D.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of Review

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a multi-network brain disorder that encompasses a broad range of neurological symptoms. FND is common in pediatric practice. It places substantial strains on children, families, and health care systems. Treatment begins at assessment, which requires the following: themedicaltask of making the diagnosis, theinterpersonaltask of engaging the child and family so that they feel heard and respected, thecommunicationtask of communicating and explaining the diagnosis, and thelogisticaltask of organizing treatment.

Recent Findings

Over the past decade, three treatment approaches—Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT), other cognitive-behavioral therapies, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation—have been evaluated in the USA, Canada, and Australia. Of children treated in such programs, 63 − 95% showed full resolution of FND symptoms. The common thread across the programs is their biopsychosocial approach—consideration of biological, psychological, relational, and school-related factors that contribute to the child’s clinical presentation.

Current research strongly supports a biopsychosocial approach to pediatric FND and provides a foundation for a stepped approach to treatment. Stepped care is initially tailored to the needs of the individual child (and family) based on the pattern and severity of FND presentation. The level of care and type of intervention may then be adjusted to consider the child’s response, over time, to treatment or treatment combinations. Future research is needed to confirm effective treatment targets, to inform the development of stepped care, and to improve methodologies that can assess the efficacy of stepped-care interventions.
Critical Illness Myopathy: Diagnostic Approach and Resulting Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Rodriguez Belén , Larsson Lars , Z’Graggen Werner J.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of review

Critical illness myopathy (CIM) is a common neuro-muscular complication of intensive care treatment associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The current guidelines for diagnosis include clinical and electrophysiological criteria as well as a muscle biopsy, and allow diagnosis only at an advanced stage of the disease. To date, there is no treatment for CIM available, apart from symptomatic and rehabilitative interventions. In this review, we discuss different diagnostic approaches and describe new treatment possibilities for CIM.

Recent findings

Of the diagnostic approaches evaluated, a new electrophysiological technique for measuring muscle excitability has the greatest potential to allow earlier diagnosis of CIM than the current guidelines do and thereby may facilitate the conduction of future pathophysiological and therapeutic studies. Although clinical trials are still lacking, in animal models, BGP-15, vamorolone, and ruxolitinib have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, to reduce muscle wasting and to improve muscle function and survival.

In recent years, promising methods for early and confirmatory diagnosis of CIM have been developed, but still need validation. Experimental studies on novel pharmacological interventions show promising results in terms of preventive CIM treatments, but future clinical studies will be needed to study the effectiveness and safety of these drugs.
Clock monitoring is associated with age-related decline in time-based prospective memory
Authors: Schmidt Nadine , Haas Maximilian , Krebs Christine , Klöppel Stefan , Kliegel Matthias , Peter Jessica
Published: March 2022

In laboratory time-based prospective memory tasks, older adults typically perform worse than younger adults do. It has been suggested that less frequent clock checking due to problems with executive functions may be responsible. We aimed to investigate the role of clock checking in older adults’ time-based prospective memory and to clarify whether executive functions would be associated with clock checking and consequently, with time-based prospective memory. We included 62 healthy older adults (62-85 years of age) and applied tasks of time-based prospective memory as well as of executive functions (i.e., inhibition, fluency, and working memory). We used mediation analysis to test whether time-based prospective memory declined with advancing age due to less frequent clock checking. In addition, we tested whether there would be an association between executive functions and clock checking or time-based prospective memory. Time-based prospective memory declined with advancing age due to less frequent clock checking within 30s prior to intention completion. We only found a link between executive functions and clock checking (or time-based prospective memory) when not controlling for age. Our results support the importance of clock checking for time-based prospective memory and add to the current literature that older adults’ prospective memory declines because they are less able to adapt their clock checking. Yet, the reason why older adults are less able to adapt their clock checking still remains open. Our results do not indicate that executive function deficits play a central role.
Recent advances in integrated optical directed logic operations for high performance optical computing: a review
Authors: Qiu Ciyuan , Xiao Huifu , Wang Liheng , Tian Yonghui
Published: March 2022

Optical directed logic (DL) is a novel logic operation scheme that employs electrical signals as operands to control the working states of optical switches to perform the logic functions. This review first provides an overview of the concept and working principle of DL. The developing trends of DL computing are then discussed in detail, including the fundamental optical DL gates, combinational optical DL operations, reconfigurable logic computing, low power optical logic computing, and programmable photonic network. The concluding remarks provide an outlook on the DL future development and its impacts in optical computing.

Graphical Abstract