bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and development of a compact thermal ionization mass spectrometer for isotope ratio measurement of uranium
Authors: Bhatia Rajender Kumar , Yadav Varun Kant , Gulhane Milind Manoharrao , Datta Rabi , Joshi Kuldip Devidas , Kasbekar Ajay Mahadeo , Das Subrata , Sreeramulu Konjeti , Saha Tushar Kanti , Ravisankar Edakkunni , Nataraju Vogirala
Published: October 2020

Rationale

A new compact thermal ionization (TI) mass spectrometer, for the isotope ratio analysis of the elements relevant to nuclear applications, has been designed and developed. The new development offers superior performance in terms of sensitivity, precision and a compact footprint in comparison with the conventional one. The main feature of the TI mass spectrometer is the magnetic sector analyser with a sector radius of 20 cm (instead of 30/27 cm in conventional/commercial geometry). An apparent reduction in dispersion has been adequately compensated by employing variable dispersion zoom optics (VDZO).

Methods

The theoretical calculations were validated by computer simulations using SIMION 7.0, leading to the finalization of the mechanical design. Experimental evaluation was carried out using standard TI mass spectrometric methodology to determine the parameters, namely peak flatness, mass range, sensitivity, abundance sensitivity, resolution and precision.

Results

The multi‐collector resolution was 496, and the maximum mass was m/z 382. The sensitivity for uranium was found to be better than 1 ion for 500 atoms, and an abundance sensitivity of 50 ppm at m/z 237 was obtained. The peak flatness for the uranium peak was 3200 ppm of mass. The precision for the isotopic ratio 235U/238U was found to be 0.05% for the U200 standard.

Conclusions

A new compact TI mass spectrometer with a 20 cm sector radius has been designed and developed. The advantage of larger dispersion produced by the VDZO (developed in‐house) was exploited when deciding the 20 cm sector radius. The comparison study with the conventional TI mass spectrometer shows an enhanced (1.5×) sensitivity and an improved precision (0.05%) for the 235U/238U ratio of U200.
Application of 5G new radio for satellite links with low peak‐to‐average power ratios
Authors: Saarnisaari Harri , de Lima Carlos
Published: September 2020

The aim of the paper is to consider feasibility of 5G new radio (NR) over satellite links also known as nonterrestrial networks (NTNs). Large propagation delay and Doppler frequency shift are challenges like is high peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) of 5G NR signal because satellite systems would like to operate at very low‐power amplifier back‐off values. This paper provides a brief summary of progress made in initial synchronization and uplink random access process both in the literature and standardization. Furthermore, the paper explains what is the relationship between low PAPR and power amplifier back‐off and the density of reference symbols by showing that 2‐dB back‐off values can be attained using sufficient reference symbol density. Finally, open issues that need clarification are listed. Interestingly, all solutions to these problems do not mean changes in the standard but proper actions from vendors and operators.
Synthesis of Tantalum Powders in KBr−NaBr and KI−NaI Melts Using Electrochemical Pulverization
Authors: Shmygalev Alexander S. , Isakov Andrey V. , Zaikov Yurii P. , Chernyshev Aleksandr A.
Published: October 2020

In the present work, the possibility for obtaining tantalum powders by means of the electrochemical pulverization (secondary reduction) in the molten electrolytes KBr‐NaBr and KI‐NaI was demonstrated. The powders were analyzed using the X‐ray diffraction, BET, ICP, and laser light scattering. It was revealed that the obtained powders have a chemical purity of 99.98 wt %, which corresponds to the qualification of high‐purity tantalum. The maximum specific surface area of the powder was 17.84 m2/g, and the prevailing particle sizes were in the range from 1.9 to 4.5 μm. The dependence of the predominant particle size on the anion sublattice size was established. The smallest particles were found to be obtained in the systems based on alkali chlorides, the largest in iodide systems.
An Efficient and Facile Synthesis of Deuterium‐Labeled D‐Glycerolphosphocholine and 2,3‐Dilinoleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine
Authors: Gao Yong , Zhang Yinsheng
Published: October 2020

Stable isotope‐labeled polyene phosphatidylcholines (PCs) were required for quantitative bioanalytical assays of products extracted from soybeans. A facile and efficient method for the synthesis of both [D9] and [D13]2,3‐dilinoleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine ([D9] & [D13]DLPC) in excellent yields and high isotope‐enrichment has been developed applying cheap and commercially available glycine, 2‐aminoethanol and iodomethane‐d3  (99 %, 2H) as starting materials and deuterium sources. [D9]DLPC and [D13]DLPC can be used as an internal standard and/or as a surrogate analyte.
Quantitative Analysis of Anatase‐Rutile Mixtures by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Cao Guoqiang , Yi Nan
Published: October 2020

We present how to calculate the weight fraction of anatase in the physical anatase‐rutile mixture based on the analysis of Raman spectra. Raman‐based correlation is also applicable to characterize quantitively the weight fraction of anatase from chemically synthesized anatase‐rutile titanium dioxide mixtures.
Anticancer Activity of 3,3′‐Diindolylmethane and the Molecular Mechanism Involved in Various Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Koli Papita , Reena  , Indurthi Harish K. , Sharma Deepak K.
Published: October 2020

Indole‐3‐carbinol is a natural compound present in cruciferous plants, which upon digestion, converts into 3,3′‐diindolylmethane (DIM) under acidic pH of the stomach. In recent years, various methods have been developed to improve the synthesis of DIM and its analogs because of different pharmacological activities like anticancer, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, etc. Among them, DIMs anticancer activity by modulation of protein expression in cell signaling pathways and other factors has widely studied. This review describes the antiproliferative activity of DIMs and its mode of action, which resulted in apoptosis in various cancerous cells. We have performed a literature search on DIMs anticancer activity over the last ten years (2011–2020) and reported in this review. Several fascinating DIM attributes against cancer suggest it as a potential candidate for further drug development programs. This review will guide the medicinal chemist to find the mechanistic pathways involved in the inhibition of proliferation in cancerous cells by novel DIMs.
Computational Identification of a New Adsorption Site of CO2 on the Ag (211) Surface
Authors: Guo Shuai , Li Yao , Liu Lei , Liu Licheng , Zhang Xiangping , Zhang Suojiang
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, electrochemical reduction of CO2 has been considered as an effective method to solve the problem of global warming. The primary challenge in studying the mechanism is to determine the adsorption states of CO2, since complicated metal surfaces often result in many different adsorption sites. Based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we performed a computational study on the adsorption of CO2 on the Ag electrode surface. The results show that the adsorption populations of CO2 are extremely sensitive to the adsorption sites. Importantly, we found a new preferable adsorption position which is the step site of the (211) surface, having both oxygen atoms interacting with Ag atoms. Moreover, the adsorption populations were found with the order of (211)>(110)>(111)>(100). Subsequently, the adsorption characteristics were correlated with p orbital energies, the d‐band positions and charge transfers between Ag surfaces and CO2.
The evolution of cooperation in the face of conflict: Evidence from the innovation ecosystem for mobile telecom standards development
Authors: Jones Stephen L. , Leiponen Aija , Vasudeva Gurneeta
Published: October 2020

Research Summary

How does interfirm cooperation in innovation ecosystems evolve in the face of conflict? We theorize that conflict propels firms to reconfigure cooperative relationships while maintaining and even increasing cooperation with aggressors because cooperation is the primary mechanism for value creation in such ecosystems. To empirically test our arguments, we study patent litigation and subsequent cooperation between mobile telecommunications firms within the 3GPP standards development organization. We find evidence of a dual cooperative strategy in the face of conflict: while cooperation increases between litigants, defendants also enhance cooperation with others to steer standards away from aggressors. We also highlight the contingent roles of technological complementarities and relational position underpinning cooperation after conflict. Our findings demonstrate that in innovation ecosystems, cooperation with adversaries persists despite conflict.

Managerial Summary

Firms in innovation‐driven industries cooperate to develop interoperability standards and compatible technologies. Yet, cooperative firms may disagree about what constitutes fair, reasonable, and non‐discriminatory terms for licensing intellectual property. Thus, conflict and patent litigation arise even as firms cooperate to build technologies and industry standards. We find that in innovation ecosystems, firms commonly increase cooperative efforts in response to conflict. Less‐connected firms or those with valuable complementary technologies will likely expand cooperation than well‐connected firms or technological competitors. Well‐connected firms may pursue alternative cooperative opportunities. We suggest that defendant firms' managers can adopt a dual cooperative strategy: (a) identify private and shared benefits from the joint development of complementary technologies with aggressors and (b) invest in alternative technological partnerships to influence the direction of future standards development.
Gold Nanoclusters for NIR‐II Fluorescence Imaging of Bones
Authors: Li Deling , Liu Qiang , Qi Qingrong , Shi Hui , Hsu En‐Chi , Chen Weiyu , Yuan Wenli , Wu Yifan , Lin Sien , Zeng Yitian , Xiao Zunyu , Xu Lingyun , Zhang Yanrong , Stoyanova Tanya , Jia Wang , Cheng Zhen
Published: October 2020

Fluorescence imaging in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) holds great promise for deep tissue visualization. Development of novel clinical translatable NIR‐II probes is crucial for realizing the medical applications of NIR‐II fluorescence imaging. Herein, the glutathione‐capped gold nanoclusters (AuNCs, specifically Au25(SG)18) demonstrate highly efficient binding capability to hydroxyapatite in vitro for the first time. Further in vivo NIR‐II fluorescence imaging of AuNCs indicate that they accumulate in bone tissues with high contrast and signal‐background ratio. AuNCs are also mainly and quickly excreted from body through renal system, showing excellent ribs and thoracic vertebra imaging because of no background signal in liver and spleen. The deep tissue penetration capability and high resolution of AuNCs in NIR‐II imaging render their great potential for fluorescence‐guided surgery like spinal pedicle screw implantation. Overall, AuNCs are highly promising and clinical translatable NIR‐II imaging probe for visualizing bone and bone related abnormalities.
Creating a ‘sustainability sublime’ to enable megaprojects to meet the United Nations sustainable development goals
Authors: Sankaran Shankar , Müller Ralf , Drouin Nathalie
Published: October 2020

Despite cost and schedule overruns and benefits shortfalls, megaprojects (which are large‐scale projects that typically cost over a billion dollars and take years to develop and build) continue to be promoted and built creating a megaproject paradox. Prominent megaproject scholar Bent Flyvbjerg (2014) argued that this could be motivated by four ‘sublimes’—technological, political, economic and aesthetic that drive new megaprojects being put forward despite their poor performance. Recent evidence shows that better governance practices are helping to improve the overall performance of megaprojects. Despite the United Nations setting 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030, there are severe shortfalls in initiatives from governments, public organizations and private businesses endangering the achievement of targets set for these goals. In addition, time is running out to achieve these goals with only a decade left. The current initiatives contributing to these goals appear to be focused on individual SDGs even though many of these are interrelated. This article proposes that if politicians, engineers and scientists, businesses leaders and design thinkers could be motivated by a ‘sustainability sublime’ to create megaprojects that contribute to SDGs, it could benefit both the society and the planet. It also argues that a more integrated view of UN SDGs and a suitable governance structure should be applied to ensure that megaprojects created as a result of the sustainability sublime deliver benefits towards achieving UN SDGs.
Evaluation of Genetic Structuring within GIS‐Derived Brook Trout Management Units
Authors: Nathan Lucas R. , Kanno Yoichiro , Letcher Benjamin H. , Welsh Amy B. , Whiteley Andrew R. , Vokoun Jason C.
Published: October 2020

Delineation of management units across broad spatial scales can help to visualize population structuring and identify conservation opportunities. Geographical information system (GIS) approaches can be useful for developing broad‐scale management units, especially when paired with field data that can validate the GIS‐based delineations. Genetic data can be useful for evaluating whether management units accurately represent population structuring. The Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, a regionwide collaborative group, delineated patch‐based management units for Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis by using GIS approaches to inform conservation strategies across the eastern United States. The objectives of this research were to (1) evaluate how well the patches predicted Brook Trout genetic structuring in Connecticut, USA; (2) modify the patches as needed to represent contemporary genetic structuring; and (3) identify catchment‐ and patch‐scale riverscape characteristics that predict genetic diversity. Patches with dams and high levels of upstream impervious surfaces (>3%) had increased intrapatch genetic structuring, which we incorporated into our revised patch delineation algorithm. Patch area and catchment area were the best predictors of genetic diversity, suggesting the importance of maintaining connectivity and incorporating patch‐scale processes into conservation actions. The modified patch layer could be used as the basis for Brook Trout management units to help predict population structuring in the absence of watershed‐scale genetic data, allowing opportunities for Brook Trout conservation to be identified.
Combined Methodology for Linear Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Moraes Muniz da Silva Ricardo , Kugler Mauricio , Umezaki Taizo
Published: October 2020

Time series forecasting is an important type of quantitative model used to predict future values given a series of past observations for which the generation process is unknown. Two of the most well‐known methods for the modeling of linear time series are the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and the autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (ARFIMA). For different datasets, the number of past observations necessary for an accurate prediction may vary. Short and long memory dependency problems require different handling, with the ARIMA model being limited to the first, while the ARFIMA model was specifically developed for the latter. Preprocessing techniques and modification on specific components of these models are common approaches used to tackle the memory dependency problem in order to improve their accuracy. However, such solutions are specific to certain datasets. This paper proposes a new method that combines the short and long memory characteristics of the two aforementioned models in order to keep a low accumulative error in several different scenarios. Twelve public time series datasets were used to compare the performance of the proposed method with the original models. The results were also compared with two alternative methods from the literature used to deal with datasets of different memory dependencies. The new approach presented a lower error for the majority of the experiments, failing only for the datasets that contain a large number of features. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The effect of carbon pricing on technological change for full energy decarbonization: A review of empirical ex‐post evidence
Authors: Lilliestam Johan , Patt Anthony , Bersalli Germán
Published: September 2020

In order to achieve the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement, the world must reach net‐zero carbon emissions around mid‐century, which calls for an entirely new energy system. Carbon pricing, in the shape of taxes or emissions trading schemes, is often seen as the main, or only, necessary climate policy instrument, based on theoretical expectations that this would promote innovation and diffusion of the new technologies necessary for full decarbonization. Here, we review the empirical knowledge available in academic ex‐post analyses of the effectiveness of existing, comparatively high‐price carbon pricing schemes in the European Union, New Zealand, British Columbia, and the Nordic countries. Some articles find short‐term operational effects, especially fuel switching in existing assets, but no article finds mentionable effects on technological change. Critically, all articles examining the effects on zero‐carbon investment found that existing carbon pricing scheme have had no effect at all. We conclude that the effectiveness of carbon pricing in stimulating innovation and zero‐carbon investment remains a theoretical argument. So far, there is no empirical evidence of its effectiveness in promoting the technological change necessary for full decarbonization.

This article is categorized under:

Climate Economics > Economics of Mitigation
Unstable D-brane in torsional Newton-Cartan background
Authors: Klusoň J.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the construction of unstable D-brane action in torsional Newton-Cartan background through T-duality along null direction. We determine corresponding equations of motion and analyze their solution that corresponds to lower dimensional non-relativistic D(p-1)-brane. We also find Hamiltonian for unstable Dp-brane and study tachyon vacuum solutions that can be interpreted as gas of non-relativistic strings.
From Hagedorn to Lee-Yang: partition functions of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM theory at finite N
Authors: Kristensson Alexander T. , Wilhelm Matthias
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We study the thermodynamics of the maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory with gauge group U(N ) on ℝ × S3, dual to type IIB superstring theory on AdS5× S5. While both theories are well-known to exhibit Hagedorn behavior at infinite N , we find evidence that this is replaced by Lee-Yang behavior at large but finite N : the zeros of the partition function condense into two arcs in the complex temperature plane that pinch the real axis at the temperature of the confinement-deconfinement transition. Concretely, we demonstrate this for the free theory via exact calculations of the (unrefined and refined) partition functions at N ≤ 7 for the $$ \mathfrak{su} $$
su
(2) sector containing two complex scalars, as well as at N ≤ 5 for the $$ \mathfrak{su} $$
su
(2|3) sector containing 3 complex scalars and 2 fermions. In order to obtain these explicit results, we use a Molien-Weyl formula for arbitrary field content, utilizing the equivalence of the partition function with what is known to mathematicians as the Poincaré series of trace algebras of generic matrices. Via this Molien-Weyl formula, we also generate exact results for larger sectors.
On the Vilkovisky-DeWitt approach and renormalization group in effective quantum gravity
Authors: Giacchini Breno L. , de Paula Netto Tibério , Shapiro Ilya L.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The effective action in quantum general relativity is strongly dependent on the gauge-fixing and parametrization of the quantum metric. As a consequence, in the effective approach to quantum gravity, there is no possibility to introduce the renormalization-group framework in a consistent way. On the other hand, the version of effective action proposed by Vilkovisky and DeWitt does not depend on the gauge-fixing and parametrization off- shell, opening the way to explore the running of the cosmological and Newton constants as well as the coefficients of the higher-derivative terms of the total action. We argue that in the effective framework the one-loop beta functions for the zero-, two- and four-derivative terms can be regarded as exact, that means, free from corrections coming from the higher loops. In this perspective, the running describes the renormalization group flow between the present-day Hubble scale in the IR and the Planck scale in the UV.
On the equality of two-variable general functional means
Authors: Losonczi László , Páles Zsolt , Zakaria Amr
Published: September 2020

Given two functions$$f,g:I\rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$f,g:I→Rand a probability measure$$\mu $$μon the Borel subsets of [0, 1], the two-variable mean$$M_{f,g;\mu }:I^2\rightarrow I$$Mf,g;μ:I2→Iis defined by$$\begin{aligned} M_{f,g;\mu }(x,y) :=\bigg (\frac{f}{g}\bigg )^{-1}\left( \frac{\int _0^1 f\big (tx+(1-t)y\big )d\mu (t)}{\int _0^1 g\big (tx+(1-t)y\big )d\mu (t)}\right) \quad (x,y\in I). \end{aligned}$$Mf,g;μ(x,y):=(fg)-1∫01f(tx+(1-t)y)dμ(t)∫01g(tx+(1-t)y)dμ(t)(x,y∈I).This class of means includes quasiarithmetic as well as Cauchy and Bajraktarević means. The aim of this paper is, for a fixed probability measure$$\mu $$μ, to study their equality problem, i.e., to characterize those pairs of functions (f, g) and (F, G) for which$$\begin{aligned} M_{f,g;\mu }(x,y)=M_{F,G;\mu }(x,y) \quad (x,y\in I) \end{aligned}$$Mf,g;μ(x,y)=MF,G;μ(x,y)(x,y∈I)holds. Under at most sixth-order differentiability assumptions for the unknown functionsf, gandF, G, we obtain several necessary conditions in terms of ordinary differential equations for the solutions of the above equation. For two particular measures, a complete description is obtained. These latter results offer eight equivalent conditions for the equality of Bajraktarević means and of Cauchy means.
Checkpointinhibitoren in der Tumortherapie
Authors: Zander Hilke , Müller-Egert Susanne , Zwiewka Michal , Groß Steffen , van Zandbergen Ger , Engelbergs Jörg
Published: October 2020

Mit der Entwicklung von Checkpointinhibitoren gelang in den letzten Jahren ein Durchbruch in der Tumortherapie. Checkpointinhibitoren aktivieren die Immunabwehr gegen Tumoren, indem sie die immunhemmende Wirkung spezifischer, als Kontrollpunkte agierender Zelloberflächenproteine, der sogenannten Checkpoints, aufheben. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Wirkweise und den Stand der derzeitigen klinischen Entwicklung zugelassener Checkpointinhibitoren.

Die bisher zugelassenen Checkpointinhibitoren, gegen die Checkpoints CTLA‑4 und PD-1/PD-L1 gerichtete monoklonale Antikörper, werden in verschiedenen Tumorentitäten wie Melanom, Lungen‑, Nieren‑, Urothelkarzinom oder Kopf-Hals-Tumoren sowie dem Hodgkin-Lymphom eingesetzt. Bei einem Teil dieser Patienten mit fortgeschrittenen Tumoren konnte erstmals ein Langzeitüberleben erzielt werden. In Abhängigkeit von der Tumorindikation ist diese charakteristische lange Wirksamkeit jedoch nur bei einem geringen Anteil der behandelten Patienten zu beobachten, was man durch eine Patientenselektion über prädiktive Biomarker und die Entwicklung von Kombinationstherapien zu überwinden versucht. Für manche Indikationen wurde bereits mit der Checkpointinhibitorzulassung eine Einschränkung hinsichtlich des prädiktiven PD-L1-Status vorgeschrieben.
Asymptotic behaviour of fast diffusions on graphs
Authors: Gregosiewicz Adam
Published: September 2020

We study a diffusion process on a finite graph with semipermeable membranes on vertices. We prove, in $$L^1$$

L
1

and $$L^2$$

L
2

-type spaces that for a large class of boundary conditions, describing communication between the edges of the graph, the process is governed by a strongly continuous semigroup of operators, and we describe asymptotic behaviour of the diffusion semigroup as the diffusions’ speed increases at the same rate as the membranes’ permeability decreases. Such a process, in which communication is based on the Fick law, was studied by Bobrowski (Ann. Henri Poincaré 13(6):1501–1510, 2012) in the space of continuous functions on the graph. His results were generalized by Banasiak et al. (Semigroup Forum 93(3):427–443, 2016). We improve, in a way that cannot be obtained using a very general tool developed recently by Engel and Kramar Fijavž (Evolut. Equ. Control Theory 8(3)3:633–661, 2019), the results of J. Banasiak et al.
Slow–fast control of eye movements: an instance of Zeeman’s model for an action
Authors: Clement Richard A. , Akman Ozgur E.
Published: September 2020

The rapid eye movements (saccades) used to transfer gaze between targets are examples of an action. The behaviour of saccades matches that of the slow–fast model of actions originally proposed by Zeeman. Here, we extend Zeeman’s model by incorporating an accumulator that represents the increase in certainty of the presence of a target, together with an integrator that converts a velocity command to a position command. The saccadic behaviour of several foveate species, including human, rhesus monkey and mouse, is replicated by the augmented model. Predictions of the linear stability of the saccadic system close to equilibrium are made, and it is shown that these could be tested by applying state-space reconstruction techniques to neurophysiological recordings. Moreover, each model equation describes behaviour that can be matched to specific classes of neurons found throughout the oculomotor system, and the implication of the model is that build-up, burst and omnipause neurons are found throughout the oculomotor pathway because they constitute the simplest circuit that can produce the motor commands required to specify the trajectories of motor actions.
Effect of PCC crystallization and morphology on flocculation with microfibrillated cellulose, on sheet densification and liquid absorption behavior
Authors: Laukala Teija , Lyytikäinen Johanna , Mielonen Katriina , Backfolk Kaj
Published: October 2020

Composite sheets consisting of elongated and aggregated cationically charged precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and native microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) were prepared with a wet laying method. The furnishes were prepared with and without an anionic flocculating agent (polyacrylamide) in order to adjust the structure of the sheet. The samples were compressed (densified) in order to determine the particle and microfibrillated cellulose-PCC structure coalescence and densification, as well as its subsequent influence on liquid absorption behavior. The densification affected both the vertical and lateral distribution of PCC, but the flocculating agent enhanced the compression stability and stabilized the sheets against PCC material flow. The differences between the sheets made with and without the flocculation aid affected the absorption of an anionic dye-based fluid ink, which was evident as a higher print density and less print bleeding. The absorption behavior was dependent on the sheet structure, especially on the PCC distribution within the sheets. Finally, the role of MFC on floc structure and floc formation is discussed.

Graphic abstract
Brief Training to Modify the Breadth of Attention Influences the Generalisation of Fear
Authors: Varma Mohith M. , Pitliya Riddhi J. , Zbozinek Tomislav D. , Shechner Tomer , Barry Tom J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Generalisation of fear from dangerous to safe stimuli is an important process associated with anxiety disorders. However, factors that contribute towards fear (over)-generalisation remain poorly understood. The present investigation explored how attentional breadth (global/holistic and local/analytic) influences fear generalisation and, whether people trained to attend in a global vs. local manner show more or less generalisation.

Methods

Participants (N = 39) were shown stimuli which comprised of large ‘global’ letters and smaller ‘local’ letters (e.g. an F comprised of As) and they either had to identify the global or local letter. Participants were then conditioned to fear a face by pairing it with an aversive scream (75% reinforcement schedule). Perceptually similar, but safe, faces, were then shown. Self-reported fear levels and skin conductance responses were measured.

Results

Compared to participants in Global group, participants in Local group demonstrated greater fear for dangerous stimulus (CS +) as well as perceptually similar safe stimuli.

Conclusions

Participants trained to attend to stimuli in a local/analytical manner showed higher magnitude of fear acquisition and generalisation than participants trained to attend in a global/holistic way. Breadth of attentional focus can influence overall fear levels and fear generalisation and this can be manipulated via attentional training.
Densities, Viscosities, and Thermal Conductivities of the Ionic Liquid 7-Methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-enium Acetate and Its Mixtures with Water
Authors: Baird Zachariah Steven , Uusi-Kyyny Petri , Dahlberg Artur , Cederkrantz Daniel , Alopaeus Ville
Published: October 2020

7-Methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-enium acetate (mTBD acetate) is a protic ionic liquid that is being investigated for use in industrial processes, such as for producing textiles from cellulose. To aid in designing such processes, we have measured the densities, viscosities, and thermal conductivities of mTBD acetate and aqueous mixtures containing mTBD acetate. We also investigated how excess amounts of mTBD or acetic acid affect the density, and found that in general an excess of either component decreases the density. However, when no water is present, the sample with excess acetic acid actually has a slightly higher density than when there is an equimolar amount of acid and base. The maximum density occurs when some water is present (around 30–40 mol%). We also modeled the density data using the ePC-SAFT equation of state and provide simple correlations for calculating the viscosity and thermal conductivity of these mixtures.
Usage Continuance in Software-as-a-Service
Authors: Baumann Elias , Kern Jana , Lessmann Stefan
Published: October 2020

Software-as-a-service applications are experiencing immense growth as their comparatively low cost makes them an important alternative to traditional software. Following the initial adoption phase, vendors are now concerned with the continued usage of their software. To analyze the influence of different measures to improve continued usage over time, a longitudinal study approach using data from a SaaS vendor was implemented. Employing a linear mixed model, the study finds several measures to have a positive effect on a software’s usage penetration. In addition to these activation measures performed by the SaaS vendor, software as well as client characteristics were also examined, but did not display significant estimates. The findings emphasize the need for proactive activation initiatives to raise usage penetration. More generally, the study contributes novel insights into the scarcely researched field of influencing factors on SaaS usage continuance.
Bacteria-mediated aggregation of the marine phytoplankton Thalassiosira weissflogii and Nannochloropsis oceanica
Authors: Tran Nhan-An T. , Tamburic Bojan , Evenhuis Christian R. , Seymour Justin R.
Published: September 2020

The ecological relationships between heterotrophic bacteria and marine phytoplankton are complex and multifaceted, and in some instances include the bacteria-mediated aggregation of phytoplankton cells. It is not known to what extent bacteria stimulate aggregation of marine phytoplankton, the variability in aggregation capacity across different bacterial taxa or the potential role of algogenic exopolymers in this process. Here we screened twenty bacterial isolates, spanning nine orders, for their capacity to stimulate aggregation of two marine phytoplankters, Thalassiosira weissflogii and Nannochloropsis oceanica. In addition to phytoplankton aggregation efficiency, the production of exopolymers was measured using Alcian Blue. Bacterial isolates from the Rhodobacterales, Flavobacteriales and Sphingomonadales orders stimulated the highest levels of cell aggregation in phytoplankton cultures. When co-cultured with bacteria, exopolymer concentration accounted for 34.1% of the aggregation observed in T. weissflogii and 27.7% of the aggregation observed in N. oceanica. Bacteria-mediated aggregation of phytoplankton has potentially important implications for mediating vertical carbon flux in the ocean and in extracting phytoplankton cells from suspension for biotechnological applications.
Bulk-boundary asymptotic equivalence of two strict deformation quantizations
Authors: Moretti Valter , van de Ven Christiaan J. F.
Published: October 2020

The existence of a strict deformation quantization of $$X_k=S(M_k({\mathbb {C}}))$$

X
k

=
S

(

M
k

(
C
)

)

, the state space of the $$k\times k$$

k
×
k

matrices $$M_k({\mathbb {C}})$$

M
k

(
C
)

which is canonically a compact Poisson manifold (with stratified boundary), has recently been proved by both authors and Landsman (Rev Math Phys 32:2050031, 2020. 10.1142/S0129055X20500312). In fact, since increasing tensor powers of the $$k\times k$$

k
×
k

matrices $$M_k({\mathbb {C}})$$

M
k

(
C
)

are known to give rise to a continuous bundle of $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras over $$I=\{0\}\cup 1/\mathbb {N}\subset [0,1]$$

I
=
{
0
}
∪
1
/
N
⊂
[
0
,
1
]

with fibers $$A_{1/N}=M_k({\mathbb {C}})^{\otimes N}$$

A

1
/
N

=

M
k

(
C
)

⊗
N

and $$A_0=C(X_k)$$

A
0

=
C

(

X
k

)

, we were able to define a strict deformation quantization of $$X_k$$

X
k

à la Rieffel, specified by quantization maps $$Q_{1/N}:/ \tilde{A}_0\rightarrow A_{1/N}$$

Q

1
/
N

:
/

A
~

0

→

A

1
/
N

, with $$\tilde{A}_0$$

A
~

0

a dense Poisson subalgebra of $$A_0$$

A
0

. A similar result is known for the symplectic manifold $$S^2\subset \mathbb {R}^3$$

S
2

⊂

R

3

, for which in this case the fibers $$A'_{1/N}=M_{N+1}(\mathbb {C})\cong B(\text {Sym}^N(\mathbb {C}^2))$$

A

1
/
N

′

=

M

N
+
1

(
C
)

≅
B

(

Sym
N

(

C

2

)

)

and $$A_0'=C(S^2)$$

A
0
′

=
C

(

S
2

)

form a continuous bundle of $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras over the same base space I, and where quantization is specified by (a priori different) quantization maps $$Q_{1/N}': \tilde{A}_0' \rightarrow A_{1/N}'$$

Q

1
/
N

′

:

A
~

0
′

→

A

1
/
N

′

. In this paper, we focus on the particular case $$X_2\cong B^3$$

X
2

≅

B
3

(i.e., the unit three-ball in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

) and show that for any function $$f\in \tilde{A}_0$$

f
∈

A
~

0

one has $$\lim _{N\rightarrow \infty }||(Q_{1/N}(f))|_{\text {Sym}^N(\mathbb {C}^2)}-Q_{1/N}'(f|_{_{S^2}})||_N=0$$

lim

N
→
∞

|
|

(

Q

1
/
N

(
f
)

)

|

Sym
N

(

C

2

)

-

Q

1
/
N

′

(
f

|

S
2

)

|
|

N

=
0

, where $$\text {Sym}^N(\mathbb {C}^2)$$

Sym
N

(

C

2

)

denotes the symmetric subspace of $$(\mathbb {C}^2)^{N \otimes }$$

(

C

2

)

N
⊗

. Finally, we give an application regarding the (quantum) Curie–Weiss model.
User models for multi-context-aware music recommendation
Authors: Pichl Martin , Zangerle Eva
Published: October 2020

In the last decade, music consumption has changed dramatically as humans have increasingly started to use music streaming platforms. While such platforms provide access to millions of songs, the sheer volume of choices available renders it hard for users to find songs they like. Consequently, the task of finding music the user likes is often mitigated by music recommender systems, which aim to provide recommendations that match the user’s current context. Particularly in the field of music recommendation, adapting recommendations to the user’s current context is critical as, throughout the day, users listen to different music in numerous different contexts and situations. Therefore, we propose a multi-context-aware user model and track recommender system that jointly exploit information about the current situation and musical preferences of users. Our proposed system clusters users based on their situational context features and similarly, clusters music tracks based on their content features. By conducting a series of offline experiments, we show that by relying on Factorization Machines for the computation of recommendations, the proposed multi-context-aware user model successfully leverages interaction effects between user listening histories, situational, and track content information, substantially outperforming a set of baseline recommender systems.
Co-expression of intermediate filaments glial fibrillary acidic protein and cytokeratin in pituitary adenoma
Authors: Wiesnagrotzki Nina , Bernreuther Christian , Saeger Wolfgang , Flitsch Jörg , Glatzel Markus , Hagel Christian
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To analyze the co-expression of the intermediate filaments GFAP and cytokeratin in 326 pituitary adenomas with regard to the distribution pattern, the subtype of the adenoma and clinical prognostic data.

Methods

Tissue from 326 pituitary adenomas and 13 normal anterior pituitaries collected in the Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, between 2006 and 2009 was investigated by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy.

Results

Co-expression of intermediate filaments GFAP and cytokeratin was associated with hormone expression in 62/278 cases (22%), but only found in 2/48 (4%) of null cell adenomas (p < 0.01). Simultaneous co-expression of GFAP and cytokeratin in the same cells was demonstrated in 26 out of 326 pituitary adenomas and in all 13 pituitaries. In pituitary intermediate filaments were demonstrated in a larger area of the cytoplasm than in adenoma (p < 0.01), however, overlapping expression was seen in 2.6% of the total area in both, pituitary and adenoma. Congenially, cells with overlapping expression were found near vessels and in follicles. Furthermore, adenomas with cellular co-expression of GFAP and cytokeratin were associated with a lower recurrence rate (7.7%) compared to adenomas without co-expression of intermediate filaments (17.8%).

Conclusions

Cellular co-expression of the intermediate filaments GFAP and cytokeratin in pituitary adenomas and the pituitary was demonstrated and shown to be associated with hormone expression and low recurrence rate. The results are discussed with regard to the biology of folliculostellate cells, neural transformation and tumor stem cells. This study may complement the understanding of pituitary adenoma biology.
Multiparameter assessment of select metal distribution in lacustrine sediments
Authors: Aleksander-Kwaterczak Urszula , Kostka Anna , Leśniak Andrzej
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The main objective of the study was the determination of the Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn distribution in Wigry Lake sediments, as well as the contamination and ecotoxicological risk assessment on the basis of a large data set.

Materials and methods

Select metal concentrations were determined via AAS or ICP-MS. Contamination assessment was achieved via the implementation of different geochemical background values, selected pollution indices, and by way of comparison with the limit values of the sediment quality guidelines and supported by cartographic methods.

Results and discussion

Metal concentrations presented in the paper were associated with a specific type of sediment and sedimentation environment. The highest concentrations of metals were found in the fluvial-lacustrine sediment covering the bottom of the bay of eutrophic character. The lowest amounts were found in the lacustrine chalk and clastic sediment present in the littoral parts of the lake, while profundal sediments were more enriched with metals. Studies revealed that the examined metals have mostly natural, but also anthropogenic origin. The assessment of lake sediments, with the use of geochemical background values and different indices, yielded highly diversified results associated with the variability of background values applied in the study. However, ultimately, the Wigry Lake sediments were found to be only slightly contaminated with Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn, while Pb concentrations were considered to be more disturbing. The potential ecotoxicological risk was assessed as low.

Conclusions

Particular attention in this study was paid to the significance of the geochemical background values adopted for calculations, which, in the case of Wigry Lake, gave very divergent results. A uniquely large data set facilitated the performance of a thorough analysis of metal distributions in recent lacustrine sediments and highlighted the necessity of using integrated approaches in aquatic ecosystem studies.
Faith Assimilated to Perception: the Embodied Perspective
Authors: Kalmykova Elena
Published: October 2020

In this paper, I consider how the embodied approach can be applied to religious faith, and possibly other kinds of faith. I start with the reformed epistemologists’ idea that religious faith is similar to sense perception, and I argue that we can elaborate this idea by taking into account our capability perceptually to grasp what is not accessible by senses—the ‘presence in absence’ (Noë 2012) or, as I call it, perceptual faith. As perception necessarily involves not only a mental but also an embodied relation to its object; an embodied relation can be seen as a constitutive component of faith as well. According to phenomenological accounts of perception (Merleau-Ponty, Noë, Siewert), embodiment and enactment allow humans to transcend perspectival limitations and to perceive an object as it is beyond its appearances: constant despite changes of angle, light, and other conditions and whole even when only parts of it are visible. I argue that, in the same vein, embodied relations and particular normativity involved in perception-based faith allow humans to transcend the precariousness of our experience and to sustain a perception-like relation to religious objects, achieved in a ‘better look’ moments of religious experience. I conclude that an embodied account can provide new insights into the nature of religious faith and resolve some puzzles, such as how faith can be a virtue.
Multidisciplinary Outpatient Cancer Rehabilitation Can Improve Cancer Patients’ Physical and Psychosocial Status—a Systematic Review
Authors: Kudre Daisy , Chen Zhehui , Richard Aline , Cabaset Sophie , Dehler Anna , Schmid Margareta , Rohrmann Sabine
Published: October 2020

Purpose of Review

This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation programmes by looking at physical, psychosocial and return to work status of adult cancer patients.

Recent Findings

There is growing evidence that emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary rehabilitation especially in outpatient care, which addresses the complex and individual needs of cancer patients. Many studies focus on measuring the effect of individual rehabilitation interventions.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and before-after studies examining the effects of interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation programmes were included in this systematic review. The electronic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PEDro. The PICO statement was used for selection of the studies. Six randomized controlled trials and six before-after studies were included. Interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary outpatient cancer rehabilitation programmes improved physical and/or psychosocial status of cancer patients. However, non-significant changes in a variety of single physical and psychosocial measures were also common.

The findings of the systematic review indicate that interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary outpatient cancer rehabilitation can improve cancer patients’ physical and psychosocial status. This review is limited by the narrative approach due to the heterogeneity of outcome measures. To evaluate effects of rehabilitation, better comparable studies are necessary. Further research is needed in regard to long-term outcomes, effects on return to work status and on the associations depending on cancer type.
How digitalization affects insurance companies: overview and use cases of digital technologies
Authors: Eckert Christian , Osterrieder Katrin
Published: October 2020

The digital transformation is of increasing relevance for insurance companies’ business models. It leads to opportunities as well as challenges, especially for IT departments as core enablers or preventers. Against this background, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of digital technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, cloud computing) and the resulting use cases for the insurance industry. To this end, we conduct a review of academic articles, industry studies and publications of the supervisory authorities. We point to the resulting requirements for an insurer’s IT and find many interdependencies between the digital technologies. Our results therefore emphasize the importance of a holistic digital strategy.
The strong emergence of molecular structure
Authors: Seifert Vanessa A.
Published: October 2020

One of the most plausible and widely discussed examples of strong emergence is molecular structure. The only detailed account of it, which has been very influential, is due to Robin Hendry and is formulated in terms of downward causation. This paper explains Hendry’s account of the strong emergence of molecular structure and argues that it is coherent only if one assumes a diachronic reflexive notion of downward causation. However, in the context of this notion of downward causation, the strong emergence of molecular structure faces three challenges that have not been met and which have so far remained unnoticed. First, the putative empirical evidence presented for the strong emergence of molecular structure equally undermines supervenience, which is one of the main tenets of strong emergence. Secondly, it is ambiguous how the assumption of determinate nuclear positions is invoked for the support of strong emergence, as the role of this assumption in Hendry’s argument can be interpreted in more than one way. Lastly, there are understandings of causation which render the postulation of a downward causal relation between a molecule’s structure and its quantum mechanical entities, untenable.
Urban water and food security in this century and beyond: Resource-smart cities and residents
Authors: Drangert Jan-Olof
Published: October 2020

The urban world population will increase from 3 to 8.5 thousand million in the 21st century. Cities become hot spots of both demand for water and global food and for disposed used water and nutrients. Sustainability requires that resource flows through our cities are co-managed and connected to agriculture. Reduced use of harmful chemicals in consumer products facilitates treatment to a quality that allows reuse/recycling of water and nutrients. A solid and liquid waste hierarchy can assist in ordering measures. A novel flexible water balance can guide city infrastructure and keep toilet water separate. New water-saving equipment can substantially reduce water use without losing personal comfort. The combination of these new approaches ascertains access to safe urban water, and that recovered nutrients from cities can substitute half of chemical fertilisers needed in food production. Now, thousands of new cities and suburbs provide unique opportunities to develop resource-smart and sustainable flows.