bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic testing and simulation of 9 mm full metal jacket ammunition
Authors: Coget Yann , Novak Josip , Gütter Georg , Demarty Yaël , Rusinek Alexis
Published: September 2021

Ballistic protection for armed forces requires a continuous performance improvement to successfully face ever evolving threats and scenarios. Ballistic tests are conventionally carried out in order to assess and validate the levels of protection to a high degree of accuracy. Although very effective, those tests are often time consuming and lack the necessary flexibility. A better approach would be to set up a numerical protocol for a number of simulations and only carry out final real life validation tests. Unquestionably, the main advantage of finite element modelling is the possibility to simultaneously evaluate a wide variety of configurations and their interactions (materials, geometry, architecture, etc.). For reliability, it is necessary to use sufficiently precise material behaviour models to accurately transcribe the phenomena observed during the impact. Our study focuses on the mechanical behaviour of 9 mm ammunition materials, namely a lead alloy core and a steel alloy jacket. For this purpose, a preliminary study (not presented here), was carried out on both the lead core and the steel jacket separately and the parameters for each constitutive model were determined. Lead-steel cylindrical samples, extracted from the ammunition, have been used for the validation of the entire constitutive model. By utilizing those samples, a high degree of the ammunitions material properties have been retained. SHPB tests have been carried out in multiple conditions, varying the striker speeds and temperatures. Additionally, the tests were recorded with an ultra-high speed camera. Strain gages were used to record signals along the input and output bars. Those measurements have been compared to numerical results using Finite Element code (ABAQUS® Explicit). A very satisfying correlation between the experimental data and the simulation has been reached, thus validating the jacket and core constitutive models and interactions for subsequent studies of ballistic impacts.
Strain rate dependence of SM490B at room temperature and application to Cowper-Symonds constitutive models
Authors: Sakai Taisei , Yamada Hiroyuki , Ogasawara Nagahisa , Kokudai Muneyuki , Fukui Tsutomu
Published: September 2021

Steel is widely used as a constituent material for various structures such as automobiles and ships. To perform high precision analysis including high strain rate behavior, an understanding for the strain rate dependence of material strength becomes very important. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the strain rate dependence of material strength with rolled steels for welded structure, JIS SM490B (ASTM E). We investigated the deformation characteristics at room temperature by performing compression tests at a wide range of strain rates and applied the obtained experimental results to the material constitutive model using an optimization method of Nelder-Mead method. The quasi-static tests were conducted using a universal testing machine at the strain rate of 10-3, 10-2 and 10-1 s-1. The impact test was conducted using a split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus at the strain rate of approximately 103 s-1. As the results of the compression tests, it was confirmed that SM490B has a positive strain rate dependence of material strength. The Cowper-Symonds constitutive model showed good agreement with the experimental results up to the strain of 20%. However, the error became larger between experimental results and CS approximation as the strain increases to 20% or more.
On the mechanical behaviour of additively manufactured metamaterials under dynamic conditions
Authors: Sancho R. , Galvez F. , Garrido C.L. , Perosanz-Amarillo S. , Barba D.
Published: September 2021

High-energy absorption and light-weightiness are two critical properties for impact protection in the aerospace sector. In the past, the use of periodic honeycomb structures or random porous metallic foams were the preferred route to obtain a good specific-energy absorption performance. In recent years, the use of additive manufacturing has increased the design freedom creating a new generation of reticulated and porous materials: the metamaterials or lattice materials. The internal geometries of these lattice structures can be tuned for superior optimal properties, e.g., energyabsorption and density. However, the mechanics of these materials under impact need to be understood with the purpose of mechanical optimisation, and the computational models validated. In this work, we present the experimental compressive behaviour, at room temperature, of two Ti6Al4V lattice structures under static and dynamic conditions. The quasi-static tests were performed by using a universal testing machine while the dynamic tests were conducted at 480s-1 with a split-Hopkinson bar. In all cases, the deformation process was filmed to analyse the failure. Finally, finiteelement simulations were done, employing the Johnson-Cook model, to describe the response of the alloy. The simulations were able to reflect the failure characteristics of each metamaterial but were not able to describe the macroscopic response due to the differences between the experimental and computational volume fraction.
Effect of stress pulse shape on the dynamic fracture of soda-lime glass
Authors: Buchar Jaroslav , Trnka Jan
Published: September 2021

The goal of this paper is to evaluate the tensile strength and fracture behavior of the soda lime glass under static and dynamic loading using Brazilian tests. The evaluation of the static tensile strength was performed using the universal testing machine; the fracture behavior under dynamic loading was studied using the Hopkinson Split Pressure Bar (HSPB) Technique. The dynamic loading is realized using the stress pulses of the different shape. In order to obtain the different loading stress pulses impact strikes made from four different materials (Steel, Teflon, Beech, and Polymer) were used. The high-speed camera in both static and dynamic tests was used to obtain some detail view on the failure process of specimens. Experimental results showed that the dynamic tensile strength was at least three times higher than the static one. The initiation of the dynamic fracture occurs when some parameters of the loading stress pulse reaches critical values. These parameters are independent on the stress pulse shape.
The comparison of projectile impact resistance of ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete with various aggregates
Authors: Drdlová Martina , Šperl Martin
Published: September 2021

In order to apply the ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) in the constructions of ballistic protective structures, the impact resistance of UHPFRC has been investigated experimentally by conducting the high-speed projectile penetration tests. 5 mixtures with basalt and corundum aggregates with various grain size have been prepared and subjected to the quasi-static and 7.62 x 54R B32 API projectile impact load using the striking velocity of 850 m/s. The influence of the strength, size and material of the aggregate on the projectile impact resistance represented by differential efficiency factor (DEF), structural integrity and area and height of impact crater has been evaluated. The superior projectile resistance of UHPFRC with corundum has been observed. Regarding the size of the aggregates, the incorporation of coarser aggregates brings better projectile impact resistance.
Damping evaluation of a ballistic foam: from tests to simulations
Authors: Mespoulet Jerome , Abdulhamid Hakim , Deconinck Paul
Published: September 2021

The perpetual evolution of soldiers light weight armors include now high technology ceramic, composite and polymeric in ballistic vest that are optimized by simulations. Knowledge of individual material response in the strain, strain rate regime closed to the threat stays mandatory and thus collecting parameters to fit material models guarantees reliable numerical investigations. Since 2015, THIOT INGENIERIE Shock Physics Laboratory has been selected by the French Defence procurement agency DGA-Land Systems to perform materials characterization in three main families of ballistic materials [1-2]. A coupled approach between laboratory experiments and numerical simulations has shown its relevance with ceramic and an Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene composite (UHMWPE). This paper presents succinctly the last part of those experimental investigations on a polymeric foam that is implemented on the soldier’s chest [3]. The material behavior under dynamic loading has been first evaluated using Split Hokinson Pressure Bars (SHPB) up to 5000s-1. Ballistic tests have been performed in a second time using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) with ultrahigh speed cameras at the back of the target plate to evaluate the damping behavior. Numerical simulations are under progress and the first results are promising.
Leserbrief zu: Forschung Kompakt: Klien S. Tests für den M. subscapularis. MSK 2021; 25: 57
Authors: Schöttker-Königer Thomas , Lüdtke Kerstin , Schäfer Axel
Published: September 2021

Erhöht sich durch die Kombination von Bear-Hug- und Belly-Press-Test die Genauigkeit der Untersuchung bei einer Pathologie des M. subscapularis?
Selbstverantwortung: Zusammenhänge mit Depression und Angst
und Relevanz für das Behandlungsergebnis bei schwer depressiven
Patient*innen in vollstationärer Behandlung
Authors: Maß Reinhard , Schottke Marie-Lene , Müller Maria , Lübbers Frederik , Müller-Alcazar Anett , Kolbeck Sabine , Morgenroth Olaf
Published: September 2021

Ziel der Studie Obwohl in den meisten Psychotherapieschulen eine hohe
Selbstverantwortung (SV) der Patient*innen als Grundlage für den
Erfolg einer Psychotherapie angesehen wird, gibt es für dieses Konstrukt
weder eine einheitliche Definition noch eine psychometrische
Operationalisierung; dementsprechend liegen auch keine empirischen Belege
für die tatsächliche Bedeutung von SV in der Psychotherapie vor.
Die vorliegende Arbeit zielt darauf ab, (1) eine Definition von SV vorzuschlagen
sowie einen Fragebogen für deren Messung zu entwickeln und (2) mit Hilfe
dieses Instruments die Bedeutung der SV bei der Behandlung von Depressionen zu
prüfen.

Methodik In zwei Studien mit Stichproben gesunder Erwachsener
(N=233 bzw. 301) wurde das
„Selbstverantwortungs-Inventar“ (SV-I) entwickelt und dessen
Korrelationen mit Depressivität und habitueller Angst geprüft.
In einer dritten Studie wurde das SV-I Patient*innen vorgelegt, die sich
wegen einer Depression in vollstationär-psychiatrischer Behandlung
befanden (N=231). Die Behandlungen waren hauptsächlich
psychotherapeutisch ausgerichtet.

Ergebnisse Die finale Version des SV-I besteht aus drei Skalen mit jeweils
10 Items: „Fremdbestimmung“, „Selbstbestimmung“
und „Orientierung an den Erwartungen anderer“. Bei gesunden
Erwachsenen geht eine geringe SV mit hoher Depressivität und hoher
Ängstlichkeit einher. Die Patient*innen zeigten durchschnittlich
eine geringere SV als die Gesunden. Während der Behandlung kam es in
allen drei SV-I-Skalen zu einem Anstieg der SV. Je höher die bei der
Entlassung erreichte SV war, desto stärker war der Rückgang der
Depression von der Aufnahme bis zur Entlassung.

Diskussion Das SV-I scheint geeignet für den Einsatz bei Gesunden
und bei klinischen Gruppen zu sein. Unsere Befunde weisen darauf hin, dass eine
geringe SV mit der Entwicklung psychischer Symptome und Erkrankungen
zusammenhängt.

Schlussfolgerung Eine hohe SV könnte ein bedeutsamer Faktor
für den Erfolg einer Psychotherapie bei Depression sein; das SV-I
könnte ein nützliches Instrument zur Untersuchung
psychotherapeutischer Prozesse sein.
Dentoalveolar Procedures in Immune Thrombocytopenia; Systematic Review and an Institutional Guideline
Authors: van Dijk Wobke E. M. , van Es Robert J. J. , Correa Maria E. P. , Schutgens Roger E. G. , van Galen Karin P. M.
Published: September 2021

Background Dentoalveolar procedures in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) pose a risk of bleeding due to thrombocytopenia and infection due to immunosuppressive treatments. We aimed to systematically review the safety and management of dentoalveolar procedures in ITP patients to create practical recommendations.

Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Cinahl were searched for original studies on dentoalveolar procedures in primary ITP patients. We recorded bleeding- and infection-related outcomes and therapeutic strategies. Clinically relevant bleeding was defined as needing medical attention.

Results Seventeen articles were included, of which 12 case reports/series. Overall, the quality of the available evidence was poor. Outcomes and administered therapies (including hemostatic therapies and prophylactic antibiotics) were not systematically reported. At least 73 dentoalveolar procedures in 49 ITP patients were described. The range of the preoperative platelet count was 2 to 412 × 109/L. Two clinically relevant bleedings (2%) were reported in the same patient of which one was life-threatening. Strategies used to minimize the risk of bleeding were heterogeneous and included therapies to increase platelet count, antifibrinolytics, local measures, and minimally invasive techniques. Reports on the occurrence of bleedings due to anesthetics or infection were lacking.

Conclusion Based on alarmingly limited data, clinically relevant bleedings and infections after dentoalveolar procedures in ITP patients seem rare. Awaiting prospective and controlled studies to further evaluate these risks and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions, we provided our institutional guideline to guide the management of dentoalveolar procedures in ITP patients.
Multiple Activation Catalyst for Asymmetric [4+2] Cycloaddition of Aldehydes with Dienes
Authors: Kurahashi Takuya , Matsubara Seijiro , Tomifuji Rei , Murano Shunpei , Teranishi Satoru , Kuroda Daiki
Published: September 2021

The enantioselective oxa-Diels–Alder reaction of nonactivated substrates by utilizing FeCl3 and a 1,1′-bi-2-naphthol (BINOL) derived chiral phosphoric acid as a multiple activation catalyst is reported. Various oxygen-containing six-membered heterocycles were obtained in high yields and in an enantioselective manner. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate that both Lewis acidic and Brønsted acidic moieties in the catalyst system synergistically activate two lone pairs of an aldehyde to facilitate enantioselective addition reaction of dienes.
Impact of Bias in Data Collection of COVID-19 Cases
Authors: Manchanda Raj Kumar , Miglani Anjali , Chakraborty Moumita , Meena Baljeet Singh , Sharma Kavita , Gupta Meeta , Sharma Ashok , Chadha Vishal , Rani Purnima , Singh Rahul Kumar , Rutten Lex
Published: September 2021

Background Prognostic factor research (PFR), prevalence of symptoms and likelihood ratio (LR) play an important role in identifying prescribing indications of useful homeopathic remedies. It involves meticulous unbiased collection and analysis of data collected during clinical practice. This paper is an attempt to identify causes of bias and suggests ways to mitigate them for improving the accuracy in prescribing for better clinical outcomes and execution of randomized controlled studies.

Methods A prospective, open label, observational study was performed from April 2020 to December 2020 at two COVID Health Centers. A custom-made Excel spreadsheet containing 71 fields covering a spectrum of COVID-19 symptoms was shared with doctors for regular reporting. Cases suitable for PFR were selected. LR was calculated for commonly occurring symptoms. Outlier values with LR ≥5 were identified and variance of LRs was calculated.

Results Out of 1,889 treated cases of confirmed COVID-19, 1,445 cases were selected for pre-specified reasons. Nine medicines, Arsenicum album, Bryonia alba, Gelsemium sempervirens, Pulsatilla nigricans, Hepar sulphuricus, Magnesia muriaticum, Phosphorus, Nux vomica and Belladonna, were most frequently prescribed. Outlier values and large variance for Hepar sulphuricus and Magnesia muriaticum were noticed as indication of bias. Confirmation bias leading to lowering of symptom threshold, keynote prescribing, and deficiency in checking of all symptoms in each case were identified as the most important sources of bias.

Conclusion Careful identification of biases and remedial steps such as training of doctors, regular monitoring of data, checking of all pre-defined symptoms, and multicenter data collection are important steps to mitigate biases.
Bony Orbital Surgery for Graves' Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Ong Adrian A. , DeVictor Samuel , Vincent Aurora G. , Namin Arya W. , Wang Weitao , Ducic Yadranko
Published: September 2021

The majority of Graves' ophthalmopathy, or thyroid eye disease, can be managed medically; however, in refractory or severe cases, surgical intervention with orbital decompression may be necessary. The majority of the published literature is retrospective in nature, and there is no standardized approach to orbital decompression. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the various surgical approaches and techniques for orbital decompression. Outcomes are ultimately dependent on individual patient factors, surgical approach, and surgeon experience.
The Use of Androgen Priming in Women with Reduced Ovarian Reserve Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology
Authors: Richardson Alison , Jayaprakasan Kanna
Published: September 2021

Androgen priming with either dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or testosterone has been suggested as an adjunct to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Numerous studies have investigated the effects of both DHEA and testosterone on IVF outcome. The results were inconsistent, and the quality of most studies is substandard. Meta-analyses have consistently reported that DHEA does appear to significantly improve IVF outcome in women with predicted or proven poor ovarian response (POR), but these have included some normal responders and/or nonrandomized studies. Our meta-analyses including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) incorporating only women with DOR or POR suggest that DHEA confers no benefit. While meta-analyses of RCTs on the use of testosterone in women with DOR or POR showed an improved IVF outcome, most studies included are of low quality with high risk of bias. When analysis of data from studies of only low-risk bias was performed, such a benefit with testosterone was not observed. Although recruitment may well be a challenge, a large, well-designed RCT is, however, still warranted to investigate whether or not androgen priming with either DHEA or testosterone should be recommended as an adjuvant treatment for women with DOR or POR undergoing IVF.
Social Determinants of Health and Adverse Outcomes in Adolescent Pregnancies
Authors: Amjad S. , Adesunkanmi M. , Twynstra J. , Seabrook J.A. , Ospina M.B.
Published: September 2021

The association between adolescent childbearing and adverse maternal and birth outcomes has been well documented. Adverse adolescent pregnancy outcomes are associated with substantial risk of long-term morbidities for the young mother and their newborns. Multiple levels of social disadvantage have been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes among adolescent mothers. Patterns of cumulative social adversity define the most marginalized group of adolescents at the highest risk of experiencing adverse maternal and birth outcomes. Using a social determinants of health (SDOH) framework, we present an overview of the current scientific evidence on the influence of these conditions on adolescent pregnancy outcomes. Multiple SDOH such as residence in remote areas, low educational attainment, low socioeconomic status, and lack of family and community support have been linked with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among adolescents. Based on the PROGRESS-Plus equity framework, this review highlights some SDOH aspects that perinatal health researchers, clinicians, and policy makers should consider in the context of adolescent pregnancies. There is a need to acknowledge the intersectional nature of multiple SDOH when formulating clinical and societal interventions to address the needs of the most marginalized adolescent in this critical period of life.
High-throughput nanoparticle screening propels RNA drug delivery to clinical settings
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: September 2021

Decades of work culminate in the first generation of RNA-based therapies, look to push their clinical utility further
Sign-changing solutions for a kind of Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system
Authors: Zhang Qi
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the subcritical Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system −Δu + V(x)u − (2ω + ϕ)ϕu = f(u) coupled with Δϕ=(ω+ϕ)u2,x∈R3 is studied. Under general assumptions on V, f, by using the abstract critical theorems, which are derived from the minimax method and the method of invariant sets of descending flow, we obtain the existence of sign-changing solutions for this system, in particular, a sequence of high energy sign-changing solutions is obtained if f is odd.
Design and optimization of scanning magnets for HUST-PTF
Authors: Chen Taiyan , Zuo Chen , Zhou Zijian , Yuan Jushigang , Zou Jiabao , Yao Qinggao , Huang Jiang
Published: September 2021

We report scanning magnets manufactured at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology Proton Therapy Facility for use in pencil-beam nozzles in a fixed beamline. Such nozzles allow us to control the trajectory of proton beams to form the requisite radiation field for tumor therapy. Two AC-excited scanning magnets operate at a maximum frequency of 100 and 50 Hz, respectively, generating significant eddy currents that raise the temperature. We use transient electromagnetic analysis and thermal analysis to study the eddy current effect and control the temperature. In this paper, the maximum temperature rise of the scanning magnets is taken as the criterion to find the appropriate depth, shape, and distribution of slits. After the slits are optimized, the temperature rise of the scanning magnet is significantly reduced. Finally, the results of DC performance tests satisfy the requirements of the magnetic field.
Time-squeezing and time-expanding transformations in harmonic force fields
Authors: He Yue , Kawai Reiichiro
Published: September 2021

A variety of real life phenomena exhibit complex time-inhomogeneous nonlinear diffusive motion in the presence of an external harmonic force. In capturing the characteristics of such dynamics, the class of Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes, with its physical time appropriately modulated, has long been regarded as the most relevant model on the basis of its mean reversion property. In this paper, we contrast two similar, yet definitely different, time-changing mechanisms in harmonic force fields by systematically deriving and presenting a variety of key properties all at once, that is, whether or not and how those time-changing mechanisms affect the characteristics of mean-reverting diffusion through sample path properties, the marginal probability density function, the asymptotic degeneracy of increments, the stationary law, the second-order structure, and the ensemble- and time-averaged mean square displacements. Some of those properties turn out rather counter-intuitive due to, or irrespective of, possible degeneracy of time-changing mechanisms in the long run. In light of those illustrative comparisons, we examine whether such time-changing operations are worth the additional operational cost, relative to physically relevant characteristics induced, and deduce practical implications and precautions from modeling and inference perspectives, for instance, on the experimental setup involving those anomalous diffusion processes, such as the observation start time and stepsize when measuring mean square displacements, so as to preclude potentially misleading results and paradoxical interpretations.
Optimal radial basis for density-based atomic representations
Authors: Goscinski Alexander , Musil Félix , Pozdnyakov Sergey , Nigam Jigyasa , Ceriotti Michele
Published: September 2021

The input of almost every machine learning algorithm targeting the properties of matter at the atomic scale involves a transformation of the list of Cartesian atomic coordinates into a more symmetric representation. Many of the most popular representations can be seen as an expansion of the symmetrized correlations of the atom density and differ mainly by the choice of basis. Considerable effort has been dedicated to the optimization of the basis set, typically driven by heuristic considerations on the behavior of the regression target. Here, we take a different, unsupervised viewpoint, aiming to determine the basis that encodes in the most compact way possible the structural information that is relevant for the dataset at hand. For each training dataset and number of basis functions, one can build a unique basis that is optimal in this sense and can be computed at no additional cost with respect to the primitive basis by approximating it with splines. We demonstrate that this construction yields representations that are accurate and computationally efficient, particularly when working with representations that correspond to high-body order correlations. We present examples that involve both molecular and condensed-phase machine-learning models.
Aeroacoustic characteristics of slat finlets
Authors: Kamliya Jawahar Hasan , Showkat Ali Syamir Alihan , Azarpeyvand Mahdi
Published: September 2021

An experimental study was performed on a 30P30N three-element high-lift airfoil fitted with different types of slat finlets and its noise reduction capabilities were assessed. To develop a better understanding of the noise reduction mechanism, simultaneous measurements of the unsteady surface pressure were taken at various locations at the vicinity of the slat cove and at far-field locations. While there was a small reduction in far-field noise for the fundamental peak, the use of slat finlets showed a substantial reduction in surface pressure fluctuations. The reduction of vortex shedding energy by the slat finlets also resulted in the reduction of nonpropagating hydrodynamic field between the slat and the main-element substantially reducing the near-field pressure spectra. Fourier and wavelet-based analysis along with high-order spectral analysis were provided for further confirmation of the observations and hypothesis. Finally, the wavelet coefficient findings showed spectral peaks as well as amplitudes modulated in time in the baseline case; however, these peaks were substantially reduced for the finlet configuration with larger spacing.
Heterometallic rhodium clusters as electron reservoirs: Chemical, electrochemical, and theoretical studies of the centered-icosahedral [Rh12E(CO)27]n− atomically precise carbonyl compounds
Authors: Cesari Cristiana , Femoni Cristina , Funaioli Tiziana , Iapalucci Maria Carmela , Rivalta Ivan , Ruggieri Silvia , Zacchini Stefano
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we present a comparative study of the redox properties of the icosahedral [Rh12E(CO)27]n− (n = 4 when E = Ge or Sn and n = 3 when E = Sb or Bi) family of clusters through in situ infrared spectroelectrochemistry experiments and density functional theory computational studies. These clusters show shared characteristics in terms of molecular structure, being all E-centered icosahedral species, and electron counting, possessing 170 valence electrons as predicted by the electron-counting rules, based on the cluster-borane analogy, for compounds with such metal geometry. However, in some cases, clusters of similar nuclearity, and beyond, may show multivalence behavior and may be stable with a different electron counting, at least on the time scale of the electrochemical analyses. The experimental results, confirmed by theoretical calculations, showed a remarkable electron-sponge behavior for [Rh12Ge(CO)27]4− (1), [Rh12Sb(CO)27]3− (3), and [Rh12Bi(CO)27]3− (4), with a cluster charge going from −2 to −6 for 1 and 3 and from −2 to −7 for cluster 4, making them examples of molecular electron reservoirs. The [Rh12Sn(CO)27]4− (2) derivative, conversely, presents a limited ability to exist in separable reduced cluster species, at least within the experimental conditions, while in the gas phase it appears to be stable both as a penta- and hexa-anion, therefore showing a similar redox activity as its congeners. As a fallout of those studies, during the preparation of [Rh12Sb(CO)27]3−, we were able to isolate a new species, namely, [Rh11Sb(CO)26]2−, which presents a Sb-centered nido-icosahedral metal structure possessing 158 cluster valence electrons, in perfect agreement with the polyhedral skeletal electron pair theory.
Mobile apps as language-learning tools
Authors: Sviķe Silga
Published: September 2021

This contribution researches various translation dictionaries – mobile apps with Latvian that are available for
free on the Google Play Store and sets out the experience of developing specialised translation dictionaries at Ventspils
University of Applied Sciences (VUAS). The results encounter three different dictionary models that are compiled for the
acquisition of Languages for Special Purposes (LSPs) to support vocabulary (term) learning, translation, reading, listening and
writing skills during the foreign language-learning process. Dictionaries with grammatical information and rich, supportive data
or encyclopaedic information added are more useful for understanding specific domain concepts and content, as well as for the
translation practice. Thus, the dictionary user does not have to look for another application or other source to get this
additional information. Each new app takes up some space on the user’s smart device; therefore, it is important to maximise the
support provided by a single dictionary. The research provides insight into the range of dictionaries with Latvian available on
the Google Play Store, gives a brief description, and explains the practical experience of VUAS when working on developing such
dictionaries and applying them for language-learning purposes and specialised terminology courses for students. The study also
provides an overview of challenges, problems and lexicographic and information technology solutions for mobile applications. The
goal of the research is analysing and characterising those free-of-charge dictionaries in the form of mobile apps with Latvian as
one of the translation languages. Surveys were used to gather and analyse research data. A survey of dictionary users and a survey
of language learners using dictionary apps were carried out after the development of the specialised dictionaries.
Cost-effective, vision-based multi-target tracking approach for structural health monitoring
Authors: Wu Tong , Tang Liang , Shao Shuai , Zhang Xiang-Yu , Liu Yi-Jun , Zhou Zhi-Xiang
Published: September 2021

The displacement response of structures is an important parameter in structural health monitoring (SHM). Displacement responses can be applied in both structural performance monitoring and structural dynamic characteristics monitoring. To overcome the shortcomings of traditional contact sensors, a vision-based multi-point structural displacement measurement system equipped with an inexpensive surveillance camera and a consumer camera was developed herein. In addition, to reduce the computing time of target tracking, an improved region-matching algorithm based on the prior knowledge of structural deformation was proposed. Numerical results revealed that the improved region-matching algorithm could save computing time without reducing location accuracy. Moreover, static and dynamic loading tests were conducted on a scale model of a suspension bridge to validate the effectiveness of the proposed vision-based measurement system. Displacement responses and modal parameters obtained from the vision-based measurement system were compared with those of traditional contact sensors, and a satisfactory consistency was obtained. Hence, the proposed vision-based measurement system could be a cost-effective alternative to conventional displacement sensors and accelerometers for SHM.
The cobordism distance between a knot and its reverse
Authors: Livingston Charles
Published: September 2021

We consider the question of how knots and their reverses are related in the concordance group

C

\mathcal {C}

. There are examples of knots for which

K
≠

K
r

∈

C

K \ne K^r \in \mathcal {C}

. This paper studies the cobordism distance,

d
(
K
,

K
r

)

d(K, K^r)

. If

K
≠

K
r

∈

C

K \ne K^r \in \mathcal {C}

, then

d
(
K
,

K
r

)
>
0

d(K, K^r) >0

and it is elementary to see that for all

K
K

,

d
(
K
,

K
r

)
≤
2

g
4

(
K
)

d(K, K^r) \le 2g_4(K)

, where

g
4

(
K
)

g_4(K)

denotes the four-genus. Here we present a proof that for non-slice knots satisfying

g
3

(
K
)
=

g
4

(
K
)

g_3(K) = g_4(K)

, one has

d
(
K
,

K
r

)
≤
2

g
4

(
K
)
−
1

d(K,K^r) \le 2g_4(K) -1

. This family includes all strongly quasi-positive knots and all non-slice genus one knots. We also construct knots

K
K

of arbitrary four-genus for which

d
(
K
,

K
r

)
=

g
4

(
K
)

d(K,K^r) = g_4(K)

. Finding knots for which

d
(
K
,

K
r

)
>

g
4

(
K
)

d(K,K^r) > g_4(K)

remains an open problem.
We Fed Them Tales: The Print Culture of Indigenous Dispossession, Folklore, and US Agricultural Modernity in the Writings of Fabiola Cabeza de Baca
Authors: Trujillo Simón Ventura
Published: September 2021

This essay draws from Fabiola Cabeza de Baca’s previously unexamined publication files housed at the University of New Mexico Press to elucidate how US settler regimes of print and crop, upheld by the seizure of Mexican and Indigenous lands, unleashed ecological violence. A noted New Mexican folklorist and teacher, Cabeza de Baca also served as a home economics agent for the US extension service. In the essay’s first section, I trace Cabeza de Baca’s extension writings to demonstrate how US print modernity intersected with devastating ecological transformations sparked by agricultural industrialization. In the following section, I analyze her folkloric work in the context of La Folklórica, a New Mexican Hispanic folkloric society formed in the early twentieth century that amplified the racisms of US modernity while also challenging its claims to agricultural expertise. After tracing Cabeza de Baca’s writings at the juncture of multiple publishing institutions that vied over the value of land and the means of subsistence, I conclude by showing how her folkloric work paradoxically unfolds an ecological praxis that disputes capitalist extraction and centers the vitality of Indigenous knowledge.
Low-molecular-weight whey proteins promote collagen production in dermal fibroblasts via the TGF-β receptor/Smad pathway
Authors: Katayoshi Takeshi , Kusano Yuri , Shibata Takahiro , Uchida Koji , Tsuji-Naito Kentaro
Published: September 2021

Whey proteins (WPs) reportedly enhance cutaneous tissue regeneration in in vivo studies. However, the underlying mechanisms of such regenerative processes are poorly understood. In this study, we show that low-molecular-weight WPs (LMWPs; 1-30 kDa) accelerate the dermal collagen production via the transforming growth factor β receptor (TβR)/Smad pathway. We showed that LMWPs increased type I and III collagen expression in normal human dermal fibroblasts. Moreover, LMWPs rapidly induced Smad protein phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Notably, type I TβR/Smad signaling inhibitor treatment or type II TβR siRNA knockdown blocked the LMWP-induced type I collagen expression. To identify the active components, we fractionated LMWPs and identified β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin as potential TβR/Smad signaling inducers. Our findings unravel novel biological functions of WPs, involving the TβR/Smad-dependent induction of dermal collagen synthesis, highlighting the therapeutic potential of LMWPs in wound healing.
Plasma soluble TREM2 is associated with white matter lesions independent of amyloid and tau
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Hsi , Chen Ya-Fang , Yen Ruoh-Fang , Lo Yen-Ling , Yang Kai-Chien , Jeng Jiann-Shing , Tsai Li-Kai , Chang Che-Feng
Published: September 2021

Cerebral small vessel disease is one of the most common causes of cognitive decline and stroke. While several lines of evidence have established a relationship between inflammation and cerebrovascular pathology, the mechanistic link has not yet been elucidated. Recent studies suggest activation of immune mediators, including the soluble form of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), may be critical regulators.

In this study, we compared the plasma levels of soluble TREM2 and its correlations with neuroimaging markers and cerebral amyloid load in 10 patients with Alzheimer’s disease and 66 survivors of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage with cerebral amyloid angiopathy or hypertensive small vessel disease, two of the most common types of sporadic small vessel disease. We performed brain MRI and 11C-Pittsburgh compound B PET for all participants to evaluate radiological small vessel disease markers and cerebral amyloid burden, and 18F-T807 PET in a subgroup of patients to evaluate cortical tau pathology.

Plasma soluble TREM2 levels were comparable between patients with Alzheimer’s disease and small vessel disease (P = 0.690). In patients with small vessel disease, plasma soluble TREM2 was significantly associated with white matter hyperintensity volume (P < 0.001), but not with cerebral amyloid load. Among patients with Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, plasma soluble TREM2 was independently associated with a tau-positive scan (P = 0.001) and white matter hyperintensity volume (P = 0.013), but not amyloid load (P = 0.221).

Our results indicate plasma soluble TREM2 is associated with white matter hyperintensity independent of amyloid and tau pathology. These findings highlight the potential utility of plasma soluble TREM2 as a strong predictive marker for small vessel disease-related white matter injury and hold clinical implications for targeting the innate immune response when treating this disease.
Evaluation of gene validity for CPVT and short QT syndrome in sudden arrhythmic death
Authors: Walsh Roddy , Adler Arnon , Amin Ahmad S , Abiusi Emanuela , Care Melanie , Bikker Hennie , Amenta Simona , Feilotter Harriet , Nannenberg Eline A , Mazzarotto Francesco , Trevisan Valentina , Garcia John , Hershberger Ray E , Perez Marco V , Sturm Amy C , Ware James S , Zareba Wojciech , Novelli Valeria , Wilde Arthur A M , Gollob Michael H
Published: September 2021

Aims

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and short QT syndrome (SQTS) are inherited arrhythmogenic disorders that can cause sudden death. Numerous genes have been reported to cause these conditions, but evidence supporting these gene–disease relationships varies considerably. To ensure appropriate utilization of genetic information for CPVT and SQTS patients, we applied an evidence-based reappraisal of previously reported genes.

Methods and results

Three teams independently curated all published evidence for 11 CPVT and 9 SQTS implicated genes using the ClinGen gene curation framework. The results were reviewed by a Channelopathy Expert Panel who provided the final classifications. Seven genes had definitive to moderate evidence for disease causation in CPVT, with either autosomal dominant (RYR2, CALM1, CALM2, CALM3) or autosomal recessive (CASQ2, TRDN, TECRL) inheritance. Three of the four disputed genes for CPVT (KCNJ2, PKP2, SCN5A) were deemed by the Expert Panel to be reported for phenotypes that were not representative of CPVT, while reported variants in a fourth gene (ANK2) were too common in the population to be disease-causing. For SQTS, only one gene (KCNH2) was classified as definitive, with three others (KCNQ1, KCNJ2, SLC4A3) having strong to moderate evidence. The majority of genetic evidence for SQTS genes was derived from very few variants (five in KCNJ2, two in KCNH2, one in KCNQ1/SLC4A3).

Conclusions

Seven CPVT and four SQTS genes have valid evidence for disease causation and should be included in genetic testing panels. Additional genes associated with conditions that may mimic clinical features of CPVT/SQTS have potential utility for differential diagnosis.
Integrons, a predictive biomarker for antibiotic resistance in acute sepsis: the IRIS study
Authors: Barraud Olivier , Guichard Elie , Chainier Delphine , Postil Deborah , Chimot Loïc , Mercier Emmanuelle , Frat Jean-Pierre , Desachy Arnaud , Lacherade Jean-Claude , Mathonnet Armelle , Bellec Frédéric , Giraudeau Bruno , Ploy Marie-Cécile , François Bruno ,   the Iris Study Group
Published: September 2021

Background

Considering the increase in MDR Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), the choice of empirical antibiotic therapy is challenging. In parallel, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics should be avoided to decrease antibiotic selection pressure. Accordingly, clinicians need rapid diagnostic tools to narrow antibiotic therapy. Class 1–3 integrons, identified by intI1–3 genes, are genetic elements that play a major role in antibiotic resistance in GNB.

Objectives

The objective of the IRIS study was to evaluate the negative and positive predictive values (NPVs and PPVs, respectively) of intI1–3 as markers of antibiotic resistance.

Methods

The IRIS study was an observational cross-sectional multicentre study that enrolled adult subjects with suspected urinary tract or intra-abdominal infections. intI1–3 were detected directly from routinely collected biological samples (blood, urine or intra-abdominal fluid) using real-time PCR. A patient was considered ‘MDR positive’ if at least one GNB, expressing acquired resistance to at least two antibiotic families among β-lactams, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and/or co-trimoxazole, was isolated from at least one biological sample.

Results

Over a 2 year period, 513 subjects were enrolled and 409 had GNB documentation, mostly Enterobacterales. intI1 and/or intI2 were detected in 31.8% of patients and 24.4% of patients were considered ‘MDR positive’. The NPV of intI1 and/or intI2 as a marker of acquired antibiotic resistances was estimated at 92.8% (89.1%–95.5%). The NPVs for first-line antibiotics were all above 92%, notably >96% for resistance to third-generation cephalosporins.

Conclusions

The IRIS study strongly suggests that the absence of intI1 and intI2 in biological samples from patients with GNB-related infections is predictive of the absence of acquired resistances.
The temperature-regulated DEAD-box RNA helicase CrhR interactome: autoregulation and photosynthesis-related transcripts
Authors: Migur Anzhela , Heyl Florian , Fuss Janina , Srikumar Afshan , Huettel Bruno , Steglich Claudia , Prakash Jogadhenu S S , Reinhardt Richard , Backofen Rolf , Owttrim George W , Hess Wolfgang R
Published: September 2021

RNA helicases play crucial roles in RNA biology. In plants, RNA helicases are encoded by large gene families, performing roles in abiotic stress responses, development, the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, as well as housekeeping functions. Several of these RNA helicases are targeted to the organelles, the mitochondria and chloroplasts. Cyanobacteria are the direct evolutionary ancestors of plant chloroplasts. The cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803 encodes a single DEAD-box RNA helicase, CrhR, that is induced by a range of abiotic stresses, including low temperature. Though the ΔcrhR mutant exhibits a severe cold-sensitive phenotype, the physiological function(s) performed by CrhR have not been described. To identify transcripts interacting with CrhR, we performed RNA co-immunoprecipitation with extracts from a Synechocystis crhR deletion mutant expressing the FLAG-tagged native CrhR or a K57A mutated version with an anticipated enhanced RNA binding. The composition of the interactome was strikingly biased towards photosynthesis-associated and redox-controlled transcripts. A transcript highly enriched in all experiments was the crhR mRNA, suggesting an autoregulatory molecular mechanism. The identified interactome explains the described physiological role of CrhR in response to the redox poise of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and characterizes CrhR as an enzyme with a diverse range of transcripts as molecular targets.
Thomas Hunt's Monograms
Authors: Adams Jenny
Published: September 2021

This note expands on an article by Malcolm Parkes, published posthumously in The Library. In his article, Parkes looks at monograms left by Oxford stationer Thomas Hunt in the manuscripts that Hunt appraised. He argues that Hunt capitalized on these manuscripts, using them as securities for borrowed money he in turn invested in his printing business. Thos note shows that Hunt appraised several more books than Parkes found and suggest that Hunt’s work as a university stationer was possibly more lucrative than previously imagined.
A brief supplement to ‘The Marlowe Corpus Revisited’ and Phantom Marlowe
Authors: Ilsemann Hartmut
Published: September 2021

Following the findings of two prior publications this supplement makes use of the General Imposters (GI) method which largely confirms previous results, namely that the Marlowe corpus is stylistically inhomogeneous. The two Tamburlaines match each other in style, but the remaining corpus has hardly any stylistic similarity with them. Instead, there are strong indications of Shakespeare’s involvement in nominal Marlowe plays which becomes most obvious in The Jew of Malta. In terms of methodology, GI turns out to be an additional verification system, at its best when the training set consists of the texts of only two authors.
Advances in constraining intrinsic alignment models with hydrodynamic simulations
Authors: Samuroff S , Mandelbaum R , Blazek J
Published: September 2021

We use galaxies from the illustristng, massiveblack-ii, and illustris-1 hydrodynamic simulations to investigate the behaviour of large scale galaxy intrinsic alignments. Our analysis spans four redshift slices over the approximate range of contemporary lensing surveys z = 0−1. We construct comparable weighted samples from the three simulations, which we then analyse using an alignment model that includes both linear and quadratic alignment contributions. Our data vector includes galaxy–galaxy, galaxy–shape, and shape–shape projected correlations, with the joint covariance matrix estimated analytically. In all of the simulations, we report non-zero IAs at the level of several σ. For a fixed lower mass threshold, we find a relatively strong redshift dependence in all three simulations, with the linear IA amplitude increasing by a factor of ∼2 between redshifts z = 0 and z = 1. We report no significant evidence for non-zero values of the tidal torquing amplitude, A2, in TNG, above statistical uncertainties, although MBII favours a moderately negative A2 ∼ −2. Examining the properties of the TATT model as a function of colour, luminosity and galaxy type (satellite or central), our findings are consistent with the most recent measurements on real data. We also outline a novel method for constraining the TATT model parameters directly from the pixelized tidal field, alongside a proof-of-concept exercise using TNG. This technique is shown to be promising, although comparison with previous results obtained via other methods is non-trivial.