bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable control of the rice pest, Nilaparvata lugens, using the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria javanica
Authors: Zhao Qian , Ye Lu , Wang Zhaolei , Li Yanfang , Zhang Yang , Keyhani Nemat O , Huang Zhen
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is an insect pest of rice (Oryza sativa) that is distributed worldwide and is responsible for significant crop yield losses. Of particular concern, N. lugens has developed high resistance to several commonly used insecticides. The entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria javanica, offers an alternative to insecticides for the control of rice plant pests.

RESULTS

We show that I. javanica caused high mortality of N. lugens nymphs and reduced the survival and fecundity of newly emerged adults in I. javanica‐treated insects. I. javanica persisted on plants up to 17 days after its inoculation under greenhouse conditions carried out in summer and autumn. Rice metabolites supported conidial germination and mycelia growth of I. javanica. A granular formulation of I. javanica conidia controlled N. lugens populations in a field experiment. The granular formulation promoted fungal survival and growth in the field up to 28 days post inoculation, resulting in increased fungal persistence and greater pest control coverage.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that a granular formulation of I. javanica is able to control N. lugens populations in rice fields. Therefore, this granular formulation can be an alternative to insecticides and can be used in organic fields. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Transformation of glycerate kinase (GLYK) into Metarhizium acridum increases virulence to locust
Authors: Tong Xiwen , Wang Yundan , Li Juan , Hu Shuai , Yang Pengcheng , Kang Le
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Improvements in the virulence of the fungal pathogen Metarhizium acridum can crucially promote its efficacy to control locusts and grasshoppers. The polysaccharide components of the cell wall remarkably contribute to fungal virulence.

RESULTS

Here we found that M. acridum lacked the gene families of glycerate‐3‐kinase (GLYK) as the synthesis enzymes of saccharides. We then generated mutants by introducing the GLYK gene from the host‐generalist M. robertsii into the host‐specialist M. acridum. Consequently, compared with the wild‐type strain, the mutant strain (Ma::MrGLYK) increased the level of phospho‐6‐fructose in mycelia, the length and density of the mannan fibril layer on the cell wall. The mutant strains increased the mannan fibril in the cell wall and resistance to heat stress. Further transcriptome analysis showed that compared with the wild‐type strain, topical infection of Ma::MrGLYK strain induced higher expression of genes such as pattern‐recognition proteins, serine protease, and CYP450s in locusts, while reduced the expression of antimicrobial peptide and phenoloxidase activity. Moreover, topical infection and injection of Ma::MrGLYK significantly increased the mortality and shortened the lifespan of locusts compared with wild‐type M. acridum.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlighted the application potential of the novel genetically modified fungal mutant of the host‐specialist M. acridum as a biocontrol agent against locust plagues. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficacy and safety of remdesivir in hospitalized Covid‐19 patients: Systematic review and meta‐analysis including network meta‐analysis
Authors: Elsawah Hozaifa Khalil , Elsokary Mohamed Ahmed , Abdallah Mahmoud Samy , ElShafie Ahmed Hanei
Published: October 2020

Remdesivir is an antiviral agent that has shown broad‐spectrum activity, including against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Clinical trials investigating the role of remdesivir in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) reported conflicting results. This study aimed to systematically review the best available evidence and synthesize the results. Several electronic databases were searched for candidate studies up to 12 October 2020. Studies eligible for meta‐analysis were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Primary outcomes are the recovery and mortality rates, while secondary outcomes are the safety profile of remdesivir. The main effective measures are the rate ratio (RR) and rate difference (RD). Four clinical trials and one observational study were included. Remdesivir treatment for 10 days increased the recovery rate on day 14 by 50% among severe Covid‐19 patients (RR = 1.5, 95%CI = 1.33–1.7), while on day 28 it was increased by 14% among moderate and severe Covid‐19 patients (RR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.06–1.22). Additionally, remdesivir decreased the mortality rate on day 14 by 36% among all patients (RR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.45–0.92) but not on day 28 (RR = 1.05, 95%CI = 0.56–1.97). Nonmechanically ventilated Covid‐19 patients showed better response to remdesivir in the recovery (RR = 0.3, 95%CI = 0.13–0.7) and mortality (RR = 2.33, 95%CI = 1.24–4.4) rates on day 14. Remdesivir reduced serious adverse effects by absolute 6% and no significant Grade 3 or 4 adverse effects were reported. At this early stage of the pandemic, there is evidence that remdesivir can be safely administered for hospitalized Covid‐19 patients. It improves the recovery rate in both moderate and severe patients but, the optimal effect is achieved for those who are severely affected but not mechanically ventilated.
Intricate interplay between Covid‐19 and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Keri Vishakh C. , Hooda Amit , Kodan Parul , R L Brunda , Jorwal Pankaj , Wig Naveet
Published: October 2020

Covid‐19 disease can involve any organ system leading to myriad manifestations and complications. Cardiovascular manifestations are being increasingly recognised with the improved understanding of the disease. Acute coronary syndrome, myocarditis, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy; heart failure and thromboembolic disease have all been described. The elderly and those with prior cardiac diseases are at an increased risk of mortality. Overlapping symptomatology, ability of drugs to cause QTc interval (start of Q wave to the end of T wave) prolongation on electrocardiogram and arrhythmias, potential drug interactions, the need to recognise patients requiring urgent definitive management and provide necessary bedside interventions without increasing the risk of nosocomial spread have made the management challenging. In the background of a pandemic, non‐Covid‐19 cardiac patients are affected by delayed treatment and nosocomial exposure. Triaging using telemedicine and artificial intelligence along with utilization of bedside rapid diagnostic tests to detect Covid‐19 could prove helpful in this aspect.
Fully Vacuum‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells on Pyramidal Microtextures
Authors: Gil-Escrig Lidón , Roß Marcel , Sutter Johannes , Al-Ashouri Amran , Becker Christiane , Albrecht Steve
Published: October 2020

Solar cells based on metal halide perovskites have attracted tremendous attention due to the rapid increase in performance of single junctions and tandem solar cells. Recently, highest perovskite/silicon tandem efficiencies are realized with front‐side polished silicon wafers or adapted microstructure of textured silicon solar cells. One way to integrate perovskite top cells on typical micrometer‐sized pyramidal structures, is conformal vacuum‐based perovskite deposition. Herein, fully vacuum‐based perovskite solar cells are developed on top of random pyramidal microtextured glass substrates with a pyramid size up to 9 μm. This method allows improvement of the light management of the textured perovskite solar cell and resembles the typical pyramid topography of silicon solar cells as a step toward monolithic tandem integration. Moreover, to improve the quality of the perovskite on the textured substrates, three different methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) films are tested by adjusting the rate ratio of the precursors. Optimized ratios for textured substrates with higher PbI2 rates enable a transient photoluminescence decay time above 0.75 μs approaching that of planar substrates at around 1.2 μs. Finally, a efficiency over 15% is achieved, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported device on microscopically textured glass by co‐evaporated ion.
Design and Fluorescence Localization of Lipid‐Rich Domains in Multiphase Coacervate Droplets Based on AIE‐Active Molecules**
Authors: Jia Liyan , Ji Zhen , Ji Yan‐ming , Zhou Chengcheng , Xing Guo‐wen , Qiao Yan
Published: October 2020

Liquid‐liquid phase separation has been recognized as an approach to realize cellular compartmentalization and create subdivisions of intracellular space into functional membraneless organelles. Multiphase coacervate droplets with complex, nested inner phases as a generic phenomenon are known to be involved in significant biochemical processes and facilitate specific functions. Herein, we present a strategy to develop molecular self‐sorting complexation that leads to the formation of lipid‐rich sub‐compartments in membraneless coacervate microdroplets. We also show the specific localization and visualization of hydrophobic lipid domains within multiphase hydrophilic droplets under a fluorescence microscope by developing a rationally synthesized aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active molecule. The AIE probe with a tetraphenylethylene core and four water‐soluble glucosamine units exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity towards the lipid‐rich microdomains. We anticipate that the design of fluorescently localized self‐sorting liquid droplets will shed light on the research of mimicking multicompartalized organelles and help to understand dynamic reorganization of sub‐divided space in protocell systems.
Capturing and Marking Raccoons for Individual Recognition in Camera Studies using Tail‐fur Clipping and Dyes
Authors: Geller Gregory A.
Published: October 2020

I developed a method of marking raccoons (Procyon lotor) for individual recognition under trail camera surveillance using restraint cones, tail‐fur clipping, and hair dyeing in an old field‐agricultural habitat matrix in southwest Wisconsin, USA, during 2012 and 2018–2019. I live‐trapped and marked 29 individual raccoons and monitored them using trail cameras during early May to mid‐August. Fur‐clipping and dye markings typically remained recognizable using camera imagery for approximately 2 months, depending on proximity to monitoring cameras, vegetation structure, and onset of the annual pelage molt; thus, these techniques have potential value in short‐term field studies where individual animal histories are desired. The described procedure can be safely and quickly performed by a single person with minimal stress to the animal and does not require the administration of sedating drugs. Although restraining cones and similar marking methods have been used for decades, refinements specific to their combined use in raccoon‐related camera studies are absent from published literature. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
GLSMs for exotic Grassmannians
Authors: Gu Wei , Sharpe Eric , Zou Hao
Published: October 2020

Abstract

In this paper we explore nonabelian gauged linear sigma models (GLSMs) for symplectic and orthogonal Grassmannians and flag manifolds, checking e.g. global symmetries, Witten indices, and Calabi-Yau conditions, following up a proposal in the math community. For symplectic Grassmannians, we check that Coulomb branch vacua of the GLSM are consistent with ordinary and equivariant quantum cohomology of the space.
Learning the latent structure of collider events
Authors: Dillon B. M. , Faroughy D. A. , Kamenik J. F. , Szewc M.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We describe a technique to learn the underlying structure of collider events directly from the data, without having a particular theoretical model in mind. It allows to infer aspects of the theoretical model that may have given rise to this structure, and can be used to cluster or classify the events for analysis purposes. The unsupervised machine-learning technique is based on the probabilistic (Bayesian) generative model of Latent Dirichlet Allocation. We pair the model with an approximate inference algorithm called Variational Inference, which we then use to extract the latent probability distributions describing the learned underlying structure of collider events. We provide a detailed systematic study of the technique using two example scenarios to learn the latent structure of di-jet event samples made up of QCD background events and either$$ t\overline{t} $$tt¯or hypotheticalW′ → (ϕ→WW)Wsignal events.
Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev inequalities for a class of non-symmetric and non-doubling hypoelliptic semigroups
Authors: Garofalo Nicola , Tralli Giulio
Published: October 2020

In his seminal 1934 paper on Brownian motion and the theory of gases Kolmogorov introduced a second order evolution equation which displays some challenging features. In the opening of his 1967 hypoellipticity paper Hörmander discussed a general class of degenerate Ornstein–Uhlenbeck operators that includes Kolmogorov’s as a special case. In this note we combine semigroup theory with a nonlocal calculus for these hypoelliptic operators to establish new inequalities of Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev type in the situation when the drift matrix has nonnegative trace. Our work has been influenced by ideas of E. Stein and Varopoulos in the framework of symmetric semigroups. One of our objectives is to show that such ideas can be pushed to successfully handle the present degenerate non-symmetric setting.
Use of an anti-reflux catheter to improve tumor targeting for holmium-166 radioembolization—a prospective, within-patient randomized study
Authors: van Roekel Caren , van den Hoven Andor F. , Bastiaannet Remco , Bruijnen Rutger C. G. , Braat Arthur J. A. T. , de Keizer Bart , Lam Marnix G. E. H. , Smits Maarten L. J.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of an anti-reflux catheter improves tumor targeting for colorectal cancer patients with unresectable, chemorefractory liver metastases (mCRC) treated with holmium-166 (166Ho)-radioembolization.

Materials and methods

In this perspective, within-patient randomized study, left and right hepatic perfusion territories were randomized between infusion with a Surefire® anti-reflux catheter or a standard microcatheter. The primary outcome was the difference in tumor to non-tumor (T/N) activity distribution. Secondary outcomes included the difference in infusion efficiency, absorbed doses, predictive value of 166Ho-scout, dose-response relation, and survival.

Results

Twenty-one patients were treated in this study (the intended number of patients was 25). The median T/N activity concentration ratio with the use of the anti-reflux catheter was 3.2 (range 0.9–8.7) versus 3.6 (range 0.8–13.3) with a standard microcatheter. There was no difference in infusion efficiency (0.04% vs. 0.03% residual activity for the standard microcatheter and anti-reflux catheter, respectively) (95%CI − 0.05–0.03). No influence of the anti-reflux catheter on the dose-response rate was found. Median overall survival was 7.8 months (95%CI 6–13).

Conclusion

Using a Surefire® anti-reflux catheter did not result in a higher T/N activity concentration ratio in mCRC patients treated with 166Ho-radioembolization, nor did it result in improved secondary outcomes measures.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02208804
Card-Based Cryptographic Logical Computations Using Private Operations
Authors: Ono Hibiki , Manabe Yoshifumi
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes new card-based cryptographic protocols to calculate logic functions with the minimum number of cards using private operations under the semi-honest model. Though various card-based cryptographic protocols were shown, the minimum number of cards used in the protocol has not been achieved yet for many problems. Operations executed by a player where the other players cannot see are called private operations. Private operations have been introduced in some protocols to solve a particular problem or to input private values. However, the effectiveness of introducing private operations to the calculation of general logic functions has not been considered. This paper introduces three new private operations: private random bisection cuts, private reverse cuts, and private reveals. With these three new operations, we show that all of AND, XOR, and copy protocols are achieved with the minimum number of cards by simple three-round protocols. This paper then shows a protocol to calculate any logical functions using these private operations. Next, we consider protocols with malicious players.
Alternative lengthening of telomeres in molecular subgroups of paediatric high-grade glioma
Authors: Minasi Simone , Baldi Caterina , Gianno Francesca , Antonelli Manila , Buccoliero Anna Maria , Pietsch Torsten , Massimino Maura , Buttarelli Francesca Romana
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The maintenance of telomere length prevents cancer cell senescence and occurs via two mutually exclusive mechanisms: (a) reactivation of telomerase expression and (b) activation of alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). ALT is frequently related to alterations on ATRX, a chromatin-remodelling protein. Recent data have identified different molecular subgroups of paediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) with mutations of H3F3A, TERTp and ATRX; however, differences in telomere length among these molecular subgroups were not thoroughly examined.

Methods

We investigated which genetic alterations trigger the ALT mechanism in 52 IDH-wildtype, 1p/19q-wildtype pHGG. Samples were analysed for telomere length using Tel-FISH. ATRX nuclear loss of expression was assessed by IHC, H3F3A and TERTp mutations by DNA sequencing, and TERTp methylation by MS-PCR.

Results

Mutant H3.3 was found in 21 cases (40.3%): 19.2% with K27M mutation and 21.1% with G34R mutation. All H3.3G34R-mutated cases showed the ALT phenotype (100%); on the opposite, only 40% of the H3.3K27M-mutated showed ALT activation. ATRX nuclear loss was seen in 16 cases (30.7%), associated sometimes with the G34R mutation, and never with the K27M mutation. ATRX nuclear loss was always related to telomere elongation. TERTp C250T mutations were rare (5.4%) and were not associated with high intensity Tel-FISH signals, as TERTp hyper-methylation detected in 21% of the cases. H3.3/ATRX/TERTp-wildtype pHGG revealed all basal levels of telomere length.

Conclusion

Our results show a strong association between H3.3 mutations and ALT, and highlight the different telomeric profiles in histone-defined subgroups: H3.3-G34R mutants always trigger ALT to maintain telomere length, irrespective of ATRX status, whereas only some H3.3-K27M tumours activate ALT. These findings suggest that acquiring the gly34 mutation on H3.3 might suffice to trigger the ALT mechanism.
Long-term outcome of perimembranous VSD closure using the Nit-Occlud® Lê VSD coil system
Authors: Kozlik-Feldmann Rainer , Lorber Avraham , Sievert Horst , Ewert Peter , Jux Christian , Müller Götz C. , Dalla Pozza Robert , Yigitbasi Mustafa , Schranz Dietmar , Lindinger Angelika , Galal Omar , Meinertz Thomas
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study presents data from the admission trial to show the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of the Nit-Occlud® Lê VSD in the treatment of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with an aneurysmal configuration and a diameter up to 8 mm.

Background

The majority of ventricular septal defects (VSD) are still closed surgically, while a less invasive transcatheter treatment by closure devices is available. Device-based closure is reported to be associated with the risk of complete atrio-ventricular block, especially with double-disc devices in perimembranous defects.

Methods

In six tertiary centers in Germany and Israel, an interventional closure of a periembranous VSD was attempted in 88 patients using the Nit-Occlud® Lê VSD.

Results

The interventional VSD closure was performed in 85 patients. Patients had a median age of 8.0 (2–65) years and a median body weight of 26.7 (10–109) kg. A complete closure of the defects was achieved in 85.4% 2 weeks after device implantation, in 88.9% after three months and in 98.6% at the 5-year follow-up. There was no incidence of death during the study nor did any patient suffer of permanent atrio-ventricular block of higher degree. Serious adverse events, by definition, are potentially life-threatening or require surgery to correct, while major serious events require medical or transcatheter intervention to correct. The study results exhibit a serious adverse event rate of 3.5% (3/85 patients) and a major adverse event rate of 5.9% (5/85 patients).

Conclusion

The Nit-Occlud® Lê VSD coil offers the possibility of an effective and safe approach in patients with aneurysmal perimembranous ventricular septal defects.
Association of secondary displacement of distal radius fractures with cortical bone quality at the distal radius
Authors: Daniels A. M. , Janzing H. M. J. , Wyers C. E. , van Rietbergen B. , Vranken L. , Van der Velde R. Y. , Geusens P . P. M. M. , Kaarsemaker S. , Poeze M. , Van den Bergh J. P.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of patient characteristics, bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture and calculated bone strength with secondary displacement of a DRF based on radiographic alignment parameters.

Materials and methods

Dorsal angulation, radial inclination and ulnar variance were assessed on conventional radiographs of a cohort of 251 patients, 38 men and 213 women, to determine the anatomic position of the DRF at presentation (primary position) and during follow-up.

Secondary fracture displacement was assessed in the non-operatively treated patients (N = 154) with an acceptable position, preceded (N = 97) or not preceded (N = 57) by primary reduction (baseline position). Additionally, bone microarchitecture and calculated bone strength at the contralateral distal radius and tibia were assessed by HR-pQCT in a subset of, respectively, 63 and 71 patients.

Outcome

Characteristics of patients with and without secondary fracture displacement did not differ. In the model with adjustment for primary reduction [OR 22.00 (2.27–212.86), p = 0.008], total [OR 0.16 (95% CI 0.04–0.68), p = 0.013] and cortical [OR 0.19 (95% CI 0.05–0.80], p = 0.024] volumetric BMD (vBMD) and cortical thickness [OR 0.13 (95% CI 0.02–0.74), p = 0.021] at the distal radius were associated with secondary DRF displacement. No associations were found for other patient characteristics, such as age gender, BMD or prevalent vertebral fractures.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study indicates that besides primary reduction, cortical bone quality may be important for the risk of secondary displacement of DRFs.
Innovative high-resolution microCT imaging of animal brain vasculature
Authors: Hlushchuk Ruslan , Haberthür David , Soukup Petr , Barré Sebastien F. , Khoma Oleksiy-Zakhar , Schittny Johannes , Haghayegh Jahromi Neda , Bouchet Audrey , Engelhardt Britta , Djonov Valentin
Published: October 2020

Analysis of the angioarchitecture and quantification of the conduit vessels and microvasculature is of paramount importance for understanding the physiological and pathological processes within the central nervous system (CNS). Most of the available in vivo imaging methods lack penetration depth and/or resolution. Some ex vivo methods may provide better resolution, but are mainly destructive, as they are designed for imaging the CNS tissues after their removal from the skull or vertebral column. The removal procedure inevitably alters the in situ relations of the investigated structures and damages the dura mater and leptomeninges. µAngiofil, a polymer-based contrast agent, permits a qualitatively novel postmortem microangio-computed tomography (microangioCT) approach with excellent resolution and, therefore, visualization of the smallest brain capillaries. The datasets obtained empower a rather straightforward quantitative analysis of the vascular tree, including the microvasculature. The µAngiofil has an excellent filling capacity as well as a radio-opacity higher than the one of bone tissue, which allows imaging the cerebral microvasculature even within the intact skull or vertebral column. This permits in situ visualization and thus investigation of the dura mater and leptomeningeal layers as well as their blood supply in their original geometry. Moreover, the methodology introduced here permits correlative approaches, i.e., microangioCT followed by classical histology, immunohistochemistry and even electron microscopy. The experimental approach presented here makes use of common desktop microCT scanners, rendering it a promising everyday tool for the evaluation of the (micro)vasculature of the central nervous system in preclinical and basic research.
Swallowing Assessment in Parkinson’s Disease: Patient and Investigator Reported Outcome Measures are not Aligned
Authors: van Hooren M. R. A. , Vos R. , Florie M. G. M. H. , Pilz W. , Kremer B. , Baijens L. W. J.
Published: October 2020

This study determines the relationship between patient and investigator reported outcome measures (PROMs versus IROMs) on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The PROMs used are the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and the Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS). The IROMs used are fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopy of swallowing (VFS). Ninety dysphagic PD patients were included. Multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network analysis was used to investigate the relationship between PROMs and IROMs on OD in PD. MLP neural network analysis showed a moderate agreement between PROMs and IROMs, with an area under the curve between 0.6 and 0.7. Two-step cluster analysis revealed several clusters of patients with similar scores on FEES and/or VFS variables, but with significant different scores on MDADI and DSS variables. This study highlights that there are PD patients with similar FEES and/or VFS findings that cannot be lumped together under the same pathophysiological umbrella due to their differences in PROMs. Since the exact origin of these differences is not fully understood, it seems appropriate for the time being to take into account the different dimensions of OD during the swallowing assessment so that they can be included in a patient-tailored treatment plan.
Integrating field work and large-scale modeling to improve assessment of karst water resources
Authors: Hartmann Andreas , Liu Yan , Olarinoye Tunde , Berthelin Romane , Marx Vera
Published: October 2020

Comprehensive management of karst water resources requires sufficient understanding of their dynamics and karst-specific modeling tools. However, the limited availability of observations of karstic groundwater dynamics has been prohibiting the assessment of karst water resources at regional to global scales. This paper presents the first global effort to integrate experimental approaches and large-scale modeling. Using a global soil-moisture monitoring program and a global database of karst spring discharges, the simulations of a preliminary global karstic-groundwater-recharge model are evaluated. It is shown that soil moisture is a crucial variable that better distinguishes recharge dynamics in different climates and for different land cover types. The newly developed dataset of karst spring discharges provides first insights into the wide variability of discharge volumes and recharge areas of different karst springs around the globe. Comparing the model simulations with the newly collected soil-moisture and spring-discharge observations, indicates that (1) improvements of the recharge model are still necessary to obtain a better representation of different land cover types and snow processes, and (2) there is a need to incorporate groundwater dynamics. Applying and strictly evaluating these improvements in the model will finally provide a tool to identify hot spots of current or future water scarcity in the karst regions around the globe, thus supporting national and international water governance.
Determination of precise Galileo orbits using combined GNSS and SLR observations
Authors: Bury Grzegorz , Sośnica Krzysztof , Zajdel Radosław , Strugarek Dariusz , Hugentobler Urs
Published: October 2020

Galileo satellites are equipped with laser retroreflector arrays for satellite laser ranging (SLR). In this study, we develop a methodology for the GNSS-SLR combination at the normal equation level with three different weighting strategies and evaluate the impact of laser observations on the determined Galileo orbits. We provide the optimum weighting scheme for precise orbit determination employing the co-location onboard Galileo. The combined GNSS-SLR solution diminishes the semimajor axis formal error by up to 62%, as well as reduces the dependency between values of formal errors and the elevation of the Sun above the orbital plane—the β angle. In the combined solution, the standard deviation of the SLR residuals decreases from 36.1 to 29.6 mm for Galileo-IOV satellites and |β|> 60°, when compared to GNSS-only solutions. Moreover, the bias of the Length-of-Day parameter is 20% lower for the combined solution when compared to the microwave one. As a result, the combination of GNSS and SLR observations provides promising results for future co-locations onboard the Galileo satellites for the orbit determination, realization of the terrestrial reference frames, and deriving geodetic parameters.
Steiner systems and configurations of points
Authors: Ballico Edoardo , Favacchio Giuseppe , Guardo Elena , Milazzo Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

The aim of this paper is to make a connection between design theory and algebraic geometry/commutative algebra. In particular, given any Steiner SystemS(t, n, v) we associate two ideals, in a suitable polynomial ring, defining a Steiner configuration of points and its Complement. We focus on the latter, studying its homological invariants, such as Hilbert Function and Betti numbers. We also study symbolic and regular powers associated to the ideal defining a Complement of a Steiner configuration of points, finding its Waldschmidt constant, regularity, bounds on its resurgence and asymptotic resurgence. We also compute the parameters of linear codes associated to any Steiner configuration of points and its Complement.
International Law, COVID-19 and Feminist Engagement with the United Nations Security Council: The End of the Affair?
Authors: O’Rourke Catherine
Published: October 2020

The gendered implications of COVID-19, in particular in terms of gender-based violence and the gendered division of care work, have secured some prominence, and ignited discussion about prospects for a ‘feminist recovery’. In international law terms, feminist calls for a response to the pandemic have privileged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), conditioned—I argue—by two decades of the pursuit of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda through the UNSC. The deficiencies of the UNSC response, as characterised by the Resolution 2532 adopted to address the pandemic, manifest yet again the identified deficiencies of the WPS agenda at the UNSC, namely fragmentation, securitisation, efficacy and legitimacy. What Resolution 2532 does bring, however, is new clarity about the underlying reasons for the repeated and enduring nature of these deficiencies at the UNSC. Specifically, the COVID-19 ‘crisis’ is powerful in exposing the deficiencies of the crisis framework in which the UNSC operates. My reflections draw on insights from Hilary Charlesworth’s seminal contribution ‘International Law: A Discipline of Crisis’ to argue that, instead of conceding the ‘crisis’ framework to the pandemic by prioritising the UNSC, a ‘feminist recovery’ must instead follow Charlesworth’s exhortation to refocus on an international law of the everyday.
Motility and Mechanical Properties of Dendritic Cells Deteriorated by Extracellular Acidosis
Authors: Tong Lu , Yue Ping , Yang Yingying , Huang Jin , Zeng Zhu , Qiu Wei
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most powerful antigen-presenting cells known to date and play an important role in initiating and amplifying both innate and adaptive immune responses. Extracellular acidosis is an important hallmark of a variety of inflammatory processes and solid tumors. However, few studies have focused on the effect of extracellular acidosis on DCs and their functions. Cellular mechanical properties reflect the relationship between cell structure and function, including cytoskeleton (especially F-actin organization), membrane negative charges, membrane fluidity, and osmotic fragility. The study investigated the effects of extracellular acidosis on the DCs functions from the perspective of cellular migration and mechanical properties. The results showed that migration ability, F-actin contents, and membrane negative charges of DCs were reduced by extracellular acidosis no matter whether LPS stimulated its maturation or not. And these functions could not return to normal after removing acidic microenvironment, which revealed that the function impairment induced by extracellular acidosis might be irreversible. In addition, the proliferation capacity of stimulated allogeneic T cells was impaired by extracellular acidosis. Our results suggest extracellular acidosis may play an immunosuppressive role in DCs-mediated immune process.
Collocation of Next-Generation Operators for Computing the Basic Reproduction Number of Structured Populations
Authors: Breda Dimitri , Kuniya Toshikazu , Ripoll Jordi , Vermiglio Rossana
Published: October 2020

We contribute a full analysis of theoretical and numerical aspects of the collocation approach recently proposed by some of the authors to compute the basic reproduction number of structured population dynamics as spectral radius of certain infinite-dimensional operators. On the one hand, we prove under mild regularity assumptions on the models coefficients that the concerned operators are compact, so that the problem can be properly recast as an eigenvalue problem thus allowing for numerical discretization. On the other hand, we prove through detailed and rigorous error and convergence analyses that the method performs the expected spectral accuracy. Several numerical tests validate the proposed analysis by highlighting diverse peculiarities of the investigated approach.
The assessment of the annual effective dose due to ingestion of radionuclides from drinking water consumption: calculation methods
Authors: Pintilie-Nicolov Violeta , Georgescu Puiu Lucian , Iticescu Cătălina , Moraru Dana Iulia , Pintilie Adelina Georgiana
Published: October 2020

In the present paper the different ways of assessing the annual effective dose due to ingestion of radionuclides by drinking water consumption were examined and exemplified. On a set of 10 samples the gross alpha activity, the gross beta activity, the concentration of 210Po, 210Pb, 238U, 232Th and, 226Ra were measured. The highest annual effective dose values assessed by relying on the investigated sample set were found by using the rationale according to which all the gross alpha and beta activity is due to the alpha and beta radionuclide, with the highest effective dose coefficient, namely 210Po and 210Pb/228Ra, respectively.
Nomination vs. election: do they influence women’s access to institutional decision-making bodies?
Authors: Diogo Sara , Carvalho Teresa , Breda Zélia
Published: October 2020

Portuguese higher education institutions (HEIs) are excellent case-studies of women representation in academia, considering their significant presence and rapid growth in HEIs. Nevertheless, and despite efforts to minimise gender gaps, women are still underrepresented in top management and leading positions, contributing to increment the phenomenon of vertical segregation. Based on the reality of the Portuguese academia, and focusing on an in-depth case study of a Portuguese university, this paper analyses if and how the way decision-making bodies are constituted, influence the gender balance of their members. Recently, within the New Public Management (NPM) context, HEIs have been subjected to external pressures to create a new organisational environment aiming at substituting the collegial model of governance with a managerial one. In this context, there has been a trend to replace the election by the nomination as the dominant process to occupy decision-making positions. The opening hypothesis of this study is that the way decision-making bodies are constituted, impacts on their gender balance. More specifically, it is argued that the nomination process tends to be more advantageous to women than the election. However, although it is possible to conclude that the gender balance decreases with the increasing importance of the decision-making body, it is not accurate to say that there is a direct relationship between the way actors are chosen to these bodies and their gender balance. In other words, the way actors are chosen can not be seen as the only factor influencing the gender constitution of decision-making bodies. The study provides a relevant contribution to the literature on mechanisms and strategies to improve gender equality in institutional decision-making processes and bodies.
Material dimensions of a chivalric romance: metanarrative and book history in Ortúñez de Calahorra’s Espejo de príncipes y cavalleros and other libros de caballerías
Authors: Syrovy Daniel
Published: October 2020

Apart from a specific set of conventions in book design, the so-called “género editorial”, the Castilian chivalric romances from the late 15th to the early 17th c., are a varied genre. The paper takes a look at different ways in which materiality plays a role for the romances, situating them between market strategy and complex literary tradition. Certain approaches, from paratextual keywords (‘mirror’, ‘chronicle’) to metanarrative and metafictional elements (found manuscripts, pseudotranslations, metalepsis) are not only fixed topoi, but vary from text to text. In fact, they are in constant dialogue with recent developments in historiography, as well as other fictional genres. Thus, supernatural sources, contradictory textual evidence, and explanations of the marvelous often combine into a complex discursive strategy that helps explain the continuous popularity of the genre for more than 120 years.
A fully CMOS true random number generator based on hidden attractor hyperchaotic system
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc , Kaddoum Georges , Pareschi Fabio , Rovatti Riccardo , Setti Gianluca
Published: October 2020

Low-power devices used in Internet-of-things networks have been short of security due to the high power consumption of random number generators. This paper presents a low-power hyperchaos-based true random number generator, which is highly recommended for secure communications. The proposed system, which is based on a four-dimensional chaotic system with hidden attractors and oscillators, exhibits rich dynamics. Numerical analysis is provided to verify the dynamic characteristics of the proposed system. A fully customized circuit is deployed using 130 nm CMOS technology to enable integration into low-power devices. Four output signals are used to seed a SHIFT-XOR-based chaotic data post-processing to generate random bit output. The chip prototype was simulated and tested at 100 MHz sampling frequency. The hyperchaotic circuit consumes a maximum of 980 $$\upmu $$μW in generating chaotic signals while dissipates a static current of 623 $$\upmu $$μA. Moreover, the proposed system provides ready-to-use binary random bit sequences which have passed the well-known statistical randomness test suite NIST SP800-22. The proposed novel system design and its circuit implementation provide a best energy efficiency of 4.37 pJ/b at a maximum sampling frequency of 100 MHz.
Guidelines for precise lime management based on high-resolution soil pH, texture and SOM maps generated from proximal soil sensing data
Authors: Bönecke Eric , Meyer Swen , Vogel Sebastian , Schröter Ingmar , Gebbers Robin , Kling Charlotte , Kramer Eckart , Lück Katrin , Nagel Anne , Philipp Golo , Gerlach Felix , Palme Stefan , Scheibe Dirk , Zieger Karin , Rühlmann Jörg
Published: October 2020

Soil acidification is caused by natural paedogenetic processes and anthropogenic impacts but can be counteracted by regular lime application. Although sensors and applicators for variable-rate liming (VRL) exist, there are no established strategies for using these tools or helping to implement VRL in practice. Therefore, this study aimed to provide guidelines for site-specific liming based on proximal soil sensing. First, high-resolution soil maps of the liming-relevant indicators (pH, soil texture and soil organic matter content) were generated using on-the-go sensors. The soil acidity was predicted by two ion-selective antimony electrodes (RMSEpH: 0.37); the soil texture was predicted by a combination of apparent electrical resistivity measurements and natural soil-borne gamma emissions (RMSEclay: 0.046 kg kg−1); and the soil organic matter (SOM) status was predicted by a combination of red (660 nm) and near-infrared (NIR, 970 nm) optical reflection measurements (RMSESOM: 6.4 g kg−1). Second, to address the high within-field soil variability (pH varied by 2.9 units, clay content by 0.44 kg kg−1and SOM by 5.5 g kg−1), a well-established empirical lime recommendation algorithm that represents the best management practices for liming in Germany was adapted, and the lime requirements (LRs) were determined. The generated workflow was applied to a 25.6 ha test field in north-eastern Germany, and the variable LR was compared to the conventional uniform LR. The comparison showed that under the uniform liming approach, 63% of the field would be over-fertilized by approximately 12 t of lime, 6% would receive approximately 6 t too little lime and 31% would still be adequately limed.
Validation of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life assessment tool in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Hoepken Bengt , Serrano Daniel , Harris Kristina , Hwang Mark C. , Reveille John
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the psychometric performance of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) scale in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) to assess its appropriateness as an outcome measure in future clinical studies.

Methods

Patients with active axSpA from a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RAPID-axSpA, NCT01087762) were included (N = 325). Modified New York (mNY) classification criteria were used to classify patients as having ankylosing spondylitis or nr-axSpA; those with nr-axSpA were further categorized based on objective signs of inflammation. Psychometric properties of the ASQoL were assessed/documented using a mixture of modern psychometric methods and classical test theory methods. These included exploratory factor analysis and item response theory models to assess the domain structure, test the utility of a single domain relative to subdomains, assess bias, and generate statistics to guide an empirical scoring algorithm. The reliability and validity of scores were evaluated via internal consistency, test–retest reliability, concurrent validity, and known-groups validity. Score responsiveness was assessed via anchor-based clinically meaningful change, supplemented with empirical cumulative distribution function visualizations.

Results

The ASQoL data were defined by four domains. However, a four-domain solution was found to be inferior to a bifactor solution in which the four domains were included within a total domain. Scoring statistics supported a unit-weighted total score. Within the nr-axSpA population with objective signs of inflammation, the ASQoL mean score had adequate reliability, validity, and ability to detect clinically meaningful change.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the ASQoL is an appropriate outcome measure in interventional clinical trials in patients with nr-axSpA.
Management of Hyperuricemia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: a Focus on Renal Protection
Authors: Kielstein Jan T. , Pontremoli Roberto , Burnier Michel
Published: October 2020

Purpose of Review

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), plasma uric acid levels are increased because of the decrease in glomerular filtration rate. However, in addition to CKD, hyperuricemia is frequently associated with a number of other conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart failure, overweight, and cardiovascular disease.

Recent Findings

It is now becoming increasingly clear that, in many clinical conditions, elevated levels of uric acid have a much greater role beyond just causing gout. The present review will summarize current knowledge on the relation between hyperuricemia, CKD, and existing comorbidities, as well as the mechanisms of uric acid–related renal damage. In addition, the role and evidence for urate-lowering therapy in prevention and cardiovascular protection in CKD patients is discussed with a focus on allopurinol and febuxostat. To date, several clinical studies have provided evidence that urate-lowering therapy may help to prevent and delay the decline of renal function in patients with CKD.

Use of a xanthine oxidase inhibitor should be considered in patients who are at high renal risk and/or with declining renal function in the presence of hyperuricemia with and without deposition, although additional studies are warranted to define treatment targets. Notwithstanding, the possibility to delay deterioration of renal function in patients with CKD merits consideration.
Performance estimation of photovoltaic energy production
Authors: Casula Laura , D’Amico Guglielmo , Masala Giovanni , Petroni Filippo
Published: October 2020

This article deals with the production of energy through photovoltaic (PV) panels. The efficiency and quantity of energy produced by a PV panel depend on both deterministic factors, mainly related to the technical characteristics of the panels, and stochastic factors, essentially the amount of incident solar radiation and some climatic variables that modify the efficiency of solar panels such as temperature and wind speed. The main objective of this work is to estimate the energy production of a PV system with fixed technical characteristics through the modeling of the stochastic factors listed above. Besides, we estimate the economic profitability of the plant, net of taxation or subsidiary payment policies, considered taking into account the hourly spot price curve of electricity and its correlation with solar radiation, via vector autoregressive models. Our investigation ends with a Monte Carlo simulation of the models introduced. We also propose the pricing of some quanto options that allow hedging both the price risk and the volumetric risk.